that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v make_v know_v to_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n consequential_o and_o by_o way_n of_o deduction_n though_o not_o original_o ingraft_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o that_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v plant_v in_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o inclinableness_n of_o generous_a mind_n to_o it_o as_o a_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n see_v all_o perfection_n derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n 9_o dan._n 9_o 9_o our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n it_o do_v so_o by_o insert_v it_o as_o a_o nobleness_n in_o his_o heart_n they_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o esteem_v it_o a_o virtue_n and_o of_o most_o desirable_a practice_n in_o themselves_o may_v upon_o that_o very_a reason_n despair_n of_o it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o count_v it_o wise_a and_o better_o not_o to_o forgive_v and_o whatever_o be_v best_a and_o wise_a be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n 2._o by_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o its_o most_o natural_a inference_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o be_v salvation_n 9_o rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 9_o infinite_a goodness_n not_o be_v willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o penitential_a frame_n discoverable_a in_o humane_a nature_n upon_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o sin_n answer_v this_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o the_o eye_n and_o light_n as_o the_o ear_n and_o sound_n do_v one_o another_o and_o both_o together_o be_v a_o connate_a gospel_n in_o man_n soul_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v this_o a_o derogation_n from_o the_o mediator_n he_o will_v be_v satisfy_v i_o intend_v no_o such_o when_o i_o tell_v he_o i_o esteem_v all_o those_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o morality_n as_o continue_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o man_n be_v from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o creator-redeemer_n by_o who_o every_o thing_n be_v make_v that_o be_v make_v who_o be_v that_o true_a light_n that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n natural_a religion_n therefore_o may_v well_o be_v inlay_v 9_o john_n 1._o 4_o 9_o with_o evangelical_n line_n since_o it_o be_v all_o from_o christ_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o both_o st._n paul_n and_o peter_n discourse_v it_o as_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n to_o account_v it_o slackness_n and_o not_o salvation_n which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o a_o pardon_n make_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n nay_o indeed_o all_o impression_n of_o natural_a religion_n continue_v and_o move_v to_o good_a action_n after_o sin_n be_v build_v upon_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n because_o god_n allow_v receive_v no_o worship_n from_o devil_n who_o find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n david_n therefore_o celebrate_v god_n thus_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n 4._o psal_n 103._o 4._o with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o be_v honour_v reverence_v worship_a and_o serve_v which_o can_v not_o be_v since_o man_n sin_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o forgive_v thus_o evident_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o pardon_n and_o repentance_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a religion_n since_o the_o fall_n that_o must_v be_v a_o noble_a branch_n of_o it_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n have_v a_o confidence_n in_o this_o mercy_n that_o so_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o destruction_n notwithstanding_o for_o the_o allowance_n ult_n jonah_n 3._o ult_n of_o they_o a_o quarentine_n or_o forty_o day_n patience_n carry_v a_o solemn_a promise_n of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o else_o why_o be_v not_o the_o destruction_n immediate_a so_o he_o understand_v and_o so_o it_o prove_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a part_n of_o religious_a public_a discourse_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n which_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n our_o expectation_n from_o he_o both_o for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n challenge_v from_o we_o the_o recommendation_n of_o our_o state_n beyond_o death_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n require_v it_o of_o we_o the_o peaceable_a and_o prosperous_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o our_o near_a concern_v in_o it_o national_a domestic_a personal_n provoke_v we_o to_o it_o prayer_n for_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n vow_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o of_o returns_z to_o he_o by_o repentance_n how_o necessary_a be_v they_o for_o upon_o supposition_n of_o sin_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o same_o consideration_n enter_v into_o prayer_n that_o do_v into_o discourse_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o natural_a that_o not_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o restrain_v 4._o john_n 15._o 4._o prayer_n to_o shut_v up_o and_o imprison_v a_o most_o natural_a motion_n and_o vent_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v ready_a forcible_o to_o burst_v out_o as_o water_v consign_v within_o bound_n too_o close_o for_o it_o david_n make_v address_n to_o god_n as_o by_o one_o of_o his_o attribute_n oh_o thou_o 2._o psal_n 65._o 2._o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o universal_a congregation_n of_o suppliant_n about_o thou_o to_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 3._o praise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o continual_a beneficency_n to_o ourselves_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o his_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o severity_n upon_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o tribute_n to_o god_n so_o natural_a that_o god_n as_o our_o maker_n give_v all_o man_n song_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v continual_a matter_n of_o praise_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a season_n the_o whole_a creation_n be_v one_o mouth_n open_v in_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v so_o due_a and_o even_o necessary_a to_o be_v pay_v that_o some_o naturalist_n of_o no_o great_a reputation_n for_o devotion_n have_v upon_o the_o survey_n of_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n find_v his_o praise_n even_o bubble_v up_o from_o they_o in_o hymn_n of_o praise_n 4._o the_o holy_a and_o reverend_a mention_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o