one_o in_o this_o question_n a_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v by_o chance_n happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o prove_v it_o by_o this_o reason_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n must_v own_v for_o true_a and_o good_a 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 other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o rather_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 if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o 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 criminal_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scandal_n that_o follow_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a 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 their_o command_n but_o than_o it_o do_v free_v i_o from_o all_o guilt_n and_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o to_o become_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v which_o if_o i_o have_v do_v needless_o without_o any_o great_a reason_n and_o my_o brother_n have_v be_v hurt_v and_o his_o conscience_n wound_v by_o it_o may_v have_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o uncharitableness_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o scandal_n be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a to_o follow_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n otherwise_o obligatory_a do_v not_o lose_v their_o bind_a force_n because_o of_o some_o scandal_n that_o may_v possible_o happen_v from_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o or_o else_o all_o authority_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o insignificant_a and_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v for_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n sanderson_n 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 whether_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v scandalous_a or_o no_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o hurtfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v he_o be_v free_a to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o which_o be_v direct_o to_o dissolve_v all_o government_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o certain_a disorder_n and_o everlasting_a confusion_n every_o one_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 3._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 may_v superior_n therefore_o at_o their_o pleasure_n appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n then_o sure_o a_o inferior_a earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o heaven_n this_o mr._n jean_n urge_v also_o out_o of_o amesius_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o reply_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 i_o shall_v exercise_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_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 cancel_v the_o public_a law_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 either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n especial_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o duty_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n before_o we_o give_v a_o alm_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o exact_v of_o we_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accuse_v we_o of_o injury_n if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o but_o a_o great_a care_n to_o hinder_v sin_n in_o other_o or_o not_o to_o scandalize_v they_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o after_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v his_o due_a and_o right_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o forenamed_a most_o judicious_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_a to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la dicat_fw-la ut_fw-la habeamus_fw-la quod_fw-la demus_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la faciamus_fw-la furta_fw-la divitibus_fw-la who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o steal_v from_o the_o rich_a what_o we_o may_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tax_n on_o pretence_n that_o you_o know_v those_o who_o have_v more_o need_n of_o your_o money_n to_o this_o mr._n jean_n reply_v suppose_v say_v he_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o here_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o both_o be_v require_v by_o god_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o brethren_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 to_o those_o in_o want_n what_o be_v none_o of_o i_o own_o this_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n or_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n to_o do_v he_o good_a by_o wrong_v our_o superior_n god_n have_v oblige_v servant_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o power_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o master_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o to_o give_v away_o their_o master_n good_n without_o his_o leave_n though_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o relief_n god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n or_o fall_v but_o then_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o management_n in_o all_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o be_v bind_v charitable_o to_o regard_v our_o brother_n but_o in_o instance_n where_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n our_o superior_n only_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o 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 it_o remain_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o great_a bishop_n in_o what_o case_n soever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n of_o circumstance_n we_o have_v nothing_o permit_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o remit_v of_o the_o right_n of_o god_n or_o our_o superior_a and_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o neighbour_n in_o such_o
communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v 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 what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_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 if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o 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 he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o these_o indifference_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v where_o by_o flesh_n and_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o though_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o common_a meal_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v whole_o abstain_v from_o rather_o than_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o a_o brother_n if_o i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n taylour_n say_v great_a exemp_n p._n 420_o must_v rather_o quit_v my_o own_o good_n than_o suffer_v my_o brother_n to_o perish_v much_o rather_o must_v i_o quit_v my_o privilege_n and_o we_o shall_v ill_o die_v for_o our_o brother_n who_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o meal_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n or_o change_v a_o dish_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o our_o brother_n live_v or_o die_v 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 win_v and_o gain_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o conform_v