god_n own_o law_n in_o the_o other_o we_o only_o obey_v man_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o in_o general_a to_o obey_v our_o superior_n god_n command_v every_o subject_a to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a but_o human_a authority_n determine_v out_o of_o what_o good_n and_o in_o what_o proportion_n he_o must_v pay_v now_o because_o human_a authority_n interpose_v if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n detain_v the_o king_n be_v right_a do_v he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n than_o break_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o penalty_n if_o he_o be_v detect_v yes_o certain_o for_o tribute_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n the_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o break_v god_n law_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n do_v not_o lessen_v his_o guilt_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o church-vnity_n for_o though_o human_a law_n prescribe_v particular_a circumstance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n yet_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o king_n his_o due_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n by_o such_o a_o method_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n declare_v to_o be_v unjust_a may_v as_o well_o acquit_v himself_o from_o knavery_n before_o god_n as_o that_o man_n that_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church-law_n can_v acquit_v himself_o of_o schism_n before_o god_n nay_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v human_a law_n grant_v a_o toleration_n and_o call_v no_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n yet_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o human_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v v._o it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n that_o be_v how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_n or_o not_o act_v when_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o the_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_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 right_a or_o wrong_n if_o right_a we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a conscience_n if_o wrong_n we_o have_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n when_o we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o another_o place_n now_o if_o our_o conscience_n or_o judgement_n be_v right_a that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n without_o doubt_n we_o be_v forever_o bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v we_o sin_v in_o do_v so_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n be_v but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o we_o must_v do_v when_o our_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v and_o to_o answer_v this_o i_o lay_v down_o three_o rule_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v any_o man_n satisfaction_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_v against_o it_o though_o we_o take_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o duty_n for_o a_o sin_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o act_v against_o this_o persuasion_n because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v at_o present_a and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v as_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o act_v against_o a_o true_a light_n nothing_o but_o conscience_n can_v guide_v our_o action_n and_o though_o a_o eroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n we_o have_v 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 a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o act_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o that_o man_n think_v sincere_a that_o act_n as_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n that_o act_n otherwise_o whether_o his_o judgement_n be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_v 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 shall_v a_o jew_n turn_n christian_n or_o a_o papist_n turn_v protestant_n while_o yet_o they_o believe_v their_o former_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v all_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o do_v it_o upon_o base_a principle_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o judgement_n nay_o we_o shall_v all_o think_v more_o favourable_o of_o a_o protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o a_o cunning_a papist_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n than_o of_o such_o person_n all_o this_o put_v together_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 but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v second_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_v against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o for_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v it_o be_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o his_o law_n that_o make_v thing_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v forever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n be_v because_o we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_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 then_o duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o day_n will_v be_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n as_o any_o man_n opinion_n alter_v but_o such_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n do_v follow_v his_o judgement_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o too_o if_o his_o judgement_n lead_v he_o to_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o action_n according_a to_o a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v sinful_a but_o that_o a_o man_n mistake_n may_v be_v such_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n either_o against_o it_o or_o according_a to_o it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v often_o mistake_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n provide_v his_o mistake_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o first_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v seven_o or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v because_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o up_o to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v not_o command_v the_o contrary_a he_o may_v safe_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o his_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o second_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o play_v at_o card_n in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o false_a opinion_n without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o since_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o follow_v his_o mistake_a conscience_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n when_o a_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o indifferent_a which_o god_n command_v or_o that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n forbid_v here_o the_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n or_o
