this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o edify_v by_o the_o most_o fluent_a and_o popular_a tongue_n or_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o pathetical_a expression_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v have_v answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o our_o communion_n i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n as_o separate_v from_o we_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o we_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o these_o excuse_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n who_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o by_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_o these_o five_o head_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o never_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
they_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n so_o his_o doubt_n concern_v they_o affect_v his_o conscience_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o god_n law_n may_v be_v transgress_v in_o they_o so_o that_o where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n his_o doubt_n about_o a_o action_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o conscience_n three_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n we_o mean_v that_o the_o man_n be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a now_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 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 the_o person_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n nor_o any_o new_a reason_n to_o unsettle_v he_o but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o act_v he_o be_v trouble_v with_o unaccountable_a fear_n but_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v quite_o different_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_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 the_o resolve_a conscience_n act_v cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n act_v fearful_o but_o the_o doubtful_a conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n the_o man_n that_o have_v either_o a_o resolve_v or_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n pass_v a_o judgement_n on_o the_o thing_n but_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n pass_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o for_o than_o it_o will_v no_o long_o be_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o true_o and_o strict_o speak_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o for_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 a_o doubt_a conscience_n waver_v and_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n however_o to_o comply_v with_o custom_n i_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n in_o speak_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n conscience_n needs_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v first_o then_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v resolve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o to_o doubt_v no_o long_o about_o it_o but_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v determine_v 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 a_o rule_n that_o determine_v not_o whether_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o but_o what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v where_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o instance_n the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v not_o to_o determine_v whether_o be_v be_v lawful_a to_o play_v at_o card_n but_o what_o i_o must_v do_v if_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o play_v at_o card_n before_o a_o man_n act_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v 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 but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n must_v act_v till_o he_o be_v able_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o resolve_v all_o the_o doubt_n that_o may_v have_v be_v start_v about_o the_o action_n for_o this_o in_o many_o case_n be_v utter_o impossible_a the_o person_n may_v not_o have_v sufficient_a time_n or_o mean_n for_o the_o do_v it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v better_a than_o to_o get_v satisfy_v by_o reason_n and_o advice_n what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o proceed_v among_o the_o most_o conscientious_a man_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o rule_n conscience_n needs_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o that_o rule_n be_v first_o by_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n itself_o and_o then_o second_o by_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n 1._o first_o then_o since_o a_o man_n never_o doubt_v but_o upon_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n but_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n that_o side_n which_o all_o thing_n consider_v do_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v some_o indeed_o say_v that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o express_v it_o so_o because_o the_o rule_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a as_o the_o word_n safe_a side_n be_v expound_v for_o first_o if_o by_o safe_a side_n we_o mean_v that_o side_n which_o be_v more_o free_a from_o danger_n of_o sin_v i_o think_v the_o rule_n will_v prove_v rather_o a_o snare_n than_o a_o guide_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n for_o if_o this_o rule_n be_v true_a most_o person_n do_v transgress_v it_o every_o day_n nay_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v frequent_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 man_n he_o that_o avoid_v all_o entertainment_n be_v certain_o more_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o intemperance_n than_o other_o be_v and_o yet_o when_o occasion_n serve_v no_o man_n make_v any_o great_a scruple_n of_o go_v to_o they_o we_o be_v not_o command_v 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 for_o otherwise_o he_o that_o will_v be_v religious_a must_v forsake_v all_o worldly_a business_n and_o retire_v to_o a_o cloister_n but_o to_o come_v more_o strict_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o the_o most_o honest_a person_n do_v not_o think_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o determine_v himself_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n on_o which_o he_o apprehend_v there_o be_v least_o danger_n of_o sin_v for_o first_o great_a probability_n will_v often_o turn_v the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a safety_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n scruple_n eat_v blood_n and_o afterward_o by_o discourse_v with_o a_o learned_a person_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o he_o may_v lawful_o eat_v it_o than_o that_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v it_o i_o believe_v most_o man_n will_v think_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v it_o with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_o more_o safe_a not_o to_o eat_v it_o because_o many_o do_v question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v so_o but_o all_o man_n grant_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_o forbear_v second_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n will_v have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o very_a honest_a man_n to_o overbalance_n the_o great_a safety_n thus_o if_o after_o the_o strict_a inquiry_n a_o man_n be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o owe_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n which_o another_o demand_n confident_o and_o with_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n if_o he_o pay_v the_o money_n perhaps_o his_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o he_o wrong_v his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o perhaps_o he_o detain_v another_o man_n right_a from_o he_o in_o this_o case_n since_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o the_o demand_n be_v unjust_a as_o that_o it_o be_v just_a i_o believe_v most_o man_n will_v say_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n till_o it_o be_v either_o by_o law_n adjudge_v or_o he_o have_v more_o convince_a proof_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o pay_v it_o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v wise_a as_o well_o as_o good_a may_v in_o many_o
