evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
answer_n to_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_v indeed_o which_o i_o main_o stand_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o answer_n give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o casuist_n which_o because_o it_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o our_o learned_a bishop_n sanderson_n think_v fit_a to_o pitch_v upon_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o mention_n nor_o if_o i_o can_v without_o some_o improvement_n i_o must_v confess_v if_o we_o do_v admit_v this_o answer_n the_o authority_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v be_v set_v high_a than_o i_o do_v in_o this_o discourse_n suppose_v it_o but_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n because_o it_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n the_o answer_n be_v this_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n allow_v that_o the_o man_n who_o case_n st._n paul_n speak_v to_o in_o this_o text_n be_v real_o a_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o this_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o condemn_v for_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v therefore_o a_o man_n that_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o instance_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n that_o such_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v for_o so_o do_v this_o i_o say_v do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o a_o particular_a to_o a_o universal_a or_o from_o one_o particular_a to_o another_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n of_o each_o case_n which_o be_v against_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n if_o st._n paul_n have_v say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o act_n there_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o make_v his_o sentence_n a_o universal_a proposition_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v to_o all_o doubt_v man_n in_o all_o case_n but_o now_o only_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v it_o show_v that_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o particular_a case_n that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o that_o other_o case_n be_v no_o far_o concern_v in_o his_o proposition_n than_o as_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o circumstance_n with_o the_o case_n he_o there_o speak_v to_o now_o the_o case_n the_o apostle_n there_o treat_v of_o and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v about_o be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a circumstance_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v the_o goodness_n or_o the_o badness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v two_o doubtful_a case_n put_v that_o be_v more_o different_a as_o â—_o shall_v now_o show_v if_o st._n paul_n do_v at_o all_o here_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v man_n he_o speak_v of_o one_o that_o act_v doubt_o in_o a_o matter_n where_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o act_n without_o a_o doubt_n that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n that_o he_o know_v he_o may_v certain_o without_o sin_n refuse_v to_o eat_v those_o meat_n concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o eat_v they_o but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n where_o he_o be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n to_o let_v alone_o for_o the_o serve_v some_o evil_a unwarrantable_a end_n he_o will_v not_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v safe_a and_o where_o he_o need_v fear_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o forbear_v but_o will_v choose_v that_o side_n that_o be_v doubtful_a that_o be_v will_v run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v suppose_v indeed_o that_o his_o word_n be_v at_o all_o to_o be_v expoundin_fw-mi this_o sense_n but_o now_o because_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o case_n and_o in_o all_o such_o like_a if_o you_o please_v do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v from_o these_o word_n that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v his_o own_o way_n as_o not_o be_v at_o his_o own_o disposal_n but_o under_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o authority_n that_o this_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v if_o he_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o superior_n when_o he_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o express_v his_o obedience_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o this_o case_n have_v a_o quite_o different_a consideration_n in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v only_o danger_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v in_o act_v and_o the_o man_n may_v forbear_v if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o man_n run_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o hazard_n in_o forbear_v the_o action_n nay_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o so_o that_o undeniable_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v one_o rule_n to_o serve_v for_o all_o case_n though_o never_o so_o different_a which_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a this_o latter_a man_n may_v not_o only_o without_o sin_n do_v the_o thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o whereas_o if_o the_o other_o man_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n shall_v do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o further_a that_o st._n paul_n mean_v not_o to_o extend_v his_o proposition_n to_o all_o doubtful_a case_n but_o only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o he_o here_o treat_v of_o be_v pretty_a evident_a from_o the_o reason_n that_o he_o give_v why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v viz._n because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n if_o he_o have_v say_v so_o i_o grant_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o proposition_n will_v have_v reach_v all_o doubt_v man_n in_o all_o case_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_n with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v allow_v that_o those_o case_n be_v except_v out_o of_o st._n paul_n proposition_n now_o that_o there_o be_v such_o case_n and_o that_o our_o case_n of_o obey_v authority_n be_v one_o of_o they_o i_o thus_o prove_v whosoever_o so_o act_n as_o that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n such_o a_o man_n act_n with_o faith_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o action_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o of_o which_o i_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n but_o now_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v that_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n nay_o as_o the_o case_n may_v be_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o thus_o doubt_n rather_o than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o the_o not_o do_v that_o action_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o dangerous_a or_o attend_v with_o worse_a consequence_n this_o now_o be_v grant_v it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o wherever_o a_o man_n light_n into_o these_o circumstance_n he_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n even_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n though_o he_o act_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o thus_o it_o behove_v he_o to_o act_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a or_o sinful_a to_o act_v otherwise_o so_o that_o let_v our_o adversary_n make_v the_o most_o of_o st._n paul_n word_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v a_o very_a illogical_a inference_n to_o say_v that_o whoever_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n upon_o his_o conscience_n in_o any_o case_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o to_o
the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n a_o humane_a law_n ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o divine_a law_n modify_v or_o clothe_v with_o several_a circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n do_v create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n upon_o every_o subject_a than_o a_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n in_o the_o other_o case_n we_o only_o yield_v obedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o god_n in_o general_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n to_o make_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o business_n of_o pay_v tribute_n and_o custom_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n with_o a_o humane_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o that_o every_o subject_n shall_v pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n be_v due_a be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o what_o good_n we_o shall_v pay_v tribute_n or_o custom_n or_o what_o proportion_n of_o those_o good_n shall_v be_v pay_v this_o be_v not_o define_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o every_o kingdom_n but_o now_o because_o humane_a authority_n do_v interpose_v in_o this_o affair_n and_o settle_v what_o every_o man_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o king_n and_o out_o of_o what_o commodity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n or_o concealment_n detain_v the_o king_n right_o from_o he_o that_o he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n for_o this_o but_o only_o the_o transgress_a of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n in_o case_n he_o be_v detect_v no_o certain_o for_o all_o that_o the_o custom_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o form_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o humane_a law_n only_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a aught_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o unjust_a person_n before_o god_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o good_n will_v not_o render_v he_o less_o unjust_a or_o more_o excusable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n to_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o baptism_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o worship_a god_n for_o the_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n all_o this_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o king_n and_o every_o man_n what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v dishonest_a &_o unjust_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o give_v but_o they_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n just_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o thing_n thus_o clothe_v by_o humane_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n about_o they_o than_o we_o can_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o have_v name_v and_o that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o for_o instance_n purge_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o knavery_n before_o god_n that_o will_v contrive_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a as_o any_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n before_o god_n that_o will_v choose_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n different_a from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prescribe_v always_o suppose_v that_o the_o worship_n establish_v be_v command_v by_o just_a authority_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o can_v just_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o in_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o hold_v it_o than_o mere_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o statute_n or_o a_o humane_a law_n for_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v this_o that_o i_o think_v no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v warrant_v it_o so_o that_o even_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v which_o shall_v ordain_v that_o wilful_a causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o tolerate_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o yet_o nevertheless_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n will_v still_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v there_o now_o only_o remain_v our_o last_o general_a head_n about_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v with_o our_o preliminary_a point_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v or_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o or_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n here_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o we_o concern_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v sinful_a have_v authority_n over_o we_o how_o far_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o
