apostle_n if_o he_o doubt_v and_o yet_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v condemn_v because_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n he_o that_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o use_v they_o may_v use_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v of_o that_o value_n to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o with_o understanding_n for_o that_o be_v one_o character_n of_o the_o apostle_n indifferent_n and_o a_o severe_a test_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v but_o yet_o he_o must_v not_o think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o they_o or_o that_o such_o thing_n can_v commend_v he_o to_o god_n he_o must_v not_o use_v they_o to_o the_o scandalize_a the_o weak_a than_o himself_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v that_o be_v while_o the_o reason_n of_o doubt_n can_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o reason_n remain_v and_o he_o must_v allow_v that_o his_o indifferent_n be_v as_o subject_a to_o scandal_n as_o the_o indifferent_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n upon_o be_v and_o if_o the_o very_a reasonably-to_a be-supposed_a scandal_n in_o these_o of_o themselves_o so_o harmless_a indifferent_n be_v well_o consider_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o great_a and_o wide_a sea_n for_o this_o leviathan_n to_o roll_v itself_o in_o now_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o consideration_n more_o orderly_o i_o shall_v distribute_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a range_v of_o person_n concern_v and_o endanger_v by_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferent_n and_o i_o begin_v with_o 1._o those_o that_o comply_v with_o that_o side_n of_o they_o which_o the_o strong_a choose_v that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o they_o because_o this_o be_v immediate_o under_o the_o apostle_n eye_n i_o say_v that_o comply_v but_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n now_o the_o apostle_n impute_v their_o compliance_n to_o the_o power_n of_o example_n which_o be_v the_o free_a sort_n of_o compliance_n for_o though_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o despising_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n yet_o he_o wave_v that_o imposition_n by_o church-censure_n or_o penalty_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o his_o thought_n he_o arrest_v they_o upon_o example_n the_o most_o ingenuous_a sort_n of_o compulsion_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o the_o most_o spontaneous_a conformity_n yet_o both_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n here_o he_o place_v the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a and_o scandal_n if_o thy_o brother_n say_v he_o be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n that_o be_v not_o grieve_v that_o thou_o eat_v but_o draw_v to_o eat_v as_o thou_o do_v yet_o not_o persuade_v as_o thou_o be_v and_o so_o receive_v a_o real_a wound_n and_o grief_n in_o his_o conscience_n by_o follow_v thy_o example_n thou_o walk_v not_o charitable_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a be_v edify_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n thus_o evident_a it_o be_v example_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o very_a word_n point_n to_o now_o in_o that_o he_o lay_v this_o sort_n of_o scandalize_a so_o low_o as_o in_o example_n he_o plant_v his_o argument_n with_o great_a force_n against_o any_o other_o way_n that_o be_v more_o forcible_a than_o example_n here_o then_o be_v the_o scandal_n as_o give_v the_o scandal_n take_v be_v the_o rush_v against_o that_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v to_o he_o of_o faith_n be_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o square_a of_o his_o action_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v sin_n and_o scandal_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n his_o whole_a discourse_n run_v into_o this_o as_o the_o scandal_n he_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o to_o the_o corinth_n it_n may_v be_v more_o dispute_n where_o the_o scandal_n lie_v because_o the_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o relapse_n into_o idolatrous_a eat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n the_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o that_o expression_n of_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n as_o offer_v to_o idol_n be_v at_o the_o first_o view_n almost_o enforcive_a of_o that_o sense_n but_o by_o close_a attention_n it_o appear_v much_o otherwise_o for_o i_o observe_v the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o occasion_n discourse_n first_o the_o case_n itself_o in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n in_o chap._n 9_o in_o a_o figure_n transfer_v to_o himself_o he_o treat_v the_o necessary_a retreat_n from_o our_o own_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n he_o discourse_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o idolatry_n itself_o which_o may_v be_v draw_v as_o a_o snare_n upon_o both_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a by_o often_o converse_v with_o idolater_n and_o their_o rite_n and_o the_o intolerable_a gild_n and_o danger_n of_o that_o make_v forcible_a by_o several_a argument_n and_o then_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o that_o chapter_n resume_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o weak_a who_o not_o understand_v god_n superior_a surmount_n right_o over_o the_o idol_n consider_v