convert_v be_v not_o yet_o so_o perfect_o and_o entire_o christian_n but_o that_o they_o still_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n as_o suppose_v it_o still_o in_o force_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v more_o confirm_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o thereby_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v abolish_v and_o take_v away_o observe_v not_o that_o difference_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n which_o be_v prescribe_v in_o that_o law_n but_o look_v upon_o one_o day_n as_o another_o and_o indifferent_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o meat_n be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o all_o such_o distinction_n and_o make_v the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a nevertheless_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o convert_v not_o understanding_n that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o abrogate_v any_o thing_n once_o establish_v by_o moses_n have_v their_o conscience_n still_o in_o bondage_n to_o a_o religious_a observation_n of_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v enjoin_v in_o his_o law_n and_o thereupon_o though_o they_o own_v christ_n yet_o if_o any_o meat_n prohibit_v by_o moses_n be_v set_v before_o they_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v rather_o to_o fast_o or_o to_o eat_v only_a herb_n than_o by_o eat_v such_o meat_n to_o break_v the_o law_n as_o they_o think_v and_o thereby_o to_o defile_v themselves_o this_o be_v their_o case_n but_o in_o this_o 8_o the_o chapter_n of_o 1_o cor._n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o person_n new_o convert_v from_o idolatry_n and_o that_o touch_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n concern_v which_o offering_n we_o must_v know_v that_o beside_o what_o be_v eat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o idol_n temple_n which_o eat_v be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o idol_n as_o our_o eat_v the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a portion_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o fall_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o use_n of_o sell_v to_o those_o who_o afterward_o expose_v it_o to_o â—ale_v promiscuous_o among_o other_o meat_n upon_o the_o shambles_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v according_o buy_v up_o and_o spend_v in_o private_a family_n without_o any_o distinction_n whether_o it_o have_v or_o have_v not_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n now_o as_o for_o the_o former_a way_n of_o eat_a meat_n thus_o offer_v namely_o in_o the_o idol_n temple_n this_o the_o apostle_n utter_o disallow_v as_o absolute_o unlawful_a but_o the_o latter_a only_o under_o some_o circumstance_n for_o he_o allow_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v among_o other_o meat_n in_o the_o market_n and_o be_v so_o buy_v may_v be_v eat_v in_o any_o private_a house_n without_o the_o least_o sin_n only_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o whereas_o there_o be_v some_o who_o well_o understand_v that_o meat_n can_v have_v no_o defile_v quality_n imprint_v upon_o it_o by_o its_o consecration_n to_o a_o idol_n and_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v not_o so_o much_o knowledge_n suppose_v that_o the_o consecration_n of_o it_o to_o the_o idol_n leave_v upon_o it_o such_o a_o pollute_a quality_n and_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o idol_n as_o defile_v the_o eater_n the_o former_a sort_n may_v free_o and_o innocent_o eat_v such_o meat_n in_o private_a family_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o before_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n who_o through_o weakness_n have_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o such_o meat_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v induce_v to_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n though_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v quite_o another_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n esteem_v the_o eat_v they_o little_a better_o than_o idolatry_n now_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n abridge_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o convert_v in_o condescension_n to_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n proceed_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o man_n action_n depend_v not_o sole_o either_o upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o subject_a matter_n nor_o yet_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o doer_n of_o they_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o as_o consider_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o to_o who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n they_o stand_v bind_v so_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o by_o none_o of_o their_o action_n to_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n here_o treat_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o historical_a account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o premise_v i_o shall_v cast_v the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o wound_n or_o sin_n against_o it_o 3._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o conclusion_n or_o assertion_n natural_o result_v from_o the_o forego_n particular_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v i_o say_v at_o first_o that_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v tender_a which_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o common_o bear_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o our_o own_o frame_n and_o no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n tenderness_n apply_v to_o conscience_n proper_o import_v quickness_n and_o exactness_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o faculty_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_a watch_n to_o give_v we_o warning_n of_o whatsoever_o concern_v we_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o the_o eye_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o delicate_a part_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o call_v weak_a so_o long_o as_o its_o sight_n be_v quick_a and_o strong_a conscience_n the_o more_o sensible_a it_o be_v to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v which_o be_v its_o office_n and_o to_o spy_v out_o every_o little_a thing_n which_o may_v annoy_v or_o defile_v the_o soul_n so_o much_o the_o more_o tender_a it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v but_o not_o therefore_o so_o much_o the_o more_o weak_a which_o sufficient_o show_v weakness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n two_o different_a thing_n and_o the_o same_o appear_v yet_o further_o from_o those_o contrary_n to_o which_o they_o stand_v respective_o oppose_v a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o hard_a or_o sear_v conscience_n such_o a_o one_o as_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n have_v lose_v the_o distinguish_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a honest_a and_o dishonest_a but_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o strong_a which_o very_a strength_n we_o show_v consist_v in_o the_o tenderness_n or_o quickness_n of_o its_o discern_a or_o perceptive_a power_n whereupon_o we_o read_v of_o strong_a man_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n which_o denomination_n take_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o such_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v such_o must_v be_v the_o christian._n and_o here_o let_v none_o think_v my_o insist_v upon_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o term_n either_o nice_a or_o needless_a for_o it_o be_v no_o small_a artifice_n of_o fraud_n to_o prepossess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o represent_v a_o bad_a thing_n under_o a_o good_a name_n and_o call_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o defect_n by_o the_o name_n of_o tenderness_n which_o be_v a_o perfection_n word_n govern_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n who_o seldom_o go_v 〈◊〉_d deep_a as_o to_o look_v into_o thing_n and_o impostor_n well_o know_v how_o likely_a their_o cause_n be_v to_o succeed_v if_o their_o term_n can_v but_o once_o be_v admit_v as_o for_o the_o place_n now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n so_o that_o in_o rom._n 14._o such_o a_o one_o be_v say_v to_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o v_o 2._o one_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n where_o observe_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v be_v oppose_v to_o he_o who_o be_v weak_a now_o by_o faith_n here_o be_v not_o mean_v that_o act_n or_o quality_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v but_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o knowledge_n as_o 1_o cor._n 8.10_o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o who_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o do_v so_o too_o and_o in_o v_o 7._o howbeit_o there_o
