epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 8._o and_o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n though_o as_o ordinary_a meat_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o who_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n do_v eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n for_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o weak_a as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v quite_o leave_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o christian_n eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o such_o a_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o error_n who_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v of_o who_o soul_n st._n paul_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a regard_n that_o he_o will_v eat_v no_o such_o meat_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v rather_o than_o lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o or_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n in_o all_o these_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o interpreter_n and_o those_o that_o have_v write_v large_o on_o this_o subject_n no_o less_o than_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o sin_n into_o which_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v and_o by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o another_o forsake_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n lose_v a_o disciple_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n perish_v be_v the_o proper_a sin_n of_o offend_a or_o give_v scandal_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o which_o be_v revel_v 2._o 14._o where_o balaam_n be_v say_v to_o have_v teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o scandal_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o relate_v of_o his_o entice_a they_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v god_n against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v reckon_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o upon_o every_o occasion_n draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o tell_v the_o separatist_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n usual_o say_v he_o man_n talk_v most_o against_o scandalize_a those_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o best_a be_v least_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o they_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o suppose_v a_o separatist_n shall_v say_v if_o you_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o parish_n minister_n or_o church_n in_o england_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o many_o good_a people_n i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o one_o why_o call_v you_o those_o good_a people_n that_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n nay_o that_o will_v sin_n because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n therefore_o if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v you_o make_v the_o separatist_n almost_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o will_v sin_n against_o god_n because_o another_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o great_a thing_n our_o nonconformist_n pretend_v unto_o above_o other_o man_n be_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o must_v mean_v if_o they_o mean_v any_o virtue_n by_o it_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a security_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v by_o what_o other_o man_n do_v that_o be_v against_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o do_v real_o disparage_v and_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v thus_o afraid_a of_o give_v they_o offence_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v with_o sense_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v scandalize_v at_o what_o another_o man_n do_v for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o such_o a_o person_n and_o action_n he_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o sin_n ignorant_o and_o his_o say_v this_o confute_v his_o ignorance_n if_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o betray_v into_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o it_o through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v scandalize_v but_o wilful_o commit_v it_o this_o a_o great_a bishop_n compare_v with_o the_o peevishness_n of_o a_o little_a child_n who_o when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o pronounce_v the_o word_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v you_o he_o can_v pronounce_v that_o word_n at_o the_o same_o time_n name_v the_o word_n he_o pretend_v he_o can_v speak_v such_o nonsense_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o forbid_v i_o do_v any_o thing_n upon_o pretence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o or_o make_v he_o through_o mistake_n fall_v into_o some_o sin_n when_o by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o know_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o so_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o avoid_v the_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v lay_v before_o he_o and_o the_o danger_n that_o he_o be_v expose_v unto_o sure_o say_v solomon_n prov._n 1._o 17._o in_o vain_a be_v the_o net_n spread_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o bird._n if_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o be_v to_o tempt_v and_o draw_v he_o into_o some_o sin_n whereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v wound_v there_o then_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o order_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o appoint_v by_o or_o use_v in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v comply_v withal_o without_o sin_n for_o this_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o question_n i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o he_o who_o absent_v from_o his_o parish_n church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a his_o weak_a brethren_n be_v convince_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v and_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o conformity_n he_o can_v only_o engage_v other_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v which_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v lawful_a i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o can_v be_v afraid_a of_o scandalize_a other_o by_o it_o or_o make_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o his_o example_n unless_o he_o will_v imagine_v his_o brethren_n not_o so_o weak_a but_o so_o wicked_a as_o to_o worship_n the_o host_n because_o he_o kneel_v at_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o cross_n because_o he_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n or_o that_o they_o will_v renounce_v all_o religion_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v their_o way_n of_o separation_n this_o can_v but_o prove_v a_o vain_a excuse_n for_o i_o to_o forbear_v do_v that_o in_o which_o there_o be_v real_o no_o evil_a lest_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o example_n i_o make_v other_o sin_n in_o do_v the_o same_o innocent_a action_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o if_o by_o my_o example_n i_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o return_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n they_o be_v not_o thereby_o at_o all_o scandalize_v but_o i_o have_v do_v they_o a_o most_o signal_n kindness_n and_o benefit_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o what_o i_o do_v be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a yet_o it_o may_v minister_v occasion_n or_o provocation_n to_o other_o to_o do_v something_o else_o that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o i_o become_v true_o guilty_a of_o give_v offence_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v accountable_a only_o for_o the_o natural_a tendency_n or_o probable_a effect_n of_o our_o action_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o foresee_v and_o prevent_v remote_a probability_n and_o contingency_n and_o bare_a possibility_n come_v not_o into_o reckon_v nor_o be_v they_o at_o all_o to_o be_v weigh_v if_o in_o every_o action_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o consider_v what_o advantage_n a_o wicked_a sensual_a man_n or_o a_o weak_a silly_a man_n may_v take_v and_o
