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
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
christian_n and_o they_o or_o between_o protestant_n and_o papist_n and_o we_o find_v that_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n make_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n as_o very_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o wide_a enough_o to_o preserve_v the_o jew_n from_o be_v very_o often_o and_o that_o general_o too_o infect_v with_o their_o superstition_n and_o various_a kind_n of_o idolatry_n no_o though_o they_o frequent_o pay_v most_o dear_a for_o these_o their_o wicked_a imitation_n of_o they_o but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o inclination_n in_o the_o member_n of_o our_o church_n to_o go_v over_o to_o that_o of_o rome_n nor_o have_v any_o such_o inclination_n be_v observe_v ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o where_o one_o of_o our_o communion_n have_v revolt_a out_o of_o love_n to_o popery_n of_o those_o few_o comparative_o who_o have_v play_v the_o apostate_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o have_v so_o do_v mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o interest_n and_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o such_o person_n will_v not_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o apostasy_n by_o our_o church_n be_v set_v at_o the_o wide_a distance_n possible_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a inclination_n in_o our_o protestant_n to_o popery_n that_o nothing_o be_v better_a know_v or_o have_v of_o late_o be_v more_o observe_v than_o the_o great_a antipathy_n and_o aversation_n thereto_o imaginable_a in_o the_o generality_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o say_v the_o foresay_a and_o the_o like_a prohibition_n to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n although_o they_o shall_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o we_o protestant_a christian_n and_o indeed_o most_o of_o they_o have_v seem_v of_o late_a year_n to_o be_v pretty_a well_o aware_a of_o this_o and_o therefore_o divers_a of_o their_o writer_n have_v limit_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v abuse_v notorious_o in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n and_o that_o our_o symbolise_n with_o that_o church_n in_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a they_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v both_o by_o scripture-precept_n and_o example_n first_o they_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o by_o scripture-precept_n and_o if_o any_o such_o precept_n as_o this_o can_v be_v produce_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v and_o pollute_v in_o idolatrous_a or_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n shall_v by_o all_o be_v abolish_v and_o lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o dispute_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o express_v as_o great_a zeal_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v for_o the_o abolish_n of_o all_o such_o thing_n but_o no_o such_o express_v and_o unlimited_a precept_n be_v pretend_v but_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o text_n from_o whence_o our_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o infer_v this_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o thing_n so_o pollute_v shall_v be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o lay_v aside_o be_v these_o follow_v isaiah_n 30._o 22._o you_o shall_v defile_v also_o the_o cover_n of_o thy_o graven_n image_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o thy_o molten_n image_n of_o gold_n thou_o shall_v cast_v they_o away_o as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n thou_o shall_v say_v unto_o it_o get_v thou_o hence_o deut._n 7._o 25_o 26._o the_o graven_n image_n of_o their_o god_n shall_v you_o burn_v with_o fire_n thou_o shall_v not_o desire_v the_o silver_n or_o gold_n that_o be_v on_o they_o nor_o take_v it_o unto_o thou_o lest_o thou_o be_v snare_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n neither_o shall_v thou_o bring_v a_o abomination_n into_o thy_o house_n lest_o thou_o be_v a_o curse_a thing_n like_o it_o but_o thou_o shall_v utter_o detest_v it_o and_o thou_o shall_v utter_o abhor_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o curse_a thing_n judas_n 23._o hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n revel_v 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_v block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n etc._n etc._n v._o 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o to_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n now_o to_o their_o allege_v of_o these_o text_n to_o prove_v the_o foresay_a proposition_n i_o reply_v first_o that_o the_o last_o of_o they_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n condemn_v in_o those_o two_o verse_n be_v nothing_o better_a than_o join_v and_o comply_v with_o idolater_n and_o communicate_v in_o idol-worship_n which_o the_o vile_a gnostic_n hold_v they_o may_v do_v and_z according_o practise_v this_o doctrine_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n which_o abominable_a sect_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o irenaeus_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n etc._n etc._n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n of_o which_o simon_n magus_n be_v the_o first_o founder_n but_o st._n paul_n have_v give_v we_o his_o judgement_n concern_v eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o idol_n in_o eat_v in_o 1_o cor._n 8_o chap._n viz._n that_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o of_o scandal_n it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o like_a he_o have_v do_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 27_o 28_o 29._o if_o any_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o bid_v you_o to_o a_o feast_n and_o you_o be_v dispose_v to_o go_v whatsoever_o be_v set_v before_o you_o eat_v make_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n unto_o idol_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n who_o show_v it_o and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n etc._n etc._n conscience_n i_o say_v not_o thy_o own_o but_o of_o the_o other_o for_o why_o be_v my_o liberty_n judge_v of_o another_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o simple_o unlawful_a to_o i_o but_o the_o state_v of_o this_o case_n of_o scandal_n be_v the_o business_n of_o another_o pen_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v those_o who_o need_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o st._n judas_n hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v by_o the_o flesh_n nothing_o more_o can_v possible_o be_v gather_v from_o they_o than_o what_o we_o and_o all_o christian_n must_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o cautious_a of_o expose_v ourselves_o unnecessary_o to_o temptation_n to_o sin_n as_o we_o natural_o be_v of_o touch_v the_o garment_n of_o infect_a person_n but_o if_o the_o text_n have_v run_v thus_o hate_v even_o the_o garment_n that_o be_v once_o spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n or_o once_o foul_v with_o a_o plague-sore_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o cleanse_v from_o infection_n than_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n for_o our_o brethren_n purpose_n we_o can_v make_v no_o reply_n to_o three_o as_o to_o the_o two_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o indeed_o not_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v destroy_v idol_n but_o also_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o precept_n be_v give_v to_o those_o people_n have_v already_o be_v show_v viz._n because_o they_o be_v so_o strange_o so_o prodigious_o addict_v to_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o their_o heathen-neighbour_n but_o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n shall_v real_o make_v for_o our_o brethren_n design_n in_o cite_v they_o and_o do_v prove_v that_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o destroy_v or_o cast_v away_o all_o thing_n notorious_o defile_v in_o gross_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a service_n they_o will_v certain_o prove_v more_o than_o the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n do_v desire_v they_o shall_v for_o they_o do_v not_o object_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o use_v the_o church_n or_o font_n or_o bell_n which_o heretofore_o be_v most_o notorious_o so_o defile_v by_o the_o papist_n but_o if_o these_o text_n speak_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n to_o destroy_v all_o such_o thing_n then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o down_o we_o