p._n 1._o etc._n etc._n p._n 57_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o do_v the_o 27._o the_o jerubbaal_n or_o the_o pleader_n implead_v p._n 18._o &_o 27._o author_n of_o jerubbaal_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o particular_n i_o may_v fill_v a_o volume_n with_o 37._o with_o concern_v her_o doctrine_n see_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la in_o corbet_n discourse_n §._o 21._o p._n 43._o baxter_n 5_o disp_n pref_o p._n 6._o of_o the_o independent_o in_o the_o peace_n offer_v p._n 12._o see_v also_o baxter'_v def._n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 64._o part_n 2._o p._n 3._o wadsworth_n separ_fw-la yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 60_o 62._o throughton_n apology_n c._n 3._o p._n 106._o and_o of_o the_o brownist_n in_o their_o apol._n p._n 7._o anno_fw-la 1604._o see_v also_o bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 20_o 33._o stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separ_fw-la part_n 1._o §._o 9_o p._n 31._o for_o opinion_n concern_v her_o worship_n see_v hildersham_n lect._n 26._o on_o joh._n p._n 121._o contin_n of_o morn_n exercise_n serm._n 4._o p._n 91._o throughton_n apology_n p._n 104._o peace_n offer_v p._n 17._o for_o opinion_n concern_v the_o truth_n sufficiency_n and_o ability_n of_o her_o ministry_n see_v bradshaw_n unreasonableness_n of_o separ_fw-la p._n 16_o 27_o 37._o grave_a and_o mod._n confut._n p._n 28._o apologet._n narrat_fw-la p._n 6._o cotton_n infant_n baptism_n p._n 181._o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o our_o ministry_n see_v jus_n divi._n minist_n evangel_n part_n 2._o p._n 12_o 16_o 17_o 25_o etc._n etc._n jus_fw-la diu._n regim_fw-la eccles_n p._n 264_o etc._n etc._n cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n p._n 116._o and_o his_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 35_o 37._o testimony_n it_o be_v true_a they_o own_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n upon_o different_a ground_n because_o some_o of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n be_v for_o a_o national_a and_o other_o for_o a_o congregational_a church_n but_o they_o 449._o they_o jus_fw-la div_o min._n evangel_n p._n 12_o etc._n etc._n brinsly_n church-remedy_n p._n 41_o 42._o cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n p._n 60_o 89_o 132_o 172._o tombes's_fw-fr theodulia_n §._o 15_o 16._o pref_o etc._n etc._n 9_o §._o 3._o crofton_n reformation_n not_o separation_n p._n 10._o and_o bethshemesh_n cloud_v p._n 101_o etc._n etc._n church_n refor_o p._n 42._o corbet_n account_n of_o the_o principle_n &c_n &c_n p._n 26._o throughton_n apology_n p._n 103._o baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 178._o cotton_n way_n clear_v p._n 8._o his_o letter_n p._n 3._o hooker_n survey_n pref_o &_o part_v 1._o p._n 47._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 447_o 448_o 449._o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o they_o say_v she_o be_v a_o corrupt_a one_o nay_o our_o 97._o our_o grave_a and_o mod._n confut._n p._n 6._o goodwin_n zion_n coll._n visit_v bradshaw_n unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 97._o brethren_n do_v not_o only_o grant_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o valuable_a if_o not_o the_o very_o best_a in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o matter_n only_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o mr._n baxter_n cure_n of_o ch._n divis_fw-la dir_fw-mi 56._o p._n 263._o that_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v also_o a_o sound_n as_o well_o as_o a_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v easy_o appear_v by_o a_o examination_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o so_o large_a a_o work_n because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o i_o conceive_v that_o our_o dissenter_n will_v be_v not_o only_o will_v but_o forward_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v have_v answer_v those_o objection_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o make_v against_o our_o communion_n and_o show_v that_o those_o plea_n which_o they_o raise_v from_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o make_v separation_n lawful_a i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o several_a plea_n and_o design_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o natural_a order_n chap._n ii_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n our_o adversary_n say_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v therefore_o unlawful_a because_o we_o require_v man_n to_o use_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n now_o that_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v full_o answer_v i_o shall_v do_v four_o thing_n viz._n first_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o indifferent_a thing_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n four_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o indifferent_a thing_n all_o action_n be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n duty_n or_o sin_n be_v so_o either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o divine_a law_n that_o which_o be_v command_v be_v a_o duty_n that_o which_o be_v forbid_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o that_o which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n and_o we_o may_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4.15_o duty_n be_v duty_n because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o sin_n be_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v and_o indifferent_a be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o we_o may_v know_v by_o its_o authority_n what_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o or_o against_o the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v day_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n how_o must_v this_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n now_o if_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o revelation_n say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o day_n than_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v they_o ii_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v use_v in_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gospel-rule_n of_o worship_n which_o except_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v order_n decency_n and_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 40._o so_o that_o we_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v than_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o since_o other_o have_v always_o determine_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v also_o the_o same_o liberty_n the_o rule_n themselves_o be_v general_a and_o the_o apostle_n rare_o descend_v to_o particular_n but_o whenever_o they_o do_v they_o show_v how_o far_o custom_n charity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o man_n be_v uncover_v in_o god_n worship_n 1_o cor._n 11.4_o 7._o for_o they_o think_v it_o impossible_a or_o not_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o tie_v all_o nation_n to_o the_o same_o mode_n since_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v by_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o thing_n be_v determine_v in_o general_a the_o particular_n be_v therein_o virtual_o determine_v and_o so_o be_v not_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v that_o then_o nothing_o be_v indifferent_a since_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n about_o every_o thing_n as_o for_o example_n all_o meat_n be_v now_o lawful_a to_o christian_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o such_o as_o our_o own_o constitution_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o rule_n do_v not_o make_v the_o meat_n to_o be_v other_o than_o indifferent_a so_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n for_o god_n worship_n but_o yet_o the_o particular_n be_v indifferent_a and_o prudence_n be_v to_o regulate_v they_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n depend_v upon_o variable_a
which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_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 write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_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 we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_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_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