only_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n and_o believe_v the_o meat_n and_o the_o temple_n irrecoverable_o defile_v by_o it_o they_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o affect_v thing_n themselves_o to_o all_o that_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o know_v that_o god_n right_o overcome_v and_o his_o fill_v all_o thing_n exclude_v all_o other_o and_o their_o right_n become_v a_o nothing_o but_o some_o not_o have_v this_o knowledge_n eat_v in_o a_o temple_n meat_n that_o have_v the_o idol_n superscription_n and_o image_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o think_v not_o in_o any_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o tide_v along_o by_o example_n to_o communicate_v in_o what_o they_o yet_o esteem_v defile_v and_o pollute_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o to_o those_o that_o esteem_v it_o so_o this_o point_n the_o apostle_n plain_o enter_v upon_o chap._n 10._o v._n 23._o go_v off_o from_o that_o of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o word_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 28._o he_o thus_o open_v what_o he_o intend_v if_o any_o man_n as_o in_o a_o fright_n at_o so_o heinous_a a_o thing_n as_o eat_v the_o defile_a meat_n that_o have_v be_v consecrate_v to_o a_o idol_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o for_o his_o conscience-sake_n not_o thy_o own_o that_o be_v scare_v at_o it_o as_o if_o unclean_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o eat_v it_o as_o such_o by_o thy_o example_n not_o idolatrous_o but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n why_o out_o of_o this_o case_n of_o another_o scandal_n a_o man_n may_v eat_v even_o because_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o his_o right_a can_v be_v retrench_v nothing_o can_v be_v make_v unclean_a in_o itself_o that_o be_v god_n the_o very_a same_o be_v give_v for_o not_o eat_v in_o case_n of_o scandal_n the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o to_o one_o thing_n to_o assert_v god_n right_o in_o that_o only_a that_o we_o must_v needs_o run_v our_o brother_n into_o scandal_n for_o it_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v room_n enough_o and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o a_o full_a table_n beside_o that_o suppose_a to_o be_v the_o idol_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o bounty_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o all_o acknowledge_v praise_v in_o all_o so_o that_o we_o may_v please_v all_o that_o be_v consult_v their_o true_a good_a and_o give_v no_o scandal_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o please_v and_o oppose_v it_o to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v thus_o large_a i_o have_v be_v in_o bring_v the_o case_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o these_o corinthian_n to_o much_o the_o same_o level_n and_o pitch_n except_o the_o meat_n be_v suspect_v foul_a by_o dedication_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o by_o the_o mere_a mosaic_a interdict_v that_o the_o main_a point_n of_o scandal_n may_v be_v settle_v for_o though_o i_o shall_v allow_v just_a consideration_n to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o the_o other_o interpretation_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n against_o those_o idolatrous_a contamination_n those_o pang_n of_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o tender_a
new-converted_n christian_n may_v relapse_n into_o by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n at_o the_o idol_n feast_n yet_o the_o main_a point_n be_v eat_v with_o offence_n with_o a_o conscience_n not_o satisfy_v the_o meat_n that_o be_v pure_a in_o themselves_o but_o to_o they_o appear_v impure_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o much_o different_a sharpness_n of_o style_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o immediate_a principle_n offend_v against_o be_v then_o the_o government_n conscience_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o man_n appoint_v it_o by_o god_n against_o which_o nothing_o humane_a aught_o to_o prevail_v nor_o can_v do_v but_o with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v some_o other_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o truth_n guide_v conscience_n and_o press_v upon_o it_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o guide_v a_o man_n but_o as_o it_o represent_v to_o he_o some_o truth_n to_o guide_v itself_o and_o he_o by_o else_o as_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n and_o when_o this_o principle_n that_o press_v hard_a upon_o conscience_n and_o to_o which_o conscience_n defer_v itself_o be_v overbear_v than_o a_o man_n be_v scandalize_v the_o principle_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_n have_v lie_v hard_o upon_o it_o be_v this_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v once_o as_o unclean_a be_v unclean_a and_o be_v so_o long_o unclean_a till_o we_o know_v that_o prohibition_n be_v remove_v the_o weak_a christian_a do_v not_o believe_v the_o forbid_v some_o meat_n as_o unclean_a be_v remove_v yet_o by_o the_o countenance_n of_o example_n in_o the_o strong_a christian_n they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o eat_v while_o conscience_n be_v unsatisfied_a and_o so_o be_v scandalize_v conscience_n in_o the_o corinth_n have_v this_o principle_n look_v it_o full_a in_o the_o face_n to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n right_o in_o honour_n to_o idol_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n the_o weak_a christian_a abhor_v