between_o the_o evil_a of_o condemn_v a_o innocent_a person_n and_o acquit_v a_o guilty_a one_o it_o be_v murder_n in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o judge_n or_o jury_n shall_v rather_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n than_o the_o more_o probable_a and_o so_o clear_a the_o man_n rather_o than_o find_v he_o guilty_a four_o if_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v equal_o on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v afraid_a of_o appear_v likewise_o to_o he_o to_o be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n here_o other_o consideration_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o prudential_n inducement_n he_o have_v to_o do_v the_o action_n or_o forbear_v it_o as_o how_o far_o his_o ease_n and_o quiet_v his_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n his_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n his_o friend_n or_o his_o family_n be_v concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o since_o all_o other_o consideration_n that_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n those_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a must_v add_v so_o much_o weight_n to_o the_o scale_n as_o to_o determine_v the_o man_n either_o to_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o these_o consideration_n will_v often_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n even_o upon_o a_o good_a man_n not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n i_o have_v now_o put_v where_o the_o direct_o moral_a argument_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n but_o in_o all_o the_o other_o doubtful_a case_n i_o before_o mention_v we_o may_v talk_v very_o rational_o about_o the_o degree_n of_o probability_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o weight_n each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v with_o we_o and_o all_o this_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o lie_v down_o in_o theft_n but_o yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o act_n we_o find_v that_o scarce_o any_o man_n do_v exact_o proceed_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n but_o mix_v some_o of_o these_o prudential_n consideration_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v with_o his_o deliberation_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o yet_o they_o help_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o thus_o act_n be_v a_o case_n of_o pure_a doubt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o persuasion_n on_o either_o side_n and_o withal_o that_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o his_o proceed_n the_o truth_n be_v when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o have_v he_o be_v not_o culpable_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o measure_n these_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n can_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o another_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v why_o i_o do_v mention_n they_o at_o all_o since_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v they_o seem_v altogether_o unpracticable_a for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o sinfulness_n in_o a_o action_n that_o we_o here_o talk_v of_o and_o much_o less_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o balance_v these_o thing_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a from_o thence_o to_o form_v a_o good_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o the_o determine_a man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v give_v these_o because_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o these_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o man_n have_v to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o in_o these_o case_n and_o i_o trust_v also_o they_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o useless_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o the_o purpose_v they_o be_v intend_v because_o all_o may_v hereby_o at_o least_o learn_v thus_o much_o viz._n what_o method_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o action_n in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v false_a notion_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o particular_a sin_n and_o so_o may_v sometime_o make_v false_a application_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v since_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o act_n in_o doubtful_a case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o do_v endeavour_v it_o but_o to_o render_v these_o rule_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n more_o intelligible_a and_o more_o useful_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o give_v my_o reader_n a_o specimen_fw-la both_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o likewise_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v what_o light_n they_o give_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o choose_n his_o way_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n he_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o since_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o room_n to_o give_v every_o particular_a rule_n a_o several_a instance_n i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o one_o case_n under_o which_o i_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n i_o have_v now_o represent_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o celebrate_a case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o great_a or_o a_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_n in_o any_o case_n among_o we_o and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o by_o the_o discussion_n of_o this_o case_n divert_v my_o reader_n against_o his_o will_n from_o the_o main_a argument_n i_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o so_o mark_v in_o the_o print_n that_o every_o one_o may_v without_o trouble_n if_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o read_v it_o pass_v it_o over_o as_o a_o long_a parenthesis_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o point_n this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v they_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o grievous_a notorious_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o vicious_a course_n which_o he_o be_v unwilling_a that_o his_o new_a vow_n at_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v divorce_v he_o from_o for_o indeed_o he_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n but_o this_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v not_o so_o devout_a a_o christian_n nor_o live_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o life_n as_o he_o think_v become_v the_o partaker_n of_o such_o heavenly_a food_n or_o perhaps_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o to_o so_o feel_v a_o sense_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n or_o such_o ardour_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o every_o worthy_a communicant_a aught_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o or_o perhaps_o he_o want_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n so_o comfortable_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o a_o company_n of_o idle_a and_o naughty_a fancy_n especial_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o serious_a that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o it_o in_o such_o circumstance_n these_o or_o such_o like_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v several_a time_n endeavour_v to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a condition_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o satisfy_v himself_o nor_o get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n what_o now_o must_v this_o man_n do_v he_o
