that_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 it_o or_o second_o though_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o trifle_a nay_o though_o perhaps_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o inconvenient_a law_n yet_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o be_v such_o as_o gives_z offence_n to_o our_o superior_n or_o to_o any_o other_o that_o be_v either_o argue_v a_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n before_o our_o fellow_n subject_n i_o say_v in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n the_o transgression_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n render_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o a_o fault_n as_o well_o as_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o law_n but_o out_o of_o these_o two_o case_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o a_o pure_o humane_a law_n do_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n or_o how_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o do_v make_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o secure_v these_o two_o point_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o good_a of_o the_o public_a and_o of_o private_a person_n and_o wâ—th_v all_o the_o sacredness_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o authority_n which_o be_v likewise_o in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a good_a we_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n or_o lay_v command_n upon_o inferior_n be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o mankind_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o humane_a law_n do_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o a_o great_a many_o case_n may_v and_o do_v happen_v in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v act_n contrary_a to_o a_o pure_o humane_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n always_o suppose_v as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n or_o refractoryness_n express_v towards_o the_o governor_n nor_o no_o scandal_n or_o ill_a example_n give_v to_o other_o by_o the_o action_n for_o if_o there_o be_v either_o of_o these_o in_o the_o case_n i_o dare_v not_o acquit_v the_o man_n from_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o god_n law_n in_o the_o instance_n wherein_o he_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o governor_n ought_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o esteem_v very_o sacred_a both_o because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o herefore_o wherever_o they_o do_v peremptory_o lay_v their_o command_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o far_o to_o comply_v as_o not_o to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o nor_o to_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o and_o though_o their_o command_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o slight_a nay_o though_o they_o shall_v prove_v real_o inconvenient_a either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o public_a yet_o if_o they_o stand_v upon_o they_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o require_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o we_o must_v yield_v we_o must_v obey_v always_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o against_o god_n law_n for_o we_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n either_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n ourselves_o or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o for_o to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o publtck_n than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iu._n and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a matter_n here_o before_o we_o that_o be_v the_o business_n of_o church_n communion_n the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n to_o which_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o law_n have_v appoint_v be_v the_o four_o general_a head_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v this_o point_n of_o the_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v have_v be_v large_o handle_v by_o several_a learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o one_o of_o those_o discourse_n which_o have_v late_o be_v write_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o dissenter_n thither_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o full_a satisfaction_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o just_a to_o touch_v upon_o it_o here_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o here_o the_o proposition_n we_o lie_v down_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n and_o consequent_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o be_v 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_n church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v or_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o it_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o because_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o forego_n principle_n which_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o christ_n have_v forbid_v all_o humane_a authority_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a to_o make_v any_o law_n or_o order_n about_o religion_n which_o i_o believe_v never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v show_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a upon_o another_o account_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v 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 uslye_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o unity_n do_v consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o with_o our_o brethren_n under_o common_a governor_n in_o the_o same_o religious_a communion_n of_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o those_o church_n governor_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_v religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n under_o those_o governor_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 that_o sin_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o very_a much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v that_o there_o be_v something_o require_v of_o he_o in_o those_o assembly_n and_o by_o those_o governor_n and_o that_o as_o a_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o which_o he_o can_v submit_v to_o without_o sin_n and_o this_o point_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o do_v seem_v often_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o business_n of_o come_v to_o church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n no_o otherwise_o to_o bind_v their_o conscience_n than_o other_o pure_o humane_a law_n they_o think_v they_o owe_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n in_o these_o matter_n different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o yield_v to_o any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o often_o make_v so_o slight_a a_o business_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o these_o thing_n than_o this_o come_v to_o the_o withdraw_v our_o communion_n from_o the_o church_n carry_v a_o far_o great_a guilt_n in_o it_o than_o the_o violate_v any_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a for_o though_o we_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o time_n the_o gesture_n the_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o method_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n as_o also_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v to_o officiate_v be_v all_o of_o humane_a institution_n and_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o vary_a at_o the_o discretion_n of_o our_o governor_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 jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o offend_a against_o
evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_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 and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_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 a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n 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_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
the_o establish_v worship_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o if_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o about_o conscience_n be_v admit_v then_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o 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 can_v 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 but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 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 since_o as_o we_o have_v say_v conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_n what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o go_v against_o a_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o man_n only_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n that_o can_v true_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v say_v it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o real_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o some_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v join_v with_o we_o if_o against_o this_o it_o be_v except_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o direct_o sinful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n take_v it_o real_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o hold_v constant_a communion_n with_o some_o other_o congregation_n where_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v be_v more_o edify_v or_o to_o which_o he_o be_v relate_v by_o some_o church_n covenant_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o grant_v conscience_n be_v right_o plead_v for_o separation_n though_o how_o justifiable_o i_o do_v not_o now_o examine_v but_o than_o i_o say_v this_o plea_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n i_o just_o now_o lay_v down_o for_o if_o the_o man_n as_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o case_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n by_o god_n law_n as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o other_o and_o not_o with_o we_o then_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o can_v without_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n that_o be_v without_o sin_n join_v with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o same_o account_n which_o we_o give_v of_o its_o be_v against_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o further_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o our_o proposition_n that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o also_o in_o the_o case_n where_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o those_o doubt_n remain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_o say_v of_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n one_o must_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n have_v real_o entertain_v this_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o must_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o conform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v but_o then_o this_o be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n we_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o therefore_o it_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v because_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v but_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n to_o act_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o two_o exception_n which_o be_v all_o i_o can_v think_v of_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v true_a 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 but_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o it_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n now_o if_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o 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 and_o indeed_o how_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o will_v be_v leave_v that_o can_v be_v able_a with_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o our_o sacrament_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o private_a grudge_n or_o pique_n because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v or_o have_v receive_v some_o disappointment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o church_n or_o by_o the_o man_n that_o be_v favourer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o pet_n will_v join_v themselves_o to_o another_o communion_n all_o those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o turn_n more_o effectual_o by_o be_v of_o another_o way_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o can_v thereby_o better_a please_v a_o relation_n from_o who_o they_o have_v expectance_n they_o can_v better_o advance_v their_o trade_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n they_o can_v better_o procure_v a_o reputation_n or_o regain_v one_o that_o be_v sink_v in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o that_o to_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o pride_n or_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n do_v refuse_v we_o their_o company_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v all_o such_o be_v certain_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o place_n all_o those_o lay_v people_n who_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o account_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o they_o most_o love_n and_o reverence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o exercise_n their_o function_n among_o we_o who_o pretence_n it_o be_v that_o if_o these_o good_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n they_o will_v come_v to_o our_o congregation_n but_o so_o long_o as_o that_o be_v refuse_v they_o will_v hear_v they_o where_o they_o can_v i_o say_v all_o these_o be_v likewise_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o however_o it_o may_v real_o and_o true_o be_v against_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o conform_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o than_o of_o ordinary_a people_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o know_v no_o ill_a in_o conformity_n but_o only_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n be_v silence_v in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o those_o that_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o a_o mere_a dislike_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o our_o church_n office_n they_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n like_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o they_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o object_n against_o our_o form_n in_o particular_a they_o do_v not_o like_o our_o ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o surplice_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o they_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o they_o all_o these_o man_n likewise_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o they_o do_v
indian_a church_n in_o coulan_n and_o crangonor_n and_o about_o maliapur_n plant_v by_o st._n thomas_n both_o which_o practice_n infant-baptism_n though_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o never_o have_v it_o one_o from_o the_o other_o or_o both_o from_o any_o three_o church_n it_o be_v very_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o practice_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o church-destroying_a practice_n if_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n but_o only_o grow_v person_n one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o harmless_a practice_n as_o that_o of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v any_o one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o least_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o no_o such_o prohibition_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o in_o the_o four_o place_n what_o account_n can_v rational_o be_v give_v why_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v refuse_v to_o initiate_v child_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v always_o be_v initiate_v under_o the_o old_a be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o complain_v so_o much_o mere_o because_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o jew_n which_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o circumcise_v their_o child_n will_v not_o have_v complain_v much_o more_o if_o they_o have_v not_o baptise_a they_o but_o quite_o exclude_v they_o like_o the_o infant_n of_o unbeliever_n from_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v gall_v they_o very_o much_o to_o see_v their_o child_n treat_v like_o the_o child_n of_o mere_a stranger_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o visible_a difference_n put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o those_o that_o resist_v the_o faith_n for_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o pagan_a child_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a but_o upon_o their_o own_o as_o separate_a and_o holy_a and_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o same_o distinction_n between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o but_o have_v the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v no_o more_o right_a unto_o baptismal_a initiation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o idolater_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o will_v have_v offend_v they_o more_o than_o all_o they_o preach_v against_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherefore_o since_o we_o never_o read_v among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jew_n custom_n that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n not_o be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o they_o baptise_a they_o not_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n second_o that_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v very_o convince_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o of_o grow_v person_n be_v intend_v by_o he_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n upon_o the_o three_o question_n quest_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o this_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a question_n must_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a whether_o we_o consider_v infant-baptism_n only_o as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o allowable_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n high_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o my_o adversary_n in_o this_o controversy_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o deny_v this_o distinction_n betwixt_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a as_o acknowledge_v nothing_o in_o religious_a matter_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o that_o common_a principle_n imbibe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o direct_v unto_o by_o some_o special_a example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o ordinary_o say_v can_v you_o show_v we_o any_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o you_o can_v we_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o be_v lawful_a but_o if_o you_o can_v we_o disallow_v it_o as_o unlawful_a nay_o as_o a_o usurpation_n and_o will_v never_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o so_o usurp_v it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v plausible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o will_v be_v very_o good_a be_v there_o such_o a_o principle_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o from_o whence_o they_o argue_v viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o as_o the_o man_n with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o this_o controversy_n be_v general_o person_n of_o good_a natural_a understanding_n so_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o beg_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o for_o a_o scripture-rule_a or_o precept_n do_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o man_n conscience_n as_o bad_a as_o papist_n and_o like_o they_o and_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a teach_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o doctrine_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o according_a to_o this_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n though_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o the_o church_n will_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o appoint_v it_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v second_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o pretend_a scripture-rule_a in_o that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bare_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a and_o necessary_a and_o leave_v no_o negative_a mean_n betwixt_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a but_o make_v thing_n forbid_v and_o thing_n not_o command_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o three_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o slavish_a principle_n this_o be_v and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o free_a and_o manly_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o servile_a and_o childish_a condition_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n which_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o from_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n among_o the_o jew_n allow_v private_a person_n to_o practice_n and_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v thing_n of_o a_o religious_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v to_o be_v do_v last_o i_o entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o utter_o impracticable_a this_o pretend_a principle_n be_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o who_o advance_v it_o against_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o particular_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n in_o baptise_v grow_v person_n who_o be_v breed_v up_o from_o infant_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o lords-supper_n who_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o passover_n nor_o paschal-cup_n of_o blessing_n without_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o so_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o little_a well_o consider_v be_v enough_o to_o obviate_v all_o objection_n against_o my_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o supposition_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v bare_o lawful_a and_o
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_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 stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n a_o humane_a law_n ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o divine_a law_n modify_v or_o clothe_v with_o several_a circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n do_v create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n upon_o every_o subject_a than_o a_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n in_o the_o other_o case_n we_o only_o yield_v obedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o god_n in_o general_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n to_o make_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o business_n of_o pay_v tribute_n and_o custom_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n with_o a_o humane_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o that_o every_o subject_n shall_v pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n be_v due_a be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o what_o good_n we_o shall_v pay_v tribute_n or_o custom_n or_o what_o proportion_n of_o those_o good_n shall_v be_v pay_v this_o be_v not_o define_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o every_o kingdom_n but_o now_o because_o humane_a authority_n do_v interpose_v in_o this_o affair_n and_o settle_v what_o every_o man_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o king_n and_o out_o of_o what_o commodity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n or_o concealment_n detain_v the_o king_n right_o from_o he_o that_o he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n for_o this_o but_o only_o the_o transgress_a of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n in_o case_n he_o be_v detect_v no_o certain_o for_o all_o that_o the_o custom_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o form_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o humane_a law_n only_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a aught_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o unjust_a person_n before_o god_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o good_n will_v not_o render_v he_o less_o unjust_a or_o more_o excusable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n to_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o baptism_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o worship_a god_n for_o the_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n all_o this_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o king_n and_o every_o man_n what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v dishonest_a &_o unjust_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o give_v but_o they_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n just_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o thing_n thus_o clothe_v by_o humane_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n about_o they_o than_o we_o can_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o have_v name_v and_o that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o for_o instance_n purge_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o knavery_n before_o god_n that_o will_v contrive_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a as_o any_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n before_o god_n that_o will_v choose_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n different_a from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prescribe_v always_o suppose_v that_o the_o worship_n establish_v be_v command_v by_o just_a authority_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o can_v just_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o in_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o hold_v it_o than_o mere_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o statute_n or_o a_o humane_a law_n for_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v this_o that_o i_o think_v no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v warrant_v it_o so_o that_o even_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v which_o shall_v ordain_v that_o wilful_a causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o tolerate_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o yet_o nevertheless_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n will_v still_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v there_o now_o only_o remain_v our_o last_o general_a head_n about_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v with_o our_o preliminary_a point_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v or_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o or_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n here_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o we_o concern_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v sinful_a have_v authority_n over_o we_o how_o far_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_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 true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o