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 person_n now_o though_o all_o this_o be_v general_o true_a yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o certain_a unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o to_o direct_v our_o practice_n in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o so_o i_o end_v this_o head_n with_o those_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o little_a treatise_n of_o scandal_n this_o whole_a matter_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o avoid_v scandalize_a other_o 2._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o that_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n not_o that_o such_o a_o case_n can_v ever_o happen_v wherein_o we_o must_v necessary_o give_v just_a offence_n to_o one_o side_n or_o other_o and_o so_o be_v uncharitable_a whether_o we_o do_v or_o forbear_v to_o do_v the_o same_o action_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v happen_v that_o some_o weak_a person_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o my_o do_v and_o other_o be_v more_o offend_v at_o my_o forbear_n to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o thus_o whether_o i_o do_v it_o or_o not_o i_o shall_v give_v offence_n though_o not_o just_o nor_o through_o my_o own_o fault_n to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v which_o way_n be_v give_v the_o great_a and_o more_o dangerous_a offence_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v either_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o may_v scandalize_v our_o brother_n when_o by_o forbearance_n a_o great_a and_o more_o public_a scandal_n be_v minister_v to_o other_o for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n itself_o to_o do_v than_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n as_o all_o that_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n do_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v and_o for_o which_o they_o usual_o quote_v that_o say_n of_o bernard_n prudenter_fw-la advertendum_fw-la est_fw-la scandalum_fw-la scandalo_fw-la non_fw-la emendari_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o be_v prudent_o to_o mark_v that_o one_o scandal_n be_v not_o mend_v by_o another_o which_o kind_n of_o emendation_n we_o shall_v practice_v if_o to_o take_v off_o offence_n from_o one_o party_n we_o give_v offence_n unto_o another_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o famous_a contest_v between_o the_o two_o great_a apostle_n mention_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n st._n peter_n have_v free_o converse_v with_o the_o gentile_a christian_n and_o have_v eat_v with_o they_o all_o kind_n of_o meat_n but_o afterward_o when_o certain_a believe_a jew_n from_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v still_o to_o the_o dissatisfaction_n and_o offence_n of_o all_o the_o other_o dissenter_n who_o have_v as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o this_o plea_n of_o weakness_n as_o themselves_o 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o all_o those_o who_o do_v conform_v for_o this_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o government_n order_n discipline_n or_o
and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n thus_o it_o be_v usual_o observe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v quite_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o the_o galatian_n though_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n among_o who_o he_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v he_o pity_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o weak_a christian_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o cast_v off_o that_o no_o cause_n of_o offence_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o but_o to_o the_o galatian_n a_o people_n that_o have_v be_v full_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n among_o who_o himself_o have_v plant_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v present_a in_o person_n and_o so_o know_v that_o they_o understand_v better_o when_o some_o of_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n think_v circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n necessary_a to_o christian_n he_o chide_v they_o sharp_o and_o rebuke_n they_o more_o severe_o who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n he_o who_o will_v condescend_v to_o the_o ignorant_a novice_n among_o the_o roman_n will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o comply_v with_o the_o galatian_n that_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o light_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o forbearance_n cease_v when_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gentile_a world_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n contain_v therein_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v tolerate_v in_o those_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o 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 they_o will_v be_v more_o modest_a and_o humble_a not_o so_o forward_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o will_v not_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o hold_v out_o and_o persist_v in_o this_o their_o weakness_n nor_o breed_v up_o their_o child_n in_o it_o nor_o so_o zealous_o endeavour_v to_o instil_v the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v into_o all_o with_o who_o they_o converse_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o ordinary_o look_v upon_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o high_a illumination_n great_a knowledge_n than_o other_o man_n have_v attain_v unto_o they_o rather_o count_v we_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o some_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o so_o much_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v we_o for_o the_o weak_a and_o worse_a christian_n why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o why_o do_v they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n as_o be_v pure_a more_o select_a christian_n than_o other_o now_o though_o such_o person_n as_o these_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n very_o weak_a of_o little_a judgement_n or_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o this_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n under_o that_o character_n nor_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v forgo_v our_o just_a liberty_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o many_o among_o they_o will_v grant_v our_o reformation_n to_o have_v be_v very_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a for_o those_o day_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o make_v but_o we_o now_o say_v they_o see_v by_o a_o clear_a light_n have_v great_a knowledge_n and_o have_v arrive_v to_o high_a perfection_n and_o so_o discover_v and_o can_v bear_v those_o fault_n and_o defect_n which_o before_o be_v tolerable_a now_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o these_o two_o plea_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a and_o destructive_a of_o one_o another_o to_o desire_v abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o abolition_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n and_o to_o demand_v the_o same_o because_o of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o light_n they_o now_o enjoy_v above_o that_o age_n wherein_o this_o present_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v establish_v this_o show_v they_o will_v be_v either_o weak_a or_o strong_a according_a as_o it_o best_o suit_n with_o the_o argument_n they_o be_v manage_v against_o we_o they_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v as_o weak_a only_o that_o on_o it_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o plausible_a objection_n against_o we_o 3_o those_o who_o be_v real_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a instruction_n we_o can_v be_v always_o babe_n in_o christ_n without_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n he_o be_v something_o worse_a than_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o and_o resolute_o against_o all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n persist_v in_o his_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n the_o case_n of_o young_a beginner_n and_o novice_n be_v very_o pittiable_a who_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o lesson_n but_o the_o same_o condescension_n be_v not_o due_a to_o those_o who_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n to_o understand_v but_o for_o want_v of_o humility_n and_o willingness_n to_o be_v instruct_v such_o who_o be_v peevish_a and_o stubborn_a who_o ignorance_n and_o error_n be_v voluntary_a and_o affect_v who_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o clear_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o party_n can_v upon_o no_o account_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o weak_a person_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o cruelty_n to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o he_o walk_v at_o his_o own_o peril_n who_o have_v eye_n and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v
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 be_v 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 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
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 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