will_v fain_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o as_o look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n he_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o doubt_v he_o sin_n on_o that_o account_n if_o he_o do_v come_v he_o doubt_v he_o approach_v unworthy_o and_o so_o sin_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o this_o what_o course_n the_o man_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o this_o suppose_v the_o man_n after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubt_n what_o he_o must_v do_v must_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o must_v he_o forbear_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v do_v and_o yet_o which_o of_o they_o soever_o he_o choose_v he_o fear_v he_o sin_n if_o the_o former_a have_v be_v the_o question_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v thus_o that_o the_o man_n be_v to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o get_v better_a instruction_n and_o information_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o about_o the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o particular_o those_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n upon_o himself_o and_o so_o occasion_n all_o the_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o once_o come_v right_o to_o understand_v these_o point_n his_o doubt_n will_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o man_n will_v be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o as_o his_o case_n be_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v he_o may_v without_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o the_o world_n at_o any_o time_n approach_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n because_o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v he_o habitual_o qualify_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n but_o this_o as_o i_o say_v be_v not_o the_o question_n before_o we_o we_o here_o suppose_v the_o man_n either_o through_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o through_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v incapable_a at_o present_a of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v to_o which_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n he_o must_v determine_v himself_o shall_v he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n doubt_v as_o he_o do_v or_o shall_v he_o forbear_v it_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v now_o i_o say_v a_o man_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n but_o by_o apply_v the_o rule_v i_o before_o lay_v down_o to_o his_o present_a case_n which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o this_o manner_n since_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o doubt_v that_o he_o sin_n whether_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o forbear_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v on_o which_o side_n he_o doubt_v least_o or_o which_o side_n appear_v to_o he_o most_o likely_a and_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v for_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a the_o balance_n be_v to_o be_v turn_v on_o that_o side_n according_a to_o our_o first_o proposition_n now_o if_o our_o present_a question_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o man_n who_o case_n i_o be_o represent_v will_v think_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o repair_v to_o the_o sacrament_n even_o in_o that_o evil_a posture_n he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v than_o customary_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o because_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o do_v certain_o follow_v the_o more_o probable_a and_o the_o less_o doubtful_a or_o dangerous_a side_n of_o the_o question_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v half_a so_o certain_a of_o this_o particular_a viz._n that_o he_o be_v unprepared_a for_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o abstain_v as_o he_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o frequent_v it_o if_o indeed_o the_o man_n be_v a_o person_n of_o ill_a life_n and_o manner_n or_o if_o he_o have_v be_v late_o guilty_a of_o any_o notorious_a wilful_a sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o that_o sin_n upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o then_o i_o will_v grant_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o receive_v unworthy_o as_o by_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n ordinance_n but_o the_o case_n here_o be_v not_o so_o the_o man_n be_v real_o a_o honest_a well-meaning_a christian_a nor_o have_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o late_a which_o can_v give_v he_o any_o suspicion_n of_o his_o have_v forfeit_v that_o title_n only_o through_o his_o mistake_n about_o the_o notion_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n he_o apprehend_v he_o be_v not_o qualify_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o yet_o if_o most_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o his_o condition_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v why_o certain_o in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o man_n that_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n especial_o if_o he_o do_v it_o customary_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o all_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n about_o he_o for_o as_o i_o say_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n by_o habitual_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o that_o great_a christian_a service_n for_o those_o be_v found_v on_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v found_v only_o on_o uncertain_a conjectural_a surmise_n about_o his_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o pay_v his_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v such_o assurance_n in_o his_o case_n that_o he_o be_v unqualify_v for_o pay_v that_o homage_n but_o second_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o doubt_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o man_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n if_o he_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v which_o yet_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o nay_o if_o you_o please_v let_v we_o suppose_v the_o man_n do_v certain_o sin_n whether_o he_o receive_v or_o forbear_v here_o than_o this_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o of_o these_o two_o sin_n be_v the_o least_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o yet_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o for_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o the_o least_o sin_n happen_v to_o be_v to_o that_o side_n the_o man_n be_v to_o determine_v himself_o according_a to_o our_o second_o rule_n it_o be_v eternal_o reasonable_a that_o of_o two_o evil_n we_o shall_v choose_v the_o least_o when_o we_o can_v avoid_v both_o now_o put_v the_o case_n before_o we_o upon_o this_o issue_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o resolve_v it_o than_o only_o to_o ask_v this_o general_a question_n which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o these_o two_o for_o a_o man_n to_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o to_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n or_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o that_o law_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o yet_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v that_o without_o break_v another_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o man_n who_o do_v this_o last_o though_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v innocent_a yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a in_o a_o far_o less_o degree_n than_o the_o man_n that_o practise_v the_o former_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o his_o justification_n let_v we_o