assert_v and_o which_o occasion_v our_o author_n resolution_n of_o the_o case_n of_o symbolise_v etc._n etc._n be_v this_o that_o thing_n which_o may_v otherwise_o be_v lawful_o use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v become_v unlawful_a by_o their_o have_v be_v abuse_v in_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a service_n and_o some_o of_o they_o do_v understand_v this_o in_o a_o more_o limit_v and_o restrain_v sense_n as_o our_o author_n have_v show_v then_o other_o of_o they_o do_v second_o as_o this_o question_n be_v put_v you_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v no_o adversary_n for_o who_o ever_o doubt_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v vnsuitable_a to_o the_o end_v thereof_o whether_o this_o thing_n have_v be_v abuse_v or_o no_o in_o idolatrous_a service_n now_o have_v thus_o strange_o put_v the_o question_n you_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o will_v follow_v several_a thing_n as_o thing_n out_o of_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o i_o perceive_v you_o be_v very_o cautious_a herein_o of_o revive_v a_o certain_a old_a controversy_n among_o yourselves_o viz._n whether_o our_o old_a church_n bell_n and_o font_n etc._n etc._n may_v still_o be_v use_v for_o you_o thus_o word_n your_o three_o particular_a wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v viz._n that_o thing_n of_o mere_a conveniency_n for_o a_o religious_a action_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o may_v be_v use_v though_o idolater_n have_v use_v the_o like_a you_o be_v shy_a i_o perceive_v of_o say_v the_o same_o so_o as_o none_o scruple_n the_o use_n of_o church_n to_o meet_v in_o etc._n etc._n you_o say_v not_o none_o scruple_n the_o use_n of_o the_o old_a church_n which_o be_v build_v by_o papist_n in_o your_o next_o page_n you_o tell_v our_o author_n that_o you_o think_v that_o 11._o that_o that_o that_o p._n 11._o zanchy_n rule_n be_v at_o least_o safe_a and_o that_o he_o know_v that_o in_o dubiis_fw-la animae_fw-la tutior_fw-la pars_fw-la est_fw-la eligenda_fw-la but_o i_o think_v you_o may_v have_v englisht_v it_o better_o than_o thus_o in_o matter_n of_o sin_n the_o safe_a part_n be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v for_o in_o matter_n of_o sin_n or_o sinful_a matter_n in_o my_o silly_a judgement_n there_o be_v no_o safe_a part_n to_o be_v prefer_v next_o you_o positive_o assert_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o the_o thing_n use_v by_o idolater_n be_v not_o necessary_a both_o the_o abuse_n and_o the_o use_n also_o aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o you_o say_v you_o can_v understand_v what_o else_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o his_o application_n of_o the_o word_n find_v psal_n 24._o 1._o in_o 1_o cor_fw-la 10._o 28._o viz._n if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n unto_o idol_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n for_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v you_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o starve_v though_o you_o do_v not_o eat_v of_o that_o meat_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o author_n have_v free_o acknowledge_v pag._n 36._o that_o all_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o have_v former_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o governor_n whensoever_o they_o find_v their_o people_n incline_v again_o so_o to_o abuse_v they_o at_o least_o if_o such_o abuse_n can_v probable_o be_v prevent_v by_o other_o mean_n but_o our_o author_n utter_o deny_v that_o those_o rite_n which_o our_o church_n retain_v that_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o be_v still_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v observe_v to_o be_v any_o temptation_n to_o idolatry_n or_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o popery_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v upon_o this_o supposition_n no_o argument_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o that_o text_n against_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o use_v those_o rite_n because_o the_o apostle_n there_o forbid_v the_o strong_a christian_a the_o eat_n of_o that_o meat_n which_o a_o weak_a christian_a shall_v inform_v he_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o a_o idol-sacrifice_n for_o this_o reason_n lest_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o or_o betray_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n by_o his_o example_n not_o right_o understand_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o this_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o a_o weak_a one_o as_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o make_v this_o ill_a use_n of_o his_o example_n as_o be_v but_o late_o convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o not_o yet_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o immediate_o follow_v verse_n that_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n upon_o this_o sole_a account_n for_o say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n he_o add_v in_o the_o latter_a that_o he_o mean_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v forbear_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o other_o conscience_n if_o therefore_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o these_o rite_n of_o our_o church_n be_v temptation_n to_o any_o of_o its_o member_n to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romish_a church_n or_o to_o commit_v idolatry_n still_o continue_v therein_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v oppose_v by_o our_o author_n that_o he_o will_v hearty_o join_v with_o you_o in_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o have_v they_o abolish_v on_o supposition_n that_o the_o temptation_n can_v otherwise_o be_v take_v away_o but_o i_o desire_v you_o by_o the_o way_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n which_o you_o can_v not_o but_o see_v though_o you_o will_v seem_v not_o to_o see_v it_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o rite_n as_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n at_o least_o as_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v but_o only_a to_o persuade_v dissenter_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n and_o to_o show_v that_o their_o have_v be_v abuse_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o separation_n and_o have_v mind_v you_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o other_o old-testament_n text_n which_o you_o have_v add_v to_o those_o which_o he_o have_v reply_v to_o be_v allege_v very_o impertinent_o which_o yet_o we_o will_v bestow_v two_o or_o three_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o but_o first_o let_v we_o see_v what_o you_o reply_v to_o what_o he_o say_v to_o these_o text_n you_o say_v 12._o say_v say_v say_v p._n 12._o you_o can_v possible_o get_v leave_n of_o yourself_o consider_v under_o what_o term_n of_o divine_a abhorrence_n god_n every_o where_o mention_v idolatry_n in_o holy_a writ_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o author_n that_o the_o text_n leu._n 19_o 2._o deut._n 14._o 1._o leu._n 19_o 19_o be_v mere_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o evil_a nor_o by_o the_o way_n be_v our_o author_n of_o that_o mind_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v pag._n 27._o that_o the_o thing_n forbid_v in_o the_o last_o of_o these_o place_n be_v thing_n of_o so_o indifferent_a a_o nature_n that_o none_o can_v be_v more_o indifferent_a but_o he_o ask_v where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v forbid_v because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o and_o he_o add_v that_o though_o maimonides_n say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n use_v these_o mixture_n of_o seed_n and_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a in_o many_o of_o their_o magical_a exploit_n yet_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n but_o to_o this_o you_o be_v perfect_o silent_a but_o why_o can_v you_o be_v of_o our_o author_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o two_o other_o text_n you_o say_v the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o chap._n leu._n 18._o give_v some_o colour_n to_o interpret_v that_o place_n of_o thing_n moral_o evil_a yet_o why_o be_v they_o forbid_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n do_v after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o canaanite_n i_o answer_v because_o they_o be_v the_o do_n of_o those_o people_n who_o they_o be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o imitate_v even_o their_o great_a immorality_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n then_o you_o tell_v we_o nor_o be_v deut._n 14._o 1._o or_o leu._n 19_o 8._o capable_a of_o such_o a_o sense_n but_o our_o author_n say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o leu._n 19_o 8._o for_o it_o be_v verse_n the_o 19_o that_o he_o speak_v to_o and_o as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o he_o
a_o collection_n of_o case_n and_o other_z discourse_n late_o write_v to_o recover_v dissenter_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o some_o divine_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n in_o two_o volume_n to_o each_o volume_n be_v prefix_v a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o case_n and_o discourse_n contain_v in_o this_o collection_n london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o a_o catalogue_n of_o all_z the_o case_n and_o discourse_n contain_v in_o the_o first_o volume_n of_o this_o collection_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 4._o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v 5._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n 6._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v 7._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 8._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n in_o two_o part_n 9_o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o 10._o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 11._o the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o edition_n correct_v ephes_n 4._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_v by_o j._n redmayne_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o scandalize_v and_o unsettle_v the_o weak_a nor_o tempt_v the_o proud_a and_o licentious_a to_o a_o profess_a neglect_n of_o all_o religion_n than_o the_o many_o causeless_a division_n which_o do_v sometime_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v no_o lively_a member_n of_o that_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o sensible_o affect_v with_o the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o endeavour_n what_o he_o lawful_o may_v to_o do_v something_o towards_o the_o heal_n of_o those_o wound_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o extreme_a scrupulosity_n of_o some_o and_o be_v still_o keep_v bleed_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o cunning_a artifice_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o and_o can_v now_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o papist_n have_v always_o attempt_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o pretend_a protestant_a hand_n and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o facility_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o bring_v about_o their_o own_o design_n i_o wish_v the_o eminent_a danger_n we_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o will_v prevail_v with_o they_o at_o last_o to_o forbear_v to_o batter_v and_o undermine_n we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v