be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n of_o charity_n not_o needless_o to_o vex_v and_o exasperate_v our_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o may_v estrange_v they_o more_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n and_o the_o law_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o their_o brethren_n we_o dare_v not_o indeed_o omit_v any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o our_o superior_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o apostolical_a government_n excellent_a liturgy_n orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n use_v in_o our_o church_n shall_v all_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o some_o weak_a man_n take_v offence_n at_o they_o but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o disposal_n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o please_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o good_a unto_o edification_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n jean_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v as_o first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forbear_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o possibility_n of_o scandal_n but_o where_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a be_v probable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o never_o know_v what_o to_o do_v second_o our_o weak_a brethren_n must_v have_v some_o probable_a ground_n for_o their_o imagination_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a or_o else_o we_o must_v wear_v no_o ribbon_n nor_o put_v off_o our_o hat_n but_o come_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o for_o this_o exception_n he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n that_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o another_o without_o probable_a ground_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a administration_n three_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o yield_v i_o some_o great_a profit_n i_o must_v only_o for_o a_o while_o forbear_v it_o until_o my_o brother_n be_v better_a inform_v last_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o please_v peevish_a and_o froward_a people_n or_o to_o humour_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a opinion_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v mr._n calvin_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o tell_v of_o some_o foolish_a interpreter_n that_o leave_v to_o christian_n almost_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n of_o superstitious_a
be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o 19_o 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n for_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20_o 21._o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v
out_o of_o england_n without_o interrupt_v our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o communion_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o though_o they_o may_v observe_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o other_o untoward_a consequence_n that_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n then_o constant_a communion_n be_v not_o always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a i_o suppose_v because_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o constant_a actual_a or_o presential_a communion_n with_o the_o french_a church_n though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o it_o but_o certain_o sir_n have_v you_o ever_o consider_v what_o i_o discourse_v about_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n you_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o for_o this_o be_v a_o modern_a distinction_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o the_o bottom_n as_o i_o plain_o show_v but_o however_o by_o constant_a communion_n our_o dissenter_n understand_v the_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n always_o or_o ordinary_o in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n sometime_o or_o as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o another_o church_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o notion_n of_o constant_a or_o occasional_a communion_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a or_o the_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n must_v that_o question_n be_v understand_v whether_o constant_a communion_n he_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a the_o meaning_n of_o which_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o when_o other_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n determine_v my_o personal_a communion_n ordinary_o to_o one_o church_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n if_o i_o can_v lawful_o communicate_v sometime_o with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v non-communion_n with_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v for_o other_o reason_n ordinary_o to_o communicate_v but_o only_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o pretence_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v acknowledge_v lawful_a for_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n make_v occasional_a as_o well_o as_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n sinful_a i_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o communicate_v constant_o or_o ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o or_o sometime_o with_o it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o understand_v this_o question_n as_o you_o now_o do_v not_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o for_o other_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o but_o of_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v as_o occasion_n serve_v it_o make_v it_o a_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a proposition_n to_o say_v that_o constant_a communion_n by_o that_o meaning_n presential_a and_o personal_a communion_n be_v always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a for_o at_o this_o rate_n if_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n geneva_n holland_n germany_n be_v lawful_a it_o become_v a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o i_o to_o communicate_v always_o personal_o and_o presentional_o with_o all_o these_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v who_o can_v be_v present_a but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o thus_o far_o the_o proposition_n hold_v universal_o true_a that_o whatever_o church_n i_o can_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o without_o sin_n i_o be_o also_o bind_v to_o communicate_v constant_o with_o whenever_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v my_o communion_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n make_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o understand_v this_o question_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o this_o you_o think_v can_v be_v my_o meaning_n for_o accorcord_v to_o i_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o another_o provide_v the_o distance_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v with_o both_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o sir_n how_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o fasten_v so_o many_o absurd_a proposition_n upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v of_o you_o for_o the_o future_a