to_o grieve_v or_o offend_v some_o private_a person_n than_o to_o trouble_v and_o disturb_v and_o endanger_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o do_v if_o at_o every_o private_a person_n pleasure_n we_o take_v upon_o we_o a_o liberty_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o not_o only_o all_o wise_a nation_n but_o even_o all_o man_n still_o act_v by_o in_o case_n that_o be_v any_o way_n like_o to_o this_o all_o nation_n prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o the_o private_a and_o think_v it_o much_o better_a that_o some_o single_a person_n suffer_v inconvenience_n than_o that_o the_o public_a be_v endanger_v and_o have_v ever_o set_v the_o worst_a character_n upon_o those_o man_n that_o have_v sacrifice_v the_o good_a of_o their_o country_n to_o their_o own_o private_a ambition_n and_o revenge_n and_o never_o regard_v what_o confusion_n and_o mischief_n thus_o bring_v upon_o it_o 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particular_a person_n to_o neglect_v and_o speak_v against_o their_o establishment_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o punish_v and_o molest_v they_o than_o endanger_v their_o whole_a constitution_n and_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o body_n and_o the_o health_n of_o it_o before_o any_o particular_a member_n they_o ready_o gash_n and_o cut_v one_o to_o save_v all_o yea_o and_o will_v have_v a_o putrid_a and_o mortify_a member_n take_v off_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v endanger_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o the_o more_o public_a good_a aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o more_o private_a and_o that_o all_o man_n natural_o yield_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n than_o they_o do_v to_o any_o single_a member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o in_o our_o present_a case_n of_o give_v offence_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v evident_a both_o by_o plain_a warrant_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o some_o proper_a consideration_n which_o all_o man_n allow_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o in_o other_o case_n 1._o i_o begin_v first_o with_o search_v what_o warrant_v for_o this_o we_o can_v find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n either_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o those_o who_o be_v propose_v there_o to_o our_o imitation_n and_o first_o as_o for_o precept_n and_o direction_n i_o think_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n gal._n 6._o 10._o to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o what_o i_o be_o upon_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o enjoin_v we_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o show_v this_o upon_o all_o occasion_n rather_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o this_o place_n be_v full_a and_o direct_o come_v up_o to_o our_o present_a case_n and_o the_o pretence_n make_v about_o it_o for_o charity_n be_v as_o direct_v and_o plain_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o not_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v as_o strict_o enjoin_v as_o the_o other_o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o charity_n be_v as_o severe_o threaten_v as_o the_o give_a offence_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o any_o other_o person_n whatever_o come_v in_o competition_n and_o be_v candidate_n for_o our_o charity_n we_o ought_v to_o show_v it_o unto_o that_o and_o not_o unto_o these_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o determine_v thus_o our_o charity_n will_v determine_v as_o well_o our_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n especial_o since_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o no_o one_o that_o i_o know_v of_o more_z so_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o tragical_a story_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o we_o be_v express_o charge_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n and_o so_o we_o be_v express_o charge_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n in_o give_v offence_n we_o must_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o mean_a person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o woe_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o that_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o and_o so_o we_o be_v in_o charity_n command_v too_o and_o a_o woe_n threaten_v to_o he_o that_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o the_o mean_a servant_n of_o god_n yea_o this_o be_v command_v even_o to_o the_o creature_n below_o we_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o must_v prefer_v the_o church_n before_o all_o other_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o charity_n can_v not_o be_v show_v unto_o both_o we_o ought_v to_o determine_v our_o respect_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o suspend_v the_o act_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o other_o and_o must_v do_v so_o too_o in_o our_o charity_n of_o not_o offend_v or_o grieve_v the_o church_n unless_o some_o disproportion_n can_v be_v show_v in_o this_o from_o the_o other_o act_n of_o charity_n or_o some_o reason_n here_o to_o alter_v the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a can_v this_o place_n alone_o if_o there_o be_v none_o other_o sufficient_o determine_v this_o case_n and_o that_o we_o be_v warrant_v also_o by_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o act_v by_o this_o rule_n the_o action_n of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o life_n be_v there_o record_v for_o our_o imitation_n do_v show_v we_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o good_a example_n for_o we_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o we_o find_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n pay_v a_o mighty_a deference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o studious_o avoid_v to_o give_v any_o displeasure_n or_o offence_n unto_o they_o and_o this_o in_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v introduce_v without_o any_o express_a warrant_n or_o command_n from_o god_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v and_o have_v be_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o late_a but_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n which_o come_v pretty_a well_o up_o to_o our_o present_a case_n and_o that_o be_v his_o pay_a tribute_n of_o which_o you_o have_v the_o story_n matth._n 17._o 27._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o by_o this_o he_o may_v give_v some_o offence_n in_o this_o loose_a notion_n of_o offence_n i._n e._n occasion_n some_o trouble_n in_o his_o follower_n by_o own_v himself_o a_o stranger_n and_o pay_v tribute_n as_o such_o nevertheless_o he_o choose_v to_o do_v that_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o public_a notwithstanding_o that_o we_o offend_v they_o not_o etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o person_n he_o be_v so_o careful_a here_o not_o to_o offend_v be_v the_o roman_a government_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o our_o present_a case_n if_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o we_o see_v he_o be_v more_o careful_a not_o to_o offend_v they_o than_o his_o own_o follower_n but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_n it_o conclude_v more_o strong_o for_o we_o and_o for_o our_o present_a case_n where_o the_o government_n be_v christian_n and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n one_o and_o the_o same_o where_o we_o can_v offend_v the_o church_n but_o we_o must_v offend_v the_o government_n and_o civil_a power_n too_o under_o who_o protection_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v establish_v and_o who_o canon_n it_o have_v adopt_v
touch_v viz._n the_o unclean_a and_o abominable_a practice_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n the_o unfruitful_a 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o again_o thus_o describe_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o but_o rather_o to_o reprove_v they_o that_o be_v in_o judgement_n to_o condemn_v they_o by_o word_n to_o reprove_v they_o in_o conversation_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o their_o company_n must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o lord_n table_n to_o which_o they_o be_v command_v because_o evil_a man_n who_o till_o they_o repent_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v there_o rude_o intrude_v themselves_o may_v they_o not_o join_v with_o bad_a man_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o can_v be_v well_o avoid_v in_o do_v a_o good_a action_n because_o they_o must_v in_o no_o case_n and_o on_o no_o account_n join_v with_o they_o in_o do_v a_o sinful_a one_o because_o they_o have_v omit_v their_o duty_n must_v i_o neglect_v i_o because_o they_o sin_n in_o come_v unprepared_o must_v i_o sin_n in_o not_o come_v at_o all_o will_v their_o sin_n be_v any_o plea_n or_o excuse_n for_o i_o if_o i_o communicate_v with_o they_o will_v their_o unworthiness_n be_v lay_v at_o my_o door_n if_o i_o separate_v because_o of_o that_o shall_v they_o answer_v for_o my_o contempt_n as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o own_o profanation_n of_o it_o no_o sure_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v the_o 20._o ezek._n 18._o 20._o second_o be_v that_o text_n obj._n 2._o in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v 4._o 18._o c._n 4._o not_o of_o her_o plague_n answ_n this_o place_n be_v most_o certain_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n of_o the_o roman_a idolatrous_a polity_n and_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n lest_o they_o endanger_v their_o own_o salvation_n by_o communicate_v with_o she_o in_o mass_n and_o other_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n it_o abundant_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o afford_v not_o the_o least_o plea_n for_o dissenter_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o unless_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o or_o but_o little_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o have_v a_o church_n reform_v from_o all_o her_o superstition_n that_o retain_v nothing_o of_o she_o but_o what_o she_o retain_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n here_o be_v no_o drown_v religion_n in_o shadow_n and_o formality_n nor_o bury_v she_o under_o a_o load_n of_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a rubbish_n nor_o dress_v up_o religion_n in_o a_o flaunt_a pomp_n to_o set_v she_o off_o or_o a_o gaudy_a garb_n to_o recommend_v she_o much_o less_o in_o such_o fantastical_a rite_n such_o antic_a vestment_n and_o gesticulation_n that_o may_v just_o render_v her_o ridiculous_a and_o contemptible_a but_o her_o ceremony_n be_v few_o and_o decent_a countenance_v by_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o very_o much_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o religion_n here_o be_v no_o half-communions_a no_o more_o sacrament_n thrust_v upon_o we_o than_o our_o lord_n himself_o institute_v and_o yet_o those_o left_a whole_a and_o entire_a for_o our_o use_n and_o comfort_n that_o he_o do_v no_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o the_o votary_n neither_o mind_n nor_o understand_v no_o pray_v to_o saint_n or_o angel_n no_o adore_a image_n picture_n and_o relic_n no_o worship_v the_o creature_n beside_o or_o more_o than_o the_o creator_n which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v who_o in_o all_o their_o public_a office_n of_o devotion_n for_o one_o prayer_n to_o god_n have_v order_v ten_o to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n here_o be_v no_o doctrine_n obtrude_v on_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n nay_o to_o sense_n to_o all_o our_o sense_n no_o practice_n allow_v that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n no_o pardon_n to_o be_v buy_v no_o indulgence_n to_o be_v purchase_v no_o expunge_v any_o one_o commandment_n out_o of_o the_o decalogue_n or_o contrive_v art_n and_o device_n to_o make_v void_a the_o rest_n but_o as_o her_o devotion_n be_v pure_a and_o spiritual_a have_v god_n and_o he_o only_o for_o their_o object_n so_o her_o doctrine_n be_v find_v and_o orthodox_n have_v christ_n for_o its_o cornerstone_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o its_o foundation_n a_o church_n that_o need_v no_o counterfeit_a legend_n no_o incredible_a miracle_n no_o ridiculous_a fable_n to_o promote_v her_o veneration_n who_o security_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n but_o in_o their_o enlighten_v understanding_n that_o can_v defend_v itself_o without_o the_o help_n of_o spurious_a author_n or_o corrupt_v the_o word_n and_o sense_n of_o authentic_a one_o a_o church_n that_o dare_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o she_o be_v look_v into_o the_o more_o to_o be_v embrace_v and_o admire_v and_o i_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o clear_v every_o one_o of_o her_o member_n from_o vice_n as_o it_o be_v her_o constitution_n from_o corruption_n but_o let_v those_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o fall_v and_o be_v sure_a to_o sweep_v their_o own_o door_n clean_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a st._n paul_n advice_n be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v examine_v himself_o and_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o rash_a and_o censorious_a judge_v of_o our_o brother_n be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o some_o of_o those_o that_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v of_o so_o pollute_v and_o infectious_a a_o nature_n in_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o direct_o oposite_a this_o pharisaical_a humour_n be_v to_o that_o humility_n meekness_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v how_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o all_o good_a man_n who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v themselves_o than_o other_o who_o the_o more_o holy_a they_o be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o imperfection_n how_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o balk_v not_o at_o any_o time_n the_o society_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n who_o when_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o yet_o admit_v judas_n into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o yet_o how_o full_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o those_o ancient_a schismatic_n the_o novatian_o and_o the_o donatist_n may_v i_o stay_v to_o run_v the_o parallel_n both_o those_o schism_n and_o this_o among_o we_o will_v be_v find_v to_o begin_v on_o the_o same_o principle_n slackness_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o corruption_n in_o manner_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o same_o pretence_n zeal_n for_o purity_n and_o fear_v of_o pollution_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o bitter_a fountain_n pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o excuse_v ourselves_o or_o to_o recriminate_a they_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n be_v that_o all_o isarel_n may_v be_v save_v that_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o we_o will_v now_o at_o last_o lay_z aside_o all_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n all_o groundless_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n and_o come_v in_o and_o join_v their_o force_n with_o our_o church_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n and_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v extreme_o careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o stray_a brother_n for_o who_o sake_n in_o some_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n
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
danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v better_a whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o very_a many_o place_n this_o great_a and_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o quite_o forget_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n even_o lose_v among_o christian_n so_o that_o many_o congregation_n in_o england_n may_v just_o have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o woman_n at_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n they_o have_v take_v away_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o but_o sure_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v nor_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v when_o they_o do_v so_o earnest_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v great_a but_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v upon_o this_o consideration_n be_v deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o habitual_a indisposition_n and_o unworthiness_n st._n paul_n indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o true_o represent_v and_o very_o much_o aggravate_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o do_v not_o deter_v the_o corinthian_n from_o it_o because_o they_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o it_o without_o due_a reverence_n but_o exhort_v they_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o and_o to_o come_v better_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o after_o that_o terrible_a declaration_n in_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o add_v therefore_o let_v christian_n take_v heed_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o let_v they_o come_v prepare_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n not_o as_o to_o a_o common_a meal_n but_o to_o a_o solemn_a participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o fear_v of_o perform_v so_o sacred_a a_o action_n in_o a_o undue_a manner_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v over_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n of_o prayer_n of_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a danger_n in_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unprofitable_a use_n of_o any_o of_o these_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o same_o caution_n concern_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reform_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o damnable_a to_o such_o person_n but_o now_o will_v any_o man_n from_o hence_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n not_o to_o pray_v not_o to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v endanger_v and_o aggravate_v his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n from_o this_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o give_v over_o pray_v and_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n as_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a that_o he_o that_o pray_v unworthy_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o by_o his_o indevout_a prayer_n and_o unfruitful_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n do_v further_a and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a as_o that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o high_a contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a perform_v this_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o he_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n he_o that_o unworthy_o use_v or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n but_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n plunge_v himself_o into_o a_o most_o desperate_a state_n and_o do_v certain_o damn_v himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n throw_v off_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o better_a state_n i_o can_v more_o fit_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n than_o by_o this_o plain_a similitude_n he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v intemperate_o endanger_v his_o health_n and_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n will_v not_o eat_v at_o all_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o will_v certain_o become_v of_o he_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n there_o be_v some_o conscientious_a person_n who_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v commit_v afterward_o be_v unpardonable_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v man_n except_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v those_o great_a miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o work_v and_o which_o he_o real_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n indeed_o to_o sin_n deliberate_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o such_o as_o to_o make_v it_o unpardonable_a but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v these_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o constant_a receive_n of_o it_o with_o the_o best_a preparation_n we_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o obtain_v the_o assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n for_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a and_o affect_a manner_n exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o so_o frequent_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v never_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n undoubted_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v that_o such_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n shall_v because_v of_o their_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o our_o lord_n institution_n unavoidable_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n such_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n as_o these_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a meaning_n but_o they_o be_v certain_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n for_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o these_o scruple_n no_o man_n perhaps_o be_v ever_o so_o worthy_o prepare_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v still_o some_o defect_n or_o other_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o preparation_n but_o if_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v this_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v and_o for_o our_o fear_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n be_v not_o prevent_v by_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n but_o increase_v because_o a_o powerful_a and_o probable_a mean_n of_o preserve_a man_n from_o sin_n be_v neglect_v and_o why_o shall_v
