every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v thâ—_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v
now_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o it_o be_v so_o high_a office_n and_o trust_v it_o owe_v to_o itself_o and_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v rich_o and_o abundant_o furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o it_o that_o see_v it_o be_v both_o the_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n or_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o soul_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o the_o good_a householder_n that_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasury_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a that_o it_o attend_v to_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n entertain_v all_o wisdom_n lift_v up_o its_o voice_n for_o it_o seek_v it_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o that_o its_o influence_n may_v be_v powerful_a and_o effective_a upon_o the_o soul_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a obedience_n there_o must_v be_v a_o just_a preservation_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o good_a conduct_n that_o so_o it_o may_v promote_v the_o soul_n into_o all_o goodness_n have_v gain_v a_o high_a reputation_n and_o honour_n by_o the_o success_n it_o have_v have_v already_o and_o the_o comfort_n and_o good_a expectation_n it_o raise_v within_o the_o soul_n upon_o its_o happy_a government_n for_o the_o upright_a man_n from_o this_o vigour_n of_o conscience_n hold_v on_o his_o way_n and_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o 18._o job_n 17._o 9_o prov._n 4._o 18._o the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a become_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a scandal_n scripture_n remark_n upon_o be_v this_o when_o conscience_n upon_o any_o solicitation_n upon_o any_o insinuation_n or_o usurpation_n upon_o it_o betray_v this_o trust_n and_o surrender_v itself_o to_o any_o other_o dictate_v or_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o shine_v within_o itself_o and_o so_o assure_v it_o by_o its_o rationality_n goodness_n purity_n majesty_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n to_o take_v any_o thing_n upon_o trust_n from_o man_n that_o it_o do_v not_o try_v and_o examine_v or_o to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n it_o have_v so_o try_v and_o examine_v and_o find_v good_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v scandalize_v that_o pretence_n that_o do_v so_o assume_v over_o it_o and_o prevail_v with_o it_o against_o itself_o scandalise_n it_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o supreme_a moderation_n be_v in_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v transmit_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o enter_v thither_o through_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n whatever_o then_o so_o impose_v on_o conscience_n as_o that_o it_o recede_v from_o its_o government_n scandalise_n it_o for_o the_o government_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v also_o thereby_o and_o though_o conscience_n can_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o any_o error_n nor_o aught_o to_o possess_v a_o man_n with_o unnecessary_a scruple_n yet_o still_o the_o main_a government_n of_o conscience_n derive_v itself_o from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o his_o will_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v shake_v for_o man_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n as_o a_o creature_n of_o religion_n can_v obey_v god_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o conscience_n he_o must_v know_v and_o judge_v within_o himself_o what_o be_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o do_v in_o conformity_n to_o that_o will_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o true_a obedience_n because_o it_o be_v not_o religious_a it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a or_o rational_o religious_a obedience_n the_o obedience_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o judgement_n in_o the_o conscience_n if_o these_o reins_o be_v slack_a and_o loose_a if_o this_o golden_a bridle_n be_v neglect_v man_n know_v not_o whither_o they_o may_v run_v upon_o what_o they_o may_v be_v drive_v and_o never_o discover_v the_o danger_n a_o man_n can_v distinguish_v what_o be_v from_o god_n from_o what_o be_v not_o if_o this_o gust_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o quick_a vigorous_o exercise_v and_o leave_v free_a conscience_n may_v be_v instruct_v advise_v persuade_v yea_o even_o menace_v and_o terrify_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o it_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v overrule_v by_o lawful_a authority_n wherein_o it_o turn_v apostate_n or_o renegade_n to_o natural_a religion_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v lawful_o depose_v or_o put_v out_o of_o authority_n the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n the_o consolation_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v all_o preserve_v in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o shipwreck_v together_o with_o it_o now_o because_o conscience_n be_v place_v by_o god_n in_o this_o great_a trust_n and_o dignity_n it_o become_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o become_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n when_o conscience_n not_o due_o regard_v its_o own_o light_n and_o inward_a sense_n surrender_v itself_o to_o a_o foreign_a rule_n steer_v itself_o by_o a_o compass_n out_o of_o itself_o say_v another_o shall_v be_v wise_a and_o see_v and_o dictate_v for_o it_o and_o so_o give_v up_o itself_o in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n here_o be_v scandal_n in_o its_o delusive_a deceptive_a power_n a_o man_n think_v it_o modest_a cautious_a a_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n to_o those_o that_o be_v above_o he_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o authority_n out_o of_o himself_o conscience_n hereupon_o desert_n its_o own_o principle_n and_o its_o own_o place_n in_o direct_v according_a to_o they_o upon_o this_o it_o fall_v into_o all_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n conscience_n be_v wound_v grieve_a weaken_a and_o lie_v prostrate_a and_o without_o repentance_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o natural_a or_o new_a creation_n be_v destroy_v and_o even_o the_o man_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v god_n have_v concredit_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o the_o soul_n to_o conscience_n alone_o and_o i_o can_v find_v that_o it_o can_v be_v at_o all_o excuse_v in_o resign_v they_o into_o any_o hand_n but_o his_o that_o give_v they_o no_o not_o to_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o magistrate_n in_o their_o place_n have_v these_o key_n as_o they_o be_v administer_v without_o a_o man_n to_o offer_v and_o press_v upon_o he_o all_o consideration_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o every_o man_n must_v see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o another_o for_o he_o he_o must_v be_v enlighten_v by_o beam_n and_o ray_n that_o shine_v within_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o have_v a_o private_a double_a look_n upon_o himself_o and_o none_o may_v open_v and_o shut_v but_o conscience_n in_o and_o with_o god_n whoever_o else_o do_v become_v a_o father_n and_o a_o master_n upon_o earth_n to_o he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o these_o three_o 23_o rom._n 14._o 22_o 23_o great_a position_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n of_o a_o free_a and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n be_v sin_n for_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v change_v in_o themselves_o yet_o as_o we_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a rule_n bonum_fw-la oritur_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la causis_fw-la every_o thing_n conspire_v to_o and_o concert_n good_a but_o evil_a be_v a_o declension_n and_o fall_n from_o good_a every_o degree_n of_o fall_n or_o aberration_n from_o good_a be_v evil_a and_o this_o plenipotence_n of_o conscience_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o god_n be_v a_o prime_n necessary_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o great_o evil_a though_o it_o have_v not_o a_o omnipotence_n of_o change_a nature_n itself_o 2._o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o do_v and_o doubt_n in_o what_o he_o do_v be_v condemn_v in_o his_o do_v whatever_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o because_o to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o far_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v it_o against_o that_o domestic_a authority_n of_o conscience_n 3._o he_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n that_o especial_o have_v fall_v into_o doubt_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n be_v come_v to_o so_o good_a a_o resolution_n as_o not_o to_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a assurance_n rise_v neither_o from_o ignorance_n nor_o carelessness_n be_v a_o happy_a man_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a happiness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o but_o be_v perplex_v with_o doubt_n ought_v not_o
its_o own_o depth_n the_o spirit_n to_o who_o be_v know_v all_o its_o own_o design_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o high_a stone_n in_o the_o structure_n or_o end_v of_o it_o the_o top_n be_v know_v to_o it_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n the_o end_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v see_v to_o man_n only_o in_o the_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n and_o seem_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o appear_v at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o he_o in_o the_o compliment_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o that_o compliment_n as_o certain_o and_o just_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n as_o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n be_v as_o true_o apply_v to_o christ_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v then_o come_v to_o its_o perfection_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o israel_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o true_o mean_v the_o last_o as_o the_o first_o though_o none_o can_v know_v its_o sense_n but_o itself_o till_o itself_o reveal_v it_o quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v the_o true_a key_n of_o interpretation_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n answ_n by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o justify_v the_o first_o writer_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v commissioned_n by_o god_n great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n holy_a heavenly_a become_v god_n as_o the_o author_n such_o speech_n as_o none_o beside_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n ever_o speak_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n with_o former_a scripture_n miracle_n mighty_a efficacy_n upon_o conscience_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n the_o end_v design_v in_o all_o the_o remove_v all_o low_a form_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o time_n be_v into_o a_o most_o high_a spiritual_n substantial_a religion_n true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n introduce_v these_o with_o 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as_o if_o it_o can_v natural_o arise_v from_o so_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n so_o put_v together_o have_v power_n and_o virtue_n by_o themselves_o to_o signify_v so_o high_a since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o reach_n in_o they_o which_o none_o can_v grasp_v or_o fathom_n but_o itself_o and_o contrive_v that_o sense_n so_o into_o word_n as_o none_o can_v summon_v it_o but_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o light_n and_o reveal_v it_o into_o new_a and_o high_a scripture_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v as_o undeniable_o they_o do_v so_o as_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o be_v scripture_n answ_n the_o industry_n of_o such_o worthy_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v to_o trace_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o old_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o go_v but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o cavil_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o good_a man_n it_o still_o remain_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n the_o spirit_n that_o carry_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n carry_v those_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a by_o the_o same_o also_o and_o from_o one_o single_a glance_n of_o its_o mean_v that_o itself_o with_o divine_a artifice_n have_v leave_v draw_v there_o it_o derive_v that_o full_a face_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o new_a to_o be_v its_o sense_n in_o the_o old_a than_o that_o samson_n riddle_v in_o the_o exposition_n shall_v be_v his_o sense_n in_o the_o dark_a cover_n of_o it_o in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o else_o import_v it_o he_o that_o create_v the_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o even_o then_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o divine_a sense_n as_o with_o life_n may_v yet_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v entomb_v in_o they_o till_o itself_o that_o entrust_v it_o there_o give_v it_o a_o resurrection_n in_o the_o new_a quest_n but_o will_v you_o have_v none_o undertake_v in_o the_o interpret_n or_o expound_v scripture_n except_o by_o inspiration_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o immediate_a divine_a presence_n where_o either_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o undoubted_a interpreter_n or_o the_o interpretation_n deduce_v as_o evident_o as_o any_o consequence_n by_o reason_n answ_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o discourage_v or_o lessen_v such_o undertake_n i_o rather_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n thus_o far_o prophet_n to_o search_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n they_o can_v attain_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o part_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n upon_o they_o will_v read_v and_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o quest_n but_o how_o be_v such_o interpretation_n consistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n so_o great_a assertion_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n first_o interpretation_n guide_v itself_o by_o the_o plain_a evident_a and_o self-interpreting_a oracle_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n