if_o you_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o your_o own_o reputation_n yet_o upon_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n not_o to_o write_v so_o hasty_o but_o to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o understand_v a_o book_n before_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v it_o where_o do_v i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o no_o baptise_a christian_n be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n consider_v mere_o as_o particular_a but_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o sound_a orthodox_n church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n without_o which_o he_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o church-communion_n though_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o the_o first_o suppose_n that_o every_o christian_a whatever_o particular_a church_n he_o actual_o communicate_v in_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a sound_a church_n the_o second_o suppose_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o christian_n be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o another_o that_o constant_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n confine_v their_o church-membership_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o church_n i_o must_v be_v a_o member_n of_o for_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n not_o mere_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o particular_a church_n i_o must_v communicate_v in_o now_o our_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o certain_a particular_a church_n result_v from_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a and_o have_v our_o ordinary_a abode_n and_o residence_n the_o church_n which_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o state_n of_o which_o we_o be_v natural_a subject_n if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_a church_n challenge_n our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o same_o place_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o competition_n between_o two_o church_n because_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n in_o what_o church_n we_o must_v constant_o communicate_v which_o must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o french_a and_o a_o dutch_a as_o well_o as_o a_o english_a church_n in_o london_n and_o since_o distance_n of_o place_n do_v not_o hinder_v may_v we_o not_o choose_v which_o of_o these_o we_o will_v ordinary_o communicate_v with_o i_o answer_v no_o we_o have_v only_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o england_n the_o french_a church_n be_v in_o france_n and_o the_o dutch_a church_n be_v in_o holland_n though_o there_o be_v a_o french_a and_o dutch_a congregation_n allow_v in_o london_n these_o congregation_n belong_v to_o their_o own_o original_a church_n and_o be_v under_o their_o government_n and_o censure_n but_o there_o be_v no_o church-power_n and_o authority_n in_o england_n but_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a congregation_n our_o obligation_n to_o constant_a communion_n be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o alone_o have_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o england_n to_o require_v our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n one_o particular_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o not_o by_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o by_o distinct_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o church_n within_o who_o jurisdiction_n we_o live_v can_v only_o challenge_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o suppose_v
unlawful_a and_o upon_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o they_o agree_v such_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o meet_a when_o it_o will_v not_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a that_o be_v they_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o 2._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v further_o from_o such_o a_o true_a church_n than_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o separate_v for_o be_v unlawful_a or_o be_v conceive_v so_o to_o be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o do_v what_o lawful_o they_o may_v towards_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o they_o declare_v 182._o declare_v declare_v declare_v burrough_n irenic_n p._n 182._o that_o to_o join_v in_o nothing_o because_o they_o can_v join_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o divide_v practice_n and_o not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o that_o case_n be_v schism_n for_o then_o the_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a 32._o unjust_a unjust_a unjust_a vindication_n of_o presbyter_n governm_fw-la brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 16_o 32._o therefore_o if_o the_o ministerial_a communion_n be_v think_v unlawful_a and_o the_o lay-communion_n lawful_a the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o former_a do_v not_o bar_v a_o person_n from_o join_v in_o the_o latter_a the_o deny_v of_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n do_v not_o gainsay_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o partake_v in_o that_o worship_n it_o be_v sound_n for_o the_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a etc._n etc._n 2._o etc._n etc._n etc._n corbet_n plea_n for_o lay-communion_n etc._n etc._n p._n 2._o as_o a_o judicious_a person_n have_v observe_v this_o be_v the_o case_n general_o of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o exclusion_n from_o their_o public_a ministry_n hold_v full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o good_a hand_n that_o as_o 121._o irenicum_fw-la by_o discipulus_fw-la de_fw-la tempore_fw-la junior_fw-la alius_fw-la m._n newcomen_fw-mi epist_n to_o the_o reader_n friendly_a trial_n c._n 7._o p._n 121._o heretofore_o mr._n parker_n mr._n knewstubs_n mr._n vdal_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o many_o score_n suspend_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n reign_n so_o also_o of_o late_a time_n mr._n dod_n mr._n cleaver_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o against_o even_a semi-separation_n i._n e._n against_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o it_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o by_o mr._n ball_n they_o have_v evermore_o condemn_v voluntary_a separation_n from_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n or_o negligent_a frequent_v of_o those_o public_a prayer_n and_o 224._o and_o and_o and_o hildersham_n lect_v on_o john_n r._n rogers_n 7_o treatise_n tr._n 7._o c._n 4._o p._n 224._o some_o of_o they_o earnest_o press_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v the_o public_a service_n before_o the_o private_a and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n as_o a_o help_n to_o stir_v up_o god_n grace_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o do_v both_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o exhort_v other_o so_o to_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v 2._o again_o if_o in_o lay-communion_n any_o thing_n be_v think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v no_o reason_n against_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a nonconformist_n in_o the_o last_o age_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 