separation_n from_o they_o necessary_a and_o so_o consequent_o justifiable_a whereas_o the_o thing_n object_v against_o in_o our_o church_n be_v at_o worst_a only_a doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a or_o rather_o not_o so_o good_a and_o expedient_a as_o may_v be_v devise_v and_o this_o sure_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14._o 19_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a it_o be_v unclean_a do_v not_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n that_o be_v whatever_o we_o do_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o itself_o yet_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o do_v it_o against_o his_o conscience_n and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v before_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v i_o desire_v here_o therefore_o only_o to_o be_v right_o understand_v and_o then_o these_o thing_n be_v soon_o reconcile_v 1._o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n i_o suppose_v the_o person_n tolerable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o it_o he_o have_v some_o little_a reason_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o will_v never_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o at_o liberty_n have_v no_o very_a weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o any_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n or_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o dice_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-play_n or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himielf_n concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischief_n 1._o when_o our_o superior_n other_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a who_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n our_o scruple_n will_v not_o excuse_v or_o justify_v our_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o we_o judge_v what_o be_v command_v to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a erroneous_a judgement_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o such_o persuasion_n we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o upon_o any_o inducement_n whatever_o if_o i_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n wherein_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n i_o be_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o do_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o be_o certain_o innocent_a when_o i_o forbear_v i_o may_v commit_v a_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v it_o wisdom_n will_v therefore_o that_o the_o safe_a part_n be_v choose_v but_o now_o if_o i_o be_o by_o the_o command_n of_o my_o superior_n oblige_v to_o it_o my_o choice_n be_v then_o determine_v it_o than_o become_v my_o duty_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v safe_a or_o advisable_v to_o neglect_v a_o plain_a duty_n for_o a_o uncertain_a offence_n thus_o most_o and_o best_a casuist_n do_v determine_v about_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n particular_o the_o forename_a reverend_a bishop_n in_o the_o same_o sermon_n whatsoever_o be_v command_v we_o by_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n quod_fw-la tamen_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la certum_fw-la displicere_fw-la deo_fw-la say_v st._n bernard_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o we_o receive_v and_o obey_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v it_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o high_a power_n and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o their_o ordinance_n but_o now_o this_o be_v more_o plain_a concern_v fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n these_o aught_o all_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursom_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n a_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v divise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_a as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o
a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n preach_v at_o the_o parish-church_n of_o st._n mary_n aldermanburic_n london_n by_o benjamin_n calamy_n d._n d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a consider_v this_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o that_o thousand_o be_v go_v to_o hell_n and_o ten_o thousand_o upon_o their_o march_n thither_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v never_o come_v there_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v tempt_v from_o the_o parish_n church_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n in_o a_o pure_a church_n mr._n baxter_n ep._n to_o separate_a congr_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o rowland_n reynolds_n next_o door_n to_o the_o middle_a exchange_n in_o the_o strand_n mdclxxxiii_o to_o sr._n george_n jeffryes_n knight_n and_o baronet_n chief_a justice_n of_o chester_n sir_n though_o i_o can_v not_o easy_o persuade_v myself_o to_o expose_v this_o follow_a sermon_n to_o public_a view_n yet_o after_o i_o be_v once_o resolve_v to_o venture_v it_o abroad_o i_o be_v soon_o determine_v to_o who_o i_o ought_v to_o present_v it_o to_o your_o interest_n and_o favour_n i_o chief_o owe_v my_o be_v place_v in_o this_o parish_n to_o your_o countenance_n my_o great_a encouragement_n here_o and_o if_o it_o may_v gain_v your_o acceptance_n and_o approbation_n i_o shall_v but_o little_a value_n the_o uncertain_a judgement_n of_o other_o upon_o how_o many_o this_o plain_a homely_a discourse_n may_v have_v good_a effect_n i_o can_v guess_v how_o many_o it_o will_v anger_v and_o displease_v i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v and_o though_o i_o may_v be_v think_v by_o some_o ill_n advise_v in_o publish_v such_o a_o sermon_n yet_o every_o one_o will_v commend_v and_o justify_v my_o discretion_n in_o prefix_v your_o name_n before_o it_o for_o so_o great_a a_o awe_n have_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o government_n of_o your_o loyalty_n and_o fidelity_n to_o both_o of_o your_o undaunted_a zeal_n and_o activity_n for_o the_o service_n of_o both_o that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v loud_o to_o condemn_v what_o you_o be_v please_v