not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o service_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o their_o conscience_n can_v be_v concern_v but_o only_o they_o be_v not_o please_v with_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o service_n as_o fancy_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o decent_a or_o convenient_a or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o prudent_o order_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o yet_o still_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o it_o can_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o any_o assembly_n in_o which_o they_o be_v practise_v because_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v not_o touch_v be_v not_o affect_v where_o no_o law_n of_o god_n be_v transgress_v in_o the_o four_o place_n all_o those_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o our_o communion_n pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n that_o be_v of_o another_o persuasion_n those_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o our_o worship_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v breed_v in_o another_o way_n or_o those_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o but_o that_o they_o know_v a_o great_a many_o religious_a godly_a person_n that_o do_v condemn_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v at_o we_o these_o now_o may_v be_v very_o well_o mean_v man_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v reasonable_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n education_n or_o the_o example_n or_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n that_o make_v any_o action_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v that_o action_n and_o therefore_o before_o i_o can_v say_v that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n be_v against_o my_o conscience_n i_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n law_n have_v either_o in_o general_n or_o in_o particular_a either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n make_v that_o action_n unlawful_a i_o grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a and_o pious_a be_v always_o to_o be_v listen_v to_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o then_o no_o man_n opinion_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o conscience_n nor_o be_o i_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o follow_v it_o any_o far_a than_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o it_o declare_v god_n law_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o sure_a in_o this_o case_n of_o church_n communion_n i_o can_v be_v but_o very_o little_o concern_v to_o follow_v any_o man_n opinion_n when_o both_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o as_o pious_a as_o any_o other_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o when_o also_o the_o public_a law_n which_o have_v much_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o private_a opinion_n have_v determine_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o it_o be_v great_a weakness_n &_o sillyness_n &_o not_o conscience_n that_o prevail_v with_o these_o man_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v in_o any_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o it_o unlawful_a or_o forbid_v let_v that_o persuasion_n be_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o will_v than_o they_o may_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o example_n or_o the_o advice_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n can_v in_o the_o least_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o refuse_v our_o communion_n five_o those_o that_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o our_o governor_n in_o their_o law_n and_o prescription_n about_o god_n worship_n have_v not_o right_o use_v the_o power_n which_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o but_o have_v exceed_v their_o bound_n have_v make_v perhaps_o too_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n or_o lay_v more_o stress_n than_o be_v meet_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o likewise_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o former_a rule_n from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o admit_v the_o lawgiver_n have_v be_v to_o blame_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o these_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v soon_o say_v then_o prove_v and_o have_v real_o do_v more_o than_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o they_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o governor_n be_v indeed_o deep_o concern_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o there_o be_v any_o but_o how_o this_o do_v concern_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v not_o easy_o understand_v so_o long_o as_o what_o be_v command_v or_o enjoin_v do_v not_o appear_v to_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o have_v say_v this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o add_v that_o those_o who_o so_o much_o stand_v up_o for_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v be_v think_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o it_o do_v by_o their_o endless_a scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v authority_n in_o such_o matter_n in_o all_o appearance_n take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o destroy_v all_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o religion_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o and_o such_o other_o uncommand_v thing_n six_o and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o instance_n all_o those_o that_o can_v communicate_v occasional_o with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o that_o when_o they_o have_v a_o turn_n to_o be_v serve_v when_o there_o be_v a_o office_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n can_v come_v to_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o communion_n but_o at_o other_o time_n they_o do_v not_o afford_v we_o their_o presence_n these_o be_v also_o exclude_v from_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o their_o not_o constant_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o for_o if_o indeed_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n with_o what_o conscience_n dare_v they_o do_v it_o at_o all_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o worldly_a good_a to_o venture_v upon_o such_o a_o action_n as_o they_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n be_v a_o sinful_a thing_n as_o i_o dare_v say_v none_o of_o these_o person_n do_v than_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o make_v the_o inference_n that_o it_o can_v be_v more_o against_o their_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o thrice_o than_o to_o do_v it_o once_o and_o do_v it_o constant_o than_o to_o do_v it_o thrice_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o false_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n and_o come_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o that_o can_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v teal_o believe_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a or_o that_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v as_o for_o those_o that_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a i_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v they_o because_o they_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o they_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o determine_v either_o way_n but_o however_o because_o these_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n i_o shall_v consider_v their_o case_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n upon_o that_o argument_n those_o that_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v with_o be_v such_o as_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o my_o business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o such_o a_o belief_n or_o
forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o sin_v not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head_n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discouse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probality_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n
table_n because_o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v he_o habitual_o qualify_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n but_o this_o as_o i_o say_v be_v not_o the_o question_n before_o we_o we_o here_o suppose_v the_o man_n either_o through_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o through_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v incapable_a at_o present_a of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v to_o which_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n he_o must_v determine_v himself_o shall_v he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n doubt_v as_o he_o do_v or_o shall_v he_o forbear_v it_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v now_o i_o say_v a_o man_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n but_o by_o apply_v the_o rule_v i_o before_o lay_v down_o to_o his_o present_a case_n which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o this_o manner_n since_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o doubt_v that_o he_o sin_n whether_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o forbear_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v on_o which_o side_n he_o doubt_v least_o or_o which_o side_n appear_v to_o he_o most_o likely_a and_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v for_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a the_o balance_n be_v to_o be_v turn_v on_o that_o side_n according_a to_o our_o first_o proposition_n now_o if_o our_o present_a question_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o man_n who_o case_n i_o be_o represent_v will_v think_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o repair_v to_o the_o sacrament_n even_o in_o that_o evil_a posture_n he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v than_o customary_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o because_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o do_v certain_o follow_v the_o more_o probable_a and_o the_o less_o doubtful_a or_o dangerous_a side_n of_o the_o question_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v half_a so_o certain_a of_o this_o particular_a viz._n that_o he_o be_v unprepared_a for_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o abstain_v as_o he_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o frequent_v it_o if_o indeed_o the_o man_n be_v a_o person_n of_o ill_a life_n and_o manner_n or_o if_o he_o have_v be_v late_o guilty_a of_o any_o notorious_a wilful_a sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o that_o sin_n upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o then_o i_o will_v grant_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o receive_v unworthy_o as_o by_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n ordinance_n but_o the_o case_n here_o be_v not_o so_o the_o man_n be_v real_o a_o honest_a well-meaning_a christian_a nor_o have_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o late_a which_o can_v give_v he_o any_o suspicion_n of_o his_o have_v forfeit_v that_o title_n only_o through_o his_o mistake_n about_o the_o notion_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n he_o apprehend_v he_o be_v not_o qualify_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o yet_o if_o most_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o his_o condition_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v why_o certain_o in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o man_n that_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n especial_o if_o he_o do_v it_o customary_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o all_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n about_o he_o for_o as_o i_o say_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n by_o habitual_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o that_o great_a christian_a service_n for_o those_o be_v found_v on_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v found_v only_o on_o uncertain_a conjectural_a surmise_n about_o his_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o pay_v his_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v such_o assurance_n in_o his_o case_n that_o he_o be_v unqualify_v for_o pay_v that_o homage_n but_o second_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o doubt_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o man_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n if_o he_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v which_o yet_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o nay_o if_o you_o please_v let_v we_o suppose_v the_o man_n do_v certain_o sin_n whether_o he_o recive_v or_o forbear_v here_o than_o this_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o of_o these_o two_o sin_n be_v the_o least_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o yet_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o for_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o this_o last_o sin_n happen_v to_o be_v to_o that_o side_n the_o man_n be_v to_o determine_v himself_o according_a to_o our_o second_o rule_n it_o be_v eternal_o reasonable_a that_o of_o two_o evil_n we_o shall_v choose_v the_o least_o when_o we_o can_v avoid_v both_o now_o put_v the_o case_n before_o we_o upon_o this_o issue_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o resolve_v it_o than_o only_o to_o ask_v this_o general_a question_n which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o these_o two_o for_o a_o man_n to_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o to_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n or_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o that_o law_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o yet_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v that_o without_o break_v another_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o man_n who_o do_v this_o last_o though_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v innocent_a yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a in_o a_o far_o less_o degree_n than_o the_o man_n that_o practise_v the_o former_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o his_o justification_n let_v we_o suppose_v two_o man_n both_o of_o they_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o as_o thing_n stand_v with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o fit_a condition_n so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o one_o of_o these_o man_n do_v upon_o this_o account_n forbear_v all_o prayer_n both_o public_a and_o private_a neither_o use_v his_o closet_n nor_o frequent_v the_o church_n the_o other_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o what_o both_o natural_a religion_n and_o christianity_n do_v oblige_v he_o to_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o forbear_v his_o usual_a office_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a though_o yet_o he_o believe_v he_o sinful_o perform_v they_o if_o the_o question_n now_o be_v put_v which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o better_a man_n or_o the_o least_o offender_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v give_v their_o judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o latter_a though_o yet_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v that_o this_o person_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o live_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o he_o can_v say_v his_o prayer_n without_o sin_n this_o judgement_n i_o say_v man_n will_v pass_v in_o this_o case_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o certain_o no_o indisposition_n that_o a_o man_n have_v contract_v of_o what_o nature_n soever_o will_v take_v off_o from_o his_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v do_v his_o duty_n so_o well_o as_o he_o ought_v he_o must_v at_o least_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o therefore_o let_v his_o circumstance_n be_v what_o they_o will_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v less_o criminal_a in_o perform_v a_o know_a duty_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o his_o condition_n will_v allow_v he_o though_o with_o many_o and_o deserve_a reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o vnworthiness_n than_o in_o whole_o omit_v or_o disuse_v that_o duty_n because_o a_o neglect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n be_v a_o less_o fault_n than_o to_o neglect_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o let_v this_o now_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o
duty_n that_o he_o general_o take_v the_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o our_o lord_n by_o partake_v in_o his_o supper_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o since_o his_o last_o communicate_v he_o find_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o much_o worse_a frame_n than_o it_o use_v to_o be_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o perhaps_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n that_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o conscience_n so_o that_o when_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n of_o receive_v come_v he_o can_v but_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a unfit_a condition_n to_o communicate_v in_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n what_o to_o do_v for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o offend_v god_n if_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o forbid_v he_o to_o come_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v he_o to_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o he_o have_v opportunity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n every_o time_n that_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o these_o circumstance_n this_o be_v a_o exact_a instance_n of_o the_o case_n i_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o three_o proposition_n where_o on_o one_o side_n the_o man_n run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n now_o for_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n i_o say_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n only_o once_o or_o twice_o from_o the_o communion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a frame_n of_o mind_n against_o another_o opportunity_n the_o answer_n according_a to_o our_o three_o proposition_n must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a thus_o to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o this_o answer_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n be_v more_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o the_o one_o but_o no_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o the_o other_o for_o christ_n have_v no_o more_o appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o year_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o day_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o determinate_a proportion_n of_o our_o annual_a income_n to_o charitable_a uses_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v bind_v we_o in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o to_o the_o particular_n the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o determine_v we_o only_o this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o often_o we_o perform_v these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o better_a and_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o be_v christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o frequent_o this_o now_o be_v so_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n if_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n though_o but_o once_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o unworthiness_n as_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o suppose_v that_o christ_n law_n have_v precise_o tie_v he_o up_o to_o communicate_v every_o time_n that_o a_o communion_n be_v appoint_v yet_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v thus_o tie_v he_o up_o and_o withal_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o run_v so_o certain_a a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o shall_v communicate_v at_o this_o time_n apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o unworthy_a as_o he_o do_v this_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n must_v needs_o in_o this_o case_n overballance_v the_o other_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o reasonable_a to_o the_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o receive_n to_o another_o opportunity_n against_o which_o time_n he_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o prepare_v than_o to_o adventure_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o then_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n customary_o and_o habitual_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v not_o hold_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o nay_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o first_o particular_a about_o this_o case_n and_o withal_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o in_o come_v to_o it_o though_o with_o never_o so_o great_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o second_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o danger_n be_v at_o least_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n he_o must_v choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o least_o sin_n lie_v that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v communicate_v frequent_o at_o least_o so_o often_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n do_v enjoin_v he_o which_o be_v three_o time_n a_o year_n though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o communicate_v at_o all_o have_v thus_o go_v through_o three_o of_o our_o proposition_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o put_v our_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o illustration_n of_o our_o four_o and_o last_o here_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o apprehend_v he_o run_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_v whether_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o withal_o so_o unskilful_a a_o judge_n be_v he_o of_o the_o morality_n of_o action_n that_o he_o apprehend_v no_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o in_o this_o case_n now_o all_o the_o man_n can_v do_v be_v to_o consider_v what_o inducement_n he_o have_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n or_o interest_n to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o for_o since_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a those_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n according_a to_o our_o four_o proposition_n but_o if_o the_o case_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n will_v be_v long_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o shall_v frequent_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o forbear_v it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o act_v more_o prudent_o and_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o advantage_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o for_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o they_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o inconsiderable_a that_o which_o i_o desire_v chief_o to_o be_v here_o consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n it_o be_v much_o more_o advisable_v for_o our_o doubt_a person_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o by_o frequent_v this_o ordinance_n he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n both_o to_o grow_v more_o worthy_a if_o he_o be_v now_o unworthy_a and_o likewise_o to_o cure_v the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n he_o be_v now_o trouble_v with_o but_o if_o he_o neglect_v this_o mean_n of_o grace_n he_o not_o only_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o increase_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o long_o he_o defer_v his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n still_o the_o more_o doubtful_a will_v he_o be_v of_o his_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o but_o also_o be_v
as_o neither_o have_v mean_n to_o cometo_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o condition_n not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o accurate_o inform_v himself_o about_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o i_o say_v a_o man_n can_v formal_o be_v say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o obey_v his_o lawful_a superior_n though_o the_o instance_n in_o which_o he_o obey_v shall_v happen_v to_o contradict_v some_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n here_o be_v as_o no_o law_n to_o he_o that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o because_o he_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o then_o further_o this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o we_o own_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n when_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n command_v as_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v unlawful_a i_o say_v this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o when_o ever_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o man_n sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o his_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v common_o run_v away_o with_o for_o the_o man_n will_v as_o certain_o sin_n if_o in_o this_o case_n he_o do_v the_o action_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o he_o do_v in_o do_v it_o with_o a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n but_o the_o sin_n lie_v here_o viz._n in_o do_v a_o action_n which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v and_o which_o the_o man_n will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v a_o ill_a action_n if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a and_o so_o careful_a in_o mind_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v it_o be_v his_o act_v contrary_a to_o a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o here_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v his_o vicious_a criminal_a ignorance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v the_o form_n to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o that_o be_v no_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o the_o sin_n at_o all_o five_o we_o add_v this_o further_a that_o whatever_o power_n or_o right_o we_o give_v to_o our_o superior_n for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o either_o to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o those_o rule_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o direct_v a_o man_n proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n for_o this_o case_n of_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o those_o rule_n be_v here_o to_o take_v place_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o other_o instance_n and_o therefore_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v in_o this_o case_n very_o unequal_a that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o much_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o this_o particular_a instance_n than_o if_o he_o obey_v they_o not_o as_o have_v abundant_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a in_o that_o case_n we_o can_v say_v â—e_n be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v but_o shall_v rather_o disobey_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a it_o be_v likewise_o more_o probable_a that_o a_o man_n in_o this_o instance_n be_v not_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o a_o great_a probability_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o according_a to_o our_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o retrieve_v the_o balance_n which_o be_v so_o far_o incline_v the_o other_o way_n and_o to_o turn_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o very_o usual_o be_v such_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v in_o this_o instance_n than_o of_o obey_v as_o will_v to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n rather_o to_o do_v the_o action_n how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o doubt_n than_o to_o omit_v it_o after_o lawful_a authority_n have_v enjoin_v it_o but_o however_o this_o happen_v it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o mind_n as_o before_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v nothing_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n but_o what_o they_o lawful_o may_v do_v it_o will_v not_o justify_v any_o man_n disobedience_n to_o say_v that_o he_o apprehend_v it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o sinful_a to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o for_o our_o mistake_v and_o false_a reason_n will_v not_o take_v off_o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n in_o their_o lawful_a command_n unless_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o in_o those_o instance_n we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o understand_v better_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_v our_o way_n by_o remove_v from_o our_o question_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o it_o and_o which_o indeed_o by_o be_v usual_o blend_v with_o it_o have_v make_v it_o more_o intricate_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v we_o be_v pretty_a well_o prepare_v to_o propose_v our_o point_n in_o the_o six_o place_n then_o exclude_v as_o we_o have_v do_v out_o of_o our_o case_n all_o those_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o none_o of_o which_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v the_o plain_a question_n before_o we_o 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 vnlawfulness_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 ought_v not_o so_o far_o to_o overbalance_n the_o doubt_n as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o also_o to_o oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o hold_v the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n and_o i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v under_o this_o head_n ii_o our_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o if_o lawful_a authority_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v lawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o our_o judgement_n remain_v suspend_v as_o have_v equal_a or_o near_o equal_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o though_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n we_o shall_v general_o forbear_v the_o action_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o before_o give_v yet_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v authority_n over_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o for_o first_o of_o all_o even_o in_o point_n of_o humility_n and_o modesty_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o consideration_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o subject_a owe_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n of_o his_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o so_o much_o influence_n as_o this_o even_o a_o confessor_n or_o a_o private_a friend_n have_v over_o our_o conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o we_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a on_o both_o side_n we_o usual_o so_o far_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v sway_v and_o overrule_v by_o what_o they_o advise_v and_o that_o oftentimes_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o weight_n and_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n