idol_n or_o to_o eat_v in_o honour_n of_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o understand_v there_o can_v be_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o meat_n or_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o be_v worship_v yet_o embolden_v by_o see_v the_o strong_a sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o eat_v and_o be_v inward_o affright_v at_o the_o unclean_a meat_n they_o eat_v they_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o meat_n as_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n through_o the_o force_n of_o example_n that_o be_v abhor_v indeed_o the_o idol_n and_o his_o meat_n but_o withal_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a and_o look_v upon_o the_o meat_n as_o impure_a because_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o apostle_n level_v against_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o strong_a against_o impose_v by_o way_n of_o example_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a so_o tender_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v but_o the_o low_a rule_n of_o compulsion_n in_o these_o case_n the_o imposer_n then_o though_o but_o by_o example_n be_v he_o that_o scandalise_n the_o complier_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n instruct_v not_o by_o truth_n and_o reason_n satisfy_v he_o but_o by_o example_n lead_v he_o be_v the_o scandalize_v thing_n be_v thus_o state_v let_v we_o observe_v the_o scandal_n itself_o how_o it_o work_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o high_a disobedience_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n represent_v by_o conscience_n both_o in_o that_o conscience_n depute_v by_o god_n be_v depose_v and_o example_n set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n as_o also_o that_o a_o divine_a law_n upon_o conscience_n itself_o suppose_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n be_v violate_v for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o antiquate_v yet_o if_o conscience_n know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v act_v of_o faith_n and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o so_o sin_n 2._o conscience_n be_v hereupon_o grieve_v wound_a and_o lose_v its_o due_a comfort_n 3._o this_o beget_v a_o flatness_n and_o formality_n in_o all_o religious_a service_n 4._o a_o lukewarmness_n to_o religion_n in_o general_a thus_o a_o man_n be_v weaken_v by_o his_o stumble_v and_o fall_v he_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o all_o religious_a power_n 5._o conscience_n lose_v its_o due_a vigour_n and_o exercise_n of_o authority_n 6._o there_o be_v danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n itself_o or_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n 7._o hereupon_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v to_o perish_v if_o not_o recover_v by_o repentance_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o the_o balance_n with_o imposition_n in_o ceremony_n or_o indifferent_n in_o aftertime_n first_o suppose_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o many_o christian_n deep_o engage_v and_o lock_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o man_n may_v add_v or_o diminish_v so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o point_n beyond_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n and_o necessary_a adherency_n of_o all_o solemn_a and_o grave_a humane_a action_n that_o there_o must_v be_v nothing_o of_o humane_a device_n for_o edification_n or_o significancy_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a position_n consider_v both_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n sound_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n how_o much_o mischief_n have_v come_v steal_v up_o from_o ceremony_n as_o high_a as_o to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n but_o let_v we_o withal_o allow_v that_o though_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o use_v these_o indifferent_n nor_o the_o worse_a for_o not_o use_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o use_v they_o without_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o use_v they_o if_o a_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v remain_v yet_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o and_o doubt_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o forename_a principle_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o use_v they_o because_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o just-now-recounted_n mischief_n of_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v they_o so_o as_o to_o press_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v to_o a_o conformity_n by_o his_o example_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o much_o more_o if_o by_o despising_n censure_n vexation_n penalty_n he_o do_v not_o walk_v charitable_o he_o sin_n against_o christian_n wound_n their_o weak_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o for_o his_o ceremony_n the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v if_o not_o save_v by_o repentance_n now_o how_o high_a do_v this_o rise_n up_o to_o the_o woe_n christ_n denounce_v on_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o it_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v but_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o allow_v themselves_o or_o do_v indeed_o allow_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a act_n reach_v who_o can_v doubt_v but_o in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n yea_o happy_a be_v many_o of_o those_o that_o