communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o these_o indifference_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o 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 lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v where_o by_o flesh_n and_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o though_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o common_a meal_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v whole_o abstain_v from_o rather_o than_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o a_o brother_n if_o i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n taylour_n say_v great_a exemp_n p._n 420_o must_v rather_o quit_v my_o own_o good_n than_o suffer_v my_o brother_n to_o perish_v much_o rather_o must_v i_o quit_v my_o privilege_n and_o we_o shall_v ill_o die_v for_o our_o brother_n who_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o meal_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n or_o change_v a_o dish_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o our_o brother_n live_v or_o die_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o win_v and_o gain_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o conform_v be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n of_o charity_n not_o needless_o to_o vex_v and_o exasperate_v our_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o may_v estrange_v they_o more_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n and_o the_o law_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o their_o brethren_n we_o dare_v not_o indeed_o omit_v any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o our_o superior_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o apostolical_a government_n excellent_a liturgy_n orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n use_v in_o our_o church_n shall_v all_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o some_o weak_a man_n take_v offence_n at_o they_o but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o disposal_n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o please_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o good_a unto_o edification_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n jean_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v as_o first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forbear_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o possibility_n of_o scandal_n but_o where_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a be_v probable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o never_o know_v what_o to_o do_v second_o our_o weak_a brethren_n must_v have_v some_o probable_a ground_n for_o their_o imagination_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a or_o else_o we_o must_v wear_v no_o ribbon_n nor_o put_v off_o our_o hat_n but_o come_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o for_o this_o exception_n he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n that_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o another_o without_o probable_a ground_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a administration_n three_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o yield_v i_o some_o great_a profit_n i_o must_v only_o for_o a_o while_o forbear_v it_o until_o my_o brother_n be_v better_a inform_v last_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o please_v peevish_a and_o froward_a people_n or_o to_o humour_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a opinion_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v mr._n calvin_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o tell_v of_o some_o foolish_a interpreter_n that_o leave_v to_o christian_n almost_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n of_o superstitious_a
surplice_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v scare_v by_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o ghost_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o some_o few_o general_a thing_n concern_v this_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a sickly_a crazy_a temper_n of_o mind_n a_o great_a indisposition_n a_o state_n of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n it_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n our_o religion_n from_o undue_a timerousness_n or_o unsetledness_n of_o mind_n from_o melancholy_a or_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n such_o scrupulous_a person_n be_v like_o fearful_a woman_n that_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a who_o see_v nothing_o to_o affright_v they_o yet_o fancy_v many_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o tremble_v every_o step_n they_o take_v or_o like_o those_o who_o see_v only_o by_o a_o uncertain_a glimmer_a twilight_n their_o imagination_n once_o abuse_v and_o prepossess_v transform_v every_o object_n into_o a_o monster_n or_o giant_n thus_o this_o scrupulous_a be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o in_o other_o word_n some_o call_v a_o tender_a conscience_n so_o tender_a that_o every_o thing_n hurt_v and_o wound_v it_o like_o a_o tender_a eye_n which_o the_o least_o dust_n or_o smoke_n grevious_o offend_v or_o a_o tender_a constitution_n of_o body_n which_o the_o least_o air_n or_o wind_n mighty_o disorder_n and_o discompose_v now_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o virtue_n or_o commendation_n in_o we_o this_o be_v no_o desirable_a qualification_n nor_o a_o matter_n of_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v man_n of_o such_o tender_a conscience_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n reputation_n 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 and_o such_o needless_a scruple_n about_o thing_n lawful_a 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 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 this_o do_v not_o argue_v any_o extraordinary_a holiness_n or_o purity_n above_o other_o as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi conceit_v of_o himself_o stand_v off_o come_v not_o nigh_o i_o touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o because_o he_o wash_v himself_o so_o often_o no_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o childish_a state_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v fright_v with_o such_o bugbear_n and_o phantasm_n we_o have_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o the_o understanding_n or_o resolution_n of_o a_o man._n 2._o this_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n may_v be_v and_o