135._o vindicat._n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la govern._n p._n 135._o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v without_o sin_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o separate_v from_o she_o indeed_o in_o that_o particular_a act_n they_o withdraw_v but_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o the_o rest_n and_o thus_o much_o be_v own_v by_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n as_o one_o declare_v the_o church_n of_o england_n 30._o jerubbaal_n p._n 28_o 30._o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o she_o be_v unwarrantable_a therefore_o communion_n with_o she_o in_o all_o part_n of_o real_a solemn_a worship_n wherein_o i_o may_v join_v with_o she_o without_o either_o let_v or_o sin_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o another_o say_v of_o they_o 107._o throughton_n apol._n p._n 107._o they_o be_v ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o return_v to_o a_o full_a union_n with_o the_o parish_n when_o ever_o the_o obstacle_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o again_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o parish_n not_o only_o in_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o think_v they_o can_v lawful_o do_v it_o this_o those_o of_o the_o congregational-way_n do_v also_o accord_v to_o that_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o only_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o which_o case_n they_o also_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o 14._o mr._n nye'_v case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 4_o and_o 5._o mr._n read_z case_n p._n 14._o also_o as_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o therefore_o plead_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v the_o establish_a ministry_n and_o undertake_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o it_o whether_o take_v from_o the_o minister_n ordination_n 25._o ordination_n ordination_n ordination_n burrough_n irenic_n p._n 183._o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nye'_v case_n p._n 24_o 25._o or_o life_n or_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v minister_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v find_v they_o in_o mr._n robinson_n plea_n for_o it_o of_o old_a and_o mr._n nye'_v of_o late_a as_o they_o be_v print_v together_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o thus_o conclude_v in_o most_o of_o the_o misperswasion_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n by_o which_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v corrupt_v i_o find_v in_o whatsoever_o they_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o yet_o in_o this_o they_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o hear_v in_o public_a which_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v one_o constant_a design_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o way_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o jesuit_n among_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v the_o more_o aware_a of_o whatsoever_o tend_v that_o way_n of_o this_o opinion_n also_o be_v mr._n tomb_n though_o he_o continue_v 319._o theodulia_n or_o a_o just_a defence_n of_o hear_v etc._n etc._n c._n 10._o §_o 15._o p._n 369._o c._n 9_o §_o 8._o p._n 319._o a_o anabaptist_n who_o have_v write_v a_o whole_a book_n to_o defend_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n and_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o the_o work_n have_v give_v forty_o additional_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o he_o write_v against_o do_v affirm_v sure_o if_o the_o church_n be_v call_v mount_n zion_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o assembly_n of_o england_n may_v be_v call_v zion_n christ_n candlestick_n and_o garden_n as_o well_o as_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o what_o mr._n robinson_n say_v in_o this_o case_n viz._n for_o myself_o thus_o ult_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v etc._n etc._n p._n ult_n i_o believe_v with_o my_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o profess_v with_o my_o tongue_n and_o have_v before_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n spirit_n baptism_n and_o lord_n which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o none_o other_o that_o i_o esteem_v so_o many_o in_o that_o church_n of_o what_o state_n or_o order_n soever_o as_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o that_o faith_n as_o i_o account_v thousand_o to_o be_v for_o my_o christian_a brethren_n and_o myself_o a_o fellow-member_n with_o they_o of_o that_o one_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n scatter_v far_o and_o wide_o throughout_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v always_o in_o spirit_n and_o affection_n all_o christian_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_o most_o ready_a in_o all_o outward_a action_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n lawful_a and_o lawful_o do_v to_o express_v the_o same_o and_o withal_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o preach_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o upon_o the_o ground_n former_o mention_v both_o lawful_a and_o upon_o occasion_n necessary_a for_o i_o and_o all_o true_a christian_n withdraw_v from_o that_o hierarchical_a order_n of_o church-government_n and_o ministry_n and_o the_o unite_n in_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n thus_o far_o he_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o not_o practise_v it_o if_o indeed_o god_n law_n have_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v very_o well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n schism_n undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n a_o sin_n against_o which_o there_o be_v as_o many_o hard_a thing_n say_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n as_o against_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o let_v those_o that_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o or_o join_v with_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o i_o say_v let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o their_o separation_n proceed_v upon_o good_a ground_n if_o they_o will_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o always_o enough_o to_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v sinful_a condition_n impose_v in_o our_o communion_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v for_o unless_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o their_o believe_v so_o will_v not_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n to_o our_o church_n communion_n or_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o this_o may_v perhaps_o at_o the_o first_o hear_n seem_v very_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o many_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o roman-catholick_n persuasion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o popery_n and_o hearty_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a one_o wherein_o salvation_n 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and_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o host_n well_o now_o the_o point_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o he_o do_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n we_o