display_v a_o body_n of_o divine_a public_a truth_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o darkness_n inattendence_n and_o inconsideration_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o very_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o much_o more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a indisposedness_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o scripture_n need_v such_o constant_a display_v by_o applicatory_a interpretation_n and_o a_o distinct_a office_n to_o attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o such_o interpretation_n lie_v in_o what_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o when_o open_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o scripture_n sense_n 2._o such_o interpretation_n as_o may_v be_v private_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o derivation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a sense_n in_o other_o place_n do_v still_o maintain_v the_o free_a and_o public_a course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 3._o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n thus_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o its_o clear_a part_n and_o take_v that_o as_o a_o clew_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_o encounter_v much_o sound_n and_o excellent_a truth_n near_o ally_v to_o public_a and_o divine_a in_o all_o knowledge_n natural_a historical_a chronological_n moral_a political_n pertain_v to_o language_n and_o eloquence_n which_o make_v the_o world_n more_o lightsome_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n how_o great_a a_o light_n of_o all_o learning_n have_v break_v out_o from_o the_o very_a endeavour_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n the_o high_a honour_n and_o venerable_a estimation_n of_o scripture_n the_o much_o ascertain_v true_a public_a religion_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a 4._o many_o great_a truth_n and_o undoubted_o divine_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v more_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v not_o please_v the_o public_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v such_o assurance_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o may_v present_v very_o large_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o great_a scripture-reason_n in_o such_o point_n though_o but_o particular_o for_o
that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v make_v know_v to_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n consequential_o and_o by_o way_n of_o deduction_n though_o not_o original_o ingraft_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o that_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v plant_v in_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o inclinableness_n of_o generous_a mind_n to_o it_o as_o a_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n see_v all_o perfection_n derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n 9_o dan._n 9_o 9_o our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n it_o do_v so_o by_o insert_v it_o as_o a_o nobleness_n in_o his_o heart_n they_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o esteem_v it_o a_o virtue_n and_o of_o most_o desirable_a practice_n in_o themselves_o may_v upon_o that_o very_a reason_n despair_n of_o it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o count_v it_o wise_a and_o better_o not_o to_o forgive_v and_o whatever_o be_v best_a and_o wise_a be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n 2._o by_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o its_o most_o natural_a inference_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o be_v salvation_n 9_o rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 9_o infinite_a goodness_n not_o be_v willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o penitential_a frame_n discoverable_a in_o humane_a nature_n upon_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o sin_n answer_v this_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o the_o eye_n and_o light_n as_o the_o ear_n and_o sound_n do_v one_o another_o and_o both_o together_o be_v a_o connate_a gospel_n in_o man_n soul_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v this_o a_o derogation_n from_o the_o mediator_n he_o will_v be_v satisfy_v i_o intend_v no_o such_o when_o i_o tell_v he_o i_o esteem_v all_o those_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o morality_n as_o continue_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o man_n be_v from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o creator-redeemer_n by_o who_o every_o thing_n be_v make_v that_o be_v make_v who_o be_v that_o true_a light_n that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n natural_a religion_n therefore_o may_v well_o be_v inlay_v 9_o john_n 1._o 4_o 9_o with_o evangelical_n line_n since_o it_o be_v all_o from_o christ_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o both_o st._n paul_n and_o peter_n discourse_v it_o as_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n to_o account_v it_o slackness_n and_o not_o salvation_n which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o a_o pardon_n make_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n nay_o indeed_o all_o impression_n of_o natural_a religion_n continue_v and_o move_v to_o good_a action_n after_o sin_n be_v build_v upon_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n because_o god_n allow_v receive_v no_o worship_n from_o devil_n who_o find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n david_n therefore_o celebrate_v god_n thus_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n 4._o psal_n 103._o 4._o with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o be_v honour_v reverence_v worship_a and_o serve_v which_o can_v not_o be_v since_o man_n sin_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o forgive_v thus_o evident_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o pardon_n and_o repentance_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a religion_n since_o the_o fall_n that_o must_v be_v a_o noble_a branch_n of_o it_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n have_v a_o confidence_n in_o this_o mercy_n that_o so_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o destruction_n notwithstanding_o for_o the_o allowance_n ult_n jonah_n 3._o ult_n of_o they_o a_o quarentine_n or_o forty_o day_n patience_n carry_v a_o solemn_a promise_n of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o else_o why_o be_v not_o the_o destruction_n immediate_a so_o he_o understand_v and_o so_o it_o prove_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a part_n of_o religious_a public_a discourse_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n which_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n our_o expectation_n from_o he_o both_o for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n challenge_v from_o we_o the_o recommendation_n of_o our_o state_n beyond_o death_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n require_v it_o of_o we_o the_o peaceable_a and_o prosperous_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o our_o near_a concern_v in_o it_o national_a domestic_a personal_n provoke_v we_o to_o it_o prayer_n for_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n vow_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o of_o returns_z to_o he_o by_o repentance_n how_o necessary_a be_v they_o for_o upon_o supposition_n of_o sin_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o same_o consideration_n enter_v into_o prayer_n that_o do_v into_o discourse_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o natural_a that_o not_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o restrain_v 4._o john_n 15._o 4._o prayer_n to_o shut_v up_o and_o imprison_v a_o most_o natural_a motion_n and_o vent_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v ready_a forcible_o to_o burst_v out_o as_o water_v consign_v within_o bound_n too_o close_o for_o it_o david_n make_v address_n to_o god_n as_o by_o one_o of_o his_o attribute_n oh_o thou_o 2._o psal_n 65._o 2._o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o universal_a congregation_n of_o suppliant_n about_o thou_o to_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 3._o praise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o continual_a beneficency_n to_o ourselves_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o his_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o severity_n upon_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o tribute_n to_o god_n so_o natural_a that_o god_n as_o our_o maker_n give_v all_o man_n song_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v continual_a matter_n of_o praise_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a season_n the_o whole_a creation_n be_v one_o mouth_n open_v in_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v so_o due_a and_o even_o necessary_a to_o be_v pay_v that_o some_o naturalist_n of_o no_o great_a reputation_n for_o devotion_n have_v upon_o the_o survey_n of_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n find_v his_o praise_n even_o bubble_v up_o from_o they_o in_o hymn_n of_o praise_n 4._o the_o holy_a and_o reverend_a mention_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o just_a and_o valuable_a reason_n as_o in_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n in_o covenant_n and_o pact_n in_o decision_n of_o controversy_n by_o testimony_n in_o asseveration_n of_o truth_n in_o promise_n be_v among_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o natural_a religion_n last_o the_o universal_a sanctification_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n that_o in_o nothing_o we_o may_v reverse_v that_o acknowledgement_n we_o make_v in_o solemn_a duty_n who_o that_o call_v god_n the_o bâ—st_n and_o great_a name_n of_o love_n and_o awe_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o heathen_n do_v by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o keep_v back_o any_o part_n of_o these_o from_o god_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v they_o or_o do_v contrary_a to_o they_o by_o impious_a swear_n blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o undervalue_v the_o awful_a and_o tremendous_a attribute_n or_o what_o evident_o and_o undoubted_o pertain_v to_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o glory_n who_o can_v say_v severity_n upon_o he_o be_v cruelty_n but_o a_o due_a sacrifice_n to_o justice_n as_o punishment_n for_o blood_n rapine_n unnatural_a lust_n be_v all_o these_o then_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a duty_n that_o they_o need_v nothing_o of_o further_a discourse_n but_o only_o a_o sober_a reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o evidence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o prevalency_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n beside_o the_o very_a gravity_n require_v in_o such_o awful_a action_n the_o prudence_n of_o rational_a nature_n in_o its_o solemn_a deportment_n the_o great_a condecency_n require_v to_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v arise_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o artifice_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v except_o a_o caution_n to_o rest_v here_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o transport_n and_o enchantment_n of_o a_o fleshly_a imagination_n that_o be_v endless_o spin_v out_o itself_o in_o form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n till_o that_o worship_n become_v not_o a_o piece_n of_o pageantry_n only_o for_o that_o be_v
right_n of_o earthly_a power_n not_o the_o retrench_a any_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o natural_a religion_n not_o the_o impose_v any_o thing_n beside_o and_o beyond_o it_o by_o power_n or_o penalty_n not_o the_o forbid_a of_o reformation_n of_o any_o corruption_n invade_v it_o not_o the_o embargo_a any_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n consist_v with_o or_o perfect_a natural_a religion_n as_o all_o true_o such_o do_v only_o the_o power_n of_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o disobey_v natural_a law_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v god_n intend_v christianity_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o believer_n in_o it_o shall_v seal_v it_o not_o with_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o outward_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o by_o it_o but_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v also_o most_o true_a it_o appear_v god_n do_v so_o intend_v but_o still_o if_o magistrate_n be_v entrust_v by_o god_n with_o make_v religion_n legal_a or_o not_o legal_a by_o their_o seal_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o divine_a ordination_n of_o magistracy_n be_v dishonour_v and_o debase_v by_o he_o that_o appoint_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o take_a notice_n of_o in_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n of_o the_o divine_a kingdom_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v judge_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o power_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o christian_n be_v on_o that_o account_n just_a for_o who_o can_v know_v that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n god_n have_v suspend_v that_o suppose_a ordination_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o no_o religion_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o any_o state_n or_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o first_o the_o favour_n and_o licence_n of_o the_o law_n and_o magistrate_n of_o that_o state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o state_v rule_n that_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v not_o but_o that_o be_v secure_v there_o be_v a_o freedom_n to_o subject_n of_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n as_o of_o their_o body_n life_n or_o estate_n in_o private_a concern_v or_o as_o a_o philosopher_n have_v of_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v the_o best_a system_v and_o from_o the_o best_a author_n and_o that_o man_n may_v free_o reason_v herein_o still_o within_o the_o confinement_n of_o natural_a religion_n reverence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o just_a deference_n to_o man_n and_o than_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o legal_a entrance_n offer_v no_o disregard_n to_o magistracy_n but_o take_v natural_a freedom_n to_o offer_v itself_o wherein_o its_o way_n be_v so_o prepare_v it_o than_o open_v itself_o with_o all_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o can_v be_v refuse_v but_o under_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n thus_o proportionable_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o christianity_n from_o