affirm_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n of_o obey_v authority_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o man_n be_v and_o i_o believe_v all_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v their_o superior_n well_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o we_o here_o talk_v contradiction_n can_v a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o be_v be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o such_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o doubt_v concern_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o case_n that_o every_o day_n happen_v where_o a_o man_n have_v a_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o a_o man_n often_o have_v very_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o action_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o have_v in_o those_o circumstance_n for_o the_o do_v the_o action_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o doubt_n he_o have_v about_o it_o that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o consider_v without_o his_o present_a circumstance_n yet_o as_o it_o come_v circumstantiate_v to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o he_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v large_o before_o in_o my_o explication_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o be_v not_o all_o doubt_v contrary_a to_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o such_o kind_n of_o doubt_v as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o do_v we_o see_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o faith_n my_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n shall_v be_v destroy_v it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v overbalance_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v this_o wherever_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n touch_v any_o action_n he_o be_v deliberate_v about_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a man_n all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v than_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o such_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o do_v that_o action_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v such_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n as_o will_v perhaps_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o resolve_v and_o will_v create_v he_o likewise_o some_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o indeed_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v these_o ought_v not_o any_o long_a to_o be_v call_v doubt_n after_o they_o be_v thus_o overrule_v or_o overbalance_v but_o rather_o to_o go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o pure_a scruple_n which_o the_o casuist_n of_o all_o persuasion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v act_v against_o in_o plain_a english_a that_o doubtfulness_n about_o a_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o censure_v as_o a_o sin_n be_v such_o a_o doubtfulness_n as_o after_o the_o action_n be_v do_v render_v the_o man_n self-condemned_n his_o conscience_n can_v not_o but_o reproach_v he_o for_o do_v as_o he_o do_v but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o self-condemned_n because_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n though_o he_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n yet_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o have_v make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a choice_n that_o he_o can_v in_o his_o circumstance_n and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v so_o he_o both_o act_n in_o faith_n and_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n from_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n that_o be_v make_v about_o do_v or_o forbear_v a_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n you_o see_v there_o be_v no_o great_a intricacy_n in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o both_o hand_n always_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a for_o if_o he_o be_v real_o so_o he_o will_v always_o do_v that_o which_o he_o judge_v most_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v thus_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n notwithstanding_o any_o doubt_v he_o may_v have_v about_o the_o action_n because_o more_o than_o the_o former_a a_o man_n can_v do_v and_o more_o than_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v as_o for_o what_o sin_n a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v engage_v a_o man_n in_o or_o what_o troublesome_a reflection_n a_o melancholy_a imagination_n may_v occasion_v to_o he_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o not_o to_o answer_v for_o they_o they_o be_v of_o another_o consideration_n iv_o have_v thus_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o act_n whenever_o it_o happen_v and_o that_o both_o when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o the_o command_v of_o other_o all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o speak_v something_o about_o the_o authority_n or_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o discussion_n of_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v spare_v after_o what_o i_o have_v say_v relate_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n particular_o under_o my_o last_n head_n however_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o point_n though_o i_o intend_v it_o a_o very_a short_a one_o because_o indeed_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v be_v not_o so_o much_o any_o new_a matter_n as_o a_o application_n of_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o whether_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n do_v bind_v at_o all_o and_o how_o far_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o itself_o lay_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n any_o way_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n to_o suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v for_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a or_o unresolved_a in_o his_o mind_n whether_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a action_n he_o be_v bind_v or_o not_o bind_v to_o suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v plain_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v while_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no._n to_o speak_v this_o plain_a if_o i_o can_v since_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_v what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o where_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o since_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v pure_o doubtful_a he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o such_o conviction_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v either_o command_n or_o forbid_v the_o action_n doubt_v of_o for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v no_o long_o doubt_n it_o follow_v likewise_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n however_o he_o may_v act_v doubt_o in_o that_o case_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v we_o be_v clear_a beyond_o exception_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o our_o point_n but_o will_v be_v put_v a_o far_a question_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o several_a rule_n about_o a_o man_n act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v viz._n that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v the_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o follow_v this_o rule_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n whether_o a_o man_n in_o a_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v only_o a_o pure_a doubt_n may_v not_o without_o sin_n indifferent_o choose_v either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o one_o side_n do_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o reasonable_a or_o more_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o more_o curious_a than_o useful_a but_o however_o since_o it_o proper_o fall_v under_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o and_o tend_v somewhat_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o only_o i_o declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o assert_v any_o thing_n dogmatical_o but_o only_o to_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o further_a examination_n and_o withal_o that_o whether_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n we_o have_v undertake_v that_o now_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o natural_a and_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v in_o all_o case_n and_o especial_o in_o doubtful_a case_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v and_o certain_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o steady_o will_v he_o pursue_v this_o rule_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v oblige_v we_o in_o all_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v best_a be_v always_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a much_o less_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a because_o that_o which_o be_v safe_a be_v not_o always_o either_o best_a or_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o we_o act_n otherwise_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n now_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v viz._n the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o determine_v and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o likewise_o because_o they_o follow_v from_o it_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n take_v now_o this_o for_o grant_v i_o ask_v what_o law_n do_v a_o man_n transgress_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n choose_v either_o side_n indifferent_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v safe_a or_o most_o reasonable_a always_o suppose_v that_o the_o side_n he_o choose_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n i_o say_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o transgress_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o sin_n at_o all_o if_o the_o man_n be_v at_o all_o guilty_a it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n either_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v less_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a for_o his_o
conscience_n have_v pass_v no_o dictate_v no_o verdict_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v against_o any_o such_o dictate_v or_o verdict_n the_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o he_o either_o believe_v he_o may_v act_v as_o he_o do_v without_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v no_o belief_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o any_o way_n condemn_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o not_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o choose_v otherwise_o but_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n always_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o to_o choose_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n which_o in_o our_o case_n we_o do_v likewise_o suppose_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o must_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o here_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_n to_o choose_v one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o but_o may_v indifferent_o choose_v either_o yet_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whoever_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n either_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o act_n against_o a_o doubt_n or_o that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n such_o a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o so_o believe_v can_v without_o sin_n act_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o second_o we_o be_v far_o from_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o act_v thus_o hand_n over_o head_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n much_o less_o from_o commend_v he_o for_o so_o do_v for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o strict_o speak_v a_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o act_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o think_v he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a dispensation_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o never_o look_v further_a into_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v more_o care_n about_o they_o than_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a he_o that_o be_v hearty_o good_a will_v with_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o thing_n be_v expedient_a and_o do_v edify_v it_o will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o action_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o action_n without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o the_o do_v or_o forbear_v the_o action_n do_v more_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o charity_n and_o according_o as_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o determine_v his_o choice_n in_o a_o word_n the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a sense_n will_v he_o have_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v precise_o make_v his_o duty_n and_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n do_v oblige_v his_o conscience_n but_o also_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a so_o that_o it_o will_v real_o grate_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v be_v account_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o devout_a christian_a and_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o doubt_v to_o choose_v either_o side_n indiscriminate_o though_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o do_v not_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o law_n of_o god_n he_o transgress_v but_o he_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o he_o after_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n good_a that_o shall_v have_v the_o preference_n to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v this_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n so_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o though_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v our_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v unblameable_a ignorance_n of_o those_o law_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o we_o sin_n and_o again_o wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v avoid_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o we_o must_v forbear_v that_o action_n or_o we_o sin_n but_o if_o conscience_n can_v say_v that_o this_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n shall_v thus_o suggest_v to_o he_o though_o i_o can_v say_v direct_o that_o this_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v lay_v any_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o you_o either_o way_n yet_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v choose_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o way_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v for_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n than_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v less_o harm_n though_o you_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o go_v this_o way_n than_o the_o other_o now_o in_o this_o case_n though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o proper_o oblige_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n to_o obey_v his_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n do_v not_o propose_v the_o choice_n to_o he_o under_o that_o condition_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n he_o will_v undoubted_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o conscience_n all_o thing_n consider_v have_v represent_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o general_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o considerable_a inquiry_n that_o can_v be_v make_v about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v leave_v any_o material_a difficulty_n in_o this_o argument_n untouched_a though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o need_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n but_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o discussion_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n however_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v something_o towards_o it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o save_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o case_n the_o labour_n and_o trouble_v of_o do_v it_o the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o be_v brief_o this_o there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o enjoin_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n some_o perhaps_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n other_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o
worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v symbolise_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n in_o two_o part_n 11._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 12._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommence_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 13._o a_o argument_n to_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 14._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a brethren_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 16._o the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v etc._n etc._n 17._o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 5._o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o respect_n especial_o to_o the_o romish_a pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v infallible_a a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o in_o our_o mouth_n than_o conscience_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n we_o have_v general_o take_v less_o pain_n to_o understand_v we_o sit_v down_o too_o often_o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v something_o within_o we_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o which_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o that_o it_o suggest_v to_o we_o and_o we_o trouble_v ourselves_o no_o further_o about_o it_o by_o which_o mean_n it_o frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o we_o have_v espouse_v very_o dangerous_a error_n or_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o very_o sinful_a practice_n yet_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o we_o say_v according_a to_o our_o conscience_n we_o do_v not_o only_o think_v ourselves_o perfect_o right_a and_o safe_a while_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n but_o be_v effectual_o arm_v against_o all_o sort_n of_o argument_n and_o endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o the_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o better_a mind_n this_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o many_o case_n but_o in_o none_o more_o than_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o at_o this_o day_n separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o though_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a do_v oblige_v they_o to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n though_o many_o argument_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v they_o not_o only_o that_o they_o lawful_o may_v but_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v sensible_a that_o manifold_n and_o grievous_a mischief_n and_o danger_n do_v ensue_v from_o this_o breach_n of_o communion_n and_o these_o unnatural_a division_n both_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o to_o our_o reform_a religion_n in_o particular_a yet_o if_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n a_o man_n can_v reply_v that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v well_o in_o refuse_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o we_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v require_v this_o single_a pretence_n shall_v be_v often_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n both_o to_o law_n and_o argument_n a_o strange_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o conscience_n which_o among_o other_o end_n be_v give_v to_o mankind_n for_o a_o preservative_n and_o security_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_o oblige_v man_n to_o unity_n and_o obedience_n to_o law_n yet_o shall_v often_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o set_v they_o at_o distance_n and_o prove_v a_o shelter_n for_o disobedience_n and_o disorder_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o shall_v disobey_v they_o in_o lawful_a thing_n for_o conscience_n sake_n too_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o examine_v what_o there_o be_v in_o this_o plea_n that_o be_v so_o often_o make_v by_o our_o dissenter_n for_o their_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o case_n this_o plea_n be_v just_o make_v and_o in_o what_o case_n not_o and_o where_o it_o be_v just_o make_v how_o far_o it_o will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n and_o how_o far_o it_o will_v not_o and_o all_o this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o possess_v those_o who_o be_v concern_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o of_o use_v their_o most_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o in_o these_o matter_n before_o they_o prefume_v to_o think_v they_o can_v separate_a from_o we_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o our_o business_n to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o conform_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o to_o convince_v every_o man_n how_o dangerous_a it_o may_v be_v to_o follow_v a_o misinform_a conscience_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o disquisition_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prepare_v my_o way_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o here_o that_o i_o may_v take_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v beforehand_o about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v treat_v distinct_o of_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 and_o under_o that_o 3_o of_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n 4_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church_n 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 his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n i._o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n the_o true_a way_n to_o find_v out_o that_o will_v be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n conscience_n or_o the_o several_a scholastical_a definition_n of_o it_o as_o to_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 make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o
do_v appear_v that_o all_o man_n do_v agree_v in_o their_o notion_n and_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o without_o doubt_n which_o they_o all_o thus_o agree_v in_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n now_o as_o to_o this_o we_o may_v oberve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 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 or_o to_o something_o that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n which_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o he_o or_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v matter_n of_o mere_a knowledge_n and_o speculation_n we_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o conscience_n with_o as_o neither_o with_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o be_v pure_o passive_a as_o neither_o with_o action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v good_a or_o bad_a action_n in_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n may_v indeed_o prove_v matter_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o disquiet_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v not_o take_v our_o conscience_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o that_o word_n never_o come_v in_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o something_o 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 may_v observe_v that_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o do_v not_o neither_o use_v this_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 fall_v under_o a_o moral_a consideration_n that_o be_v as_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a always_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o conscience_n in_o our_o action_n we_o have_v respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v and_o by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n with_o which_o they_o become_v moral_o good_a or_o evil._n three_o this_o be_v so_o the_o only_a thing_n remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o conscience_n be_v be_v what_o can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n when_o we_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n with_o such_o application_n to_o our_o action_n as_o we_o have_v now_o say_v now_o for_o that_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o when_o we_o talk_v of_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o they_o can_v but_o fall_v under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o distinction_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o either_o consider_v our_o action_n as_o already_o do_v or_o omit_v or_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o yet_o not_o do_v but_o as_o we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o they_o and_o then_o second_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o past_a or_o future_a yet_o we_o rank_n they_o under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o notion_n we_o either_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v duty_n or_o as_o forbid_a by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o as_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o to_o be_v indifferent_a action_n with_o these_o last_o action_n indeed_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o or_o direct_o concern_v but_o only_o by_o accident_n to_o wit_n as_o those_o indifferent_a action_n do_v approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_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 some_o of_o these_o head_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v indeed_o different_a way_n of_o bring_v in_o conscience_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o they_o all_o first_o of_o all_o when_o we_o be_v consider_v a_o action_n as_o yet_o not_o do_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o command_v by_o god_n we_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sinful_a action_n we_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n now_o i_o pray_v what_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o these_o expression_n i_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o will_v consult_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o deny_v if_o he_o can_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n if_o he_o say_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o that_o he_o very_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o action_n if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n whether_o he_o mean_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n 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 now_o undeniable_o the_o sense_n that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v when_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o only_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n so_o that_o take_v conscience_n as_o it_o respect_v our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o which_o sense_n we_o call_v conscience_n a_o guide_n or_o a_o monitor_n and_o sometime_o though_o very_o improper_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n that_o use_v that_o word_n but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o life_n but_o second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v and_o consider_v conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o here_o indeed_o we_o do_v a_o little_a vary_v the_o expression_n about_o conscience_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v now_o give_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o some_o action_n we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v when_o we_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o have_v act_v right_o and_o honest_o in_o this_o affair_n or_o my_o conscience_n acquit_v i_o from_o blame_n as_o to_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n or_o i_o be_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v if_o we_o turn_v these_o phrase_n into_o other_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o instance_n we_o have_v either_o act_v or_o omit_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o we_o have_v do_v or_o forbear_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o affect_v we_o with_o grief_n and_o trouble_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o instance_n of_o expression_n that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n viz._n it_o be_v 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 or_o lawful_o may_v do_v only_o here_o we_o add_v to_o it_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o action_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a be_v now_o do_v or_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v remember_v it_o in_o the_o former_a case_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o action_n but_o in_o both_o case_n conscience_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o consequent_o in_o both_o case_n the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n what_o he_o ought_v
be_v a_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o prime_a head_n and_o most_o general_a dictate_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o but_o also_o all_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o those_o head_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n but_o all_o the_o thing_n likewise_o that_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o those_o command_n or_o prohibition_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o be_v deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o attend_v further_o to_o what_o that_o law_n may_v be_v suppose_v by_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o action_n we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o if_o neither_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o by_o consequence_n from_o it_o nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o action_n before_o we_o appear_v either_o to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n or_o to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o proper_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o action_n in_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v as_o our_o prudence_n iii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o which_o natural_o follow_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a design_n be_v what_o share_v humane_a law_n have_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o do_v real_o bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v our_o three_o general_n head_n now_o as_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o man_n general_o speak_v do_v also_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o in_o the_o four_o follow_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n do_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n there_o be_v no_o one_o dictate_v of_o nature_n more_o obvious_a to_o we_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o government_n we_o live_v under_o in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o society_n and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o for_o kingdom_n or_o state_n for_o city_n or_o family_n to_o subsist_v or_o at_o least_o to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o duty_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o declare_v there_o than_z that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v make_v by_o just_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o consequent_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v real_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o add_v this_o far_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o humane_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 that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v with_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n save_v god_n alone_o it_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o he_o for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o judgement_n of_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n &_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n so_o that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o now_o god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o everlasting_a law_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o whether_o they_o be_v our_o parent_n or_o our_o master_n and_o much_o more_o our_o prince_n and_o the_o sovereign_n legislative_a power_n under_o who_o we_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o only_a we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o those_o command_n of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o a_o consequential_a or_o a_o secondary_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n because_o they_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o any_o law_n or_o command_v of_o man_n do_v clash_n with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v either_o evil_a in_o itself_o or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n that_o law_n or_o command_n by_o what_o humane_a authority_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v or_o give_v do_v not_o bind_v our_o conscience_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v here_o reduce_v to_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o must_v act_n as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o we_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o for_o since_o god_n only_o have_v proper_a and_o direct_a authority_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o humane_a power_n only_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o and_o since_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o the_o most_o sovereign_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n far_o than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o clear_n the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o humane_a law_n general_o speak_v may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o every_o humane_a law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_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_v against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o no_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o affirm_v this_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o manamong_n we_o upon_o these_o term_n will_v be_v innocent_a thus_o much_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o where_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_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 gild_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 we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v 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 what_o ever_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 so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a 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 now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o