god_n own_o law_n in_o the_o other_o we_o only_o obey_v man_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o in_o general_a to_o obey_v our_o superior_n god_n command_v every_o subject_a to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a but_o human_a authority_n determine_v out_o of_o what_o good_n and_o in_o what_o proportion_n he_o must_v pay_v now_o because_o human_a authority_n interpose_v if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n detain_v the_o king_n be_v right_a do_v he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n than_o break_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o penalty_n if_o he_o be_v detect_v yes_o certain_o for_o tribute_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n the_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o break_v god_n law_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n do_v not_o lessen_v his_o guilt_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o church-vnity_n for_o though_o human_a law_n prescribe_v particular_a circumstance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n yet_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o king_n his_o due_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n by_o such_o a_o method_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n declare_v to_o be_v unjust_a may_v as_o well_o acquit_v himself_o from_o knavery_n before_o god_n as_o that_o man_n that_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church-law_n can_v acquit_v himself_o of_o schism_n before_o god_n nay_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v human_a law_n grant_v a_o toleration_n and_o call_v no_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n yet_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o human_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v v._o it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n that_o be_v how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_n or_o not_o act_v when_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o the_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n if_o right_a we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a conscience_n if_o wrong_n we_o have_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n when_o we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o another_o place_n now_o if_o our_o conscience_n or_o judgement_n be_v right_a that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n without_o doubt_n we_o be_v forever_o bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v we_o sin_v in_o do_v so_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n be_v but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o we_o must_v do_v when_o our_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v and_o to_o answer_v this_o i_o lay_v down_o three_o rule_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v any_o man_n satisfaction_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o though_o we_o take_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o duty_n for_o a_o sin_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o act_v against_o this_o persuasion_n because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v at_o present_a and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v as_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o act_v against_o a_o true_a light_n nothing_o but_o conscience_n can_v guide_v our_o action_n and_o though_o a_o eroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o act_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o that_o man_n think_v sincere_a that_o act_n as_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n that_o act_n otherwise_o whether_o his_o judgement_n be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n shall_v a_o jew_n turn_n christian_n or_o a_o papist_n turn_v protestant_n while_o yet_o they_o believe_v their_o former_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v all_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o do_v it_o upon_o base_a principle_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o judgement_n nay_o we_o shall_v all_o think_v more_o favourable_o of_o a_o protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o a_o cunning_a papist_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n than_o of_o such_o person_n all_o this_o put_v together_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v second_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o for_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v it_o be_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o his_o law_n that_o make_v thing_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v forever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n be_v because_o we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n then_o duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o day_n will_v be_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n as_o any_o man_n opinion_n alter_v but_o such_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n do_v follow_v his_o judgement_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o too_o if_o his_o judgement_n lead_v he_o to_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o action_n according_a to_o a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v sinful_a but_o that_o a_o man_n mistake_n may_v be_v such_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n either_o against_o it_o or_o according_a to_o it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v often_o mistake_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n provide_v his_o mistake_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o first_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v seven_o or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v because_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o up_o to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v not_o command_v the_o contrary_a he_o may_v safe_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o his_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o second_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o play_v at_o card_n in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o false_a opinion_n without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o since_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o follow_v his_o mistake_a conscience_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n when_o a_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o indifferent_a which_o god_n command_v or_o that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n forbid_v here_o the_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n or_o
according_a to_o it_o three_o therefore_o for_o the_o untie_n this_o great_a difficulty_n i_o say_v that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_v judgement_n be_v the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o guilt_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o mistake_v be_v such_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v make_v if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a to_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o know_v it_o better_o then_o we_o think_v he_o innocent_a and_o not_o proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n though_o the_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o whatever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o since_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v better_o his_o mistake_n and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n be_v not_o sinful_a the_o only_a point_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o no._n if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n he_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o yet_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n then_o the_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n under_o the_o mistake_n and_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o negligence_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o god_n