popery_n we_o then_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o protestant_a christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v that_o door_n of_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a propagation_n of_o religion_n not_o contrariant_n to_o natural_a religion_n as_o open_a as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o grant_v a_o quiet_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o offer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v keep_v within_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n reason_n and_o prudence_n it_o seem_v less_o hazard_n to_o admit_v those_o inconvenience_n attendant_a upon_o this_o liberty_n that_o through_o humane_a corruption_n run_v round_o with_o every_o thing_n than_o those_o great_a mischief_n of_o have_v christian_n or_o protestant_a religion_n violent_o keep_v out_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v obligation_n lie_v upon_o man_n precedent_a to_o any_o right_n of_o humane_a authority_n viz._n of_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n of_o the_o profession_n confession_n and_o publication_n of_o true_a religion_n however_o man_n forbid_v or_o scorn_v it_o of_o rational_a communication_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12._o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n in_o not_o conceal_v the_o tiding_n of_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o certain_o david_n express_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n oh_o lord_n thou_o 10_o psal_n 40._o 9_o 10_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o lovingkindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o moses_n when_o he_o say_v give_v ear_n oh_o you_o heaven_n and_o 3_o deut._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o hear_v oh_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n because_o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n yet_o from_o hence_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o man_n bind_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o great_a turk_n either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n against_o any_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o tyranny_n or_o folly_n of_o that_o superstition_n or_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n instead_o of_o his_o worse_a than_o aâ—ile_n alcoran_n every_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o enablement_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o his_o work_n and_o not_o to_o venture_v upon_o thing_n beyond_o his_o line_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n know_v their_o measure_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n distribute_v they_o by_o god_n a_o measure_n reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o which_o they_o do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 13._o every_o man_n may_v compute_v the_o probable_a account_n his_o service_n will_v turn_v to_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n christ_n teach_v he_o to_o forbear_v when_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n his_o pearl_n will_v be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o himself_o 6._o mat._n 7._o 6._o rend_v and_o so_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o three_o argument_n and_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o argum._n 4._o natural_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o universal_a peace_n since_o whatever_o can_v comport_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n or_o community_n be_v secure_v by_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o community_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o orderly_a posture_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o rank_n the_o just_a deference_n to_o magistracy_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o divine_a revelation_n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o allow_v freedom_n in_o religion_n upon_o natural_a religion_n secure_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o object_n 1._o every_o false_a religion_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o vindicate_v by_o due_a severity_n upon_o offender_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o a_o national_a gild_n and_o bring_v down_o national_a judgement_n answer_n the_o government_n of_o conscience_n be_v god_n peculiar_a no_o earthly_a power_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o obliquity_n and_o error_n of_o it_o any_o more_o than_o with_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o know_v or_o those_o distemper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n which_o come_v into_o no_o palpable_a instance_n can_v neither_o be_v convict_v nor_o sentence_v by_o man_n now_o mistake_v of_o man_n in_o religion_n not_o cognisable_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v proper_o leave_v to_o god_n judgment-seat_n and_o the_o magistrate_n stand_v free_a it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a prince_n be_v call_v nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n nursing-mothers_n signify_v not_o a_o 23._o isa_n 49._o 23._o commanding-power_n but_o a_o tender_a insinuate_a cherish_v the_o encouragement_n from_o they_o that_o such_o a_o appellative_a carry_v with_o it_o in_o those_o that_o declare_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o the_o magistrate_n discharge_v this_o honourable_a trust_n may_v acquit_v himself_o and_o the_o community_n
religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v 2._o the_o error_n suppose_v in_o such_o a_o national_a constitution_n now_o reformation_n of_o national_a constitution_n in_o religion_n be_v contestable_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v till_o these_o suppose_a error_n of_o such_o a_o account_n as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v remove_v we_o must_v either_o not_o worship_n in_o consent_n with_o our_o nation_n which_o seem_v as_o natural_a as_o with_o our_o family_n and_o much_o countenance_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o we_o must_v wait_v the_o season_n of_o public_a reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n attend_v public_a worship_n and_o avoid_v with_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o can_v the_o dint_n of_o error_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o we_o suppose_v the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n do_v not_o in_o far_o great_a corruption_n omit_v certain_o all_o sort_n of_o public_a worship_n beside_o the_o temple-worship_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n nor_o kiss_v he_o gross_a corruption_n be_v indeed_o positive_o to_o be_v refuse_v and_o abhor_v such_o as_o those_o of_o that_o time_n such_o as_o those_o of_o popery_n such_o as_o be_v all_o though_o not_o complete_a popery_n yet_o too_o near_o it_o lesser_a dissatisfaction_n may_v be_v wary_o avoid_v and_o yet_o national_a religion_n as_o far_o own_a as_o we_o can_v without_o share_v even_o in_o those_o small_a error_n and_o it_o be_v some_o relief_n to_o we_o herein_o that_o although_o it_o be_v evident_a national_a law_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n in_o religion_n any_o further_a than_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o man_n conscience_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o they_o can_v save_v he_o harmless_a at_o the_o last_o tribunal_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o reason_n can_v bind_v he_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o relief_n in_o that_o obedience_n a_o sober_a christian_a desire_n to_o pay_v to_o humane_a law_n so_o far_o as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n and_o the_o regard_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o national_a religion_n that_o he_o may_v well_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o connivance_n or_o relaxation_n of_o humane_a law_n in_o their_o prosecution_n as_o all_o man_n how_o conscientious_a soever_o concern_v humane_a law_n do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n where_o the_o law_n be_v not_o press_v nor_o the_o injury_n any_o although_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o ordinary_a common_a liberty_n that_o be_v restrain_v for_o if_o authority_n be_v not_o despise_v if_o public_a good_a be_v not_o incommoded_a humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n as_o divine_a law_n do_v and_o therefore_o much_o less_o in_o religion_n wherein_o except_o natural_a their_o power_n have_v not_o a_o further_a obligation_n than_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a of_o divine_a authority_n concur_v thus_o than_o a_o man_n may_v without_o offence_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o such_o observance_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o public_a worship_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o a_o nation_n enter_v into_o their_o public_a administration_n of_o religion_n as_o into_o other_o national_a solemnity_n there_o be_v their_o law_n and_o appointment_n of_o what_o they_o think_v grave_a decent_a orderly_a rational_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o condescension_n to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n of_o their_o people_n and_o security_n for_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v certain_o perform_v with_o that_o advantage_n as_o liturgy_n and_o read_v scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v intend_v as_o cementation_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a end_n if_o it_o be_v a_o subordinate_a end_n and_o regulate_v by_o the_o high_a now_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o all_o this_o yet_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o national_a conjunction_n in_o divine_a worship_n we_o shall_v tolerate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v or_o they_o may_v be_v interpret_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a appointment_n civil_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o national_a custom_n for_o if_o nothing_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o nothing_o may_v be_v favourable_o interpret_v there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o charity_n 7._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 7._o in_o those_o excellent_a act_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n record_n viz._n charity_n believe_v and_o hope_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o symmetry_n to_o truth_n and_o discretion_n be_v hope_v or_o believe_v it_o bear_v all_o thing_n it_o endure_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v without_o our_o own_o sin_n though_o sinful_a in_o other_o as_o command_v with_o rigour_n or_o over-esteeming_a thing_n not_o necessary_a 3._o it_o seem_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o pharisee_n precept_n speak_v out_o of_o moses_n his_o chair_n and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o pharisee_n which_o be_v express_o expound_v 12._o mat_n 23._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 12._o of_o the_o leaven_n of_o doctrine_n that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n where_o the_o main_a part_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o he_o may_v separate_v between_o the_o pure_a and_o corrupt_a part_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o private_a act_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n can_v not_o do_v this_o i_o know_v not_o how_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o any_o humane_a performance_n as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o or_o how_o he_o shall_v allow_v his_o own_o worship_n of_o god_n see_v he_o must_v needs_o condemn_v himself_o in_o particular_n wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o general_a every_o thing_n humane_a be_v imperfect_a i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o evil_n of_o unavoidable_a incursion_n and_o those_o that_o be_v frame_v and_o deliberate_v into_o a_o constitution_n but_o even_o in_o this_o case_n it_o appear_v a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n when_o he_o join_v with_o the_o solemn_a action_n of_o other_o to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a account_n of_o such_o action_n beside_o their_o ill_a one_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o abhor_v by_o scripture_n than_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o offer_n do_v to_o the_o idol_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o freedom_n of_o eat_v thing_n so_o offer_v and_o even_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n where_o a_o christian_a have_v the_o 10._o 1_o cor_fw-la 8._o 10._o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v or_o draw_v into_o sin_n that_o have_v not_o that_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n 4._o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o be_v donce_n or_o receive_v will_v recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a without_o a_o eye_n to_o that_o good_a and_o in_o some_o case_n unlawful_a and_o forbid_a as_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o all_o mean_v he_o may_v save_v some_o it_o appear_v too_o by_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o circumcise_n timothy_n by_o his_o intend_v and_o relax_v his_o discourse_n 26._o act._n 16._o 3._o act._n 21._o 26._o concern_v jewish_n rite_n it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_v the_o disciple_n hear_v the_o pharisee_n though_o they_o endanger_v themselves_o with_o the_o leaven_n so_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o regard_n and_o reverence_v due_a to_o moses_n his_o chair_n in_o all_o proportion_n of_o reason_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o allow_v it_o and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o other_o time_n very_o severe_a as_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o wash_a hand_n as_o in_o the_o young_a 10._o mat._n 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 19_o 17._o gal._n 5_o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10._o man_n call_v he_o good_a and_o the_o apostle_n concern_v circumcision_n and_o jewish_a rite_n it_o be_v upon_o great_a account_n of_o preserve_v pure_a and_o safe_a the_o main_a point_n and_o design_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n i_o have_v propose_v with_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o accuse_v my_o nation_n of_o by_o all_o 19_o act._n 28._o 19_o mean_n to_o be_v shun_v with_o