just_a and_o valuable_a reason_n as_o in_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n in_o covenant_n and_o pact_n in_o decision_n of_o controversy_n by_o testimony_n in_o asseveration_n of_o truth_n in_o promise_n be_v among_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o natural_a religion_n last_o the_o universal_a sanctification_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n that_o in_o nothing_o we_o may_v reverse_v that_o acknowledgement_n we_o make_v in_o solemn_a duty_n who_o that_o call_v god_n the_o bâ—st_n and_o great_a name_n of_o love_n and_o awe_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o heathen_n do_v by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o keep_v back_o any_o part_n of_o these_o from_o god_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v they_o or_o do_v contrary_a to_o they_o by_o impious_a swear_n blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o undervalue_v the_o awful_a and_o tremendous_a attribute_n or_o what_o evident_o and_o undoubted_o pertain_v to_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o glory_n who_o can_v say_v severity_n upon_o he_o be_v cruelty_n but_o a_o due_a sacrifice_n to_o justice_n as_o punishment_n for_o blood_n rapine_n unnatural_a lust_n be_v all_o these_o then_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a duty_n that_o they_o need_v nothing_o of_o further_a discourse_n but_o only_o a_o sober_a reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o evidence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o prevalency_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n beside_o the_o very_a gravity_n require_v in_o such_o awful_a action_n the_o prudence_n of_o rational_a nature_n in_o its_o solemn_a deportment_n the_o great_a condecency_n require_v to_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v arise_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o artifice_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v except_o a_o caution_n to_o rest_v here_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o transport_n and_o enchantment_n of_o a_o fleshly_a imagination_n that_o be_v endless_o spin_v out_o itself_o in_o form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n till_o that_o worship_n become_v not_o a_o piece_n of_o pageantry_n only_o for_o that_o be_v
religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v 2._o the_o error_n suppose_v in_o such_o a_o national_a constitution_n now_o reformation_n of_o national_a constitution_n in_o religion_n be_v contestable_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v till_o these_o suppose_a error_n of_o such_o a_o account_n as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v remove_v we_o must_v either_o not_o worship_n in_o consent_n with_o our_o nation_n which_o seem_v as_o natural_a as_o with_o our_o family_n and_o much_o countenance_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o we_o must_v wait_v the_o season_n of_o public_a reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n attend_v public_a worship_n and_o avoid_v with_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o can_v the_o dint_n of_o error_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o we_o suppose_v the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n do_v not_o in_o far_o great_a corruption_n omit_v certain_o all_o sort_n of_o public_a worship_n beside_o the_o temple-worship_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n nor_o kiss_v he_o gross_a corruption_n be_v indeed_o positive_o to_o be_v refuse_v and_o abhor_v such_o as_o those_o of_o that_o time_n such_o as_o those_o of_o popery_n such_o as_o be_v all_o though_o not_o complete_a popery_n yet_o too_o near_o it_o lesser_a dissatisfaction_n may_v be_v wary_o avoid_v and_o yet_o national_a religion_n as_o far_o own_a as_o we_o can_v without_o share_v even_o in_o those_o small_a error_n and_o it_o be_v some_o relief_n to_o we_o herein_o that_o although_o it_o be_v evident_a national_a law_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n in_o religion_n any_o further_a than_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o man_n conscience_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o they_o can_v save_v he_o harmless_a at_o the_o last_o tribunal_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o reason_n can_v bind_v he_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o relief_n in_o that_o obedience_n a_o sober_a christian_a desire_n to_o pay_v to_o humane_a law_n so_o far_o as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n and_o the_o regard_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o national_a religion_n that_o he_o may_v well_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o connivance_n or_o relaxation_n of_o humane_a law_n in_o their_o prosecution_n as_o all_o man_n how_o conscientious_a soever_o concern_v humane_a law_n do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n where_o the_o law_n be_v not_o press_v nor_o the_o injury_n any_o although_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o ordinary_a common_a liberty_n that_o be_v restrain_v for_o if_o authority_n be_v not_o despise_v if_o public_a good_a be_v not_o incommoded_a humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n as_o divine_a law_n do_v and_o therefore_o much_o less_o in_o religion_n wherein_o except_o natural_a their_o power_n have_v not_o a_o further_a obligation_n than_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a of_o divine_a authority_n concur_v thus_o than_o a_o man_n may_v without_o offence_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o such_o observance_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o public_a worship_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o a_o nation_n enter_v into_o their_o public_a administration_n of_o religion_n as_o into_o other_o national_a solemnity_n there_o be_v their_o law_n and_o appointment_n of_o what_o they_o think_v grave_a decent_a orderly_a rational_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o condescension_n to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n of_o their_o people_n and_o security_n for_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v certain_o perform_v with_o that_o advantage_n as_o liturgy_n and_o read_v scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v intend_v as_o cementation_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a end_n if_o it_o be_v a_o subordinate_a end_n and_o regulate_v by_o the_o high_a now_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o all_o this_o yet_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o national_a conjunction_n in_o divine_a worship_n we_o shall_v tolerate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v or_o they_o may_v be_v interpret_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a appointment_n civil_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o