not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o not_o practise_v it_o if_o indeed_o god_n law_n have_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v very_o well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n schism_n undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n a_o sin_n against_o which_o there_o be_v as_o many_o hard_a thing_n say_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n as_o against_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o let_v those_o that_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o or_o join_v with_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o i_o say_v let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o their_o separation_n proceed_v upon_o good_a ground_n if_o they_o will_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o always_o enough_o to_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v sinful_a condition_n impose_v in_o our_o communion_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v for_o unless_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o their_o believe_v so_o will_v not_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n to_o our_o church_n communion_n or_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o this_o may_v perhaps_o at_o the_o first_o hear_n seem_v very_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o many_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o roman-catholick_n persuasion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o popery_n and_o hearty_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a one_o wherein_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n do_v pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o image_n do_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o real_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o his_o soul_n and_o deity_n be_v personal_o unite_v be_v now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o practice_n or_o be_v he_o not_o he_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o he_o will_v abhor_v these_o practice_n if_o he_o do_v in_o the_o least_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o as_o idolatrous_a nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forbid_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a catholic_n unless_o he_o thus_o worship_n image_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o host_n well_o now_o the_o point_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o he_o do_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n we_o all_o grant_v that_o if_o he_o have_v such_o clear_a information_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o protestant_n have_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o idolater_n if_o he_o shall_v contitinue_v in_o these_o practice_n but_o whether_o his_o belief_n and_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v these_o thing_n do_v not_o excuse_v he_o and_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v idolatry_n that_o will_v otherwise_o be_v so_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n but_o yet_o none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o great_a question_n of_o it_o for_o we_o do_v charge_v the_o papist_n indiscriminate_o with_o idolatry_n in_o their_o worship_n notwithstanding_o their_o disclaim_n it_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n to_o worship_n god_n no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v real_o take_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o consecrate_a element_n and_o those_o other_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v they_o let_v his_o opinion_n about_o they_o be_v what_o it_o will._n a_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v or_o false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v neither_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v all_o that_o it_o will_v do_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o may_v more_o or_o less_o extenuate_v the_o transgression_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o the_o case_n be_v just_a the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o any_o man_n to_o withdraw_v his_o communion_n from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v that_o be_v as_o proper_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n for_o any_o man_n therefore_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o that_o church_n without_o sin_n yet_o if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o schismatic_a for_o all_o this_o than_o the_o other_o man_n be_v a_o idolater_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o adore_v image_n and_o those_o other_o undue_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o romanist_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o misperswasion_n will_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o more_o or_o less_o excuse_v the_o man_n person_n before_o god_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o case_n it_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o god_n word_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v idolatry_n well_o now_o admit_v all_o this_o here_o come_v the_o pinch_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o transgressor_n if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o comply_v against_o his_o conscience_n you_o grant_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o comply_v than_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n why_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v often_o true_a and_o here_o be_v that_o dilemma_n which_o man_n by_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v abuse_v with_o evil_a principle_n and_o persuasion_n do_v frequent_o run_v themselves_o into_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o act_n nor_o forbear_v act_v they_o can_v neither_o obey_v nor_o disobey_v without_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o error_n and_o false_a principle_n which_o mislead_v the_o man_n be_v depose_v and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v and_o then_o he_o may_v both_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o god_n law_n require_v of_o he_o and_o avoid_v sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v why_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o use_v conscientious_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o common_a prudence_n will_v recommend_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o gain_v instruction_n and_o information_n to_o himself_o about_o any_o point_n that_o he_o desire_v thorough_o to_o understand_v that_o be_v to_o say_v free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o apply_v himself_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o the_o get_v right_a notion_n and_o sentiment_n about_o his_o duty_n in_o these_o matter_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n call_v in_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o practise_v all_o that_o he_o be_v undoubted_o convince_v to_o
it_o in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v prejudice_v or_o bias_v any_o way_n it_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n be_v rather_o deâ—â—rous_a to_o find_v himself_o mistake_v and_o his_o governor_n in_o the_o right_n than_o himself_o in_o the_o right_n and_o his_o governor_n mistake_v i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o and_o we_o ready_o grant_v you_o have_v produce_v a_o person_n that_o do_v sincere_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o we_o must_v say_v this_o also_o that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n we_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o man_n will_v long_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n gain_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o see_v not_o only_o that_o he_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o let_v we_o admit_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o worship_n that_o he_o be_v still_o of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o separate_a from_o we_o what_o will_v we_o say_v of_o such_o a_o man_n will_v we_o still_o brand_v he_o for_o a_o schismatic_a notwithstanding_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o bring_v himself_o over_o to_o we_o but_o can_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o that_o if_o such_o a_o case_n do_v ever_o happen_v though_o the_o man_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o schism_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o because_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v there_o be_v a_o actual_a schism_n commence_v let_v the_o pretence_n for_o the_o separation_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o i_o trust_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v before_o god_n with_o the_o formal_a guilt_n of_o the_o schism_n any_o far_a than_o the_o error_n that_o lead_v he_o into_o it_o be_v contract_v by_o his_o own_o fault_n though_o schism_n in_o itself_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o same_o schism_n be_v equal_o guilty_a before_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n to_o serve_v any_o private_a secular_a turn_n these_o be_v most_o horrible_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v in_o their_o excuse_n in_o the_o second_o place_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n through_o misperswasion_n and_o mistake_v of_o judgement_n which_o they_o groundless_o and_o foolish_o take_v up_o and_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o will_v yet_o still_o certain_o correct_v in_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v but_o so_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a about_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v these_o man_n have_v indeed_o far_o more_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o than_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o they_o 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 aright_o that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v that_o sin_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o but_o three_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o nor_o never_o have_v mean_n to_o know_v better_o or_o those_o that_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v their_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o in_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n light_n into_o wrong_a path_n in_o a_o word_n those_o that_o be_v unhappy_o engage_v in_o a_o schism_n but_o god_n almighty_a who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n but_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o circumstance_n i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n among_o we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n though_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a material_o yet_o he_o be_v innocent_o at_o least_o pittiable_o so_o and_o if_o he_o be_v as_o free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o life_n be_v may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_n for_o all_o that_o and_o god_n almighty_a we_o hope_v who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n and_o not_o by_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n will_v impute_v that_o schism_n which_o in_o other_o perhaps_o be_v a_o wilful_a crime_n to_o this_o man_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o a_o pure_a sin_n of_o ignorance_n which_o shall_v not_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n know_v and_o unknown_a be_v account_v for_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v to_o the_o other_o regularity_n of_o his_o life_n add_v a_o diligent_a care_n in_o these_o four_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o his_o way_n but_o that_o he_o keep_v his_o mind_n ready_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v any_o conviction_n which_o god_n by_o any_o mean_n or_o instrument_n shall_v offer_v to_o he_o second_o that_o he_o separate_a no_o far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o member_n than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o do_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o the_o public_a law_n and_o establishment_n 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 give_v active_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n he_o do_v in_o those_o instance_n patient_o and_o christianly_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n which_o those_o law_n inflict_v neither_o exclaim_n against_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n as_o persecutor_n for_o enact_v or_o execute_v those_o law_n nor_o use_v any_o undue_a illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v himself_o more_o ease_n and_o liberty_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n behave_v himself_o as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n to_o the_o government_n he_o live_v under_o and_o four_o and_o last_o that_o he_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o a_o good_a subject_n in_o avoid_v all_o peevish_a and_o bitter_a censure_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v in_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n from_o he_o and_o exercise_v humanity_n and_o friendliness_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n christian_n whosoever_o i_o say_v of_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n make_v good_a these_o point_n that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n very_o sincere_a in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o they_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o our_o way_n do_v yet_o in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o observe_v the_o four_o particular_n i_o have_v now_o name_v i_o shall_v be_v loath_a for_o my_o part_n to_o censure_v they_o either_o as_o ill_a man_n or_o ill_a subject_n or_o ill_a christian_n but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n do_v no_o more_o justify_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n or_o extenuate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n than_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o justify_v or_o extenuate_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n devout_a papist_n for_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n for_o a_o innocent_a mistake_a separatist_n will_v hold_v true_a mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o delude_a romanist_n who_o be_v invincible_o and_o without_o any_o fault_n of_o he_o entangle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o idolatry_n but_o i_o believe_v for_o all_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_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 excuseableness_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 come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n that_o which_o i_o will_v most_o serious_o press_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v this_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n how_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v
be_v may_v by_o what_o he_o here_o find_v offer_v towards_o his_o satisfaction_n either_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v aside_o his_o doubt_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o we_o in_o handle_v this_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o shall_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n i_o do_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n because_o indeed_o i_o can_v think_v of_o a_o better_a that_o be_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o four_o thing_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o how_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o conscience_n ii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o what_o measure_v a_o man_n be_v to_o proceed_v by_o for_o the_o determine_v himself_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n iii_o of_o the_o power_n that_o humane_a law_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a have_v to_o overrule_a a_o man_n doubt_n in_o any_o matter_n iv_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_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 these_o four_o head_n do_v i_o think_v take_v in_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o head_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n 2._o of_o such_o doubt_n as_o do_v affect_v or_o concern_v a_o man_n conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o the_o scrupulous_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o doubt_v in_o general_a we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o a_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o doubt_v when_o he_o can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o either_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n that_o be_v can_v make_v a_o judgement_n whether_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v consider_v be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o but_o through_o the_o equal_a or_o at_o least_o fair_a probability_n that_o be_v on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n continue_v irresolute_a and_o undetermined_a now_o perhaps_o he_o think_v this_o side_n the_o more_o probable_a and_o by_o and_o by_o the_o other_o but_o he_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o and_o can_v fix_v upon_o either_o so_o that_o a_o doubt_v mind_n be_v not_o more_o usual_o than_o proper_o resemble_v to_o a_o balance_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o equal_a weight_n which_o be_v put_v into_o both_o scale_n be_v not_o cast_v on_o either_o side_n but_o hang_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n or_o wave_n up_o and_o down_o without_o either_o scale_n come_v to_o the_o bottom_n nevertheless_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n 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 continue_v doubtful_a still_o just_o as_o there_o may_v be_v so_o much_o more_o weight_n put_v into_o one_o scale_n than_o the_o other_o as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o incline_v the_o balance_n more_o to_o that_o side_n while_o yet_o that_o weight_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o to_o be_v able_a perfect_o to_o turn_v it_o so_o as_o to_o carry_v down_o the_o scale_n to_o the_o usual_a mark_n of_o down-weight_n and_o there_o to_o settle_v it_o there_o be_v indeed_o this_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o a_o balance_n through_o the_o exact_a equality_n of_o the_o weight_n put_v into_o each_o scale_n may_v be_v so_o poise_v as_o to_o hang_v perfect_o in_o oequilibrio_n without_o inclination_n either_o way_n and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v but_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o put_v a_o case_n or_o a_o question_n where_o a_o man_n mind_n after_o all_o thing_n consider_v be_v so_o perfect_o indifferent_a to_o both_o side_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o be_v more_o incline_v to_o choose_v one_o than_o the_o other_o when_o once_o there_o appear_v so_o much_o more_o evidence_n on_o one_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o determine_v itself_o and_o to_o give_v a_o settle_a assent_n on_o that_o side_n than_o the_o man_n cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o doubt_n before_o be_v now_o turn_v into_o a_o persuasion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o case_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v before_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v now_o change_v into_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n here_o to_o resume_v our_o former_a comparison_n the_o balance_n no_o long_o hang_v in_o oequilibrio_n or_o move_v unsetle_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n but_o be_v plain_o turn_v and_o fix_v on_o one_o side_n it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n do_v not_o always_o determine_v himself_o with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n or_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n sometime_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o command_v a_o entire_a assent_n of_o his_o understanding_n a_o assent_n so_o full_a that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o call_v a_o assurance_n or_o a_o full_a persuasion_n at_o other_o time_n the_o evidence_n may_v be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o gain_v a_o assent_n but_o yet_o not_o so_o strong_a a_o assent_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o kind_n of_o assent_n we_o call_v a_o opinion_n or_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n and_o something_o like_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o balance_n the_o scale_n that_o preponderates_n be_v not_o always_o carry_v down_o with_o the_o same_o force_n and_o briskness_n but_o according_a as_o the_o weight_n that_o turn_v the_o balance_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o in_o proportion_n it_o may_v plain_o be_v discern_v that_o the_o scale_n descend_v either_o more_o strong_o and_o nimble_o or_o more_o weak_o and_o slow_o but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o man_n have_v form_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o point_n the_o balance_n be_v turn_v and_o where_o ever_o this_o happen_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o doubt_n or_o aequilibrium_fw-la and_o consequent_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o case_n that_o concern_v a_o man_n conscience_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o become_v resolve_v and_o determine_v though_o perhaps_o not_o full_o satisfy_v and_o free_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o that_o thing_n 2._o and_o thus_o much_o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o conscience_n i._n e._n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o case_n a_o man_n conscience_n be_v affect_v with_o his_o doubt_n which_o be_v our_o second_o point_n under_o this_o head_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v doubtful_a as_o to_o which_o his_o conscience_n shall_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v a_o man_n doubt_n may_v indeed_o be_v as_o various_a as_o be_v the_o object_n he_o have_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n think_v of_o or_o say_v or_o do_v affect_v his_o conscience_n we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o every_o doubt_n do_v as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o touch_v nor_o affect_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o own_o action_n so_o neither_o do_v a_o man_n doubt_n affect_v or_o touch_v his_o conscience_n any_o further_a than_o they_o concern_v his_o action_n so_o that_o doubt_n about_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n as_o whether_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o likewise_o doubt_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o a_o man_n own_o action_n these_o doubt_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o conscience_n as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o his_o own_o action_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n or_o consideration_n than_o only_o as_o god_n law_n be_v to_o regulate_v they_o viz._n as_o they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o that_o law_n or_o forbid_v by_o it_o so_o neither_o do_v a_o man_n doubt_n concern_v his_o action_n affect_v his_o conscience_n any_o far_a or_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o only_o as_o god_n law_n may_v be_v transgress_v by_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v of_o that_o be_v as_o he_o may_v sin_v against_o god_n either_o by_o omit_v the_o action_n when_o god_n law_n have_v command_v it_o or_o by_o do_v it_o when_o god_n law_n have_v
of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o all_o case_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o will_v be_v very_o unadvisable_v so_o to_o do_v sure_o i_o be_o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a life_n no_o wise_a man_n do_v always_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n to_o himself_o we_o see_v a_o hundred_o instance_n every_o day_n where_o man_n venture_v upon_o the_o less_o safe_a and_o the_o more_o hazardous_a side_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o reason_n and_o consideration_n which_o they_o think_v aught_o more_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o general_a speak_n more_o safe_a that_o be_v more_o free_a from_o hazard_n or_o danger_n to_o travel_v on_o foot_n than_o on_o horseback_n to_o stay_v at_o home_n than_o to_o go_v into_o foreign_a country_n to_o traffic_n by_o land_n than_o to_o venture_v one_o stock_n on_o the_o uncertain_a sea_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ease_n and_o expedition_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o first_o case_n and_o the_o improvement_n and_o benefit_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o second_o and_o the_o gain_n and_o profit_n in_o the_o last_o do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n overballance_v the_o consideration_n of_o safety_n in_o these_o case_n and_o determine_v a_o man_n not_o to_o that_o side_n which_o be_v free_a from_o danger_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o convenient_a or_o more_o useful_a or_o more_o advantageous_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o to_o those_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v i_o suppose_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o safe_a side_n of_o any_o action_n with_o reference_n to_o conscience_n we_o general_o mean_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o appear_v the_o least_o hazard_n or_o danger_n of_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o safety_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o good_a rule_n for_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v thus_o put_v and_o thus_o understand_v it_o will_v often_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o rather_o entangle_v he_o further_o in_o difficulty_n than_o help_v he_o out_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o rule_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o all_o his_o action_n to_o keep_v himself_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n he_o can_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o safety_n i_o here_o speak_v of_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v very_o few_o person_n that_o converse_v much_o in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v reason_n almost_o every_o day_n to_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o transgress_v this_o rule_n for_o they_o do_v every_o day_n engage_v in_o such_o action_n in_o which_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o thus_o for_o instance_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o we_o who_o although_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v prone_a enough_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n in_o eat_v or_o drink_v when_o temptation_n be_v offer_v and_o according_o for_o this_o reason_n do_v most_o serious_o set_v himself_o against_o this_o particular_a sin_n yet_o make_v any_o great_a scruple_n of_o go_v to_o feast_n and_o entertainment_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v by_o other_o nay_o or_o of_o make_v they_o himself_o when_o decency_n or_o civility_n or_o the_o serve_v any_o of_o his_o temporal_a affair_n do_v require_v he_o so_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o run_v a_o much_o great_a hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n he_o fear_v than_o if_o he_o shall_v forbear_v all_o such_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n of_o intemperance_n many_o other_o instance_n which_o daily_o occur_v in_o humane_a life_n may_v be_v give_v wherein_o good_a man_n nay_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o business_n or_o other_o laudable_a design_n which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o pursue_v frequent_o venture_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o this_o without_o any_o reproach_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o any_o censure_n from_o other_o men._n the_o truth_n be_v god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o secure_v a_o man_n duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o any_o action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o conversation_n preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n or_o if_o you_o will_v danger_n of_o so_o do_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o live_v like_o a_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o perform_v the_o common_a office_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o much_o more_o to_o live_v to_o any_o great_a purpose_n for_o the_o serve_v his_o generation_n indeed_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o whoever_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a must_v abandon_v all_o secular_a affair_n and_o retire_v to_o a_o cloister_n or_o a_o desert_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o business_n those_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v safe_o venture_v on_o the_o more_o dangerous_a side_n of_o a_o action_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o considerable_a good_a that_o they_o design_n in_o that_o action_n but_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o be_v that_o of_o one_o who_o be_v altogether_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o action_n or_o no._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o determine_v themselves_o in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v do_v thus_o far_o i_o think_v come_v home_o to_o that_o business_n that_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v advisable_v in_o any_o case_n to_o forsake_v the_o more_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o action_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o more_o hazardous_a we_o will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o advisable_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n as_o in_o any_o other_o until_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n for_o doubt_v person_n to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o different_z from_z that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o man_n or_o to_o speak_v the_o thing_n more_o plain_o till_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o doubt_v be_v debar_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o reason_n and_o discretion_n which_o man_n that_o do_v not_o doubt_n be_v allow_v to_o do_v but_o to_o come_v more_o strict_o to_o the_o point_n i_o do_v believe_v there_o do_v abundance_n of_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v frequent_o happen_v in_o which_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n although_o we_o suppose_v he_o never_o so_o honest_a do_v 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 but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v often_o forsake_v that_o side_n which_o be_v safe_o in_o this_o sense_n for_o that_o which_o do_v more_o recommend_v itself_o to_o he_o upon_o other_o account_n thus_o for_o instance_n some_o time_n doubtful_a case_n do_v happen_v in_o which_o the_o great_a probability_n on_o one_o side_n will_v turn_v the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a safety_n on_o the_o other_o thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o thing_n strangle_v or_o that_o have_v blood_n in_o it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o forbid_v these_o meat_n and_o shall_v repair_v to_o some_o intelligent_a person_n about_o this_o matter_n who_o shall_v give_v he_o such_o a_o account_n of_o those_o text_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o difficulty_n in_o this_o affair_n that_o the_o man_n come_v away_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o all_o kind_n of_o meat_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o that_o any_o be_v forbid_v i_o ask_v now_o whether_o this_o degree_n of_o satisfaction_n have_v not_o weight_n enough_o to_o put_v a_o