that_o the_o common_a enemy_n be_v wait_v all_o opportunity_n and_o stand_v ready_a to_o enter_v at_o those_o breach_n which_o they_o be_v make_v they_o may_v condemn_v the_o rashness_n of_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o lament_v it_o it_o may_v be_v when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_a if_o they_o shall_v see_v popery_n erect_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v overthrow_v we_o know_v how_o restless_a and_o industrious_a the_o romish_a faction_n have_v always_o be_v and_o the_o only_a visible_a security_n we_o have_v against_o the_o prevail_a of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o firm_a union_n of_o the_o whole_a protestant_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v all_o unite_a unless_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o stand_v by_o law_n establish_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n consonant_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o high_o honour_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n here_o be_v a_o point_n fix_v in_o which_o we_o all_o may_v centre_n whereas_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o and_o it_o may_v be_v never_o will_v be_v perfect_o agree_v upon_o their_o own_o new_a model_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o find_v one_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n for_o the_o constitute_v any_o church_n without_o a_o episcopal_a power_n preside_v over_o it_o and_o if_o any_o party_n among_o they_o can_v have_v that_o form_n of_o church_n government_n confirm_v by_o law_n which_o they_o esteem_v the_o most_o apostolical_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o will_v be_v present_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o no_o less_o violence_n than_o we_o be_v and_o instead_o of_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o division_n will_v most_o certain_o increase_v they_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v all_o still_o impose_v their_o several_a form_n with_o the_o great_a rigour_n wherever_o they_o have_v have_v the_o power_n or_o but_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o in_o their_o hand_n yet_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o confederacy_n for_o the_o present_a we_o hear_v now_o of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o mischief_n of_o imposition_n and_o the_o natural_a right_n and_o great_a advantage_n of_o toleration_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o romish_a emissary_n have_v always_o aim_v at_o and_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o subtle_a part_n of_o the_o popish_a plot_n as_o may_v be_v make_v out_o by_o divers_a undeniable_a argument_n and_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o many_o of_o the_o letter_n trial_n and_o narrative_n that_o have_v be_v late_o publish_v and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v give_v their_o cordial_a assistance_n to_o such_o a_o design_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v ever_o pass_v into_o a_o act_n will_v reward_v their_o diligence_n with_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n for_o they_o may_v plain_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o unite_n we_o that_o it_o will_v undoubted_o break_v we_o in_o piece_n by_o a_o law_n now_o if_o union_n be_v always_o necessary_a upon_o the_o common_a obligation_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o present_a conjuncture_n consider_v the_o strength_n and_o encouragement_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o popish_a cause_n by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o dissension_n and_o if_o there_o be_v far_o great_a hope_n that_o we_o may_v at_o length_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v soon_o unite_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o in_o any_o other_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a service_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o the_o protestant_a interest_n if_o we_o can_v all_o be_v persuade_v to_o join_v hearty_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o great_a a_o defence_n against_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a vanity_n to_o imagine_v that_o these_o short_a paper_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o effect_v what_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o solid_a treatise_n have_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o i_o address_v this_o little_a essay_n only_o to_o those_o that_o have_v not_o time_n to_o peruse_v a_o large_a volume_n i_o have_v be_v encourage_v to_o this_o undertake_n by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o here_o in_o london_n that_o have_v seem_v former_o to_o dissent_v from_o we_o who_o have_v late_o join_v with_o we_o not_o only_o in_o prayer_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o bless_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o many_o more_o may_v be_v invite_v and_o dispose_v by_o their_o good_a example_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o have_v find_v these_o that_o be_v already_o come_v in_o will_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o far_a persuasion_n but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v continue_v constant_a in_o that_o communion_n they_o have_v now_o embrace_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v leave_v we_o again_o and_o return_v to_o their_o separate_a assembly_n they_o will_v seem_v by_o this_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o once_o it_o must_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v so_o still_o and_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o authority_n
theophylact_fw-mi but_o if_o any_o one_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o that_o business_n but_o will_v further_o contend_v that_o st._n paul_n here_o do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o moses_n law_n but_o also_o take_v in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o gentile_a christian_n at_o that_o time_n who_o upon_o a_o pythagorean_n principle_n they_o may_v have_v entertain_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o flesh_n as_o think_v all_o such_o food_n to_o be_v unclean_a they_o may_v notwithstanding_o what_o i_o have_v say_v enjoy_v their_o own_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o our_o controversy_n whether_o the_o person_n who_o case_n be_v here_o speak_v to_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n only_o thus_o much_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v jewish_a christian_n who_o together_o with_o their_o christianity_n have_v a_o conscientious_a regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n second_o as_o for_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o the_o upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v no_o where_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o author_n signify_v to_o doubt_n but_o most_o usual_o to_o discern_v or_o distinguish_v or_o make_v a_o dâ—fference_n as_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testatament_n vid._n matt._n xvi_o 3._o act_n xv._o 9_o i_o cor._n iu_o 7._o vi_o 5._o xi_o 29._o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o take_v active_o and_o then_o it_o have_v the_o same_o signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n to_o make_v a_o difference_n as_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o in_o st._n judes_n text_n here_o quote_v but_o in_o st._n james_n ch._n ii_o 4._o where_o our_o english_a translation_n have_v indeed_o very_a well_o render_v the_o apostle_n sense_n thus_o be_v you_o not_o partial_a but_o if_o they_o have_v true_o render_v his_o word_n they_o must_v have_v thus_o translate_v do_v you_o not_o make_v a_o difference_n again_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v passive_o and_o then_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o be_v this_o to_o be_v divide_v or_o sever_v or_o distinguish_v and_o when_o it_o be_v use_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o english_a word_n doubt_v do_v convenient_o enough_o express_v it_o doubt_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n be_v divide_v as_o to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o according_o in_o some_o place_n our_o translator_n have_v thus_o english_v it_o though_o i_o believe_v in_o some_o of_o those_o more_o proper_a word_n may_v be_v find_v out_o to_o express_v its_o sense_n but_o though_o in_o a_o few_o text_n it_o be_v thus_o use_v in_o scripture_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o profaâ—e_a author_n do_v ever_o use_v it_o in_o this_o seâ—se_n of_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o unless_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o know_v why_o we_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o natural_a and_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o tâ—xt_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o text_n the_o reader_n may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o here_o translate_v he_o that_o doubt_v do_v as_o proper_o signify_v to_o distinguish_v or_o make_v a_o difference_n as_o to_o doubt_v or_o hesitate_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v use_v both_o by_o profane_a writer_n and_o in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o particular_o in_o the_o 22_o d._n of_o st._n jude_n epistle_n and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a word_n in_o the_o text._n now_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o persuasion_n about_o the_o legal_a observation_n some_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n and_o other_o make_v none_n it_o seem_v every_o whit_n as_o proper_a and_o natural_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n to_o take_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n in_o this_o place_n rather_o than_o in_o that_o other_o according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v usual_o translate_v so_o that_o the_o text_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n if_o he_o do_v eat_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unclean_a he_o