national_a custom_n for_o if_o nothing_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o nothing_o may_v be_v favourable_o interpret_v there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o charity_n 7._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 7._o in_o those_o excellent_a act_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n record_n viz._n charity_n believe_v and_o hope_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o symmetry_n to_o truth_n and_o discretion_n be_v hope_v or_o believe_v it_o bear_v all_o thing_n it_o endure_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v without_o our_o own_o sin_n though_o sinful_a in_o other_o as_o command_v with_o rigour_n or_o over-esteeming_a thing_n not_o necessary_a 3._o it_o seem_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o pharisee_n precept_n speak_v out_o of_o moses_n his_o chair_n and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o pharisee_n which_o be_v express_o expound_v 12._o mat_n 23._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 12._o of_o the_o leaven_n of_o doctrine_n that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n where_o the_o main_a part_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o he_o may_v separate_v between_o the_o pure_a and_o corrupt_a part_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o private_a act_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n can_v not_o do_v this_o i_o know_v not_o how_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o any_o humane_a performance_n as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o or_o how_o he_o shall_v allow_v his_o own_o worship_n of_o god_n see_v he_o must_v needs_o condemn_v himself_o in_o particular_n wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o general_a every_o thing_n humane_a be_v imperfect_a i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o evil_n of_o unavoidable_a incursion_n and_o those_o that_o be_v frame_v and_o deliberate_v into_o a_o constitution_n but_o even_o in_o this_o case_n it_o appear_v a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n when_o he_o join_v with_o the_o solemn_a action_n of_o other_o to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a account_n of_o such_o action_n beside_o their_o ill_a one_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o abhor_v by_o scripture_n than_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o offer_n do_v to_o the_o idol_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o freedom_n of_o eat_v thing_n so_o offer_v and_o even_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n where_o a_o christian_a have_v the_o 10._o 1_o cor_fw-la 8._o 10._o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v or_o draw_v into_o sin_n that_o have_v not_o that_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n 4._o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o be_v donce_n or_o receive_v will_v recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a without_o a_o eye_n to_o that_o good_a and_o in_o some_o case_n unlawful_a and_o forbid_a as_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o all_o mean_v he_o may_v save_v some_o it_o appear_v too_o by_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o circumcise_n timothy_n by_o his_o intend_v and_o relax_v his_o discourse_n 26._o act._n 16._o 3._o act._n 21._o 26._o concern_v jewish_n rite_n it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_v the_o disciple_n hear_v the_o pharisee_n though_o they_o endanger_v themselves_o with_o the_o leaven_n so_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o regard_n and_o reverence_v due_a to_o moses_n his_o chair_n in_o all_o proportion_n of_o reason_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o allow_v it_o and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o other_o time_n very_o severe_a as_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o wash_a hand_n as_o in_o the_o young_a 10._o mat._n 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 19_o 17._o gal._n 5_o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10._o man_n call_v he_o good_a and_o the_o apostle_n concern_v circumcision_n and_o jewish_a rite_n it_o be_v upon_o great_a account_n of_o preserve_v pure_a and_o safe_a the_o main_a point_n and_o design_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n i_o have_v propose_v with_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o accuse_v my_o nation_n of_o by_o all_o 19_o act._n 28._o 19_o mean_n to_o be_v shun_v with_o
scandal_n play_v itself_o upon_o indifferent_n 4._o the_o great_a consideration_n against_o press_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v come_v into_o scandal_n so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n 5._o the_o answer_n of_o the_o several_a objection_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o disparallel_a indifferent_n because_o of_o other_o circumstance_n with_o these_o indifferent_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n with_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o these_o four_o character_n of_o they_o 1._o they_o be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a innocent_a and_o in_o their_o use_n as_o of_o themselves_o no_o way_n displease_v to_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v with_o great_a boldness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o meat_n that_o be_v forbid_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n i_o be_o say_v he_o in_o respect_n to_o they_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a in_o the_o case_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n he_o declare_v all_o thing_n viz._n of_o that_o kind_a be_v lawful_a that_o be_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v use_v aright_o if_o they_o be_v take_v by_o the_o right_a handle_n although_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infinite_a evil_n that_o can_v taint_v what_o god_n have_v make_v good_a there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o all_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o thing_n be_v original_o and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o in_o or_o for_o no_o idol_n or_o demon_n there_o be_v one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n by_o who_o in_o a_o reconcile_a and_o atone_v state_n after_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o curse_n by_o sin_n be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o by_o no_o demon-mediator_n or_o intercessor_n this_o right_a title_n claim_v and_o propriety_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n no_o daemon_n can_v expulse_v god_n and_o christ_n so_o fill_v all_o thing_n that_o a_o idol_n can_v be_v but_o a_o nothing_o 2._o these_o indifferent_n or_o the_o use_n of_o they_o can_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n as_o of_o themselves_o we_o be_v not_o the_o better_a if_o we_o eat_v