be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o can_v touch_v or_o affect_v our_o action_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o we_o or_o as_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o remember_v it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o our_o conscience_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o we_o be_v mistake_v our_o conscience_n prove_v but_o a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n because_o it_o have_v itself_o lose_v its_o way_n in_o not_o follow_v its_o rule_n as_o it_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o however_o our_o guide_n still_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n but_o that_o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v the_o notion_n that_o any_o of_o we_o have_v of_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o do_v so_o and_o what_o other_o measure_n have_v we_o of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n according_a to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o all_o action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o persuasion_n no_o we_o measure_v virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o act_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o man_n intention_n in_o act_v but_o however_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o knave_n that_o in_o any_o instance_n act_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o pass_v this_o sentence_n we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v right_o or_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o be_v his_o judgement_n right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o honesty_n in_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o that_o persuasion_n continue_v be_v often_o as_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o if_o his_o persuasion_n be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o confident_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_n contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n for_o instance_n shall_v of_o a_o jew_n become_v a_o christian_a while_o yet_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o believe_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n or_o if_o a_o papist_n shall_v too_o serve_v some_o private_a end_n renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o our_o reform_a church_n be_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o now_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o both_o these_o case_n have_v make_v a_o good_a change_n as_o have_v change_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o a_o true_a one_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o agree_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o make_v that_o change_n because_o they_o make_v it_o not_o upon_o honest_a principle_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o both_o nay_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o think_v better_o of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o a_o cunning_a popish_a factor_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n abandon_v our_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n as_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o such_o a_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o real_o here_o the_o change_n be_v make_v from_o a_o true_a keligion_n to_o a_o false_a one_o than_o we_o shall_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o man_n i_o have_v before_o name_v all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o then_o our_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v over_o he_o it_o can_v never_o bear_v he_o out_o if_o he_o do_v a_o
upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o gild_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o
of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 27._o l._n 7._o for_o annot_v cavoid_v r._n can_v avoid_v p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o this_o last_o r._n the_o least_o p._n 43._o l._n 28._o after_o spiritual_a add_v by_o do_v the_o former_a p._n 61._o l._n 1._o r._n because_o p._n 62._o l._n penult_n r._n chrysostome_n p._n 66._o l._n 9_o r._n no_o wise_a p._n 94._o l._n 19_o r._n probability_n advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n tojoyn_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_n conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_v of_o it_o london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well-instructed_n conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well-grounded_n or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o action_n no_o further_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o mat_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbea_n do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o something_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o to_o make_v we_o suspect_v every_o thing_n for_o such_o or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o displease_v god_n by_o the_o most_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a action_n by_o these_o mean_n ensnare_a and_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n and_o render_v religion_n a_o most_o troublesome_a burden_n to_o they_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n therefore_o start_v and_o boggle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a evil_a or_o mischief_n be_v afraid_a of_o omit_v or_o do_v what_o may_v be_v omit_v or_o do_v without_o sin_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o illustrate_v than_o by_o those_o unaccountable_a antipathy_n or_o prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o man_n have_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o live_a creature_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n or_o hurt_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v so_o offensive_a and_o dreadful_a to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o tiger_n or_o bear_n and_o avoid_v they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o plague_n or_o poison_n just_o thus_o do_v some_o man_n run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o
betoken_v our_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a state_n or_o condition_n of_o life_n which_o still_o they_o seem_v to_o aim_v more_o express_o at_o in_o their_o general_a care_n to_o give_v the_o child_n some_o scripture_n name_n or_o some_o name_n that_o shall_v signify_v some_o excellent_a virtue_n or_o grace_n some_o religious_a duty_n owe_v to_o god_n or_o some_o memorable_a benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o here_o we_o have_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n and_o this_o too_o sometime_o of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o this_o no_o more_o account_v a_o new_a sacrament_n or_o a_o sacrament_n within_o that_o of_o baptism_n than_o we_o do_v our_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o indeed_o there_o seem_v just_a as_o much_o reason_n for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o no_o more_o 2._o those_o argument_n which_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v use_v in_o plea_n for_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v show_v that_o beside_o what_o they_o urge_v from_o the_o posture_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n himself_o celebrate_v it_o they_o apprehend_v some_o significancy_n in_o the_o gesture_n that_o render_v it_o more_o accommodate_v to_o that_o ordinance_n than_o any_o other_o for_o some_o of_o they_o plead_v for_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v as_o be_v most_o proper_o a_o table-gesture_n and_o do_v best_a of_o all_o express_a our_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_v of_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o coheir_n now_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o consider_v our_o lord_n have_v no_o where_o express_o command_v we_o to_o perform_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o sit_v posture_n much_o less_o have_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o ordain_v this_o gesture_n in_o token_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o so_o that_o we_o see_v this_o gesture_n of_o sit_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o argument_n make_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o this_o not_o from_o any_o antecedent_n express_v institution_n of_o christ_n which_o notwithstanding_o this_o posture_n of_o sit_v be_v not_o account_v by_o those_o that_o frame_v the_o argument_n any_o new_a or_o additional_a sacrament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o last_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v a_o formal_a covenant_n which_o they_o insist_v upon_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v admit_v into_o any_o of_o their_o church_n must_v engage_v themselves_o in_o this_o be_v of_o that_o importance_n among_o they_o that_o they_o call_v it_o the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o church_n that_o which_o make_v any_o particular_a person_n member_n of_o a_o church_n church-coven_a apol._n for_o church-coven_a yea_o and_o as_o another_o express_v it_o that_o wherein_o the_o union_n of_o such_o a_o church_n do_v consist_v we_o will_v suppose_v then_o this_o covenant_n administer_v in_o some_o form_n or_o other_o and_o the_o person_n admit_v by_o this_o covenant_n into_o a_o independent_a church_n declare_v his_o consent_n by_o some_o action_n or_o other_o such_o as_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o like_a let_v i_o ask_v they_o what_o must_v they_o of_o that_o church_n think_v of_o this_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n will_v they_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o consent_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n here_o then_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o what_o of_o no_o less_o according_a to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n than_o a_o perfect_a new_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n that_o be_v of_o be_v embody_v in_o christ_n church_n engage_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o enstate_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o will_v they_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o admission_n either_o the_o form_n of_o word_n wherein_o their_o covenant_n be_v administer_v or_o the_o ceremony_n of_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n by_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v take_v and_o assent_v to_o be_v original_o ordain_v by_o christ_n or_o do_v they_o themselves_o esteem_v this_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n or_o do_v the_o presbyterian-brethren_n in_o all_o their_o argument_n against_o this_o way_n charge_v they_o with_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n so_o that_o from_o all_o instance_n imaginable_a both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o both_o primitive_a and_o late_a reformation_n even_o from_o the_o particular_a practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o though_o we_o sign_v the_o baptize_v person_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n christ_n of_o crucifi_n do_v etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v be_v accuse_v as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n or_o add_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o that_o of_o baptism_n but_o then_o they_o tell_v we_o second_o we_o seem_v to_o own_v it_o ourselves_o when_o in_o a_o entire_a representative_a of_o our_o church_n such_o as_o we_o suppose_v a_o convocation_n to_o be_v it_o be_v actual_o determine_v that_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o person_n baptise_a be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o immediate_a say_v one_o of_o our_o brethren_n than_o in_o the_o present_a dedicate_a act_n to_o use_v the_o sign_n and_o express_v the_o dedicate_a signification_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o 30_o canon_n do_v say_v the_o cross_n be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o stress_n of_o the_o objection_n in_o this_o part_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o word_n dedicate_v that_o be_v because_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v itself_o a_o seal_n of_o admission_n into_o covenant_n and_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o by_o use_v a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n whereby_o we_o profess_v the_o person_n baptise_a dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n we_o have_v make_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o add_v to_o that_o of_o baptism_n to_o dedicate_v he_o in_o our_o own_o invent_a way_n as_o christ_n have_v in_o that_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v 1._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o sure_o the_o word_n dedication_n be_v of_o a_o much_o large_a signification_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v confine_v mere_o to_o the_o interpretation_n that_o our_o brethren_n will_v put_v upon_o it_o the_o meaning_n of_o dedication_n proper_o be_v the_o appropriate_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o any_o peculiar_a service_n such_o as_o a_o church_n or_o temple_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n any_o person_n to_o the_o profession_n the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o ministry_n or_o to_o any_o kind_n of_o attendance_n at_o the_o holy_a altar_n this_o be_v the_o strict_a sense_n of_o dedication_n but_o then_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n we_o may_v suppose_v it_o apply_v to_o any_o strict_a or_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o dedication_n thus_o suppose_v a_o man_n ordain_v to_o the_o ministry_n whereby_o he_o be_v proper_o dedicate_v to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v by_o some_o solemn_a act_n of_o his_o own_o dedicate_v himself_o to_o a_o zealous_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o this_o after_o some_o time_n that_o he_o may_v have_v apprehend_v himself_o hitherto_o not_o so_o diligent_a in_o the_o trust_n that_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o he_o this_o can_v be_v call_v in_o any_o sense_n a_o new_a ordination_n but_o it_o may_v with_o reason_n and_o sense_n enough_o be_v style_v a_o dedicate_a of_o a_o man_n self_n more_o particular_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o ministry_n he_o be_v ordain_v to_o and_o therefore_o 2._o in_o this_o sense_n the_o convocation_n ought_v in_o all_o justice_n to_o be_v understand_v when_o they_o in_o explain_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o cross_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o seem_v hard_a measure_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o if_o those_o in_o a_o convocation_n shall_v not_o have_v apply_v the_o word_n dedication_n to_o what_o may_v be_v most_o strict_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o severe_o expound_v that_o no_o other_o declaration_n of_o their_o meaning_n and_o intention_n must_v be_v accept_v of_o than_o what_o mere_o the_o strict_a and_o critical_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n will_v bear_v sure_o