be_v often_o a_o sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n i_o take_v not_o upon_o myself_o to_o judge_v any_o person_n let_v every_o man_n look_v to_o himself_o but_o thus_o certain_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o old_a they_o strain_v at_o every_o gnat_n stumble_v at_o every_o straw_n will_v starve_v soon_o than_o eat_v their_o meat_n with_o defile_a hand_n will_v not_o for_o the_o world_n wrong_v a_o man_n of_o a_o cummin-seed_n or_o a_o spear_n of_o mint_n and_o by_o this_o wonderful_a exactness_n and_o strictness_n in_o some_o instance_n they_o easy_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a proverb_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o but_o two_o person_n in_o the_o world_n go_v to_o heaven_n one_o of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o scribe_n the_o other_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi yet_o for_o all_o this_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o saviour_n account_n of_o they_o they_o make_v nothing_o of_o swallow_a camel_n live_v in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o know_a wickedness_n alas_o their_o conscience_n will_v not_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o governors_n hall_n to_o go_v among_o the_o heathen_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v pollute_v by_o they_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o stick_v not_o at_o suborn_v false_a witness_n against_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocent_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o blame_v the_o disciple_n for_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n as_o if_o they_o poor_a tender-hearted_a man_n be_v offend_v and_o grieve_v to_o the_o soul_n at_o such_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v it_o nothing_o to_o deny_v relief_n and_o succour_n to_o their_o own_o parent_n when_o in_o want_n or_o distress_n they_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o rapine_n and_o extortion_n oppress_v the_o poor_a or_o devour_a widow_n house_n by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_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 since_o they_o deny_v themselves_o many_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v they_o they_o hope_v he_o will_v ready_o forgive_v they_o though_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n they_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n than_o he_o have_v permit_v they_o have_v any_o of_o we_o be_v present_a when_o mary_n st._n john_n 12._o 3._o take_v the_o ointment_n of_o spikenard_n very_o costly_a and_o anoint_v the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n and_o have_v hear_v judas_n rebuke_n why_o be_v not_o this_o ointment_n sell_v for_o three_o hundred_o penny_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a he_o scruple_v such_o a_o profuse_a expense_n though_o about_o our_o saviour_n himself_o he_o think_v it_o may_v have_v be_v better_o employ_v to_o more_o useful_a purpose_n shall_v we_o not_o from_o this_o have_v straight_o conclude_v he_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o conscientious_a of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o yet_o this_o overgreat_a care_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v only_o a_o pretence_n and_o cover_n for_o his_o thievish_a intention_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_n of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o dread_a of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o bye_n end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v such_o a_o person_n and_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o punctual_a and_o critical_a in_o his_o conformity_n to_o all_o the_o appoint_a ceremony_n and_o usage_n in_o our_o church_n let_v he_o constant_o attend_v god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o behave_v himself_o most_o reverent_o and_o decent_o at_o the_o public_a prayer_n yet_o if_o this_o man_n be_v profane_a and_o intemperate_a a_o derider_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n if_o he_o live_v loose_o and_o at_o random_n all_o his_o regular_a devotion_n all_o his_o bow_n and_o kneel_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n all_o his_o niceness_n about_o his_o worship_n to_o perform_v it_o in_o the_o most_o orderly_a manner_n all_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n shall_v avail_v he_o nothing_o he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi wash_v the_o outside_n whilst_o he_o be_v within_o full_a of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o
prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o our_o saviour_n own_o countryman_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o kindred_n who_o know_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n mark_v 6._o 3._o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o speak_v and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o have_v they_o not_o know_v his_o mean_a original_a and_o employment_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o our_o lord_n st._n john_n 6._o 61._o have_v discourse_v of_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o take_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a carnal_a sense_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n or_o the_o messiah_n who_o will_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o turn_v cannibal_n thus_o again_o our_o saviour_n before_o the_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v tell_v his_o disciple_n st._n matt._n 26._o 31._o all_o of_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n that_o be_v shall_v fly_v away_o and_o shameful_o forsake_v i_o when_o you_o behold_v my_o hard_a usage_n and_o dismal_a suffering_n so_o christ_n crucify_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v they_o have_v set_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o a_o temporal_a earthly_a king_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a dominion_n and_o greatness_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o come_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o prince_n and_o saviour_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v put_v to_o such_o a_o curse_a and_o ignominious_a death_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n they_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mark_v 4._o 17._o and_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n be_v present_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o