according_a to_o it_o three_o therefore_o for_o the_o untie_n this_o great_a difficulty_n i_o say_v 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_v judgement_n be_v the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o guilt_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 if_o the_o mistake_v be_v such_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v make_v if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a to_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o know_v it_o better_o then_o we_o think_v he_o innocent_a and_o not_o proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n though_o the_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o no_o man_n 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 whatever_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 since_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v better_o his_o mistake_n and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n be_v not_o sinful_a the_o only_a point_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o no._n if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n he_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o yet_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n then_o the_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n under_o the_o mistake_n and_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o negligence_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o god_n enable_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o none_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o those_o who_o wilful_o embrace_v false_a principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o intend_a business_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v 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 and_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v separate_v those_o who_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n from_o those_o that_o can_v for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o another_o principle_n second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v distinguish_v the_o true_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n from_o the_o false_a one_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o 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 unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v 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 god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v whether_o a_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n of_o a_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a by_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o join_v with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n direct_o sinful_a may_v notwithstanding_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v constant_o with_o other_o for_o his_o great_a edification_n or_o the_o like_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o my_o proposition_n still_o hold_v because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o join_v with_o other_o which_o law_n he_o must_v not_o break_v by_o leave_v they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a but_o only_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o he_o think_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o it_o can_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o that_o my_o proposition_n remain_v true_a that_o none_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n now_o since_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o certain_o true_a how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o for_o first_o those_o that_o separate_v either_o because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v by_o some_o churchman_n or_o to_o please_v a_o relation_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n or_o procure_v or_o regain_v a_o reputation_n or_o for_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n nor_o second_o can_v those_o lay-people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hear_v their_o belove_a teacher_n in_o conventicle_n since_o they_o can_v hear_v they_o in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v those_o godly_a man_n to_o preach_v nor_o three_o those_o who_o dislike_v form_n of_o prayer_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n think_v they_o not_o convenient_a though_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a nor_o four_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o edification_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n or_o because_o many_o godly_a person_n condemn_v our_o way_n all_o these_o i_o say_v can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n because_o neither_o fancy_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o man_n conscience_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n nor_o five_o can_v those_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v encroach_v too_o much_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o suppose_v the_o governor_n be_v be_v faulty_a in_o it_o yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o sixthly_a can_v those_o just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o can_v join_v with_o we_o sometime_o both_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o dare_v to_o join_v in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a once_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n always_o but_o leave_v these_o false_a pretender_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o who_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o plead_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a and_o sure_o say_v they_o you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o join_v in_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o
rather_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o he_o think_v it_o much_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v of_o it_o well_o but_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o the_o former_a text_n direct_v we_o to_o interpret_v this_o latter_a in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n without_o censure_v one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v render_v let_v every_o one_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n this_o indeed_o differ_v from_o our_o english_a translation_n but_o grotius_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a as_o well_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theodoret_n do_v thus_o interpret_v it_o and_o moreover_o the_o matter_n require_v it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o precept_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o possible_a since_o if_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v then_o as_o much_o his_o duty_n to_o doubt_v as_o in_o other_o case_n to_o believe_v thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v do_v not_o overthrow_v my_o assertion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o true_a and_o substantial_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v give_v another_o which_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o dissenter_n own_o principle_n suppose_v therefore_o what_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o real_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o the_o man_n do_v sin_n in_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o obey_v authority_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n since_o the_o man_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v and_o sin_v in_o choose_v to_o run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n but_o when_o the_o superior_a command_n a_o man_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o man_n may_v forbear_v