every_o man_n shall_v appear_v and_o be_v judge_v single_o by_o himself_o our_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o regeneration_n of_o our_o new_a life_n and_o appearance_n in_o body_n will_v present_v we_o not_o only_o single_a but_o in_o our_o state_n of_o community_n wherein_o we_o be_v here_o in_o the_o world_n even_o from_o family_n to_o nation_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o those_o body_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o own_o body_n then_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v to_o do_v and_o the_o evil_a we_o have_v withstand_v or_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o or_o not_o prevent_v when_o we_o may_v shall_v be_v severe_o account_v for_o by_o each_o in_o their_o station_n each_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v surround_v with_o his_o sphere_n of_o authority_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v here_o and_o judge_v in_o that_o and_o each_o minister_n of_o religion_n justify_v or_o condemn_v in_o that_o very_a orb_n wherein_o he_o be_v fix_v as_o a_o star_n and_o the_o several_a magnitude_n of_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n will_v then_o be_v dreadful_a to_o they_o however_o they_o have_v covet_v and_o be_v ambitious_a of_o they_o here_o if_o they_o have_v not_o enlighten_v their_o whole_a space_n because_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v great_a even_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o his_o service_n to_o the_o public_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n how_o private_a soever_o if_o it_o have_v never_o so_o little_o exceed_v his_o single_a capacity_n and_o who_o in_o his_o reason_n can_v think_v god_n will_v then_o account_v with_o man_n for_o mint_n and_o cummin_n small_a and_o disputable_a thing_n howsoever_o zealous_a or_o rather_o fond_a of_o they_o they_o have_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o earnest_n with_o other_o concern_v they_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v true_o centre_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v of_o the_o only_a moment_n at_o that_o tribunal_n this_o therefore_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_a upon_o we_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a herein_o we_o can_v in_o that_o community_n wherein_o we_o be_v fix_v according_a to_o our_o talon_n though_o but_o a_o single_a one_o much_o more_o if_o our_o talent_n have_v be_v two_o or_o five_o that_o we_o may_v in_o that_o day_n of_o recompense_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o end_n the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandal_n in_o its_o general_n nature_n and_o effect_n discourse_v as_o one_o strong_a argument_n against_o imposition_n in_o religious_a thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1682._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v in_o preparation_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v to_o present_v my_o design_n and_o method_n in_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o intelligible_a by_o be_v see_v first_o as_o in_o a_o landscape_n in_o this_o entry_n and_o then_o to_o add_v some_o consideration_n of_o great_a strength_n to_o each_o part_n of_o that_o undertake_n that_o have_v since_o arrive_v to_o my_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o method_n i_o must_v in_o my_o own_o defence_n say_v that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o subject_a in_o which_o so_o much_o of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v treasure_v up_o of_o so_o movable_a a_o consideration_n as_o scripture_n from_o its_o own_o various_a shape_n offer_v it_o to_o we_o that_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v know_v or_o trace_v i_o hope_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v allow_v as_o some_o part_n of_o a_o apology_n that_o the_o thread_n of_o my_o treat_v concern_v it_o do_v not_o run_v so_o even_o and_o straight_o along_o as_o it_o ought_v further_o i_o must_v take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o reader_n be_v candour_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o my_o sincere_a intention_n and_o any_o degree_n of_o performance_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o task_n i_o confess_v the_o want_n of_o the_o most_o advantageous_a art_n of_o method_n and_o a_o clear_a unperplexed_a style_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v take_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o so_o multiform_a and_o vague_v a_o notion_n 1._o i_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o precise_a description_n i_o can_v frame_v as_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o all_o case_n of_o sin_n therein_o rest_v especial_o upon_o those_o word_n scripture_n use_v to_o convey_v the_o sentiment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o thus_o scandal_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o sin_n and_o off_o from_o the_o course_n of_o duty_n and_o religious_a action_n and_o so_o entangle_v in_o gild_n disease_n of_o conscience_n and_o endanger_v as_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o reason_n or_o religion_n 2._o because_o i_o find_v the_o scripture_n apply_v the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n especial_o when_o some_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n and_o law_n of_o religion_n be_v violate_v under_o such_o pretext_n i_o have_v consider_v it_o as_o refer_v to_o those_o great_a principle_n by_o such_o sacred_a use_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v a_o very_a peculiar_a and_o most_o remarkable_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v turn_v into_o sin_n by_o be_v determine_v upon_o in_o practice_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n beside_o other_o way_n wherein_o be_v use_v amiss_o they_o may_v become_v scandal_n or_o occasion_n of_o it_o i_o have_v therefore_o allow_v a_o very_a peculiar_a head_n of_o discourse_n to_o that_o case_n 4._o because_o by_o deep_o consider_v scandal_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v i_o find_v there_o must_v be_v some_o primitive_a fundamental_a and_o universal_a scandal_n that_o cover_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a i_o address_v the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o meditation_n on_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n to_o this_o primitive_a universal_a scandal_n and_o last_o i_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a a_o representation_n of_o scandal_n adjust_v to_o what_o i_o find_v upon_o each_o of_o those_o forementioned_a inquiry_n after_o it_o and_o herein_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v hang_v up_o light_n to_o discover_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o to_o avoid_v so_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a a_o evil_n as_o scandal_n though_o i_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o those_o degree_n i_o desire_v or_o to_o compose_v into_o so_o happy_a a_o order_n or_o so_o perspicuous_a a_o expression_n what_o i_o have_v myself_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o the_o method_n now_o for_o the_o strengthen_v some_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o consideration_n that_o have_v arrive_v to_o my_o thought_n since_o i_o have_v set_v a_o end_n to_o the_o treatise_n itself_o they_o have_v arisen_a from_o the_o close_a observation_n of_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o lord_n sermon_n upon_o scandal_n as_o it_o be_v record_v especial_o in_o this_o 18_o of_o matthew_n and_o mark_v 9_o and_o luke_n 17._o compare_v with_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n which_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a seat_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n we_o have_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o who_o chief_a business_n into_o the_o world_n be_v his_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o scandal_n the_o deception_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o it_o by_o scandal_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o as_o sovereign_a argument_n and_o instruction_n against_o either_o give_n or_o receive_v it_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o embrace_v all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o scandal_n within_o this_o sermon_n that_o none_o can_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o thosâ—_n his_o argument_n instruction_n or_o severe_a denunciation_n but_o yâ—t_o that_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a poignancy_n against_o scandal_n within_o his_o church_n and_o one_o more_o particular_a kind_n give_v by_o a_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o direct_v against_o another_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o survey_n i_o be_o now_o to_o give_v of_o his_o heavenborn_a discourse_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o disciple_n come_v solemn_o to_o he_o with_o a_o grand_a quere_z in_o which_o no_o doubt_n their_o ambition_n a_o very_a ignorant_a ambition_n be_v deep_o concern_v who_o say_v they_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v as_o be_v general_o understand_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o lord_n
their_o hand_n to_o guard_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v not_o dâ—â—h_v their_o foot_n against_o any_o of_o the_o stone_n of_o scandal_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n those_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n humble_a themselves_o as_o little_a one_o to_o serve_v the_o little_a one_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o their_o angel_n they_o always_o behold_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o whoever_o despise_v they_o even_o to_o scandal_n must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o remonstrate_v against_o they_o 2._o he_o exemplify_v the_o care_n of_o they_o in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o argument_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o height_n as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n name_v after_o christ_n who_o will_v it_o be_v not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o and_o yet_o when_o one_o only_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n who_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o singularist_n especial_o if_o one_o of_o the_o least_o too_o and_o reject_v he_o shall_v perish_v but_o be_v please_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o one_o such_o even_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o one_o sheep_n that_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o a_o hundred_o exceed_v sensible_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o ninety_o nine_o that_o be_v not_o in_o hazard_n but_o now_o lest_o the_o great_a charge_n against_o scandalize_a and_o despise_v shall_v seem_v to_o introduce_v a_o lawless_a state_n in_o christianity_n and_o increase_v petulancy_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o at_o least_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n or_o make_v the_o care_n of_o not_o scandalize_a of_o endless_a scruple_n or_o burden_n our_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o method_n for_o prevent_v so_o ill_a consequence_n very_o certain_a to_o its_o end_n yet_o very_o far_o from_o scandal_n or_o despise_v a_o method_n that_o allow_v no_o sin_n and_o yet_o desert_n none_n till_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v but_o as_o heathen_n or_o publican_n to_o who_o yet_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o christian_a charity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v which_o method_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o controversal_a part_n of_o but_o to_o observe_v as_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n fall_v not_o into_o the_o account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o trespass_n the_o lord_n speak_v of_o and_o that_o as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n lest_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v mistake_v a_o most_o different_a method_n be_v in_o that_o case_n command_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o therefore_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o compare_v in_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v omit_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n the_o sermon_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n first_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o can_v conform_v to_o what_o other_o do_v and_o will_v be_v conform_v to_o in_o be_v not_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o one_o or_o the_o two_o or_o three_o nor_o the_o church_n itself_o nor_o be_v it_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v on_o such_o account_n shall_v be_v as_o heathen-man_n or_o publican_n or_o as_o we_o speak_v excommunicate_a both_o which_o be_v very_o notorious_a in_o the_o evangelist_n record_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o trespass_n there_o speak_v of_o which_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n urge_v as_o from_o our_o saviour_n that_o what_o be_v in_o these_o case_n bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n or_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o obligation_n on_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o the_o church_n canon_n or_o any_o such_o discharge_n of_o it_o before_o god_n or_o itself_o by_o obey_v they_o but_o every_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o hear_v his_o own_o conscience_n there_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v bind_v and_o loose_v there_o every_o word_n or_o matter_n be_v hear_v and_o establish_v on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v no_o injunction_n of_o tell_v the_o fault_n of_o nonconformity_n if_o any_o be_v aggrieve_v at_o it_o in_o that_o gradation_n from_o one_o to_o more_o and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v first_o not_o to_o judge_n or_o despise_v if_o that_o may_v keep_v indifferent_n to_o their_o equipoise_n if_o not_o the_o command_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o scandalize_v or_o draw_v any_o that_o doubt_v to_o act_v against_o or_o over_o their_o doubt_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n the_o weak_a brethren_n as_o at_o the_o least_o we_o esteem_v they_o now_o in_o these_o case_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n against_o scandal_n now_o in_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o so_o diverse_a a_o frame_n and_o aspect_n in_o the_o lord_n prescription_n concern_v trespass_n and_o the_o apostle_n direction_n in_o case_n of_o various_a apprehension_n in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o one_o great_a part_n may_v be_v guilty_a yet_o of_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o method_n order_v in_o the_o one_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o or_o once_o intimate_v it_o argue_v very_o evident_o that_o variety_n and_o as_o various_a practice_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n though_o join_v with_o such_o mistake_n and_o weakness_n be_v none_o