all_o grant_v that_o if_o he_o have_v such_o clear_a information_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o protestant_n have_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o idolater_n if_o he_o shall_v contitinue_v in_o these_o practice_n but_o whether_o his_o belief_n and_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v these_o thing_n do_v not_o excuse_v he_o and_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v idolatry_n that_o will_v otherwise_o be_v so_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n but_o yet_o none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o great_a question_n of_o it_o for_o we_o do_v charge_v the_o papist_n indiscriminate_o with_o idolatry_n in_o their_o worship_n notwithstanding_o their_o disclaim_n it_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n to_o worship_n god_n no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v real_o take_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o consecrate_a element_n and_o those_o other_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v they_o let_v his_o opinion_n about_o they_o be_v what_o it_o will._n a_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v or_o false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v neither_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v all_o that_o it_o will_v do_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o may_v more_o or_o less_o extenuate_v the_o transgression_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o the_o case_n be_v just_a the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o any_o man_n to_o withdraw_v his_o communion_n from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v that_o be_v as_o proper_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n for_o any_o man_n therefore_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o that_o church_n without_o sin_n yet_o if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o schismatic_a for_o all_o this_o than_o the_o other_o man_n be_v a_o idolater_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o adore_v image_n and_o those_o other_o undue_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o romanist_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o misperswasion_n will_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o more_o or_o less_o excuse_v the_o man_n person_n before_o god_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o case_n it_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o god_n word_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v idolatry_n well_o now_o admit_v all_o this_o here_o come_v the_o pinch_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o transgressor_n if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o comply_v against_o his_o conscience_n you_o grant_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o comply_v than_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n why_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v often_o true_a and_o here_o be_v that_o dilemma_n which_o man_n by_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v abuse_v with_o evil_a principle_n and_o persuasion_n do_v frequent_o run_v themselves_o into_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o act_n nor_o forbear_v act_v they_o can_v neither_o obey_v nor_o disobey_v without_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o error_n and_o false_a principle_n which_o mislead_v the_o man_n be_v depose_v and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v and_o then_o he_o may_v both_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o god_n law_n require_v of_o he_o and_o avoid_v sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v why_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o use_v conscientious_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o common_a prudence_n will_v recommend_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o 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be_v his_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n most_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v use_v all_o those_o prudent_a mean_n that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v viz._n that_o he_o can_v join_v in_o our_o worship_n without_o sin_n what_o will_v we_o say_v to_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v we_o still_o say_v that_o this_o man_n must_v either_o conform_v though_o against_o his_o conscience_n or_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a before_o god_n this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o or_o of_o the_o 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they_o have_v one_o will_v think_v that_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o prove_v it_o so_o either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v they_o do_v indeed_o produce_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v do_v make_v for_o they_o but_o real_o they_o be_v such_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o supine_o take_v up_o their_o meaning_n upon_o trust_n but_o will_v have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o careful_o examine_v they_o and_o use_v such_o help_n as_o they_o have_v every_o where_o at_o hand_n for_o the_o understanding_n they_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o have_v expound_v those_o text_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o will_v infer_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o further_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o condemn_v our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a have_v ever_o anxious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o consider_v the_o point_n or_o gain_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o because_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n and_o much_o less_o those_o of_o our_o way_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v have_v be_v dispose_v to_o think_v better_o of_o our_o communion_n than_o they_o do_v for_o not_o to_o mention_v what_o the_o churchman_n do_v teach_v &_o press_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a thus_o far_o to_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o our_o communion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o but_o what_o a_o lay-person_n may_v honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n incovenient_a and_o which_o they_o wish_v be_v amend_v nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o afford_v we_o their_o company_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v a_o invidious_a one_o all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o we_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o too_o apparent_a by_o many_o evidence_n that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o church_n constitution_n that_o they_o have_v do_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o it_o but_o have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o much_o think_n or_o inquire_v and_o have_v once_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n they_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o scarce_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n that_o may_v with_o reason_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n give_v we_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v no_o end_n no_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o