law_n of_o god_n than_o of_o observe_v that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v though_o with_o much_o unworthiness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o further_a with_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o encourage_v any_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o due_a qualification_n or_o from_o extenuate_v any_o man_n sin_n that_o come_v unworthy_o unworthy_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o melancholy_a scrupulous_a person_n yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o live_v in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o a_o renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n and_o withal_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o even_o the_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n voluntary_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o partake_n in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v for_o all_o that_o think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n from_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o too_o much_o consider_v how_o often_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o with_o our_o case_n in_o the_o three_o place_n therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v give_v to_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o general_o take_v the_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o our_o lord_n by_o partake_v in_o his_o supper_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o since_o his_o last_o communicate_v he_o find_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o much_o worse_a frame_n than_o it_o use_v to_o be_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o perhaps_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n that_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o conscience_n so_o that_o when_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n of_o receive_v come_v he_o can_v but_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a unfit_a condition_n to_o communicate_v in_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n what_o to_o do_v for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o offend_v god_n if_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o forbid_v he_o to_o come_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v he_o to_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o he_o have_v opportunity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n every_o time_n that_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o these_o circumstance_n this_o be_v a_o exact_a instance_n of_o the_o case_n i_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o three_o proposition_n where_o on_o one_o side_n the_o man_n run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n now_o for_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n i_o say_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n only_o once_o or_o twice_o from_o the_o communion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a frame_n of_o mind_n against_o another_o opportunity_n the_o answer_n according_a to_o our_o three_o proposition_n must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a thus_o to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o this_o answer_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n be_v more_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o the_o one_o but_o no_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o the_o other_o for_o christ_n have_v no_o more_o appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o year_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o day_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o determinate_a proportion_n of_o our_o annual_a income_n to_o charitable_a uses_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v bind_v we_o in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o to_o the_o particular_n the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o determine_v we_o only_o this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o often_o we_o perform_v these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o better_a and_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o be_v christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o frequent_o this_o now_o be_v so_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n if_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n though_o but_o once_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o unworthiness_n as_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o suppose_v that_o christ_n law_n have_v precise_o tie_v he_o up_o to_o communicate_v every_o time_n that_o a_o communion_n be_v appoint_v yet_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v thus_o tie_v he_o up_o and_o withal_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o run_v so_o certain_a a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o shall_v communicate_v at_o this_o time_n apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o unworthy_a as_o he_o do_v this_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n must_v needs_o in_o this_o case_n overballance_v the_o other_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o reasonable_a to_o the_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o receive_n to_o another_o opportunity_n against_o which_o time_n he_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o prepare_v than_o to_o adventure_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o then_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n customary_o and_o habitual_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o this_o a_o count_n of_o unworthiness_n that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v not_o hold_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o nay_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o first_o particular_a about_o this_o case_n and_o withal_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o in_o come_v to_o it_o though_o with_o never_o so_o great_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o second_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o danger_n be_v at_o least_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n he_o must_v choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o least_o sin_n lie_v that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v communicate_v frequent_o at_o least_o so_o often_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n do_v enjoin_v he_o which_o be_v three_o time_n a_o year_n though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o communicate_v at_o all_o have_v thus_o go_v through_o three_o of_o our_o proposition_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o put_v our_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o illustration_n of_o our_o four_o and_o last_o here_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n to_o be_v
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 wise_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 3.21_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