without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o forbear_v than_o in_o act_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sin_n to_o act_v in_o the_o former_a but_o further_a the_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v be_v this_o because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o sinful_a to_o act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n because_o there_o be_v some_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_v with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n for_o he_o that_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n do_v act_n with_o faith_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v a_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v sinful_a in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o act_v otherwise_o that_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v though_o he_o act_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_n in_o faith_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n be_v not_o sinful_a because_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v faith_n that_o be_v be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n often_o happen_v a_o man_n have_v often_o very_o great_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v all_o doubt_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o doubt_n be_v overbalanced_a though_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v hard_a and_o troublesome_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v more_o advisable_a to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o he_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n because_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o best_a judgement_n and_o more_o than_o this_o a_o man_n can_v do_v iv_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o in_o general_n that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n do_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o for_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n about_o a_o particular_a action_n he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o now_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n while_o he_o be_v dispute_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o contradiction_n a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n but_o as_o he_o think_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v can_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n which_o determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o the_o general_a law_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v can_v oblige_v we_o to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o do_v thus_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o he_o act_v doubtful_o have_v thus_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfy_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n some_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o ceremony_n other_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v of_o these_o person_n some_o have_v a_o single_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o they_o be_v satisfy_v they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o other_o have_v a_o double_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o doubt_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 the_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 as_o for_o st._n john_n word_n revel_v 18.4_o 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 not_o of_o her_o plague_n they_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n those_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o text_n do_v not_o afford_v the_o dissenter_n the_o least_o plea_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o who_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n and_o retain_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o what_o it_o retain_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o have_v nothing_o now_o to_o add_v but_o that_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o 242._o utter_o see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235_o 242._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacred_a desert_n p._n 97._o cawdrey_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o burroughs_n gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 242._o disclaim_v this_o plea_n of_o mixt-communion_n mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donastical_a and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsly_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n a_o error_n on_o both_o side_n either_o those_o that_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o at_o all_o with_o who_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o those_o that_o if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v the_o scandalous_a away_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v think_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o this_o both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o agree_v in_o and_o endeavour_v 5._o endeavour_v see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 31_o 32_o 44_o 242_o 246._o vindicat_fw-la of_o presb._n gou._n p._n 134._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 47._o firmin_n separ_fw-la exam._n p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church-reâ—or_a p._n 71._o tombes's_fw-fr theod._n p._n 74._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n a_o 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8_o 9_o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53_o 55._o burroughs_n gospel-worsh_a serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 250_o 211._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la blake'_v vindic._n p._n 235._o cotton_n inf._n bapt._n p._n 102._o cartwright_n on_o proverb_n edwards's_fw-fr apol._n baxter_n christian_n direct_v p._n 707._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 16._o bains_n on_o the_o ephes_n c._n 1._o v._n 1._o p._n 5._o to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n nay_o they_o answer_v a_o objection_n draw_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v and_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o exclude_v such_o a_o one_o from_o church-communion_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o a_o private_a person_n but_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n if_o they_o exclude_v he_o not_o so_o mr._n baxter_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o it_o concern_v not_o religious_a but_o civil_a communion_n and_o that_o not_o all_o civil_a society_n or_o commerce_n but_o familiar_a also_o for_o which_o they_o produce_v several_a reason_n 1._o they_o argue_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o eat_a bread_n which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o partake_v of_o or_o to_o be_v shut_v from_o the_o table_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o familiarity_n break_v off_o so_o mr._n ball_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o eat_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v allow_v to_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a but_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v only_o allow_v to_o be_v with_o a_o heathen_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v with_o a_o brother_n so_o mr._n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n 454._o etc._n see_v baxter_n defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 27._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 200._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 75_o 122_o 126._o brinsly_n arraignment_n p._n 40_o 45_o 48._o tombes_n theodul_n p._n 128_o 167_o 210._o grave_a confut._n part_n 1._o p._n 17_o 18._o &_o part_v 4._o p._n 