his_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o who_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o have_v the_o indifference_n of_o a_o traveller_n to_o who_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o his_o way_n light_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o concern_v himself_o as_o little_a as_o you_o please_v in_o the_o speculative_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n or_o trouble_n that_o may_v give_v he_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o that_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a heat_n and_o division_n and_o different_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o modest_a and_o humble_a and_o docible_a that_o believe_v he_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o his_o private_a friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v too_o and_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o to_o admit_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o may_v see_v far_o into_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o religion_n than_o he_o do_v and_o that_o therefore_o every_o tenent_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v inbibe_v in_o his_o education_n that_o be_v infuse_v by_o private_a man_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n or_o that_o be_v espouse_v upon_o a_o very_a few_o thought_n and_o little_a consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o stiff_o maintain_v as_o to_o control_v or_o to_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o authority_n last_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o where_o the_o public_a law_n do_v run_v 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between_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v between_o doubt_v for_o instance_n whether_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a and_o doubt_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n where_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o which_o doubt_n the_o casuist_n call_v a_o speculative_a doubt_n the_o other_o a_o practical_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v often_o very_o easy_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o latter_a kind_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v what_o it_o become_v he_o to_o do_v as_o to_o this_o present_a action_n without_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v his_o doubt_n of_o the_o former_a kind_n thus_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a to_o play_v at_o card_n or_o die_n which_o be_v the_o speculative_a doubt_n as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v 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present_a action_n he_o doubt_v about_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n as_o to_o his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v his_o general_n or_o speculative_a doubt_n about_o that_o action_n resolve_v or_o no._n these_o kind_n of_o doubt_n if_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v must_v be_v overrule_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a idle_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o talk_v that_o a_o man_n must_v do_v no_o action_n till_o all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o be_v resolve_v thus_o far_o we_o grant_v it_o concern_v he_o that_o his_o doubt_n shall_v be_v resolve_v viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n he_o determine_v himself_o to_o be_v all_o thing_n consider_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o to_o direct_v a_o man_n in_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n be_v our_o principal_a business_n under_o this_o head_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o a_o man_n must_v so_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o a_o action_n as_o to_o see_v clear_o through_o all_o the_o speculative_a point_n which_o occasion_n his_o doubt_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o before_o entangle_v his_o understanding_n and_o from_o intrinsic_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o question_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v their_o meaning_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o absurd_a than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n till_o he_o have_v resolve_v or_o depose_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o for_o in_o many_o case_n this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o person_n concern_v perhaps_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o sufficient_a time_n of_o consideration_n for_o the_o do_v it_o for_o he_o must_v either_o act_n or_o not_o act_v present_o and_o he_o be_v in_o equal_a perplexity_n both_o as_o to_o the_o one_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o do_v more_o than_o this_o viz._n by_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n to_o get_v satisfy_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o for_o as_o for_o other_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o thing_n stand_v with_o he_o he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o prospect_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o all_o be_v say_v we_o see_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o proceed_v among_o man_n even_o those_o that_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a i_o dare_v say_v if_o we_o take_v all_o the_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v where_o there_o be_v one_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n upon_o such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o before_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v ten_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v overrule_v and_o the_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n without_o such_o a_o resolution_n sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o though_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n yet_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o he_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n to_o act_v thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o for_o this_o he_o take_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o general_n duty_n or_o this_o be_v that_o which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o he_o have_v consult_v do_v advise_v he_o to_o and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v what_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v which_o a_o man_n conscience_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n safe_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n upon_o this_o head_n which_o be_v what_o that_o rule_n be_v by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o thus_o resolve_v our_o doubt_n or_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o one_o side_n or_o other_o in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n by_o which_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v second_o i_o shall_v apply_v this_o general_n rule_n to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v concern_v that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o some_o principle_n for_o the_o determine_v himself_o in_o any_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o happen_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o have_v consider_v what_o we_o have_v before_o say_v will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n