the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n together_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o they_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o church-communion_n be_v something_o antecedent_n to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o communion_n for_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o any_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o natural_a union_n be_v in_o natural_a body_n that_o communion_n be_v in_o body_n politic_a whether_o civil_a or_o religious_a society_n a_o member_n must_v be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v any_o natural_a action_n or_o office_n of_o a_o member_n before_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o the_o foot_n can_v walk_v or_o the_o ear_n can_v hear_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o foot_n to_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o see_v or_o walk_v but_o see_v and_o walk_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n thus_o in_o a_o body_n politic_a when_o man_n by_o any_o common_a charter_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o society_n they_o become_v one_o common_a body_n or_o one_o communion_n and_o this_o give_v they_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o body_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o their_o charter_n require_v of_o they_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regular_o admit_v into_o this_o society_n pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n or_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v require_v of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o body_n this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v censure_v as_o a_o unjust_a usurpation_n shall_v a_o man_n who_o be_v no_o citizen_n of_o london_n open_v his_o shop_n and_o drive_v a_o trade_n as_o other_o citizen_n do_v or_o give_v his_o vote_n at_o a_o common-hall_n and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n act_n like_o a_o citizen_n this_o will_v not_o make_v he_o a_o citizen_n but_o a_o intruder_n he_o be_v a_o foreigner_n still_o and_o his_o presume_v to_o act_n like_o a_o citizen_n when_o he_o be_v none_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n but_o just_o expose_v he_o to_o censure_v and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v one_o body_n and_o society_n unite_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o be_v make_v by_o baptism_n the_o exercise_n of_o this_o communion_n consist_v in_o all_o those_o office_n and_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o and_o which_o none_o have_v any_o right_a to_o perform_v but_o they_o such_o as_o pray_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o intrude_v into_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o church-member_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v no_o church-member_n though_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n shall_v for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o at_o some_o critical_a time_n come_v to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o there_o hear_v the_o common-prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v this_o make_v this_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o which_o he_o never_o communicate_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a will_v never_o do_v again_o if_o it_o do_v not_o all_o this_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v only_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o perform_v some_o such_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o since_o the_o decay_n of_o church_n discipline_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o member_n which_o be_v such_o a_o abuse_n as_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o deny_v their_o communion_n to_o schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o excommunicate_a upon_o other_o account_n but_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v embody_v and_o incorporate_v with_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v what_o that_o mean_n every_o one_o know_v who_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n of_o a_o city_n or_o any_o inferior_a corporation_n which_o consist_v of_o privilege_n and_o duty_n and_o require_v all_o those_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o society_n to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a trust_n and_o obligation_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o or_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n include_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o church_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o church_n society_n as_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n instruction_n censure_n of_o the_o church_n a_o communion_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a office_n and_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o authority_n or_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n renounce_v his_o membership_n and_o communion_n with_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v extreme_o plain_a and_o though_o man_n may_v cavil_v for_o dispute_n sake_n yet_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o that_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o though_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n he_o shall_v sometime_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n from_o hence_o of_o great_a use_n 1._o that_o church-communion_n primary_o and_o principal_o respect_v the_o universal_a church_n not_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o church_n communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o among_o those_o who_o be_v present_a and_o neighbour_n to_o each_o other_o but_o in_o membership_n now_o a_o member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n not_o mere_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o how_o large_a soever_o the_o body_n be_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n those_o who_o live_v at_o st._n david_n and_o those_o at_o tarmouth_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n this_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o a_o church-state_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o church-communion_n be_v found_v only_o on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a covenant_n to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o particular_a church-membership_a be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o human_a invention_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o alone_o if_o well_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o independency_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a church-state_n as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o
church_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 2._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o to_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n for_o we_o can_v actual_o join_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o with_o some_o particular_a church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o with_o any_o other_o true_a and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o exercise_n of_o true_a christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o catholic_n communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n require_v since_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v more_o peculiarly_a unite_v we_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n when_o we_o pray_v together_o to_o god_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o do_v not_o challenge_v any_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o member_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n who_o powerful_o intercee_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a but_o for_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o our_o fellow-member_n and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o communion_n of_o prayer_n for_o pray_v with_o one_o another_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n when_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o common_a father_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v as_o at_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o as_o at_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church_n fellowship_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o confederation_n between_o those_o neighbour_n christian_n who_o receive_v together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n than_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o sacramental_a bread_n signify_v and_o represent_v all_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o one_o mystical_a body_n for_o which_o he_o offer_v his_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n and_o our_o eat_n of_o this_o bread_n signify_v our_o union_n to_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n of_o true_a catholic_n not_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n and_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o represent_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o particular_a in_o this_o feast_n to_o make_v it_o a_o private_a feast_n or_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o show_v how_o groundless_a that_o scruple_n be_v against_o mix_a communion_n that_o man_n think_v themselves_o defile_v by_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o man_n who_o be_v vicious_a for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o censure_v and_o remove_v from_o christian_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o their_o communion_n be_v defile_v by_o bad_a man_n who_o communicate_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o communicate_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n signify_v no_o other_o communion_n between_o they_o who_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o company_n than_o it_o do_v with_o all_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n consider_v as_o present_v but_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o desire_v yet_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o because_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v unless_o we_o will_v except_v independent_o because_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o except_v themselves_o and_o then_o their_o separation_n do_v not_o answer_v its_o end_n which_o be_v to_o avoid_v such_o corrupt_a communion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o gather_a church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n in_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v indeed_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a from_o corrupt_a member_n unless_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v so_o too_o because_o every_o particular_a church_n whether_o diocesan_n or_o national_a have_v power_n to_o reform_v its_o own_o member_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o such_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n but_o it_o do_v prove_v that_o no_o church_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n can_v renounce_v communion_n with_o other_o christian_a church_n or_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n of_o its_o own_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o novatian_a and_o donatist_n schism_n of_o old_a and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o independent_a schism_n at_o this_o day_n 3._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n whole_o result_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o when_o i_o be_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a christian_a church_n as_o no_o member_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n without_o its_o be_v unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n to_o each_o other_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v
may_v make_v separation_n from_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o further_o proof_n of_o this_o doctrine_n than_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o etc._n etc._n for_o why_o shall_v our_o saviour_n use_v it_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o we_o 104._o the_o unâ—easonableness_n of_o separate_a p._n 104._o who_o have_v not_o such_o eye_n to_o pierce_v into_o the_o impiety_n of_o man_n tradition_n as_o he_o have_v as_o mr._n bradshaw_n argue_v the_o same_o measure_n be_v observe_v also_o by_o the_o apostle_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gainsay_v and_o be_v therefore_o grant_v by_o one_o in_o other_o thing_n rigid_a more_o than_o enough_o i_o 15._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 15._o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o corruption_n in_o a_o true_a church_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o unsoundness_n of_o many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o in_o galatia_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n hold_v communion_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o these_o corruption_n now_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o separation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v from_o those_o corrupt_a church_n then_o sure_o not_o from_o such_o as_o be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v as_o they_o so_o mr._n cawdrey_n 195._o independ_v a_o great_a schism_n p._n 195._o plead_v corinth_n have_v we_o suppose_v great_a disorder_n in_o it_o than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v bless_v be_v god_n in_o many_o of_o our_o congregation_n why_o then_o do_v they_o fly_v and_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o if_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o separate_v from_o such_o church_n much_o less_o shall_v we_o who_o may_v without_o doubt_n safe_o follow_v the_o advice_n give_v by_o a_o author_n above_o quote_v when_o you_o be_v at_o 111._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 111._o a_o stand_n think_v how_o christ_n will_v have_v carry_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n with_o you_o and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v conclude_v three_o they_o further_o argue_v that_o christ_n do_v arg._n 3_o still_o hold_v communion_n with_o defective_a church_n and_o not_o reject_v the_o worship_n for_o tolerable_a corruption_n in_o it_o and_o so_o neither_o aught_o we_o it_o be_v suppose_v by_o dr._n owen_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n 81._o discourse_v of_o evangelical_n love_n c._n 3._o p._n 81._o in_o the_o world_n who_o assembly_n as_o to_o institute_v worship_n be_v so_o reject_v by_o christ_n as_o to_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n give_v unto_o they_o until_o they_o be_v utter_o as_o it_o be_v extirpate_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o do_v judge_n that_o where_o ever_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v call_v upon_o there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v however_o the_o way_n of_o it_o may_v be_v obstruct_v unto_o the_o most_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o church_n though_o fundamental_o erroneous_a in_o worship_n then_o who_o shall_v dare_v as_o another_o say_v to_o judge_v when_o christ_n have_v forsake_v a_o people_n 110._o troughton_n apol._n p._n 110._o who_o still_o