not_o every_o sincere_a christian_a by_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o god_n rather_o hope_v to_o be_v confirm_v in_o goodness_n and_o to_o receive_v far_a assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o strengthen_v he_o against_o sin_n and_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o subdue_v it_o than_o trouble_n himself_o with_o fear_n which_o be_v either_o without_o ground_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n we_o can_v sure_o entertain_v so_o unworthy_a a_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o do_v institute_v the_o sacrament_n not_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o as_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n this_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n into_o a_o cup_n of_o deadly_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n all_o then_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v that_o upon_o this_o consideration_n man_n shall_v be_v quicken_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fortify_v their_o resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o solemn_o renew_v every_o time_n they_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n but_o not_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n which_o may_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o good_a therefore_o as_o a_o learned_a divine_a say_v very_o well_o this_o sacrament_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o none_o but_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o but_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v engage_v to_o use_v their_o best_a diligence_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n since_o they_o be_v already_o in_o so_o bad_a a_o state_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n concern_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2._o second_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o that_o so_o much_o obj._n 2_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o clear_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o refrain_v from_o it_o second_o that_o a_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o immediate_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o preparation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o hope_v this_o objection_n be_v full_o answer_v 1._o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o than_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o receive_v it_o for_o who_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a and_o in_o all_o degree_n and_o respect_n due_o qualify_v to_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n who_o can_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_o fit_a to_o approach_v god_n altar_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o best_a man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o every_o imperfection_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o enter_v into_o by_o baptism_n and_o be_v go_v solemn_o to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n we_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o main_a qualify_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v more_o fit_a be_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n frequent_o that_o by_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o god_n appoint_v by_o this_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v nourish_v in_o goodness_n and_o new_a strength_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v continual_o derive_v to_o we_o for_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o more_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n and_o if_o we_o will_v neglect_v the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistence_n we_o may_v tire_v ourselves_o with_o our_o devotion_n and_o fill_v heaven_n with_o vain_a complaint_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o this_o importunity_n obtain_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n like_o lazy_a beggar_n that_o be_v always_o complain_v and_o always_o ask_v but_o will_v not_o work_v will_v do_v nothing_o to_o help_v themselves_o and_o better_o their_o condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o like_a to_o move_v the_o pity_n and_o compassion_n of_o other_o if_o we_o expect_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o careful_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n that_o excellent_a degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o man_n will_v have_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o insist_v upon_o have_v the_o end_n before_o they_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o may_v further_o they_o in_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o do_v it_o by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o one_o fault_n may_v draw_v on_o another_o but_o can_v never_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a fault_n that_o we_o be_v whole_o unprepared_a and_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o fault_n or_o plead_v it_o in_o excuse_n or_o extenuation_n of_o it_o a_o total_a want_n of_o preparation_n and_o a_o absolute_a unworthiness_n be_v impenitency_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n a_o resolution_n to_o continue_v a_o bad_a man_n not_o to_o quit_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o break_v off_o that_o wicked_a course_n he_o have_v live_v in_o but_o be_v this_o any_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o will_v not_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o with_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o a_o father_n command_v his_o son_n to_o ask_v he_o blessing_n every_o day_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v it_o he_o but_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v undutiful_a to_o he_o in_o his_o other_o action_n and_o life_n in_o open_a disobedience_n forbid_v he_o to_o come_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o excuse_v himself_o from_o ask_v his_o father_n blessing_n because_o he_o be_v undutiful_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o this_o be_v just_a the_o case_n of_o neglect_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v and_o the_o blessing_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n because_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o
show_v both_o what_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o their_o crime_n be_v their_o irreverent_a and_o disorderly_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o their_o punishment_n be_v those_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o this_o be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a we_o be_v proportionable_o to_o understand_v the_o precept_n of_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o that_o be_v consider_v well_o with_o himself_o what_o a_o sacred_a action_n he_o be_v go_v about_o and_o what_o behaviour_n become_v he_o when_o he_o be_v celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o memorial_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o if_o heretofore_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o tax_v they_o withal_o let_v he_o censure_v and_o judge_v himself_o for_o it_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o sorry_a for_o his_o fault_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o have_v thus_o examine_v himself_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n and_o that_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o can_v well_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n but_o some_o will_v say_v be_v this_o all_o the_o preparation_n that_o be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o we_o take_v care_v not_o to_o come_v drink_v to_o it_o nor_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o irreverence_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a this_o be_v the_o particular_a unworthiness_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o corinthian_n and_o which_o he_o warn_v they_o to_o amend_v as_o they_o desire_v to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n such_o as_o they_o have_v already_o feel_v for_o this_o irreverent_a carriage_n of_o they_o so_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n he_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n with_o they_o at_o present_a in_o this_o matter_n though_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o irreverence_n will_v proportionable_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o like_a punishment_n he_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o their_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n answerable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o we_o may_v suppose_v he_o take_v for_o grant_v however_o it_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v prayer_n or_o any_o other_o religious_a duty_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o none_o but_o those_o who_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o communicate_v in_o this_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n very_o much_o to_o be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n to_o examine_v themselves_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v i_o mean_v to_o examine_v our_o past_a life_n and_o the_o action_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o all_o our_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o fix_v we_o in_o the_o steady_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n particular_o when_o we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n seal_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v lay_v aside_o all_o enmity_n and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n and_o hearty_o forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o this_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v earnest_o exhort_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o communion_n by_o way_n of_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n for_o it_o to_o repent_v we_o true_o of_o our_o sin_n past_a to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o to_o be_v in_o perfect_a charity_n with_o all_o man_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n and_o because_o this_o work_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o exercise_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n be_v incumbent_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o can_v never_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n more_o seasonable_o and_o with_o great_a advantage_n than_o when_o we_o be_v meditate_v of_o this_o sacrament_n therefore_o beside_o our_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o repentance_n and_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o be_v a_o very_a pious_a and_o commendable_a custom_n in_o christian_n before_o their_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n for_o this_o work_n of_o examination_n but_o how_o much_o time_n every_o person_n shall_v allot_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o as_o it_o need_v not_o so_o neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v precise_o determine_v some_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o spend_v more_o time_n upon_o this_o work_n than_o other_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o account_n be_v heavy_a because_o they_o have_v long_o run_v upon_o the_o score_n and_o neglect_a themselves_o and_o some_o also_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o easy_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o be_v oblige_v to_o allow_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o general_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v a_o work_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n slight_o and_o perfunctory_o and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o action_n the_o end_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v now_o the_o end_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o reform_v whatever_o we_o find_v amiss_o in_o ourselves_o and_o provide_v this_o end_n be_v obtain_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v less_o considerable_a whether_o more_a or_o less_o time_n be_v allow_v to_o this_o work_n it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v sure_a that_o the_o work_n be_v thorough_o do_v and_o i_o do_v on_o purpose_n speak_v thus_o cautious_o in_o this_o matter_n because_o some_o pious_a person_n do_v perhaps_o err_v on_o the_o strict_a hand_n and_o be_v a_o little_a superstitious_a on_o that_o side_n insomuch_o that_o unless_o they_o can_v gain_v so_o much_o time_n to_o set_v apart_o for_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n they_o will_v refrain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n at_o that_o time_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a mind_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v i_o praise_v they_o in_o this_o i_o praise_v they_o not_o for_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o due_a preparation_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o come_v so_o prepare_v as_o we_o can_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v rather_o than_o to_o abstain_v upon_o this_o punctilio_fw-la for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o general_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o prepare_v may_v receive_v at_o any_o time_n when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v though_o he_o have_v no_o particular_a foresight_n of_o that_o opportunity_n and_o i_o think_v in_o that_o case_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v do_v much_o better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o refrain_v because_o he_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n though_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o make_v such_o actual_a preparation_n as_o he_o desire_v and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o allowable_a how_o can_v minister_n communicate_v with_o sick_a person_n at_o all_o time_n or_o persuade_v other_o to_o do_v it_o many_o time_n upon_o very_o short_a and_o sudden_a warning_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o frequent_o that_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n they_o judge_v it_o as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o even_o as_o their_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o interpret_n the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v we_o can_v well_o conceive_v how_o they_o who_o celebrate_v it_o so_o constant_o
will_v not_o wash_v out_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v trample_v upon_o and_o vilify_a of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o save_v we_o blindly_n therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o run_v into_o error_n and_o mischief_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o safe_o seek_v out_o for_o a_o plain_a rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o either_o way_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o a_o bare_a example_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o sit_v be_v somewhat_o ware_a of_o this_o namely_o that_o his_o example_n and_o those_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o lie_v down_o this_o 339._o gillesp_n against_o cer._n p._n 339._o for_o their_o maxim_n and_o guide_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n without_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n to_o bring_v their_o own_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o our_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o special_a reason_n draw_v from_o that_o time_n and_o place_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o which_o that_o gesture_n be_v peculiar_a how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v use_v another_o gesture_n if_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v institute_v apart_o from_o the_o passover_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o jew_n eat_v the_o passover_n after_o one_o fashion_n in_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o cease_v give_v occasion_n to_o alter_v it_o in_o canaan_n and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n comply_v with_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o that_o his_o example_n if_o he_o do_v sit_v be_v only_o temporary_a and_o not_o design_v for_o a_o stand_a law_n perpetual_o oblige_v to_o a_o like_a practice_n if_o christ_n act_v upon_o special_a reason_n than_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v they_o produce_v the_o reason_n if_o they_o can_v which_o make_v this_o example_n of_o christ_n of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a use_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o follow_v it_o when_o ever_o they_o do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v expose_v their_o own_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v build_v so_o much_o upon_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a ceremo_n gillesp_n 338._o disp_n against_o ceremo_n man_n in_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n and_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o a_o christian_n duty_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n flow_v pure_o from_o example_n record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o talk_v of_o christ_n example_n apart_o from_o all_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o to_o make_v that_o alone_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o while_n the_o world_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o example_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o man_n like_v unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v he_o be_v bear_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o natural_a law_n as_o a_o jew_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n as_o the_o messiah_n send_v of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o compass_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o he_o have_v free_o undertake_v he_o still_o act_v by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o be_v under_o the_o gospel-law_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o exemplify_v to_o we_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o deliver_v that_o which_o make_v that_o bitter_a and_o deadly_a cup_n which_o end_v his_o day_n relish_v with_o he_o be_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cup_n give_v he_o by_o 11._o john_n 18._o 11._o his_o father_n and_o the_o drink_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o soul_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n that_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n that_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o he_o frequent_o profess_v 15._o joh._n 17._o 4._o v._n mat._n 11._o 27._o luke_n 2._o 49._o joh._n 4._o 34._o joh._n 5._o 30._o 8_o c._n 28_o 29._o joh._n 10._o 25._o joh._n 14._o 24_o 31._o joh._n 15._o 10_o 15._o in_o his_o life-time_n that_o he_o do_v as_o his_o father_n give_v he_o commandment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o great_a business_n and_o delight_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o many_o such_o expression_n he_o use_v which_o may_v be_v consult_v at_o leisure_n if_o therefore_o we_o only_o look_v to_o his_o example_n without_o consider_v the_o various_a capacity_n and_o relation_n he_o bear_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o we_o and_o the_o several_a law_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v bind_v which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n we_o shall_v miserable_o mistake_v our_o way_n and_o bewilder_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v act_n like_o fool_n when_o we_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v pursuant_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n if_o we_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o he_o do_v for_o he_o fulfil_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o he_o come_v to_o abolish_v we_o shall_v thereby_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v if_o his_o example_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n i_o have_v stay_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o head_n because_o so_o ill_a a_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture-example_n and_o to_o show_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o may_v safe_o steer_v by_o they_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o one_o doctrine_n so_o teem_a and_o big_a with_o error_n so_o fatal_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o private_a person_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o public_a society_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o that_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o learn_v and_o derive_v our_o duty_n from_o and_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o badness_n of_o our_o action_n by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a man_n over_z and_o above_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n against_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o conform_v do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o because_o the_o posture_n he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o they_o say_v be_v a_o passover-gesture_n be_v if_o so_o very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o so_o earnest_o plead_v for_o