enable_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o none_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o those_o who_o wilful_o embrace_v false_a principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o intend_a business_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v separate_v those_o who_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n from_o those_o that_o can_v for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o another_o principle_n second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v distinguish_v the_o true_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n from_o the_o false_a one_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v whether_o a_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n of_o a_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a by_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o join_v with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n direct_o sinful_a may_v notwithstanding_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v constant_o with_o other_o for_o his_o great_a edification_n or_o the_o like_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o my_o proposition_n still_o hold_v because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o join_v with_o other_o which_o law_n he_o must_v not_o break_v by_o leave_v they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a but_o only_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o he_o think_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o it_o can_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o that_o my_o proposition_n remain_v true_a that_o none_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n now_o since_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o certain_o true_a how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o for_o first_o those_o that_o separate_v either_o because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v by_o some_o churchman_n or_o to_o please_v a_o relation_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n or_o procure_v or_o regain_v a_o reputation_n or_o for_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n nor_o second_o can_v those_o lay-people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hear_v their_o belove_a teacher_n in_o conventicle_n since_o they_o can_v hear_v they_o in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v those_o godly_a man_n to_o preach_v nor_o three_o those_o who_o dislike_v form_n of_o prayer_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n think_v they_o not_o convenient_a though_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a nor_o four_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o edification_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n or_o because_o many_o godly_a person_n condemn_v our_o way_n all_o these_o i_o say_v can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n because_o neither_o fancy_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o man_n conscience_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n nor_o five_o can_v those_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v encroach_v too_o much_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o suppose_v the_o governor_n be_v be_v faulty_a in_o it_o yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o sixthly_a can_v those_o just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o can_v join_v with_o we_o sometime_o both_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o dare_v to_o join_v in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a once_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n always_o but_o leave_v these_o false_a pretender_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o who_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o plead_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a and_o sure_o say_v they_o you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o join_v in_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o
receive_n as_o much_o as_o abstain_v but_o since_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o since_o he_o be_v mistake_v while_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a certain_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n by_o absent_v himself_o than_o by_o come_v with_o his_o doubt_n about_o he_o because_o his_o doubt_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n be_v only_a surmise_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n by_o habitual_o abstain_v which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n second_o though_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_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 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 the_o question_n than_o be_v which_o be_v the_o least_o sin_n to_o receive_v unworthy_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 the_o least_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v when_o he_o can_v avoid_v both_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o obey_v one_o know_v law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v another_o law_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n i_o say_v i_o think_v that_o that_o man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o innocent_a yet_o be_v far_o less_o guilty_a than_o he_o who_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n suppose_v two_o man_n who_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v unfit_a so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n one_o of_o these_o man_n do_v upon_o this_o account_n forbear_v all_o prayer_n the_o other_o dare_v not_o to_o forbear_v his_o usual_a office_n though_o he_o believe_v he_o perform_v they_o sinful_o now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v think_v he_o the_o better_a man_n who_o say_v his_o prayer_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v very_o faulty_a because_o whatever_o a_o man_n indisposition_n be_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o perform_v a_o duty_n after_o a_o ill_a manner_n than_o whole_o to_o omit_v it_o since_o therefore_o the_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o commit_v one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n doubt_v of_o his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v habitual_o abstain_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o will_v actual_o damn_v a_o man_n i_o answer_v that_o let_v the_o sin_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o be_v as_o damnable_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n and_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n to_o neglect_v it_o but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o three_o suppose_v the_o man_n take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_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 since_o his_o last_o receive_v he_o find_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n so_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o unfit_a to_o receive_v at_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n for_o he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o sin_n if_o he_o receive_v 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 god_n forbid_v he_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n command_v he_o to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n 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 on_o one_o side_n he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v on_o the_o other_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v forbear_v receive_v once_o or_o twice_o for_o his_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o better_a preparation_n against_o another_o opportunity_n because_o since_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v so_o many_o time_n a_o year_n any_o more_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n a_o day_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o a_o express_a law_n to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o do_v so_o so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n ought_v to_o over_o balance_n that_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o man_n ought_v rather_o to_o defer_v his_o receive_n than_o to_o receive_v