profess_v his_o name_n and_o keep_v up_o his_o worship_n for_o substance_n according_a to_o his_o word_n though_o they_o do_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o fail_v in_o circumstance_n or_o lesser_a part_n of_o duty_n now_o this_o grant_v the_o other_o will_v follow_v that_o then_o we_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o church_n thus_o mr._n hildersham_n conclude_v of_o old_a from_o the_o practice_n 384._o lect._n 35_o on_o john_n p._n 165_o 166._o and_o lect._n 82._o p._n 384._o of_o christ_n and_o observe_v 1._o so_o long_o as_o god_n continue_v his_o word_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o a_o people_n so_o long_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n dwell_v among_o they_o and_o have_v not_o forsake_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o till_o god_n have_v forsake_v a_o church_n no_o man_n may_v forsake_v 293._o v._o dr._n bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n p._n 293._o it_o 2._o no_o separation_n may_v be_v make_v from_o those_o assembly_n where_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v to_o find_v and_o attain_v salvation_n but_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v and_o attain_v salvation_n in_o such_o assembly_n where_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v contain_v so_o mr._n etc._n mr._n mr._n mr._n on_o the_o sacramen_n p._n 242._o crofton_n hard_a way_n to_o heaven_n p._n 36._o noye_n temple_n measure_v p._n 79._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o davenport_n apol._n reply_n p._n 281._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 159_o etc._n etc._n vine_n the_o argument_n say_v he_o of_o mr._n brightman_n be_v considerable_a if_o god_n afford_v his_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n by_o his_o own_o ordinance_n grace_n and_o spirit_n it_o will_v be_v unnatural_a and_o peevish_a in_o a_o child_n to_o forsake_v his_o mother_n while_o his_o father_n own_v she_o for_o his_o wife_n i_o may_v heap_v up_o authority_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o a_o considerable_a one_o from_o 156._o from_o from_o from_o comment_fw-fr on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 156._o mr._n cotton_n who_o reason_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o brownist_n be_v blame-worthy_a because_o they_o separate_v where_o christ_n keep_v fellowship_n rev._n 1._o 18._o and_o that_o he_o walk_v with_o we_o we_o argue_v because_o he_o be_v still_o please_v to_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o edify_v many_o soul_n thereby_o and_o therefore_o sure_o christ_n have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o his_o maker_n where_o christ_n vouchsafe_v fellowship_n shall_v man_n renounce_v it_o upon_o this_o be_v ground_v the_o wholesome_a exhortation_n of_o many_o eminent_a nonconformist_n as_o that_o of_o mr._n calamy_n you_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o all_o ded._n godly_a man_n ark_n epist_n ded._n those_o church_n with_o which_o christ_n hold_v communion_n you_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n but_o not_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o mr._n r._n allein_n 122._o godly_a man_n portion_n p._n 122._o excommunicate_v not_o they_o from_o you_o excommunicate_v not_o yourselves_o from_o they_o with_o who_o christ_n hold_v communion_n judge_v not_o that_o christ_n withdraw_v from_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o way_n methinks_v say_v another_o in_o his_o 455._o v._o bains_n on_o the_o ephes_n c._n 2._o 15._o p._n 297._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o p._n 455._o farewell_n sermon_n where_o a_o church_n as_o to_o the_o main_a keep_v the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o substantial_o of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v christ_n some_o adjudge_v defect_n in_o order_n can_v justify_v separation_n i_o dare_v not_o dismember_v myself_o from_o that_o church_n that_o hold_v the_o head_n i_o think_v whilst_o doctrine_n be_v for_o the_o main_a sound_n christ_n stay_v with_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v good_a stay_n where_o he_o stay_v i_o will_v follow_v he_o and_o not_o lead_v he_o or_o go_v before_o the_o lamb._n to_o such_o we_o find_v a_o severe_a rebuke_n give_v very_o late_o by_o one_o of_o themselves_o proud_a conceit_a christian_n be_v not_o content_v to_o come_v out_o 459._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 16._o p._n 459._o and_o separate_v from_o the_o unbelieving_a idolatrous_a world_n but_o they_o will_v separate_v also_o from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o cast_v off_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o who_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o four_o they_o argue_v that_o to_o separate_v for_o such_o arg._n 4_o defect_n and_o corruption_n will_v destroy_v all_o communion_n if_o this_o shall_v be_v say_v mr._n bradshaw_n than_o no_o 103._o unreas_n of_o the_o separate_a p._n 103._o man_n can_v present_v himself_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n at_o any_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o because_o except_o it_o shall_v be_v stint_v and_o prescribe_v he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n but_o that_o some_o error_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n will_v be_v commit_v so_o mr._n ball_n one_o man_n be_v of_o opinion_n 138._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o separate_a c._n 8._o p._n 137_o 138._o that_o a_o prescribe_a form_n be_v better_a than_o another_o another_z that_o a_o prescribe_a form_n be_v unlawful_a etc._n etc._n in_o these_o case_n if_o the_o least_o error_n do_v stain_v the_o prayer_n to_o other_o that_o
forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o sin_v not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head_n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discouse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probality_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n
between_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v between_o doubt_v for_o instance_n whether_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a and_o doubt_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n where_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o which_o doubt_n the_o casuist_n call_v a_o speculative_a doubt_n the_o other_o a_o practical_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v often_o very_o easy_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o latter_a kind_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v what_o it_o become_v he_o to_o do_v as_o to_o this_o present_a action_n without_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v his_o doubt_n of_o the_o former_a kind_n thus_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a to_o play_v at_o card_n or_o die_n which_o be_v the_o speculative_a doubt_n as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v very_o able_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o doubt_n again_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n whether_o the_o present_a war_n in_o which_o his_o prince_n be_v engage_v be_v a_o just_a war_n or_o no_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a doubt_n that_o be_v what_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v in_o case_n his_o prince_n command_v he_o to_o serve_v in_o that_o war_n concern_v which_o he_o do_v thus_o doubt_n now_o it_o be_v the_o doubt_n of_o this_o latter_a kind_n these_o practical_a doubt_n as_o they_o be_v call_v that_o conscience_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o concern_v with_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o which_o it_o chief_o need_v a_o rule_n to_o direct_v it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v but_o get_v satisfy_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o present_a action_n he_o doubt_v about_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n as_o to_o his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v his_o general_n or_o speculative_a doubt_n about_o that_o action_n resolve_v or_o no._n these_o kind_n of_o doubt_n if_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v must_v be_v overrule_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a idle_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o talk_v that_o a_o man_n must_v do_v no_o action_n till_o all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o be_v resolve_v thus_o far_o we_o grant_v it_o concern_v he_o that_o his_o doubt_n shall_v be_v resolve_v viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n he_o determine_v himself_o to_o be_v all_o thing_n consider_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o to_o direct_v a_o man_n in_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n be_v our_o principal_a business_n under_o this_o head_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o a_o man_n must_v so_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o a_o action_n as_o to_o see_v clear_o through_o all_o the_o speculative_a point_n which_o occasion_n his_o doubt_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o before_o entangle_v his_o understanding_n and_o from_o intrinsic_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o question_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v their_o meaning_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o absurd_a than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n till_o he_o have_v resolve_v or_o depose_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o for_o in_o many_o case_n this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o person_n concern_v perhaps_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o sufficient_a time_n of_o consideration_n for_o the_o do_v it_o for_o he_o must_v either_o act_n or_o not_o act_v present_o and_o he_o be_v in_o equal_a perplexity_n both_o as_o to_o the_o one_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o do_v more_o than_o this_o viz._n by_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n to_o get_v satisfy_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o for_o as_o for_o other_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o thing_n stand_v with_o he_o he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o prospect_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o all_o be_v say_v we_o see_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o proceed_v among_o man_n even_o those_o that_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a i_o dare_v say_v if_o we_o take_v all_o the_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v where_o there_o be_v one_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n upon_o such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o before_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v ten_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v overrule_v and_o the_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n without_o such_o a_o resolution_n sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o though_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n yet_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o he_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n to_o act_v thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o for_o this_o he_o take_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o general_n duty_n or_o this_o be_v that_o which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o he_o have_v consult_v do_v advise_v he_o to_o and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v what_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v which_o a_o man_n conscience_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n safe_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n upon_o this_o head_n which_o be_v what_o that_o rule_n be_v by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o thus_o resolve_v our_o doubt_n or_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o one_o side_n or_o other_o in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n by_o which_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v second_o i_o shall_v apply_v this_o general_n rule_n to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v concern_v that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o some_o principle_n for_o the_o determine_v himself_o in_o any_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o happen_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o have_v consider_v what_o we_o have_v before_o say_v will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n but_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n on_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o for_o since_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o doubt_v be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o which_o be_v to_o settle_v the_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v the_o doubt_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o viz._n that_o after_o all_o thing_n consider_v there_o do_v appear_v great_a reason_n to_o lie_v on_o this_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o there_o do_v on_o that_o so_o that_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o from_o which_o the_o measure_n of_o resolve_v all_o particular_a case_n be_v to_o be_v take_v can_v be_v lay_v down_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n that_o side_n which_o all_o thing_n due_o consider_v do_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o casuist_n have_v usual_o propose_v this_o rule_n in_o other_o term_n viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v but_o i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o express_v it_o so_o because_o of_o the_o uncertain_a meaning_n of_o the_o safe_a side_n for_o according_a as_o that_o word_n be_v expound_v as_o it_o may_v be_v expound_v different_a way_n so_o be_v the_o rule_n so_o word_v true_a or_o false_a if_o we_o take_v safety_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n and_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o usual_o understand_v viz._n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o any_o hazard_n or_o danger_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n