but_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n on_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o for_o since_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o doubt_v be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o which_o be_v to_o settle_v the_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v the_o doubt_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o viz._n that_o after_o all_o thing_n consider_v there_o do_v appear_v great_a reason_n to_o lie_v on_o this_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o there_o do_v on_o that_o so_o that_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o from_o which_o the_o measure_n of_o resolve_v all_o particular_a case_n be_v to_o be_v take_v can_v be_v lay_v down_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n that_o side_n which_o all_o thing_n due_o consider_v do_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o casuist_n have_v usual_o propose_v this_o rule_n in_o other_o term_n viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v but_o i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o express_v it_o so_o because_o of_o the_o uncertain_a meaning_n of_o the_o safe_a side_n for_o according_a as_o that_o word_n be_v expound_v as_o it_o may_v be_v expound_v different_a way_n so_o be_v the_o rule_n so_o word_v true_a or_o false_a if_o we_o take_v safety_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n and_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o usual_o understand_v viz._n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o any_o hazard_n or_o danger_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n
yet_o they_o help_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o thus_o act_n be_v a_o case_n of_o pure_a doubt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o persuasion_n on_o either_o side_n and_o withal_o that_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o his_o proceed_n the_o truth_n be_v when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o have_v he_o be_v not_o culpable_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o measure_n these_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n can_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o another_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v why_o i_o do_v mention_n they_o at_o all_o since_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v they_o seem_v altogether_o unpracticable_a for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o sinfulness_n in_o a_o action_n that_o we_o here_o talk_v of_o and_o much_o less_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o balance_v these_o thing_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a from_o thence_o to_o form_v a_o good_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o the_o determine_a man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v give_v these_o because_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o these_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o man_n have_v to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o in_o these_o case_n and_o i_o trust_v also_o they_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o useless_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o the_o purpose_v they_o be_v intend_v because_o all_o may_v hereby_o at_o least_o learn_v thus_o much_o viz._n what_o method_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o action_n in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v false_a notion_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o particular_a sin_n and_o so_o may_v sometime_o make_v false_a application_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v since_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o act_n in_o doubtful_a case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o do_v endeavour_v it_o but_o to_o render_v these_o rule_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n more_o intelligible_a and_o more_o useful_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o give_v my_o reader_n a_o specimen_fw-la both_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o likewise_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v what_o light_n they_o give_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o choose_n his_o way_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n he_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o since_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o room_n to_o give_v every_o particular_a rule_n a_o several_a instance_n i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o one_o case_n under_o which_o i_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n i_o have_v now_o represent_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o celebrate_a case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o great_a or_o a_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_n in_o any_o case_n among_o we_o and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o by_o the_o discussion_n of_o this_o case_n divert_v my_o reader_n against_o his_o will_n from_o the_o main_a argument_n i_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o so_o mark_v in_o the_o print_n that_o every_o one_o may_v without_o trouble_n if_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o read_v it_o pass_v it_o over_o as_o a_o long_a parenthesis_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o point_n this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v they_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o grievous_a notorious_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o vicious_a course_n which_o he_o be_v unwilling_a that_o his_o new_a vow_n at_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v divorce_v he_o from_o for_o indeed_o he_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n but_o this_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v not_o so_o devout_a a_o christian_n nor_o live_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o life_n as_o he_o think_v become_v the_o partaker_n of_o such_o heavenly_a food_n or_o perhaps_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o to_o so_o feel_v a_o sense_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n or_o such_o ardour_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o every_o worthy_a communicant_a aught_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o or_o perhaps_o he_o want_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n so_o comfortable_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o a_o company_n of_o idle_a and_o naughty_a fancy_n especial_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o serious_a that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o it_o in_o such_o circumstance_n these_o or_o such_o like_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v several_a time_n endeavour_v to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a condition_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o satisfy_v himself_o nor_o get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n what_o now_o must_v this_o man_n do_v he_o will_v fain_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o as_o look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n he_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o doubt_v he_o sin_n on_o that_o account_n if_o he_o do_v come_v he_o doubt_v he_o approach_v