something_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n but_o if_o the_o church_n have_v all_o thing_n essential_a to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o when_o the_o 17._o v._o annotation_n on_o the_o apologet._n nar._n p._n 17._o church_n of_o rome_n be_v call_v a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o metaphysical_a or_o natural_a sense_n as_o a_o thief_n be_v a_o true_a man_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o though_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v a_o true_a spirit_n but_o withal_o she_o be_v a_o false_a church_n as_o mr._n brinsly_n say_v from_o bishop_n hall_n a_o heretical_a 26._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 26._o apostatical_a antichristian_a synagogue_n and_o so_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o the_o parochial_a church_n true_a church_n it_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v sound_a church_n which_o may_v safe_o be_v communicate_v with_o thus_o do_v dr._n bryan_n make_v the_o 291._o dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p._n 289_o 291._o opposition_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o christian_n so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v christianity_n and_o acknowledge_v christ_n their_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a society_n of_o traitorous_a usurper_n so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o church_n therefore_o which_o be_v spiritual_a babylon_n god_n people_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_v etc._n etc._n but_o not_o from_o church_n which_o have_v make_v separation_n from_o rome_n as_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n in_o france_n and_o these_o of_o great_a britain_n have_v do_v in_o who_o congregation_n be_v find_v truth_n of_o doctrine_n a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n submit_v to_o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o a_o separation_n will_v as_o have_v be_v say_v unchurch_n it_o this_o will_v be_v to_o deny_v christ_n hold_v communion_n with_o it_o or_o to_o deny_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n with_o which_o christ_n hold_v communion_n contrary_a to_o a_o principle_n that_o be_v i_o think_v universal_o maintain_v the_o error_n of_o these_o man_n say_v mr._n brightman_n 156._o brightman_n brightman_n brightman_n on_o rev._n c._n 3._o v._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o allen_n vindiciae_fw-la pietatis_fw-la second_o part_n p._n 123._o vindication_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n p._n 130._o cotton_n on_o john_n p._n 156._o iâ—_n full_a of_o evil_a who_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n make_v a_o departure_n from_o this_o church_n by_o total_a separation_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v quite_o banish_v from_o hence_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o those_o that_o abide_v there_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v that_o christ_n be_v here_o feast_v with_o his_o member_n will_v they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o sit_v at_o meat_n there_o where_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o sit_v further_o this_o will_v be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n conclude_v 136._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v grave_a consut_o p._n 57_o cawdrey_n independency_n further_o prove_v p._n 136._o because_o we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n consist_v of_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o faithful_a people_n therefore_o they_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o incur_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o odious_a reproach_n of_o manifest_a schism_n for_o what_o be_v that_o say_v another_z 44._o another_z another_z another_z brinsly_n arraigment_n p._n 15_o 24_o 44._o but_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n this_o last_o will_v not_o diminish_v but_o much_o increase_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o another_o say_v 104._o say_v say_v say_v baily_n dissuasive_a c._n 6._o p._n 104._o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o depart_v from_o a_o church_n which_o i_o profess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o who_o ministry_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v save_v than_o from_o a_o church_n which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v false_a and_o who_o minister_n i_o take_v to_o have_v no_o call_v from_o god_n nor_o any_o blessing_n from_o his_o hand_n this_o therefore_o be_v their_o avow_v principle_n that_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a and_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v general_o hold_v and_o maintain_v against_o the_o brownist_n 55._o brownist_n brownist_n brownist_n ames_n be_v puritanismus_n angl._n v._o parker_n on_o the_o cross_n part_v 2._o c._n 91._o §_o 21._o bax._n defence_n p._n 55._o and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v declare_v on_o their_o part_n 6._o part_n part_n part_n apologet._n nar._n p._n 6._o we_o have_v always_o profess_v and_o that_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o most_o either_o actual_o overspread_v with_o defilement_n or_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o both_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n several_a have_v write_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n against_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o have_v in_o print_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o practice_n so_o mr._n baxter_n 75._o baxter_n baxter_n baxter_n sacril_n desert_n p._n 75._o i_o constant_o join_v iâ—_n my_o parish-church_n in_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n it_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n joseph_n allen_n 111._o allen_n allen_n allen_n the_o life_n of_o mr._n j._n allen_n p._n 111._o that_o he_o as_o frequent_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n as_o his_o opportunity_n and_o strength_n permit_v 64._o permit_v permit_v permit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o schism_n p._n 64._o of_o mr._n brinsley_n that_o he_o ordinary_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n dr._n collins_n say_v as_o much_o of_o himself_o etc._n himself_o himself_o himself_o reasonable_a account_n etc._n etc._n mr._n lie_v in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v advise_v his_o people_n to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o best_a they_o can_v and_o not_o to_o separate_v but_o to_o do_v as_o the_o old_a puritan_n do_v thirty_o year_n before_o mr._n cradacot_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n profess_v that_o if_o that_o pulpit_n be_v his_o die_a bed_n he_o will_v earnest_o persuade_v they_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n mr._n hickman_n free_o declare_v i_o profess_v 113._o bonasus_n vapulans_fw-la p._n 113._o wherever_o i_o come_v i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o reconcile_v people_n to_o the_o public_a assembly_n my_o conscience_n will_v fly_v in_o my_o face_n if_o i_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o and_o mr._n corbet_n as_o he_o do_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o say_v 26._o say_v say_v say_v account_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n p._n 26._o that_o the_o presbyterian_o general_o frequent_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a 15._o public_a public_a public_a discourse_v of_o the_o religion_n etc._n etc._n p._n 33._o v._o mr._n read_z case_n p._n 15._o assembly_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o it_o be_v their_o principle_n and_o we_o may_v charitable_o believe_v it_o be_v their_o practice_n in_o conformity_n to_o it_o 1._o it_o it_o it_o nonconformist_n plea_n for_o lay-communion_n p._n 1._o thus_o mr._n corbet_n declare_v for_o himself_o i_o own_o parish-church_n have_v a_o competent_a minister_n and_o a_o number_n of_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n for_o true_a church_n and_o the_o worship_n therein_o perform_v as_o well_o in_o common-prayer_n as_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v in_o the_o main_a sound_n and_o good_a for_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n thereof_o and_o i_o may_v not_o disow_v the_o same_o in_o my_o practice_n by_o a_o total_a neglect_n thereof_o for_o my_o judgement_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v concordant_a and_o if_o these_o two_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o concordant_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n or_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v themselves_o while_o they_o declare_v against_o separation_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o up_o those_o good_a man_n therefore_o be_v aware_a of_o this_o who_o meet_v a_o little_a after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n to_o consider_v say_v mr._n baxter_n 240._o nonconformist_n plea_n foâ—_n peace_n §_o 17â—_n p_o 240._o whether_o our_o actual_a forbearance_n to_o join_v with_o the_o parish-church_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v total_a may_v not_o tend_v to_o deceive_v man_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v for_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o take_v their_o communion_n to_o be_v
well_o as_o habit_n and_o make_v it_o as_o unlawful_a to_o use_v a_o church_n as_o a_o surplice_n he_o therefore_o cautious_o begin_v it_o with_o some_o of_o they_o but_o yet_o however_o he_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o viz._n because_o the_o appropriation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o religious_a act_n speak_v something_o of_o religion_n and_o homage_n to_o god_n in_o it_o elsewhere_o he_o express_v himself_o after_o the_o like_a manner_n we_o think_v they_o civil_a usage_n must_v not_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n in_o they_o but_o may_v as_o well_o be_v use_v in_o mere_o civil_a action_n as_o in_o religious_a duty_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o homage_n to_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v worship_n which_o must_v have_v a_o institution_n but_o first_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v by_o appropriation_n do_v he_o thereby_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v for_o the_o present_a appropriate_v to_o a_o religious_a use_n and_o service_n can_v be_v omit_v nor_o alter_v nor_o upon_o any_o reason_n whatsoever_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o use_n this_o our_o church_n do_v not_o hold_v 34._o hold_v hold_v hold_v homily_n sermon_n of_o good_a work_n pt_v 2_o sermon_n of_o prayer_n pt_v 2._o article_n 34._o be_v it_o that_o out_o of_o a_o reverence_n to_o divine_a ordinance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o the_o thing_n use_v in_o or_o at_o divine_a worship_n be_v prostitute_v to_o vulgar_a use_n that_o what_o be_v church_n for_o a_o hour_n or_o two_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v not_o stable_n all_o the_o week_n after_o nor_o the_o table_n and_o plate_n use_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tavern_n this_o we_o agree_v to_o and_o think_v ourselves_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v against_o any_o argument_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v to_o the_o contrary_n 2_o do_v appropriation_n necessary_o employ_v homage_n to_o god_n may_v not_o thing_n be_v thus_o separate_v for_o order_n and_o uniformity_n for_o gravity_n and_o decency_n for_o reverence_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n and_o may_v not_o this_o reverence_n and_o respect_n we_o show_v to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o devotion_n we_o show_v in_o external_a worship_n redound_v to_o god_n himself_o indeed_o what_o be_v all_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o reverence_n but_o express_v of_o homage_n veneration_n and_o adoration_n to_o god_n i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n forget_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o 6._o ps._n 95._o 6._o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n or_o that_o our_o author_n himself_o say_v amiss_o when_o he_o maintain_v that_o nature_n 29._o pag._n 29._o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o most_o decent_a manner_n we_o can_v for_o though_o adoration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n alone_o 21._o pag._n 13._o &_o jean_n answer_n to_o hammond_n pag._n 21._o yet_o reverence_n as_o our_o author_n distinguish_v be_v due_a to_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o and_o to_o that_o worship_n we_o pay_v to_o he_o and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n so_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n due_a to_o his_o worship_n by_o which_o his_o honour_n be_v advance_v and_o devotion_n further_v but_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v he_o to_o what_o 29._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n pag._n 29._o be_v say_v otherwhere_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o to_o bring_v all_o to_o a_o issue_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o several_a argument_n and_o instance_n i_o produce_v to_o prove_v that_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n this_o i_o prove_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o new_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o modern_a church_n and_o from_o their_o own_o concession_n 1._o the_o instance_n i_o choose_v to_o give_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v david_n temple_n the_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o the_o synagogal_a worship_n to_o these_o he_o answer_v at_o once_o that_o they_o be_v answer_v long_o since_o by_o dr._n ames_n in_o his_o 25._o case_n examine_v pag._n 25._o fresh_a suit_n and_o perhaps_o may_v be_v answer_v by_o he_o after_o the_o manner_n he_o defâ—â—â—â—â—_n the_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o our_o author_n himself_o 27._o pag._n 27._o give_v up_o but_o 〈…〉_o argument_n be_v of_o force_n i_o suppose_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o our_o author_n and_o he_o first_o begin_v with_o david_n temple_n of_o which_o he_o say_v david_n indeed_o design_v 26._o pag._n 26._o a_o temple_n for_o god_n without_o a_o command_n but_o god_n check_v he_o for_o it_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n 2._o sam._n 7._o 7._o and_o though_o he_o approve_v his_o general_o good_a intention_n yet_o he_o restrain_v he_o as_o to_o his_o act_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o that_o chap._n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n the_o text_n must_v determine_v it_o and_o from_o thence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v at_o no_o time_n give_v a_o command_n concern_v building_n a_o temple_n so_o in_o the_o text_n quote_v in_o all_o the_o place_n with_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n speak_v i_o a_o 7._o 2_o sam._n 7._o 7._o word_n with_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n etc._n etc._n say_v why_o build_v you_o not_o i_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n 2._o david_n in_o design_v it_o go_v upon_o rational_a ground_n 1._o as_o god_n have_v give_v he_o rest_n and_o so_o it_o become_v he_o to_o do_v it_o in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n and_o because_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n for_o it_o 2._o from_o compare_v his_o own_o house_n verse_n 1_o with_o god_n see_v now_o i_o dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n but_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 3._o it_o be_v no_o rash_a act_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n verse_n 2_o make_v ready_a for_o the_o building_n have_v it_o a_o long_a time_n before_o in_o his_o thought_n of_o this_o see_v dr._n lightfoot_n temple_n c._n 40._o 3._o 1_o chron._n 28._o 2._o 3._o 1._o from_o all_o which_o i_o infer_v that_o neither_o david_n in_o design_v nor_o nathan_n in_o approve_v what_o he_o design_v think_v it_o absolute_o unlawful_a to_o do_v what_o be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o that_o what_o be_v not_o command_v be_v forbid_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o our_o author_n that_o say_v god_n approve_v his_o general_o good_a intention_n now_o what_o be_v his_o intention_n general_o but_o to_o do_v somewhat_o in_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o worship_n thus_o much_o mr._n pool_n do_v yield_v the_o design_n be_v pious_a and_o the_o thing_n not_o forbid_v by_o god_n nathan_n hasty_o approve_v it_o now_o if_o he_o approve_v it_o because_o not_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o do_v not_o think_v that_o what_o be_v not_o command_v be_v forbid_v nor_o do_v that_o of_o our_o author_n appear_v to_o be_v reasonable_a that_o god_n check_v he_o for_o it_o because_o it_o be_v without_o a_o command_n 2_o suppose_v that_o particular_a act_n condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o general_a reason_n give_v by_o our_o author_n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v without_o a_o command_n but_o because_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o consequence_n the_o prophet_n do_v not_o advise_v about_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v too_o hasty_o approve_v it_o as_o mr._n pool_n say_v but_o 3_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o particular_a act_n be_v not_o condemn_v 1._o because_o god_n commend_v he_o for_o it_o thou_o do_v well_o 18._o well_o well_o well_o 1_o king_n 8._o 17_o 18._o so_o mr._n hildersham_n though_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o let_v david_n build_v he_o a_o house_n yet_o he_o commend_v his_o affection_n for_o it_o etc._n etc._n 28._o etc._n etc._n etc._n lect._n on_o joh._n lect._n 28._o 2._o god_n reward_v he_o for_o it_o for_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v promise_v 10._o promise_v promise_v promise_v 2_o sam._n 7._o 11._o 1_o chron._n 17._o 10._o he_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o house_n so_o mr._n pool_n for_o thy_o good_a intention_n to_o make_v he_o a_o house_n he_o will_v build_v thou_o a_o house_n 3._o he_o present_o give_v order_n upon_o it_o for_o the_o build_n such_o a_o house_n and_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o approbation_n and_o a_o further_a reward_n of_o david_n good_a intention_n do_v both_o reveal_v what_o he_o will_v have_v build_v and_o how_o 19_o how_o how_o how_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 19_o and_o appoint_v his_o immediate_a successor_n for_o the_o build_n of_o it_o 13._o it_o it_o it_o 2_o sam._n 7._o