with_o any_o impartial_a conscientious_a man_n out_o weigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o he_o rather_o to_o conform_v how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o doubt_n then_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n vide_fw-la three_o proposition_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n pag._n 27._o this_o be_v the_o issue_n upon_o which_o we_o will_v try_v the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o i_o refuse_v no_o indifferent_a man_n that_o will_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o be_v umpire_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o to_o this_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o suppose_v and_o admit_v that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v these_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o establish_v worship_n do_v real_o doubt_v on_o the_o true_a side_n and_o that_o he_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v conform_v to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v admit_v likewise_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v wonderful_o obscure_o declare_v there_o be_v no_o direct_a prohibition_n either_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o book_n of_o god_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o contest_v so_o that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o consequence_n and_o those_o consequence_n likewise_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o christ_n time_n till_o our_o reformation_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o though_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o either_o these_o or_o the_o like_a usage_n have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o all_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n either_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n ever_o condemn_v they_o as_o sinful_a or_o indeed_o that_o any_o particular_a christian_a do_v ever_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n these_o consequence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v unlawful_a be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state._n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world._n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v o_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatural_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contenâ—â—â—_n for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o not_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_a than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conference_n to_o join_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seporate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a 〈◊〉_d lie_v of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o 〈…〉_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o browless_n and_o the_o presbyter_n against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o câ—â—â—â—s_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a all_o three_o print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n
free_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o that_o thing_n 2._o and_o thus_o much_o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o conscience_n i._n e._n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o case_n a_o man_n conscience_n be_v affect_v with_o his_o doubt_n which_o be_v our_o second_o point_n under_o this_o head._n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v doubtful_a as_o to_o which_o his_o conscience_n shall_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v a_o man_n doubt_n may_v indeed_o be_v as_o various_a as_o be_v the_o object_n he_o have_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n think_v of_o or_o say_v or_o do_v affect_v his_o conscience_n we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o every_o doubt_n do_v as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o touch_v nor_o affect_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o own_o action_n so_o neither_o do_v a_o man_n doubt_n affect_v or_o touch_v his_o conscience_n any_o further_a than_o they_o concern_v his_o action_n so_o that_o doubt_n about_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n as_o whether_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o likewise_o doubt_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o a_o man_n own_o action_n these_o doubt_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o conscience_n as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o his_o own_o action_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n or_o consideration_n than_o only_o as_o god_n law_n be_v to_o regulate_v they_o viz._n as_o they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o that_o law_n or_o forbid_v by_o it_o so_o neither_o do_v a_o man_n doubt_n concern_v his_o action_n affect_v his_o conscience_n any_o far_a or_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o only_o as_o god_n law_n may_v be_v trangress_v by_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v of_o that_o be_v as_o he_o may_v sin_v against_o god_n either_o by_o omit_v the_o action_n when_o god_n law_n have_v command_v it_o or_o by_o do_v it_o when_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o finned_a not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head._n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god._n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discourse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o mater_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o a_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n
or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v a_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v between_o doubt_v for_o instance_n whether_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a and_o doubt_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n where_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o which_o doubt_n the_o casuist_n call_v a_o speculative_a doubt_n the_o other_o a_o practical_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v often_o very_o easy_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o latter_a kind_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v what_o it_o become_v he_o to_o do_v as_o to_o this_o present_a action_n without_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v his_o doubt_n of_o the_o former_a kind_n thus_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a to_o play_v at_o card_n or_o die_n which_o be_v the_o speculative_a doubt_n as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v very_o able_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o doubt_n again_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n whether_o the_o present_a war_n in_o which_o his_o prince_n be_v engage_v be_v a_o just_a war_n or_o no_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a doubt_n that_o be_v what_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v in_o case_n his_o prince_n command_v he_o to_o serve_v in_o that_o war_n concern_v which_o he_o do_v thus_o doubt_n now_o it_o be_v the_o doubt_n of_o this_o latter_a kind_n these_o practical_a doubt_n as_o they_o be_v call_v that_o conscience_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o concern_v with_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o which_o it_o chief_o need_v a_o rule_n to_o direct_v it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v but_o get_v satisfy_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o present_a action_n he_o doubt_v about_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n as_o to_o his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v his_o general_n or_o speculative_a doubt_n about_o that_o action_n resolve_v or_o no._n these_o kind_n of_o doubt_n if_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v must_v be_v overrule_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a idle_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o talk_v that_o a_o man_n must_v do_v no_o action_n till_o all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o be_v resolve_v thus_o far_o we_o grant_v it_o concern_v he_o that_o his_o doubt_n shall_v be_v resolve_v viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n he_o determine_v himself_o to_o be_v all_o thing_n consider_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o to_o direct_v a_o man_n in_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n be_v our_o principal_a business_n under_o this_o head._n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o a_o man_n must_v so_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o a_o