of_o the_o trespass_n our_o saviour_n have_v regard_n to_o and_o since_o the_o apostle_n put_v all_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n wherein_o the_o weak_a part_n be_v either_o draw_v into_o sin_n enfeeble_v in_o the_o vigour_n disquiet_v in_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o so_o much_o as_o despise_v by_o be_v incompassionate_o neglect_v in_o his_o doubt_n the_o whole_a case_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n against_o scandal_n that_o none_o look_v upon_o themselves_o on_o any_o account_n as_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a profession_n let_v those_o account_n be_v whatever_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o imperiousness_n whether_o command_n rigorous_a treaty_n or_o example_n that_o despise_v all_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o impose_v upon_o the_o little_a one_o to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o have_v the_o reader_n patience_n to_o add_v this_o one_o observation_n that_o the_o evangelist_n mark_n make_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o or_o a_o like_a discourse_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o scandal_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v much_o displease_v that_o one_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n that_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o that_o do_v not_o seem_v and_o indeed_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o our_o lord_n with_o great_a compassion_n accept_v he_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v come_v for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n he_o that_o although_o in_o a_o different_a company_n or_o mode_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o do_v and_o do_v nothing_o in_o opposition_n to_o our_o great_a design_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v into_o a_o similar_v discourse_n of_o kindness_n to_o or_o scandal_n against_o his_o disciple_n though_o little_a one_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v it_o the_o same_o discourse_n as_o in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o this_o evangelist_n have_v not_o a_o accurate_a regard_n to_o the_o occasion_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o connect_v it_o with_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o such_o a_o discourse_n be_v adjust_v to_o such_o a_o occasion_n for_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v together_o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v his_o eye_n upon_o these_o so_o famous_a discourse_n beside_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v on_o this_o head_n in_o its_o due_a place_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o further_o he_o have_v so_o by_o his_o representation_n of_o himself_o in_o a_o figure_n all_o along_o the_o nine_o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n as_o that_o person_n that_o humble_v himself_o as_o a_o little_a child_n in_o
some_o master_n some_o prime_a minister_n of_o scandal_n that_o as_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n push_v on_o scandal_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v to_o do_v so_o and_o on_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n our_o saviour_n principal_o fix_v this_o woe_n now_o for_o the_o discourse_v this_o great_a point_n of_o scandal_n upon_o these_o three_o fundamental_a proposition_n i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o settle_v a_o just_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o be_v scandalize_v and_o so_o enlarge_v into_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o scripture_n 2._o i_o will_v set_v myself_o to_o a_o pure_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o have_v such_o a_o peculiar_a interest_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v in_o those_o debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 14._o and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o ep._n cap._n 8._o and_o 10._o 3._o i_o will_v discourse_v the_o reason_n why_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v 4._o the_o world_n woeful_a state_n because_o of_o scandal_n shall_v be_v demonstrate_v 5._o i_o will_v consider_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o scandal_n that_o be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n to_o that_o purpose_n 6._o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n apply_v to_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n which_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o those_o engine_n that_o be_v contrive_v and_o prepare_v on_o purpose_n for_o a_o surprisal_n into_o mischief_n and_o destruction_n and_o according_o dispose_v covert_o into_o a_o man_n way_n and_o passage_n or_o from_o what_o be_v natural_o useful_o or_o accidental_o and_o careless_o place_v in_o such_o way_n or_o passage_n so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n unaware_o fall_v upon_o it_o as_o either_o gin_n snare_n or_o trap_n or_o sharp_a stake_n or_o stone_n that_o gall_n and_o cut_v man_n foot_n if_o not_o remove_v or_o avoid_v stone_n or_o block_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o path_n they_o be_v to_o walk_v and_o occasion_n their_o stumble_n and_o fall_v oftentimes_o to_o their_o death_n and_o ruin_n and_o always_o to_o their_o inconvenience_n hazard_n and_o danger_n all_o which_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n apply_v to_o the_o several_a purpose_n of_o the_o scripture-use_a in_o their_o propriety_n may_v be_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o most_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n discourse_n and_o annotation_n upon_o scandal_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o one_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stumble_a block_n that_o god_n forbid_v to_o put_v before_o the_o blind_a in_o leviticus_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o 14._o levit._fw-la 19_o 14._o litteral_n sense_n there_o into_o the_o moral_a sense_n in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n for_o the_o stumble_a block_n of_o a_o man_n iniquity_n 3._o ezek._n 14._o 3._o zephan_n 1._o 3._o which_o he_o put_v before_o his_o face_n and_o the_o stumble_a block_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o prophet_n zephany_n other_o the_o like_a translation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o other_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n from_o their_o native_a to_o this_o moral_a intendment_n may_v be_v gather_v together_o but_o that_o this_o one_o so_o plain_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o main_a point_n and_o be_v so_o pregnant_a for_o the_o describe_v scandal_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o represent_v scandal_n be_v a_o prevail_a temptation_n to_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o course_n of_o sin_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o fall_v before_o it_o or_o catch_v and_o inwrap_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o cover_v under_o the_o disguise_n and_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n to_o its_o great_a mischief_n and_o ruin_n if_o not_o recover_v from_o it_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n 1._o scandal_n be_v thus_o when_o it_o prevail_v when_o it_o succeed_v to_o its_o unhappy_a effect_n of_o scandalize_a for_o a_o scandal_n may_v be_v offer_v and_o not_o take_v our_o saviour_n have_v a_o scandal_n offer_v he_o by_o peter_n his_o own_o apostle_n thou_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o i_o 23._o matt._n 16._o 22_o 23._o say_v our_o lord_n when_o he_o present_v he_o a_o pretext_n a_o fair_a show_n of_o reason_n against_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o very_a law_n of_o his_o mediation_n in_o the_o world_n impose_v upon_o he_o by_o god_n the_o suffer_v yet_o of_o so_o innocent_a so_o divine_a and_o excellent_a a_o person_n look_v like_o a_o prodigy_n and_o monstrous_a portent_n to_o the_o apostle_n not_o once_o to_o be_v speak_v or_o think_v of_o be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o discharge_v himself_o of_o it_o in_o that_o severe_a rebuke_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v in_o this_o to_o i_o a_o angel_n of_o satan_n the_o first_o inventor_n the_o supreme_a creator_n of_o scandal_n the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v scandal_n continual_o contrive_v into_o their_o path_n but_o god_n withold_v their_o foot_n from_o be_v take_v he_o have_v charge_v himself_o with_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n he_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o his_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v not_o to_o their_o ruin_n dash_v their_o foot_n against_o any_o of_o these_o stone_n scandal_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o to_o undo_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n the_o effective_a power_n of_o scandal_n be_v shorten_v 2._o scandal_n be_v a_o temptation_n what_o the_o evangalist_n matthew_n call_v be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v the_o evangelist_n luke_n 21._o matt._n 13._o 21._o express_v by_o fall_v away_o in_o a_o time_n of_o temptation_n 13._o luk._n 8._o 13._o scandal_n differ_v nothing_o from_o that_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v 14._o jam._n 1._o 14._o away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o lust_n when_o it_o have_v conceive_v bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n i_o say_v it_o differ_v nothing_o but_o that_o in_o scandal_n the_o temptation_n be_v cover_v lust_n inordinate_a affection_n be_v always_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o scandal_n all_o scandal_n against_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n command_n or_o duty_n of_o it_o have_v their_o root_n in_o lust_n and_o sinful_a corruption_n within_o herein_o they_o be_v just_o chargeable_a to_o condemnation_n the_o scandal_n within_o be_v the_o great_a scandal_n he_o that_o have_v a_o impure_a affection_n quench_v into_o the_o love_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v 156._o psal_n 119._o 156._o he_o scandal_n find_v no_o place_n in_o he_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n and_o god_n in_o he_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n 10._o 1_o john_n 2._o 10._o in_o he_o but_o scandal_n be_v temptation_n so_o cover_v as_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o therein_o it_o differ_v from_o mere_a temptation_n many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v barefaced_a and_o have_v nothing_o but_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o vainglory_n to_o bait_v the_o hook_n with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n all_o which_o leave_v the_o sin_n naked_a or_o the_o cover_n be_v at_o least_o so_o thin_a that_o conscience_n be_v not_o at_o all_o impose_v upon_o but_o scandal_n have_v the_o seem_o fair_a ☜_o ☜_o recommendation_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n how_o false_a soever_o and_o therefore_o though_o in_o a_o free_a way_n of_o speak_v a_o man_n be_v scandalize_v by_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o right_a hand_n his_o right_a foot_n interpret_n they_o of_o his_o lust_n get_v the_o ascendant_n over_o his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o excuse_n but_o that_o he_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v have_v make_v it_o so_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v become_v part_n of_o himself_o yet_o speak_v more_o accurate_o and_o according_a to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o holy_a write_n scandal_n be_v temptation_n shadow_v and_o shelter_v there_o be_v some_o screen_n betwixt_o the_o eye_n of_o conscience_n and_o defenceless_a gild_n some_o attire_n of_o virtue_n or_o reason_n about_o the_o sin_n there_o may_v be_v some_o place_n where_o scandal_n may_v be_v very_o near_o signify_v nothing_o but_o temptation_n but_o general_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n as_o between_o david_n fall_n into_o murder_n and_o
adultery_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o his_o lord_n the_o one_o be_v plain_a temptation_n the_o other_o scandal_n arise_v from_o the_o to_o he_o uninterpretable_a suffer_v of_o our_o saviour_n though_o both_o be_v great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n 3._o scandal_n be_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o course_n of_o sin_n for_o though_o the_o least_o sin_n introduce_v upon_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o scandal_n and_o partake_v in_o its_o woe_n yet_o those_o scandal_n of_o daily_a almost_o unavoidable_a incursion_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v break_v in_o their_o deadly_a effect_n by_o the_o daily_a and_o general_a repentance_n and_o desire_n of_o pardon_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n all_o true_a convert_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o scandal_n deliver_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a one_o may_v every_o good_a man_n pray_v but_o keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n from_o insolent_a scandal_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n so_o that_o i_o be_v innocent_n and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n the_o sin_n that_o scandal_n precipitate_v upon_o may_v be_v either_o in_o the_o refusal_n disavowment_n rejection_n or_o despite_n to_o some_o of_o the_o prime_a manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n or_o some_o great_a enormity_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o may_v be_v absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o some_o notorious_a act_n of_o sin_n or_o may_v run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n in_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o sin_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o act_n in_o all_o along_o life_n and_o die_v in_o this_o snare_n of_o satan_n in_o this_o captivity_n under_o he_o it_o may_v be_v partial_a only_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_n of_o the_o soul_n preserve_v by_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o renew_a soul_n recover_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalise_v in_o christ_n on_o the_o night_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o peter_n in_o a_o foul_a manner_n and_o yet_o they_o even_o his_o faith_n do_v not_o fail_v they_o and_o he_o most_o eminent_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o break_a snare_n but_o man_n devoid_a of_o any_o principle_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n be_v though_o in_o several_a degree_n lock_v within_o the_o scandal_n and_o can_v be_v rescue_v out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o renovation_n to_o repentance_n the_o first_o repentance_n yea_o even_o the_o