be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o probable_a be_v this_o render_n that_o our_o english_a translator_n take_v care_n to_o put_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o every_o one_o nor_o do_v it_o want_v good_a authority_n for_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a thus_o translate_v the_o place_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o erasmus_n hentenius_n and_o general_o all_o the_o latin_a expositor_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v estius_n who_o yet_o himself_o interpret_v it_o the_o common_a way_n indeed_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a version_n of_o this_o word_n in_o this_o text_n however_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o preclude_v any_o man_n from_o the_o liberty_n of_o take_v the_o other_o if_o he_o like_v it_o better_o for_o though_o this_o way_n of_o render_v do_v better_a serve_v our_o purpose_n as_o quite_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n yet_o our_o cause_n do_v not_o so_o absolute_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o allow_v of_o the_o common_a translation_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o three_o as_o for_o the_o word_n faith_n which_o be_v here_o use_v let_v it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o when_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o have_v faith_n and_o in_o the_o text_n of_o eat_v without_o faith_n or_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v faith_n here_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o belief_n in_o jesus_n christ_n or_o a_o assent_n to_o god_n revelation_n particular_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a notion_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o for_o a_o man_n assent_n to_o the_o goodness_n or_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n so_o that_o to_o have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o that_o action_n may_v be_v lawful_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o reason_n that_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o do_v a_o action_n without_o faith_n or_o not_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o express_v it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a think_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a action_n four_o whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o that_o doubt_v or_o difference_v be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o that_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o eat_n in_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v that_o which_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o call_v damnation_n but_o only_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o eat_n as_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n why_o our_o translator_n shall_v here_o use_v the_o word_n damn_a since_o condemn_a be_v the_o natural_a word_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o greek_a or_o the_o english_a language_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n he_o that_o doubt_v with_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o yet_o eat_v such_o a_o man_n be_v condemn_v for_o so_o do_v condemn_a how_o why_o condemn_v of_o himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v express_v it_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n because_o without_o necessity_n have_v free_a power_n over_o his_o own_o action_n he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v sinful_a i_o dare_v say_v the_o reader_n will_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o interpretation_n as_o to_o both_o the_o last_o name_v particular_n if_o he_o will_v careful_o read_v the_o forego_n verse_n together_o with_o the_o text_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o both_o make_v one_o complete_a sentence_n and_o judge_v of_o one_o by_o the_o other_o st._n paul_n have_v for_o a_o good_a while_n be_v address_v himself_o to_o the_o strong_a christian_n in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v they_o so_o to_o use_v their_o knowledge_n and_o
their_o christian_a liberty_n that_o they_o may_v edify_v the_o weak_a brethren_n among_o they_o but_o in_o no_o way_n give_v scandal_n to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o he_o thus_o conclude_v his_o advice_n in_o this_o chapter_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v but_o he_o that_o doubt_v or_o make_v a_o difference_n be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o indifferent_a person_n that_o have_v read_v st._n paul_n forego_v discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n whether_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o whole_a passage_n be_v not_o to_o this_o effect_n be_v thou_o so_o well_o instruct_v in_o thy_o religion_n as_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o difference_n of_o meat_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v lawful_o eat_v of_o any_o food_n that_o be_v set_v before_o thou_o why_o it_o be_v very_o well_o for_o thou_o but_o then_o be_v content_a that_o thou_o be_v thus_o persuade_v and_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n make_v such_o a_o ostentation_n of_o thy_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n nor_o despise_v other_o that_o have_v it_o not_o as_o to_o lay_v a_o snare_n before_o thy_o weak_a and_o un-instructed_n brethren_n who_o be_v of_o another_o persuasion_n to_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n by_o act_v as_o thou_o do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o that_o god_n see_v thy_o faith_n and_o that_o thou_o can_v justify_v thy_o eat_n to_o thy_o own_o conscience_n for_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o it_o be_v no_o small_a happiness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o conscience_n in_o that_o action_n which_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n this_n be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o approve_v that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o a_o man_n that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o in_o that_o action_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v in_o ea_fw-la re_fw-la quam_fw-la agendam_fw-la suscipit_fw-la say_v grotius_n in_o eo_fw-la quod_fw-la agendum_fw-la elegit_fw-la say_v estius_n en_fw-fr ce_fw-fr qu'il_fw-fr veut_fw-fr fair_a say_v the_o late_a excellent_a french_a translation_n and_o it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o thing_n that_o st._n john_n say_v in_o other_o word_n eph._n i._n 3_o 21._o my_o brethren_n if_o our_o own_o heart_n i._n e._n our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v so_o uninstruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n as_o still_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n as_o it_o infinite_o concern_v they_o to_o have_v a_o care_n what_o they_o do_v so_o it_o concern_v thou_o likewise_o to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o thou_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o they_o for_o in_o what_o a_o condition_n will_v any_o of_o they_o be_v if_o be_v tempt_v by_o thy_o insolent_a carriage_n and_o unreasonable_a example_n he_o shall_v through_o fear_n or_o base_a compliance_n venture_v to_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unclean_a why_o certain_o he_o be_v both_o a_o ill_a and_o a_o miserable_a man_n for_o so_o do_v because_o he_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o he_o eat_v not_o only_o without_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o eat_n but_o presume_v the_o contrary_a and_o whatever_o be_v thus_o do_v against_o conscience_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o sin_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o whole_a passage_n for_o which_o if_o need_n be_v we_o may_v produce_v several_a authority_n particular_o that_o of_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o give_v much_o the_o same_o account_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o text_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o chapter_n and_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o business_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v there_o in_o hand_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n with_o the_o dissenter_n and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o it_o against_o the_o position_n we_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o their_o argument_n as_o i_o say_v be_v this_o st._n paul_n here_o affirm_v that_o whosoever_o doubt_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a meat_n and_o while_o that_o doubt_n remain_v eat_v of_o that_o meat_n such_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v for_o so_o do_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n if_o now_o it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o doubtful_a case_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o case_n of_o obey_v authority_n where_o a_o man_n doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v that_o be_v to_o say_v whosoever_o in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o do_v a_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v he_o sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v for_o so_o do_v because_o he_o act_v not_o of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n fair_o put_v and_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v as_o fair_o to_o answer_v it_o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o say_v this_o argument_n proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a ground_n for_o it_o suppose_v st._n paul_n in_o this_o text_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a controversy_n whereas_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v with_o good_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n only_o that_o he_o here_o treat_v of_o so_o that_o this_o text_n be_v whole_o misapply_v by_o the_o dissenter_n and_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o business_n for_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o this_o text_n a_o very_a severe_a censure_n of_o all_o those_o that_o act_n against_o any_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o say_v that_o