57_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 219_o 226_o 333_o 246._o cartwright_n def._n of_o the_o admon_n p._n 98_o 99_o 106._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 487_o 488._o blake'_v vindic._n c._n 31._o p._n 236_o 238._o gillisp_n nihil_fw-la respondet_fw-la p._n 33._o knutton_n query_n throughton_n apol._n p._n 65._o baxter_n cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o owen_n evangel_n love_n c._n 3._o p._n 77._o brian_n dwelling_n with_o god_n sermon_n 6._o p._n 301._o firmin_n separate_a exam._n p._n 28._o collins_n provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 144_o 151._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o and_o as_o for_o other_o objection_n mr._n baxter_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a if_o you_o mark_v all_o the_o text_n in_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v command_v in_o such_o case_n beside_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n or_o antichristian_a and_o heretical_a confederacy_n and_o no-churche_n be_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n 1._o either_o that_o the_o church_n cast_v out_o the_o impenitent_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o 2._o that_o private_a man_n avoid_v all_o private_a familiarity_n with_o they_o but_o that_o the_o private_a member_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o such_o person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o show_v i_o one_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o you_o can_v to_o conclude_v this_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n prove_v nothing_o but_o a_o supercilious_a arrogance_n and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o charity_n in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o what_o care_v they_o may_v take_v in_o their_o new_a way_n of_o discipline_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o our_o church_n have_v give_v the_o minister_n a_o power_n of_o reject_v scandalous_a sinner_n communion_n sinner_n see_v rubr._n after_o the_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v do_v for_o the_o close_a hypocrite_n will_v escape_v the_o narrow_a search_n every_o man_n be_v charge_v to_o examine_v himself_o and_o not_o another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o all_o will_v do_v so_o for_o he_o that_o inquire_v serious_o into_o his_o own_o sin_n will_v find_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a but_o he_o that_o be_v curious_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a and_o censorious_a which_o will_v make_v he_o as_o unfit_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o any_o of_o those_o fault_n which_o he_o so_o scornful_o condemn_v in_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o esteem_v himself_o and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pollute_v by_o their_o company_n chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v well_o but_o though_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a yet_o they_o can_v find_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o
this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o edify_v by_o the_o most_o fluent_a and_o popular_a tongue_n or_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o pathetical_a expression_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v have_v answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o our_o communion_n i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n as_o separate_v from_o we_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o we_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o these_o excuse_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n who_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o by_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_o these_o five_o head_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o 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 we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v 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 never_o use_v the_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 be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_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 these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v 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 undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n 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 only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
they_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n so_o his_o doubt_n concern_v they_o affect_v his_o conscience_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o god_n law_n may_v be_v transgress_v in_o they_o so_o that_o where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n his_o doubt_n about_o a_o action_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o conscience_n three_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n we_o mean_v that_o the_o man_n be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a now_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 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 the_o person_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n nor_o any_o new_a reason_n to_o unsettle_v he_o but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o act_v he_o be_v trouble_v with_o unaccountable_a fear_n but_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v quite_o different_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_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 probability_n on_o both_o side_n the_o resolve_a conscience_n act_v cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n act_v fearful_o but_o the_o doubtful_a conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n the_o man_n that_o have_v either_o a_o resolve_v or_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n pass_v a_o judgement_n on_o the_o thing_n but_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n pass_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o for_o than_o it_o will_v no_o long_o be_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o true_o and_o strict_o speak_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o for_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 a_o doubt_a conscience_n waver_v and_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n however_o to_o comply_v with_o custom_n i_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n in_o speak_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n conscience_n needs_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v first_o then_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v resolve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o to_o doubt_v no_o long_o about_o it_o but_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v determine_v 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 a_o rule_n that_o determine_v not_o whether_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o but_o what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v where_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o instance_n the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v not_o to_o determine_v whether_o be_v be_v lawful_a to_o play_v at_o card_n but_o what_o i_o must_v do_v if_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o play_v at_o card_n before_o a_o man_n act_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v 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 but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n must_v act_v till_o he_o be_v able_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o resolve_v all_o the_o doubt_n that_o may_v have_v be_v start_v about_o the_o action_n for_o this_o in_o many_o case_n be_v utter_o impossible_a the_o person_n