best_a man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o scandal_n as_o we_o now_o describe_v it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a inwrape_v and_o involve_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a man_n seem_v to_o fall_v and_o the_o whole_a strength_n for_o that_o time_n so_o far_o as_o be_v visible_a be_v take_v captive_a now_o by_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v never_o scandalize_v but_o when_o he_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o this_o scripture-sense_n but_o when_o he_o himself_o offend_v to_o be_v just_o displease_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o defile_v religion_n with_o impure_a mixture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v but_o when_o a_o man_n himself_o displease_v and_o offend_v god_n and_o against_o his_o duty_n 4._o scandal_n in_o wrap_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o mischief_n and_o deadly_a issue_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o complemental_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n only_o that_o there_o be_v life_n and_o in_o the_o pathway_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v no_o death_n none_o of_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o stroke_n of_o it_o of_o the_o avant_fw-fr courier_n of_o death_n it_o be_v wisdom_n alone_o that_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n who_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o the_o way_n of_o scandal_n so_o close_o unite_v with_o sin_n though_o they_o seem_v right_a in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o be_v all_o along_o the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o most_o evident_o so_o in_o their_o end_n gild_n divine_a displeasure_n perplexity_n anguish_n of_o mind_n grief_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v feel_v however_o a_o wound_n a_o stripe_n upon_o conscience_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o that_o stroke_n of_o that_o wound_n and_o stripe_n whether_o feel_v or_o not_o that_o can_v never_o be_v wear_v off_o but_o by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n weakness_n inability_n loss_n of_o vigour_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n 〈◊〉_d action_n and_o often_o down_o right_a apostasy_n be_v the_o fruitâ—_n 〈◊〉_d scandal_n for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o prejudice_n a_o mortification_n 〈◊〉_d dead_a work_n upon_o the_o conscience_n dispirit_v it_o to_o holiâ—â—â—â—_n more_o and_o more_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o be_v his_o double_a strength_n through_o scandal_n man_n stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v discourage_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o length_n out_o of_o choice_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o continue_v where_o they_o be_v as_o most_o easy_a qui_fw-la iaceo_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la unde_fw-la cadat_fw-la upon_o all_o this_o ensue_v at_o last_o eternal_a death_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o repentance_n 5._o scandal_n be_v cover_v under_o some_o plausible_a pretence_n or_o disguise_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n for_o reason_n be_v a_o efflux_n from_o god_n the_o sovereign_a reason_n and_o light_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n any_o true_a principle_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o right_o apply_v be_v undoubted_o a_o divine_a oracle_n and_o will_v justify_v any_o pretention_n ground_v upon_o it_o now_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o divine_a revelation_n be_v refuse_v or_o avowed_o force_v from_o the_o genuine_a sense_n because_o either_o the_o revelation_n or_o all_o natural_a interpretation_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o scandal_n but_o detect_v and_o expose_v it_o it_o then_o fly_v under_o a_o umbrage_n of_o reason_n as_o separate_v from_o such_o revelation_n or_o set_v it_o up_o to_o limit_v and_o control_v such_o revelation_n but_o if_o it_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n it_o than_o serve_v itself_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o wrest_v and_o misapplyed_n for_o the_o high_a the_o authority_n be_v that_o be_v vouch_v and_o pretend_a the_o deep_a the_o scandal_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_n the_o great_a both_o master_n and_o bondman_n of_o scandal_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o galley_n slave_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n antichristianisme_n and_o they_o be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v defend_v and_o flank_v on_o all_o side_n as_o they_o miserable_o delude_v themselves_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n together_o with_o the_o to_o they_o equal_a or_o indeed_o superior_a awful_a tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n by_o which_o they_o circumscribe_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n by_o like_a tradition_n and_o faith_n of_o their_o church_n now_o all_o these_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o join_v in_o perpetuate_a the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o irreversible_a by_o god_n himself_o and_o settle_v a_o indefeisible_a state_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o jew_n alone_o without_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o as_o their_o mere_a proselyte_n all_o these_o as_o they_o deem_v represent_v a_o messiah_n of_o quite_o another_o figure_n another_o character_n than_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o he_o as_o they_o conclude_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o his_o doctrine_n blasphemy_n upon_o which_o rock_n of_o offence_n the_o vessel_n of_o their_o church_n and_o even_o nation_n itself_o beside_o their_o particular_a soul_n be_v most_o dismal_o shipwreck_a but_o not_o only_a thing_n of_o so_o good_a a_o title_n and_o claim_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v counter-scarfed_a with_o a_o doctrine_n but_o even_o such_o vile_a thing_n as_o balaam_n teach_v eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n when_o contrive_v into_o scandal_n must_v have_v a_o doctrine_n for_o they_o for_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n in_o scandal_n even_o jezabel_n put_v on_o the_o veil_n of_o a_o prophetess_n and_o call_v herself_o so_o and_o under_o it_o teach_v and_o seduce_v which_o may_v abate_v to_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o rome_n calling_n itself_o a_o church_n and_o its_o adultery_n sorcery_n and_o idolatry_n catholic_n christian_a religion_n 6._o scandal_n by_o such_o a_o principle_n of_o
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
scandal_n play_v itself_o upon_o indifferent_n 4._o the_o great_a consideration_n against_o press_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v come_v into_o scandal_n so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n 5._o the_o answer_n of_o the_o several_a objection_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o disparallel_a indifferent_n because_o of_o other_o circumstance_n with_o these_o indifferent_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n with_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o these_o four_o character_n of_o they_o 1._o they_o be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a innocent_a and_o in_o their_o use_n as_o of_o themselves_o no_o way_n displease_v to_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v with_o great_a boldness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o meat_n that_o be_v forbid_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n i_o be_o say_v he_o in_o respect_n to_o they_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a in_o the_o case_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n he_o declare_v all_o thing_n viz._n of_o that_o kind_a be_v lawful_a that_o be_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v use_v aright_o if_o they_o be_v take_v by_o the_o right_a handle_n although_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infinite_a evil_n that_o can_v taint_v what_o god_n have_v make_v good_a there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o all_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o thing_n be_v original_o and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o in_o or_o for_o no_o idol_n or_o demon_n there_o be_v one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n by_o who_o in_o a_o reconcile_a and_o atone_v state_n after_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o curse_n by_o sin_n be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o by_o no_o demon-mediator_n or_o intercessor_n this_o right_a title_n claim_v and_o propriety_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n no_o daemon_n can_v expulse_v god_n and_o christ_n so_o fill_v all_o thing_n that_o a_o idol_n can_v be_v but_o a_o nothing_o 2._o these_o indifferent_n or_o the_o use_n of_o they_o can_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n as_o of_o themselves_o we_o be_v not_o the_o better_a if_o we_o eat_v or_o the_o worse_a if_o we_o eat_v not_o meat_n commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n 3._o there_o may_v yet_o be_v so_o religious_a and_o advantageous_a use_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o may_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o due_a circumstance_n and_o the_o elevation_n of_o they_o to_o the_o best_a and_o worthy_a end_n be_v occasion_n i_o say_v occasion_n only_o of_o religious_a service_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o that_o on_o either_o side_n which_o show_v their_o indifferency_n for_o one_o side_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n of_o religious_a action_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o so_o neither_o side_n oblige_v we_o more_o than_o other_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v god_n thanks_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v he_o that_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o god_n right_o and_o not_o in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o daemon_n be_v a_o partaker_n by_o grace_n or_o divine_a bounty_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o meat_n be_v god_n and_o his_o provision_n and_o the_o idol_n to_o he_o that_o understand_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o not_o the_o idol_n it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n command_v whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o you_o do_v that_o be_v or_o not_o eat_v or_o not_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 4._o they_o may_v be_v use_v amiss_o both_o way_n in_o some_o circumstance_n it_o be_v good_a not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n or_o drink_v wine_n even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o may_v in_o some_o circumstance_n be_v inexpedient_n and_o not_o edify_v that_o be_v by_o a_o diminutive_a way_n of_o speak_v run_v counter_a to_o the_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o scandalize_v other_o they_o that_o have_v knowledge_n concern_v their_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o may_v yet_o so_o use_v they_o as_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o righteous_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o eat_v without_o knowledge_n eat_v so_o as_o to_o eat_v with_o scandal_n to_o doubt_v and_o be_v damn_v in_o their_o eat_v on_o the_o the_o other_o side_n they_o which_o use_v they_o not_o that_o eat_v not_o that_o will_v not_o eat_v may_v so_o not_o eat_v as_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o another_o sort_n of_o scandal_n while_o they_o grow_v superstitious_o afraid_a to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n aright_o only_o make_v use_v of_o that_o side_n of_o they_o he_o choose_v as_o a_o occasion_n or_o act_v â—o_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v in_o all_o he_o do_v without_o place_v any_o weight_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o christian_a full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o eat_v eat_v and_o give_v god_n thanks_o but_o know_v meat_n commend_v he_o not_o to_o god_n make_v it_o no_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o eat_v and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n forbear_v it_o the_o christian_n that_o eat_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v as_o in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n not_o to_o eat_v either_o meat_n unclean_a according_a to_o moses_n or_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n without_o lay_v any_o stress_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o abstinence_n in_o either_o but_o only_o the_o assurance_n he_o be_v not_o the_o worse_a in_o not_o eat_v and_o thereby_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o either_o doubt_n in_o himself_o or_o scandalize_a any_o other_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o liberty_n in_o distinguish_v a_o day_n upon_o any_o good_a occasion_n that_o be_v distinguish_v under_o the_o law_n without_o observe_v of_o day_n as_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a place_n a_o religious_a action_n on_o that_o day_n according_a to_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o so_o avoid_v the_o doubt_n in_o himself_o of_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v and_o the_o scandal_n to_o any_o other_o but_o now_o he_o that_o not_o eat_v slip_v unaware_o into_o a_o surmise_n of_o evil_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o he_o do_v a_o great_a act_n of_o religion_n in_o not_o eat_v and_o so_o dare_v not_o touch_v taste_n handle_v or_o he_o that_o will_v gain_v as_o he_o think_v upon_o god_n by_o observe_v day_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o scandal_n of_o make_v his_o weakness_n a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n even_o as_o he_o that_o for_o the_o vaunt_n of_o his_o liberty_n eat_v licentious_o and_o careless_o of_o other_o or_o think_v in_o eat_v he_o do_v god_n service_n or_o in_o eat_v slide_v into_o his_o old_a awe_v or_o pang_n of_o devotion_n to_o the_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o his_o right_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o so_o be_v defile_v or_o last_o eat_v when_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o example_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a scandal_n the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o now_o from_o all_o these_o character_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a 1._o indifferent_a thing_n be_v far_o below_o the_o scale_n of_o divine_a institution_n though_o these_o institution_n be_v but_o positive_a and_o not_o of_o eternal_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v lift_v up_o into_o that_o state_n the_o divine_a appointment_n design_n they_o to_o and_o shall_v if_o use_v according_a to_o those_o appointment_n be_v make_v efficacious_a to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o that_o power_n and_o grace_n from_o which_o they_o receive_v their_o original_a so_o that_o they_o do_v make_v we_o better_o they_o do_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n if_o we_o observe_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o and_o we_o be_v the_o worse_a in_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o neglect_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o scale_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o that_o order_n of_o which_o god_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o rational_a nature_n be_v the_o author_n stand_v and_o not_o of_o confusion_n so_o that_o though_o this_o order_n run_v or_o aught_o to_o run_v along_o and_o conduct_v all_o humane_a action_n and_o so_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o religious_a service_n and_o action_n do_v indeed_o commend_v