action_n as_o to_o see_v clear_o through_o all_o the_o speculative_a point_n which_o occasion_n his_o doubt_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o before_o entangle_v his_o understanding_n and_o from_o intrinsic_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o question_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v their_o meaning_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o absurd_a than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n till_o he_o have_v resolve_v or_o depose_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o for_o in_o many_o case_n this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o person_n concern_v perhaps_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o sufficient_a time_n of_o consideration_n for_o the_o do_v it_o for_o he_o must_v either_o act_n or_o not_o act_v present_o and_o he_o be_v in_o equal_a perplexity_n both_o as_o to_o the_o one_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o do_v more_o than_o this_o viz._n by_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n to_o get_v satisfy_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o for_o as_o for_o other_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o thing_n stand_v with_o he_o he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o prospect_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o all_o be_v say_v we_o see_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o proceed_v among_o man_n even_o those_o that_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a i_o dare_v say_v if_o we_o take_v all_o the_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v where_o there_o be_v one_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n upon_o such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o before_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v ten_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v overrule_v and_o the_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n without_o such_o a_o resolution_n sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o though_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n yet_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o he_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n to_o act_v thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o for_o this_o he_o take_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o general_n duty_n or_o this_o be_v that_o which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o he_o have_v consult_v do_v advise_v he_o to_o and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v what_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v which_o a_o man_n conscience_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n safe_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n upon_o this_o head_n which_o be_v what_o that_o rule_n be_v by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o thus_o resolve_v our_o doubt_n or_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o one_o side_n or_o other_o in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n by_o which_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v second_o i_o shall_v apply_v this_o
general_n rule_n to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v concern_v that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o some_o principle_n for_o the_o determine_v himself_o in_o any_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o happen_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o have_v consider_v what_o we_o have_v before_o say_v will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n but_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n on_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o for_o since_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o doubt_v be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o which_o be_v to_o settle_v the_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v the_o doubt_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o viz._n that_o after_o all_o thing_n consider_v there_o do_v appear_v great_a reason_n to_o lie_v on_o this_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o there_o do_v on_o that_o so_o that_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o from_o which_o the_o measure_n of_o resolve_v all_o particular_a case_n be_v to_o be_v take_v can_v be_v lay_v down_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n that_o side_n which_o all_o thing_n due_o consider_v do_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o casuist_n have_v usual_o propose_v this_o rule_n in_o other_o term_n viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v but_o i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o express_v it_o so_o because_o of_o the_o uncertain_a meaning_n of_o the_o safe_a side_n for_o according_a as_o that_o word_n be_v expound_v as_o it_o may_v be_v expound_v different_a way_n so_o be_v the_o rule_n so_o word_v true_a or_o false_a if_o we_o take_v safety_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n and_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o usual_o understand_v viz._n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o any_o hazard_n or_o danger_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o all_o case_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o will_v be_v very_o unadvisable_v so_o to_o do_v sure_o i_o be_o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a life_n no_o wife_n man_n do_v always_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n to_o himself_o we_o see_v a_o hundred_o instance_n every_o day_n where_o man_n venture_v upon_o the_o less_o safe_a and_o the_o more_o hazardous_a side_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o reason_n and_o consideration_n which_o they_o think_v aught_o more_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o general_a speak_n more_o safe_a that_o be_v more_o free_a from_o hazard_n or_o danger_n to_o travel_v on_o foot_n than_o on_o horseback_n to_o 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that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o appear_v the_o least_o hazard_n or_o danger_n of_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god._n but_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o safety_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o good_a rule_n for_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v thus_o put_v and_o thus_o understand_v it_o will_v often_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o rather_o entangle_v he_o further_o in_o difficulty_n than_o help_v he_o out_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o rule_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o all_o his_o action_n to_o keep_v himself_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n he_o can_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o safety_n i_o here_o speak_v of_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v very_o few_o person_n that_o converse_v much_o in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v reason_n almost_o every_o day_n to_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o transgress_v this_o rule_n for_o they_o do_v every_o day_n engage_v in_o such_o action_n in_o which_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o thus_o for_o instance_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o we_o who_o although_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v prone_a enough_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n in_o eat_v or_o drink_v when_o temptation_n be_v offer_v and_o according_o for_o this_o reason_n do_v most_o serious_o set_v himself_o against_o this_o particular_a sin_n yet_o make_v any_o great_a scruple_n of_o go_v to_o feast_n and_o entertainment_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v by_o other_o nay_o or_o of_o make_v they_o himself_o when_o