be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n this_o knowledge_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v so_o that_o as_o in_o that_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n weakness_n of_o conscience_n be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n here_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o same_o weakness_n be_v oppose_v to_o knowledge_n which_o from_o the_o identity_n of_o the_o case_n treat_v of_o in_o both_o place_n together_o with_o other_o circumstance_n evident_o demonstrate_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n to_o be_v here_o take_v for_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o short_a therefore_o the_o faith_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v unlawful_a and_o what_o only_o indifferent_a together_o with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n all_o circumstance_n be_v due_o observe_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o weak_a conscience_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o judge_n otherwise_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o which_o real_o be_v not_o so_o and_o thereupon_o abstain_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n imply_v in_o it_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o certain_a thing_n or_o action_n second_o a_o suspicion_n ensue_v thereupon_o of_o its_o vnlawfulness_n three_o a_o religious_a fear_n to_o use_v or_o practise_v it_o ground_v upon_o that_o ignorance_n or_o suspicion_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o ingredient_n ignorance_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_n of_o all_o the_o three_o as_o be_v the_o original_a of_o the_o other_o two_n concern_v this_o we_o must_v as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o observe_v that_o it_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v such_o a_o ignorance_n as_o may_v in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n and_o sense_n bear_v the_o denomination_n of_o weakness_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v for_o since_o weakness_n be_v proper_o the_o privation_n or_o absence_n of_o power_n that_o ignorance_n only_o can_v receive_v this_o name_n which_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o vicious_a action_n or_o omission_n of_o the_o will._n i_o say_v action_n or_o omission_n for_o a_o man_n may_v either_o positive_o design_n and_o will_v the_o ignorance_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o studious_o avoid_v all_o mean_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o it_o much_o like_o the_o shuting_z of_o one_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n or_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o church_n or_o it_o may_v be_v found_v upon_o some_o omission_n as_o when_o the_o will_n though_o it_o do_v not_o design_o avoid_v and_o put_v from_o it_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o neglect_v to_o look_v after_o they_o now_o the_o ignorance_n which_o be_v occasion_v either_o of_o these_o way_n be_v willing_a and_o consequent_o sinful_a though_o usual_o for_o distinction_n sake_n the_o former_a be_v with_o more_o emphasis_n term_v not_o only_o willing_a but_o wilful_a as_o be_v the_o direct_a object_n of_o a_o act_n of_o volition_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n stamp_v with_o a_o high_a aggravation_n that_o ignorance_n therefore_o that_o render_v and_o denominate_v the_o conscience_n weak_a must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o will_v which_o be_v evident_a upon_o a_o double_a account_n first_o because_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o render_v it_o in_o some_o degree_n excusable_a but_o so_o far_o as_o any_o defect_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o will_n it_o be_v in_o that_o degree_n inexcusable_a second_o because_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o ignorance_n as_o render_v the_o person_n have_v it_o the_o object_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n but_o no_o man_n pity_v another_o for_o any_o evil_n lie_v upon_o he_o which_o he_o will_v not_o help_v but_o which_o he_o can_v not_o one_o be_v his_o burden_n the_o other_o his_o choice_n virtual_o at_o least_o since_o he_o may_v have_v choose_v its_o prevention_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o ignorance_n as_o be_v not_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v under_o the_o present_a power_n of_o a_o man_n will_n to_o remedy_n and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n first_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o the_o understand_a faculty_n second_o the_o want_n of_o opportunity_n or_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n â—ther_o of_o which_o make_v ignorance_n necessary_a as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o see_v who_o want_v eye_n and_o equal_o impossible_a for_o he_o who_o want_v light_a the_o former_a be_v the_o organ_n the_o other_o the_o mean_n of_o see_v but_o as_o touch_v the_o natural_a weakness_n or_o disability_n of_o the_o understand_a faculty_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o may_v be_v either_o total_a as_o in_o case_n of_o ideotism_n frenzy_n or_o the_o like_a which_o whole_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o person_n in_o this_o condition_n fall_v not_o under_o the_o present_a consideration_n or_o second_o this_o disability_n of_o the_o understanding_n may_v be_v only_o in_o part_n and_o as_o to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o its_o exercise_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o man_n apprehend_v the_o same_o thing_n under_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o proposal_n much_o more_o slow_o and_o difficult_o than_o another_o which_o defect_n be_v in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o prevent_v but_o come_v with_o he_o into_o the_o world_n all_o that_o ignorance_n which_o be_v inevitable_o cause_v by_o it_o neither_o can_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o will._n but_o then_o withal_o as_o this_o defect_n do_v not_o whole_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o the_o power_n of_o know_v but_o only_o of_o the_o readiness_n easiness_n and_o quickness_n of_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n knowledge_n become_v more_o difficult_a to_o he_o in_o the_o acquisition_n so_o this_o weakness_n dullness_n or_o slowness_n of_o a_o man_n intellectual_a power_n can_v never_o total_o excuse_v he_o for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v since_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o will_n by_o labour_n and_o industry_n to_o have_v supply_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v piece_v up_o these_o failure_n in_o his_o apprehension_n and_o so_o at_o length_n to_o have_v acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o by_o study_n and_o pain_n which_o he_o can_v not_o by_o the_o slowness_n of_o his_o understanding_n take_v in_o at_o first_o but_o then_o this_o must_v be_v also_o confess_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o diversity_n in_o the_o quickness_n or_o slowness_n of_o man_n understanding_n one_o man_n may_v be_v soon_o inexcusable_a for_o his_o ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n than_o another_o for_o god_n will_v allow_v a_o man_n of_o slow_a part_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o thing_n long_o than_o a_o person_n endue_v with_o more_o quick_a and_o pregnant_a sense_n he_o â—â—â—ects_v from_o man_n only_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o give_v to_o they_o still_o make_v a_o equality_n and_o commensuration_n between_o a_o man_n obligation_n and_o his_o power_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o and_o grand_a ingredient_n of_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v ignorance_n second_o the_o second_o be_v a_o suspicion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_o something_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a ignorance_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n though_o indeed_o such_o a_o ignorance_n be_v of_o itself_o enough_o to_o make_v the_o forbearance_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n necessary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v but_o in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o do_v which_o he_o can_v be_v no_o more_o say_v to_o do_v who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o he_o go_v about_o than_o he_o who_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a how_o be_v it_o this_o suspicion_n add_v to_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o action_n in_o case_n it_o be_v do_v during_o its_o continuance_n because_o all_o suspicion_n be_v ground_v upon_o some_o argument_n which_o leave_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n equal_a as_o in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o mere_a ignorance_n but_o rather_o incline_v we_o to_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n not_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v lawful_a another_o to_o doubt_v and_o shrewd_o to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o usual_a