may_v not_o have_v sufficient_a time_n or_o mean_n for_o the_o do_v it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v better_a than_o to_o get_v satisfy_v by_o reason_n and_o advice_n what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o proceed_v among_o the_o most_o conscientious_a man_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o rule_n conscience_n needs_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o that_o rule_n be_v first_o by_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n itself_o and_o then_o second_o by_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n 1._o first_o then_o since_o a_o man_n never_o doubt_v but_o upon_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n but_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n that_o side_n which_o all_o thing_n consider_v do_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v some_o indeed_o say_v that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o express_v it_o so_o because_o the_o rule_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a as_o the_o word_n safe_a side_n be_v expound_v for_o first_o if_o by_o safe_a side_n we_o mean_v that_o side_n which_o be_v more_o free_a from_o danger_n of_o sin_v i_o think_v the_o rule_n will_v prove_v rather_o a_o snare_n than_o a_o guide_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n for_o if_o this_o rule_n be_v true_a most_o person_n do_v transgress_v it_o every_o day_n nay_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v frequent_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o this_o without_o any_o reproach_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o any_o censure_n from_o other_o man_n he_o that_o avoid_v all_o entertainment_n be_v certain_o more_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o intemperance_n than_o other_o be_v and_o yet_o when_o occasion_n serve_v no_o man_n make_v any_o great_a scruple_n of_o go_v to_o they_o we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n for_o otherwise_o he_o that_o will_v be_v religious_a must_v forsake_v all_o worldly_a business_n and_o retire_v to_o a_o cloister_n but_o to_o come_v more_o strict_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o the_o most_o honest_a person_n do_v not_o think_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o determine_v himself_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n on_o which_o he_o apprehend_v there_o be_v least_o danger_n of_o 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if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o the_o action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v sinful_a or_o no_o yet_o if_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n he_o can_v do_v that_o action_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o be_v he_o sin_v also_o in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n four_o if_o a_o man_n have_v be_v so_o extreme_o careless_a in_o learn_v his_o duty_n that_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o plain_a matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a for_o do_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v it_o 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 true_a principle_n that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o our_o superior_n for_o certain_o if_o a_o sinful_a thing_n be_v command_v not_o only_o he_o that_o command_v but_o he_o that_o obey_v also_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o man_n may_v have_v know_v his_o duty_n have_v he_o not_o be_v careless_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a because_o he_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n though_o he_o break_v god_n law_n second_o that_o when_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o in_o his_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v sinful_a if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sin_n five_o i_o premise_v that_o whatever_o the_o power_n of_o superior_n be_v for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o must_v not_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n because_o the_o case_n of_o obey_v superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o command_n be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v it_o by_o the_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o such_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v as_o will_v outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o make_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o obey_v however_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a a_o man_n false_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v sinfiul_a will_v not_o excuse_v he_o unless_o his_o mistake_n be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o rectify_v these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o plain_a question_n 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 unlawfulness_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 do_v not_o oblige_v the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v i_o affirm_v it_o do_v oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o first_o modesty_n oblige_v we_o to_o pay_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o if_o a_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o civil_a practice_n we_o shall_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o few_o learned_a prudent_a and_o honest_a person_n who_o we_o think_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n than_o ourselves_o and_o do_v it_o not_o argue_v much_o self-conceit_n and_o great_a contempt_n of_o our_o superior_n to_o refuse_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o their_o judgement_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o command_v for_o the_o best_a second_o bishop_n sanderson_n and_o other_o casuist_n agree_v that_o in_o all_o dispute_v case_n he_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o that_o contend_v with_o he_o suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a thus_o if_o i_o be_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o another_o claim_n i_o can_v just_o be_v dispossess_v till_o the_o other_o man_n title_n appear_v to_o be_v better_a than_o i_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o superior_a assert_v his_o right_n and_o command_v the_o subject_n question_v his_o right_n because_o he_o doubt_n whether_o the_o command_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o since_o the_o superior_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o subject_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n by_o his_o disobedience_n dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o authority_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o disobey_v than_o to_o obey_v but_o this_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v suppose_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n three_o since_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n that_o the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n for_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a the_o only_a hazard_n we_o run_v be_v of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o perhaps_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v or_o have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v but_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a than_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n which_o we_o can_v but_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o mankind_n four_o since_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o our_o own_o inferior_n to_o contradict_v our_o rule_n upon_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o be_v lawful_a if_o a_o parent_n shall_v command_v his_o son_n to_o sit_v uncover_v before_o