apostle_n if_o he_o doubt_v and_o yet_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v condemn_v because_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n he_o that_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o use_v they_o may_v use_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v of_o that_o value_n to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o with_o understanding_n for_o that_o be_v one_o character_n of_o the_o apostle_n indifferent_n and_o a_o severe_a test_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v but_o yet_o he_o must_v not_o think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o they_o or_o that_o such_o thing_n can_v commend_v he_o to_o god_n he_o must_v not_o use_v they_o to_o the_o scandalize_a the_o weak_a than_o himself_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v that_o be_v while_o the_o reason_n of_o doubt_n can_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o reason_n remain_v and_o he_o must_v allow_v that_o his_o indifferent_n be_v as_o subject_a to_o scandal_n as_o the_o indifferent_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n upon_o be_v and_o if_o the_o very_a reasonably-to_a be-supposed_a scandal_n in_o these_o of_o themselves_o so_o harmless_a indifferent_n be_v well_o consider_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o great_a and_o wide_a sea_n for_o this_o leviathan_n to_o roll_v itself_o in_o now_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o consideration_n more_o orderly_o i_o shall_v distribute_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a range_v of_o person_n concern_v and_o endanger_v by_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferent_n and_o i_o begin_v with_o 1._o those_o that_o comply_v with_o that_o side_n of_o they_o which_o the_o strong_a choose_v that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o they_o because_o this_o be_v immediate_o under_o the_o apostle_n eye_n i_o say_v that_o comply_v but_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n now_o the_o apostle_n impute_v their_o compliance_n to_o the_o power_n of_o example_n which_o be_v the_o free_a sort_n of_o compliance_n for_o though_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o despising_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n yet_o he_o wave_v that_o imposition_n by_o church-censure_n or_o penalty_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o his_o thought_n he_o arrest_v they_o upon_o example_n the_o most_o ingenuous_a sort_n of_o compulsion_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o the_o most_o spontaneous_a conformity_n yet_o both_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n here_o he_o place_v the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a and_o scandal_n if_o thy_o brother_n say_v he_o be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n that_o be_v not_o grieve_v that_o thou_o eat_v but_o draw_v to_o eat_v as_o thou_o do_v yet_o not_o persuade_v as_o thou_o be_v and_o so_o receive_v a_o real_a wound_n and_o grief_n in_o his_o conscience_n by_o follow_v thy_o example_n thou_o walk_v not_o charitable_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a be_v edify_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n thus_o evident_a it_o be_v example_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o very_a word_n point_n to_o now_o in_o that_o he_o lay_v this_o sort_n of_o scandalize_a so_o low_o as_o in_o example_n he_o plant_v his_o argument_n with_o great_a force_n against_o any_o other_o way_n that_o be_v more_o forcible_a than_o example_n here_o then_o be_v the_o scandal_n as_o give_v the_o scandal_n take_v be_v the_o rush_v against_o that_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v to_o he_o of_o faith_n be_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o square_a of_o his_o action_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v sin_n and_o scandal_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n his_o whole_a discourse_n run_v into_o this_o as_o the_o scandal_n he_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o to_o the_o corinth_n it_n may_v be_v more_o dispute_n where_o the_o scandal_n lie_v because_o the_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o relapse_n into_o idolatrous_a eat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n the_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o that_o expression_n of_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n as_o offer_v to_o idol_n be_v at_o the_o first_o view_n almost_o enforcive_a of_o that_o sense_n but_o by_o close_a attention_n it_o appear_v much_o otherwise_o for_o i_o observe_v the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o occasion_n discourse_n first_o the_o case_n itself_o in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n in_o chap._n 9_o in_o a_o figure_n transfer_v to_o himself_o he_o treat_v the_o necessary_a retreat_n from_o our_o own_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n he_o discourse_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o idolatry_n itself_o which_o may_v be_v draw_v as_o a_o snare_n upon_o both_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a by_o often_o converse_v with_o idolater_n and_o their_o rite_n and_o the_o intolerable_a gild_n and_o danger_n of_o that_o make_v forcible_a by_o several_a argument_n and_o then_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o that_o chapter_n resume_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o weak_a who_o not_o understand_v god_n superior_a surmount_n right_o over_o the_o idol_n consider_v only_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n and_o believe_v the_o meat_n and_o the_o temple_n irrecoverable_o defile_v by_o it_o they_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o affect_v thing_n themselves_o to_o all_o that_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o know_v that_o god_n right_o overcome_v and_o his_o fill_v all_o thing_n exclude_v all_o other_o and_o their_o right_n become_v a_o nothing_o but_o some_o not_o have_v this_o knowledge_n eat_v in_o a_o temple_n meat_n that_o have_v the_o idol_n superscription_n and_o image_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o think_v not_o in_o any_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o tide_v along_o by_o example_n to_o communicate_v in_o what_o they_o yet_o esteem_v defile_v and_o pollute_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o to_o those_o that_o esteem_v it_o so_o this_o point_n the_o apostle_n plain_o enter_v upon_o chap._n 10._o v._n 23._o go_v off_o from_o that_o of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o word_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 28._o he_o thus_o open_v what_o he_o intend_v if_o any_o man_n as_o in_o a_o fright_n at_o so_o heinous_a a_o thing_n as_o eat_v the_o defile_a meat_n that_o have_v be_v consecrate_v to_o a_o idol_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o for_o his_o conscience-sake_n not_o thy_o own_o that_o be_v scare_v at_o it_o as_o if_o unclean_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o eat_v it_o as_o such_o by_o thy_o example_n not_o idolatrous_o but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n why_o out_o of_o this_o case_n of_o another_o scandal_n a_o man_n may_v eat_v even_o because_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o his_o right_a can_v be_v retrench_v nothing_o can_v be_v make_v unclean_a in_o itself_o that_o be_v god_n the_o very_a same_o be_v give_v for_o not_o eat_v in_o case_n of_o scandal_n the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o to_o one_o thing_n to_o assert_v god_n right_o in_o that_o only_a that_o we_o must_v needs_o run_v our_o brother_n into_o scandal_n for_o it_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v room_n enough_o and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o a_o full_a table_n beside_o that_o suppose_a to_o be_v the_o idol_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o bounty_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o all_o acknowledge_v praise_v in_o all_o so_o that_o we_o may_v please_v all_o that_o be_v consult_v their_o true_a good_a and_o give_v no_o scandal_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o please_v and_o oppose_v it_o to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v thus_o large_a i_o have_v be_v in_o bring_v the_o case_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o these_o corinthian_n to_o much_o the_o same_o level_n and_o pitch_n except_o the_o meat_n be_v suspect_v foul_a by_o dedication_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o by_o the_o mere_a mosaic_a interdict_v that_o the_o main_a point_n of_o scandal_n may_v be_v settle_v for_o though_o i_o shall_v allow_v just_a consideration_n to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o the_o other_o interpretation_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n against_o those_o idolatrous_a contamination_n those_o pang_n of_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o tender_a
new-converted_n christian_n may_v relapse_n into_o by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n at_o the_o idol_n feast_n yet_o the_o main_a point_n be_v eat_v with_o offence_n with_o a_o conscience_n not_o satisfy_v the_o meat_n that_o be_v pure_a in_o themselves_o but_o to_o they_o appear_v impure_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o much_o different_a sharpness_n of_o style_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o immediate_a principle_n offend_v against_o be_v then_o the_o government_n conscience_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o man_n appoint_v it_o by_o god_n against_o which_o nothing_o humane_a aught_o to_o prevail_v nor_o can_v do_v but_o with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v some_o other_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o truth_n guide_v conscience_n and_o press_v upon_o it_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o guide_v a_o man_n but_o as_o it_o represent_v to_o he_o some_o truth_n to_o guide_v itself_o and_o he_o by_o else_o as_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n and_o when_o this_o principle_n that_o press_v hard_a upon_o conscience_n and_o to_o which_o conscience_n defer_v itself_o be_v overbear_v than_o a_o man_n be_v scandalize_v the_o principle_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_n have_v lie_v hard_o upon_o it_o be_v this_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v once_o as_o unclean_a be_v unclean_a and_o be_v so_o long_o unclean_a till_o we_o know_v that_o prohibition_n be_v remove_v the_o weak_a christian_a do_v not_o believe_v the_o forbid_v some_o meat_n as_o unclean_a be_v remove_v yet_o by_o the_o countenance_n of_o example_n in_o the_o strong_a christian_n they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o eat_v while_o conscience_n be_v unsatisfied_a and_o so_o be_v scandalize_v conscience_n in_o the_o corinth_n have_v this_o principle_n look_v it_o full_a in_o the_o face_n to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n right_o in_o honour_n to_o idol_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n the_o weak_a christian_a abhor_v idol_n or_o to_o eat_v in_o honour_n of_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o understand_v there_o can_v be_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o meat_n or_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o be_v worship_v yet_o embolden_v by_o see_v the_o strong_a sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o eat_v and_o be_v inward_o affright_v at_o the_o unclean_a meat_n they_o eat_v they_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o meat_n as_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n through_o the_o force_n of_o example_n that_o be_v abhor_v indeed_o the_o idol_n and_o his_o meat_n but_o withal_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a and_o look_v upon_o the_o meat_n as_o impure_a because_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o apostle_n level_v against_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o strong_a against_o impose_v by_o way_n of_o example_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a so_o tender_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v but_o the_o low_a rule_n of_o compulsion_n in_o these_o case_n the_o imposer_n then_o though_o but_o by_o example_n be_v he_o that_o scandalise_n the_o complier_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n instruct_v not_o by_o truth_n and_o reason_n satisfy_v he_o but_o by_o example_n lead_v he_o be_v the_o scandalize_v thing_n be_v thus_o state_v let_v we_o observe_v the_o scandal_n itself_o how_o it_o work_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o high_a disobedience_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n represent_v by_o conscience_n both_o in_o that_o conscience_n depute_v by_o god_n be_v depose_v and_o example_n set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n as_o also_o that_o a_o divine_a law_n upon_o conscience_n itself_o suppose_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n be_v violate_v for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o antiquate_v yet_o if_o conscience_n know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v act_v of_o faith_n and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o so_o sin_n 2._o conscience_n be_v hereupon_o grieve_v wound_a and_o lose_v its_o due_a comfort_n 3._o this_o beget_v a_o flatness_n and_o formality_n in_o all_o religious_a service_n 4._o a_o lukewarmness_n to_o religion_n in_o general_a thus_o a_o man_n be_v weaken_v by_o his_o stumble_v and_o fall_v he_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o all_o religious_a power_n 5._o conscience_n lose_v its_o due_a vigour_n and_o exercise_n of_o authority_n 6._o there_o be_v danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n