in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o second_o a_o man_n must_v not_o habitual_o absent_v himself_o upon_o the_o the_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v than_o in_o come_v with_o never_o so_o great_a fear_n of_o be_v unfit_a and_o therefore_o he_o must_v receive_v frequent_o though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o four_o if_o the_o person_n think_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v equal_a whether_o he_o receive_v or_o no_o then_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o inducement_n of_o prudence_n and_o interest_n and_o they_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o forbear_v upon_o those_o account_n for_o beside_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o receive_v he_o reap_v this_o spiritual_a profit_n by_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n of_o grow_v more_o worthy_a and_o cure_v his_o doubt_n whereas_o by_o absent_v himself_o his_o doubt_n increase_v and_o he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o now_o have_v thus_o have_v i_o show_v how_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_n i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v settle_v the_o notion_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n over_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o my_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_v 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 1._o premise_v some_o thing_n 2._o show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n 3._o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o it_o 1._o i_o premise_v five_o thing_n first_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o do_v what_o god_n forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v what_o god_n command_v second_o if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o thing_n which_o his_o governor_n oblige_v he_o to_o be_v sinful_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o sin_v but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o also_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n three_o
if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o the_o action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v sinful_a or_o no_o yet_o if_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n he_o can_v do_v that_o action_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o be_v he_o sin_v also_o in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n four_o if_o a_o man_n have_v be_v so_o extreme_o careless_a in_o learn_v his_o duty_n that_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o plain_a matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a for_o do_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v it_o pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o true_a principle_n that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o our_o superior_n for_o certain_o if_o a_o sinful_a thing_n be_v command_v not_o only_o he_o that_o command_v but_o he_o that_o obey_v also_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o man_n may_v have_v know_v his_o duty_n have_v he_o not_o be_v careless_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a because_o he_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n though_o he_o break_v god_n law_n second_o that_o when_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o in_o his_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v sinful_a if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sin_n five_o i_o premise_v that_o whatever_o the_o power_n of_o superior_n be_v for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o must_v not_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n because_o the_o case_n of_o obey_v superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o command_n be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v it_o by_o the_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o such_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v as_o will_v outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o make_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o obey_v however_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a a_o man_n false_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v sinfiul_a will_v not_o excuse_v he_o unless_o his_o mistake_n be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o rectify_v these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o plain_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n pretty_a equal_a and_o where_o likewise_o the_o man_n concern_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o satisfy_n himself_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a do_v not_o oblige_v the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v i_o affirm_v it_o do_v oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o first_o modesty_n oblige_v we_o to_o pay_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o if_o a_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o civil_a practice_n we_o shall_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o few_o learned_a prudent_a and_o honest_a person_n who_o we_o think_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n than_o ourselves_o and_o do_v it_o not_o argue_v much_o self-conceit_n and_o great_a contempt_n of_o our_o superior_n to_o refuse_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o their_o judgement_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o command_v for_o the_o best_a second_o bishop_n sanderson_n and_o other_o casuist_n agree_v that_o in_o all_o dispute_v case_n he_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o that_o contend_v with_o he_o suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a thus_o if_o i_o be_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o another_o claim_n i_o can_v just_o be_v dispossess_v till_o the_o other_o man_n title_n appear_v to_o be_v better_a than_o i_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o superior_a assert_v his_o right_n and_o command_v the_o subject_n question_v his_o right_n because_o he_o doubt_n whether_o the_o command_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o since_o the_o superior_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o subject_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n by_o his_o disobedience_n dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o authority_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o disobey_v than_o to_o obey_v but_o this_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v suppose_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n three_o since_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n that_o the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n for_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a the_o only_a hazard_n we_o run_v be_v of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o perhaps_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v or_o have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v but_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a than_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n which_o we_o can_v but_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o mankind_n four_o since_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o our_o own_o inferior_n to_o contradict_v our_o rule_n upon_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o be_v lawful_a if_o a_o parent_n shall_v command_v his_o son_n to_o sit_v uncover_v before_o he_o or_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o dress_v a_o dinner_n on_o the_o lord's-day_n and_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a will_v not_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o master_n say_v i_o be_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v by_o your_o foolish_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o control_v my_o command_n i_o dare_v say_v most_o man_n will_v think_v this_o a_o very_a just_a reply_n and_o if_o so_o than_o our_o superior_a also_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n notwithstanding_o our_o doubt_n and_o if_o we_o think_v otherwise_o it_o be_v because_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o we_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o five_o if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v in_o mere_o doubtful_a case_n their_o authority_n signify_v nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o public_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o some_o person_n or_o other_o will_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o such_o a_o doubt_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v obedience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n but_o perpetual_a confusion_n for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n make_v war_n and_o every_o ignorant_a and_o unexperienced_a subject_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n in_o case_n he_o doubt_n whether_o that_o war_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o but_o these_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v must_v needs_o be_v think_v intolerable_a also_o 3._o have_v thus_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