to_o protect_v they_o will_v be_v just_o afraid_a of_o quarrel_v with_o i_o when_o they_o know_v i_o have_v engage_v you_o on_o my_o side_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o in_o this_o age_n we_o live_v some_o be_v so_o extraordinary_o wise_a and_o wary_a as_o to_o censure_v and_o discourage_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v roundly_o and_o act_v vigorous_o for_o the_o king_n and_o church_n as_o be_v more_o forward_o and_o busy_a than_o be_v needful_a but_o i_o be_o also_o as_o sensible_a that_o if_o some_o man_n have_v not_o show_v more_o courage_n and_o honesty_n than_o those_o prudent_a person_n both_o will_v have_v be_v by_o this_o time_n in_o far_o great_a danger_n than_o at_o this_o present_a thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o be_v for_o my_o own_o part_n no_o one_o be_v more_o favourable_a to_o a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n than_o myself_o let_v it_o be_v as_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a as_o it_o can_v well_o be_v so_o it_o be_v about_o the_o substantial_a matter_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n due_a obedience_n to_o superior_n and_o when_o it_o make_v we_o more_o exact_o careful_a of_o our_o undoubted_a duty_n in_o all_o instance_n but_o when_o man_n be_v scrupulous_a only_o on_o one_o side_n about_o thing_n command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o disobedience_n schism_n faction_n and_o division_n when_o man_n set_v up_o their_o private_a humour_n fancy_n or_o opinion_n in_o opposition_n to_o establish_a law_n when_o they_o become_v peevish_a pragmatical_a and_o ungovernable_a nay_o when_o man_n conscience_n prove_v so_o general_o tender_a and_o scrupulous_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o and_o suspect_v the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n for_o that_o conscience_n that_o be_v so_o tender_a against_o the_o church_n be_v also_o usual_o as_o tender_v against_o the_o king_n such_o wayward_a skittish_a conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o bridle_v and_o restrain_v or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v not_o only_o intolerable_o troublesome_a but_o extreme_o mischievous_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n that_o the_o bless_a reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o loyalty_n may_v plentiful_o descend_v upon_o yourself_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o you_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v be_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o honour_a sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o oblige_a servant_n benjamin_n calamy_n st._n luke_n 11._o 41._o but_o rather_o give_v alm_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v and_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v clean_a unto_o you_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o whilst_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v after_o his_o wont_a manner_n instruct_v the_o people_n a_o certain_a pharisee_fw-mi either_o in_o some_o measure_n please_v with_o his_o discourse_n or_o else_o that_o he_o may_v catch_v a_o advantage_n against_o he_o beseech_v he_o to_o dine_v with_o he_o our_o lord_n who_o refuse_v no_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a will_v not_o disdain_v to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n either_o of_o the_o great_a sinner_n or_o his_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n will_v converse_v familiar_o with_o they_o and_o eat_v at_o their_o table_n that_o by_o such_o oblige_a condescension_n he_o may_v by_o degree_n win_v they_o to_o the_o love_n and_o embrace_v of_o divine_a truth_n he_o be_v the_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n and_o go_v about_o continual_o visit_v his_o patient_n all_o those_o who_o mind_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o help_n or_o cure_v he_o consult_v their_o benefit_n more_o than_o his_o own_o safety_n or_o reputation_n he_o will_v keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o they_o though_o he_o himself_o for_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v think_v one_o of_o they_o and_o he_o frank_o accept_v the_o invitation_n of_o pharisee_n though_o he_o know_v they_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o and_o design_v only_o to_o entrap_v he_o he_o go_v in_o therefore_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi into_o his_o house_n and_o without_o any_o of_o those_o previous_a wash_n and_o purification_n which_o the_o jew_n religious_o use_v before_o eat_v he_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n this_o the_o strict_a pharisee_n think_v a_o great_a profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n in_o his_o guest_n he_o wonder_v that_o so_o great_a a_o prophet_n and_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n as_o our_o saviour_n pretend_v to_o be_v shall_v so_o scandalous_o violate_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n verse_n 38._o and_o when_o the_o pharisee_n see_v it_o he_o marvel_v that_o he_o have_v not_o first_o wash_v before_o dinner_n for_o as_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o upon_o a_o like_a occasion_n mark_v 7._o 3._o the_o pharisee_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n eat_v not_o hold_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o market_n except_o they_o wash_v they_o eat_v not_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o hold_v as_o the_o wash_n of_o cup_n and_o of_o pot_n and_o of_o brazen_a vessel_n and_o of_o table_n thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o god_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o moses_n law_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o prescription_n of_o their_o rabbi_n or_o scribe_n observe_v at_o least_o by_o the_o strict_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o true_a purity_n of_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v by_o such_o frequent_a wash_n for_o of_o such_o necessity_n do_v they_o think_v these_o outward_a purgation_n to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o determine_a case_n among_o they_o that_o if_o any_o one_o in_o great_a distress_n