or_o the_o worse_a if_o we_o eat_v not_o meat_n commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n 3._o there_o may_v yet_o be_v so_o religious_a and_o advantageous_a use_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o may_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o due_a circumstance_n and_o the_o elevation_n of_o they_o to_o the_o best_a and_o worthy_a end_n be_v occasion_n i_o say_v occasion_n only_o of_o religious_a service_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o that_o on_o either_o side_n which_o show_v their_o indifferency_n for_o one_o side_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n of_o religious_a action_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o so_o neither_o side_n oblige_v we_o more_o than_o other_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v god_n thanks_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v he_o that_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o god_n right_o and_o not_o in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o daemon_n be_v a_o partaker_n by_o grace_n or_o divine_a bounty_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o meat_n be_v god_n and_o his_o provision_n and_o the_o idol_n to_o he_o that_o understand_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o not_o the_o idol_n it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n command_v whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o you_o do_v that_o be_v or_o not_o eat_v or_o not_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 4._o they_o may_v be_v use_v amiss_o both_o way_n in_o some_o circumstance_n it_o be_v good_a not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n or_o drink_v wine_n even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o may_v in_o some_o circumstance_n be_v inexpedient_n and_o not_o edify_v that_o be_v by_o a_o diminutive_a way_n of_o speak_v run_v counter_a to_o the_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o scandalize_v other_o they_o that_o have_v knowledge_n concern_v their_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o may_v yet_o so_o use_v they_o as_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o righteous_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o eat_v without_o knowledge_n eat_v so_o as_o to_o eat_v with_o scandal_n to_o doubt_v and_o be_v damn_v in_o their_o eat_v on_o the_o the_o other_o side_n they_o which_o use_v they_o not_o that_o eat_v not_o that_o will_v not_o eat_v may_v so_o not_o eat_v as_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o another_o sort_n of_o scandal_n while_o they_o grow_v superstitious_o afraid_a to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n aright_o only_o make_v use_v of_o that_o side_n of_o they_o he_o choose_v as_o a_o occasion_n or_o act_v â—o_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v in_o all_o he_o do_v without_o place_v any_o weight_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o christian_a full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o eat_v eat_v and_o give_v god_n thanks_o but_o know_v meat_n commend_v he_o not_o to_o god_n make_v it_o no_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o eat_v and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n forbear_v it_o the_o christian_n that_o eat_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v as_o in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n not_o to_o eat_v either_o meat_n unclean_a according_a to_o moses_n or_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n without_o lay_v any_o stress_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o abstinence_n in_o either_o but_o only_o the_o assurance_n he_o be_v not_o the_o worse_a in_o not_o eat_v and_o thereby_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o either_o doubt_n in_o himself_o or_o scandalize_a any_o other_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o liberty_n in_o distinguish_v a_o day_n upon_o any_o good_a occasion_n that_o be_v distinguish_v under_o the_o law_n without_o observe_v of_o day_n as_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a place_n a_o religious_a action_n on_o that_o day_n according_a to_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o so_o avoid_v the_o doubt_n in_o himself_o of_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v and_o the_o scandal_n to_o any_o other_o but_o now_o he_o that_o not_o eat_v slip_v unaware_o into_o a_o surmise_n of_o evil_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o he_o do_v a_o great_a act_n of_o religion_n in_o not_o eat_v and_o so_o dare_v not_o touch_v taste_n handle_v or_o he_o that_o will_v gain_v as_o he_o think_v upon_o god_n by_o observe_v day_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o scandal_n of_o make_v his_o weakness_n a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n even_o as_o he_o that_o for_o the_o vaunt_n of_o his_o liberty_n eat_v licentious_o and_o careless_o of_o other_o or_o think_v in_o eat_v he_o do_v god_n service_n or_o in_o eat_v slide_v into_o his_o old_a awe_v or_o pang_n of_o devotion_n to_o the_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o his_o right_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o so_o be_v defile_v or_o last_o eat_v when_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o example_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a scandal_n the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o now_o from_o all_o these_o character_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a 1._o indifferent_a thing_n be_v far_o below_o the_o scale_n of_o divine_a institution_n though_o these_o institution_n be_v but_o positive_a and_o not_o of_o eternal_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v lift_v up_o into_o that_o state_n the_o divine_a appointment_n design_n they_o to_o and_o shall_v if_o use_v according_a to_o those_o appointment_n be_v make_v efficacious_a to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o that_o power_n and_o grace_n from_o which_o they_o receive_v their_o original_a so_o that_o they_o do_v make_v we_o better_o they_o do_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n if_o we_o observe_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o and_o we_o be_v the_o worse_a in_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o neglect_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o scale_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o that_o order_n of_o which_o god_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o rational_a nature_n be_v the_o author_n stand_v and_o not_o of_o confusion_n so_o that_o though_o this_o order_n run_v or_o aught_o to_o run_v along_o and_o conduct_v all_o humane_a action_n and_o so_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o religious_a service_n and_o action_n do_v indeed_o commend_v