be_v horrible_o and_o inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v through_o such_o mistake_n as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a be_v very_o unblamable_a and_o be_v bind_v as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v more_o care_n of_o inform_v their_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v their_o sin_n but_o when_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o a_o man_n do_v his_o best_a and_o have_v not_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o understanding_n better_o then_o though_o the_o man_n commit_v schism_n yet_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n will_v impute_v it_o to_o his_o ignorance_n and_o forgive_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n be_v careful_a in_o the_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o ready_a to_o receive_v conviction_n second_o that_o he_o separate_v no_o more_o than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o comply_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n three_o that_o where_o he_o can_v comply_v he_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o exclaim_n at_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o use_v illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v more_o liberty_n but_o live_v as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n four_o that_o he_o do_v not_o censure_v those_o of_o another_o persuasion_n but_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n and_o friendly_a to_o they_o whoe're_o observe_v these_o thing_n though_o he_o dissent_v from_o we_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o ill_a man_n ill_o subject_a or_o ill_a christian_a but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v no_o more_o justify_v or_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v a_o delude_a dissenter_n or_o a_o delude_a papist_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o innocence_n or_o excusableness_n of_o some_o man_n mistake_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o infinite_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o he_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v show_v how_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o before_o he_o disobey_v his_o governor_n or_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o though_o something_o in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n yet_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n and_o therefore_o every_o dissenter_n ought_v present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n for_o fear_v he_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n let_v he_o not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o frivolous_a pretence_n for_o though_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o certain_o as_o for_o heresy_n or_o drunkenness_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a father_n think_v so_o what_o if_o the_o point_n of_o conformity_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n who_o make_v they_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v have_v be_v well_o please_v if_o these_o controversy_n have_v never_o be_v we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_a and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v our_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o to_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n above_o their_o capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o since_o they_o have_v understanding_n enough_o to_o find_v fault_n and_o separate_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v honesty_n enough_o to_o seek_v satisfaction_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n we_o be_v bind_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v disobey_v his_o superior_n without_o sin_n unless_o after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n he_o find_v their_o command_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n answer_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o who_o fear_n they_o shall_v sin_v in_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v a_o duty_n no_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n settle_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n command_v it_o much_o less_o will_v his_o bare_a doubt_n excuse_v he_o but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o give_v a_o account_n first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n second_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o power_n that_o human_a law_n have_v over_o it_o four_o of_o its_o authority_n i._n e._n whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i._o in_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o shall_v treat_v 1._o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n 2._o of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n first_o then_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o doubt_n when_o he_o can_v determine_v whether_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v consider_v be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o he_o think_v the_o question_n probable_a on_o both_o side_n but_o can_v fix_v upon_o either_o so_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o balance_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o equal_a weight_n in_o both_o scale_n neither_o scale_n come_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v lean_v more_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a still_o just_o as_o one_o scale_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o other_o while_o yet_o that_o weight_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v it_o perfect_o down_o but_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o evidence_n on_o one_o side_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v determine_v itself_o than_o the_o man_n doubt_v no_o long_o but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o the_o balance_n be_v say_v to_o be_v fix_v when_o there_o be_v weight_n enough_o to_o carry_v it_o down_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n sometime_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o entire_o assent_v without_o the_o least_o doubtfulness_n this_o be_v assurance_n or_o full_a persuasion_n at_o other_o time_n the_o evidence_n may_v gain_v a_o assent_n but_o not_o such_o as_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_n this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v call_v opinion_n or_o probable_a persuasion_n so_o a_o great_a or_o less_o weight_n carry_v down_o the_o scale_n with_o great_a or_o less_o force_v and_o briskness_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o mind_n be_v determine_v the_o balance_n be_v turn_v and_o the_o doubt_n be_v end_v though_o perhaps_o the_o man_n be_v not_o perfect_o free_a from_o all_o scruple_n about_o that_o thing_n second_o then_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v to_o consider_v but_o every_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o conscience_n as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v affect_v with_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o action_n so_o his_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v his_o conscience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o concern_v his_o own_o action_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o his_o own_o action_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o