do_v appear_v that_o all_o man_n do_v agree_v in_o their_o notion_n and_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o without_o doubt_n which_o they_o all_o thus_o agree_v in_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n now_o as_o to_o this_o we_o may_v oberve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n or_o to_o something_o that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n which_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o he_o or_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v matter_n of_o mere_a knowledge_n and_o speculation_n we_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o conscience_n with_o as_o neither_o with_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o be_v pure_o passive_a as_o neither_o with_o action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v good_a or_o bad_a action_n in_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n may_v indeed_o prove_v matter_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o disquiet_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v not_o take_v our_o conscience_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o that_o word_n never_o come_v in_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o something_o willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o do_v not_o neither_o use_v this_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n fall_v under_o a_o moral_a consideration_n that_o be_v as_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a always_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o conscience_n in_o our_o action_n we_o have_v respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v and_o by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n with_o which_o they_o become_v moral_o good_a or_o evil._n three_o this_o be_v so_o the_o only_a thing_n remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o conscience_n be_v be_v what_o can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n when_o we_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n with_o such_o application_n to_o our_o action_n as_o we_o have_v now_o say_v now_o for_o that_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o when_o we_o talk_v of_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o they_o can_v but_o fall_v under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o distinction_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o either_o consider_v our_o action_n as_o already_o do_v or_o omit_v or_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o yet_o not_o do_v but_o as_o we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o they_o and_o then_o second_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o past_a or_o future_a yet_o we_o rank_n they_o under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o notion_n we_o either_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v duty_n or_o as_o forbid_a by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o as_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o to_o be_v indifferent_a action_n with_o these_o last_o action_n indeed_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o or_o direct_o concern_v but_o only_o by_o accident_n to_o wit_n as_o those_o indifferent_a action_n do_v approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o some_o of_o these_o head_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v indeed_o different_a way_n of_o bring_v in_o conscience_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o they_o all_o first_o of_o all_o when_o we_o be_v consider_v a_o action_n as_o yet_o not_o do_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o command_v by_o god_n we_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sinful_a action_n we_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n now_o i_o pray_v what_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o these_o expression_n i_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o will_v consult_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o deny_v if_o he_o can_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n if_o he_o say_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o that_o he_o very_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o action_n if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n whether_o he_o mean_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v now_o undeniable_o the_o sense_n that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v when_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o only_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n so_o that_o take_v conscience_n as_o it_o respect_v our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o which_o sense_n we_o call_v conscience_n a_o guide_n or_o a_o monitor_n and_o sometime_o though_o very_o improper_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n that_o use_v that_o word_n but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o life_n but_o second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v and_o consider_v conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o here_o indeed_o we_o do_v a_o little_a vary_v the_o expression_n about_o conscience_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v now_o give_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o some_o action_n we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v when_o we_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o have_v act_v right_o and_o honest_o in_o this_o affair_n or_o my_o conscience_n acquit_v i_o from_o blame_n as_o to_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n or_o i_o be_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v if_o we_o turn_v these_o phrase_n into_o other_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o instance_n we_o have_v either_o act_v or_o omit_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o we_o have_v do_v or_o forbear_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o affect_v we_o with_o grief_n and_o trouble_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o instance_n of_o expression_n that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n viz._n it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v or_o lawful_o may_v do_v only_o here_o we_o add_v to_o it_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o action_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a be_v now_o do_v or_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v remember_v it_o in_o the_o former_a case_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o action_n but_o in_o both_o case_n conscience_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o consequent_o in_o both_o case_n the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n what_o he_o ought_v
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
be_v a_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o prime_a head_n and_o most_o general_a dictate_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o but_o also_o all_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o those_o head_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n but_o all_o the_o thing_n likewise_o that_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o those_o command_n or_o prohibition_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o be_v deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o attend_v further_o to_o what_o that_o law_n may_v be_v suppose_v by_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o action_n we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o if_o neither_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o by_o consequence_n from_o it_o nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o action_n before_o we_o appear_v either_o to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n or_o to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o proper_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o action_n in_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v as_o our_o prudence_n iii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o which_o natural_o follow_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a design_n be_v what_o share_v humane_a law_n have_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o do_v real_o bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v our_o three_o general_n head_n now_o as_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o man_n general_o speak_v do_v also_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o in_o the_o four_o follow_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n do_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n there_o be_v no_o one_o dictate_v of_o nature_n more_o obvious_a to_o we_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o government_n we_o live_v under_o in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o society_n and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o for_o kingdom_n or_o state_n for_o city_n or_o family_n to_o subsist_v or_o at_o least_o to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o duty_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o declare_v there_o than_z that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v make_v by_o just_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o consequent_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v real_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o add_v this_o far_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v with_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n save_v god_n alone_o it_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o he_o for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o judgement_n of_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n &_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n so_o that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o now_o god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o everlasting_a law_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o whether_o they_o be_v our_o parent_n or_o our_o master_n and_o much_o more_o our_o prince_n and_o the_o sovereign_n legislative_a power_n under_o who_o we_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o only_a we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o those_o command_n of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o a_o consequential_a or_o a_o secondary_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n because_o they_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o any_o law_n or_o command_v of_o man_n do_v clash_n with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v either_o evil_a in_o itself_o or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n that_o law_n or_o command_n by_o what_o humane_a authority_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v or_o give_v do_v not_o bind_v our_o conscience_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v here_o reduce_v to_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o must_v act_n as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o we_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o for_o since_o god_n only_o have_v proper_a and_o direct_a authority_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o humane_a power_n only_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o and_o since_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o the_o most_o sovereign_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n far_o than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o clear_n the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o humane_a law_n general_o speak_v may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o every_o humane_a law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o no_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o affirm_v this_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o manamong_n we_o upon_o these_o term_n will_v be_v innocent_a thus_o much_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o where_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n
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
the_o establish_v worship_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o if_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o about_o conscience_n be_v admit_v then_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v say_v conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_n what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o go_v against_o a_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o man_n only_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n that_o can_v true_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v say_v it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o real_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o some_o law_n of_o god_n if_o 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be_v disoblige_v or_o have_v receive_v some_o disappointment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o church_n or_o by_o the_o man_n that_o be_v favourer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o pet_n will_v join_v themselves_o to_o another_o communion_n all_o those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o turn_n more_o effectual_o by_o be_v of_o another_o way_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o can_v thereby_o better_a please_v a_o relation_n from_o who_o they_o have_v expectance_n they_o can_v better_o advance_v their_o trade_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n they_o can_v better_o procure_v a_o reputation_n or_o regain_v one_o that_o be_v sink_v in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o that_o to_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o pride_n or_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n do_v refuse_v we_o their_o company_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v all_o such_o be_v certain_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n in_o 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not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o service_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o their_o conscience_n can_v be_v concern_v but_o only_o they_o be_v not_o please_v with_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o service_n as_o fancy_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o decent_a or_o convenient_a or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o prudent_o order_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o yet_o still_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o it_o can_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o any_o assembly_n in_o which_o they_o be_v practise_v because_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v not_o touch_v be_v not_o affect_v where_o no_o law_n of_o god_n be_v transgress_v in_o the_o four_o place_n all_o those_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o our_o communion_n pure_o upon_o the_o account_n 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case_n so_o that_o it_o be_v great_a weakness_n &_o sillyness_n &_o not_o conscience_n that_o prevail_v with_o these_o man_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v in_o any_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o it_o unlawful_a or_o forbid_v let_v that_o persuasion_n be_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o will_v than_o they_o may_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o example_n or_o the_o advice_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n can_v in_o the_o least_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o refuse_v our_o communion_n five_o those_o that_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o our_o governor_n in_o their_o law_n and_o prescription_n about_o god_n worship_n have_v not_o right_o use_v the_o power_n which_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o but_o have_v exceed_v their_o bound_n have_v make_v perhaps_o too_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n or_o lay_v more_o stress_n than_o be_v meet_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o likewise_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o former_a rule_n from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o admit_v the_o lawgiver_n have_v be_v to_o blame_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o these_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v soon_o say_v then_o prove_v and_o have_v real_o do_v more_o than_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o they_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o governor_n be_v indeed_o deep_o concern_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o there_o be_v any_o but_o how_o this_o do_v concern_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v not_o easy_o understand_v so_o long_o as_o what_o be_v command_v or_o enjoin_v do_v not_o appear_v to_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o have_v say_v this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o add_v that_o those_o who_o so_o much_o stand_v up_o for_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v be_v think_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o it_o do_v by_o their_o endless_a scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v authority_n in_o such_o matter_n in_o all_o appearance_n take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o destroy_v all_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o religion_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o and_o such_o other_o uncommand_v thing_n six_o and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o instance_n all_o those_o that_o can_v communicate_v occasional_o with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o that_o when_o they_o have_v a_o turn_n to_o be_v serve_v when_o there_o be_v a_o office_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n can_v come_v to_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o communion_n but_o at_o other_o time_n they_o do_v not_o afford_v we_o their_o presence_n these_o be_v also_o exclude_v from_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o their_o not_o constant_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o for_o if_o indeed_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n with_o what_o conscience_n dare_v they_o do_v it_o at_o all_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o worldly_a good_a to_o venture_v upon_o such_o a_o action_n as_o they_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n be_v a_o sinful_a thing_n as_o i_o dare_v say_v none_o of_o these_o person_n do_v than_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o make_v the_o inference_n that_o it_o can_v be_v more_o against_o their_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o thrice_o than_o to_o do_v it_o once_o and_o do_v it_o constant_o than_o to_o do_v it_o thrice_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o false_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n and_o come_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o that_o can_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v teal_o believe_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a or_o that_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v as_o for_o those_o that_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a i_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v they_o because_o they_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o they_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o determine_v either_o way_n but_o however_o because_o these_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n i_o shall_v consider_v their_o case_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n upon_o that_o argument_n those_o that_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v with_o be_v such_o as_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o my_o business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o such_o a_o belief_n or_o
endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o offend_v his_o conscience_n before_o he_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o his_o lawful_a governor_n and_o his_o communion_n from_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o public_a under_o they_o it_o appear_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o justify_v a_o man_n separation_n that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sinner_n notwithstanding_o that_o for_o leave_v our_o assembly_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v at_o last_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n what_o therefore_o shall_v every_o dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o say_v what_o be_v there_o that_o more_o concern_v he_o to_o do_v than_o present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o point_n where_o he_o be_v now_o dissatisfy_v for_o â—ear_v he_o be_v find_v to_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n all_o the_o time_n he_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n that_o live_v out_o of_o our_o communion_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o these_o that_o as_o for_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n they_o do_v agree_v with_o we_o and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o be_v nice_a controvert_v point_n point_n dispute_v pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la among_o the_o divine_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v they_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o they_o nay_o perhaps_o if_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o ability_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o something_o of_o this_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v happy_a if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v so_o too_o but_o still_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o certain_o without_o repentance_n be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o for_o be_v a_o heretic_n in_o his_o opinion_n or_o a_o drunkard_n for_o instance_n in_o his_o manner_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n think_v so_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o that_o the_o business_n of_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a conformity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o who_o be_v it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v be_v very_o well_o please_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o dust_n raise_v no_o dispute_n or_o contention_n move_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o that_o every_o member_n will_v have_v do_v his_o duty_n peaceable_o and_o quiet_o in_o his_o station_n or_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n have_v arise_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v debate_v among_o learned_a man_n and_o never_o have_v proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n about_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n salvation_n we_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o never_o understand_v how_o to_o justify_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o to_o defend_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n against_o all_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o all_o that_o we_o say_v be_v that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v scruple_n and_o except_v against_o the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o lie_v upon_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v bind_v as_o he_o will_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o possible_o can_v to_o get_v satisfaction_n about_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o nay_o even_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o communion_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n and_o above_o their_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o they_o have_v not_o understanding_n and_o wit_n enough_o to_o dive_v into_o they_o why_o in_o god_n name_n who_o desire_v they_o we_o say_v that_o they_o may_v innocent_o enough_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o their_o governor_n in_o these_o point_n as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o hundred_o other_o without_o ever_o dive_v into_o they_o but_o since_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v wit_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o cavil_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o deny_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o lawful_a power_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v so_o much_o honesty_n as_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v themselves_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n too_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o we_o desire_v it_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o horrible_a inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n that_o arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n which_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o to_o conclude_v if_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o famous_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v oblige_v christian_n it_o do_v especial_o in_o this_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o goodness_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o case_n where_o his_o superior_n have_v lay_v their_o command_n upon_o he_o for_o there_o he_o can_v disobey_v without_o sin_n unless_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reconcile_v their_o command_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n but_o upon_o the_o best_a mean_n he_o have_v use_v he_o find_v they_o irreconcilable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n that_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n the_o second_o part_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o dissenter_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_v church_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v lawful_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n i_o now_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o a_o less_o reason_n viz._n because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o we_o because_o they_o fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v do_v any_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o indeed_o a_o short_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o let_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v as_o great_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v be_v real_o a_o duty_n than_o a_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o or_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o manssetled_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o ordinary_o acquit_v he_o from_o sin_n if_o he_o omit_v that_o action_n suppose_v god_n law_n have_v command_v it_o as_o i_o there_o show_v much_o less_o will_v a_o man_n bare_a doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o it_o be_v my_o meaning_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n particular_o to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o conformity_n that_o will_v otherwise_o conform_v hope_v that_o some_o reader_n who_o case_n this_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
it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o let_v it_o alone_o or_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o but_o he_o doubt_n whether_o god_n law_n have_v not_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o he_o can_v lawful_o omit_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o single_a doubt_n we_o call_v that_o a_o double_a doubt_n where_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o a_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o doubt_v on_o one_o side_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v this_o action_n god_n law_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o be_v the_o action_n circumstantiate_v with_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o he_o with_o respect_n to_o it_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o forbear_v the_o action_n as_o it_o be_v now_o present_v to_o he_o god_n law_n have_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v forbid_v it_o so_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v because_o he_o fear_v he_o may_v sin_v whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o put_v any_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v which_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n i._o now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n we_o may_v thus_o apply_v the_o general_n rule_n that_o when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n there_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o the_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o here_o come_v in_o that_o famous_a maxim_n which_o have_v obtain_v both_o among_o christian_n and_o heathen_n quod_fw-la dubitas_fw-la ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la which_o with_o the_o restriction_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v will_v for_o ever_o be_v good_a advice_n in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o venture_v upon_o any_o action_n where_o a_o man_n have_v the_o least_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o act_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o that_o kind_n suppose_v all_o along_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o offend_v by_o this_o action_n be_v not_o overbalance_v and_o so_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o remove_v by_o other_o consideration_n which_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n do_v suggest_v thus_o for_o instance_n here_o be_v a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v allowable_a in_o a_o christian_n to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o put_v out_o money_n to_o interest_n or_o to_o go_v to_o law_n as_o have_v converse_v with_o such_o man_n or_o such_o book_n as_o do_v condemn_v these_o practice_n and_o that_o not_o without_o some_o colour_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o man_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o convince_v by_o their_o discourse_n as_o to_o have_v take_v up_o any_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v unlawful_a nor_o will_v he_o censure_v any_o man_n that_o use_v they_o because_o he_o see_v there_o be_v as_o good_a man_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v as_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o other_o side_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o point_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n positive_o concern_v they_o either_o way_n he_o can_v say_v that_o he_o believe_v they_o lawful_a though_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o doubt_v mind_n now_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a case_n the_o rule_n be_v plain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n judgement_n continue_v thus_o in_o suspense_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o from_o god_n law_n to_o engage_v in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o why_o shall_v he_o rash_o throw_v himself_o into_o danger_n by_o venture_v upon_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o he_o run_v no_o hazard_n by_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o if_o he_o practise_v they_o he_o do_v thus_o far_o be_v right_a but_o then_o as_o i_o say_v this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la for_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v such_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o action_n as_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n this_o consideration_n of_o uncertainty_n it_o will_v then_o be_v reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o i_o do_v before_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o thus_o if_o the_o man_n that_o make_v a_o question_n about_o any_o of_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v shall_v light_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v either_o drink_v such_o a_o single_a health_n or_o a_o quarrel_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v nay_o and_o that_o perhaps_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o some_o of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o company_n or_o again_o that_o he_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o improve_n his_o money_n in_o which_o his_o whole_a fortune_n consist_v in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o that_o of_o usury_n so_o that_o he_o and_o his_o family_n must_v in_o time_n starve_v unless_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o this_o course_n or_o last_o if_o a_o orphan_n be_v trust_v to_o his_o care_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o that_o orphan_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o he_o must_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o necessity_n either_o of_o wage_n a_o law_n suit_n for_o the_o clear_n it_o or_o suffer_v his_o near_a relation_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o be_v defraud_v of_o his_o right_n i_o say_v if_o the_o case_n happen_v to_o be_v thus_o circumstantiate_v he_o that_o before_o doubt_v in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o put_v out_o money_n to_o usury_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o law-suit_n may_v i_o shall_v think_v certain_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a in_o this_o particular_a case_n notwithstanding_o his_o general_n doubt_v to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n he_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o act_v according_o indeed_o he_o can_v be_v well_o excuse_v if_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o act._n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v i_o doubt_v whether_o these_o practice_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o why_o man_n if_o you_o only_o doubt_v about_o they_o you_o do_v by_o this_o ackonwledge_n that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v lawful_a as_o well_o as_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o you_o be_v thus_o in_o aequilibrio_fw-la sure_o such_o press_a consideration_n as_o those_o which_o be_v present_v in_o this_o case_n aught_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o you_o will_v answer_v either_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v for_o my_o part_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v unlawful_a will_v justify_v a_o man_n prudence_n in_o act_v on_o that_o side_n which_o he_o call_v the_o safe_o and_o which_o have_v not_o these_o circumstance_n happen_v will_v real_o have_v be_v so_o to_o conclude_v if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o do_v a_o thing_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v a_o general_n speculative_a doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o this_o very_a consideration_n be_v in_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o silence_v the_o doubt_n that_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o advisable_a to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n which_o before_o and_o out_o of_o those_o circumstance_n we_o doubt_v in_o general_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o no._n ii_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o to_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v
table_n because_o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v he_o habitual_o qualify_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n but_o this_o as_o i_o say_v be_v not_o the_o question_n before_o we_o we_o here_o suppose_v the_o man_n either_o through_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o through_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v incapable_a at_o present_a of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v to_o which_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n he_o must_v determine_v himself_o shall_v he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n doubt_v as_o he_o do_v or_o shall_v he_o forbear_v it_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v now_o i_o say_v a_o man_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n but_o by_o apply_v the_o rule_v i_o before_o lay_v down_o to_o his_o present_a case_n which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o this_o manner_n since_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o doubt_v that_o he_o sin_n whether_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o forbear_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v on_o which_o side_n he_o doubt_v least_o or_o which_o side_n appear_v to_o he_o most_o likely_a and_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v for_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a the_o balance_n be_v to_o be_v turn_v on_o that_o side_n according_a to_o our_o first_o proposition_n now_o if_o our_o present_a question_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o man_n who_o case_n i_o be_o represent_v will_v think_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o repair_v to_o the_o sacrament_n even_o in_o that_o evil_a posture_n he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v than_o customary_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o because_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o do_v certain_o follow_v the_o more_o probable_a and_o the_o less_o doubtful_a or_o dangerous_a side_n of_o the_o question_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v half_a so_o certain_a of_o this_o particular_a viz._n that_o he_o be_v unprepared_a for_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o abstain_v as_o he_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o frequent_v it_o if_o indeed_o the_o man_n be_v a_o person_n of_o ill_a life_n and_o manner_n or_o if_o he_o have_v be_v late_o guilty_a of_o any_o notorious_a wilful_a sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o that_o sin_n upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o then_o i_o will_v grant_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o receive_v unworthy_o as_o by_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n ordinance_n but_o the_o case_n here_o be_v not_o so_o the_o man_n be_v real_o a_o honest_a well-meaning_a christian_a nor_o have_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o late_a which_o can_v give_v he_o any_o suspicion_n of_o his_o have_v forfeit_v that_o title_n only_o through_o his_o mistake_n about_o the_o notion_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n he_o apprehend_v he_o be_v not_o qualify_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o yet_o if_o most_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o his_o condition_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v why_o certain_o in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o man_n that_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n especial_o if_o he_o do_v it_o customary_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o all_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n about_o he_o for_o as_o i_o say_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n by_o habitual_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o that_o great_a christian_a service_n for_o those_o be_v found_v on_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v found_v only_o on_o uncertain_a conjectural_a surmise_n about_o his_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o pay_v his_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v such_o assurance_n in_o his_o case_n that_o he_o be_v unqualify_v for_o pay_v that_o homage_n but_o second_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o doubt_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o man_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n if_o he_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v which_o yet_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o nay_o if_o you_o please_v let_v we_o suppose_v the_o man_n do_v certain_o sin_n whether_o he_o recive_v or_o forbear_v here_o than_o this_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o of_o these_o two_o sin_n be_v the_o least_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o yet_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o for_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o this_o last_o sin_n happen_v to_o be_v to_o that_o side_n the_o man_n be_v to_o determine_v himself_o according_a to_o our_o second_o rule_n it_o be_v eternal_o reasonable_a that_o of_o two_o evil_n we_o shall_v choose_v the_o least_o when_o we_o can_v avoid_v both_o now_o put_v the_o case_n before_o we_o upon_o this_o issue_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o resolve_v it_o than_o only_o to_o ask_v this_o general_a question_n which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o these_o two_o for_o a_o man_n to_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o to_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n or_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o that_o law_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o yet_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v that_o without_o break_v another_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o man_n who_o do_v this_o last_o though_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v innocent_a yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a in_o a_o far_o less_o degree_n than_o the_o man_n that_o practise_v the_o former_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o his_o justification_n let_v we_o suppose_v two_o man_n both_o of_o they_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o as_o thing_n stand_v with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o fit_a condition_n so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o one_o of_o these_o man_n do_v upon_o this_o account_n forbear_v all_o prayer_n both_o public_a and_o private_a neither_o use_v his_o closet_n nor_o frequent_v the_o church_n the_o other_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o what_o both_o natural_a religion_n and_o christianity_n do_v oblige_v he_o to_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o forbear_v his_o usual_a office_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a though_o yet_o he_o believe_v he_o sinful_o perform_v they_o if_o the_o question_n now_o be_v put_v which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o better_a man_n or_o the_o least_o offender_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v give_v their_o judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o latter_a though_o yet_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v that_o this_o person_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o live_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o he_o can_v say_v his_o prayer_n without_o sin_n this_o judgement_n i_o say_v man_n will_v pass_v in_o this_o case_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o certain_o no_o indisposition_n that_o a_o man_n have_v contract_v of_o what_o nature_n soever_o will_v take_v off_o from_o his_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v do_v his_o duty_n so_o well_o as_o he_o ought_v he_o must_v at_o least_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o therefore_o let_v his_o circumstance_n be_v what_o they_o will_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v less_o criminal_a in_o perform_v a_o know_a duty_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o his_o condition_n will_v allow_v he_o though_o with_o many_o and_o deserve_a reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o vnworthiness_n than_o in_o whole_o omit_v or_o disuse_v that_o duty_n because_o a_o neglect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n be_v a_o less_o fault_n than_o to_o neglect_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o let_v this_o now_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o