great_a community_n and_o that_o patriarchate_n and_o primogeniture_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o numerousness_n of_o mankind_n reason_n advise_v to_o the_o orderly_a separate_n and_o dedicate_a some_o person_n to_o the_o continual_a attendance_n upon_o sacred_a office_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o authoritative_a herein_o as_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n wisdom_n attainment_n in_o knowledge_n be_v most_o recommend_v to_o such_o a_o choice_n so_o education_n separation_n to_o read_v meditation_n study_n for_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o enable_v person_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o function_n for_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n whereby_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v authorize_v to_o presidency_n in_o divine_a thing_n 1._o by_o parental_a authority_n the_o same_o with_o patriarchal_a 2._o by_o eminency_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n join_v with_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o and_o orderly_a approbation_n to_o public_a office_n 3._o by_o special_a and_o immediate_a appointment_n of_o god_n either_o by_o a_o stand_a law_n as_o in_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n or_o by_o inspiration_n as_o in_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o two_o be_v of_o natural_a sanction_n the_o last_o of_o supernatural_a ordination_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o sacred_a record_n no_o one_o of_o they_o exclude_v from_o discourse_n and_o instruction_n of_o even_o a_o public_a character_n those_o that_o have_v eminent_a gift_n and_o inablement_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o elihu_n have_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n equal_v himself_o with_o man_n of_o day_n and_o year_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v job_n 32._o 7_o 8._o but_o jeroboam'_v make_v priest_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n â—_o 1_o king_n 12._o 3â—_n â—_o be_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o error_n of_o too_o much_o a_o like_a enormity_n against_o innate_a reason_n to_o bring_v down_o divine_a office_n to_o such_o prepare_a prescription_n as_o the_o most_o uneducated_a undevoted_a undedicate_v person_n to_o knowledge_n study_n meditation_n may_v perform_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o indelible_a character_n of_o ordination_n which_o will_v hardly_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o the_o court_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o atone_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o never_o contradict_v or_o so_o much_o as_o dispense_v with_o natural_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o clog_v the_o high_o dignify_v person_n in_o this_o ministry_n with_o so_o much_o of_o rule_n and_o business_n as_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o that_o study_n and_o meditation_n before_o speak_v of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o ill_a consequence_n and_o exchange_n a_o religious_a service_n into_o a_o secular_a grandeur_n else_o no_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o envy_v that_o they_o who_o be_v prince_n in_o righteousness_n truth_n and_o peace_n and_o priest_n indeed_o of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n 18._o gen._n 14._o 18._o mediate_a continual_o betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n in_o doctrine_n prayer_n blessing_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o have_v run_v through_o those_o thing_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n but_o like_v unto_o 38._o mat._n 22._o 37_o 38._o these_o be_v righteousness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n sobriety_n temperance_n charity_n humility_n modesty_n patience_n general_a love_n peaceableness_n contain_v ourselves_o within_o our_o own_o bound_n order_n submission_n to_o government_n with_o perfect_a subjection_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v obedience_n to_o god_n together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o speak_v virtue_n goodness_n loveliness_n good_a report_n honour_n esteem_v in_o human_a conversation_n 8._o phil._n 4._o 8._o which_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v into_o palpable_a instance_n be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o punishment_n this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o this_o unmovable_a foundation_n nothing_o be_v more_o true_o religion_n or_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o perfect_a humane_a nature_n into_o a_o conformity_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a in_o the_o order_n or_o scale_v of_o religious_a excellency_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o real_o good_a the_o more_o substantial_a rational_a solid_o good_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o please_v god_n and_o must_v be_v approve_v of_o 18._o rom._n 14._o 18._o man_n if_o they_o show_v themselves_o man_n thus_o all_o the_o massy_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n excel_v all_o the_o honour_n pretend_v to_o be_v do_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n praise_n discourse_n of_o he_o oâ—_n whatever_o of_o that_o sort_n seem_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v prefer_v which_o without_o the_o other_o become_v a_o flattery_n of_o god_n only_o next_o discourse_n of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n in_o order_n to_o learn_v obedience_n be_v of_o high_a account_n than_o prayer_n for_o he_o that_o 9_o prov._n 28._o 9_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n yet_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a than_o sacrifice_n there_o may_v be_v now_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n make_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o christian_a religion_n be_v defective_a in_o one_o single_a point_n of_o this_o true_a natural_a religion_n at_o the_o high_a and_o full_a dimension_n of_o it_o possible_a to_o be_v conceive_v here_o be_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n the_o breadth_n and_o length_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n concern_v god_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_n concern_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a sedate_v judgement_n of_o mankind_n the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o ready_a accusation_n and_o defence_n all_o man_n make_v in_o point_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o their_o treaty_n and_o debate_v one_o with_o another_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a learned_a and_o virtuous_a of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o best_a of_o lawgiver_n if_o then_o there_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a the_o most_o good_a the_o most_o virtuous_a that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n