concomitant_a of_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o ignorance_n which_o seldom_o stop_v in_o itself_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a be_v general_o fearful_a and_o apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o worst_a but_o yet_o this_o suspicion_n be_v not_o essential_o requisite_a to_o make_v a_o conscience_n weak_a though_o where_o it_o be_v so_o it_o make_v that_o weakness_n great_a and_o more_o troublesome_a for_o ignorance_n be_v proper_o that_o in_o which_o this_o weakness_n consist_v ignorance_n make_v the_o fore_n suspicion_n inflame_v it_o three_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n that_o go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o religious_a abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o that_o thing_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o it_o be_v thus_o ignorant_a or_o suspicious_a it_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o condition_n in_o the_o 2_o d_o of_o coloss._n and_o the_o 21_o sy_n v._n 〈◊〉_d touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o it_o lay_v a_o tie_n and_o a_o restraint_n upon_o his_o practice_n and_o enslave_v he_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n bond_n not_o to_o be_v shake_v off_o and_o fence_n not_o to_o be_v break_v through_o by_o any_o one_o who_o value_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o his_o soul_n now_o from_o these_o three_o thing_n put_v together_o i_o conceive_v we_o may_v collect_v this_o full_a description_n of_o a_o weak_a conscience_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o forbear_v any_o thing_n or_o action_n from_o a_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o a_o ignorance_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a which_o suspicion_n or_o ignorance_n be_v not_o cause_v or_o occasion_v by_o his_o own_o will_n but_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o his_o understanding_n or_o the_o want_n of_o such_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o inform_v he_o this_o description_n ought_v well_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o remember_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v that_o which_o must_v give_v light_n into_o all_o the_o follow_a particular_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n pâ—â—posed_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o this_o weak_a conscience_n be_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o wound_n or_o sin_n against_o it_o it_o imply_v i_o conceive_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o grieve_v afflict_v or_o discompose_v it_o or_o in_o a_o word_n to_o rob_v it_o of_o its_o peace_n for_o there_o be_v that_o concernment_n for_o god_n honour_n dwell_v in_o every_o true_o pious_a heart_n which_o make_v it_o trouble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o action_n by_o which_o it_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v dishonour_v river_n of_o tear_n say_v david_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o statute_n and_o be_o i_o not_o grieve_v with_o those_o who_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o every_o sin_n direct_o strike_v at_o god_n but_o collateral_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o reach_v all_o about_o we_o and_o as_o piety_n command_v we_o not_o to_o offend_v god_n so_o charity_n enjoin_v we_o not_o to_o grieve_v our_o neighbour_n second_o the_o other_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o wound_v of_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v to_o encourage_v or_o embolden_v it_o to_o act_v something_o against_o its_o present_a judgement_n oâ—_n persuasion_n which_o be_v in_o other_o term_n to_o offend_v or_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o it_o that_o be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v administer_v to_o it_o a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v or_o bring_v itself_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o the_o former_a be_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o peace_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o wound_n upon_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o conscience_n now_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o act_n counter_a to_o its_o present_a persuasion_n two_o way_n 1_o sy_n by_o example_n 2_o d_o by_o command_n first_o and_o first_o for_o example_n which_o be_v the_o case_n here_o express_o mention_v and_o principal_o intend_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 10_o the_o v_o of_o this_o 8_o the_o of_o 1_o cor._n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n by_o see_v he_o who_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o see_v of_o another_o do_v so_o which_o make_v the_o weak_a person_n conclude_v that_o he_o may_v do_v so_o too_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o persuasive_a force_n which_o be_v in_o example_n be_v from_o a_o kind_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o goodness_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o another_o act_n ground_v upon_o a_o supposal_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o judgement_n which_o in_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o one_o who_o behold_v he_o natural_o frame_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o ratiocination_n as_o this_o ay_o for_o my_o part_n by_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n can_v be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o my_o do_v such_o a_o action_n nevertheless_o such_o a_o one_o who_o i_o esteem_v a_o person_n true_o pious_a and_o more_o judicious_a than_o myself_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o do_v it_o at_o all_o which_o sure_o he_o will_v if_o it_o be_v indeed_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v thus_o and_o thus_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o likewise_o for_o i_o albeit_o my_o own_o reason_n i_o confess_v will_v perswadâ—_n i_o otherwise_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o force_n of_o example_n to_o persuade_v and_o thereby_o in_o this_o case_n to_o wound_n in_o that_o it_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o act_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o another_o against_o the_o express_a dictate_v and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o a_o thing_n direct_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n which_o have_v appoint_v every_o man_n reason_n or_o conscience_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n or_o governor_n of_o his_o action_n second_o the_o second_o way_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o its_o present_a persuasion_n be_v by_o command_n as_o when_o a_o person_n in_o power_n enjoin_v the_o do_v something_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o a_o man_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o concern_v this_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a that_o a_o mere_a command_n can_v wound_v the_o conscience_n this_o way_n that_o be_v by_o embolden_v it_o to_o act_n against_o its_o present_a persuasion_n for_o so_o to_o embolden_v it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o willing_a to_o act_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o a_o command_n as_o such_o make_v not_o a_o man_n willing_a to_o do_v the_o thing_n command_v but_o lay_v only_o a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o action_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v nevertheless_o since_o a_o command_n seldom_o come_v propose_v naked_a in_o itself_o but_o with_o the_o conjunction_n of_o reward_n upon_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v or_o of_o penalty_n upon_o the_o omission_n one_o whereof_o work_n upon_o a_o man_n hope_n the_o other_o upon_o his_o fear_n by_o both_o of_o which_o way_n the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o therefore_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o command_n enjoin_v a_o man_n to_o do_v something_o against_o his_o judgement_n may_v be_v say_v to_o wound_n his_o conscience_n not_o as_o a_o bare_a command_n for_o so_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o allure_v or_o gain_v the_o will_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o can_v force_v it_o but_o as_o a_o command_v attend_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o entice_v and_o gain_v upon_o it_o add_v to_o this_o also_o that_o a_o command_n come_v from_o a_o person_n note_v for_o his_o piety_n and_o knowledge_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o example_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o person_n derive_v the_o same_o credit_n upon_o his_o law_n second_o the_o other_o thing_n here_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o a_o command_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o as_o descend_v from_o one_o private_a person_n upon_o another_o as_o from_o a_o father_n upon_o a_o son_n from_o a_o master_n upon_o his_o servant_n from_o a_o guardian_n upon_o his_o pupil_n or_o the_o like_a and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n extend_v not_o beyond_o private_a person_n but_o direct_o propose_v rule_n only_o for_o the_o charitable_a and_o inoffensive_a deportment_n of_o one_o private_a person_n towards_o another_o