in_o great_a danger_n to_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o he_o now_o have_v upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v most_o principal_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o maintain_v it_o now_o i_o say_v suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n equal_a this_o very_a consideration_n alone_o will_v prevail_v with_o a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o forbear_v it_o even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v unworthy_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o large_a exemplification_n of_o all_o our_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v thus_o prepare_v our_o way_n by_o settle_v the_o notion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o main_a business_n that_o be_v before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o share_n humane_a law_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a have_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o what_o power_n they_o have_v to_o over-rule_v a_o man_n doubt_n in_o any_o case_n which_o according_a to_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v be_v the_o three_o general_n enquiry_n i_o be_o to_o resolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a point_n that_o be_v dispute_v between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o point_n upon_o which_o that_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v so_o far_o as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discuss_v it_o as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o general_a way_n as_o that_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v may_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o doubtful_a case_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o this_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o their_o assertion_n general_o be_v this_o general_o i_o say_v for_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a as_o any_o who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o of_o another_o opinion_n viz._n that_o wherever_o a_o man_n doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o very_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o forbear_v that_o action_n though_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assertion_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o chief_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n i._o what_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o right_n apprehend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o what_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o first_o we_o do_v ready_o own_v with_o they_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v its_o subject_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v second_o we_o agree_v likewise_o with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o wherever_o any_o subject_n have_v take_v up_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o such_o a_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o will_v so_o far_o bind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v in_o that_o instance_n obey_v their_o law_n without_o offend_a god_n but_o then_o we_o say_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o though_o he_o can_v obey_v without_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v yet_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n three_o we_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o particular_a action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v a_o sinful_a action_n but_o only_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o yet_o if_o the_o man_n have_v a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o no_o public_a law_n will_v warrant_v he_o to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v no_o more_o do_v the_o action_n enjoin_v without_o sin_n than_o he_o can_v in_o the_o former_a case_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o disobey_v his_o superior_n unless_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n of_o inculpable_a ignorance_n four_o we_o say_v this_o far_o that_o a_o culpable_a doubt_n do_v no_o more_o excuse_v the_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o a_o culpable_a ignorance_n i._n e._n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v it_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o so_o plain_o i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o know_v this_o and_o he_o must_v be_v most_o criminal_o ignorant_a that_o can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o his_o superior_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o such_o a_o instance_n where_o their_o command_n do_v so_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o affirm_v the_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o such_o action_n that_o he_o do_v though_o they_o be_v do_v pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o principle_n we_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_n far_o be_v we_o therefore_o from_o assert_v that_o whatever_o our_o governor_n do_v command_v the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o only_o doubt_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o action_n he_o that_o command_v it_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o it_o and_o not_o he_o that_o obey_v for_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o matter_n where_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o action_n which_o their_o superior_a god_n almighty_a have_v forbid_v we_o be_v offender_n if_o we_o do_v that_o action_n as_o well_o as_o they_o in_o command_v it_o and_o that_o whether_o we_o do_v it_o 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as_o neither_o have_v mean_n to_o cometo_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o condition_n not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o accurate_o inform_v himself_o about_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o i_o say_v a_o man_n can_v formal_o be_v say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o obey_v his_o lawful_a superior_n though_o the_o instance_n in_o which_o he_o obey_v shall_v happen_v to_o contradict_v some_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n here_o be_v as_o no_o law_n to_o he_o that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o because_o he_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o then_o further_o this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o we_o own_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n when_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n command_v as_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v unlawful_a i_o say_v this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o when_o ever_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o man_n sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o his_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v common_o run_v away_o with_o for_o the_o man_n will_v as_o certain_o sin_n if_o in_o this_o case_n he_o do_v the_o action_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o he_o do_v in_o do_v it_o with_o a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n but_o the_o sin_n lie_v here_o viz._n in_o do_v a_o action_n which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v and_o which_o the_o man_n will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v a_o ill_a action_n if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a and_o so_o careful_a in_o mind_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v it_o be_v his_o act_v contrary_a to_o a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o here_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v his_o vicious_a criminal_a ignorance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v the_o form_n to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o that_o be_v no_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o the_o sin_n at_o all_o five_o we_o add_v this_o further_a that_o whatever_o power_n or_o right_o we_o give_v to_o our_o superior_n for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o either_o to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o those_o rule_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o direct_v a_o man_n proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n for_o this_o case_n of_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o those_o rule_n be_v here_o to_o take_v place_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o other_o instance_n and_o therefore_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v in_o this_o case_n very_o unequal_a that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o much_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o this_o particular_a instance_n than_o if_o he_o obey_v they_o not_o as_o have_v abundant_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a in_o that_o case_n we_o can_v say_v â—e_n be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v but_o shall_v rather_o disobey_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a it_o be_v likewise_o more_o probable_a that_o a_o man_n in_o this_o instance_n be_v not_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o a_o great_a probability_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o according_a to_o our_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o retrieve_v the_o balance_n which_o be_v so_o far_o incline_v the_o other_o way_n and_o to_o turn_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o very_o usual_o be_v such_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v in_o this_o instance_n than_o of_o obey_v as_o will_v to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n rather_o to_o do_v the_o action_n how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o doubt_n than_o to_o omit_v it_o after_o lawful_a authority_n have_v enjoin_v it_o but_o however_o this_o happen_v it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o mind_n as_o before_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v nothing_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n but_o what_o they_o lawful_o may_v do_v it_o will_v not_o justify_v any_o man_n disobedience_n to_o say_v that_o he_o apprehend_v it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o sinful_a to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o for_o our_o mistake_v and_o false_a reason_n will_v not_o take_v off_o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n in_o their_o lawful_a command_n unless_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o in_o those_o instance_n we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o understand_v better_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_v our_o way_n by_o remove_v from_o our_o question_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o it_o and_o which_o indeed_o by_o be_v usual_o blend_v with_o it_o have_v make_v it_o more_o intricate_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v we_o be_v pretty_a well_o prepare_v to_o propose_v our_o point_n in_o the_o six_o place_n then_o exclude_v as_o we_o have_v do_v out_o of_o our_o case_n all_o those_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o none_o of_o which_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v the_o plain_a question_n before_o we_o be_v this_o whether_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o vnlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n pretty_a equal_a and_o where_o likewise_o the_o man_n concern_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o satisfy_n himself_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a ought_v not_o so_o far_o to_o overbalance_n the_o doubt_n as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o also_o to_o oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o hold_v the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n and_o i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v under_o this_o head_n ii_o our_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o if_o lawful_a authority_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v lawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o our_o judgement_n remain_v suspend_v as_o have_v equal_a or_o near_o equal_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o though_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n we_o shall_v general_o forbear_v the_o action_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o before_o give_v yet_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v authority_n over_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o for_o first_o of_o all_o even_o in_o point_n of_o humility_n and_o modesty_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o consideration_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o subject_a owe_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n of_o his_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o so_o much_o influence_n as_o this_o even_o a_o confessor_n or_o a_o private_a friend_n have_v over_o our_o conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o we_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a on_o both_o side_n we_o usual_o so_o far_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v sway_v and_o overrule_v by_o what_o they_o advise_v and_o that_o oftentimes_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o weight_n and_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n
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
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
conscience_n have_v pass_v no_o dictate_v no_o verdict_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v against_o any_o such_o dictate_v or_o verdict_n the_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o he_o either_o believe_v he_o may_v act_v as_o he_o do_v without_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v no_o belief_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o any_o way_n condemn_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o not_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o choose_v otherwise_o but_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n always_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o to_o choose_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n which_o in_o our_o case_n we_o do_v likewise_o suppose_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o must_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o here_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_n to_o choose_v one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o but_o may_v indifferent_o choose_v either_o yet_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whoever_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n either_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o act_n against_o a_o doubt_n or_o that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n such_o a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o so_o believe_v can_v without_o sin_n act_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o second_o we_o be_v far_o from_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o act_v thus_o hand_n over_o head_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n much_o less_o from_o commend_v he_o for_o so_o do_v for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o strict_o speak_v a_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o act_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o think_v he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a dispensation_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o never_o look_v further_a into_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v more_o care_n about_o they_o than_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a he_o that_o be_v hearty_o good_a will_v with_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o thing_n be_v expedient_a and_o do_v edify_v it_o will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o action_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o action_n without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o the_o do_v or_o forbear_v the_o action_n do_v more_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o charity_n and_o according_o as_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o determine_v his_o choice_n in_o a_o word_n the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a sense_n will_v he_o have_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v precise_o make_v his_o duty_n and_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n do_v oblige_v his_o conscience_n but_o also_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a so_o that_o it_o will_v real_o grate_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v be_v account_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o devout_a christian_a and_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o doubt_v to_o choose_v either_o side_n indiscriminate_o though_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o do_v not_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o law_n of_o god_n he_o transgress_v but_o he_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o he_o after_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n good_a that_o shall_v have_v the_o preference_n to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v this_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n so_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o though_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v our_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v unblameable_a ignorance_n of_o those_o law_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o we_o sin_n and_o again_o wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v avoid_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o we_o must_v forbear_v that_o action_n or_o we_o sin_n but_o if_o conscience_n can_v say_v that_o this_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n shall_v thus_o suggest_v to_o he_o though_o i_o can_v say_v direct_o that_o this_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v lay_v any_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o you_o either_o way_n yet_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v choose_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o way_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v for_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n than_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v less_o harm_n though_o you_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o go_v this_o way_n than_o the_o other_o now_o in_o this_o case_n though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o proper_o oblige_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n to_o obey_v his_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n do_v not_o propose_v the_o choice_n to_o he_o under_o that_o condition_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n he_o will_v undoubted_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o conscience_n all_o thing_n consider_v have_v represent_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o general_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o considerable_a inquiry_n that_o can_v be_v make_v about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v leave_v any_o material_a difficulty_n in_o this_o argument_n untouched_a though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o need_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n but_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o discussion_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n however_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v something_o towards_o it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o save_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o case_n the_o labour_n and_o trouble_v of_o do_v it_o the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o be_v brief_o this_o there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o enjoin_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n some_o perhaps_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n other_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o