decency_n or_o civility_n or_o the_o serve_v any_o of_o his_o temporal_a affair_n do_v require_v he_o so_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o run_v a_o much_o great_a hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n he_o fear_v than_o if_o he_o shall_v forbear_v all_o such_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n of_o intemperance_n many_o other_o instance_n which_o daily_o occur_v in_o humane_a life_n may_v be_v give_v wherein_o good_a man_n nay_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o business_n or_o other_o laudable_a design_n which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o pursue_v frequent_o venture_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o this_o without_o any_o reproach_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o any_o censure_n from_o other_o men._n the_o truth_n be_v god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o secure_v a_o man_n duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o any_o action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o conversation_n preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n or_o if_o you_o will_v danger_n of_o so_o do_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o live_v like_o a_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o perform_v the_o common_a office_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o much_o more_o to_o live_v to_o any_o great_a purpose_n for_o the_o serve_v his_o generation_n indeed_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o whoever_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a must_v abandon_v all_o secular_a affair_n and_o retire_v to_o a_o cloister_n or_o a_o desert_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o business_n those_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v safe_o venture_v on_o the_o more_o dangerous_a side_n of_o a_o action_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o considerable_a good_a that_o they_o design_n in_o that_o action_n but_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o be_v that_o of_o one_o who_o be_v altogether_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o action_n or_o no._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o determine_v themselves_o in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v do_v thus_o far_o i_o think_v come_v home_o to_o that_o business_n that_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v advisable_v in_o any_o case_n to_o forsake_v the_o more_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o action_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o more_o hazardous_a we_o will_v take_v it_o for_o
in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o apprehend_v he_o run_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_v whether_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o withal_o so_o unskilful_a a_o judge_n be_v he_o of_o the_o morality_n of_o action_n that_o he_o apprehend_v no_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o in_o this_o case_n now_o all_o the_o man_n can_v do_v be_v to_o consider_v what_o inducement_n he_o have_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n or_o interest_n to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o for_o since_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a those_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n according_a to_o our_o four_o proposition_n but_o if_o the_o case_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n will_v be_v long_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o shall_v frequent_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o forbear_v it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o act_v more_o prudent_o and_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o advantage_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a by_o do_v the_o former_a as_o for_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o they_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o inconsiderable_a that_o which_o i_o desire_v chief_o to_o be_v here_o consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n it_o be_v much_o more_o advisable_v for_o our_o doubt_v person_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o by_o frequent_v this_o ordinance_n he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n both_o to_o grow_v more_o worthy_a if_o he_o be_v now_o unworthy_a and_o likewise_o to_o cure_v the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n he_o be_v now_o trouble_v with_o but_o if_o he_o neglect_v this_o mean_n of_o grace_n he_o not_o only_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o increase_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o long_o he_o defer_v his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n still_o the_o more_o doubtful_a will_v he_o be_v of_o his_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o but_o also_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o he_o now_o have_v upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v most_o principal_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o maintain_v it_o now_o i_o say_v suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n equal_a this_o very_a consideration_n alone_o will_v prevail_v with_o a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o forbear_v it_o even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v unworthy_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o large_a exemplification_n of_o all_o our_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v thus_o prepare_v our_o way_n by_o settle_v the_o notion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o main_a business_n that_o be_v before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o share_n humane_a law_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a have_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o what_o power_n they_o have_v to_o over-rule_v a_o man_n doubt_n in_o any_o case_n which_o according_a to_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v be_v the_o three_o general_n enquiry_n i_o be_o to_o resolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a point_n that_o be_v dispute_v between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o point_n upon_o which_o that_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v so_o far_o as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discuss_v it_o as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o general_a way_n as_o that_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v may_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o doubtful_a case_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o this_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o their_o assertion_n general_o be_v this_o general_o i_o say_v for_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a as_o any_o who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o of_o another_o opinion_n viz._n that_o wherever_o a_o man_n doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o very_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o forbear_v that_o action_n though_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assertion_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o chief_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n i._o what_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o right_n apprehend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o what_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o first_o we_o do_v ready_o own_v with_o they_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v its_o subject_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v second_o we_o agree_v likewise_o with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o wherever_o any_o subject_n have_v take_v up_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o such_o