affirm_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n of_o obey_v authority_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o man_n be_v and_o i_o believe_v all_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v their_o superior_n well_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o we_o here_o talk_v contradiction_n can_v a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o be_v be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o such_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o doubt_v concern_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o case_n that_o every_o day_n happen_v where_o a_o man_n have_v a_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o a_o man_n often_o have_v very_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o action_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o have_v in_o those_o circumstance_n for_o the_o do_v the_o action_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o doubt_n he_o have_v about_o it_o that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o consider_v without_o his_o present_a circumstance_n yet_o as_o it_o come_v circumstantiate_v to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o he_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v large_o before_o in_o my_o explication_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o be_v not_o all_o doubt_v contrary_a to_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o such_o kind_n of_o doubt_v as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o do_v we_o see_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o faith_n my_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n shall_v be_v destroy_v it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v overbalance_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v this_o wherever_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n touch_v any_o action_n he_o be_v deliberate_v about_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a man_n all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v than_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o such_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o do_v that_o action_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v such_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n as_o will_v perhaps_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o resolve_v and_o will_v create_v he_o likewise_o some_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o indeed_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v these_o ought_v not_o any_o long_a to_o be_v call_v doubt_n after_o they_o be_v thus_o overrule_v or_o overbalance_v but_o rather_o to_o go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o pure_a scruple_n which_o the_o casuist_n of_o all_o persuasion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v act_v against_o in_o plain_a english_a that_o doubtfulness_n about_o a_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o censure_v as_o a_o sin_n be_v such_o a_o doubtfulness_n as_o after_o the_o action_n be_v do_v render_v the_o man_n self-condemned_n his_o conscience_n can_v not_o but_o reproach_v he_o for_o do_v as_o he_o do_v but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o self-condemned_n because_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n though_o he_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n yet_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o have_v make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a choice_n that_o he_o can_v in_o his_o circumstance_n and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v so_o he_o both_o act_n in_o faith_n and_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n from_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n that_o be_v make_v about_o do_v or_o forbear_v a_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n you_o see_v there_o be_v no_o great_a intricacy_n in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o both_o hand_n always_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a for_o if_o he_o be_v real_o so_o he_o will_v always_o do_v that_o which_o he_o judge_v most_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v thus_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n notwithstanding_o any_o doubt_v he_o may_v have_v about_o the_o action_n because_o more_o than_o the_o former_a a_o man_n can_v do_v and_o more_o than_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v as_o for_o what_o sin_n a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v engage_v a_o man_n in_o or_o what_o troublesome_a reflection_n a_o melancholy_a imagination_n may_v occasion_v to_o he_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o not_o to_o answer_v for_o they_o they_o be_v of_o another_o consideration_n iv_o have_v thus_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o act_n whenever_o it_o happen_v and_o that_o both_o when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o the_o command_v of_o other_o all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o speak_v something_o about_o the_o authority_n or_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o discussion_n of_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v spare_v after_o what_o i_o have_v say_v relate_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n particular_o under_o my_o last_n head_n however_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o point_n though_o i_o intend_v it_o a_o very_a short_a one_o because_o indeed_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v be_v not_o so_o much_o any_o new_a matter_n as_o a_o application_n of_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o whether_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n do_v bind_v at_o all_o and_o how_o far_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o itself_o lay_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n any_o way_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n to_o suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v for_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a or_o unresolved_a in_o his_o mind_n whether_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a action_n he_o be_v bind_v or_o not_o bind_v to_o suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v plain_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v while_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no._n to_o speak_v this_o plain_a if_o i_o can_v since_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_v what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o where_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o since_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v pure_o doubtful_a he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o such_o conviction_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v either_o command_n or_o forbid_v the_o action_n doubt_v of_o for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v no_o long_o doubt_n it_o follow_v likewise_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n 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govern_v his_o action_n by_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v and_o certain_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o steady_o will_v he_o pursue_v this_o rule_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v oblige_v we_o in_o all_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v best_a be_v always_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a much_o less_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a because_o that_o which_o be_v safe_a be_v not_o always_o either_o best_a or_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o we_o act_n otherwise_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n now_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v viz._n the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o determine_v and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o likewise_o because_o they_o follow_v from_o it_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n take_v now_o this_o for_o grant_v i_o ask_v what_o law_n do_v a_o man_n transgress_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n choose_v either_o side_n indifferent_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v safe_a or_o most_o reasonable_a always_o suppose_v that_o the_o side_n he_o choose_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n i_o say_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o transgress_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o sin_n at_o all_o if_o the_o man_n be_v at_o all_o guilty_a it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n either_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v less_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a for_o his_o
form_n other_o doubt_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ceremony_n or_o our_o way_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o it_o may_v be_v about_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v indeed_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v undetermined_a and_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v under_o this_o suspense_n of_o judgement_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o will_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v now_o of_o those_o that_o thus_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o that_o have_v only_o a_o single_a doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o those_o suspect_a condition_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_a from_o we_o again_o there_o be_v other_o that_o doubt_v on_o both_o side_n as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v that_o be_v as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a so_o they_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o separate_a upon_o account_n of_o those_o term_n now_o of_o these_o likewise_o there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v be_v more_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a that_o now_o which_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o adviseable_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v do_v in_o each_o of_o these_o case_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o but_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o separate_a to_o this_o i_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o safe_a for_o he_o to_o separate_a than_o if_o he_o have_v doubt_v on_o both_o side_n because_o indeed_o if_o he_o must_v doubt_v at_o all_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o his_o doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o resolution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o we_o have_v allow_v it_o as_o such_o that_o in_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v i_o do_v ready_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o intend_a and_o do_v only_o obtain_v in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v forbear_v that_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v though_o he_o can_v without_o danger_n of_o sin_v do_v the_o action_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v about_o it_o but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n here_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v conform_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o danger_n of_o sin_v nay_o and_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o conform_v so_o that_o that_o rule_n have_v here_o no_o place_n at_o all_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o case_n if_o it_o be_v right_o put_v be_v this_o a_o man_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o that_o i_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_n cut_v myself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o i_o may_v likewise_o lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a disobedience_n and_o refractariness_n to_o all_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o i_o too_o which_o yet_o by_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a i_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v both_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o be_o very_o unsatisfied_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n thus_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o what_o now_o will_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v to_o this_o case_n why_o certain_o he_o will_v say_v this_o that_o he_o who_o can_v doubt_v after_o this_o fashion_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o a_o very_a ignorant_a one_o and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o good_a advice_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n about_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o christianity_n than_o of_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n because_o indeed_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o his_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v thus_o ignorant_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v observe_v they_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v his_o act_n if_o it_o shall_v indeed_o prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o a_o man_n right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o be_v entangle_v by_o a_o wilful_o eroneous_a one_o will_v no_o more_o discharge_v he_o from_o sin_n as_o to_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o the_o second_o concoction_n though_o never_o so_o regular_a can_v rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o as_o to_o his_o body_n but_o second_o though_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o offer_v be_v the_o proper_a answer_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o further_a to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o viz._n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n at_o all_o in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o so_o that_o the_o doubt_v about_o conformity_n shall_v have_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n as_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o case_n i_o say_v now_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o just_a dispute_n whether_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n be_v the_o more_o eligible_a side_n nay_o i_o say_v further_o that_o if_o the_o rule_n i_o lay_v down_o about_o a_o single_a doubt_n be_v true_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v only_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o disobey_v and_o separate_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_v the_o rule_n be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v that_o side_n of_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n that_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o very_a great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o very_a great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o very_a consideration_n