or_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o till_o all_o party_n among_o we_o be_v satisfy_v which_o indeed_o can_v never_o be_v effect_v as_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o our_o become_a more_o true_o christian_n in_o our_o life_n and_o temper_n they_o be_v our_o vicious_a disposition_n more_o than_o our_o different_a apprehension_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n let_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o same_o quarrelsome_a mind_n and_o industrious_o seek_v for_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n before_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o governor_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a it_o be_v plain_a our_o division_n and_o animosity_n will_v not_o can_v cease_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o which_o be_v to_o propound_v to_o you_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n may_v get_v rid_v of_o and_o ease_v their_o mind_n of_o such_o scruple_n where_o i_o shall_v especial_o consider_v those_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o communicate_v with_o our_o parish-church_n you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o and_o answer_v the_o particular_a exception_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o constant_a communion_n with_o we_o but_o only_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o advise_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_v those_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o yet_o detain_v so_o many_o in_o a_o state_n of_o utter_a separation_n from_o we_o or_o at_o least_o discourage_v their_o total_a and_o hearty_a join_v with_o we_o which_o charitable_a design_n and_o attempt_v however_o unsuccessful_a i_o may_v be_v in_o it_o yet_o can_v i_o hope_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o any_o who_o conscience_n be_v pester_v with_o such_o scruple_n since_o i_o endeavour_v only_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_v which_o beside_o the_o disservice_n they_o do_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v also_o expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v and_o danger_n from_o the_o public_a law_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o many_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o these_o follow_v 1._o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n to_o beget_v and_o cherish_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o high_a and_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n almighty_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v be_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v most_o offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o can_v that_o man_n have_v become_v and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o imagine_v that_o god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n habit_n and_o posture_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o service_n and_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n of_o our_o religious_a action_n when_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o true_a devotion_n of_o heart_n a_o sincere_a christian_a prostrate_v himself_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o affection_n beg_v those_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n shall_v refuse_v and_o reject_v his_o petition_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o certain_a prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n shall_v his_o importunate_a renew_a request_n fail_v of_o success_n because_o he_o still_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n and_o read_v his_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n be_v god_n please_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n or_o the_o copiousness_n of_o our_o invention_n or_o the_o elegancy_n of_o our_o phrase_n and_o style_n be_v it_o not_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o god_n principal_o respect_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n or_o can_v we_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v shut_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n because_o offend_v at_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o garment_n in_o which_o the_o minister_n officiate_n suppose_v two_o person_n both_o with_o equal_a preparation_n with_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n one_o of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a blessing_n and_o out_o of_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n therein_o confer_v upon_o he_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o his_o knee_n in_o the_o humble_a posture_n the_o other_o sit_v or_o stand_v can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v effectual_a or_o beneficial_a or_o that_o god_n bless_v it_o only_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v or_o that_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o he_o if_o he_o also_o have_v receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_n god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursome_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o child_n though_o in_o all_o respect_n most_o dutiful_a to_o he_o and_o every_o way_n deserve_v his_o great_a kindness_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n under_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v exact_o describe_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n at_o all_o to_o vary_v from_o they_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o because_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v typical_a of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o and_o those_o many_o nice_a observance_n that_o be_v appoint_v be_v not_o command_v for_o themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v all_o now_o do_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n the_o only_a thing_n always_o please_v to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a service_n god_n now_o expect_v from_o we_o and_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o must_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o very_a fond_a and_o captious_a be_v who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o we_o be_v most_o hearty_a and_o devout_a in_o they_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o he_o only_o because_o of_o some_o particular_a habit_n or_o gesture_n we_o use_v which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o religious_a performance_n such_o mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_n forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o lay_v out_o your_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v you_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n our_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o debate_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o circumstance_n be_v apt_a to_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n mind_v those_o thing_n most_o in_o
which_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o cure_v our_o scrupulousness_n about_o little_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 14._o among_o who_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n observe_v or_o not_o observe_v some_o day_n have_v occasion_v as_o much_o trouble_v and_o scruple_n as_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n do_v now_o among_o we_o ver_fw-la 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_n this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n and_o then_o he_o add_v ver_fw-la 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o men._n thus_o when_o you_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o your_o prayer_n let_v it_o be_v your_o great_a care_n to_o fix_v in_o your_o mind_n a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a majesty_n of_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o your_o manifold_a want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o petition_n for_o and_o his_o readiness_n to_o grant_v they_o upon_o your_o humble_a request_n and_o the_o more_o you_o do_v this_o the_o less_o solicitous_a you_o will_v be_v about_o the_o form_n or_o word_n of_o your_o prayer_n he_o that_o mind_v those_o thing_n most_o on_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o christ_n sake_n do_v depend_v will_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nor_o require_v new_a phrase_n every_o time_n to_o stir_v his_o attention_n or_o to_o raise_v his_o affection_n thus_o let_v man_n be_v very_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o holy_a communion_n let_v they_o come_v thereunto_o with_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o with_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o true_a charity_n towards_o all_o man_n the_o more_o concern_v they_o be_v about_o these_o necessary_a thing_n the_o less_o afraid_a will_v they_o be_v of_o offend_a god_n by_o kneel_v at_o the_o administration_n or_o come_v up_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o a_o new_a nature_n in_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n which_o make_v a_o man_n real_o better_a and_o more_o like_a unto_o god_n he_o that_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o not_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n or_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o not_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n or_o gospel_n as_o i_o before_o show_v you_o have_v no_o worthy_a thought_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o right_a notion_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o unfeigned_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o our_o brother_n not_o in_o any_o external_a rite_n or_o observance_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o mutable_a and_o be_v different_a in_o several_a church_n 3._o it_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o the_o remove_v these_o scruple_n which_o hinder_v the_o bless_a union_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o if_o man_n be_v but_o real_o willing_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n this_o alone_a will_v go_v half_a way_n towards_o conquer_a they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v fond_a of_o and_o nourish_v their_o doubt_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o converse_v only_o with_o those_o man_n read_v only_o those_o book_n and_o hear_v those_o discourse_n which_o be_v make_v of_o their_o side_n which_o serve_v to_o heighten_v and_o strengthen_v their_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n when_o they_o avoid_v the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n as_o dangerous_a snare_n and_o temptation_n and_o look_v upon_o this_o tenderness_n or_o aptness_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a conscientiousness_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n whereas_o will_v they_o come_v once_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v all_o this_o while_n mistake_v will_v they_o calm_o and_o patient_o hear_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v or_o write_v against_o they_o as_o eager_o desire_v and_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o man_n do_v for_o cure_v of_o any_o disease_n they_o be_v subject_a unto_o will_v they_o i_o say_v thus_o diligent_o use_v all_o fit_a mean_n and_o help_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o scruple_n before_o they_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o difficult_a a_o task_n to_o convince_v and_o settle_v such_o teachable_a mind_n if_o therefore_o any_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n against_o any_o thing_n practise_v or_o require_v in_o our_o church_n let_v he_o first_o read_v some_o of_o those_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o fairness_n and_o evidence_n imaginable_a on_o purpose_n to_o explain_v and_o justify_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o usual_o except_v against_o let_v he_o consult_v with_o some_o of_o our_o church_n before_o he_o leave_v it_o let_v he_o honest_o repair_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n or_o some_o other_o who_o he_o have_v in_o great_a estimation_n and_o ingenuous_o open_v his_o mind_n to_o he_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v he_o most_o stumble_v at_o and_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v offer_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n if_o consult_v with_o one_o person_n will_v not_o do_v it_o let_v he_o advise_v with_o other_o and_o try_v this_o often_o before_o he_o condemn_v we_o and_o divide_v from_o we_o will_v man_n do_v this_o serious_o with_o earnest_a desire_n of_o instruction_n without_o doubt_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o few_o separatist_n and_o they_o who_o after_o this_o do_v still_o dissent_v from_o we_o will_v be_v far_o more_o excusable_a in_o it_o than_o otherwise_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o man_n ordinary_o do_v in_o their_o temporal_a affair_n when_o they_o have_v any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n about_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o present_o repair_v to_o those_o who_o be_v best_a skill_a and_o most_o able_a to_o resolve_v they_o and_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n they_o common_o acquiesce_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o have_v any_o man_n a_o scruple_n about_o his_o estate_n whether_o it_o be_v firm_o settle_v or_o he_o have_v a_o true_a legal_a title_n to_o it_o the_o way_n he_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o advise_v with_o lawyer_n the_o most_o eminent_a for_o knowledge_n and_o honesty_n in_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n this_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n he_o can_v have_v that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o safe_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o one_o that_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o custom_n or_o practice_n be_v for_o his_o health_n the_o opinion_n of_o know_a and_o experience_a physician_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o determine_v he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o here_o when_o any_o private_a christian_a be_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v with_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o concern_v his_o duty_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v he_o i_o say_v to_o come_v to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o dispute_v and_o argue_v with_o they_o and_o pert_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o with_o all_o modesty_n to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n meek_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o receive_v instruction_n humble_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o evil_a affection_n love_v of_o a_o party_n or_o carnal_a interest_n influence_n or_o bias_n their_o judgement_n we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o desire_n man_n to_o pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o priest_n sleeve_n or_o to_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o guide_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o only_o diligent_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v some_o due_a regard_n and_o deference_n to_o their_o
the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o his_o house_n but_o still_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o pityful_a pretence_n for_o our_o whole_o absent_v ourselves_o from_o church_n and_o constant_a neglect_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o neighbour_n life_n may_v be_v invade_v or_o his_o house_n fire_v by_o ill_a man_n of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a store_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n which_o be_v a_o more_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n than_o any_o act_n of_o devotion_n so_o that_o however_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o omission_n of_o some_o thing_n command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n by_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v perfect_o conformable_a in_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o very_o rare_o happen_v and_o for_o which_o no_o provision_n can_v be_v make_v by_o law_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_o this_o will_v not_o at_o all_o help_n those_o who_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o the_o law_n stand_v out_o in_o manifest_a opposition_n against_o they_o live_v in_o plain_a disobedience_n and_o contradiction_n to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o they_o nay_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a way_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o what_o be_v appoint_v thus_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v gain_v but_o little_a by_o this_o plea_n if_o grant_v to_o they_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o exercise_v mercy_n and_o charity_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n they_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n in_o such_o case_n only_o in_o which_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v also_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n from_o prayer_n public_a or_o private_a from_o worship_v of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o a_o conventicle_n nay_o from_o obedience_n to_o god_n himself_o have_v he_o please_v in_o the_o scripture_n positive_o to_o have_v require_v whatever_o be_v at_o present_a enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n and_o let_v they_o well_o consider_v whether_o if_o god_n have_v plain_o in_o his_o word_n prescribe_v all_o that_o our_o church_n do_v command_v they_o will_v have_v think_v itself_o to_o have_v refuse_v compliance_n with_o such_o divine_a imposition_n because_o they_o be_v unreasonable_o offensive_a to_o some_o godly_a people_n if_o our_o dissenter_n will_v but_o acknowledge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o external_a worship_n deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o such_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o their_o governor_n only_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v excuse_v from_o offer_v their_o accustom_a sacrifice_n or_o as_o they_o think_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o break_v the_o sabbath_n to_o omit_v god_n public_a worship_n i_o suppose_v this_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o they_o dare_v not_o own_o that_o the_o scandal_n other_o may_v take_v at_o such_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o moral_a duty_n be_v sufficient_a to_o void_a their_o obligation_n to_o the_o do_v of_o they_o mr._n jean_n who_o objection_n i_o shall_v the_o rather_o consider_v because_o of_o his_o eminency_n among_o the_o presbyterian_o though_o i_o find_v myself_o somewhat_o prevent_v by_o a_o late_a writer_n who_o have_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o they_o thus_o put_v the_o question_n suppose_v say_v he_o the_o great_a monarch_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v