leave_v and_o renounce_v that_o profession_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a after_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o most_o stumble_v the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v the_o danger_n moses_n law_n and_o their_o temple_n worship_n and_o the_o singular_a preeminence_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o of_o be_v undermine_v by_o christianity_n they_o be_v strange_o wed_v to_o their_o legal_a observance_n fond_a of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o peculiarity_n which_o distinguish_v their_o nation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v jealous_a of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o encroach_v upon_o their_o privilege_n or_o tend_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o uncircumcised_a world_n this_o mighty_o offend_v they_o and_o harden_v they_o against_o christianity_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o gentile_a convert_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v afraid_a of_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n or_o be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o scare_v they_o from_o christianity_n as_o when_o it_o come_v attend_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o that_o be_v do_v discourage_v they_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o continue_v in_o his_o faith_n now_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o these_o different_a apprehension_n among_o the_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o that_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 15._o and_o of_o those_o direction_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v rom._n 14._o concern_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o weak_a brethren_n another_o case_n there_o be_v concern_v eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n discourse_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 8._o and_o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n though_o as_o ordinary_a meat_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o who_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n do_v eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n for_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o weak_a as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v quite_o leave_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o christian_n eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o such_o a_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o error_n who_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v of_o who_o soul_n st._n paul_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a regard_n that_o he_o will_v eat_v no_o such_o meat_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v rather_o than_o lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o or_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n in_o all_o these_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o interpreter_n and_o those_o that_o have_v write_v large_o on_o this_o subject_n no_o less_o than_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o sin_n into_o which_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v and_o by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o another_o forsake_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n lose_v a_o disciple_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n perish_v be_v the_o proper_a sin_n of_o offend_a or_o give_v scandal_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o which_o be_v revel_v 2._o 14._o where_o balaam_n be_v say_v to_o have_v teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o scandal_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o relate_v othis_fw-la entice_v they_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v god_n against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v reckon_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o upon_o every_o occasion_n draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o tell_v the_o separatist_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n usual_o say_v he_o man_n talk_v most_o against_o scandalize_a those_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o best_a be_v least_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o they_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o suppose_v a_o separatist_n shall_v say_v if_o you_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o parish_n minister_n or_o church_n in_o england_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o many_o good_a people_n i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o one_o why_o call_v you_o those_o good_a people_n that_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n nay_o that_o will_v sin_n because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n therefore_o if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v you_o make_v the_o separatist_n almost_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o will_v sin_n against_o god_n because_o another_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o great_a thing_n our_o nonconformist_n pretend_v unto_o above_o other_o man_n be_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o must_v mean_v if_o they_o mean_v any_o virtue_n by_o it_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a security_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v by_o what_o other_o man_n do_v that_o be_v against_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o do_v real_o disparage_v and_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v thus_o afraid_a of_o give_v they_o offence_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v with_o sense_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o