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
hearty_o desire_v it_o and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o excite_v their_o sense_n of_o need_n and_o their_o desire_n and_o hope_v of_o relief_n and_o supply_v by_o praise_v and_o thank_v god_n as_o if_o he_o hearty_o admire_v his_o excellency_n and_o grateful_o resent_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o excite_v their_o admiration_n and_o gratitude_n that_o mode_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o these_o act_n of_o devotion_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o as_o for_o the_o mode_n of_o pray_v from_o his_o own_o conception_n i_o real_o think_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o apt_a to_o unfix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o these_o act_n than_o that_o of_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n because_o it_o force_v he_o to_o attend_v to_o other_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n viz._n the_o recollection_n of_o matter_n and_o invention_n of_o suitable_a expression_n which_o must_v more_o or_o less_o divert_v he_o from_o attend_v to_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o devotion_n according_a as_o his_o fancy_n and_o tongue_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pregnant_a and_o voluble_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o attend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o several_a thing_n as_o close_o as_o he_o may_v to_o one_o but_o when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n his_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v ready_a before_o he_o and_o so_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o his_o devotion_n and_o certain_o when_o a_o man_n have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o prayer_n he_o may_v attend_v to_o that_o more_o fix_o and_o close_o than_o when_o he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o it_o be_v true_a by_o be_v release_v from_o attend_v to_o the_o invention_n of_o his_o matter_n and_o word_n his_o mind_n be_v more_o at_o leisure_n to_o wander_v and_o instead_o of_o attend_v as_o he_o ought_v more_o close_o to_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n by_o employ_v those_o thought_n which_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n he_o employ_v in_o invention_n in_o a_o close_a attention_n to_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n he_o may_v if_o he_o please_v permit_v they_o to_o rove_v abroad_o but_o if_o he_o do_v the_o fault_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o the_o form_n he_o pray_v by_o the_o design_n of_o his_o form_n be_v to_o release_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o other_o business_n in_o prayer_n but_o only_o that_o of_o inward_a devotion_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o prayer_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o attentive_a to_o it_o but_o if_o instead_o of_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o design_n he_o suffer_v it_o to_o wander_v abroad_o he_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o a_o good_a thing_n and_o convert_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o help_n to_o devotion_n into_o a_o occasion_n of_o indevotion_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o while_o his_o thought_n be_v employ_v in_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o his_o prayer_n they_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o while_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v well_o employ_v though_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o attentive_o fix_v upon_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n to_o which_o in_o short_a i_o answer_v that_o to_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o study_v a_o prayer_n and_o till_o our_o brethren_n have_v prove_v that_o our_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o question_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o our_o attention_n to_o it_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n we_o believe_v that_o when_o we_o pray_v devout_o by_o a_o form_n we_o discharge_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o prayer_n though_o we_o do_v not_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_n prove_v we_o will_v not_o only_o yield_v that_o to_o attend_v to_o invent_v be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o can_v yield_v neither_o one_o nor_o other_o see_v then_o that_o form_n be_v in_o themselves_o more_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v by_o attend_v to_o these_o act_n or_o at_o least_o by_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o influence_n the_o attention_n of_o the_o people_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n form_n be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o public_a devotion_n than_o conceive_v or_o extemporary_a prayer_n but_o then_o 2._o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v in_o itself_o more_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n in_o prayer_n than_o form_n because_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n he_o utter_v his_o word_n immediate_o from_o his_o affection_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o his_o thought_n have_v not_o that_o scope_n to_o wander_v as_o when_o he_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n to_o which_o in_o short_a i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o have_v devout_a affection_n he_o may_v utter_v his_o word_n as_o immediate_o from_o his_o affection_n in_o a_o form_n as_o in_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n be_v altogether_o insignificant_a for_o his_o own_o invention_n be_v as_o much_o a_o medium_n between_o his_o affection_n and_o utterance_n in_o pray_v extempore_o as_o the_o book_n in_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v that_o in_o confess_v sin_n he_o be_v affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n he_o can_v express_v it_o in_o word_n but_o by_o use_v his_o own_o invention_n or_o a_o form_n and_o whether_o he_o use_v one_o or_o tother_o he_o use_v a_o medium_n to_o express_v it_o and_o why_o those_o word_n which_o he_o read_v shall_v not_o be_v as_o immediate_a to_o his_o affection_n as_o those_o which_o he_o invent_v provide_v they_o do_v as_o full_o express_v they_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o apprehend_v in_o short_a therefore_o if_o he_o have_v devout_a affection_n they_o will_v at_o least_o as_o much_o confine_v his_o thought_n from_o wander_v when_o he_o pray_v by_o form_n as_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o can_v utter_v his_o word_n from_o his_o affection_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o tother_o 2._o we_o will_v inquire_v whether_o those_o advantage_n which_o our_o brethren_n ascribe_v to_o conceive_a prayer_n above_o form_n as_o to_o the_o raise_v the_o minister_n intention_n in_o prayer_n be_v real_a or_o no_o first_o they_o pretend_v that_o in_o read_v a_o form_n his_o affection_n follow_v his_o word_n and_o be_v raise_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o whereas_o in_o pray_v extempore_o his_o word_n follow_v his_o affection_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a curious_a distinction_n but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o apprehend_v either_o what_o foundation_n there_o be_v for_o it_o or_o how_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o matter_n for_o first_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o either_o that_o his_o affection_n shall_v follow_v his_o word_n in_o a_o form_n more_o than_o in_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n or_o that_o his_o word_n shall_v follow_v his_o affection_n in_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n more_o than_o in_o a_o form_n why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n be_v devout_o affect_v with_o the_o matter_n he_o pray_v for_o before_o he_o express_v it_o in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n as_o well_o as_o before_o he_o express_v it_o extempore_o since_o if_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o form_n he_o can_v but_o know_v beforehand_o what_o he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v true_o devout_a can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o before_o he_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n as_o well_o be_v unaffected_a with_o the_o matter_n he_o pray_v for_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n till_o he_o have_v express_v it_o as_o with_o the_o matter_n he_o pray_v for_o in_o a_o form_n or_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o the_o affection_n may_v not_o follow_v the_o word_n and_o be_v excite_v by_o they_o in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o may_v not_o a_o man_n pray_v inconsiderate_o and_o suffer_v his_o tongue_n to_o run_v before_o his_o heart_n in_o both_o and_o may_v not_o his_o affection_n which_o be_v before_o asleep_a be_v awaken_v by_o the_o sound_n of_o his_o word_n in_o either_o in_o short_a therefore_o since_o in_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n a_o man_n may_v know_v as_o well_o at_o least_o and_o have_v as_o much_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o
all_o agree_v do_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o signify_v a_o office_n and_o that_o in_o both_o these_o text_n it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v evident_a because_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o several_a office_n and_o capacity_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o exhort_v they_o be_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o proper_a gift_n to_o which_o these_o act_n appertain_v so_o that_o if_o by_o these_o gift_n we_o understand_v ability_n to_o perform_v those_o act_n we_o shall_v force_v the_o argument_n to_o prove_v too_o much_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o rule_v and_o teach_v and_o minister_n and_o prophesy_v that_o have_v receive_v a_o ability_n to_o do_v so_o whereas_o in_o truth_n none_o can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o perform_v these_o act_n as_o all_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v acknowledge_v but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v vest_v with_o the_o office_n to_o which_o they_o appertain_v wherefore_o either_o this_o argument_n have_v receive_v gift_n must_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o rule_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o or_o else_o by_o gift_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o office_n to_o which_o those_o act_n of_o rule_v etc._n etc._n belong_v but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o some_o of_o these_o gift_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o ability_n of_o do_v the_o act_n here_o specify_v as_o particular_o that_o of_o distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o show_v mercy_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o for_o these_o act_n the_o mere_a ability_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a not_o only_o authorise_v but_o oblige_v we_o to_o they_o and_o by_o put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n god_n do_v as_o much_o make_v it_o our_o office_n to_o relieve_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v set_v we_o apart_o to_o it_o by_o a_o solemn_a ordination_n and_o because_o the_o ability_n here_o confer_v the_o office_n the_o gift_n though_o it_o signify_v the_o office_n must_v necessary_o include_v the_o ability_n too_o but_o in_o all_o those_o other_o particular_n where_o the_o office_n and_o ability_n be_v distinct_a thing_n the_o gift_n must_v signify_v the_o office_n distinct_a from_o the_o ability_n because_o here_o it_o be_v the_o office_n and_o not_o the_o ability_n that_o authorise_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o act_n the_o necessity_n of_o perform_v the_o act_n must_v be_v argue_v from_o the_o office_n and_o not_o from_o the_o ability_n so_o then_o if_o by_o the_o gift_n here_o speak_v of_o only_o such_o and_o such_o office_n be_v intend_v by_o what_o consequence_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o those_o who_o be_v vest_v with_o these_o office_n be_v here_o exhort_v faithful_o to_o discharge_v they_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v extempore_o be_v hereby_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o our_o brethren_n may_v as_o well_o argue_v 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1._o to_o answer_v those_o authority_n which_o be_v object_v by_o our_o brethren_n against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n 2._o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o age_n by_o a_o short_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o authority_n which_o they_o object_n against_o the_o primitive_a use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o of_o justin_n martyr_n 98._o martyr_n martyr_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o p._n 98._o who_o tell_v we_o that_o at_o the_o communion_n the_o chief_a minister_n do_v send_v forth_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v say_v they_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o in_o justin_n martyr_n day_n