touch_v a_o man_n act_v doubt_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o that_o this_o be_v true_a appear_v from_o the_o account_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v not_o bare_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a in_o their_o own_o mind_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n as_o be_v then_o dispute_v but_o be_v persuade_v they_o ought_v not_o as_o believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v declare_v they_o unclean_a be_v still_o in_o force_n or_o else_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v unclean_a in_o themselves_o that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o case_n here_o discuss_v seem_v very_o clear_a from_o the_o 2_o d_o and_z 5_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n state_n it_o and_o more_o particular_o from_o the_o 14_o verse_n where_o he_o give_v a_o summary_n resolution_n of_o it_o and_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o very_a same_o resolution_n that_o he_o do_v in_o the_o text._n i_o know_v say_v he_o and_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o person_n who_o case_n st._n paul_n speak_v to_o be_v not_o uncertain_a or_o unresolved_a whether_o the_o meat_n under_o deliberation_n be_v clean_a or_o unclean_a but_o he_o be_v persuade_v they_o be_v unclean_a he_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n do_v so_o so_o long_o as_o he_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o be_v in_o force_n as_o by_o all_o that_o appear_v in_o this_o chapter_n he_o do_v believe_v but_o may_v some_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n why_o then_o do_v st._n paul_n use_v the_o word_n doubt_v in_o the_o text_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o account_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v as_o proper_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n as_o he_o that_o doubt_v about_o meat_n now_o if_o this_o version_n be_v admit_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v quite_o take_v away_o and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v since_o as_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o the_o other_o and_o withal_o it_o make_v the_o apostle_n sense_n to_o run_v more_o coherent_o with_o
what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o but_o further_a let_v if_o you_o please_v the_o common_a translation_n be_v retain_v let_v the_o text_n be_v interpret_v of_o one_o that_o doubt_v and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v make_v nothing_o against_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o what_o st._n paul_n here_o call_v doubt_v be_v in_o our_o way_n of_o speak_v a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n my_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o doubt_v which_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o that_o where_o a_o man_n judgement_n be_v suspend_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o doubt_v and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v with_o but_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o doubt_v strengthen_v with_o so_o many_o probability_n that_o it_o want_v but_o very_o little_a of_o a_o persuasion_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o it_o be_v a_o real_a persuasion_n though_o with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o man_n have_v so_o strong_a conviction_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o eat_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o so_o little_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o this_o now_o be_v the_o case_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o exception_n from_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v he_o that_o doubt_v say_v the_o text_n be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v that_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o i_o show_v before_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v that_o his_o eat_n be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v certain_a no_o man_n can_v be_v further_o condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v any_o action_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o action_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n to_o say_v therefore_o that_o a_o man_n be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v must_v of_o necessity_n imply_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v more_o than_o simple_o douht_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n well_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o this_o very_a chapter_n let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o but_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o action_n he_o take_v in_o hand_n be_v a_o lawful_a action_n or_o else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n there_o be_v therefore_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v interpret_v this_o text_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n himself_o direct_v we_o so_o to_o do_v by_o this_o passage_n this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o our_o way_n of_o expound_v this_o text_n and_o probable_o it_o be_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o that_o passage_n that_o so_o many_o interpreter_n have_v translate_v it_o as_o they_o have_v do_v but_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o just_a reason_n from_o thence_o so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o question_n or_o rather_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o question_n with_o any_o one_o who_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o design_n or_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o passage_n the_o passage_n be_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n one_o man_n say_v he_o esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o we_o render_v it_o but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o these_o word_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o write_v they_o as_o we_o will_v now_o make_v they_o to_o express_v it_o be_v certain_o none_o of_o his_o business_n in_o this_o place_n to_o oblige_v the_o contend_a party_n to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n and_o then_o all_o will_v be_v right_a for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o his_o meaning_n here_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v certain_o false_a it_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o his_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o design_v in_o this_o passage_n to_o persuade_v both_o the_o contend_a party_n quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n which_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v their_o duty_n without_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o this_o now_o be_v a_o meaning_n that_o perfect_o suit_v with_o all_o the_o other_o good_a advice_n he_o give_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o this_o meaning_n he_o do_v express_v in_o as_o apt_a word_n as_o can_v be_v think_v on_o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n the_o original_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o preposition_n as_o be_v read_v in_o some_o good_a copy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o say_v grotius_n be_v a_o hebrew_n way_n of_o expression_n and_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o this_o cuique_fw-la fruatur_fw-la sva_fw-la sententia_fw-la let_v every_o man_n enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a must_v proper_o translate_v vnusquisque_fw-la in_o svo_fw-la sensu_fw-la abundet_fw-la i_o e._n let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n or_o last_o as_o the_o commentary_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n ambrose_n vnusquisque_fw-la remittatur_fw-la suis_fw-la consiliis_fw-la let_v every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n also_o both_o st._n crysostome_n and_o theodoret_n do_v expound_v this_o passage_n this_o interpretation_n though_o it_o be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o in_o our_o english_a bible_n yet_o express_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o original_a text_n as_o well_o as_o that_o and_o withal_o have_v better_a authority_n to_o recommend_v it_o but_o that_o which_o we_o chief_o stand_v upon_o be_v that_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v necessary_o require_v this_o interpretation_n for_o in_o truth_n if_o this_o passage_n be_v render_v the_o common_a way_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v import_v that_o every_o man_n in_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o the_o precept_n here_o give_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v either_o reasonable_a or_o possible_a it_o be_v certain_o no_o more_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o all_o his_o doubt_n than_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o please_v when_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o man_n duty_n to_o doubt_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o judgement_n in_o suspense_n when_o the_o weight_n of_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n equal_a as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v upon_o clear_a evidence_n or_o rather_o in_o that_o case_n a_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o doubt_v he_o can_v reasonable_o nay_o he_o can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o i_o think_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n we_o be_v upon_o viz._n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o our_o sense_n but_o only_o with_o a_o resolve_a one_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o hence_o against_o our_o assertion_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o false_a exposition_n of_o the_o text._n but_o though_o this_o be_v as_o i_o think_v the_o true_a