rather_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o he_o think_v it_o much_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v of_o it_o well_o but_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o the_o former_a text_n direct_v we_o to_o interpret_v this_o latter_a in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n without_o censure_v one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v render_v let_v every_o one_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n this_o indeed_o differ_v from_o our_o english_a translation_n but_o grotius_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a as_o well_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theodoret_n do_v thus_o interpret_v it_o and_o moreover_o the_o matter_n require_v it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o precept_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o possible_a since_o if_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v then_o as_o much_o his_o duty_n to_o doubt_v as_o in_o other_o case_n to_o believe_v thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v do_v not_o overthrow_v my_o assertion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o true_a and_o substantial_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v give_v another_o which_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o dissenter_n own_o principle_n suppose_v therefore_o what_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o real_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o the_o man_n do_v sin_n in_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o obey_v authority_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n since_o the_o man_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v and_o sin_v in_o choose_v to_o run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n but_o when_o the_o superior_a command_n a_o man_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o man_n may_v forbear_v without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o forbear_v than_o in_o act_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sin_n to_o act_v in_o the_o former_a but_o further_a the_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v be_v this_o because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o sinful_a to_o act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n because_o there_o be_v some_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_v with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n for_o he_o that_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n do_v act_n with_o faith_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v a_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v sinful_a in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o act_v otherwise_o that_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v though_o he_o act_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_n in_o faith_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n be_v not_o sinful_a because_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v faith_n that_o be_v be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n often_o happen_v a_o man_n have_v often_o very_o great_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v all_o doubt_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o doubt_n be_v overbalanced_a though_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v hard_a and_o troublesome_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v more_o advisable_a to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o he_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n because_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o best_a judgement_n and_o more_o than_o this_o a_o man_n can_v do_v iv_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o in_o general_n that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n do_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o for_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n about_o a_o particular_a action_n he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o now_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n while_o he_o be_v dispute_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o contradiction_n a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n but_o as_o he_o think_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v can_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n which_o determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o the_o general_a law_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v can_v oblige_v we_o to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o do_v thus_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o he_o act_v doubtful_o have_v thus_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfy_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n some_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o ceremony_n other_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v of_o these_o person_n some_o have_v a_o single_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o they_o be_v satisfy_v they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o other_o have_v a_o double_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o doubt_v
to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n or_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_n as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_n communion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v long_o be_v join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n which_o sin_n say_v they_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 18.6_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom._n 14.15_o these_o person_n i_o design_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o show_v that_o no_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o 3._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n i._o then_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n language_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v call_v our_o new-birth_n and_o the_o convert_v be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o gentle_o use_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n heb._n 5.14_o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fly_v back_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n for_o they_o have_v be_v jew_n and_o gentile_n retain_v still_o a_o great_a love_n for_o many_o of_o their_o old_a custom_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v mighty_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la to_o overcome_v the_o old_a man_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o first_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n imaginable_a the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n will_v not_o stand_v rigid_o on_o any_o little_a matter_n but_o tolerate_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a afterward_o to_o be_v do_v away_o hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o mistake_v they_o now_o labour_v under_o hence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v weak_a brethren_n be_v not_o stand_v law_n equal_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o infant-state_n of_o the_o church_n till_o christianity_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o his_o compliance_n be_v to_o win_v many_o to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o be_v to_o spread_v christianity_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o his_o direction_n and_o practice_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v the_o national_a religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n which_o we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o at_o our_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o remove_v every_o straw_n out_o of_o child_n way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v men._n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother-tongue_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2.9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2._o the_o dissenter_n according_a to_o their_o weak_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o far_a off_o from_o be_v weak_a christian_n in_o any_o sense_n they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o ignorant_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o
babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o ordinary_o look_v upon_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o high_a illumination_n a_o great_a knowledge_n than_o other_o have_v attain_v unto_o they_o rather_o count_v we_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o some_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o so_o much_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v we_o for_o the_o weak_a and_o worse_a christian_n why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o why_o do_v they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n as_o be_v pure_a more_o select_a christian_n than_o other_o now_o though_o such_o person_n as_o these_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n very_o weak_a of_o little_a judgement_n or_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o this_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n under_o that_o character_n nor_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v forego_v our_o liberty_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o 3._o those_o who_o be_v real_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a instruction_n but_o we_o can_v be_v always_o babe_n in_o christ_n without_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n such_o as_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o clear_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o party_n can_v upon_o no_o account_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o weak_a person_n of_o these_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o regard_n who_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n matth._n 15.14_o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o condemn_v all_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n for_o be_v malicious_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o but_o however_o 1._o i_o beg_v they_o to_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o have_v devout_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n for_o otherwise_o their_o weakness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v pity_v than_o that_o man_n sickness_n who_o will_v not_o though_o he_o may_v be_v cure_v 2._o i_o must_v say_v that_o old_a and_o inveterate_a mistake_v that_o have_v be_v a_o 1000_o time_n answer_v and_o protest_v against_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o if_o people_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o fancy_n they_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o compassion_n which_o st._n paul_n prescribe_v towards_o weak_a brethren_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o abuse_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n in_o they_o and_o the_o do_v of_o they_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a consequence_n to_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o forbear_v they_o no_o long_o than_o till_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o right_o concern_v the_o innocency_n of_o my_o action_n and_o intention_n and_o give_v they_o notice_n of_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v possible_o happen_v to_o they_o if_o i_o dig_v a_o pit_n or_o lay_v a_o block_n in_o the_o way_n whereby_o other_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v hurt_n and_o wound_v i_o be_o guilty_a of_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v but_o if_o they_o be_v plain_o and_o often_o tell_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o will_v run_v into_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v then_o only_o to_o thank_v themselves_o now_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o case_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o misinterpretation_n it_o hold_v much_o more_o in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o injunction_n as_o from_o man_n gross_a ignorance_n misconceit_n or_o perverseness_n this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o people_z be_v general_o mistake_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o offend_v or_o give_v offence_n for_o by_o it_o they_o common_o understand_v displease_v or_o grieve_v another_o and_o make_v he_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o godly_a person_n do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o or_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o fancy_n or_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v this_o conceit_n rom._n 14.15_o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n now_o walk_v thou_o not_o charitable_o but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o by_o grieve_v our_o brother_n be_v not_o mean_v displease_v but_o wound_v and_o hurt_v he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v that_o which_o cause_v grief_n or_o sorrow_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o destroy_v and_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v v._o 15_o 21._o to_o be_v offend_v or_o grieve_v be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o what_o another_o have_v do_v out_o of_o pity_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o receive_v hurt_v ourselves_o from_o it_o be_v draw_v or_o deceive_v into_o some_o sin_n by_o it_o but_o because_o many_o well-disposed_a people_n do_v think_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o good_a man_n be_v displease_v or_o grieve_v at_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o to_o censure_n and_o condemn_v and_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o action_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o join_v any_o long_o with_o they_o in_o their_o separate_a congregation_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o peevishness_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o be_v that_o very_a sin_n which_o st._n paul_n often_o warn_v his_o weak_a believer_n against_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rash_o judge_v those_o who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n better_o than_o themselves_o at_o this_o rate_n any_o company_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v resolve_v to_o quarrel_v with_o all_o that_o do_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v must_v oblige_v all_o to_o remain_v forever_o with_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v they_o offence_n if_o what_o i_o do_v be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o it_o can_v become_v such_o because_o another_o man_n be_v causeless_o angry_a with_o i_o for_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o offend_v that_o be_v displease_v their_o weak_a brethren_n hinder_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n ought_v serious_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o real_o only_o the_o care_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o that_o party_n or_o else_o the_o secure_n of_o some_o worldly_a interest_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o conformity_n 3._o if_o to_o displease_v our_o weak_a brethren_n be_v the_o sinful_a offend_v he_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o beget_v such_o endless_a perplexity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a with_o a_o well-assured_a mind_n since_o one_o or_o other_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o we_o shall_v anger_v some_o by_o do_v other_o by_o forbear_v and_o since_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o weak_a be_v divide_v into_o several_a faction_n each_o condemn_v all_o the_o other_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v thereby_o displease_v all_o the_o rest_n 4._o if_o we_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v displease_v our_o weak_a brethren_n we_o do_v submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a christian_n and_o yield_v they_o that_o authority_n over_o we_o which_o we_o deny_v to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o those_o who_o think_v their_o christian_a liberty_n so_o much_o violate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o tie_v up_o