the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o his_o house_n but_o still_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o pityful_a pretence_n for_o our_o whole_o absent_v ourselves_o from_o church_n and_o constant_a neglect_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o neighbour_n life_n may_v be_v invade_v or_o his_o house_n fire_v by_o ill_a man_n of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a store_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n which_o be_v a_o more_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n than_o any_o act_n of_o devotion_n so_o that_o however_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o omission_n of_o some_o thing_n command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n by_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v perfect_o conformable_a in_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o very_o rare_o happen_v and_o for_o which_o no_o provision_n can_v be_v make_v by_o law_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_o this_o will_v not_o at_o all_o help_n those_o who_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o the_o law_n stand_v out_o in_o manifest_a opposition_n against_o they_o live_v in_o plain_a disobedience_n and_o contradiction_n to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o they_o nay_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a way_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o what_o be_v appoint_v thus_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v gain_v but_o little_a by_o this_o plea_n if_o grant_v to_o they_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o exercise_v mercy_n and_o charity_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n they_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n in_o such_o case_n only_o in_o which_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v also_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n from_o prayer_n public_a or_o private_a from_o worship_v of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o a_o conventicle_n nay_o from_o obedience_n to_o god_n himself_o have_v he_o please_v in_o the_o scripture_n positive_o to_o have_v require_v whatever_o be_v at_o present_a enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n and_o let_v they_o well_o consider_v whether_o if_o god_n have_v plain_o in_o his_o word_n prescribe_v all_o that_o our_o church_n do_v command_v they_o will_v have_v think_v itself_o to_o have_v refuse_v compliance_n with_o such_o divine_a imposition_n because_o they_o be_v unreasonable_o offensive_a to_o some_o godly_a people_n if_o our_o dissenter_n will_v but_o acknowledge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o external_a worship_n deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o such_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o their_o governor_n only_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v excuse_v from_o offer_v their_o accustom_a sacrifice_n or_o as_o they_o think_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o break_v the_o sabbath_n to_o omit_v god_n public_a worship_n i_o suppose_v this_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o they_o dare_v not_o own_o that_o the_o scandal_n other_o may_v take_v at_o such_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o moral_a duty_n be_v sufficient_a to_o void_a their_o obligation_n to_o the_o do_v of_o they_o mr._n jean_n who_o objection_n i_o shall_v the_o rather_o consider_v because_o of_o his_o eminency_n among_o the_o presbyterian_o though_o i_o find_v myself_o somewhat_o prevent_v by_o a_o late_a writer_n who_o have_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o they_o thus_o put_v the_o question_n suppose_v say_v he_o the_o great_a monarch_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v command_v the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o his_o slave_n upon_o some_o important_a affair_n to_o ride_v post_n through_o such_o a_o city_n without_o any_o of_o the_o least_o stay_n or_o diversion_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o company_n of_o little_a child_n shall_v be_v play_v in_o the_o street_n can_v this_o slave_n think_v that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o ride_v over_o they_o no_o sure_o he_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n and_o take_v all_o care_n possible_a to_o execute_v his_o commission_n without_o do_v any_o hurt_n or_o damage_n to_o any_o person_n whatever_o but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v state_v the_o case_n right_a it_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v thus_o suppose_v this_o slave_n shall_v utter_o refuse_v to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o for_o his_o justification_n shall_v plead_v that_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o ride_v through_o many_o town_n and_o city_n where_o be_v many_o little_a child_n who_o be_v often_o play_v at_o the_o door_n or_o in_o the_o street_n he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o his_o way_n or_o chance_v to_o run_v between_o his_o horse_n leg_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o do_n of_o this_o mischief_n which_o may_v possible_o happen_v he_o resolve_v not_o to_o stir_v one_o foot_n from_o his_o own_o home_n be_v this_o pretence_n sufficient_a to_o excuse_v his_o disobedience_n no_o more_o can_v our_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o rule_v give_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n be_v innocent_a because_o some_o may_v be_v scandalize_v at_o our_o obedience_n 2._o it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o scandal_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o spiritual_a murder_n and_o if_o where_o authority_n have_v determine_v our_o choice_n we_o must_v hold_v to_o their_o determination_n any_o scandal_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o it_o seem_v then_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n command_v it_o we_o may_v lawful_o murder_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n wound_v his_o weak_a conscience_n and_o destroy_v with_o our_o meat_n our_o ceremony_n the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 14._o 21._o neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o to_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a but_o our_o prelatist_n say_v mr._n jean_n determine_v quite_o otherwise_o if_o authority_n enjoin_v it_o it_o be_v good_a say_v they_o to_o eat_v bread_n drink_v wine_n wear_v a_o surplice_n use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n though_o thereby_o never_o so_o many_o brethren_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o make_v weak_a but_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a bugbear_n fit_v only_o to_o fright_v child_n and_o such_o weak_a person_n as_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o for_o it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v how_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o cross_v the_o infant_n forehead_n have_v any_o tendency_n towards_o the_o scare_v man_n from_o christianity_n or_o make_v they_o to_o deny_v christ_n and_o forsake_v and_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a scandalize_a of_o our_o