command_v the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o his_o slave_n upon_o some_o important_a affair_n to_o ride_v post_n through_o such_o a_o city_n without_o any_o of_o the_o least_o stay_n or_o diversion_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o company_n of_o little_a child_n shall_v be_v play_v in_o the_o street_n can_v this_o slave_n think_v that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o ride_v over_o they_o no_o sure_o he_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n and_o take_v all_o care_n possible_a to_o execute_v his_o commission_n without_o do_v any_o hurt_n or_o damage_n to_o any_o person_n whatever_o but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v state_v the_o case_n right_a it_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v thus_o suppose_v this_o slave_n shall_v utter_o refuse_v to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o for_o his_o justification_n shall_v plead_v that_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o ride_v through_o many_o town_n and_o city_n where_o be_v many_o little_a child_n who_o be_v often_o play_v at_o the_o door_n or_o in_o the_o street_n he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o his_o way_n or_o chance_v to_o run_v between_o his_o horse_n leg_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o do_n of_o this_o mischief_n which_o may_v possible_o happen_v he_o resolve_v not_o to_o stir_v one_o foot_n from_o his_o own_o home_n be_v this_o pretence_n sufficient_a to_o excuse_v his_o disobedience_n no_o more_o can_v our_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o rule_v give_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n be_v innocent_a because_o some_o may_v be_v scandalize_v at_o our_o obedience_n 2._o it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o scandal_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o spiritual_a murder_n and_o if_o where_o authority_n have_v determine_v our_o choice_n we_o must_v hold_v to_o their_o determination_n any_o scandal_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o it_o seem_v then_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n command_v it_o we_o may_v lawful_o murder_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n wound_v his_o weak_a conscience_n and_o destroy_v with_o our_o meat_n our_o ceremony_n the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 14._o 21._o neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o to_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a but_o our_o prelatist_n say_v mr._n jean_n determine_v quite_o otherwise_o if_o authority_n enjoin_v it_o it_o be_v good_a say_v they_o to_o eat_v bread_n drink_v wine_n wear_v a_o surplice_n use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n though_o thereby_o never_o so_o many_o brethren_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o make_v weak_a but_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a bugbear_n fit_v only_o to_o fright_v child_n and_o such_o weak_a person_n as_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o for_o it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v how_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o cross_v the_o infant_n forehead_n have_v any_o tendency_n towards_o the_o scare_v man_n from_o christianity_n or_o make_v they_o to_o deny_v christ_n and_o forsake_v and_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a scandalize_a of_o our_o brother_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o high_o aggravate_v and_o charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o destroy_v and_o murder_v his_o soul_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o lead_v or_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o any_o sin_n whatever_o scandal_n may_v follow_v be_v whole_o accidental_a and_o the_o fault_n and_o mistake_n of_o those_o only_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o to_o provide_v always_o against_o such_o scandal_n be_v a_o impossible_a undertake_n for_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o most_o innocent_a action_n nay_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n and_o this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o obedience_n to_o any_o other_o command_n of_o god_n if_o by_o it_o my_o brother_n may_v stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a as_o it_o do_v against_o submission_n to_o our_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a they_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v that_o by_o god_n law_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o law_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n of_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v so_o little_a account_n but_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n also_o that_o be_v violate_v by_o our_o disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o comparison_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v only_o as_o they_o make_v it_o between_o a_o human_a authority_n determine_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o between_o the_o divine_a command_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o scandal_n here_o we_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o
as_o expositor_n general_o interpret_v it_o thou_o shall_v utter_v spiritual_a psalm_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n on_o the_o place_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o word_n use_v numb_a 11._o 25._o 1_o chron._n 25._o 1._o and_o according_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v say_v of_o zacharias_n that_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o prophesy_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o all_o which_o prayer_n and_o praise_n together_o with_o those_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o sundry_a other_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o those_o inspire_a person_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o deliver_v by_o they_o without_o any_o recourse_n to_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o consideration_n though_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o composure_n as_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a the_o word_n of_o all_o other_o inspiration_n be_v for_o consider_v how_o the_o inspire_a person_n differ_v in_o their_o stile_n according_a as_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o education_n in_o their_o natural_a part_n and_o intellectual_a improvement_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a they_o themselves_o compose_v and_o word_v their_o own_o inspiration_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v care_n only_o so_o to_o oversee_v and_o direct_v they_o that_o their_o word_n may_v not_o misrepresent_v their_o matter_n and_o if_o so_o how_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v the_o word_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o however_o after_o that_o great_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o pentecost_n wherein_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v communicate_v to_o enable_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o propagate_v it_o through_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o even_o the_o very_a language_n too_o in_o which_o they_o express_v they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o enable_v to_o pray_v upon_o the_o place_n in_o apt_a and_o fluent_a expression_n but_o also_o to_o pray_v in_o language_n which_o they_o never_o understand_v before_o and_o which_o even_o then_o they_o understand_v but_o very_o imperfect_o and_o also_o to_o interpret_v those_o prayer_n into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n which_o themselves_o or_o other_o have_v utter_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o among_o other_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 1._o which_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v the_o only_a place_n where_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 14._o it_o be_v also_o call_v a_o spirit_n where_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n at_o large_a of_o this_o miraculous_a way_n of_o pray_v now_o that_o this_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o pray_v in_o and_o interpret_n prayer_n out_o of_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o enable_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o perform_v their_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n they_o be_v send_v to_o but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n from_o god_n as_o all_o other_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 22._o that_o tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o intend_v only_o for_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o infidel_n world_n and_o after_o that_o to_o cease_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o too_o but_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v indite_v the_o matter_n and_o if_o you_o will_v the_o word_n of_o those_o inspire_a prayer_n be_v also_o extraordinary_a will_v require_v a_o large_a proof_n because_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o many_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n do_v and_o will_v communicate_v to_o all_o successive_a age_n of_o the_o world_n against_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o offer_v these_o follow_a reason_n to_o their_o consideration_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o any_o such_o gift_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o stand_v and_o ordinary_a benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n we_o receive_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n it_o be_v presumption_n to_o promise_v ourselves_o what_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v we_o but_o now_o in_o all_o the_o new_a covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o promise_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n will_v immediate_o indite_v to_o we_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o as_o for_o that_o of_o zachary_n 12._o 10._o which_o be_v the_o only_a promise_n that_o be_v pretend_v in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o they_o shall_v mourn_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o inward_a piety_n and_o devotion_n even_o as_o the_o follow_a word_n imply_v and_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v that_o be_v for_o their_o horrid_a sin_n of_o crucify_a i_n but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v of_o all_o hand_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o good_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o inspiration_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o fain_o to_o be_v behold_v to_o their_o own_o recollection_n and_o invention_n for_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sufficient_a quickness_n of_o invention_n to_o be_v behold_v to_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n neither_o of_o which_o they_o need_v be_v they_o immediate_o inspire_v and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a dissenter_n as_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o unjust_a censure_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a who_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o be_v always_o fain_o to_o depend_v either_o on_o his_o own_o invention_n or_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o devotion_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o a_o stand_a promise_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o which_o good_a christian_n may_v have_v no_o right_a or_o title_n and_o of_o which_o they_o may_v never_o actual_o partake_v which_o be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o extend_v to_o all_o who_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o our_o dependence_n upon_o it_o 2._o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n it_o be_v true_a christ_n have_v promise_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o be_v with_o we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n unto_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v and_o to_o what_o end_n have_v he_o promise_v this_o but_o only_o to_o supply_v our_o necessity_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o through_o our_o own_o impotency_n we_o can_v perform_v without_o he_o for_o so_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o readiness_n of_o parent_n to_o supply_v their_o child_n with_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o bodily_a life_n and_o subsistence_n to_o the_o readiness_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o all_o the_o purpose_n that_o
be_v necessary_a to_o their_o spiritual_a life_n as_o the_o parallel_n plain_o imply_v upon_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o all_o we_o can_v expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o promise_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o aid_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o those_o necessary_a case_n wherein_o our_o duty_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o either_o matter_n or_o word_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n to_o expect_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o or_o such_o like_a promise_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n i_o conceive_v be_v very_o apparent_a for_o first_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o plain_o instruct_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v by_o any_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o that_o with_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n we_o may_v thence_o easy_o recollect_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o need_v and_o what_o we_o be_v warrant_v and_o command_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o for_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o our_o church_n catechism_n which_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n after_o the_o lord_n prayer_n what_o desire_v thou_o of_o god_n in_o this_o prayer_n sum_n up_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o few_o plain_a and_o easy_a word_n and_o to_o suppose_v after_o such_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n a_o necessity_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o reason_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o plain_a word_n nor_o memory_n enough_o to_o retain_v and_o recollect_v it_o but_o against_o this_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v object_v by_o our_o brethren_n rom._n 8._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v for_o which_o word_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v they_o infer_v that_o how_o plain_o soever_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o we_o can_v in_o all_o case_n know_v what_o it_o be_v without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n which_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o or_o that_o though_o it_o be_v we_o can_v understand_v it_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n word_n imply_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o tother_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a those_o word_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v simple_o but_o with_o reference_n to_o as_o we_o ought_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o know_v not_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n how_o to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n with_o that_o fervency_n of_o desire_n that_o dependence_n upon_o and_o resignation_n to_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v as_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v reveal_v it_o again_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o know_v no_o warrant_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v it_o but_o then_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o what_o necessity_n can_v there_o be_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o we_o when_o as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o quickness_n enough_o of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n to_o express_v our_o want_n and_o desire_n in_o our_o own_o word_n we_o may_v ready_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n which_o with_o very_o short_a addition_n and_o variation_n of_o our_o own_o we_o may_v easy_o adapt_v to_o all_o our_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o with_o such_o help_n and_o assistance_n we_o can_v word_n our_o desire_n to_o god_n without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v mere_a whisper_a pipe_n that_o can_v breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v breathe_v into_o we_o 3._o that_o as_o there_o be_v neither_o promise_n nor_o need_v of_o any_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a sign_n or_o testimony_n of_o it_o remain_v among_o we_o whenever_o god_n inspire_v man_n with_o divine_a matter_n and_o word_n his_o way_n be_v always_o to_o attest_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o inspiration_n with_o some_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o themselves_o and_o other_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o it_o and_o though_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o inspire_a age_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v by_o what_o token_n it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n know_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o own_o inspiration_n while_o they_o be_v seize_v with_o they_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v that_o after_o they_o be_v deliver_v of_o they_o god_n always_o take_v care_n to_o attest_v they_o by_o some_o miraculous_a operation_n for_o so_o miracle_n be_v style_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v the_o constant_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o indeed_o without_o such_o sign_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o false_a pretence_n we_o be_v better_o be_v without_o inspiration_n than_o with_o it_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v leave_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n either_o of_o admit_v all_o inspiration_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o reject_v all_o that_o be_v true_o so_o as_o to_o instance_n in_o this_o case_n of_o prayer_n we_o know_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a as_o well_o as_o a_o divine_a enthusiasm_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o requisite_a if_o such_o divine_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n be_v continue_v to_o we_o that_o the_o proper_a sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v too_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a otherwise_o we_o must_v either_o conclude_v they_o all_o to_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a or_o believe_v they_o all_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o entertain_v they_o according_o if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o either_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o think_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o inspiration_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o inspiration_n itself_o whether_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a for_o first_o as_o for_o natural_a enthusiasm_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n by_o natural_a inspiration_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o natural_a or_o accidental_a fervency_n of_o temper_n arise_v either_o from_o a_o constant_a heat_n of_o constitution_n or_o a_o casual_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n occasion_v either_o by_o vapour_n of_o heat_a melancholy_n or_o a_o intermixture_n of_o sharp_a and_o feverish_a humour_n with_o the_o blood_n which_o as_o all_o man_n know_v who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o composition_n of_o humane_a body_n natural_o heighten_v and_o impregnate_v the_o fancy_n and_o cause_v the_o image_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v fast_o into_o it_o and_o appear_v more_o distinct_a in_o it_o and_o consequent_o produce_v a_o very_a ready_a invention_n of_o matter_n and_o extraordinary_a fluency_n of_o word_n so_o that_o if_o under_o a_o fit_a of_o this_o natural_a fervency_n a_o man_n fancy_n happen_v to_o run_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v fail_v to_o pray_v with_o great_a readiness_n and_o fluency_n and_o sometime_o with_o that_o extraordinary_a passion_n and_o enlargement_n as_o shall_v cause_v he_o assure_o to_o believe_v himself_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o instance_n enough_o may_v be_v give_v not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o also_o among_o the_o devoto_n of_o mahomet_n and_o