have_v water_n sufficient_a for_o wash_v but_o not_o enough_o to_o wash_v and_o drink_v too_o he_o ought_v rather_o to_o perish_v by_o thirst_n than_o neglect_v to_o wash_v himself_o and_o it_o be_v common_o say_v among_o they_o that_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n be_v a_o great_a pollution_n than_o to_o defile_v one_o body_n with_o a_o harlot_n now_o this_o our_o saviour_n with_o great_a zeal_n reprove_v in_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n now_o do_v you_o pharisee_n make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n but_o your_o inward_a part_n be_v full_a of_o raven_a and_o wickedness_n you_o fool_n do_v not_o he_o that_o make_v that_o which_o be_v without_o make_v that_o which_o be_v within_o also_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o which_o god_n regard_v be_v the_o purity_n of_o your_o mind_n the_o cleanse_v your_o heart_n from_o all_o evil_a affection_n and_o filthy_a lust_n and_o all_o your_o outward_a wash_n without_o this_o internal_a purity_n be_v but_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v wash_v his_o vessel_n the_o outside_n of_o
they_o only_o leave_v the_o inside_n of_o they_o full_a of_o all_o filthiness_n and_o nastiness_n thus_o do_v you_o pharisee_n wash_v your_o body_n whilst_o your_o soul_n and_o spirit_n remain_v full_a of_o all_o uncleanness_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n if_o you_o will_v obey_v and_o please_v god_n you_o must_v cleanse_v that_o which_o be_v within_o as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v without_o then_o he_o add_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n but_o rather_o give_v alm_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v and_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v clean_a unto_o you_o there_o be_v several_a meaning_n give_v of_o these_o word_n by_o interpreter_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v you_o but_o only_o propound_v that_o which_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n or_o religion_n by_o some_o one_o part_n or_o eminent_a instance_n of_o it_o as_o very_o frequent_o by_o charity_n so_o here_o by_o one_o principal_a part_n of_o charity_n give_v of_o alms._n so_o that_o the_o sense_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o this_o single_a duty_n of_o almsgiving_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o weight_n and_o necessity_n be_v here_o understand_v as_o well_o as_o that_o one_o which_o be_v mention_v and_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o mind_v chief_o the_o great_a and_o moral_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o god_n law_n study_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v most_o zealous_a and_o solicitous_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o piety_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v clean_a unto_o you_o that_o be_v you_o need_v not_o then_o be_v so_o anxious_a or_o concern_v about_o these_o little_a thing_n nor_o so_o strict_o tie_v up_o yourselves_o to_o such_o formality_n and_o external_a rite_n if_o you_o be_v but_o serious_o diligent_a about_o your_o main_a and_o undoubted_a duty_n you_o will_v be_v more_o indifferent_a about_o meat_n and_o drink_n nor_o will_v you_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o any_o singularity_n or_o affectation_n in_o religion_n be_v but_o exact_o careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v express_o command_v and_o then_o trouble_v not_o your_o conscience_n about_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n thus_o as_o grotius_n upon_o these_o word_n observe_v they_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v titus_n 1._o 15._o unto_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a they_o who_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a from_o all_o sinful_a pollution_n who_o strict_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a freedom_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n use_v any_o unlawful_a liberty_n and_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o meat_n with_o washen_n or_o unwashen_v hand_n in_o short_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o mind_v your_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n and_o trouble_v not_o yourselves_o with_o scruple_n about_o little_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n whence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n of_o what_o be_v usual_o call_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o do_v not_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v out_o those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well_o instruct_v conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well_o ground_v or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n no_o far_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o matter_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbear_v do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v for_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v
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 who_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 authority_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absurd_a as_o may_v by_o some_o be_v imagine_v for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o their_o lawful_a teacher_n what_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o themselves_o but_o the_o difficulty_n here_o be_v how_o shall_v a_o private_a christian_a govern_v himself_o when_o the_o very_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n determine_v different_o concern_v these_o matter_n in_o question_n among_o we_o some_o warrant_v and_o allow_v they_o other_o as_o much_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v they_o by_o what_o rule_n shall_v he_o choose_v his_o guide_n to_o which_o i_o brief_o reply_v 1._o as_o for_o those_o who_o scruple_n at_o conformity_n and_o be_v tolerable_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o let_v not_o such_o rely_v bare_o upon_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v equal_o hear_v both_o side_n that_o they_o will_v think_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v some_o sense_n and_o