conform_v if_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o allow_v themselves_o and_o carry_v the_o mischief_n of_o their_o scandal_n within_o themselves_o silent_o from_o other_o and_o often_o secret_o from_o themselves_o and_o even_o where_o man_n stand_v out_o against_o all_o pressure_n upon_o they_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o dint_n of_o scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o scandal_n offer_v while_o unaccept_v all_o this_o now_o seem_v so_o strong_a against_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n for_o fear_v of_o scandal_n in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o imposition_n know_v in_o such_o thing_n among_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o very_a thing_n of_o indifferency_n scandal_n have_v run_v like_o wildfire_n bluster_v and_o roar_v like_o a_o tempest_n in_o these_o of_o all_o thing_n to_o choose_v and_o that_o in_o all_o age_n within_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o even_o under_o protestancy_n itself_o but_o i_o aâ—_n to_o consider_v scandal_n in_o a_o second_o rank_n viz._n of_o
those_o who_o do_v vehement_o and_o zealous_o fall_v in_o with_o conformity_n to_o these_o imposition_n in_o indifferent_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o that_o very_o deep_o this_o case_n do_v not_o i_o confess_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n except_o by_o the_o other_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o that_o to_o the_o corinth_n which_o give_v it_o not_o only_o as_o if_o compliance_n against_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o trust_n of_o example_n be_v the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n but_o that_o the_o weak_a christian_n not_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o strong_a do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o prepossess_v as_o they_o be_v that_o the_o idol_n be_v nothing_o sink_v into_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o of_o idolatrous_a reverence_n and_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n but_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o scandal_n though_o i_o believe_v the_o drift_n 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commute_v of_o such_o flattery_n of_o conscience_n for_o substantial_a piety_n as_o the_o jew_n will_v exchange_v new-moon_n and_o oblation_n for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n it_o must_v be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o humane_a appointment_n but_o even_o divine_a command_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o scandal_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n one_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o though_o scandal_n press_v never_o so_o hard_a the_o other_o may_v and_o aught_o for_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o god_n the_o principle_n sin_v against_o in_o scandal_n be_v the_o exceed_a purity_n of_o religion_n the_o substantial_a piety_n and_o most_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a worship_n of_o himself_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v by_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v adjust_v to_o those_o end_n even_o as_o he_o provide_v they_o and_o all_o he_o have_v not_o command_v shall_v stand_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v present_o supersede_v when_o become_v the_o prey_n of_o scandal_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n scandal_n shelter_n itself_o under_o order_n decency_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o ignorant_a obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o press_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a under_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o scandal_n arise_v from_o indifferent_a thing_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o persuade_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o even_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v by_o unlawful_a and_o very_a sinful_a censoriousness_n and_o passion_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o dislike_n of_o such_o addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n division_n and_o separation_n on_o both_o side_n from_o the_o publick_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o national_a union_n in_o religion_n beyond_o the_o merit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o further_o than_o the_o case_n at_o its_o utmost_a extent_n can_v require_v and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n 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both_o set_v out_o the_o heat_n on_o both_o side_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v and_o argue_v on_o both_o side_n with_o high_a strength_n of_o divine_a reason_n against_o the_o evil_a both_o way_n and_o this_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o excellent_a our_o religion_n the_o more_o desirable_a our_o public_a worship_n and_o communion_n for_o the_o piety_n rationality_n and_o order_n of_o it_o the_o more_o pure_a our_o national_a church_n and_o association_n in_o religion_n be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o sin_n of_o separation_n the_o more_o do_v the_o apostle_n argument_n against_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferency_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o why_o shall_v our_o good_a be_v think_v evil_a of_o or_o blaspheme_v why_o shall_v our_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n be_v once_o think_v to_o be_v ceremony_n why_o shall_v our_o communion_n