brother_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o high_o aggravate_v and_o charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o destroy_v and_o murder_v his_o soul_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o lead_v or_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o any_o sin_n whatever_o scandal_n may_v follow_v be_v whole_o accidental_a and_o the_o fault_n and_o mistake_n of_o those_o only_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o to_o provide_v always_o against_o such_o scandal_n be_v a_o impossible_a undertake_n for_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o most_o innocent_a action_n nay_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n and_o this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o obedience_n to_o any_o other_o command_n of_o god_n if_o by_o it_o my_o brother_n may_v stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a as_o it_o do_v against_o submission_n to_o our_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a they_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v that_o by_o god_n law_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o law_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n of_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v so_o little_a account_n but_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n also_o that_o be_v violate_v by_o our_o disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o comparison_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v only_o as_o they_o make_v it_o between_o a_o human_a authority_n determine_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o between_o the_o divine_a command_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o scandal_n here_o we_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o
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may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n thereof_o with_o you_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o these_o compliance_n and_o civility_n to_o win_v many_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n by_o these_o wise_a art_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o make_v his_o way_n he_o then_o teach_v they_o another_o lesson_n and_o behave_v himself_o after_o a_o far_o different_a manner_n now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o have_v his_o office_n and_o be_v to_o propagate_v any_o religion_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n like_o a_o master_n that_o deal_v not_o so_o sharp_o with_o his_o scholar_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o school_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v afterward_o but_o the_o direction_n st._n paul_n give_v and_o according_a 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that_o people_n lest_o upon_o every_o little_a pretence_n they_o shall_v return_v back_o to_o the_o garlic_n and_o onion_n of_o egypt_n but_o after_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n he_o then_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o ordinary_a common_a mean_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o he_o do_v not_o show_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2._o 9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n 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through_o mistake_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o whatever_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n about_o weak_a brethren_n by_o way_n of_o analogy_n or_o similitude_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2_o i_o will_v desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v by_o what_o pretence_n they_o can_v challenge_v any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o weak_a christian_n when_o according_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n further_a off_o from_o be_v such_o in_o any_o sense_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n worth_a a_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la shall_v sue_v in_o formâ_fw-la pauperis_fw-la they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o uninstructed_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o 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 do_v 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 if_o the_o several_a dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a waver_a half_a christian_n do_v they_o think_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o weakness_n they_o will_v be_v either_o more_o careful_a to_o hide_v it_o or_o will_v more_o diligent_o seek_v out_o for_o remedy_n
but_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o mortify_v all_o pride_n and_o overween_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n let_v they_o lay_v aside_o all_o zeal_n of_o party_n and_o little_a singularity_n and_o learn_v to_o judge_v righteous_o and_o sober_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v soon_o remove_v 2._o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o offend_v that_o be_v displease_v their_o weak_a brethren_n hinder_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n ought_v serious_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o real_o only_o the_o care_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o their_o party_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o conformity_n they_o be_v â—oth_o to_o lose_v that_o share_n they_o have_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o so_o many_o or_o to_o sink_v in_o that_o estimation_n they_o have_v obtain_v of_o great_a sanctity_n by_o join_v with_o the_o strict_a and_o pure_a christian_n for_o undoubted_o man_n reputation_n among_o a_o part_n be_v a_o very_a great_a temptation_n to_o detain_v they_o in_o error_n and_o be_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o their_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n when_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n and_o opprobrious_a nickname_n thus_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v who_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n when_o therefore_o man_n tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v a_o scandalous_a thing_n for_o they_o now_o to_o conform_v they_o often_o mean_v nothing_o else_o by_o it_o but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unhandsome_a and_o a_o disgraceful_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o change_v their_o mind_n and_o confess_v their_o mistake_n and_o retract_v what_o they_o have_v so_o long_o and_o so_o zealous_o defend_v or_o else_o let_v they_o