answer_n to_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_v indeed_o which_o i_o main_o stand_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o answer_n give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o casuist_n which_o because_o it_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o our_o learned_a bishop_n sanderson_n think_v fit_a to_o pitch_v upon_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o mention_n nor_o if_o i_o can_v without_o some_o improvement_n i_o must_v confess_v if_o we_o do_v admit_v this_o answer_n the_o authority_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v be_v set_v high_a than_o i_o do_v in_o this_o discourse_n suppose_v it_o but_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n because_o it_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n the_o answer_n be_v this_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n allow_v that_o the_o man_n who_o case_n st._n paul_n speak_v to_o in_o this_o text_n be_v real_o a_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o this_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o condemn_v for_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v therefore_o a_o man_n that_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o instance_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n that_o such_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v for_o so_o do_v this_o i_o say_v do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o a_o particular_a to_o a_o universal_a or_o from_o one_o particular_a to_o another_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n of_o each_o case_n which_o be_v against_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n if_o st._n paul_n have_v say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o act_n there_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o make_v his_o sentence_n a_o universal_a proposition_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v to_o all_o doubt_v man_n in_o all_o case_n but_o now_o only_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v it_o show_v that_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o particular_a case_n that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o that_o other_o case_n be_v no_o far_o concern_v in_o his_o proposition_n than_o as_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o circumstance_n with_o the_o case_n he_o there_o speak_v to_o now_o the_o case_n the_o apostle_n there_o treat_v of_o and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v about_o be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a circumstance_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v the_o goodness_n or_o the_o badness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v two_o doubtful_a case_n put_v that_o be_v more_o different_a as_o â—_o shall_v now_o show_v if_o st._n paul_n do_v at_o all_o here_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v man_n he_o speak_v of_o one_o that_o act_v doubt_o in_o a_o matter_n where_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o act_n without_o a_o doubt_n that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n that_o he_o know_v he_o may_v certain_o without_o sin_n refuse_v to_o eat_v those_o meat_n concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o eat_v they_o but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n where_o he_o be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n to_o let_v alone_o for_o the_o serve_v some_o evil_a unwarrantable_a end_n he_o will_v not_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v safe_a and_o where_o he_o need_v fear_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o forbear_v but_o will_v choose_v that_o side_n that_o be_v doubtful_a that_o be_v will_v run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v suppose_v indeed_o that_o his_o word_n be_v at_o all_o to_o be_v expoundin_fw-mi this_o sense_n but_o now_o because_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o case_n and_o in_o all_o such_o like_a if_o you_o please_v do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v from_o these_o word_n that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v his_o own_o way_n as_o not_o be_v at_o his_o own_o disposal_n but_o under_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o authority_n that_o this_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v if_o he_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o superior_n when_o he_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o express_v his_o obedience_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o this_o case_n have_v a_o quite_o different_a consideration_n in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v only_o danger_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v in_o act_v and_o the_o man_n may_v forbear_v if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o man_n run_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o hazard_n in_o forbear_v the_o action_n nay_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o so_o that_o undeniable_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v one_o rule_n to_o serve_v for_o all_o case_n though_o never_o so_o different_a which_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a this_o latter_a man_n may_v not_o only_o without_o sin_n do_v the_o thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o whereas_o if_o the_o other_o man_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n shall_v do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o further_a that_o st._n paul_n mean_v not_o to_o extend_v his_o proposition_n to_o all_o doubtful_a case_n but_o only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o he_o here_o treat_v of_o be_v pretty_a evident_a from_o the_o reason_n that_o he_o give_v why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v viz._n because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n if_o he_o have_v say_v so_o i_o grant_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o proposition_n will_v have_v reach_v all_o doubt_v man_n in_o all_o case_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_n with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v allow_v that_o those_o case_n be_v except_v out_o of_o st._n paul_n proposition_n now_o that_o there_o be_v such_o case_n and_o that_o our_o case_n of_o obey_v authority_n be_v one_o of_o they_o i_o thus_o prove_v whosoever_o so_o act_n as_o that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n such_o a_o man_n act_n with_o faith_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o action_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o of_o which_o i_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n but_o now_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v that_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n nay_o as_o the_o case_n may_v be_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o thus_o doubt_n rather_o than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o the_o not_o do_v that_o action_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o dangerous_a or_o attend_v with_o worse_a consequence_n this_o now_o be_v grant_v it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o wherever_o a_o man_n light_n into_o these_o circumstance_n he_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n even_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n though_o he_o act_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o thus_o it_o behove_v he_o to_o act_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a or_o sinful_a to_o act_v otherwise_o so_o that_o let_v our_o adversary_n make_v the_o most_o of_o st._n paul_n word_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v a_o very_a illogical_a inference_n to_o say_v that_o whoever_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n upon_o his_o conscience_n in_o any_o case_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o to_o
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n 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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 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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
favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n to_o take_v they_o by_o the_o best_a handle_n and_o not_o strain_v thing_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v cavil_v the_o more_o plausible_o and_o raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o we_o must_v not_o make_v personal_a accidental_a fault_n nor_o any_o thing_n a_o pretence_n for_o our_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o arise_v only_o from_o the_o necessary_a condition_n and_o temper_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n that_o nothing_o here_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a 6._o and_o last_o if_o you_o can_v by_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a consideration_n not_o now_o to_o be_v mention_v get_v rid_v of_o and_o conquer_v your_o scruple_n then_o be_v advise_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o to_o throw_v they_o out_o of_o your_o mind_n as_o dangerous_a temptation_n and_o act_v positive_o against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a infinite_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-government_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n common_a people_n general_o have_v neither_o patience_n to_o 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the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n puzzle_v themselves_o with_o the_o objection_n usual_o urge_v against_o infant_n baptism_n and_o defer_v baptise_v their_o child_n till_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v about_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n will_v soon_o be_v as_o much_o scruple_v at_o as_o the_o cross_v they_o now_o be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a evil_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o it_o be_v no_o where_n forbid_v in_o scripture_n this_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o what_o we_o do_v before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o 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or_o reason_n to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o any_o one_o be_v afraid_a that_o this_o principle_n once_o imbibe_v will_v introduce_v popery_n make_v people_n greedy_o swallow_v and_o without_o any_o examination_n submit_v to_o every_o thing_n their_o superior_n please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v he_o only_o consider_v which_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o popish_a worship_n and_o religion_n manifest_o evil_a and_o forbid_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n which_o render_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o necessary_a and_o so_o consequent_o justifiable_a whereas_o the_o thing_n object_v against_o in_o our_o church_n be_v at_o worst_a only_a doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a or_o rather_o not_o so_o good_a and_o expedient_a as_o may_v be_v devise_v and_o this_o sure_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14._o 19_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a it_o be_v unclean_a do_v not_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n that_o be_v whatever_o we_o do_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o itself_o yet_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o do_v it_o against_o his_o conscience_n and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v before_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v i_o desire_v here_o therefore_o only_o to_o be_v right_o understand_v and_o then_o these_o thing_n be_v soon_o reconcile_v 1._o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n i_o suppose_v the_o person_n tolerable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o he_o