case_n wave_v the_o safe_a for_o the_o more_o prudent_a side_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o rule_n to_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n or_o the_o side_n which_o be_v more_o free_a from_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o second_o if_o by_o safe_a side_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o all_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o all_o kind_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v best_a serve_v all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a interest_n that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v propose_v i_o free_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n for_o then_o the_o safe_a side_n be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a side_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v choose_v 2._o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n now_o all_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n be_v either_o single_a or_o double_a it_o be_v a_o single_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o one_o side_n but_o be_v satisfy_v on_o the_o other_o for_o instance_n he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v the_o action_n but_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v lawful_o omit_v it_o or_o he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o omit_v it_o but_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v lawful_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o both_o side_n when_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v because_o he_o fear_v he_o may_v sin_v whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o first_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n we_o may_v thus_o apply_v the_o general_n rule_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a if_o all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n of_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v not_o do_v what_o we_o doubt_v of_o for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o run_v the_o risk_a of_o sin_v when_o a_o man_n can_v without_o any_o inconveniency_n avoid_v it_o if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o go_v to_o law_n and_o can_v positive_o determine_v with_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o suchlike_a case_n the_o rule_n be_v plain_a that_o while_o he_o doubt_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o forbear_v because_o he_o run_v a_o hazard_n in_o venture_v upon_o what_o he_o doubt_v of_o but_o he_o run_v no_o hazard_n in_o forbear_v but_o then_o if_o there_o be_v other_o consideration_n to_o overbalance_n this_o consideration_n of_o uncertainty_n it_o will_v be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o i_o do_v before_o doubt_v of_o nay_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v for_o if_o i_o doubt_v i_o do_v by_o doubt_v own_o that_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a and_o sure_o then_o the_o weight_n of_o press_a consideration_n ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n otherwise_o i_o can_v answer_v to_o myself_o or_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v thus_o if_o i_o be_o guardian_n to_o a_o orphan_n who_o estate_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o a_o lawsuit_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clear_n it_o i_o be_o oblige_v notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n to_o secure_v his_o right_n by_o go_v to_o law_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o advisable_v to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o doubt_v of_o if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o second_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n fear_v he_o may_v sin_v whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o say_v he_o must_v get_v his_o doubt_n remove_v for_o perhaps_o that_o may_v be_v impossible_a through_o want_n of_o time_n or_o good_a counsel_n he_o be_v therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o same_o rule_n as_o in_o other_o doubtful_a case_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v and_o if_o he_o do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o incur_v no_o blame_n but_o because_o the_o application_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n be_v various_a according_a to_o many_o circumstance_n that_o may_v happen_v therefore_o i_o shall_v comprise_v all_o the_o variety_n in_o these_o four_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o if_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v afraid_a of_o appear_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o we_o doubt_v the_o least_o of_o that_o be_v we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n 2._o if_o we_o think_v there_o be_v equal_a danger_n on_o both_o side_n we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o less_o sin_n 3._o if_o we_o think_v the_o one_o side_n more_o probable_a and_o the_o other_o less_o sinful_a we_o must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o probability_n or_o the_o sin_n if_o there_o be_v much_o more_o probability_n on_o the_o one_o side_n than_o on_o the_o other_o and_o but_o small_a difference_n between_o the_o sin_n then_o we_o must_v act_v that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a but_o then_o if_o the_o consequence_n on_o one_o side_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v be_v so_o terrible_a that_o they_o overbalance_n all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v act_v that_o which_o set_v he_o free_a from_o these_o consequence_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n be_v try_v for_o his_o life_n and_o the_o evidence_n against_o he_o be_v not_o so_o full_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n in_o the_o jury_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o case_n they_o shall_v rather_o acquit_v he_o notwithstanding_o some_o probability_n of_o his_o gild_n than_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o do_v murder_n by_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a 4._o if_o a_o man_n doubt_v equal_o on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o sin_n appear_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n then_o his_o own_o ease_n or_o advantage_n or_o reputation_n or_o any_o other_o prudential_a inducement_n must_v determine_v he_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 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 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 shall_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o instance_n of_o a_o case_n in_o which_o they_o be_v all_o apply_v the_o case_n be_v this_o here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n constant_o or_o at_o least_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o no_o grievous_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o disposition_n that_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o he_o be_v under_o great_a fear_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o now_o the_o question_n be_v what_o this_o man_n who_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n aught_o to_o do_v for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n he_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 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 a_o man_n can_v resolve_v this_o question_n but_o by_o apply_v the_o forego_n rule_n after_o this_o manner_n first_o since_o the_o man_n doubt_v that_o he_o sin_n whether_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o forbear_v it_o must_v be_v consider_v which_o side_n appear_v most_o likely_a to_o free_v he_o from_o sin_n now_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v think_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o come_v mean_o prepare_v than_o customary_o to_o abstain_v because_o he_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o frequent_v it_o than_o that_o he_o be_v unprepared_a for_o it_o indeed_o be_v he_o a_o debauch_a person_n or_o have_v he_o be_v late_o guilty_a of_o some_o notorious_a sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o that_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o dread_v unworthy_a