end_n to_o a_o man_n doubt_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n eat_v of_o these_o meat_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n i_o believe_v most_o man_n will_v be_v of_o this_o opinion_n but_o yet_o the_o doubt_n here_o be_v not_o determine_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n but_o on_o the_o more_o unsafe_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n be_v in_o less_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o whole_o forbear_v these_o meat_n than_o if_o for_o the_o serve_v a_o present_a convenience_n he_o do_v eat_v of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o there_o be_v fair_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o these_o meat_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o it_o be_v real_o yet_o a_o question_n among_o many_o and_o it_o be_v late_o so_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o but_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o these_o meat_n may_v not_o at_o any_o time_n be_v lawful_o forbear_v there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n pretend_v that_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o eat_v of_o they_o again_o as_o a_o great_a probability_n will_v turn_v the_o balance_n against_o the_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o doubt_n so_o oftentimes_o such_o doubtful_a case_n do_v happen_v in_o which_o when_o the_o probability_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n on_o the_o one_o side_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 consideration_n of_o the_o great_a safety_n on_o the_o other_o still_o take_v safety_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o before_o give_v thus_o for_o instance_n suppose_v one_o shall_v demand_v of_o another_o man_n a_o sum_n of_o money_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o the_o man_n of_o who_o it_o be_v demand_v after_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o conscientious_a enquiry_n he_o can_v make_v be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v due_a but_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o demander_n and_o such_o appearance_n of_o reason_n he_o offer_v that_o the_o man_n come_v to_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o it_o be_v due_a or_o no_o so_o that_o there_o be_v here_o equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n the_o thing_n in_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v advisable_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o money_n demand_v till_o he_o have_v better_a evidence_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o demand_n if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o must_v pay_v it_o for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o more_o safe_a that_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n to_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n though_o it_o be_v to_o his_o own_o loss_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o perfect_o set_v himself_o free_a from_o the_o apprehension_n even_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o wrong_v his_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o he_o fear_v in_o this_o case_n whereas_o if_o he_o do_v not_o pay_v the_o money_n he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o detain_v the_o man_n right_a from_o he_o or_o no._n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v pay_v the_o money_n when_o it_o be_v no_o way_n due_a as_o he_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o due_a as_o that_o it_o be_v how_o shall_v he_o answer_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n for_o part_v with_o such_o a_o sum_n which_o as_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v he_o can_v spare_v without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o case_n and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v to_o be_v urge_v on_o both_o side_n of_o it_o and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n to_o judge_v which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o most_o man_n will_v thus_o determine_v viz._n that_o since_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o the_o demand_n aforesaid_a be_v unjust_a as_o that_o they_o be_v just_o and_o since_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o depart_v from_o that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o till_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o good_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v due_a to_o another_o man_n and_o since_o withal_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o family_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v more_o advisable_a for_o the_o man_n in_o this_o case_n to_o keep_v his_o money_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 to_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o pay_v it_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o use_v either_o more_o instance_n or_o more_o word_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o rule_n to_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n of_o the_o doubt_n take_v the_o safe_a side_n for_o that_o which_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v it_o be_v abundant_o plain_a that_o many_o doubtful_a case_n may_v and_o do_v happen_v in_o which_o though_o one_o side_n may_v appear_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n yet_o while_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o other_o side_n be_v unlawful_a and_o withal_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o upon_o other_o account_v that_o side_n be_v more_o eligible_a to_o a_o prudent_a person_n no_o good_a man_n if_o he_o be_v but_o as_o wise_a as_o he_o be_v good_a will_v make_v any_o difficulty_n of_o wave_a the_o safe_a side_n for_o the_o more_o prudent_a and_o that_o without_o think_v himself_o ever_o the_o less_o conscientious_a for_o so_o do_v but_o after_o all_o this_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o man_n have_v another_o notion_n of_o safety_n than_o that_o we_o have_v now_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v will_v enlarge_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o will_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o safe_a side_n not_o that_o which_o have_v only_o this_o to_o recommend_v it_o that_o it_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o 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 so_o as_o that_o shall_v always_o be_v the_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o doubtful_a case_n which_o after_o all_o thing_n consider_v do_v appear_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o man_n duty_n in_o the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o or_o which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o few_o absurdity_n and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v best_a serve_v all_o the_o interest_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a take_v both_o together_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n can_v propose_v to_o himself_o i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n do_v mean_a this_o by_o the_o safe_a side_n i_o do_v ready_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o it_o will_v for_o ever_o and_o in_o all_o case_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a rule_n nay_o i_o add_v the_o only_a one_o to_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n but_o then_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o safety_n the_o safe_a side_n and_o the_o more_o reasonable_a be_v all_o one_o thing_n and_o consequent_o this_o rule_n of_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n and_o that_o i_o before_o lay_v down_o of_o follow_v the_o more_o reasonable_a be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n through_o different_o express_v only_o i_o think_v this_o latter_a way_n of_o expression_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v it_o but_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o how_o man_n word_n thing_n so_o long_o as_o we_o agree_v in_o our_o sense_n ii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o determine_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a head_n or_o sort_n of_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o this_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o this_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v admit_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o will_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n it_o be_v either_o a_o single_a doubt_n or_o a_o double_a one_o we_o call_v that_o a_o single_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o doubt_v concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v
it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o let_v it_o alone_o or_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o but_o he_o doubt_n whether_o god_n law_n have_v not_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o he_o can_v lawful_o omit_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o single_a doubt_n we_o call_v that_o a_o double_a doubt_n where_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o a_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o doubt_v on_o one_o side_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v this_o action_n god_n law_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o be_v the_o action_n circumstantiate_v with_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o he_o with_o respect_n to_o it_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o forbear_v the_o action_n as_o it_o be_v now_o present_v to_o he_o god_n law_n have_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v forbid_v it_o so_o that_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 i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o put_v any_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v which_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n i._o now_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 that_o when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n there_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o the_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o here_o come_v in_o that_o famous_a maxim_n which_o have_v obtain_v both_o among_o christian_n and_o heathen_n quod_fw-la dubitas_fw-la ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la which_o with_o the_o restriction_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v will_v for_o ever_o be_v good_a advice_n in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o venture_v upon_o any_o action_n where_o a_o man_n have_v the_o least_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o act_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o that_o kind_n suppose_v all_o along_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o offend_v by_o this_o action_n be_v not_o overbalance_v and_o so_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o remove_v by_o other_o consideration_n which_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n do_v suggest_v thus_o for_o instance_n here_o be_v a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v allowable_a in_o a_o christian_n to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o put_v out_o money_n to_o interest_n or_o to_o go_v to_o law_n as_o have_v converse_v with_o such_o man_n or_o such_o book_n as_o do_v condemn_v these_o practice_n and_o that_o not_o without_o some_o colour_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o man_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o convince_v by_o their_o discourse_n as_o to_o have_v take_v up_o any_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v unlawful_a nor_o will_v he_o censure_v any_o man_n that_o use_v they_o because_o he_o see_v there_o be_v as_o good_a man_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v as_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o other_o side_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o point_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n positive_o concern_v they_o either_o way_n he_o can_v say_v that_o he_o believe_v they_o lawful_a though_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o doubt_v mind_n now_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a case_n the_o rule_n be_v plain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n judgement_n continue_v thus_o in_o suspense_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o from_o god_n law_n to_o engage_v in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o why_o shall_v he_o rash_o throw_v himself_o into_o danger_n by_o venture_v upon_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o he_o run_v no_o hazard_n by_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o if_o he_o practise_v they_o he_o do_v thus_o far_o be_v right_a but_o then_o as_o i_o say_v this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la for_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v such_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o action_n as_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n this_o consideration_n of_o uncertainty_n it_o will_v then_o be_v reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o i_o do_v before_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o thus_o if_o the_o man_n that_o make_v a_o question_n about_o any_o of_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v shall_v light_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v either_o drink_v such_o a_o single_a health_n or_o a_o quarrel_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v nay_o and_o that_o perhaps_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o some_o of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o company_n or_o again_o that_o he_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o improve_n his_o money_n in_o which_o his_o whole_a fortune_n consist_v in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o that_o of_o usury_n so_o that_o he_o and_o his_o family_n must_v in_o time_n starve_v unless_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o this_o course_n or_o last_o if_o a_o orphan_n be_v trust_v to_o his_o care_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o that_o orphan_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o he_o must_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o necessity_n either_o of_o wage_n a_o law_n suit_n for_o the_o clear_n it_o or_o suffer_v his_o near_a relation_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o be_v defraud_v of_o his_o right_n i_o say_v if_o the_o case_n happen_v to_o be_v thus_o circumstantiate_v he_o that_o before_o doubt_v in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o put_v out_o money_n to_o usury_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o law-suit_n may_v i_o shall_v think_v certain_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a in_o this_o particular_a case_n notwithstanding_o his_o general_n doubt_v to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n he_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o act_v according_o indeed_o he_o can_v be_v well_o excuse_v if_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o act._n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v i_o doubt_v whether_o these_o practice_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o why_o man_n if_o you_o only_o doubt_v about_o they_o you_o do_v by_o this_o ackonwledge_n that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v lawful_a as_o well_o as_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o you_o be_v thus_o in_o aequilibrio_fw-la sure_o such_o press_a consideration_n as_o those_o which_o be_v present_v in_o this_o case_n aught_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o you_o will_v answer_v either_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v for_o my_o part_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v unlawful_a will_v justify_v a_o man_n prudence_n in_o act_v on_o that_o side_n which_o he_o call_v the_o safe_o and_o which_o have_v not_o these_o circumstance_n happen_v will_v real_o have_v be_v so_o to_o conclude_v 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 do_v a_o thing_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v a_o general_n speculative_a doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o this_o very_a consideration_n be_v in_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o silence_v the_o doubt_n that_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o advisable_a to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n which_o before_o and_o out_o of_o those_o circumstance_n we_o doubt_v in_o general_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o no._n ii_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o to_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v
in_o great_a danger_n to_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o he_o now_o have_v upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v most_o principal_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o maintain_v it_o now_o i_o say_v suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n equal_a this_o very_a consideration_n alone_o will_v prevail_v with_o a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o forbear_v it_o even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v unworthy_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o large_a exemplification_n of_o all_o our_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v thus_o prepare_v our_o way_n by_o settle_v the_o notion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o main_a business_n that_o be_v before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o share_n humane_a law_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a have_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o what_o power_n they_o have_v to_o over-rule_v a_o man_n doubt_n in_o any_o case_n which_o according_a to_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v be_v the_o three_o general_n enquiry_n i_o be_o to_o resolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a point_n that_o be_v dispute_v between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o point_n upon_o which_o that_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v so_o far_o as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discuss_v it_o as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o general_a way_n as_o that_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v may_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o doubtful_a case_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o this_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o their_o assertion_n general_o be_v this_o general_o i_o say_v for_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a as_o any_o who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o of_o another_o opinion_n viz._n that_o wherever_o a_o man_n doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o very_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o forbear_v that_o action_n though_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assertion_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o chief_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n i._o what_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o right_n apprehend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o what_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o first_o we_o do_v ready_o own_v with_o they_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v its_o subject_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v second_o we_o agree_v likewise_o with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o wherever_o any_o subject_n have_v take_v up_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o such_o a_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o will_v so_o far_o bind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v in_o that_o instance_n obey_v their_o law_n without_o offend_a god_n but_o then_o we_o say_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o though_o he_o can_v obey_v without_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v yet_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n three_o we_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o particular_a action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v a_o sinful_a action_n but_o only_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o yet_o if_o the_o man_n have_v a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o no_o public_a law_n will_v warrant_v he_o to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v no_o more_o do_v the_o action_n enjoin_v without_o sin_n than_o he_o can_v in_o the_o former_a case_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o disobey_v his_o superior_n unless_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n of_o inculpable_a ignorance_n four_o we_o say_v this_o far_o that_o a_o culpable_a doubt_n do_v no_o more_o excuse_v the_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o a_o culpable_a ignorance_n i._n e._n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v it_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o so_o plain_o i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o know_v this_o and_o he_o must_v be_v most_o criminal_o ignorant_a that_o can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o his_o superior_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o such_o a_o instance_n where_o their_o command_n do_v so_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o affirm_v the_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o such_o action_n that_o he_o do_v though_o they_o be_v do_v 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 principle_n we_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o viz._n that_o in_o 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a_o subject_a as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o own_o cause_n when_o he_o be_v a_o superior_a we_o believe_v there_o will_v be_v present_o a_o end_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o let_v man_n talk_v as_o grave_o as_o they_o please_v about_o the_o danger_n of_o obey_v the_o public_a law_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o think_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a for_o any_o domestic_a of_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v lawful_a authority_n to_o live_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o private_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o family_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v whether_o those_o order_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n if_o a_o parent_n for_o instance_n shall_v command_v his_o son_n to_o sit_v uncover_v before_o he_o he_o will_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o good_a answer_n from_o the_o young_a man_n to_o say_v sir_n i_o be_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o use_v any_o such_o ceremony_n to_o man_n and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v excuse_v i_o if_o i_o do_v not_o pay_v you_o that_o respect_v you_o require_v if_o a_o master_n shall_v order_v his_o servant_n to_o provide_v dinner_n for_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o he_o shall_v reply_v i_o will_v do_v it_o with_o all_o my_o heart_n but_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v any_o work_n on_o the_o sabbath_n i_o be_o not_o indeed_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o till_o i_o be_v resolve_v in_o this_o point_n i_o pray_v sir_n be_v please_v to_o pardon_v i_o will_v now_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o master_n think_v these_o answer_n reasonable_a will_v he_o take_v they_o in_o such_o good_a part_n as_o to_o think_v his_o son_n or_o his_o servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v in_o thus_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n no_o i_o dare_v say_v he_o will_v not_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n will_v tell_v they_o you_o be_v my_o son_n or_o my_o servant_n and_o you_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o i_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o command_v and_o for_o you_o to_o do_v i_o will_v take_v care_n to_o command_v you_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o justifiable_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v not_o think_v by_o your_o foolish_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n so_o long_o as_o you_o confess_v you_o know_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o what_o i_o bid_v you_o do_v to_o control_v my_o order_n and_o command_n that_o i_o think_v neither_o become_v you_o to_o do_v nor_o i_o to_o suffer_v i_o dare_v say_v most_o man_n will_v judge_v this_o a_o very_a fit_v and_o just_a reply_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v all_o natural_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o in_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n our_o superior_a be_v to_o be_v obey_v notwithstanding_o our_o doubt_n and_o that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n we_o think_v otherwise_o it_o be_v where_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o where_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v just_o presume_v unequal_a judge_n as_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o five_o let_v i_o add_v this_o one_o consideration_n more_o and_o i_o have_v do_v if_o in_o mere_o doubtful_a case_n our_o superior_n have_v not_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v we_o what_o will_v their_o authority_n signify_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o weight_n enough_o when_o the_o scale_n hang_v even_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n it_o be_v true_o the_o light_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o and_o there_o will_v not_o be_v leave_v power_n enough_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v we_o for_o the_o secure_n in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v to_o govern_v for_o i_o pray_v consider_v what_o can_v there_o be_v so_o wise_o command_v or_o provide_v for_o either_o in_o a_o family_n in_o a_o city_n or_o in_o a_o kingdom_n but_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o exception_n and_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o doubt_n to_o some_o person_n or_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o such_o chief_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o humane_a law_n but_o some_o person_n or_o other_o will_v be_v find_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a or_o 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 to_o the_o law_n or_o the_o command_n in_o what_o a_o condition_n be_v all_o family_n and_o corporation_n and_o society_n in_o the_o world_n what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n why_o certain_o nothing_o but_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n for_o instance_n if_o whenever_o a_o prince_n declare_v war_n against_o his_o enemy_n it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v lawful_a for_o any_o subject_a to_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n from_o 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they_o flow_v must_v needs_o be_v think_v intolerable_a also_o iii_o have_v thus_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o against_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v establish_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o and_o of_o those_o three_o the_o first_o i_o have_v prevent_v by_o my_o state_v the_o question_n the_o second_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v in_o my_o proof_n of_o our_o assertion_n so_o that_o the_o three_o only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o however_o i_o will_v name_v the_o two_o first_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o our_o doctrine_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o involve_v he_o often_o time_n in_o most_o grievous_a sin_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v so_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o isralite_n sometime_o do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o it_o then_o happen_v among_o they_o the_o chief_a ruler_n shall_v command_v that_o baal_n shall_v be_v worship_v why_o now_o in_o this_o case_n say_v they_o according_a to_o your_o way_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n the_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o true_a god_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n but_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o because_o in_o the_o state_v of_o our_o question_n we_o have_v exclude_v all_o such_o doubt_n out_o of_o it_o as_o do_v proceed_v from_o a_o man_n gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a and_o notorious_a that_o the_o doubt_v in_o this_o instance_n do_v on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v as_o forward_o to_o acknowledge_v as_o they_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v a_o action_n that_o be_v plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o his_o ignorance_n and_o much_o less_o his_o doubtfulness_n that_o will_v excuse_v he_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o governor_n so_o that_o though_o this_o argument_n will_v fall_v heavy_a enough_o upon_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o absolute_a blind_a obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n indiscriminate_o which_o no_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o touch_v we_o who_o only_o assert_v that_o where_o we_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o a_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o