which_o protest_v against_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o enjoin_v nothing_o that_o have_v any_o just_a appearance_n of_o such_o thing_n upon_o it_o but_o offer_v to_o vindicate_v every_o thing_n practise_v and_o enjoin_v by_o it_o from_o any_o such_o imputation_n these_o man_n sure_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v those_o jealousy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o possess_v man_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o all_o their_o day_n in_o judaism_n or_o idolatry_n and_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v from_o it_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v this_o also_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v nothing_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o believe_v or_o practice_v but_o what_o lie_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o any_o common_a apprehension_n which_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o which_o thing_n since_o the_o church_n inculcate_n to_o all_o within_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o know_v by_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v justifiable_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o seâ—â—e_n in_o which_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a who_o st._n paul_n deal_v with_o either_o in_o that_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o roman_n or_o in_o this_o to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o can_v any_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n allege_v any_o tolerable_a cause_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o catechism_n a_o thing_n so_o short_a and_o plain_a and_o yet_o so_o full_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o a_o christian_a that_o common_a sense_n and_o common_a industry_n may_v make_v any_o one_o a_o master_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o that_o he_o only_o can_v plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n upon_o scripture_n ground_n who_o be_v excusable_o ignorant_a of_o some_o point_n of_o duty_n or_o privilege_n he_o only_o be_v excusable_o ignorant_a who_o ignorance_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o will._n that_o ignorance_n only_o be_v not_o so_o which_o be_v cause_v either_o by_o want_n of_o ability_n of_o understanding_n or_o of_o opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o he_o who_o have_v the_o common_a use_n of_o reason_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n and_o he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o church_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o know_v whatsoever_o concern_v he_o either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v from_o a_o joint_a connexion_n and_o a_o unavoidable_a coherence_n of_o which_o proposition_n one_o with_o another_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o weakness_n but_o want_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a distemper_n of_o those_o person_n who_o at_o this_o day_n disturb_v the_o church_n second_o the_o second_o assertion_n or_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o as_o such_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n can_v upon_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v actual_o plead_v so_o upon_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v in_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o a_o weak_a conscience_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o consequent_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v remove_v or_o lay_v down_o for_o as_o certain_o as_o growth_n and_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o certain_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o persist_v in_o this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o knowledge_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v here_o willing_a that_o for_o the_o present_a it_o shall_v be_v comply_v with_o elsewhere_o upbraid_v and_o reprehend_v man_n sharp_o for_o continue_v under_o it_o as_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o cor._n the_o 3_o d_o chap._n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 3_o d._n verse_n he_o call_v such_o babe_n and_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o meat_n and_o to_o show_v yet_o further_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o estate_n he_o say_v that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o can_v not_o treat_v they_o as_o spiritual_a person_n but_o as_o carnal_a the_o same_o reprehension_n he_o repeat_v in_o heb._n 5.12_o where_o he_o again_o upbraid_v they_o with_o this_o appellation_n of_o babe_n tell_v they_o that_o whereas_o for_o the_o time_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o spiritual_a childhood_n so_o long_o that_o they_o have_v need_n that_o one_o teach_v they_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v that_o these_o be_v such_o weak_a conscience_n as_o we_o be_v here_o discourse_v of_o in_o the_o 14_o the_o v_o he_o oppose_v they_o to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o want_n of_o which_o discernment_n be_v proper_o that_o thing_n wherein_o this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n do_v consist_v whereupon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n call_v upon_o such_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n which_o sure_o imply_v that_o this_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o they_o be_v to_o rest_v in_o and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n in_o our_o contest_v with_o the_o pretender_n to_o weak_a or_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o to_o inquire_v of_o they_o how_o long_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o continue_v weak_a and_o whether_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n as_o their_o freehold_n and_o as_o that_o which_o they_o resolve_v to_o keep_v for_o term_n of_o life_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v babe_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v to_o to_o grow_v up_o into_o childhood_n and_o at_o length_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n infant_n and_o weakling_n of_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n old_a this_o certain_o they_o must_v intend_v for_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o look_v upon_o that_o weakness_n or_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o plead_v as_o a_o imperfection_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v out_o grow_v or_o remove_v by_o they_o that_o they_o own_v it_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o advance_v piety_n and_o of_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o attainment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o they_o look_v down_o upon_o all_o other_o as_o christian_n of_o a_o low_a form_n as_o moral_a man_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n word_n which_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v from_o these_o impostor_n and_o which_o infallible_o show_v that_o the_o person_n who_o st._n paul_n deal_v with_o and_o those_o who_o we_o contend_v with_o be_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o own_v not_o the_o same_o duty_n but_o that_o it_o seem_v which_o be_v the_o infancy_n and_o defect_n of_o those_o person_n must_v pass_v for_o the_o perfection_n and_o real_o be_v the_o design_n of_o these_o and_o whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o former_a that_o if_o they_o doubt_v they_o be_v damn_v if_o they_o eat_v these_o for_o aught_o appear_v account_v it_o damnation_n not_o to_o doubt_v where_o doubt_v of_o their_o duty_n may_v prove_v a_o serve_v of_o their_o interest_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n which_o be_v this_o that_o suppose_v this_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v both_o plead_v and_o continue_v in_o yet_o the_o plea_n of_o it_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o prejudice_n to_o any_o law_n either_o actual_o make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o the_o general_n good_a of_o his_o people_n this_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a in_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v 〈◊〉_d way_n oblige_v to_o frame_v his_o law_n to_o the_o good_a of_o any_o particular_a person_n where_o it_o stand_v separate_v from_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n or_o majority_n of_o the_o people_n which_o consideration_n alone_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v the_o magistrate_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o admit_v of_o such_o plea_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o and_o more_o forcible_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v i_o shall_v assign_v two_o in_o general_n first_o the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o ill_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n which_o inevitable_o ensue_v upon_o their_o admission_n second_o the_o other_o take_v from_o the_o qualification_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o person_n who_o make_v these_o pleas._n as_o for_o the_o ill_a consequence_n spring_v from_o the_o admission_n of_o they_o though_o according_a to_o the_o fertile_a nature_n of_o every_o absurd_a principle_n they_o be_v indeed_o innumerable_a