find_v in_o christian_a religion_n abate_v nothing_o but_o positive_a law_n topical_a religion_n rite_n and_o custom_n what_o a_o foundation_n of_o peace_n quietness_n and_o happy_a state_n may_v a_o consent_n but_o in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v fair_o extant_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n will_v such_o a_o acceptance_n of_o natural_a undeniable_a religion_n from_o it_o be_v when_o just_a as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n those_o 8._o act_n 2._o 8._o several_a sort_n of_o people_n hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n each_o in_o their_o own_o language_n so_o in_o christianity_n every_o one_o find_v what_o ever_o they_o can_v think_v except_v their_o own_o particular_a rite_n most_o general_o true_o and_o valuable_o good_a and_o that_o upon_o deep_a consideration_n strict_a examination_n and_o even_o uncontroversable_a certainty_n and_o how_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a might_n mankind_n be_v to_o itself_o if_o summon_v together_o these_o true_o excellent_a notion_n and_o frame_v its_o religious_a law_n according_a to_o they_o they_o exact_v a_o severe_a conformity_n in_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o allow_v a_o benign_a freedom_n of_o offering_n and_o receive_v the_o best_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o further_a revelation_n from_o god_n forbear_v injury_n violence_n and_o blood_n and_o then_o also_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v what_o a_o indisputable_a title_n that_o only_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o far_o to_o set_v it_o at_o peace_n now_o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v this_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v till_o a_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o from_o on_o high_a and_o these_o river_n of_o truth_n break_v out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o scripture_n look_v to_o a_o better_a state_n of_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v yet_o still_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o nor_o do_v it_o diminish_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o silence_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a
now_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o it_o be_v so_o high_a office_n and_o trust_v it_o owe_v to_o itself_o and_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v rich_o and_o abundant_o furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o it_o that_o see_v it_o be_v both_o the_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n or_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o soul_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o the_o good_a householder_n that_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasury_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a that_o it_o attend_v to_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n entertain_v all_o wisdom_n lift_v up_o its_o voice_n for_o it_o seek_v it_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o that_o its_o influence_n may_v be_v powerful_a and_o effective_a upon_o the_o soul_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a obedience_n there_o must_v be_v a_o just_a preservation_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o good_a conduct_n that_o so_o it_o may_v promote_v the_o soul_n into_o all_o goodness_n have_v gain_v a_o high_a reputation_n and_o honour_n by_o the_o success_n it_o have_v have_v already_o and_o the_o comfort_n and_o good_a expectation_n it_o raise_v within_o the_o soul_n upon_o its_o happy_a government_n for_o the_o upright_a man_n from_o this_o vigour_n of_o conscience_n hold_v on_o his_o way_n and_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o 18._o job_n 17._o 9_o prov._n 4._o 18._o the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a become_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a scandal_n scripture_n remark_n upon_o be_v this_o when_o conscience_n upon_o any_o solicitation_n upon_o any_o insinuation_n or_o usurpation_n upon_o it_o betray_v this_o trust_n and_o surrender_v itself_o to_o any_o other_o dictate_v or_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o shine_v within_o itself_o and_o so_o assure_v it_o by_o its_o rationality_n goodness_n purity_n majesty_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n to_o take_v any_o thing_n upon_o trust_n from_o man_n that_o it_o do_v not_o try_v and_o examine_v or_o to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n it_o have_v so_o try_v and_o examine_v and_o find_v good_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v scandalize_v that_o pretence_n that_o do_v so_o assume_v over_o it_o and_o prevail_v with_o it_o against_o itself_o scandalise_n it_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o supreme_a moderation_n be_v in_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v transmit_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o enter_v thither_o through_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n whatever_o then_o so_o impose_v on_o conscience_n as_o that_o it_o recede_v from_o its_o government_n scandalise_n it_o for_o the_o government_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v also_o thereby_o and_o though_o conscience_n can_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o any_o error_n nor_o aught_o to_o possess_v a_o man_n with_o unnecessary_a scruple_n yet_o still_o the_o main_a government_n of_o conscience_n derive_v itself_o from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o his_o will_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v shake_v for_o man_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n as_o a_o creature_n of_o religion_n can_v obey_v god_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o conscience_n he_o must_v know_v and_o judge_v within_o himself_o what_o be_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o do_v in_o conformity_n to_o that_o will_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o true_a obedience_n because_o it_o be_v not_o religious_a it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a or_o rational_o religious_a obedience_n the_o obedience_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o judgement_n in_o the_o conscience_n if_o these_o reins_o be_v slack_a and_o loose_a if_o this_o golden_a bridle_n be_v neglect_v man_n know_v not_o whither_o they_o may_v run_v upon_o what_o they_o may_v be_v drive_v and_o never_o discover_v the_o danger_n a_o man_n can_v distinguish_v what_o be_v from_o god_n from_o what_o be_v not_o if_o this_o gust_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o quick_a vigorous_o exercise_v and_o leave_v free_a conscience_n may_v be_v instruct_v advise_v persuade_v yea_o even_o menace_v and_o terrify_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o