that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n be_v according_a to_o his_o definition_n the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a but_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o the_o israelite_n of_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanite_n in_o those_o word_n leu._n 18._o 2._o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n this_o place_n divers_a of_o the_o defender_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o i_o choose_v to_o forbear_v the_o name_v of_o any_o who_o arguing_n i_o purpose_v to_o inquire_v into_o because_o i_o will_v prevent_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o least_o suspicion_n in_o the_o reader_n that_o i_o design_n in_o this_o performance_n to_o expose_v any_o man_n weakness_n in_o particular_a or_o that_o i_o be_o therein_o act_v by_o any_o personal_a pique_n now_o then_o as_o to_o the_o text_n now_o cite_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o argue_v without_o mighty_a caution_n from_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n so_o as_o to_o infer_v the_o obligation_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v under_o a_o dispensation_n so_o different_a from_o they_o and_o in_o circumstance_n so_o vast_o differ_v from_o those_o they_o be_v in_o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o all_o consider_a person_n must_v needs_o be_v aware_a of_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v limit_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o israelite_n may_v have_v no_o usage_n whatsoever_o in_o common_a with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanite_n and_o therefore_o in_o as_o general_a term_n as_o the_o prohibition_n run_v our_o brethren_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o restriction_n therein_o intend_v it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o unlikeness_n to_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v never_o to_o company_n with_o wicked_a man_n they_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n of_o they_o they_o then_o must_v needs_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n after_o their_o do_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v what_o way_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o confine_v the_o restriction_n to_o those_o particular_n prohibit_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o i_o need_v not_o show_v that_o the_o particular_n forbid_v in_o all_o these_o viz._n from_o v._n 5_o to_o the_o 24_o be_v not_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o thus_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n in_o the_o 24_o v._o in_o these_o word_n defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o but_o those_o that_o allege_v this_o text_n to_o the_o foresay_a purpose_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a proposition_n be_v thus_o limit_v by_o the_o context_n as_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o necessary_o must_v because_o say_v they_o we_o find_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n in_o other_o place_n to_o imitate_v heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o second_o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14._o 1._o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o kickshaw_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n much_o disbecoming_a the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n insist_v upon_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v leu._n 19_o 19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle-gender_n with_o a_o divers_a kind_n thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o now_o these_o three_o it_o be_v say_v be_v thing_n of_o so_o indifferent_a a_o nature_n that_o none_o can_v be_v more_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v ready_o grant_v but_o where_o be_v it_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v forbid_v because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o maimonides_n indeed_o as_o i_o 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use_v they_o yet_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o prove_v our_o church_n symbolise_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n why_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v not_o symbolize_v with_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o symbolize_v in_o such_o with_o those_o heathen_n for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v too_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o unlikeness_n between_o those_o people_n and_o these_o in_o their_o usage_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o strange_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o their_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o distance_n be_v make_v wide_o as_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v acknowledge_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o pagan_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o
can_v allot_v any_o more_o time_n for_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n for_o it_o than_o they_o do_v for_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o bid_v the_o corinthian_n examine_v themselves_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o institution_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v careful_a upon_o this_o admonition_n to_o avoid_v they_o for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o which_o to_o do_v require_v rather_o resolution_n and_o care_n than_o any_o long_a time_n of_o preparation_n i_o speak_v this_o that_o devout_a person_n may_v not_o be_v entangle_v in_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a necessity_n than_o real_o there_o be_v of_o a_o long_a and_o solemn_a preparation_n every_o time_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o great_a necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o man_n be_v to_o live_v as_o become_v christian_n and_o then_o they_o can_v never_o be_v absolute_o unprepared_a nay_o i_o think_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a preparation_n and_o i_o see_v not_o why_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o many_o of_o the_o papist_n do_v of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n which_o be_v to_o quit_v with_o god_n once_o or_o twice_o a_o year_n that_o so_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o sin_n again_o upon_o a_o new_a score_n but_o because_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o useful_a and_o the_o time_n which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o set_v apart_o for_o their_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v so_o advantageous_a a_o opportunity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o very_o much_o commend_v those_o who_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o search_v and_o try_v their_o way_n and_o to_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o more_o solemn_a account_n of_o their_o action_n because_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v sometime_o and_o i_o know_v no_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o than_o this_o and_o perhaps_o some_o will_v never_o find_v time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n into_o serious_a consideration_n be_v it_o not_o upon_o this_o solemn_a occasion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v by_o a_o religious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o good_a life_n this_o more_o solemn_a actual_a preparation_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a and_o it_o be_v better_o when_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o receive_v without_o it_o than_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o but_o the_o great_a our_o actual_a preparation_n be_v the_o better_a for_o no_o man_n can_v examine_v himself_o too_o often_o and_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n too_o well_o and_o exercise_v repentance_n and_o renew_v the_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n too_o frequent_o and_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o the_o do_v of_o all_o this_o than_o when_o we_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n there_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n all_o the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v now_o make_v upon_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v earnest_o to_o excite_v all_o that_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o themselves_o for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o a_o frequent_a participation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o the_o undoubted_a practice_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a time_n when_o man_n have_v more_o devotion_n and_o few_o scruple_n about_o their_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o die_a love_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a high_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n methinks_v so_o often_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o those_o word_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o consider_v what_o he_o who_o say_v they_o do_v for_o we_o this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n shall_v stick_v with_o we_o and_o make_v a_o strong_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o those_o other_o word_n of_o his_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n which_o he_o have_v express_v to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v have_v in_o perpetual_a remembrance_n and_o all_o that_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o by_o way_n of_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o frequent_a participation_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o shall_v this_o charge_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o that_o unparalleled_a kindness_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o benefit_n when_o we_o be_v so_o unmindful_a of_o our_o benefactor_n as_o to_o forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n the_o obligation_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a not_o only_o beyond_o all_o requital_n but_o beyond_o all_o expression_n that_o if_o he_o have_v command_v we_o some_o very_a grievous_a thing_n we_o ought_v with_o all_o the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o easy_a a_o commandment_n a_o thing_n of_o no_o burden_n but_o of_o immense_a benefit_n when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v to_o we_o eat_v o_o friend_n and_o drink_v o_o belove_v when_o he_o only_o invite_v we_o to_o his_o table_n to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o delicious_a feast_n that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n if_o we_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a blessing_n which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o be_v confer_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o neglect_v they_o that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v god_n for_o every_o opportunity_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o benefit_n when_o such_o a_o price_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n shall_v we_o want_v heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v long_o with_o david_n who_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o blessing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n house_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o his_o altar_n and_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o he_o o_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o thou_o my_o soul_n long_v you_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v account_v it_o the_o great_a infelicity_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v debar_v of_o this_o privilege_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v deliberate_o and_o frequent_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o we_o exclaim_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o great_a impatience_n and_o with_o a_o very_a just_a indignation_n for_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o half_a of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o take_v from_o they_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v patient_o endure_v for_o some_o month_n nay_o year_n to_o exclude_v ourselves_o whole_o from_o it_o if_o no_o such_o great_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n belong_v to_o it_o why_o do_v we_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o hinder_v we_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o do_v why_o do_v we_o by_o our_o own_o neglect_n deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o whole_a in_o vain_a do_v we_o bemoan_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o our_o slow_a progress_n and_o improvement_n in_o christianity_n whilst_o we_o wilful_o despise_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o goodness_n well_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v leanness_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o to_o consume_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o perpetual_a doubt_v and_o trouble_n if_o when_o god_n himself_o do_v spread_v so_o bountiful_a
not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v and_o perpetual_o imitate_v by_o we_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n thus_o in_o our_o present_a case_n though_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o his_o example_n alone_o do_v not_o become_v a_o everlasting_a rule_n for_o all_o age_n to_o observe_v because_o he_o have_v no_o where_o discover_v his_o bind_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o consequent_o since_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o may_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o will_n and_o intention_n when_o we_o so_o zealous_o press_v and_o follow_v his_o example_n especial_o in_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o gesture_n for_o even_o under_o the_o law_n where_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n habit_n and_o the_o ceremony_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n be_v with_o great_a particularity_n describe_v this_o of_o gesture_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o undetermined_a god_n never_o oblige_v they_o to_o use_v any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o to_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n and_o body_n or_o fall_v prostrate_a on_o the_o earth_n to_o use_v all_o or_o any_o one_o of_o these_o as_o custom_n and_o their_o own_o pious_a prudence_n shall_v prompt_v and_o direct_v they_o see_v then_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v never_o determine_v under_o the_o law_n since_o it_o be_v and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o mutable_a ceremony_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v so_o unto_o this_o day_n our_o lord_n leave_v it_o as_o he_o find_v it_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v by_o some_o command_n or_o note_n of_o immutability_n fix_v and_o determine_v it_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n but_o because_o no_o such_o command_n or_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v therefore_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o his_o example_n a_o few_o instance_n will_v clear_v this_o point_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o baptise_a till_o 23._o