itself_o or_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n 7._o hereupon_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v to_o perish_v if_o not_o recover_v by_o repentance_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o the_o balance_n with_o imposition_n in_o ceremony_n or_o indifferent_n in_o aftertime_n first_o suppose_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o many_o christian_n deep_o engage_v and_o lock_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o man_n may_v add_v or_o diminish_v so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o point_n beyond_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n and_o necessary_a adherency_n of_o all_o solemn_a and_o grave_a humane_a action_n that_o there_o must_v be_v nothing_o of_o humane_a device_n for_o edification_n or_o significancy_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a position_n consider_v both_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n sound_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n how_o much_o mischief_n have_v come_v steal_v up_o from_o ceremony_n as_o high_a as_o to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n but_o let_v we_o withal_o allow_v that_o though_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o use_v these_o indifferent_n nor_o the_o worse_a for_o not_o use_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o use_v they_o without_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o use_v they_o if_o a_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v remain_v yet_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o and_o doubt_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o forename_a principle_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o use_v they_o because_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o just-now-recounted_n mischief_n of_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v they_o so_o as_o to_o press_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v to_o a_o conformity_n by_o his_o example_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o much_o more_o if_o by_o despising_n censure_n vexation_n penalty_n he_o do_v not_o walk_v charitable_o he_o sin_n against_o christian_n wound_n their_o weak_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o for_o his_o ceremony_n the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v if_o not_o save_v by_o repentance_n now_o how_o high_a do_v this_o rise_n up_o to_o the_o woe_n christ_n denounce_v on_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o it_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v but_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o allow_v themselves_o or_o do_v indeed_o allow_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a act_n reach_v who_o can_v doubt_v but_o in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n yea_o happy_a be_v many_o of_o those_o that_o conform_v if_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o allow_v themselves_o and_o carry_v the_o mischief_n of_o their_o scandal_n within_o themselves_o silent_o from_o other_o and_o often_o secret_o from_o themselves_o and_o even_o where_o man_n stand_v out_o against_o all_o pressure_n upon_o they_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o dint_n of_o scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o scandal_n offer_v while_o unaccept_v all_o this_o now_o seem_v so_o strong_a against_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n for_o fear_v of_o scandal_n in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o imposition_n know_v in_o such_o thing_n among_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o very_a thing_n of_o indifferency_n scandal_n have_v run_v like_o wildfire_n bluster_v and_o roar_v like_o a_o tempest_n in_o these_o of_o all_o thing_n to_o choose_v and_o that_o in_o all_o age_n within_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o even_o under_o protestancy_n itself_o but_o i_o aâ—_n to_o consider_v scandal_n in_o a_o second_o rank_n viz._n of_o
any_o man_n can_v encounter_v scandal_n and_o overcome_v he_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o then_o resume_v the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o fit_v it_o to_o this_o general_a prospect_n over_o religion_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o the_o lord_n speak_v that_o scandal_n must_v come_v scandal_n then_o be_v any_o false_a pretence_n or_o appearance_n whereby_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o noble_a object_n part_n rule_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o disadvantage_n and_o disgust_n as_o unreasonable_a unjust_a untrue_a weak_a and_o empty_a morose_n unlovely_a and_o undesirable_a or_o the_o contrary_a sin_n irreligion_n and_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v gloss_a over_o and_o present_v as_o in_o all_o regard_n more_o choosable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n so_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v among_o themselves_o that_o man_n be_v seduce_v from_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o ensnare_v in_o sin_n even_o by_o that_o justle_n and_o disorder_n scandal_n make_v in_o the_o several_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o religion_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o blending_a with_o they_o the_o pretence_n of_o sin_n upon_o which_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n sharp_a conflict_n of_o conscience_n within_o itself_o mischief_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o general_a disaffection_n to_o religion_n ensue_v and_o now_o how_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o show_v have_v only_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o main_a thing_n so_o necessary_a for_o our_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o be_v make_v exquisite_o clear_a and_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o wafaring_a man_n though_o fool_n can_v err_v therein_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o giveth_z light_z it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a again_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a advancement_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o happiness_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o holy_a humble_a diligence_n to_o know_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v and_o of_o a_o precede_a obedience_n in_o those_o so_o plain_a thing_n that_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o show_v to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o choose_a witness_n thus_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o etc._n psal_n 25._o 12_o 14_o etc._n etc._n lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o 17._o john_n 7._o 17._o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ignorance_n and_o disobedience_n to_o those_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v near_a and_o most_o plain_a to_o we_o be_v punish_v either_o with_o concealment_n of_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o injudiciousness_n and_o insensibleness_n in_o high_a divine_a manifestation_n where_o also_o that_o injudiciousness_n and_o insensibleness_n be_v condemn_v for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o 18._o luke_n 8._o 18._o by_o improvement_n and_o good_a use_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n for_o not_o believe_v 19_o john_n 3._o 19_o in_o christ_n that_o supernatural_a revelation_n because_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n as_o a_o cover_n for_o their_o evil_a deed_n but_o beside_o those_o plain_a truth_n write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n in_o nature_n itself_o beside_o those_o of_o clear_a revelation_n there_o be_v necessary_o some_o deep_a truth_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o decree_n and_o act_n some_o mystery_n of_o christ_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o command_n awe_o reverence_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fathom_v and_o full_o understand_v and_o yet_o can_v be_v so_o divide_v nor_o separate_v from_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o understanding_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o observation_n of_o and_o search_v after_o they_o though_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o with_o a_o wisdom_n to_o sobriety_n yet_o to_o know_v as_o much_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v by_o scripture_n these_o thing_n now_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n scandal_n may_v come_v and_o that_o in_o the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n they_o must_v come_v and_o first_o how_o they_o may_v come_v and_o there_o must_v the_o same_o original_a be_v assign_v to_o scandal_n as_o there_o be_v to_o evil_a and_o sin_n itself_o for_o neither_o sin_n nor_o scandal_n can_v derive_v themselves_o from_o the_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a creator_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n just_a and_o even_o he_o most_o upright_o weigh_v out_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a by_o his_o own_o eternal_a perfect_a way_n and_o make_v the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a the_o whole_a rational_a nature_n according_a to_o it_o upright_o and_o perfect_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n of_o thing_n but_o when_o god_n make_v creature_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o of_o free_a will_n and_o choice_n understanding_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o can_v search_v and_o pry_v and_o range_v every_o way_n and_o look_v not_o only_o upon_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o by_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o can_v collect_v thing_n possible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o wise_a good_a and_o just_o they_o can_v descry_v folly_n evil_a and_o wrong_n and_o in_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n they_o can_v behold_v as_o in_o privation_n from_o they_o misery_n and_o unhappiness_n or_o the_o transcendency_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o degree_n below_o it_o they_o can_v trace_v and_o find_v out_o the_o line_n by_o which_o there_o rise_v up_o a_o supremacy_n of_o these_o and_o back_o again_o by_o which_o there_o be_v declination_n of_o degree_n from_o this_o azimuth_n or_o insuperable_a height_n and_o as_o these_o understanding_n be_v so_o great_a so_o they_o be_v suit_v with_o will_n and_o appetite_n as_o great_a by_o which_o they_o can_v aspire_v to_o be_v whatever_o they_o see_v above_o themselves_o and_o to_o dislike_v in_o whatever_o they_o find_v themselves_o below_o so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o dislike_v their_o first_o estate_n to_o forsake_v their_o proper_a mansion_n or_o habitation_n and_o leave_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o loughty_a large_a and_o roomthy_a enough_o for_o they_o thus_o the_o angel_n leave_v their_o estate_n in_o heaven_n and_o adam_n his_o in_o paradise_n aspire_v to_o something_o high_o and_o this_o through_o mutability_n from_o misapprehension_n jealousy_n and_o disgust_v arise_v from_o perfect_a mistake_n false_a appearance_n and_o misjudging_a which_o be_v perfect_a scandal_n thus_o not_o be_v infinite_a not_o be_v omniscient_a nor_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n nor_o rest_v in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n in_o those_o thing_n most_o certain_a evident_a and_o undoubted_a to_o they_o but_o project_v beyond_o their_o own_o sphere_n they_o may_v come_v to_o charge_n god_n holiness_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n foolish_o to_o raise_v suspicion_n they_o be_v not_o high_a and_o well_o enough_o observe_v how_o evil_a lie_v from_o good_a they_o may_v in_o discontent_n draw_v the_o line_n of_o evil_a upon_o good_a and_o charge_v imperfection_n upon_o perfection_n itself_o they_o may_v disorder_v the_o most_o orderly_a alliance_n and_o confuse_v the_o just_a distance_n between_o thing_n and_o thing_n this_o they_o may_v possible_o do_v except_o god_n do_v interpose_v with_o his_o immutability_n of_o perfection_n for_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o but_o god_n permit_v thing_n to_o liberty_n this_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o fall_v out_o this_o possibility_n of_o change_n be_v the_o folly_n god_n charge_v the_o pure_a angel_n with_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o which_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o clean_o in_o his_o sight_n from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o this_o possibility_n come_v into_o actual_a event_n the_o good_a angel_n be_v elect_v and_o into_o they_o the_o bad_a angel_n fall_v who_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o fall_v into_o curse_a scandal_n and_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o scandal_n fetter_v in_o it_o even_o in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n which_o be_v
only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v give_v they_o for_o a_o dominion_n how_o great_a will_v it_o be_v 3._o these_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v so_o bulky_a and_o cumbersome_a and_o make_v such_o a_o medley_n in_o it_o that_o no_o one_o will_v know_v what_o religion_n itself_o be_v 4._o the_o free_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o receive_v as_o most_o con-decent_a and_o convenient_a be_v that_o more_o abundant_a honour_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o whole_a affair_n in_o that_o council_n act_v 11._o be_v manage_v by_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n the_o elder_n but_o the_o brethren_n also_o each_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o despotique_a power_n what_o be_v command_a by_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o represent_v that_o the_o evidence_n it_o be_v so_o command_v must_v be_v due_o represent_v and_o the_o divine_a authority_n sufficient_o remonstrate_v what_o be_v of_o advice_n and_o conveniency_n must_v be_v carry_v by_o free_a suffrage_n and_o consent_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o the_o best_a of_o society_n it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v society_n and_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o people_n be_v always_o subject_a to_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n see_v christ_n reverse_a nothing_o natural_a but_o confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o their_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n according_a to_o nature_n law_n and_o so_o what_o be_v near_a to_o monarchick_a be_v far_o from_o confusion_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o they_o the_o bishop_n aught_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o 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