be_v clog_v with_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a avail_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_v why_o shall_v we_o lose_v those_o from_o our_o communion_n who_o own_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contend_v for_o those_o divine_a thing_n though_o they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o ceremony_n when_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o they_o though_o they_o can_v join_v in_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n so_o shall_v be_v approve_v of_o man_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o even_o schism_n itself_o why_o for_o our_o meat_n for_o our_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v they_o perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v or_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o they_o be_v destroy_v 4._o the_o severity_n passion_n transport_v beyond_o the_o value_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n can_v be_v without_o scandal_n upon_o the_o imposer_n of_o indifferency_n and_o those_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v
whole_o out_o of_o the_o childishness_n of_o ceremony_n or_o opinion_n 2._o the_o weak_a christian_n who_o the_o apostle_n very_o gentle_o and_o tacit_o signify_v by_o those_o that_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v under_o some_o abatement_n from_o this_o perfection_n of_o judgement_n they_o have_v somewhat_o of_o reverence_n for_o those_o rite_n former_o of_o divine_a appointment_n though_o they_o sincere_o too_o value_n christ_n above_o all_o even_o as_o the_o perfect_a to_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n advise_v let_v we_o whole_o and_o entire_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v perfect_a we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o least_o to_o take_v we_o off_o to_o the_o second_o he_o allow_v first_o all_z the_o toleration_n of_o charity_n till_o and_o confident_o foretell_v god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o to_o they_o viz._n not_o only_o the_o supreme_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o total_a uselessness_n and_o utter_a abolition_n of_o those_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o press_v they_o on_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v viz._n to_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o conformity_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o that_o they_o will_v walk_v by_o that_o one_o rule_n that_o they_o will_v adjust_a all_o their_o action_n and_o motion_n with_o the_o perfect_a christian_a and_o mind_n that_o same_o thing_n though_o they_o can_v lay_v aside_o all_o regard_n to_o other_o thing_n immediate_o of_o that_o low_a rate_n here_o then_o be_v the_o christian_n rule_n of_o govern_v himself_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o it_o bring_v forth_o certain_a peace_n 1._o the_o absolute_a and_o inexceptionable_a rule_n to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a to_o have_v a_o supreme_a value_n for_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o death_n to_o forget_v thing_n behind_o and_o to_o press_v forward_o for_o the_o prize_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o attain_v this_o rule_n he_o be_v either_o no_o christian_a or_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o one_o if_o he_o be_v a_o undertaker_n a_o imposer_n a_o master_n in_o christianity_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o so_o dreadful_o brand_v a_o evil_a worker_n a_o designer_n against_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o one_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o walk_v here_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n they_o be_v all_o to_o mind_n here_o be_v no_o allowance_n no_o toleration_n here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a of_o such_o excellent_a spirit_n to_o have_v such_o a_o value_n one_o of_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o centre_n in_o universal_a love_n and_o peace_n upon_o this_o point_n 2._o every_o perfect_a 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he_o tell_v those_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o 3._o if_o any_o man_n be_v under_o such_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o have_v take_v such_o assumenta_fw-la such_o additional_n to_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o main_a rule_n of_o the_o supreme_a value_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o be_v support_v in_o his_o infirmity_n by_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n of_o strong_a christian_n in_o expectation_n of_o god_n timely_a revelation_n 1._o rom._n 15._o 1._o but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v press_v on_o to_o walk_v up_o and_o bear_v aloft_o to_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o mind_v that_o one_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o wear_v out_o that_o mistake_a esteem_n for_o any_o thing_n not_o deserve_v it_o and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o peace_n see_v such_o infirmity_n be_v natural_a to_o this_o low_a state_n even_o of_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v 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their_o repeal_n whereas_o all_o late_a rite_n can_v pretend_v no_o high_o than_o humane_a institution_n custom_n or_o venerable_a antiquity_n for_o the_o suspicion_n of_o apostolic_a institution_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o so_o add_v religion_n to_o they_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o