it_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v overrule_v by_o lawful_a authority_n wherein_o it_o turn_v apostate_n or_o renegade_n to_o natural_a religion_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v lawful_o depose_v or_o put_v out_o of_o authority_n the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n the_o consolation_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v all_o preserve_v in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o shipwreck_v together_o with_o it_o now_o because_o conscience_n be_v place_v by_o god_n in_o this_o great_a trust_n and_o dignity_n it_o become_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o become_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n when_o conscience_n not_o due_o regard_v its_o own_o light_n and_o inward_a sense_n surrender_v itself_o to_o a_o foreign_a rule_n steer_v itself_o by_o a_o compass_n out_o of_o itself_o say_v another_o shall_v be_v wise_a and_o see_v and_o dictate_v for_o it_o and_o so_o give_v up_o itself_o in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n here_o be_v scandal_n in_o its_o delusive_a deceptive_a power_n a_o man_n think_v it_o modest_a cautious_a a_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n to_o those_o that_o be_v above_o he_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o authority_n out_o of_o himself_o conscience_n hereupon_o desert_n its_o own_o principle_n and_o its_o own_o place_n in_o direct_v according_a to_o they_o upon_o this_o it_o fall_v into_o all_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n conscience_n be_v wound_v grieve_a weaken_a and_o lie_v prostrate_a and_o without_o repentance_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o natural_a or_o new_a creation_n be_v destroy_v and_o even_o the_o man_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v god_n have_v concredit_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o the_o soul_n to_o conscience_n alone_o and_o i_o can_v find_v that_o it_o can_v be_v at_o all_o excuse_v in_o resign_v they_o into_o any_o hand_n but_o his_o that_o give_v they_o no_o not_o to_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o magistrate_n in_o their_o place_n have_v these_o key_n as_o they_o be_v administer_v without_o a_o man_n to_o offer_v and_o press_v upon_o he_o all_o consideration_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o every_o man_n must_v see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o another_o for_o he_o he_o must_v be_v enlighten_v by_o beam_n and_o ray_n that_o shine_v within_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o have_v a_o private_a double_a look_n upon_o himself_o and_o none_o may_v open_v and_o shut_v but_o conscience_n in_o and_o with_o god_n whoever_o else_o do_v become_v a_o father_n and_o a_o master_n upon_o earth_n to_o he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o these_o three_o 23_o rom._n 14._o 22_o 23_o great_a position_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n of_o a_o free_a and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n be_v sin_n for_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v change_v in_o themselves_o yet_o as_o we_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a rule_n bonum_fw-la oritur_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la causis_fw-la every_o thing_n conspire_v to_o and_o concert_n good_a but_o evil_a be_v a_o declension_n and_o fall_n from_o good_a every_o degree_n of_o fall_n or_o aberration_n from_o good_a be_v evil_a and_o this_o plenipotence_n of_o conscience_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o god_n be_v a_o prime_n necessary_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o great_o evil_a though_o it_o have_v not_o a_o omnipotence_n of_o change_a nature_n itself_o 2._o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o do_v and_o doubt_n in_o what_o he_o do_v be_v condemn_v in_o his_o do_v whatever_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o because_o to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o far_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v it_o against_o that_o domestic_a authority_n of_o conscience_n 3._o he_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n that_o especial_o have_v fall_v into_o doubt_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n be_v come_v to_o so_o good_a a_o resolution_n as_o not_o to_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a assurance_n rise_v neither_o from_o ignorance_n nor_o carelessness_n be_v a_o happy_a man_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a happiness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o but_o be_v perplex_v with_o doubt_n ought_v not_o
apostle_n if_o he_o doubt_v and_o yet_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v condemn_v because_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n he_o that_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o use_v they_o may_v use_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v of_o that_o value_n to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o with_o understanding_n for_o that_o be_v one_o character_n of_o the_o apostle_n indifferent_n and_o a_o severe_a test_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v but_o yet_o he_o must_v not_o think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o they_o or_o that_o such_o thing_n can_v commend_v he_o to_o god_n he_o must_v not_o use_v they_o to_o the_o scandalize_a the_o weak_a than_o himself_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v that_o be_v while_o the_o reason_n of_o doubt_n can_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o reason_n remain_v and_o he_o must_v allow_v that_o his_o indifferent_n be_v as_o subject_a to_o scandal_n as_o the_o indifferent_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n upon_o be_v and_o if_o the_o very_a reasonably-to_a be-supposed_a scandal_n in_o these_o of_o themselves_o so_o harmless_a indifferent_n be_v well_o consider_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o great_a and_o wide_a sea_n for_o this_o leviathan_n to_o roll_v itself_o in_o now_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o consideration_n more_o orderly_o i_o shall_v distribute_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a range_v of_o person_n concern_v and_o endanger_v by_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferent_n and_o i_o begin_v with_o 1._o those_o that_o comply_v with_o that_o side_n of_o they_o which_o the_o strong_a choose_v that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o they_o because_o this_o be_v immediate_o under_o the_o apostle_n eye_n i_o say_v that_o comply_v but_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n now_o the_o apostle_n impute_v their_o compliance_n to_o the_o power_n of_o example_n which_o be_v the_o free_a sort_n of_o compliance_n for_o though_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o