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 man_n among_o 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 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 with_o 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_o 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
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 mistake_n 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 instance_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 dice_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 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
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 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
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 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
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 be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n
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 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
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 joâ—n_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_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 presume_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 observe_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 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
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 publâ—ck_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 we_o lie_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 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
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 real_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 persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o 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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 be_v his_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n most_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v use_v all_o those_o prudent_a mean_n that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v viz._n that_o he_o can_v join_v in_o our_o worship_n without_o sin_n what_o will_v we_o say_v to_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v we_o still_o say_v that_o this_o man_n must_v either_o conform_v though_o against_o his_o conscience_n or_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a before_o god_n this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o or_o of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o our_o communion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v i_o do_v very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o will_v present_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o those_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v schism_n and_o division_n which_o do_v now_o give_v so_o much_o scandal_n to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o this_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o furious_a attacques_n that_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o she_o by_o enemy_n without_o and_o enemy_n within_o her_o own_o bowel_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v perfect_o set_v free_a from_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n at_o the_o least_o from_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o her_o adversary_n if_o all_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n will_v most_o serious_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o in_o thing_n where_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v will_v religious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o direction_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o prudent_a mean_n for_o satisfaction_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o face_n of_o thing_n will_v present_o be_v change_v among_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v hear_v no_o more_o of_o any_o division_n or_o schism_n in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v either_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o alas_o we_o fear_v we_o have_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n even_o those_o of_o they_o that_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n have_v not_o do_v
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 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