much_o weak_a and_o worse_o see_v we_o have_v no_o authentic_a record_n of_o such_o institution_n and_o in_o thing_n of_o so_o dilute_a a_o goodness_n as_o ceremony_n must_v be_v there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o balance_n to_o the_o opposite_a danger_n of_o lean_v a_o religious_a weight_n upon_o a_o break_a reed_n that_o both_o pierce_v and_o deceive_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v be_v not_o the_o scrupulous_a forbear_n the_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v at_o ceremony_n as_o great_a a_o weakness_n as_o be_v over_o anxious_a in_o their_o observation_n do_v not_o the_o place_v a_o point_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o and_o think_v one_o self_n the_o better_a for_o not_o use_v they_o detract_v as_o much_o from_o mind_v this_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o the_o other_o side_n solicitude_n no_o doubt_v it_o do_v if_o we_o just_o explain_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o case_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o resolve_v this_o question_n i_o will_v observe_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o same_o rule_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o of_o his_o epistle_n a_o place_n very_a parallel_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o much_o of_o the_o same_o expression_n with_o this_o to_o the_o philippian_n the_o right_a explication_n of_o which_o will_v also_o much_o confirm_v the_o exposition_n give_v of_o this_o rule_n see_v as_o i_o say_v they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v gal._n 6._o 14_o 15_o 16._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o and_o i_o to_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o bring_v in_o that_o divine_a religion_n upon_o it_o â—ere_z be_v a_o conformity_n to_o his_o death_n by_o which_o all_o worldly_a sensual_a and_o fleshly_a glory_n whether_o in_o fleshly_a religion_n or_o fleshly_a life_n which_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o be_v crucify_v to_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o to_o it_o but_o most_o especial_o the_o apostle_n level_v here_o against_o a_o fleshly_a religion_n observe_v the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n so_o active_a instead_o of_o a_o
to_o be_v as_o a_o lamp_n despise_v he_o deserve_v great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v under_o the_o second_o head_n viz._n scandal_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v and_o i_o be_o here_o to_o undertake_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o have_v a_o most_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o those_o so_o famous_a debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o when_o they_o can_v any_o way_n be_v suppose_v to_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v a_o presence_n how_o circumstantial_a soever_o in_o divine_a worship_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o undertake_n i_o must_v remove_v two_o prejudices_fw-la 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v scandal_n in_o these_o case_n have_v be_v indeed_o make_v trivial_a by_o some_o man_n injudicious_a zeal_n and_o ignorant_a deal_n with_o the_o apostle_n sense_n herein_o who_o have_v a_o crude_a conception_n of_o scandal_n from_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o most_o formidable_a evil_n both_o in_o he_o that_o give_v it_o or_o take_v it_o have_v therefore_o call_v every_o thing_n scandal_n that_o displease_v they_o and_o mean_v nothing_o by_o be_v scandalize_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_o dislike_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n without_o any_o other_o hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o their_o indiscreet_a anger_n and_o too_o often_o over-passionate_a inflammation_n whence_o have_v rise_v this_o scandal_n dangerous_a enough_o that_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n except_o what_o unknowing_a zeal_n in_o a_o ferment_n create_v or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o take_v into_o their_o thought_n this_o kind_n of_o true_a scripture_n scandal_n or_o entertain_v a_o just_a fear_n of_o run_v into_o it_o or_o ensnare_a other_o in_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o due_o weigh_v that_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v upon_o much_o deep_a and_o more_o grave_a consideration_n 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o fear_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandalize_a have_v be_v blow_v off_o by_o some_o upon_o this_o mistake_n that_o man_n can_v be_v in_o no_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v who_o keep_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v draw_v by_o example_n into_o any_o thing_n they_o dislike_v and_o be_v sufficient_o angry_a at_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o such_o they_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o they_o against_o scandal_n and_o against_o any_o one_o being_n guilty_a as_o a_o author_n of_o scandal_n to_o they_o how_o hardly_o soever_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o while_o they_o profess_v so_o loud_o their_o dissent_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v scandal_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v just_o apprehend_v a_o man_n may_v be_v he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v though_o it_o find_v no_o place_n in_o he_o against_o who_o it_o come_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o further_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o