its_o great_a clog_n and_o impediment_n as_o the_o skilfule_a artist_n in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o sorry_a work_n of_o it_o shall_v he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o tool_n no_o way_n fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n but_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a or_o corporeal_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o rather_o in_o both_o certain_z it_o be_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v more_o rise_v and_o grow_v upon_o the_o fall_n of_o each_o other_o than_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v like_o a_o kind_n of_o balance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o one_o mount_v up_o the_o other_o still_o sink_v down_o and_o the_o high_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n seldom_o or_o never_o fail_v to_o be_v the_o low_a decline_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o great_a contrariety_n and_o discord_n between_o they_o the_o apostle_n describe_v as_o well_o as_o word_n can_v do_v galat._n 5.7_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a like_o two_o mighty_a prince_n who_o territory_n join_v they_o be_v always_o encroach_a and_o warring_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o as_o it_o most_o common_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o worse_o cause_o have_v the_o best_a success_n so_o when_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n come_v to_o a_o battle_n it_o be_v seldom_o but_o the_o flesh_n come_v off_o victorious_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o great_a apostle_n who_o so_o constant_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n do_v as_o constant_o and_o severe_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v have_v any_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a method_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o bodily_a pleasure_n dull_v and_o weaken_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n even_o upon_o a_o natural_a account_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o a_o spiritual_a now_o the_o pleasure_n which_o chief_o affect_v or_o rather_o bewitch_v the_o body_n and_o by_o so_o do_v become_v the_o very_a pest_n and_o poison_n of_o the_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a part_n of_o man_n be_v those_o false_a and_o fallacious_a pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n of_o each_o of_o which_o several_o and_o first_o for_o lust._n nothing_o do_v or_o can_v darken_v the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n more_o nay_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a efficacy_n this_o way_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n may_v just_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o very_a power_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v that_o which_o as_o naturalist_n observe_v strike_v at_o the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o brain_n something_o of_o that_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n mention_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o of_o st._n jude_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o very_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n of_o this_o vice_n nor_o do_v only_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o it_o demonstrate_v as_o much_o for_o have_v not_o samson_n think_v we_o a_o intolerable_a darkness_n and_o confusion_n upon_o his_o understanding_n while_o he_o run_v rove_a after_o every_o strumpet_n in_o that_o brutish_a manner_n that_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o his_o dalilah_n first_o put_v out_o and_o so_o of_o a_o judge_n of_o israel_n render_v himself_o real_o a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o when_o the_o two_o angel_n as_o we_o read_v in_o 19_o gen._n strike_v those_o monster_n the_o man_n of_o sodom_n with_o blindness_n have_v not_o their_o own_o detestable_a lust_n first_o strike_v they_o with_o a_o great_a or_o can_v herod_n have_v ever_o think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o have_v murder_v the_o baptist_n have_v not_o his_o lust_n and_o his_o herodias_n imprison_v and_o murder_v his_o conscience_n first_o for_o sure_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o but_o teach_v he_o that_o no_o oath_n or_o vow_n whatsoever_o can_v warrant_v the_o great_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n but_o it_o seem_v his_o besotted_a conscience_n have_v break_v through_o the_o seven_o commandment_n the_o six_o stand_v too_o near_o it_o to_o be_v safe_a long_o and_o therefore_o his_o two_o great_a casuist_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o herodias_n the_o worse_a devil_n of_o the_o two_o have_v allow_v he_o to_o lie_v and_o wallow_v in_o adultery_n so_o long_o easy_o persuade_v he_o that_o the_o same_o salvo_n may_v be_v find_v out_o for_o murder_n also_o so_o that_o it_o be_v his_o lust_n obstinate_o continue_v in_o which_o thus_o darken_v and_o delude_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o same_o will_n no_o doubt_n darken_v and_o delude_v and_o in_o the_o end_n extinguish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n breathe_v who_o shall_v surrender_v himself_o up_o to_o it_o the_o light_n within_o he_o shall_v grow_v every_o day_n less_o and_o less_o and_o at_o length_n total_o and_o final_o go_v out_o and_o that_o in_o a_o stink_n too_o so_o hard_a or_o rather_o utter_o unfeasible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o be_v zealous_a votary_n of_o the_o blind_a god_n without_o lose_v their_o eye_n in_o his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o their_o nose_n do_v not_o follow_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v what_o a_o paradox_n it_o be_v in_o moral_n for_o any_o one_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n to_o think_v to_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o second_o place_n hold_v equal_o in_o that_o other_o branch_n of_o sensuality_n intemperance_n whereupon_o we_o find_v they_o both_o join_v together_o by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 4.11_o whoredom_n say_v he_o and_o wine_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a writ_n a_o man_n judge_v and_o discern_v ability_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o will_v preserve_v these_o faculty_n especial_o as_o to_o their_o discernment_n of_o spiritual_a object_n quick_a and_o vigorous_a must_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v the_o upper_a region_n of_o his_o soul_n clear_a and_o serene_a which_o the_o fume_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v luxurious_o take_v in_o will_v never_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v we_o know_v the_o method_n which_o this_o high_a and_o exact_a pattern_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n st._n paul_n take_v to_o keep_v the_o great_a sentinel_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o conscience_n always_o vigilant_a and_o circumspect_a it_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o severe_a temperance_n heighten_v with_o frequent_a watch_n and_o fast_n as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 11.27_o in_o watch_n often_o in_o fast_n often_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o discipline_n which_o keep_v his_o sense_n exercise_v to_o a_o sure_a and_o exquisite_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o lamp_n within_o he_o shine_v always_o with_o a_o bright_a and_o a_o triumphant_a flame_n but_o gluttony_n and_o all_o excess_n either_o in_o eat_v or_o drink_v strange_o cloud_n and_o dull_v the_o intellectual_a power_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o conscience_n shall_v bear_v up_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v drink_v down_o a_o epicure_n practice_n natural_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o epicure_n principle_n that_o be_v to_o a_o equal_a looseness_n and_o dissolution_n in_o both_o and_o he_o who_o make_v his_o belly_n his_o business_n will_v quick_o come_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n of_o as_o large_a a_o swallow_n as_o his_o throat_n of_o which_o there_o want_v not_o several_a scandalous_a and_o deplorable_a instance_n load_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v fit_a for_o none_o but_o a_o beast_n of_o burden_n to_o bear_v and_o he_o be_v much_o the_o great_a beast_n of_o the_o two_o who_o carry_v his_o burden_n in_o his_o belly_n than_o he_o who_o carry_v it_o upon_o his_o back_n on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o abstinence_n it_o strenghen_v the_o memory_n clear_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sharpen_v the_o judgement_n and_o in_o a_o word_n give_v reason_n its_o full_a scope_n of_o act_v and_o when_o reason_n have_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a handmaid_n to_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n look_v no_o further_o than_o mere_a nature_n as_o many_o do_v not_o let_v no_o man_n expect_v to_o keep_v his_o gluttony_n and_o his_o part_n his_o drunkenness_n and_o his_o wit_n his_o revel_v and_o his_o judgement_n