conscience_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v somewhat_o for_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o or_o require_v of_o other_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la favour_n to_o or_o admiration_n of_o man_n person_n they_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v propound_v to_o they_o be_v diffident_a of_o their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o indifferent_a to_o either_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o change_v their_o mind_n when_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v we_o thus_o prevail_v with_o the_o people_n diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n our_o church_n will_v every_o day_n gain_v more_o ground_n among_o all_o wise_a man_n for_o we_o care_v not_o how_o much_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n our_o people_n have_v so_o they_o be_v but_o humble_a and_o modest_a with_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v man_n to_o become_v our_o proselyte_n any_o further_a than_o we_o give_v they_o good_a scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o 2._o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o examine_v or_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o few_o of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o separate_v from_o we_o real_o be_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o only_o in_o general_a word_n declaim_v against_o popery_n superstition_n antichristian_a and_o unscriptural_a ceremony_n humane_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n such_o have_v better_a trust_n to_o and_o depend_v on_o those_o minister_n of_o know_a sufficiency_n for_o their_o office_n who_o be_v regular_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n set_v over_o they_o than_o any_o other_o guide_n or_o teacher_n that_o they_o can_v choose_v for_o themselves_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o safe_a course_n which_o in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v i_o speak_v now_o of_o these_o present_a controversy_n about_o form_n and_o ceremony_n so_o hot_o agitate_a among_o we_o which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o common_a people_n out_o of_o their_o profession_n not_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n when_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n about_o which_o we_o can_v easy_o satisfy_v ourselves_o we_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o public_o authorize_v guide_n and_o preacher_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o chance_v to_o mislead_v we_o we_o have_v something_o to_o say_v or_o apologise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o error_n be_v more_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o be_v occasion_v by_o those_o to_o who_o judgement_n by_o god_n command_n we_o do_v owe_v a_o great_a respect_n and_o submission_n but_o when_o we_o choose_v instructor_n and_o counsellor_n to_o ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o like_n and_o they_o teach_v we_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lawful_a minister_n if_o then_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n we_o may_v thank_v our_o own_o wantonness_n for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o severe_o accountable_a for_o such_o mistake_v thus_o let_v a_o man_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o threaten_a disease_n apply_v himself_o rather_o to_o the_o license_v physician_n or_o surgeon_n of_o approve_a skill_n and_o honesty_n and_o if_o he_o chance_v to_o miscarry_v under_o they_o yet_o he_o have_v this_o contentment_n that_o he_o use_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a mean_n for_o his_o health_n and_o recovery_n but_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o all_o and_o will_v hearken_v only_o to_o quack_n and_o empiric_n though_o they_o advise_v he_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o other_o prescribe_v if_o under_o their_o hand_n he_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o he_o must_v then_o charge_v his_o own_o perverse_a folly_n or_o idle_a humour_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n 4._o in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o our_o scruple_n we_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a that_o be_v necessary_a or_o our_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v that_o be_v sinful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v that_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n oblige_v we_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4._o 15._o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n but_o either_o omit_v what_o the_o law_n command_v or_o do_v what_o the_o law_n forbid_v for_o instance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v where_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n where_o sit_v be_v require_v where_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n be_v forbid_v and_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v enjoin_v then_o indeed_o the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v be_v find_v as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v then_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o read_v prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n must_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n lawful_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o scruple_v they_o because_o they_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n nay_o where_o they_o be_v require_v by_o our_o superior_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o convince_a and_o can_v be_v evade_v but_o by_o give_v another_o notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a especial_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v or_o that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n and_o on_o these_o two_o mistake_v be_v chief_o ground_a man_n scruple_n about_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n 1._o that_o only_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v so_o that_o this_o be_v think_v exception_n sufficient_a against_o the_o form_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v yet_o they_o be_v no_o where_o command_v in_o