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 to_o which_o himself_o practise_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v become_v the_o national_a religion_n countenance_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o general_o profess_v by_o every_o one_o among_o we_o that_o we_o hardly_o know_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o when_o we_o be_v of_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o child_n and_o lead_v they_o by_o string_n and_o remove_v every_o straw_n and_o rub_v out_o of_o their_o way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v man_n none_o of_o we_o labour_n under_o those_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o christian_n do_v who_o forsake_v a_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v and_o long_o live_v and_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n have_v leave_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n command_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o many_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o father_n by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother_n tongue_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v themselves_o towards_o these_o new_a convert_v as_o god_n almighty_n do_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o first_o out_o of_o egypt_n he_o for_o a_o while_o lead_v they_o by_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o a_o cloud_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o rain_v down_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n this_o he_o do_v for_o they_o while_o in_o their_o passage_n thus_o extraordinary_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n even_o humour_v 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 be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n 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
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
canon_n and_o not_o be_v expunge_v utter_o by_o those_o man_n that_o true_o will_v not_o be_v much_o more_o injurious_a to_o it_o in_o this_o instance_n than_o they_o be_v in_o some_o other_o but_o be_v there_o no_o scripture_n for_o it_o i_o suppose_v we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o dispute_v it_o with_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o that_o will_v permit_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o be_v dispute_v or_o conscience_n plead_v against_o it_o by_o their_o child_n or_o servant_n or_o those_o that_o they_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o and_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o our_o brethren_n for_o let_v we_o know_v their_o mind_n in_o this_o for_o no_o man_n have_v be_v more_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v obedience_n to_o all_o their_o ordinance_n and_o reproach_v and_o punish_v all_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n than_o they_o know_v who_o in_o time_n past_a be_v never_o be_v institution_n of_o man_n magnify_v more_o for_o promote_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n exalt_v the_o kingdom_n and_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n nor_o man_n charge_v more_o strict_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n with_o obedience_n to_o they_o so_o that_o the_o cry_v out_o against_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o artifice_n to_o pull_v down_o government_n which_o when_o man_n have_v once_o leap_v into_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v to_o be_v use_v against_o themselves_o 5._o but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o more_o direct_o concern_v here_o to_o show_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o in_o this_o text_n be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o undetermined_a too_o i_o mean_v no_o law_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n about_o they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o it_o concern_v i_o to_o make_v out_o not_o only_o to_o serve_v my_o present_a purpose_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v something_o question_v from_o what_o we_o read_v act_n 17._o 29._o where_o among_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o apostolic_a council_n this_o be_v the_o first_o that_o you_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v discourse_v of_o in_o this_o place_n and_o first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v upon_o these_o thing_n from_o v._o 14._o to_o v._o 25._o the_o same_o thing_n be_v relate_v unto_o that_o be_v prohibit_v by_o that_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n i._n e._n the_o eat_n in_o the_o idolatrous_a feast_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o of_o those_o meat_n which_o they_o know_v be_v by_o that_o rite_n offer_v in_o sacrifice_n unto_o their_o idol_n for_o the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n be_v not_o finish_v only_o at_o their_o altar_n but_o the_o solemnity_n be_v continue_v and_o complete_v by_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v together_o upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o what_o they_o have_v actual_o offer_v and_o consume_v in_o sacrifice_n just_o as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n we_o know_v be_v from_o who_o the_o heathen_a transcribe_v many_o of_o their_o practice_n ap_v they_o in_o almost_o all_o their_o institution_n 2._o but_o than_o second_o that_o which_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v of_o afterward_o and_o to_o which_o this_o speech_n immediate_o relate_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o different_a from_o what_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o and_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o will_v appear_v sufficient_o from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o liberty_n to_o indulge_v a_o latitude_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v it_o be_v in_o that_o very_a case_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v before_o and_o this_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o certain_a of_o by_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o whole_a affair_n which_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v our_o present_a business_n be_v brief_o thus_o the_o jewish_a convert_v retain_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v enure_v and_o educate_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o be_v intersperse_v abroad_o in_o many_o place_n where_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v great_o offend_v with_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o see_v the_o other_o take_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o meat_n which_o their_o law_n prohibit_v as_o unclean_a this_o cause_v hot_a contest_v and_o sharp_a dispute_n between_o the_o two_o party_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o be_v consult_v in_o this_o great_a affair_n and_o have_v mature_o consider_v and_o canvas_v the_o matter_n determine_v only_o to_o restrain_v the_o liberty_n that_o the_o gentile-converts_a take_v in_o these_o three_o instance_n to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n st._n paul_n as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o he_o be_v the_o great_a agent_n for_o they_o in_o this_o business_n and_o the_o chief_a person_n that_o carry_v these_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o their_o church_n of_o which_o at_o this_o time_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v one_o principal_a and_o most_o considerable_a now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v carry_v this_o constitution_n and_o order_n to_o they_o which_o they_o so_o joyful_o and_o thankful_o embrace_v say_v st._n luke_n and_o afterward_o present_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o and_o to_o grant_v a_o great_a indulgence_n and_o latitude_n in_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o expose_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n too_o to_o contempt_n and_o censure_n and_o to_o give_v cause_n for_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n of_o himself_o than_o he_o give_v to_o st._n peter_n for_o a_o lesser_a matter_n than_o this_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o particular_a matter_n here_o relate_v unto_o be_v not_o the_o case_n which_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v regulate_v but_o that_o it_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o they_o 2._o and_o this_o we_o may_v collect_v also_o from_o the_o phrase_n in_o which_o he_o discourse_v this_o matter_n here_o in_o this_o text_n whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n that_o eat_v ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n v._o 25._o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o bid_v you_o to_o a_o feast_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d