he_o or_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o dress_v a_o dinner_n on_o the_o lord's-day_n and_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a will_v not_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o master_n say_v i_o be_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v by_o your_o foolish_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o control_v my_o command_n i_o dare_v say_v most_o man_n will_v think_v this_o a_o very_a just_a reply_n and_o if_o so_o than_o our_o superior_a also_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n notwithstanding_o our_o doubt_n and_o if_o we_o think_v otherwise_o it_o be_v because_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o we_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o five_o if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v in_o mere_o doubtful_a case_n their_o authority_n signify_v nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o public_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o some_o person_n or_o other_o will_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o such_o a_o doubt_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v obedience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n but_o perpetual_a confusion_n for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n make_v war_n and_o every_o ignorant_a and_o unexperienced_a subject_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n in_o case_n he_o doubt_n whether_o that_o war_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o but_o these_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v must_v needs_o be_v think_v intolerable_a also_o 3._o have_v thus_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n
lawful_a and_o since_o conformity_n be_v enjoin_v and_o since_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o scripture_n than_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o must_v not_o omit_v the_o duty_n of_o conform_v for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o those_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v break_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o must_v give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n much_o more_o must_v human_a invention_n yield_v to_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o a_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o be_v only_o when_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a and_o the_o sin_n we_o must_v otherwise_o commit_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o at_o last_o our_o obedience_n be_v dispense_v withal_o only_o for_o that_o one_o time_n we_o may_v be_v absent_a from_o church_n to_o save_v 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 it_o will_v be_v a_o pitiful_a pretence_n for_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o our_o public_a prayer_n because_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o neighbour_n house_n may_v be_v fire_v or_o his_o life_n invade_v and_o so_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n though_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o omission_n of_o something_o command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o very_o rare_o happen_v yet_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o help_v those_o who_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n only_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o be_v appoint_v but_o say_v they_o scandal_n be_v spiritual_a murder_n and_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v authority_n though_o scandal_n follow_v then_o when_o authority_n command_v we_o may_v murder_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o destroy_v he_o by_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o wear_v a_o surplice_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o make_v man_n forsake_v christianity_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a scandalize_a our_o brother_n which_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o soul-murther_n nay_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 a_o brother_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o as_o it_o do_v against_o submission_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n also_o that_o be_v break_v by_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v chance_v to_o happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n because_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o own_o than_o of_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o to_o avoid_v sin_n in_o himself_o than_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o his_o brethren_n nay_o as_o bishop_n sanderson_n say_v to_o allow_v man_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v thereat_o to_o disobey_v law_n and_o constitution_n make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o bring_v both_o magistrate_n and_o law_n into_o contempt_n for_o what_o law_n ever_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o some_o man_n or_o other_o either_o do_v or_o may_v take_v offence_n thereat_o if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v whether_o any_o human_a authority_n can_v make_v that_o action_n cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a which_o if_o do_v without_o any_o such_o command_n have_v be_v scandalous_a i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v secure_v that_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v by_o what_o i_o do_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o free_v i_o from_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o my_o duty_n which_o if_o i_o have_v otherwise_o do_v may_v have_v be_v uncharitable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o if_o superior_n may_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n than_o a_o earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n i_o answer_v that_o here_o be_v no_o cross_v the_o determination_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o express_a will_n that_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n we_o shall_v obey_v our_o governor_n and_o he_o who_o have_v make_v this_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o mischief_n that_o may_v sometime_o without_o our_o fault_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n follow_v from_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o superior_n shall_v appoint_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v exercise_v our_o charity_n towards_o our_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n or_o that_o every_o ignorant_a and_o froward_a brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o far_o duty_n of_o justice_n be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n now_o obedience_n to_o 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he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v require_v both_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o superior_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o our_o brother_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v what_o be_v none_o of_o my_o own_o a_o servant_n must_v be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n but_o he_o must_v not_o rob_v his_o master_n to_o relieve_v they_o our_o superior_n only_o must_v consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n thus_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o but_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o to_o avoid_v if_o possible_a give_v any_o offence_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o christian_a charity_n to_o endeavour_v by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o we_o foresee_v our_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o gain_v dissenter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o