despising_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n yet_o he_o wave_v that_o imposition_n by_o church-censure_n or_o penalty_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o his_o thought_n he_o arrest_v they_o upon_o example_n the_o most_o ingenuous_a sort_n of_o compulsion_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o the_o most_o spontaneous_a conformity_n yet_o both_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n here_o he_o place_v the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a and_o scandal_n if_o thy_o brother_n say_v he_o be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n that_o be_v not_o grieve_v that_o thou_o eat_v but_o draw_v to_o eat_v as_o thou_o do_v yet_o not_o persuade_v as_o thou_o be_v and_o so_o receive_v a_o real_a wound_n and_o grief_n in_o his_o conscience_n by_o follow_v thy_o example_n thou_o walk_v not_o charitable_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a be_v edify_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n thus_o evident_a it_o be_v example_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o very_a word_n point_n to_o now_o in_o that_o he_o lay_v this_o sort_n of_o scandalize_a so_o low_o as_o in_o example_n he_o plant_v his_o argument_n with_o great_a force_n against_o any_o other_o way_n that_o be_v more_o forcible_a than_o example_n here_o then_o be_v the_o scandal_n as_o give_v the_o scandal_n take_v be_v the_o rush_v against_o that_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v to_o he_o of_o faith_n be_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o square_a of_o his_o action_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v sin_n and_o scandal_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n his_o whole_a discourse_n run_v into_o this_o as_o the_o scandal_n he_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o to_o the_o corinth_n it_n may_v be_v more_o dispute_n where_o the_o scandal_n lie_v because_o the_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o relapse_n into_o idolatrous_a eat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n the_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o that_o expression_n of_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n as_o offer_v to_o idol_n be_v at_o the_o first_o view_n almost_o enforcive_a of_o that_o sense_n but_o by_o close_a attention_n it_o appear_v much_o otherwise_o for_o i_o observe_v the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o occasion_n discourse_n first_o the_o case_n itself_o in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n in_o chap._n 9_o in_o a_o figure_n transfer_v to_o himself_o he_o treat_v the_o necessary_a retreat_n from_o our_o own_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n he_o discourse_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o idolatry_n itself_o which_o may_v be_v draw_v as_o a_o snare_n upon_o both_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a by_o often_o converse_v with_o idolater_n and_o their_o rite_n and_o the_o intolerable_a gild_n and_o danger_n of_o that_o make_v forcible_a by_o several_a argument_n and_o then_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o that_o chapter_n resume_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o weak_a who_o not_o understand_v god_n superior_a surmount_n right_o over_o the_o idol_n consider_v only_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n and_o believe_v the_o meat_n and_o the_o temple_n irrecoverable_o defile_v by_o it_o they_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o affect_v thing_n themselves_o to_o all_o that_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o know_v that_o god_n right_o overcome_v and_o his_o fill_v all_o thing_n exclude_v all_o other_o and_o their_o right_n become_v a_o nothing_o but_o some_o not_o have_v this_o knowledge_n eat_v in_o a_o temple_n meat_n that_o have_v the_o idol_n superscription_n and_o image_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o think_v not_o in_o any_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o tide_v along_o by_o example_n to_o communicate_v in_o what_o they_o yet_o esteem_v defile_v and_o pollute_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o to_o those_o that_o esteem_v it_o so_o this_o point_n the_o apostle_n plain_o enter_v upon_o chap._n 10._o v._n 23._o go_v off_o from_o that_o of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o word_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 28._o he_o thus_o open_v what_o he_o intend_v if_o any_o man_n as_o in_o a_o fright_n at_o so_o heinous_a a_o thing_n as_o eat_v the_o defile_a meat_n that_o have_v be_v consecrate_v to_o a_o idol_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o for_o his_o conscience-sake_n not_o thy_o own_o that_o be_v scare_v at_o it_o as_o if_o unclean_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o eat_v it_o as_o such_o by_o thy_o example_n not_o idolatrous_o but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n why_o out_o of_o this_o case_n of_o another_o scandal_n a_o man_n may_v eat_v even_o because_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o his_o right_a can_v be_v retrench_v nothing_o can_v be_v make_v unclean_a in_o itself_o that_o be_v god_n the_o very_a same_o be_v give_v for_o not_o eat_v in_o case_n of_o scandal_n the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o to_o one_o thing_n to_o assert_v god_n right_o in_o that_o only_a that_o we_o must_v needs_o run_v our_o brother_n into_o scandal_n for_o it_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v room_n enough_o and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o a_o full_a table_n beside_o that_o suppose_a to_o be_v the_o idol_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o bounty_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o all_o acknowledge_v praise_v in_o all_o so_o that_o we_o may_v please_v all_o that_o be_v consult_v their_o true_a good_a and_o give_v no_o scandal_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o please_v and_o oppose_v it_o to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v thus_o large_a i_o have_v be_v in_o bring_v the_o case_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o these_o corinthian_n to_o much_o the_o same_o level_n and_o pitch_n except_o the_o meat_n be_v suspect_v foul_a by_o dedication_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o by_o the_o mere_a mosaic_a interdict_v that_o the_o main_a point_n of_o scandal_n may_v be_v settle_v for_o though_o i_o shall_v allow_v just_a consideration_n to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o the_o other_o interpretation_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n against_o those_o idolatrous_a contamination_n those_o pang_n of_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o tender_a
every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v thâ—_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v