invite_v you_o to_o a_o entertainment_n for_n there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a and_o you_o be_v dispose_v to_o go_v whatsoever_o be_v set_v before_o you_o eat_z ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n v._o 27._o by_o both_o which_o expression_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o be_v discourse_v of_o another_o matter_n than_o what_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o a_o very_a different_a denomination_n and_o circumstance_n from_o that_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o there_o for_o meat_n buy_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o common_a entertainment_n of_o their_o heathen_a neighbour_n be_v plain_o different_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o canon_n and_o this_o whole_a matter_n will_v be_v make_v plain_a by_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o discourse_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n do_v differ_v the_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n forbid_v by_o that_o council_n be_v such_o part_v whereof_o be_v not_o only_o offer_v in_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v solemn_o eat_v afterward_o as_o the_o idol_n meat_n and_o the_o whole_a feast_n continue_v as_o a_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v and_o perform_v not_o only_o as_o a_o rite_n of_o confederate_v with_o the_o idol_n but_o of_o be_v more_o close_o unite_v unto_o he_o and_o receive_v a_o divine_a afflatus_fw-la and_o influence_n from_o he_o and_o although_o the_o idol_n to_o which_o this_o be_v do_v be_v real_o nothing_o and_o the_o whole_a performance_n a_o mere_a vanity_n have_v no_o real_a foundation_n at_o all_o in_o nature_n and_o so_o possible_o these_o meat_n may_v have_v be_v safe_o partake_v of_o by_o those_o that_o be_v well_o instruct_v and_o know_v these_o thing_n yet_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o forbid_v they_o for_o the_o forementioned_a reason_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o
the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n enlarge_v their_o reason_n in_o this_o chapter_n because_o it_o be_v a_o confederate_n with_o devil_n and_o be_v partaker_n at_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n which_o he_o condemn_v as_o huge_o unbecoming_a they_o that_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n vers_fw-la 20_o 21._o grotius_n be_v so_o exact_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n may_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1._o well_fw-mi aliquid_fw-la a_o tabulâ_fw-la &c_n &c_n i._n e._n when_o at_o their_o public_a feast_n they_o send_v some_o part_n off_o the_o table_n to_o be_v offer_v solemn_o to_o the_o idol_n and_o to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a feast_n 2._o well_fw-mi ab_fw-la aris_n ad_fw-la mensam_fw-la defertis_fw-la or_o when_o they_o take_v some_o considerable_a portion_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o feed_v upon_o it_o at_o the_o table_n as_o part_v of_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o now_o for_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v present_a at_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v in_o that_o canon_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n also_o be_v so_o sharp_a upon_o from_z 14_o to_o 24_o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o afterward_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o it_o and_o plain_o mean_v either_o that_o part_n of_o the_o offer_v which_o they_o afterward_o spend_v in_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n or_o which_o be_v public_o sell_v afterward_o in_o the_o shambles_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o understand_v and_o be_v common_a among_o they_o to_o offer_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o own_o common_a use_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sacred_a and_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o in_o some_o great_a and_o solemn_a sacrifice_n they_o do_v but_o that_o which_o be_v true_o their_o own_o and_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n especial_o have_v give_v a_o part_n of_o it_o to_o their_o go_n the_o other_o i_o e._n what_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambleâ—_n critic_n give_v two_o account_n of_o 1._o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o the_o butcher_n sell_v part_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n before_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o shambles_n well_fw-mi à _fw-fr mà cellario_n qui_fw-la ante_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellum_fw-la carnes_z ferret_n aliquid_fw-la de_fw-fr aram_n in_o dedisset_fw-la 2._o or_o that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o often_o sell_v have_v its_o probable_a either_o more_o than_o they_o can_v spend_v themselves_o or_o perhaps_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exchange_v it_o for_o other_o meat_n which_o they_o may_v purchase_v with_o the_o money_n they_o sell_v it_o for_o well_fw-mi à _fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la qui_fw-la part_n quae_fw-la ipsis_fw-la cederent_fw-la venderent_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n now_o these_o be_v the_o meat_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v no_o order_n at_o all_o so_o that_o man_n be_v at_o their_o liberty_n to_o buy_v and_o eat_v they_o if_o they_o please_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n or_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o they_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v then_o only_o from_o when_o know_v what_o they_o be_v their_o eat_v they_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v give_v offence_n thereby_o either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o see_v they_o make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o encourage_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o idolatry_n which_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v to_o wean_v they_o from_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o see_v they_o so_o careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o without_o all_o charity_n to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o speech_n relate_v be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o undetermined_a also_o as_o to_o their_o use_n no_o law_n have_v pass_v one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o they_o now_o this_o make_v they_o vast_o different_a from_o the_o thing_n scruple_v among_o we_o and_o by_o conformity_n to_o which_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o several_a law_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a power_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o how_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n as_o strong_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o humane_a command_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o we_o can_v show_v favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o other_o if_o we_o will_v for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v under_o authority_n and_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o those_o above_o we_o we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o do_v or_o forbear_v nor_o can_v we_o now_o abstain_v for_o fear_n of_o offend_v another_o man_n conscience_n without_o grievous_o wound_v and_o worse_a offend_n of_o our_o own_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o conformity_n as_o to_o another_o man_n yet_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o downright_a sin_n and_o a_o grievous_a guilt_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v impertinent_a a_o snare_n and_o a_o direct_a temptation_n and_o as_o improper_o urge_v against_o conformity_n as_o it_o will_v be_v against_o any_o other_o duty_n how_o necessary_a soever_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n that_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v of_o it_o in_o this_o and_o all_o such_o case_n we_o stand_v immediate_o responsible_a unto_o god_n and_o may_v just_o retort_v that_o so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v apology_n of_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o regard_v man_n judge_v you_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v the_o text_n be_v pertinent_o urge_v against_o conformity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v very_o much_o against_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a by_o consider_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n we_o against_o give_v offence_n unto_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o the_o gentile_n nor_o both_o these_o only_a but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a improvement_n of_o this_o place_n against_o the_o purpose_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o object_n of_o scandal_n be_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v especial_o to_o regard_v in_o their_o care_n not_o to_o give_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o there_o be_v three_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o may_v be_v offend_v with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o jew_n the_o gentile_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o here_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o analogy_n to_o which_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v different_a party_n among_o which_o man_n converse_v upon_o which_o account_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o our_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o in_o by_o consider_v the_o case_n that_o concern_v we_o which_o i_o think_v be_v only_o these_o two_o 1._o when_o we_o perceive_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o be_v go_v to_o do_v will_v offend_v all_o party_n equal_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o christianity_n by_o this_o practice_n see_v its_o professor_n make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n which_o their_o law_n so_o strict_o prohibit_v and_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v himself_o so_o