look_v well_o that_o it_o be_v not_o some_o paltry_a secular_a interest_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n they_o dare_v not_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n that_o be_v they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v lose_v their_o trade_n they_o shall_v disoblige_v many_o of_o their_o good_a customer_n they_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v continue_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v true_o to_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rank_a men-pleasers_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n p._n 141._o please_v man_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a for_o their_o good_a and_o edification_n and_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n but_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o christian_a union_n communion_n charity_n or_o sobriety_n to_o please_v a_o divide_v hot_a brain_a party_n not_o to_o escape_v their_o sharp_a censure_n 3._o if_o to_o displease_v our_o weak_a brother_n be_v the_o sinful_a offend_v he_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n upon_o man_n conscience_n will_v beget_v endless_a perplexity_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a with_o a_o quiet_a and_o well_o assure_v mind_n since_o as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v some_o one_o or_o other_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o by_o do_v we_o shall_v anger_v some_o by_o forbear_v we_o shall_v provoke_v other_o and_o since_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o weak_a be_v divide_v and_o shatter_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o faction_n each_o condemn_v all_o the_o other_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v thereby_o displease_v all_o the_o rest_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v his_o duty_n in_o whatever_o place_n he_o live_v or_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o must_v displease_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o thing_n now_o be_v among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n when_o they_o pass_v their_o unwarrantable_a censure_n upon_o we_o and_o our_o action_n and_o they_o who_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o other_o can_v never_o tell_v whither_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o this_o principle_n they_o be_v slave_n to_o the_o party_n they_o espouse_v and_o must_v run_v with_o they_o into_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o or_o if_o at_o last_o they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n be_v more_o hate_v and_o despise_v by_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o humour_v they_o at_o all_o 4._o i_o add_v only_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v displease_v or_o grieve_v our_o weak_a brethren_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a christian_n and_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o we_o which_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o think_v it_o so_o high_o infringe_v and_o violate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o strait_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o will_n and_o passion_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o this_o be_v so_o say_v mr._n baxter_n p._n 134._o of_o the_o forename_a book_n the_o most_o childish_a and_o womanish_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o the_o strong_a will_n and_o passion_n must_v rule_v all_o the_o world_n for_o these_o be_v hardly_a please_v and_o no_o man_n must_v displease_v they_o whatever_o condescension_n therefore_o may_v be_v due_a to_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v govern_v the_o wise_a and_o better_o instruct_v christian_n in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o who_o can_v govern_v more_o absolute_o than_o they_o who_o will_n must_v never_o be_v cross_v and_o who_o none_o must_v displease_v from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o scandalize_a or_o give_v offence_n viz._n do_v of_o something_o which_o another_o take_v ill_a or_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o it_o 2._o i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a in_o scripture_n the_o greek_a word_n which_o we_o translate_v scandal_n or_o offence_n signify_v either_o a_o trap_n and_o snare_n or_o else_o more_o common_o something_o lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o another_o which_o occasion_n his_o stumble_a or_o fall_v by_o which_o he_o be_v bruise_v and_o hurt_v and_o so_o consequent_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v man_n from_o become_v christ_n disciple_n or_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o new_a profession_n or_o tempt_v they_o to_o forsake_v that_o faith_n they_o have_v late_o embrace_v be_v call_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n it_o be_v sometime_o render_v a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v as_o rom._n 14._o 13._o occasion_n of_o stumble_v as_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 10._o a_o stumbling-block_n revel_v 2._o 14._o or_o a_o thing_n that_o do_v offend_v as_o st._n matt._n 13._o 41._o in_o all_o which_o place_n there_o be_v the_o same_o original_a word_n hence_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o as_o it_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o tend_v to_o estrange_v or_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o it_o or_o be_v apt_a when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o turn_v they_o from_o it_o and_o make_v they_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n st._n matth._n 17._o 27._o be_v say_v to_o have_v pay_v tribute_n lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v the_o jew_n this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o child_n be_v free_a but_o he_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v any_o occasion_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o contemner_n of_o their_o law_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n according_a as_o you_o understand_v that_o tribute_n to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o the_o roman_n or_o the_o temple_n and_o so_o