luke_n 3._o 23._o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n but_o this_o example_n be_v not_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n a_o law_n or_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n so_o long_o so_o he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n but_o be_v there_o no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o but_o when_o we_o be_v near_o our_o grave_n and_o under_o a_o prospect_n of_o death_n he_o also_o institute_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n after_o a_o full_a meal_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o man_n only_o do_v his_o bare_a example_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v punctual_o all_o these_o circumstance_n or_o no_o if_o it_o do_v why_o do_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o example_n in_o these_o thing_n if_o his_o example_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o we_o to_o follow_v it_o in_o these_o particular_n how_o do_v sit_v become_v necessary_a bare_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o example_n i_o desire_v they_o therefore_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o examine_v this_o matter_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v assign_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o liberty_n they_o take_v of_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o not_o in_o other_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o guide_v they_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o do_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o to_o withdraw_v their_o suit_n against_o kneel_v and_o quit_v their_o own_o principle_n or_o condemn_v their_o own_o practice_n as_o shameful_o repugnant_a to_o it_o 2._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o act_v by_o because_o the_o great_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o that_o glorious_a example_n he_o leave_v we_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o it_o show_v the_o possibility_n and_o clear_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o law_n and_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o it_o put_v the_o rule_n into_o activity_n and_o set_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o life_n it_o be_v to_o our_o life_n as_o exhortation_n be_v to_o doctrine_n it_o thrust_v we_o forward_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v before_o whatsoever_o our_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v in_o that_o only_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o imitate_v he_o but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n we_o may_v do_v it_o if_o we_o will_v and_o if_o we_o can_v innocent_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a life_n but_o we_o be_v not_o under_o constraint_n and_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a to_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a to_o be_v patient_n under_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o be_v ever_o content_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o the_o life_n and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o become_v a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n he_o command_v we_o to_o do_v what_o he_o perform_v himself_o and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o if_o we_o will_v walk_v sure_o be_v first_o to_o look_v for_o our_o rule_n and_o then_o for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v make_v the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v all_o other_o by_o but_o than_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o be_v out_o duty_n we_o must_v bring_v his_o example_n to_o the_o rule_n for_o as_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o obey_v christ_n and_o obey_v the_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o act_n 5._o 42._o act_n 11._o 20._o marc._n 16._o 15._o heb._n 5._o 9_o 2_o thess_n 1._o 8._o col._n 2._o 6._o gospel_n be_v phrase_n of_o alike_a import_n it_o scripture_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o follow_v christ_n be_v all_o one_o with_o follow_v the_o gospel-rule_n or_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n and_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o divine_a authority_n by_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n he_o be_v a_o prophetical_a priest_n by_o which_o office_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o we_o shall_v quick_o experiment_n will_v be_v more_o vain_a and_o foolish_a than_o attempt_n of_o a_o imitation_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o nothing_o more_o wicked_a than_o to_o think_v and_o believe_v we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o other_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n be_v a_o good_a way_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o warrant_v of_o imitate_v our_o lord_n death_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n so_o to_o die_v rather_o than_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o dishonour_v our_o saviour_n be_v great_a and_o praiseworthy_a but_o to_o die_v for_o sin_n either_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n to_o propose_v a_o meritorious_a death_n to_o ourselves_o and_o by_o way_n of_o expiation_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o stain_n that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n
have_v bring_v yourself_o to_o much_o liberty_n i_o doubt_v not_o you_o will_v find_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o alter_v it_o and_o come_v into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n where_o if_o you_o do_v not_o meet_v present_o with_o such_o advantage_n for_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n as_o you_o be_v tell_v you_o may_v receive_v you_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v as_o the_o forename_a mr._n hildersham_n do_v to_o those_o that_o say_v they_o can_v not_o find_v such_o light_n such_o power_n such_o comfort_n in_o the_o word_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o first_o either_o you_o have_v not_o seek_v it_o aright_o not_o with_o earnestness_n or_o not_o with_o a_o good_a heart_n or_o secund_o if_o you_o have_v and_o do_v not_o find_v it_o at_o first_o yet_o you_o shall_v hereafter_o if_o you_o seek_v it_o here_o with_o a_o honest_a heart_n viii_o and_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n among_o we_o will_v be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n upon_o your_o heart_n if_o when_o you_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o you_o will_v remember_v and_o observe_v some_o rule_n deliver_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o another_o place_n lecture_n xxvi_o about_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o now_o alas_o be_v general_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v press_v for_o the_o dispose_n all_o man_n heart_n to_o profit_v by_o their_o attendance_n on_o it_o 1._o one_o be_v that_o at_o your_o come_n into_o the_o congregation_n and_o during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o your_o abode_n there_o you_o will_v behave_v yourselves_o reverent_o for_o we_o may_v not_o come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o we_o will_v into_o a_o dancing-school_n or_o playhouse_n laugh_v or_o toy_v etc._n etc._n neither_o may_v we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o as_o we_o will_v out_o of_o such_o a_o one_o but_o in_o our_o very_a come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o and_o whole_a outward_a carriage_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v some_o signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n that_o we_o bear_v to_o this_o place_n and_o that_o we_o do_v indeed_o account_v it_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o serious_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o awful_a sense_n of_o god_n presence_n possess_v the_o mind_n will_v no_o doubt_n be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o sermon_n for_o which_o end_n 2._o another_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v all_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o carry_v till_o all_o be_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n say_v he_o to_o be_v in_o god_n house_n before_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o become_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o wait_v for_o they_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o this_o be_v two_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o our_o assembly_n but_o all_o may_v receive_v profit_n by_o it_o for_o example_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o absolution_n i_o may_v add_v and_o all_o other_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o congregation_n a_o man_n may_v receive_v more_o profit_n and_o comfort_n than_o by_o any_o other_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n even_o after_o christ_n ascension_n when_o the_o typical_a honour_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v abolish_v etc._n etc._n be_v so_o delight_v to_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v at_o the_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n 1._o act._n 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v how_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v all_o may_v profit_v and_o by_o hear_v it_o preach_v even_o by_o the_o mean_a minister_n of_o christ_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o how_o the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n also_o further_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n and_o much_o more_o benefit_n may_v the_o faithful_a receive_v by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n nay_o by_o be_v present_a at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n all_o may_v receive_v profit_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n there-by_a of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n last_o by_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v by_o god_n minister_n all_o may_v receive_v good_a and_o therefore_o none_o ought_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o his_o second_o reason_n be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o we_o can_v receive_v no_o profit_n by_o the_o exercise_n use_v in_o our_o assembly_n yet_o we_o must_v be_v present_a at_o they_o all_o to_o do_v our_o homage_n unto_o god_n and_o show_v the_o reverend_a respect_n we_o have_v to_o his_o ordinance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n among_o we_o observe_v this_o but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o instruction_n and_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n there_o shall_v be_v all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o prayer_n use_v yea_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o our_o assembly_n 1_o k._n 11._o 1_o 2._o that_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o well_o as_o preach_v the_o holy_a communion_n administer_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o our_o common-prayer_n to_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v respect_n and_o this_o he_o repeat_v again_o lecture_n xxviii_o if_o thou_o be_v sure_a thou_o can_v not_o profit_v yet_o must_v thou_o come_v to_o do_v thy_o homage_n to_o god_n and_o to_o show_v thy_o reverence_n to_o his_o ordinance_n 3._o another_o of_o his_o general_a rule_n be_v that_o when_o we_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o do_v as_o the_o congregation_n do_v for_o it_o make_v much_o for_o the_o come_v liness_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o good_a order_n without_o confusion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n part_n of_o this_o good_a order_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o congregation_n when_o they_o all_o come_v together_o and_o go_v together_o pray_v together_o sing_v together_o kneel_z together_o in_o a_o word_n when_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v but_o one_o man._n and_o in_o several_a place_n he_o reprove_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o zeal_n man_n great_a carelessness_n in_o this_o particular_o their_o neglect_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o prayer_n have_v observe_v that_o man_n who_o will_v kneel_v at_o their_o own_o private_a prayer_n can_v never_o be_v see_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o common_a and_o public_a prayer_n his_o last_o general_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o teach_v our_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o show_v reverence_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v endure_v profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n no_o not_o in_o child_n and_o it_o stand_v we_o all_o upon_o to_o use_v the_o utmost_a authority_n we_o have_v to_o maintain_v the_o reverence_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n for_o the_o open_a contempt_n do_v by_o any_o may_v bring_v god_n curse_n on_o we_o all_o and_o certain_o say_v he_o among_o other_o cause_n of_o the_o plague_n and_o other_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o land_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v i_o be_o tempt_v to_o transcribe_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o these_o lecture_n because_o by_o they_o you_o may_v see_v that_o if_o i_o have_v move_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v about_o our_o sermon_n i_o may_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o devout_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v maintain_v that_o there_o want_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o profit_v in_o our_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v none_o as_o long_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o read_v by_o which_o together_o with_o the_o other_o holy_a duty_n all_o may_v receive_v the_o great_a profit_n and_o comfort_n if_o they_o please_v for_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a excellence_n authority_n and_o certainty_n than_o the_o sermon_n of_o any_o preacher_n in_o the_o world_n first_o because_o it_o come_v more_o immediate_o from_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o man_n yet_o be_v there_o in_o it_o far_o less_o mixture_n of_o humane_a ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n than_o in_o sermon_n while_o the_o word_n be_v read_v we_o be_v sure_o we_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o