and_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n there_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o doubt_n but_o further_a to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o have_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n we_o will_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o we_o when_o they_o put_v the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o as_o before_o that_o a_o israelite_n be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o as_o we_o reasonable_o may_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o baal_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n now_o will_v they_o give_v to_o the_o doubt_a man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o say_v that_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o king_n law_n and_o worship_n jehovah_n only_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o baal_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n why_o this_o be_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n to_o we_o but_o will_v they_o then_o say_v that_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v the_o man_n must_v not_o obey_v authority_n in_o worship_v jehovah_n only_o but_o he_o must_v either_o worship_n baal_n and_o not_o jehovah_n or_o both_o baal_n and_o jehovah_n together_o why_o this_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n but_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o my_o reader_n whether_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o necessary_o engage_v in_o idolatry_n and_o other_o grievous_a sin_n as_o he_o be_v by_o our_o way_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o conclude_v nothing_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o question_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o state_v of_o it_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o limitation_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v to_o the_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o god_n have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_a be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v as_o much_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n yet_o when_o ever_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weighty_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v obey_v rather_o than_o disobey_v in_o that_o case_n as_o will_v persuade_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o those_o reason_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o five_o particular_n i_o before_o insist_v on_o the_o three_o and_o indeed_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o whence_o they_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o christian_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o doubt_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n command_v that_o action_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o point_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o a_o just_a discussion_n because_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o come_v clear_o off_o from_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o obey_v authority_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o likewise_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o this_o text_n with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v some_o general_a account_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n that_o so_o understand_v before_o hand_n the_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o here_o use_v they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n ii_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o this_o text._n iii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n iu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v damn_a or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v first_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o so_o full_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o that_o they_o still_o believe_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o to_o oblige_v their_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o they_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o so_o that_o whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n these_o man_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o meat_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o than_o otherwise_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o st._n paul_n here_o style_v the_o weak_a christian_n appear_v from_o several_a passage_n of_o this_o chapter_n nor_o i_o think_v be_v it_o much_o question_v by_o any_o as_o for_o what_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n concern_v their_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n altogether_o and_o only_o eat_v herb_n which_o will_v make_v one_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n because_o by_o that_o law_n they_o be_v no_o more_o tie_v from_o flesh_n except_v only_a swines-flesh_n and_o a_o few_o other_o sort_n than_o they_o be_v from_o herb_n st._n chrysostome_n have_v well_o obviate_v this_o difficulty_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o christian_n there_o be_v say_v he_o several_a of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n even_o after_o their_o christianity_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o observation_n of_o meat_n not_o dare_v whole_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n these_o now_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o and_o reproach_v by_o the_o other_o christian_n for_o thus_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n choose_v to_o eat_v no_o flesh_n at_o all_o but_o to_o feed_v altogether_o upon_o herb_n that_o so_o this_o way_n of_o live_v of_o they_o may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_a or_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o for_o a_o legal_a observance_n thus_o st._n chrysostome_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n theodoret_n and_o
what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o but_o further_a let_v if_o you_o please_v the_o common_a translation_n be_v retain_v let_v the_o text_n be_v interpret_v of_o one_o that_o doubt_v and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v make_v nothing_o against_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o what_o st._n paul_n here_o call_v doubt_v be_v in_o our_o way_n of_o speak_v a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n my_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o doubt_v which_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o that_o where_o a_o man_n judgement_n be_v suspend_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o doubt_v and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v with_o but_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o doubt_v strengthen_v with_o so_o many_o probability_n that_o it_o want_v but_o very_o little_a of_o a_o persuasion_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o it_o be_v a_o real_a persuasion_n though_o with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o man_n have_v so_o strong_a conviction_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o eat_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o so_o little_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o this_o now_o be_v the_o case_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o exception_n from_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v he_o that_o doubt_v say_v the_o text_n be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v that_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o i_o show_v before_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v that_o his_o eat_n be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v certain_a no_o man_n can_v be_v further_o condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v any_o action_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o action_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n to_o say_v therefore_o that_o a_o man_n be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v must_v of_o necessity_n imply_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v more_o than_o simple_o douht_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n well_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o this_o very_a chapter_n let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o but_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o action_n he_o take_v in_o hand_n be_v a_o lawful_a action_n or_o else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n there_o be_v therefore_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v interpret_v this_o text_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n himself_o direct_v we_o so_o to_o do_v by_o this_o passage_n this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o our_o way_n of_o expound_v this_o text_n and_o probable_o it_o be_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o that_o passage_n that_o so_o many_o interpreter_n have_v translate_v it_o as_o they_o have_v do_v but_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o just_a reason_n from_o thence_o so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o question_n or_o rather_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o question_n with_o any_o one_o who_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o design_n or_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o passage_n the_o passage_n be_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n one_o man_n say_v he_o esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o we_o render_v it_o but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o these_o word_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o write_v they_o as_o we_o will_v now_o make_v they_o to_o express_v it_o be_v certain_o none_o of_o his_o business_n in_o this_o place_n to_o oblige_v the_o contend_a party_n to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n and_o then_o all_o will_v be_v right_a for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o his_o meaning_n here_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v certain_o false_a it_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o his_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o design_v in_o this_o passage_n to_o persuade_v both_o the_o contend_a party_n quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n which_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v their_o duty_n without_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o this_o now_o be_v a_o meaning_n that_o perfect_o suit_v with_o all_o the_o other_o good_a advice_n he_o give_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o this_o meaning_n he_o do_v express_v in_o as_o apt_a word_n as_o can_v be_v think_v on_o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n the_o original_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o preposition_n as_o be_v read_v in_o some_o good_a copy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o say_v grotius_n be_v a_o hebrew_n way_n of_o expression_n and_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o this_o cuique_fw-la fruatur_fw-la sva_fw-la sententia_fw-la let_v every_o man_n enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a must_v proper_o translate_v vnusquisque_fw-la in_o svo_fw-la sensu_fw-la abundet_fw-la i_o e._n let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n or_o last_o as_o the_o commentary_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n ambrose_n vnusquisque_fw-la remittatur_fw-la suis_fw-la consiliis_fw-la let_v every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n also_o both_o st._n crysostome_n and_o theodoret_n do_v expound_v this_o passage_n this_o interpretation_n though_o it_o be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o in_o our_o english_a bible_n yet_o express_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o original_a text_n as_o well_o as_o that_o and_o withal_o have_v better_a authority_n to_o recommend_v it_o but_o that_o which_o we_o chief_o stand_v upon_o be_v that_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v necessary_o require_v this_o interpretation_n for_o in_o truth_n if_o this_o passage_n be_v render_v the_o common_a way_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v import_v that_o every_o man_n in_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o the_o precept_n here_o give_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v either_o reasonable_a or_o possible_a it_o be_v certain_o no_o more_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o all_o his_o doubt_n than_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o please_v when_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o man_n duty_n to_o doubt_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o judgement_n in_o suspense_n when_o the_o weight_n of_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n equal_a as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v upon_o clear_a evidence_n or_o rather_o in_o that_o case_n a_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o doubt_v he_o can_v reasonable_o nay_o he_o can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o i_o think_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n we_o be_v upon_o viz._n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o our_o sense_n but_o only_o with_o a_o resolve_a one_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o hence_o against_o our_o assertion_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o false_a exposition_n of_o the_o text._n but_o though_o this_o be_v as_o i_o think_v the_o true_a
form_n other_o doubt_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ceremony_n or_o our_o way_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o it_o may_v be_v about_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v indeed_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v undetermined_a and_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v under_o this_o suspense_n of_o judgement_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o will_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v now_o of_o those_o that_o thus_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o that_o have_v only_o a_o single_a doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o those_o suspect_a condition_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_a from_o we_o again_o there_o be_v other_o that_o doubt_v on_o both_o side_n as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v that_o be_v as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a so_o they_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o separate_a upon_o account_n of_o those_o term_n now_o of_o these_o likewise_o there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v be_v more_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a that_o now_o which_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o adviseable_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v do_v in_o each_o of_o these_o case_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o but_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o separate_a to_o this_o i_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o safe_a for_o he_o to_o separate_a than_o if_o he_o have_v doubt_v on_o both_o side_n because_o indeed_o if_o he_o must_v doubt_v at_o all_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o his_o doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o resolution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o we_o have_v allow_v it_o as_o such_o that_o in_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v i_o do_v ready_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o intend_a and_o do_v only_o obtain_v in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v forbear_v that_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v though_o he_o can_v without_o danger_n of_o sin_v do_v the_o action_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v about_o it_o but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n here_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v conform_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o danger_n of_o sin_v nay_o and_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o conform_v so_o that_o that_o rule_n have_v here_o no_o place_n at_o all_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o case_n if_o it_o be_v right_o put_v be_v this_o a_o man_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o that_o i_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_n cut_v myself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o i_o may_v likewise_o lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a disobedience_n and_o refractariness_n to_o all_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o i_o too_o which_o yet_o by_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a i_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v both_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o be_o very_o unsatisfied_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n thus_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o what_o now_o will_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v to_o this_o case_n why_o certain_o he_o will_v say_v this_o that_o he_o who_o can_v doubt_v after_o this_o fashion_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o a_o very_a ignorant_a one_o and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o good_a advice_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n about_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o christianity_n than_o of_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n because_o indeed_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o his_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v thus_o ignorant_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v observe_v they_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v his_o act_n if_o it_o shall_v indeed_o prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o a_o man_n right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o be_v entangle_v by_o a_o wilful_o eroneous_a one_o will_v no_o more_o discharge_v he_o from_o sin_n as_o to_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o the_o second_o concoction_n though_o never_o so_o regular_a can_v rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o as_o to_o his_o body_n but_o second_o though_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o offer_v be_v the_o proper_a answer_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o further_a to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o viz._n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n at_o all_o in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o so_o that_o the_o doubt_v about_o conformity_n shall_v have_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n as_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o case_n i_o say_v now_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o just_a dispute_n whether_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n be_v the_o more_o eligible_a side_n nay_o i_o say_v further_o that_o if_o the_o rule_n i_o lay_v down_o about_o a_o single_a doubt_n be_v true_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v only_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o disobey_v and_o separate_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_v the_o rule_n be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v that_o side_n of_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n that_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o very_a great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o very_a great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o very_a consideration_n
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 27._o l._n 7._o for_o annot_v cavoid_v r._n can_v avoid_v p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o this_o last_o r._n the_o least_o p._n 43._o l._n 28._o after_o spiritual_a add_v by_o do_v the_o former_a p._n 61._o l._n 1._o r._n because_o p._n 62._o l._n penult_n r._n chrysostome_n p._n 66._o l._n 9_o r._n no_o wise_a p._n 94._o l._n 19_o r._n probability_n advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n tojoyn_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_n conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_v of_o it_o london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well-instructed_n conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well-grounded_n or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o action_n no_o further_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o mat_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbea_n do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o something_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o to_o make_v we_o suspect_v every_o thing_n for_o such_o or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o displease_v god_n by_o the_o most_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a action_n by_o these_o mean_n ensnare_a and_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n and_o render_v religion_n a_o most_o troublesome_a burden_n to_o they_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n therefore_o start_v and_o boggle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a evil_a or_o mischief_n be_v afraid_a of_o omit_v or_o do_v what_o may_v be_v omit_v or_o do_v without_o sin_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o illustrate_v than_o by_o those_o unaccountable_a antipathy_n or_o prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o man_n have_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o live_a creature_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n or_o hurt_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v so_o offensive_a and_o dreadful_a to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o tiger_n or_o bear_n and_o avoid_v they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o plague_n or_o poison_n just_o thus_o do_v some_o man_n run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o
do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o it_o he_o have_v some_o little_a reason_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o will_v never_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o at_o liberty_n have_v no_o very_a weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o any_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-play_n or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischief_n 1._o when_o our_o superior_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a who_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n our_o scruple_n will_v not_o excuse_v or_o justify_v our_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o we_o judge_v what_o be_v command_v to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a erroneous_a judgement_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o such_o persuasion_n we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o upon_o any_o inducement_n whatever_o if_o i_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n wherein_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n i_o be_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o do_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o be_o certain_o innocent_a when_o i_o forbear_v i_o may_v commit_v a_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v it_o wisdom_n will_v therefore_o that_o the_o safe_a part_n be_v choose_v but_o now_o if_o i_o be_o by_o the_o command_n of_o my_o superior_n oblige_v to_o it_o my_o choice_n be_v then_o determine_v it_o than_o become_v my_o duty_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v safe_a or_o advisable_v to_o neglect_v a_o plain_a duty_n for_o a_o uncertain_a offence_n thus_o most_o and_o best_a casuist_n do_v determine_v about_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n particular_o the_o forename_a reverend_a bishop_n in_o the_o same_o sermon_n whatsoever_o be_v command_v we_o by_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n quod_fw-la tamen_fw-la not_z sit_fw-la certum_fw-la displicere_fw-la deo_fw-la say_v st._n bernard_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o we_o receive_v and_o obey_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v it_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o high_a power_n and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o their_o ordinance_n but_o now_o this_o be_v more_o plain_a concern_v fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n these_o aught_o all_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a 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 a_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_a 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 such_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_a sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a imperfect_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_a communion_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v far_o great_a corruption_n both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o practice_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o we_o at_o this_o day_n yet_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o mankind_n he_o forsake_v not_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o assemble_v with_o they_o in_o their_o public_a synagogue_n which_o answer_n to_o our_o parish-church_n preach_v in_o the_o temple_n though_o they_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n observe_v their_o festival_n though_o some_o of_o they_o of_o humane_a institution_n nay_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o continue_v to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o wretched_a generation_n of_o men._n great_a be_v the_o pollution_n and_o misdemeanour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n
may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n thereof_o with_o you_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o these_o compliance_n and_o civility_n to_o win_v many_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n by_o these_o wise_a art_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o make_v his_o way_n he_o then_o teach_v they_o another_o lesson_n and_o behave_v himself_o after_o a_o far_o different_a manner_n now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o have_v his_o office_n and_o be_v to_o propagate_v any_o religion_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n like_o a_o master_n that_o deal_v not_o so_o sharp_o with_o his_o scholar_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o school_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v afterward_o but_o the_o direction_n st._n paul_n give_v and_o according_a to_o which_o himself_o practise_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v become_v the_o national_a religion_n countenance_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o general_o profess_v by_o every_o one_o among_o we_o that_o we_o hardly_o know_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o when_o we_o be_v of_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o child_n and_o lead_v they_o by_o string_n and_o remove_v every_o straw_n and_o rub_v out_o of_o their_o way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v man_n none_o of_o we_o labour_n under_o those_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o christian_n do_v who_o forsake_v a_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v and_o long_o live_v and_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n have_v leave_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n command_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o many_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o father_n by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother_n tongue_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v themselves_o towards_o these_o new_a convert_v as_o god_n almighty_n do_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o first_o out_o of_o egypt_n he_o for_o a_o while_o lead_v they_o by_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o a_o cloud_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o rain_v down_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n this_o he_o do_v for_o they_o while_o in_o their_o passage_n thus_o extraordinary_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n even_o humour_v that_o people_n lest_o upon_o every_o little_a pretence_n they_o shall_v return_v back_o to_o the_o garlic_n and_o onion_n of_o egypt_n but_o after_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n he_o then_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o ordinary_a common_a mean_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o he_o do_v not_o show_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2._o 9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n 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per_fw-la annum_fw-la shall_v sue_v in_o formâ_fw-la pauperis_fw-la they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o uninstructed_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o do_v prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v if_o the_o several_a dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a waver_a half_a christian_n do_v they_o think_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o weakness_n they_o will_v be_v either_o more_o careful_a to_o hide_v it_o or_o will_v more_o diligent_o seek_v out_o for_o remedy_n