a_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o will_v so_o far_o bind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v in_o that_o instance_n obey_v their_o law_n without_o offend_a god._n but_o then_o we_o say_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o though_o he_o can_v obey_v without_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v yet_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n three_o we_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o particular_a action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v a_o sinful_a action_n but_o only_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o yet_o if_o the_o man_n have_v a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o no_o public_a law_n will_v warrant_v he_o to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v no_o more_o do_v the_o action_n enjoin_v without_o sin_n than_o he_o can_v in_o the_o former_a case_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o disobey_v his_o superior_n unless_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n of_o inculpable_a ignorance_n four_o we_o say_v this_o far_o that_o a_o culpable_a doubt_n do_v no_o more_o excuse_v the_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o a_o culpable_a ignorance_n i._n e._n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v it_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o so_o plain_o i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o know_v this_o and_o he_o must_v be_v most_o criminal_o ignorant_a that_o can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o his_o superior_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v that_o a_o man_n
i_o have_v already_o answer_v in_o my_o proof_n of_o our_o assertion_n so_o that_o the_o three_o only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o however_o i_o will_v name_v the_o two_o first_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o our_o doctrine_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o involve_v he_o oftentime_o in_o most_o grievous_a sin_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v so_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o israelite_n sometime_o do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o it_o then_o happen_v among_o they_o the_o chief_a ruler_n shall_v command_v that_o baal_n shall_v be_v worship_v why_o now_o in_o this_o case_n say_v they_o according_a to_o your_o way_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n the_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o true_a god._n this_o be_v the_o argument_n but_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o because_o in_o the_o state_v of_o our_o question_n we_o have_v exclude_v all_o such_o doubt_n out_o of_o it_o as_o do_v proceed_v from_o a_o man_n gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a and_o notorious_a that_o the_o doubt_v in_o this_o instance_n do_v on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v as_o forward_o to_o acknowledge_v as_o they_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v a_o action_n that_o be_v plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o his_o ignorance_n and_o much_o less_o his_o doubtfulness_n that_o will_v excuse_v he_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o governor_n so_o that_o though_o this_o argument_n will_v fall_v heavy_a enough_o upon_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o absolute_a blind_a obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n indiscriminate_o which_o no_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o touch_v we_o who_o only_o assert_v that_o where_o we_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o a_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n there_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o doubt_n but_o further_a to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o have_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n we_o will_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o we_o when_o they_o put_v the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o as_o before_o that_o a_o israelite_n be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o as_o we_o reasonable_o may_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o baal_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n now_o will_v they_o give_v to_o the_o doubt_a man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o say_v that_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o king_n law_n and_o worship_n jehovah_n only_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o baal_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n why_o this_o be_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n to_o we_o but_o will_v they_o then_o say_v that_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v the_o man_n must_v not_o obey_v authority_n in_o worship_v jehovah_n only_o but_o he_o must_v either_o worship_n baal_n and_o not_o jehovah_n or_o both_o baal_n and_o jehovah_n together_o why_o this_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n but_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o my_o reader_n whether_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o necessary_o engage_v in_o idolatry_n and_o other_o grievous_a sin_n as_o he_o be_v by_o our_o way_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o conclude_v nothing_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o question_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o state_v of_o it_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o limitation_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v to_o the_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o god_n have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_a be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v as_o much_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n yet_o when_o ever_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weighty_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v obey_v rather_o than_o disobey_v in_o that_o case_n as_o will_v persuade_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o those_o reason_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o five_o particular_n i_o before_o insist_v on_o the_o three_o and_o indeed_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n and_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 and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o whence_o they_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o christian_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o doubt_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n command_v that_o action_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o point_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o a_o just_a discussion_n because_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o come_v clear_o off_o from_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o obey_v authority_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o likewise_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o this_o text_n with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v some_o general_a account_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n that_o so_o understand_v before_o hand_n the_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o here_o use_v they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n ii_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o this_o text._n iii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v not_o of_o faith._n iu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v damn_a or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v first_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o so_o full_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o that_o they_o still_o believe_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o to_o oblige_v their_o conscience_n