a_o jargon_n of_o empty_a senseless_a metaphor_n and_o though_o many_o venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o they_o despise_v good_a work_n and_o strict_a live_n as_o mere_a morality_n and_o perhaps_o as_o popery_n yet_o be_v thorough_o look_v into_o and_o examine_v after_o all_o their_o noise_n they_o be_v real_o nothing_o but_o word_n and_o wind._n another_o flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o ten_o or_o twenty_o or_o perhaps_o thirty_o year_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o man_n have_v be_v ignorant_a and_o confident_a very_o long_o ay_o but_o say_v another_o i_o be_o a_o great_a hearer_n and_o lover_n of_o sermon_n especial_o of_o lecture_n and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o be_v the_o very_a delight_n of_o my_o righteous_a soul_n and_o the_o main_a business_n of_o my_o life_n and_o though_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o good_a old_a puritan_n custom_n i_o use_v to_o walk_v and_o talk_v out_o the_o prayer_n before_o the_o church_n door_n or_o without_o the_o choir_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o be_v always_o in_o at_o sermon_n nay_o i_o have_v so_o entire_o devote_v my_o whole_a time_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n that_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v hardly_o any_o left_a to_o practise_v they_o and_o will_v not_o all_o this_o set_v i_o right_o for_o heaven_n yes_o no_o doubt_n if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o be_v pull_v up_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o ear_n or_o the_o gospel_n will_v but_o reverse_v its_o rule_n and_o declare_v that_o not_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o hearer_n only_o shall_v be_v justify_v but_o then_o in_o come_v a_o four_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o saint_n of_o yet_o a_o high_a class_n as_o have_v get_v far_o above_o all_o their_o mean_n beggarly_a steeplehouse_n dispensation_n by_o a_o happy_a exchange_n of_o they_o for_o the_o pure_a and_o more_o refine_a ordinance_n of_o the_o conventicle_n where_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o powerful_a teach_v indeed_o and_o to_o hear_v will-worship_n and_o superstition_n run_v down_o and_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n pay_v off_o and_o the_o folly_n and_o foppery_n of_o their_o great_a idol_n the_o common-prayer_n lay_v open_a with_o a_o witness_n not_o without_o some_o edify_v fling_v at_o the_o king_n and_o court_n too_o sometime_o by_o all_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v now_o grow_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o go_v to_o heaven_n than_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o heaven_n to_o go_v to_o so_o that_o if_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n offer_v to_o grumble_v at_o he_o he_o will_v present_o stop_v its_o mouth_n with_o this_o that_o he_o be_v of_o such_o a_o one_o congregation_n and_o then_o conscience_n say_v thy_o worst_a or_o if_o the_o guilt_n of_o some_o old_a perjury_n or_o extortion_n shall_v begin_v to_o look_v stern_a upon_o he_o why_o then_o all_o those_o old_a score_n shall_v be_v clear_v off_o with_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o such_o as_o he_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v shrewd_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o his_o only_a way_n of_o prove_v this_o must_v be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o lose_v or_o fall_v from_o that_o which_o a_o man_n never_o have_v but_o ah_o thou_o poor_a blind_a self-deluding_a and_o delude_v soul_n be_v these_o the_o best_a evidence_n thou_o have_v for_o heaven_n these_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o thou_o hope_v for_o salvation_n assure_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o thou_o upon_o very_o different_a term_n for_o he_o absolute_o enjoin_v thou_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o christ_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n to_o subdue_v thy_o unruly_a appetite_n to_o curb_v thy_o lust_n to_o restrain_v thy_o anger_n and_o to_o suppress_v thy_o revenge_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o thou_o in_o thy_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o thou_o as_o thy_o right_a eye_n to_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o as_o useful_a to_o thou_o as_o thy_o right_a hand_n to_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o he_o will_v have_v thou_o ready_a to_o endure_v persecution_n revile_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o slander_n not_o only_o patient_o but_o also_o cheerful_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n he_o call_v upon_o thou_o to_o love_v thy_o enemy_n and_o to_o do_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v thou_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v thou_o he_o command_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n strict_o to_o do_v as_o thou_o will_v be_v do_v by_o and_o not_o to_o cheat_v lie_v or_o overreach_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o then_o call_v it_o a_o fetch_n over_o the_o wicked_a the_o better_a to_o enable_v thou_o to_o relieve_v the_o godly_a he_o will_v not_o allow_v thou_o to_o resist_v evil_a and_o much_o less_o to_o resist_v thy_o governor_n he_o command_v thou_o to_o be_v charitable_a without_o vainglory_n and_o devout_a without_o ostentation_n in_o short_a he_o require_v thou_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a chaste_a and_o temperate_a just_a and_o merciful_a and_o in_o a_o word_n so_o far_o as_o the_o poor_a measure_n of_o humanity_n will_v reach_v perfect_a as_o thy_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o those_o divine_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o he_o himself_o refer_v to_o in_o my_o text_n and_o which_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v and_o do_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o shake_v he_o and_o nothing_o but_o a_o constant_a impartial_a universal_a practice_n of_o these_o will_n or_o can_v speak_v peace_n to_o thy_o conscience_n here_o and_o stand_v between_o thou_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n hereafter_o as_o for_o all_o other_o pretence_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o death_n and_o damnation_n dress_v up_o in_o fair_a word_n and_o false_a show_n nothing_o but_o begin_v and_o snare_n and_o trepan_n for_o soul_n contrive_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o manage_v by_o such_o as_o the_o devil_n set_v on_o work_n but_o i_o have_v do_v and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v or_o can_v say_v be_v that_o every_o spiritual_a builder_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o translate_v his_o foundation_n from_o the_o sand_n to_o the_o rock_n and_o not_o presume_v upon_o christ_n as_o his_o saviour_n till_o by_o a_o full_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n he_o have_v own_v he_o for_o his_o sovereign_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o this_o be_v true_o to_o build_v upon_o a_o rock_n even_o that_o rock_n of_o age_n upon_o which_o every_o one_o that_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v by_o a_o inevitable_a dilemma_n either_o build_v or_o split_v now_o to_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n to_o establish_v we_o here_o and_o to_o save_v we_o hereafter_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o true_a state_n and_o account_n of_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o christ-church_n oxon._n before_o the_o university_n in_o michaelmass_n term_n 1672._o 1_o cor._n viii_o 12_o but_o when_o you_o sin_n so_o against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n you_o sin_n against_o christ._n i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n from_o these_o word_n debate_v the_o case_n of_o a_o weak_a or_o as_o some_o improper_o enough_o call_v it_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o with_o what_o evidence_n i_o can_v show_v both_o what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o privilege_n it_o may_v just_o claim_v from_o this_o and_o such_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o great_a one_o we_o have_v here_o set_v down_o and_o that_o indeed_o so_o great_a that_o it_o look_v more_o like_o a_o prerogative_n than_o a_o privilege_n namely_o that_o to_o wound_n or_o sin_n against_o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o crime_n than_o to_o sin_n against_o christ_n himself_o our_o apostle_n in_o two_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n treat_v profess_o of_o this_o argument_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o 14_o the_o of_o the_o rom._n and_o in_o this_o 8_o the_o of_o the_o 1_o cor._n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o his_o design_n and_o meaning_n in_o both_o which_o place_n it_o â—ill_v be_v requisite_a to_o give_v some_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o in_o the_o 14_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o rom._n he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n to_o christianity_n some_o of_o which_o be_v but_o new_a