one_o in_o this_o question_n a_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v by_o chance_n happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o prove_v it_o by_o this_o reason_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n must_v own_v for_o true_a and_o good_a because_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o own_o than_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o rather_o to_o avoid_v sin_n in_o himself_o than_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o his_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o whether_o any_o human_a authority_n can_v make_v that_o action_n cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a which_o if_o do_v without_o any_o such_o command_n have_v be_v criminal_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scandal_n that_o follow_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a can_v secure_v that_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v by_o what_o i_o do_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o their_o command_n but_o than_o it_o do_v free_v i_o from_o all_o guilt_n and_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o to_o become_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v which_o if_o i_o have_v do_v needless_o without_o any_o great_a reason_n and_o my_o brother_n have_v be_v hurt_v and_o his_o conscience_n wound_v by_o it_o may_v have_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o uncharitableness_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o scandal_n be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a to_o follow_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n otherwise_o obligatory_a do_v not_o lose_v their_o bind_a force_n because_o of_o some_o scandal_n that_o may_v possible_o happen_v from_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o or_o else_o all_o authority_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o insignificant_a and_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v for_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o allow_v man_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v thereat_o to_o disobey_v law_n and_o constitution_n make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o bring_v both_o magistrate_n and_o law_n into_o contempt_n for_o what_o law_n ever_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o some_o man_n or_o other_o either_o do_v or_o may_v take_v offence_n thereat_o whether_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v scandalous_a or_o no_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o hurtfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v he_o be_v free_a to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o which_o be_v direct_o to_o dissolve_v all_o government_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o certain_a disorder_n and_o everlasting_a confusion_n every_o one_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o charity_n may_v superior_n therefore_o at_o their_o pleasure_n appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n then_o sure_o a_o inferior_a earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o heaven_n this_o mr._n jean_n urge_v also_o out_o of_o amesius_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o here_o be_v no_o cross_v the_o determination_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o express_a will_n that_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n we_o shall_v obey_v our_o governor_n and_o he_o who_o have_v make_v this_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o mischief_n that_o may_v sometime_o without_o our_o fault_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n follow_v from_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o superior_n shall_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v exercise_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n cancel_v the_o public_a law_n or_o that_o every_o ignorant_a and_o froward_a brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n especial_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o duty_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n before_o we_o give_v a_o alm_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o exact_v of_o we_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accuse_v we_o of_o injury_n if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o but_o a_o great_a care_n to_o hinder_v sin_n in_o other_o or_o not_o to_o scandalize_v they_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o after_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v his_o due_a and_o right_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o forenamed_a most_o judicious_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_a to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la dicat_fw-la ut_fw-la habeamus_fw-la quod_fw-la demus_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la faciamus_fw-la furta_fw-la divitibus_fw-la who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o steal_v from_o the_o rich_a what_o we_o may_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tax_n on_o pretence_n that_o you_o know_v those_o who_o have_v more_o need_n of_o your_o money_n to_o this_o mr._n jean_n reply_v suppose_v say_v he_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o here_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o both_o be_v require_v by_o god_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v to_o those_o in_o want_n what_o be_v none_o of_o i_o own_o this_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n or_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n to_o do_v he_o good_a by_o wrong_v our_o superior_n god_n have_v oblige_v servant_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o power_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o master_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o to_o give_v away_o their_o master_n good_n without_o his_o leave_n though_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o relief_n god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n or_o fall_v but_o then_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o management_n in_o all_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o be_v bind_v charitable_o to_o regard_v our_o brother_n but_o in_o instance_n where_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n our_o superior_n only_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n it_o remain_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o great_a bishop_n in_o what_o case_n soever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n of_o circumstance_n we_o have_v nothing_o permit_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o remit_v of_o the_o right_n of_o god_n or_o our_o superior_a and_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o neighbour_n in_o such_o