asperse_v what_o they_o separate_v from_o and_o so_o man_n be_v inevitable_o betray_v into_o envy_n and_o bitter_a rail_n into_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v natural_o productive_a of_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sore_a grief_n and_o trouble_n and_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o many_o good_a man_n who_o can_v but_o be_v grieve_v great_o to_o see_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o disregard_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o slight_v and_o neglect_v and_o to_o behold_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n which_o cost_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o be_v so_o great_o belove_v by_o he_o so_o very_o little_o consult_v or_o rather_o purposely_o betray_v to_o behold_v man_n allow_v themselves_o nay_o glory_n in_o such_o damnable_a sin_n destroy_v their_o soul_n by_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o and_o wilful_o forfeit_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o last_o to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n so_o perplex_v with_o idle_a question_n and_o make_v intricate_a by_o needless_a dispute_n and_o to_o see_v so_o many_o unreasonable_a controversy_n start_v and_o such_o eager_a quarrel_n among_o christian_n which_o the_o best_a man_n sometime_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o weather_n and_o get_v over_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v many_o sad_a and_o ache_a heart_n among_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sad_a division_n and_o separation_n among_o we_o these_o therefore_o be_v the_o scandal_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o offend_v and_o these_o be_v the_o division_n for_o which_o there_o be_v such_o search_n of_o heart_n at_o this_o day_n i_o will_v to_o god_n some_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v thing_n they_o may_v then_o possible_o begin_v to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n and_o perhaps_o see_v cause_n to_o take_v some_o part_n of_o that_o reproach_n upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v please_v so_o prodigal_o to_o cast_v upon_o we_o 2._o but_o i_o have_v another_o thing_n yet_o to_o show_v the_o error_n of_o apply_v this_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o our_o case_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n so_o there_o be_v too_o in_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o give_a offence_n here_o relate_v and_o they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o conform_v unto_o by_o which_o the_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v the_o difference_n i_o mean_v be_v this_o that_o however_o they_o may_v be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n equal_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o superven_a command_n from_o lawful_a authority_n may_v make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o text_n relate_v be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a too_o no_o humane_a law_n have_v take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o but_o the_o institution_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v we_o give_v offence_n be_v thing_n already_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o have_v any_o controversy_n i_o hope_v with_o any_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o of_o the_o tragical_a outcry_n against_o they_o prove_v they_o essential_o evil_a though_o some_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o call_v they_o rag_n of_o rome_n instance_n of_o superstition_n and_o relic_n of_o idolatry_n these_o be_v word_n of_o course_n and_o art_n of_o rail_v which_o proclaim_v indeed_o the_o rancour_n and_o malice_n of_o some_o man_n spirit_n but_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o certain_o a_o strange_a that_o shall_v hear_v all_o this_o outcry_n and_o at_o last_o find_v the_o thing_n declaim_v so_o against_o be_v but_o pure_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n he_o will_v either_o great_o question_v the_o judgement_n and_o honesty_n of_o some_o man_n or_o at_o least_o conclude_v that_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v serve_v those_o man_n to_o quarrel_n with_o that_o be_v resolve_v either_o to_o find_v fault_n or_o to_o make_v they_o 2._o nor_o second_o shall_v i_o need_v here_o to_o dispute_v whether_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o have_v be_v do_v full_o already_o by_o a_o more_o learned_a hand_n to_o which_o i_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o add_v but_o that_o our_o brethren_n and_o all_o the_o several_a denomination_n of_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n themselves_o and_o sufficient_o confute_v their_o own_o objection_n so_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o frame_v any_o argument_n against_o we_o which_o may_v not_o like_o a_o two-edged_a weapon_n wound_v themselves_o and_o time_n be_v when_o some_o of_o they_o find_v it_o sad_o true_a the_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v use_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o gall_v their_o own_o side_n with_o and_o they_o be_v force_v to_o think_v those_o answer_n good_a for_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v so_o for_o we_o against_o they_o and_o what_o deal_v that_o be_v i_o leave_v other_o to_o judge_n 3._o no_o nor_o three_o do_v i_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o stay_v to_o answer_v that_o trifle_a objection_n that_o this_o command_n of_o man_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v they_o more_o than_o indifferent_a or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o they_o nor_o make_v so_o very_o great_a a_o stir_n about_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o command_a of_o thing_n indifferent_a make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o it_o alter_v they_o indeed_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o and_o our_o practice_n but_o the_o thing_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o church_n command_v they_o as_o thing_n fit_v to_o be_v do_v but_o indifferent_a still_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v after_o her_o command_v they_o and_o her_o public_a declaration_n and_o rubric_n sufficient_o acquit_v she_o from_o all_o such_o thought_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v she_o own_o protestation_n but_o still_o pretend_v that_o she_o believe_v contrary_a to_o what_o she_o solemn_o profess_v it_o be_v but_o another_o instance_n of_o some_o man_n ingenuity_n and_o candour_n towards_o she_o and_o need_v not_o be_v count_v strange_a in_o this_o age._n nor_o be_v she_o stand_v so_o stiff_o as_o man_n speak_v for_o these_o thing_n any_o argument_n of_o her_o think_v otherwise_o of_o they_o for_o however_o a_o ceremony_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o small_a thing_n yet_o faction_n and_o disobedience_n be_v a_o great_a one_o and_o aught_o with_o all_o care_n to_o be_v suppress_v and_o that_o church_n need_v not_o be_v blame_v for_o its_o sharpness_n against_o dissension_n about_o these_o which_o have_v already_o by_o sad_a experience_n find_v that_o gratify_a faction_n in_o these_o have_v in_o the_o issue_n be_v the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o her_o whole_a constitution_n if_o any_o church_n may_v be_v excuse_v in_o this_o certain_o this_o may_v which_o have_v already_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o indulge_v in_o they_o and_o can_v but_o be_v concern_v when_o it_o see_v the_o same_o practice_n pursue_v again_o and_o that_o too_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o trample_v upon_o she_o with_o so_o much_o cruelty_n and_o scorn_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o her_o visitation_n the_o beginning_n of_o strife_n say_v solomon_n be_v as_o when_o one_o let_v out_o a_o river_n and_o so_o we_o have_v find_v faction_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v also_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n apply_v itself_o with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o quickness_n to_o obstruct_v the_o small_a beginning_n in_o that_o as_o man_n do_v to_o repair_v the_o least_o breach_n in_o those_o bank_n which_o keep_v in_o the_o water_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o nor_o fourthly_a do_v i_o think_v i_o have_v any_o pertinent_a occasion_n here_o to_o assert_v the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o to_o dispute_v whether_o they_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v undetermined_a we_o need_v but_o consult_v scripture_n for_o this_o which_o will_v be_v plain_a so_o long_o as_o the_o 13_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o
the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n enlarge_v their_o reason_n in_o this_o chapter_n because_o it_o be_v a_o confederate_n with_o devil_n and_o be_v partaker_n at_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n which_o he_o condemn_v as_o huge_o unbecoming_a they_o that_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n vers_fw-la 20_o 21._o grotius_n be_v so_o exact_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n may_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1._o well_fw-mi aliquid_fw-la a_o tabulâ_fw-la &c_n &c_n i._n e._n when_o at_o their_o public_a feast_n they_o send_v some_o part_n off_o the_o table_n to_o be_v offer_v solemn_o to_o the_o idol_n and_o to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a feast_n 2._o well_fw-mi ab_fw-la aris_n ad_fw-la mensam_fw-la defertis_fw-la or_o when_o they_o take_v some_o considerable_a portion_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o feed_v upon_o it_o at_o the_o table_n as_o part_v of_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o now_o for_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v present_a at_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v in_o that_o canon_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n also_o be_v so_o sharp_a upon_o from_z 14_o to_o 24_o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o afterward_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o it_o and_o plain_o mean_v either_o that_o part_n of_o the_o offer_v which_o they_o afterward_o spend_v in_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n or_o which_o be_v public_o sell_v afterward_o in_o the_o shambles_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o understand_v and_o be_v common_a among_o they_o to_o offer_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o own_o common_a use_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sacred_a and_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o in_o some_o great_a and_o solemn_a sacrifice_n they_o do_v but_o that_o which_o be_v true_o their_o own_o and_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n especial_o have_v give_v a_o part_n of_o it_o to_o their_o go_n the_o other_o i_o e._n what_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambleâ—_n critic_n give_v two_o account_n of_o 1._o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o the_o butcher_n sell_v part_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n before_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o shambles_n well_fw-mi à _fw-fr mà cellario_n qui_fw-la ante_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellum_fw-la carnes_z ferret_n aliquid_fw-la de_fw-fr aram_n in_o dedisset_fw-la 2._o or_o that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o often_o sell_v have_v its_o probable_a either_o more_o than_o they_o can_v spend_v themselves_o or_o perhaps_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exchange_v it_o for_o other_o meat_n which_o they_o may_v purchase_v with_o the_o money_n they_o sell_v it_o for_o well_fw-mi à _fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la qui_fw-la part_n quae_fw-la ipsis_fw-la cederent_fw-la venderent_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n now_o these_o be_v the_o meat_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v no_o order_n at_o all_o so_o that_o man_n be_v at_o their_o liberty_n to_o buy_v and_o eat_v they_o if_o they_o please_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n or_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o they_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v then_o only_o from_o when_o know_v what_o they_o be_v their_o eat_v they_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v give_v offence_n thereby_o either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o see_v they_o make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o encourage_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o idolatry_n which_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v to_o wean_v they_o from_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o see_v they_o so_o careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o without_o all_o charity_n to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o speech_n relate_v be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o undetermined_a also_o as_o to_o their_o use_n no_o law_n have_v pass_v one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o they_o now_o this_o make_v they_o vast_o different_a from_o the_o thing_n scruple_v among_o we_o and_o by_o conformity_n to_o which_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o several_a law_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a power_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o how_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n as_o strong_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o humane_a command_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o we_o can_v show_v favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o other_o if_o we_o will_v for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v under_o authority_n and_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o those_o above_o we_o we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o do_v or_o forbear_v nor_o can_v we_o now_o abstain_v for_o fear_n of_o offend_v another_o man_n conscience_n without_o grievous_o wound_v and_o worse_a offend_n of_o our_o own_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o conformity_n as_o to_o another_o man_n yet_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o downright_a sin_n and_o a_o grievous_a guilt_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v impertinent_a a_o snare_n and_o a_o direct_a temptation_n and_o as_o improper_o urge_v against_o conformity_n as_o it_o will_v be_v against_o any_o other_o duty_n how_o necessary_a soever_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n that_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v of_o it_o in_o this_o and_o all_o such_o case_n we_o stand_v immediate_o responsible_a unto_o god_n and_o may_v just_o retort_v that_o so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v apology_n of_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o regard_v man_n judge_v you_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v the_o text_n be_v pertinent_o urge_v against_o conformity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v very_o much_o against_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a by_o consider_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o 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concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o our_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o in_o by_o consider_v the_o case_n that_o concern_v we_o which_o i_o think_v be_v only_o these_o two_o 1._o when_o we_o perceive_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o be_v go_v to_o do_v will_v offend_v all_o party_n equal_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o christianity_n by_o this_o practice_n see_v its_o professor_n make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n which_o their_o law_n so_o strict_o prohibit_v and_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v himself_o so_o
comparative_o few_o but_o you_o much_o doubt_n whether_o the_o use_n of_o those_o few_o be_v long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o mean_v popery_n at_o its_o full_a growth_n for_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o to_o ritual_n begin_v to_o work_v very_o early_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o papist_n may_v con_v you_o great_a thanks_o for_o this_o passage_n it_o plain_o enough_o intimate_v that_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n papist_n though_o not_o full_o grow_v papist_n and_o as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v if_o you_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n like_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o begin_v to_o work_v in_o his_o day_n the_o use_n of_o such_o rite_n as_o those_o you_o be_v offend_v with_o in_o our_o church_n i_o will_v engage_v for_o our_o author_n that_o he_o shall_v immediate_o set_v 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make_v sinful_a and_o meritorious_a of_o a_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o assure_v you_o that_o i_o do_v as_o little_o understand_v if_o this_o be_v good_a argue_v how_o whatsoever_o the_o king_n command_v of_o his_o subject_n or_o a_o master_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v not_o make_v by_o they_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n since_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o each_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sinful_a by_o all_o that_o believe_v these_o precept_n bind_v viz._n submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n etc._n etc._n and_o servants_z obey_v in_o all_o thing_n your_o master_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o to_o the_o penalty_n you_o mention_v of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o which_o all_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a whatsoever_o have_v ever_o think_v fit_a to_o have_v inflict_v upon_o obstinate_a transgressor_n of_o their_o law_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o uphold_v of_o government_n among_o they_o and_o our_o author_n i_o be_o certain_a will_n ready_o grant_v that_o none_o but_o obstinate_a transgressor_n of_o the_o church_n law_n and_o such_o as_o be_v incorrigible_a by_o all_o other_o mean_v first_o try_v aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v never_o be_v pronounce_v against_o they_o but_o as_o the_o last_o remedy_n as_o also_o that_o the_o design_n thereof_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o offender_n as_o well_o as_o for_o example_n to_o other_o never_a his_o destruction_n but_o how_o do_v this_o penalty's_n be_v make_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n which_o ordain_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o order_n sake_n and_o the_o decent_a administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o public_a speak_v these_o to_o be_v enjoin_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o judge_v to_o be_v sinful_a than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o when_o this_o penalty_n be_v never_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v inflict_v but_o in_o case_n of_o the_o offender_n add_v contempt_n to_o his_o disobedience_n if_o any_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o person_n be_v excommunicate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o nonconformity_n who_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a and_o that_o give_v good_a evidence_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o their_o governor_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a with_o safe_a conscience_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v whole_o the_o fault_n of_o person_n not_o of_o our_o constitution_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v too_o inconsiderable_a to_o deserve_v our_o bestow_n so_o many_o word_n upon_o it_o all_o that_o follow_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o five_o page_n wherein_o our_o author_n be_v concern_v have_v be_v reply_v to_o and_o there_o you_o thus_o speak_v as_o in_o england_n we_o have_v a_o silent_a and_o a_o speak_a law_n so_o we_o have_v also_o a_o silent_a and_o a_o speak_a church_n etc._n etc._n we_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o 39_o article_n but_o this_o be_v but_o ecclesia_fw-la muta_fw-la how_o many_o have_v we_o that_o will_v tell_v we_o we_o be_v ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la the_o live_a church_n of_o england_n and_o we_o tell_v you_o etc._n etc._n here_o follow_v no_o few_o than_o thirteen_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o this_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la contradictory_n to_o the_o 39_o article_n but_o 1._o you_o have_v give_v we_o we_o thank_v you_o the_o very_a first_o information_n of_o this_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la but_o why_o do_v you_o expect_v unless_o we_o know_v you_o better_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v your_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o nay_o we_o have_v hardly_o that_o for_o you_o do_v not_o in_o express_a term_n affirm_v but_o ask_v this_o question_n how_o many_o have_v we_o that_o will_v tell_v we_o we_o be_v ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la and_o therefore_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o give_v you_o only_o this_o short_a answer_n do_v you_o tell_v we_o how_o many_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o if_o you_o know_v sure_o this_o church_n of_o you_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n or_o if_o not_o none_o but_o dissenter_n eye_n be_v clear_a enough_o to_o get_v the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o it_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o mere_a figment_n and_o the_o very_a dream_n of_o a_o shadow_n but_o 2._o whereas_o a_o positive_a assertion_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o a_o church_n of_o england_n be_v imply_v in_o this_o question_n you_o can_v well_o be_v otherwise_o understand_v than_o as_o assert_v that_o the_o prevail_a party_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v have_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n this_o long_a beadroll_z of_o heresy_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o have_v turn_v the_o old_a church_n of_o england_n out_o of_o door_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o miserable_a pass_n that_o you_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o this_o new_a church_n except_o you_o will_v separate_v from_o and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o old_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n if_o this_o be_v so_o dissenter_n be_v the_o only_a true_a friend_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o this_o church_n be_v huge_o oblige_v to_o they_o for_o their_o separation_n but_o 3._o i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o against_o any_o number_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o our_o church_n for_o i_o who_o know_v i_o be_o confident_a as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o most_o man_n in_o england_n can_v true_o declare_v as_o follow_v that_o i_o can_v name_v any_o one_o divine_a of_o our_o church_n who_o teach_v your_o first_o contradictory_n doctrine_n to_o the_o 39_o article_n viz._n that_o although_o we_o may_v not_o terminate_v our_o worship_n in_o a_o image_n yet_o we_o may_v bow_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n before_o a_o image_n nor_o your_o second_o viz._n that_o depart_v saint_n know_v our_o state_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o they_o nor_o know_v i_o any_o one_o of_o our_o church_n who_o teach_v your_o three_o viz._n that_o any_o priest_n may_v
absolve_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n more_o than_o declarative_o i_o mean_v i_o know_v no_o one_o that_o make_v the_o priest_n absolution_n to_o be_v other_o in_o effect_n than_o declarative_a though_o it_o signify_v more_o than_o if_o pronounce_v by_o a_o layman_n nor_o your_o four_o that_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n real_o our_o church-catechism_n say_v that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o and_o indeed_o take_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o i_o know_v no_o divine_a of_o we_o that_o explain_v this_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o that_o believer_n feed_v on_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o true_o and_o real_o as_o they_o do_v on_o the_o element_n but_o not_o after_o a_o corporal_a and_o carnal_a manner_n but_o after_o a_o spiritual_a viz._n by_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n by_o faith_n and_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v neither_o assert_v this_o to_o be_v popish_a doctrine_n nor_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v true_a doctrine_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n that_o hold_v your_o five_o proposition_n for_o it_o may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o our_o conformable_a congregation_n be_v no_o better_a than_o conventicle_n where_o the_o minister_n read_v not_o the_o communion_n service_n at_o the_o altar_n which_o you_o assert_v to_o be_v tantamount_n to_o the_o allow_v of_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n because_o in_o multitude_n of_o congregation_n the_o people_n can_v hear_v a_o line_n from_o he_o i_o say_v i_o know_v of_o no_o divine_a of_o our_o church_n that_o ever_o assert_v that_o such_o congregation_n as_o the_o forementioned_a be_v no_o better_o than_o conventicle_n there_o be_v indeed_o late_o a_o foolish_a book_n publish_v to_o prove_v they_o conventicle_n but_o it_o be_v strong_o conjecture_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o certain_a layman_n and_o what_o church_n he_o be_v of_o i_o can_v say_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o pin_n matter_n to_o know_v but_o i_o may_v as_o much_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v a_o protestant_a dissenter_n as_o a_o popish_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o that_o his_o position_n it_o be_v nothing_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o allow_v of_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o as_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o your_o multitude_n of_o congregation_n wherein_o the_o people_n can_v hear_v a_o line_n from_o he_o that_o read_v at_o the_o communion_n table_n except_o you_o mean_v wherein_o every_o one_o of_o the_o people_n can_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o the_o major_a part_n can_v in_o all_o where_o the_o minister_n have_v a_o voice_n to_o be_v well_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n so_o all_o that_o be_v read_v be_v know_v before_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o stranger_n to_o our_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o they_o may_v have_v book_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o minister_n whether_o they_o can_v or_o can_v hear_v distinct_o one_o sentence_n from_o he_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n that_o have_v ever_o teach_v your_o 6_o doctrine_n that_o whole_a christ_n be_v under_o each_o element_n which_o you_o intimate_v be_v the_o only_a foundation_n on_o which_o the_o sacrilegious_a romish_a practice_n stand_v but_o if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v notwithstanding_o judge_v it_o a_o intolerable_a thing_n to_o refuse_v the_o cup_n to_o the_o laity_n against_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n nor_o know_v i_o any_o divine_a of_o ou_fw-fr church_n guilty_a of_o the_o seven_o particular_a of_o your_o charge_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v those_o who_o interpret_v the_o ten_o commandment_n so_o as_o that_o he_o who_o will_v ever_o be_v save_v must_v do_v a_o great_a many_o work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o if_o i_o do_v know_v any_o one_o that_o so_o interpret_v the_o commandment_n as_o to_o make_v any_o one_o such_o work_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o will_v not_o call_v he_o a_o papist_n for_o it_o but_o a_o ignoramus_n who_o understand_v not_o the_o word_n supererogation_n nor_o know_v i_o any_o one_o that_o teach_v original_a sin_n thereby_o understand_v corruption_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v rather_o our_o misfortune_n than_o our_o fault_n which_o be_v your_o 8_o doctrine_n nor_o consequent_o that_o concupiscence_n be_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v your_o 9th_o nor_o your_o 10_o that_o man_n have_v a_o power_n in_o his_o own_o will_n to_o choose_v and_o do_v what_o be_v spiritual_o good_a i._n e._n without_o the_o assistence_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o with_o this_o assistence_n i_o hope_v you_o dissenter_n do_v all_o hold_v it_o nor_o know_v i_o any_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n who_o teach_v that_o we_o be_v not_o account_v righteous_a before_o god_n or_o justify_v only_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n beside_o the_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n of_o christ_n nor_o your_o 11_o that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o understanding_n by_o faith_n not_o a_o dead_a but_o a_o live_a faith_n that_o purefy_v the_o heart_n and_o work_n by_o love_n nor_o your_o 12_o that_o good_a work_n must_v go_v before_o justification_n and_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n but_o faith_n itself_o for_o i_o know_v no_o one_o of_o our_o church_n that_o assert_n more_o than_o this_o that_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v all_o god_n commandment_n must_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o justification_n nor_o your_o 13_o that_o there_o be_v no_o eternal_a predestination_n of_o person_n to_o life_n and_o the_o mean_n tend_v thereunto_o i_o know_v of_o none_o of_o our_o church_n that_o have_v ever_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n as_o you_o have_v express_v it_o nor_o any_o worse_a than_o this_o that_o eternal_a predestination_n to_o life_n be_v not_o irrespective_a or_o absolute_a which_o no_o article_n of_o our_o church_n say_v it_o be_v and_o abundance_n of_o you_o dissenter_n hold_v this_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o church_n of_o england_n man_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o go_v over_o all_o the_o doctrine_n contradictory_n to_o the_o 39_o article_n teach_v by_o your_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la you_o i_o say_v for_o she_o be_v not_o we_o and_o i_o declare_v again_o that_o i_o know_v of_o no_o divine_a of_o our_o church_n that_o teach_v or_o hold_v such_o doctrine_n if_o you_o know_v any_o as_o one_o will_v think_v you_o do_v very_o many_o i_o pray_v name_n they_o you_o say_v we_o spare_v any_o name_n in_o these_o case_n but_o be_v you_o entreat_v not_o to_o spare_v they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v be_v prevail_v with_o we_o shall_v very_o shrewd_o guess_v at_o the_o reason_n sir_n to_o deal_v free_o with_o you_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n at_o your_o adventure_n into_o the_o world_n this_o other_o celeusma_n since_o the_o author_n of_o the_o former_a have_v so_o ill_a success_n and_o must_v needs_o have_v repent_v he_o hearty_o of_o that_o undertake_n all_o that_o have_v considerative_o read_v his_o answerer_n i_o be_o confident_a be_v convince_v that_o after_o a_o great_a cry_n little_a wool_n appear_v or_o rather_o none_o at_o all_o nor_o can_v such_o be_v ignorant_a what_o foul_a play_n be_v use_v to_o make_v our_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n broach_v heresy_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o yourself_o have_v blush_v at_o it_o if_o you_o have_v ever_o read_v the_o parallela_fw-la imparia_fw-la sive_fw-la specimen_fw-la fidei_fw-la celeusmaticae_n can_v you_o catch_v we_o thus_o deal_v with_o the_o book_n of_o your_o author_n as_o we_o have_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o that_o author_n and_o some_o other_o that_o may_v be_v name_v we_o shall_v at_o another_o kind_n of_o rate_n have_v be_v expose_v than_o they_o have_v be_v but_o sir_n for_o god_n sake_n let_v we_o make_v as_o much_o conscience_n of_o vile_a calumny_n than_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o express_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n as_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o no_o divine_a law_n can_v be_v produce_v against_o and_o nothing_o but_o strain_a and_o far-fetched_a consequence_n and_o for_o god_n sake_n also_o let_v we_o at_o length_n be_v persuade_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v for_o our_o common_a religion_n as_o to_o give_v over_o expose_v it_o by_o such_o unchristian_a do_n to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n but_o i_o can_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o this_o heavy_a charge_n of_o you_o till_o i_o have_v ask_v you_o what_o you_o infer_v