nevertheless_o since_o by_o manifest_a analogy_n of_o reason_n the_o case_n of_o magistrate_n or_o public_a person_n may_v here_o come_v into_o consideration_n therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n â—a_o command_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o descend_v from_o a_o magistrate_n or_o public_a person_n upon_o person_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n or_o give_v out_o command_v stand_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n from_o his_o office_n to_o frame_v those_o law_n to_o the_o good_a or_o advantage_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o of_o the_o community_n or_o majority_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o his_o reason_n or_o conscience_n upon_o the_o best_a information_n he_o can_v get_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o make_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o law_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o these_o and_o that_o so_o apparent_o that_o without_o it_o they_o will_v be_v unavoidable_o hurt_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n if_o this_o law_n now_o become_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n its_o be_v so_o be_v whole_o accidental_a and_o extrinsic_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o concern_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n nor_o make_v he_o chargeable_a with_o those_o sin_n in_o the_o least_o for_o sure_o where_o the_o public_a good_a of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o people_n come_v into_o competition_n with_o the_o private_a good_a of_o some_o particular_n so_o that_o both_o can_v possible_o be_v serve_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n there_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o bare_a reason_n will_v teach_v that_o the_o private_a must_v stoop_v to_o the_o public_a rather_o than_o the_o public_a be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o private_a in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o public_a concern_v of_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v summer_n and_o winter_n in_o their_o respective_a season_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v million_o of_o sick_a and_o weak_a person_n to_o who_o distemper_n the_o approach_n of_o either_o of_o those_o season_n will_v prove_v certain_o mortal_a be_v it_o now_o think_v we_o rational_a that_o god_n shall_v suspend_v a_o summer_n or_o a_o winter_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o distemper_n of_o those_o crazy_a bodily-weak_a brethren_n and_o thereby_o to_o incommode_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alike_o here_o however_o this_o indeed_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n or_o supreme_a power_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v a_o direct_a occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o generality_n or_o majority_n of_o his_o people_n the_o make_n of_o such_o a_o law_n will_v be_v in_o he_o a_o sin_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o his_o trust_n but_o still_o i_o affirm_v that_o his_o office_n oblige_v he_o only_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o his_o people_n and_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o particular_n come_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n distinct_a from_o or_o opposite_a to_o that_o he_o be_v not_o during_o such_o its_o opposition_n at_o all_o bind_v to_o regard_n or_o provide_v for_o it_o nor_o to_o answer_n for_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v attend_v such_o person_n either_o in_o their_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a concern_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o wound_n or_o sin_n against_o a_o weak_a conscience_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v either_o to_o grieve_v it_o or_o to_o embolden_v it_o to_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v now_o object_v against_o this_o that_o the_o text_n call_v a_o sin_v against_o a_o weak_a conscience_n a_o sin_v against_o christ_n to_o who_o we_o can_v no_o way_n proper_o be_v say_v to_o administer_v any_o occasion_n or_o inducement_n to_o sin_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o expression_n of_o sin_v against_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n import_v only_o a_o grieve_v or_o disobey_v he_o though_o as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o weak_a conscience_n it_o signify_v the_o other_o thing_n too_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o very_a same_o sentence_n under_o a_o diverse_a signification_n have_v thus_o finish_v the_o two_o first_o thing_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o which_o be_v to_o set_v down_o those_o conclusion_n which_o by_o way_n of_o consequence_n and_o deduction_n natural_o result_v from_o the_o forego_n particular_n which_o conclusion_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o no_o man_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o or_o for_o any_o length_n of_o time_n continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n if_o he_o have_v but_o also_o the_o common_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n can_v just_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v here_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o as_o such_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n can_v upon_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v actual_o plead_v so_o upon_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v in_o 3._o that_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v both_o plead_v and_o continue_v in_o yet_o the_o plea_n of_o it_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o prejudice_n of_o any_o law_n either_o actual_o make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o the_o general_n good_a of_o his_o people_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n first_o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o no_o man_n etc._n etc._n this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o so_o much_o force_n and_o use_v right_o apply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n it_o have_v not_o be_v more_o insist_v upon_o against_o those_o who_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o this_o plea_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v whole_o cashier_v and_o pluck_v it_o up_o by_o the_o very_a root_n and_o man_n mistake_v the_o method_n of_o dispute_v with_o these_o pretender_n to_o weak_a conscience_n now_o adays_o not_o consider_v that_o the_o very_a supposition_n that_o they_o either_o have_v or_o can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d â—eak_a conscience_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v they_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o debate_v with_o they_o how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n this_o their_o weakness_n ought_v to_o be_v yield_v to_o but_o absolute_o to_o deny_v that_o among_o we_o and_o under_o our_o circumstance_n there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n st._n paul_n indeed_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o conscience_n in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o according_o urge_v a_o compliance_n with_o it_o but_o where_o the_o case_n be_v whole_o different_a there_o the_o privilege_n applicable_a to_o both_o can_v be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o these_o place_n in_o which_o this_o apostle_n treat_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o show_v that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v himself_o be_v but_o new_a convert_v some_o of_o which_o be_v just_o convert_v and_o come_v off_o from_o judaisme_n who_o reverence_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v be_v suck_v in_o by_o they_o with_o their_o very_a milk_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o