these_o two_o instance_n fix_v chief_o upon_o that_o sort_n of_o scandal_n within_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o follow_a example_n against_o their_o inward_a sentiment_n yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n scandal_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v much_o large_a compass_n even_o in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n and_o lie_v far_o off_o from_o man_n doubtful_a comply_v in_o what_o they_o have_v example_n or_o command_n for_o than_o that_o such_o compliance_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o scandal_n therein_o and_o even_o in_o those_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o free_a mind_n there_o be_v more_o secret_a path_n and_o track_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o general_o and_o open_o make_v complaint_n of_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o inward_a doubt_n but_o upon_o other_o account_n also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o preparatory_n to_o make_v these_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o concern_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o woe_n by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n and_o his_o admonition_n to_o all_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v for_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n descend_v from_o the_o master_n upon_o the_o minister_n and_o frame_v like_o apprehension_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v afterward_o of_o the_o same_o point_n nay_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o latter_a discourse_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o well_o know_v to_o christian_n then_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o have_v immediate_a revelation_n most_o probable_o from_o the_o lord_n even_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n give_v proof_n he_o have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a care_n to_o know_v all_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o a_o singular_a respect_n to_o it_o for_o he_o express_o quote_v our_o saviour_n in_o those_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o in_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o evangelist_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v as_o well_o testify_v though_o not_o record_v as_o in_o that_o act_n 20._o 35._o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v in_o such_o discourse_n of_o scandal_n as_o these_o he_o neglect_v so_o solemn_a a_o one_o as_o our_o lord_n upon_o it_o the_o little_a one_o in_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o apostle_n the_o woe_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o other_o grieve_v wound_a weak_a christian_n stumble_v fall_a perish_a and_o be_v destroy_v be_v of_o near_a affinity_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o those_o even_a abjuration_n of_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v good_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n 21._o rom._n 14._o 21._o stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v my_o brother_n these_o so_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o far_o off_o from_o our_o saviour_n woe_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v and_o that_o great_a aphorism_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o 22._o rom._n 14._o 22._o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v they_o force_v a_o entry_n at_o every_o the_o least_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o can_v preclude_v they_o 2._o that_o see_v the_o instance_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n debate_v upon_o viz._n the_o jewish_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v of_o a_o narrow_a and_o particular_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o daily_a decrease_a occurrence_n the_o apostle_n so_o laborious_a and_o industrious_a handle_v they_o be_v preserve_v in_o sacred_a record_n and_o transmit_v down_o to_o after_o age_n argue_v he_o or_o rather_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o he_o design_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o late_a posterity_n of_o christian_n the_o great_a play_n scope_n and_o force_v of_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferency_n and_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v scandal_n though_o not_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o these_o the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a or_o be_v scandalize_v have_v thus_o far_o premise_v i_o come_v now_o close_o up_o to_o these_o apostolic_a debate_n themselves_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o platform_n with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o conciseness_n as_o may_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o these_o two_o case_n and_o then_o balance_v with_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o indifferent_n as_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v before_o suppose_v the_o platform_n i_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o part_n of_o it_o all_o draw_v out_o of_o these_o debate_n 1._o the_o state_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n in_o relation_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o way_n how_o scandal_n invade_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o come_v into_o such_o a_o relation_n 3._o the_o several_a way_n of_o
every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v thâ—_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v