this_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v only_o respect_v sit_v as_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o that_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o these_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n in_o a_o private_a house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n 20._o supper_n supper_n supper_n mat._n 26._o 20._o in_o the_o company_n of_o 11_o or_o 12_o at_o most_o 14._o mar._n 14._o 17._o luke_n 22._o 14._o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o as_o there_o do_v to_o sit._n so_o that_o this_o argument_n violent_o recoil_v upon_o those_o that_o urge_v it_o and_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o it_o conclude_v strong_o against_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o liberty_n they_o take_v in_o omit_v some_o thing_n and_o press_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o other_o upon_o a_o reason_n which_o equal_o oblige_v to_o all_o but_o i_o desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o may_v be_v answ_n two_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o these_o scotchman_n to_o take_v this_o further_a consideration_n along_o with_o they_o which_o i_o think_v will_v turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o tender_a conscience_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o observe_v most_o of_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o they_o omit_v rather_o than_o this_o of_o sit_v which_o they_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o contend_v for_o all_o those_o forementioned_a circumstance_n except_o the_o two_o last_o which_o too_o be_v general_o allow_v among_o learned_a man_n on_o all_o side_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v without_o dispute_n observe_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o he_o at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a and_o dubious_a as_o i_o shall_v evince_v by_o and_o by_o under_o the_o second_o query_n how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o where_o express_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v he_o real_o do_v why_o that_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o dubious_a shall_v be_v make_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o and_o evident_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n shall_v have_v no_o force_n nor_o be_v esteem_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o these_o be_v question_n i_o confess_v beyond_o my_o capacity_n and_o surpass_v my_o skill_n to_o resolve_v it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n that_o answ_n iii_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v this_o do_v respect_n only_o the_o verse_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 27_o 28._o verse_n bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o other_o action_n there_o specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n 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 after_o all_o 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 and_o then_o i_o leave_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n how_o they_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v before_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o will_v ever_o answer_v to_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n their_o live_n and_o die_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o express_a command_n of_o his_o give_v a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o mere_o because_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o authority_n be_v cross_v to_o their_o private_a will_n and_o fancy_n but_o not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o serious_a and_o sincere-hearted_n person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o not_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o law_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n use_v that_o gesture_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o provide_v we_o will_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o either_o sit_v or_o stand_v that_o be_v any_o way_n but_o that_o which_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o conduct_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a which_o be_v not_o where_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o limit_v by_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v without_o sin_n become_v sinful_a to_o we_o when_o impose_v by_o humane_a authority_n it_o be_v remote_a from_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o false_a a_o principle_n this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o tenent_n to_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o who_o hold_v and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v receive_v kneel_v which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v safe_o do_v plain_o own_o that_o as_o to_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o principle_n this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n it_o can_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v as_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v if_o
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 the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v and_o perpetual_o imitate_v by_o we_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n thus_o in_o our_o present_a case_n though_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o his_o example_n alone_o do_v not_o become_v a_o everlasting_a rule_n for_o all_o age_n to_o observe_v because_o he_o have_v no_o where_o discover_v his_o bind_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o consequent_o since_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o may_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o will_n and_o intention_n when_o we_o so_o zealous_o press_v and_o follow_v his_o example_n especial_o in_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o gesture_n for_o even_o under_o the_o law_n where_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n habit_n and_o the_o ceremony_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n be_v with_o great_a particularity_n describe_v this_o of_o gesture_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o undetermined_a god_n never_o oblige_v they_o to_o use_v any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o to_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n and_o body_n or_o fall_v prostrate_a on_o the_o earth_n to_o use_v all_o or_o any_o one_o of_o these_o as_o custom_n and_o their_o own_o pious_a prudence_n shall_v prompt_v and_o direct_v they_o see_v then_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v never_o determine_v under_o the_o law_n since_o it_o be_v and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o mutable_a ceremony_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v so_o unto_o this_o day_n our_o lord_n leave_v it_o as_o he_o find_v it_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v by_o some_o command_n or_o note_n of_o immutability_n fix_v and_o determine_v it_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n but_o because_o no_o such_o command_n or_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v therefore_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o his_o example_n a_o few_o instance_n will_v clear_v this_o point_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o baptise_a till_o 23._o luke_n 3._o 23._o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n but_o this_o example_n be_v not_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n a_o law_n or_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n so_o long_o so_o he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n but_o be_v there_o no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o but_o when_o we_o be_v near_o our_o grave_n and_o under_o a_o prospect_n of_o death_n he_o also_o institute_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n after_o a_o full_a meal_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o man_n only_o do_v his_o bare_a example_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v punctual_o all_o these_o circumstance_n or_o no_o if_o it_o do_v why_o do_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o example_n in_o these_o thing_n if_o his_o example_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o we_o to_o follow_v it_o in_o these_o particular_n how_o do_v sit_v become_v necessary_a bare_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o example_n i_o desire_v they_o therefore_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o examine_v this_o matter_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v assign_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o liberty_n they_o take_v of_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o not_o in_o other_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o guide_v they_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o do_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o to_o withdraw_v their_o suit_n against_o kneel_v and_o quit_v their_o own_o principle_n or_o condemn_v their_o own_o practice_n as_o shameful_o repugnant_a to_o it_o 2._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o act_v by_o because_o the_o great_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o that_o glorious_a example_n he_o leave_v we_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o it_o show_v the_o possibility_n and_o clear_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o law_n and_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o it_o put_v the_o rule_n into_o activity_n and_o set_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o life_n it_o be_v to_o our_o life_n as_o exhortation_n be_v to_o doctrine_n it_o thrust_v we_o forward_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v before_o whatsoever_o our_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v in_o that_o only_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o imitate_v he_o but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n we_o may_v do_v it_o if_o we_o will_v and_o if_o we_o can_v innocent_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a life_n but_o we_o be_v not_o under_o constraint_n and_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a to_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a to_o be_v patient_n under_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o be_v ever_o content_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o the_o life_n and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o become_v a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n he_o command_v we_o to_o do_v what_o he_o perform_v himself_o and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o if_o we_o will_v walk_v sure_o be_v first_o to_o look_v for_o our_o rule_n and_o then_o for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v make_v the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v all_o other_o by_o but_o than_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o be_v out_o duty_n we_o must_v bring_v his_o example_n to_o the_o rule_n for_o as_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o obey_v christ_n and_o obey_v the_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o act_n 5._o 42._o act_n 11._o 20._o marc._n 16._o 15._o heb._n 5._o 9_o 2_o thess_n 1._o 8._o col._n 2._o 6._o gospel_n be_v phrase_n of_o alike_a import_n it_o scripture_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o follow_v christ_n be_v all_o one_o with_o follow_v the_o gospel-rule_n or_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o 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 extraordinary_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 and_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o divine_a authority_n by_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n he_o be_v a_o prophetical_a priest_n by_o which_o office_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o we_o shall_v quick_o experiment_n will_v be_v more_o vain_a and_o foolish_a than_o attempt_n of_o a_o imitation_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o nothing_o more_o wicked_a than_o to_o think_v and_o believe_v we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o other_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n be_v a_o good_a way_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o warrant_v of_o imitate_v our_o lord_n death_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n so_o to_o die_v rather_o than_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o dishonour_v our_o saviour_n be_v great_a and_o praiseworthy_a but_o to_o die_v for_o sin_n either_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n to_o propose_v a_o meritorious_a death_n to_o ourselves_o and_o by_o way_n of_o expiation_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o stain_n that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n
practice_n to_o they_o and_o if_o christian_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o their_o abode_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 whosoever_o will_v be_v esteem_v and_o reward_v as_o a_o peacemaker_n and_o avoid_v the_o ill_a reputation_n and_o 9_o mat._n 5._o 9_o guilt_n of_o a_o turbulent_a person_n aught_o among_o other_o thing_n careful_o to_o observe_v this_o viz._n to_o submit_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o the_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o thus_o the_o same_o divine_a writer_n after_o he_o have_v argue_v against_o woman_n be_v uncover_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n conclude_v all_o after_o this_o manner_n 6_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 6_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n pray_v by_o the_o way_n let_v this_o be_v observe_v from_o this_o place_n that_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o command_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n or_o else_o st._n paul_n argument_n from_o custom_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o upon_o this_o second_o query_n see_v that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n see_v his_o bare_a example_n suppose_v he_o do_v sit_v do_v not_o oblige_v we_o in_o conscience_n to_o imitate_v it_o see_v they_o who_o urge_v his_o example_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o even_o in_o that_o particular_a they_o urge_v it_o for_o see_v conformity_n to_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o law_n be_v a_o plain_a conformity_n to_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o to_o the_o equity_n reason_n and_o spiritual_a mean_v and_o instruction_n of_o it_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o object_v against_o kneel_v and_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n a_o conformity_n to_o it_o as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n query_n iii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o altogether_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n itself_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o premise_v something_o which_o may_v explain_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o discover_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n build_v their_o scruple_n against_o kneel_v as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n by_o a_o table-gesture_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v thus_o much_o that_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ought_v in_o their_o judgement_n to_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n as_o we_o do_v at_o our_o ordinary_a meal_n and_o table_n at_o our_o civil_a feast_n and_o entertainment_n and_o because_o divers_a gesture_n be_v use_v at_o meal_n according_a to_o the_o different_a mode_n and_o custom_n of_o several_a nation_n therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v that_o at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n have_v prescribe_v at_o our_o ordinary_a and_o civil_a meal_n thus_o say_v the_o author_n of_o altar_n damascenum_n a_o stout_a and_o learned_a champion_n for_o a_o table-gesture_n sit_v cross-legged_a 762._o altar_n dam._n p._n 762._o as_o the_o turk_n do_v at_o their_o meal_n will_v be_v among_o they_o if_o they_o be_v convert_v a_o comely_a fashion_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o supper_n a_o feast_n 4._o disput_fw-la against_o kneel_v p._n 2._o p._n 56._o arg_n 4._o a_o banquet_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supper_n a_o feast_n a_o banquet-gesture_n and_o such_o a_o gesture_n must_v be_v use_v as_o stand_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n in_o no_o nation_n be_v it_o ever_o hold_v comely_a to_o kneel_v at_o their_o banquet_n or_o reign_n abridgement_n p._n 61._o reply_n to_o bp._n morton_n 3_o innoc._n cer._n p._n 37._o set_v forth_o in_o k._n james_n reign_n to_o receive_v their_o food_n kneel_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o writer_n and_o great_a patron_n of_o sit_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o kneel_v that_o the_o gesture_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o we_o use_v and_o observe_v at_o our_o ordinary_a table_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o our_o native_a country_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o then_o the_o full_a import_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o query_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n do_v not_o require_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o sit_v and_o not_o kneel_v because_o sit_v and_o not_o kneel_v be_v the_o ordinary_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o england_n here_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o this_o argument_n for_o sit_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n quite_o overthrow_v the_o two_o former_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o express_a command_n and_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o render_v they_o useless_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o their_o cause_n 1._o for_o they_o do_v say_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n with_o our_o lord_n but_o only_o a_o table-gesture_n though_o never_o so_o different_a from_o that_o which_o he_o use_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n where_o we_o live_v various_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o fashion_n and_o usage_n of_o several_a nation_n at_o their_o common_a feast_n may_v be_v all_o comely_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n according_a to_o this_o argument_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o sit_v because_o christ_n do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o then_o his_o bare_a example_n be_v no_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n his_o example_n be_v govern_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n before_o the_o paschal_n feast_n be_v over_o and_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o the_o passover_n say_v they_o and_o that_o be_v sit_v suppose_v this_o what_o follow_v why_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o sit_v too_o after_o his_o example_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n say_v i_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n to_o sit_v at_o our_o meal_n and_o sit_v be_v our_o common_a table-gesture_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v what_o they_o say_v themselves_o 2._o again_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n require_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o 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wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o puritanisme_n do_v 1681._o preface_n to_o his_o serm._n last_o edit_n 1681._o consist_v as_o bishop_n sanderson_n notes_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v our_o brethren_n not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o table-gesture_n as_o they_o love_v the_o life_n of_o their_o cause_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o great_a argument_n can_v be_v afford_v of_o a_o rout_v baffle_v cause_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o see_v the_o patron_n of_o it_o run_v up_o and_o down_o in_o confusion_n and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n sometime_o to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n then_o to_o his_o example_n when_o drive_v out_o there_o then_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o civil_a custom_n and_o about_o again_o to_o the_o example_n for_o thus_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forementioned_a tract_n do_v thus_o much_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o
stranger_n i_o mean_v who_o have_v see_v the_o world_n and_o have_v learn_v our_o language_n and_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o sermon_n that_o be_v common_o preach_v and_o print_v in_o this_o great_a city_n affirm_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o god_n grant_v we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o such_o singular_a help_n by_o our_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o candlestick_n be_v not_o remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n because_o we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o light_n which_o it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n if_o not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n we_o make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n but_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o 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god_n do_v not_o bless_v his_o ministry_n but_o the_o fault_n must_v lie_v if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o sermon_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o delivery_n i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v that_o any_o dissenter_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v will_v except_v against_o our_o sermon_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o such_o care_n to_o find_v out_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o proper_a meaning_n that_o perhaps_o they_o be_v never_o more_o clear_o open_v and_o right_o apply_v than_o they_o be_v now_o adays_o in_o our_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o that_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o be_v about_o to_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o god_n repeat_v in_o his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o he_o shadow_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n illustrate_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o final_o fulfil_v in_o the_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o diffuse_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o over_o the_o world_n be_v there_o so_o full_o and_o distinct_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n will_n be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o faithful_o declare_v among_o we_o and_o as_o that_o be_v declare_v complete_o so_o little_a else_o be_v meddle_v withal_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v as_o rare_o handle_v in_o our_o pulpit_n i_o believe_v as_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o which_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n sometime_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fortify_v the_o people_n against_o popery_n and_o against_o separation_n yet_o even_o these_o be_v not_o so_o often_o treat_v of_o as_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n to_o all_o party_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o great_a drift_n of_o our_o preacher_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v they_o good_a particular_o to_o give_v they_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n know_v that_o error_n and_o superstition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o without_o a_o particular_a confutation_n for_o they_o be_v support_v by_o nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o naughty_a affection_n which_o will_v uphold_v they_o against_o all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v assault_v unless_o man_n mind_n be_v inform_v and_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o thing_n as_o alter_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o our_o minister_n and_o which_o be_v so_o well_o perform_v that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a either_o to_o make_v man_n true_o know_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o to_o work_v belief_n in_o they_o or_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v those_o direction_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o satisfy_v material_a scruple_n to_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o comfort_v disconsolate_a penitent_n and_o awaken_v drowsy_a sinner_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o our_o church_n so_o full_o solid_o and_o judicious_o handle_v that_o man_n need_v go_v no_o whither_o else_o for_o edification_n if_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o true_o desire_v and_o sincere_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o what_o truth_n can_v they_o learn_v any_o where_o else_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v if_o they_o will_v attend_v upon_o god_n service_n there_o in_o our_o church_n what_o motive_n to_o believe_v or_o what_o argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o there_o represent_v and_o press_v what_o vice_n be_v there_o which_o do_v not_o there_o receive_v just_a correction_n what_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o there_o most_o strong_o recommend_v which_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o there_o apply_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o where_o can_v man_n have_v better_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v against_o all_o the_o impenitent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o if_o man_n can_v profit_v where_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v constant_o manage_v to_o as_o much_o advantage_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o preacher_n will_v enable_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o fault_n must_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o than_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n ii_o yes_o will_v some_o say_v we_o allow_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o to_o be_v good_a enough_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v reap_v the_o like_a benefit_n by_o they_o that_o we_o do_v by_o other_o man_n preach_v who_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n the_o fault_n must_v lie_v either_o in_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o or_o in_o their_o delivery_n after_o they_o be_v compose_v 1._o now_o if_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o be_v faulty_a it_o be_v because_o their_o method_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a or_o the_o language_n not_o plain_a enough_o to_o convey_v the_o