people_n to_o that_o strange_a height_n almost_o of_o adoration_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o law_n even_o â—fter_o christ_n death_n and_o their_o ignorance_n of_o its_o abrogation_n be_v for_o a_o time_n invincible_a and_o for_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o new_a convert_v they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o consequent_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o those_o heathen_n with_o a_o suspicion_n and_o a_o jealousy_n so_o strong_a that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a present_o to_o remove_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o charity_n for_o some_o time_n to_o be_v comply_v with_o for_o as_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n of_o education_n be_v exceed_v hardly_o remove_v and_o break_v so_o be_v once_o break_v the_o aversion_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o they_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a be_v altogether_o as_o impetuous_a and_o as_o hardly_o governable_a by_o impartial_a reason_n whereupon_o shadow_n be_v oftentimes_o mistake_v for_o substance_n whilst_o man_n through_o immoderate_a fearfulness_n first_o create_v to_o themselves_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o then_o fly_v from_o they_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o now_o adays_o among_o we_o who_o from_o their_o cradle_n have_v or_o migâ—â—_n have_v have_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o who_o have_v still_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o church_n
yet_o i_o shall_v insist_v only_o upon_o these_o three_o first_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n put_v to_o this_o plea_n nor_o any_o possibility_n of_o define_v the_o just_a number_n of_o particular_n to_o which_o it_o may_v extend_v for_o it_o be_v found_v in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o may_v reach_v to_o all_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o about_o which_o they_o may_v err._n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o man_n may_v doubt_v and_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o pretend_v that_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o action_n almost_o so_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a but_o they_o may_v pretend_v that_o their_o conscience_n either_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o as_o necessary_a or_o allow_v they_o in_o it_o as_o lawful_a as_o there_o be_v one_o in_o the_o last_o bless_a time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o reformation_n who_o murder_v his_o own_o mother_n for_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n allege_v that_o it_o be_v idolatry_n and_o that_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o destroy_v idolater_n and_o let_v any_o man_n live_v if_o he_o can_v state_n exact_o how_o far_o conscience_n will_v doubt_v and_o be_v unsatisfied_a and_o give_v i_o any_o reason_n i_o say_v any_o solid_a reason_n why_o if_o it_o may_v plead_v dissatisfaction_n in_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n it_o may_v not_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n plead_v it_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o and_o so_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o law_n must_v then_o only_o begin_v when_o this_o plea_n shall_v end_v i_o fear_v we_o shall_v never_o see_v either_o the_o end_n of_o one_o or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o other_o second_o the_o second_o ill_a consequence_n be_v this_o that_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o bound_v of_o this_o plea_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_n about_o which_o it_o may_v be_v make_v so_o when_o it_o be_v make_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o for_o all_o the_o evidence_n producible_a must_v be_v the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o make_v this_o plea_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o conscience_n and_o tell_v whether_o they_o be_v real_o under_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o dissatisfaction_n or_o no._n but_o where_o man_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o interest_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o their_o word_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o behalf_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o hold_v to_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o this_o plea_n rely_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v have_v which_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v i_o suppose_v there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o and_o the_o former_a consequence_n together_o be_v of_o that_o absurd_a nature_n and_o malign_v influence_n that_o they_o must_v forthwith_o open_v the_o floodgate_n to_o all_o confusion_n and_o like_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n bear_v down_o before_o they_o all_o law_n right_o justice_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n be_v settle_v by_o and_o support_v with_o but_o to_o proceed_v to_o yet_o a_o further_a and_o more_o destructive_a consequence_n in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o admission_n of_o this_o plea_n absolute_o bind_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n he_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o for_o let_v the_o civil_a power_n make_v what_o law_n it_o will_v if_o conscience_n shall_v come_v and_o put_v in_o its_o exception_n against_o they_o it_o must_v be_v hear_v and_o exempt_v the_o person_n who_o make_v the_o exception_n from_o the_o bind_v power_n of_o those_o law_n for_o since_o conscience_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o issue_n of_o the_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o god_n or_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o then_o the_o decision_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o easy_a this_o consequence_n be_v so_o direct_a and_o withal_o so_o strong_a that_o there_o be_v no_o bar_n against_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o heretofore_o the_o magistrate_n pass_v for_o god_n vicegerent_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o weak_a conscience_n be_v now_o resolve_v to_o keep_v that_o office_n for_o itself_o and_o to_o prefer_v the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v it_o be_v under_o officer_n for_o the_o magistrate_n must_v make_v only_o such_o law_n as_o such_o conscience_n will_v have_v make_v and_o such_o law_n only_o must_v be_v obey_v as_o these_o conscience_n shall_v judge_v fit_a to_o be_v obey_v so_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v not_o the_o king_n but_o the_o tender_a conscience_n that_o have_v get_v the_o negative_a voice_n upon_o the_o make_n of_o all_o our_o law_n and_o which_o be_v more_o upon_o the_o observe_v they_o too_o when_o they_o be_v make_v i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o any_o government_n or_o politic_a body_n without_o a_o stand_a force_n to_o subsist_v or_o support_v itself_o in_o the_o allowance_n of_o this_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o natural_a body_n to_o live_v and_o thrive_v with_o a_o dagger_n stick_v in_o its_o vital_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o ridiculous_a paradox_n than_o to_o think_v to_o reconcile_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o government_n with_o the_o sturdy_a plea_n of_o dissent_v conscience_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o the_o subject_n hand_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o i_o can_v add_v yet_o further_o that_o consider_v thing_n and_o person_n bare_o in_o themselves_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o god_n rather_o speak_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o lawful_a christian_a magistrate_n make_v a_o law_n than_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o dissent_v from_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a reason_n against_o admit_v the_o plea_n of_o weak_a or_o as_o some_o false_o call_v they_o tender_a conscience_n the_o second_o general_n reason_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o those_o quality_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o say_v plea_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o first_o partiality_n second_o hypocrisy_n first_o and_o first_o for_o partiality_n few_o make_v this_o plea_n themselves_o who_o be_v once_o get_v into_o power_n will_v endure_v it_o in_o other_o consult_v history_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o in_o germany_n and_o your_o own_o memory_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o late_a saint_n in_o england_n in_o their_o general_a comprehensive_a toleration_n you_o know_v prelacy_n stand_v always_o join_v with_o popery_n and_o both_o be_v except_v together_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o 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