unworthy_o and_o so_o sin_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o this_o what_o course_n the_o man_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o this_o suppose_v the_o man_n after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubt_n what_o he_o must_v do_v must_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o must_v he_o forbear_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v do_v and_o yet_o which_o of_o they_o soever_o he_o choose_v he_o fear_v he_o sin_n if_o the_o former_a have_v be_v the_o question_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v thus_o that_o the_o man_n be_v to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o get_v better_a instruction_n and_o information_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o about_o the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o particular_o those_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n upon_o himself_o and_o so_o occasion_n all_o the_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o once_o come_v right_o to_o understand_v these_o point_n his_o doubt_n will_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o man_n will_v be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o as_o his_o case_n be_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v he_o may_v without_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o the_o world_n at_o any_o time_n approach_v to_o the_o holy_a
table_n because_o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v he_o habitual_o qualify_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n but_o this_o as_o i_o say_v be_v not_o the_o question_n before_o we_o we_o here_o suppose_v the_o man_n either_o through_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o through_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v incapable_a at_o present_a of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v to_o which_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n he_o must_v determine_v himself_o shall_v he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n doubt_v as_o he_o do_v or_o shall_v he_o forbear_v it_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v now_o i_o say_v a_o man_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n but_o by_o apply_v the_o rule_v i_o before_o lay_v down_o to_o his_o present_a case_n which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o this_o manner_n since_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o doubt_v that_o he_o sin_n whether_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o forbear_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v on_o which_o side_n he_o doubt_v least_o or_o which_o side_n appear_v to_o he_o most_o likely_a and_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v for_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a the_o balance_n be_v to_o be_v turn_v on_o that_o side_n according_a to_o our_o first_o proposition_n now_o if_o our_o present_a question_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o man_n who_o case_n i_o be_o represent_v will_v think_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o repair_v to_o the_o sacrament_n even_o in_o that_o evil_a posture_n he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v than_o customary_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o because_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o do_v certain_o follow_v the_o more_o probable_a and_o the_o less_o doubtful_a or_o dangerous_a side_n of_o the_o question_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v half_a so_o certain_a of_o this_o particular_a viz._n that_o he_o be_v unprepared_a for_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o abstain_v as_o he_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o frequent_v it_o if_o indeed_o the_o man_n be_v a_o person_n of_o ill_a life_n and_o manner_n or_o if_o he_o have_v be_v late_o guilty_a of_o any_o notorious_a wilful_a sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o that_o sin_n upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o then_o i_o will_v grant_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o receive_v unworthy_o as_o by_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n ordinance_n but_o the_o case_n here_o be_v not_o so_o the_o man_n be_v real_o a_o honest_a well-meaning_a christian_a nor_o have_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o late_a which_o can_v give_v he_o any_o suspicion_n of_o his_o have_v forfeit_v that_o title_n only_o through_o his_o mistake_n about_o the_o notion_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n he_o apprehend_v he_o be_v not_o qualify_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o yet_o if_o most_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o his_o condition_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v why_o certain_o in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o man_n that_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n especial_o if_o he_o do_v it_o customary_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o all_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n about_o he_o for_o as_o i_o say_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n by_o habitual_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o that_o great_a christian_a service_n for_o those_o be_v found_v on_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v found_v only_o on_o uncertain_a conjectural_a surmise_n about_o his_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o pay_v his_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v such_o assurance_n in_o his_o case_n that_o he_o be_v unqualify_v for_o pay_v that_o homage_n but_o second_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o doubt_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o man_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n if_o he_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v which_o yet_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o nay_o if_o you_o please_v let_v we_o suppose_v the_o man_n do_v certain_o sin_n whether_o he_o recive_v or_o forbear_v here_o than_o this_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o of_o these_o two_o sin_n be_v the_o least_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o yet_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o for_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o this_o last_o sin_n happen_v to_o be_v to_o that_o side_n the_o man_n be_v to_o determine_v himself_o according_a to_o our_o second_o rule_n it_o be_v eternal_o reasonable_a that_o of_o two_o evil_n we_o shall_v choose_v the_o least_o when_o we_o can_v avoid_v both_o now_o put_v the_o case_n before_o we_o upon_o this_o issue_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o resolve_v it_o than_o only_o to_o ask_v this_o general_a question_n which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o these_o two_o for_o a_o man_n to_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o to_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n or_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o that_o law_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o yet_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v that_o without_o break_v another_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o man_n who_o do_v this_o last_o though_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v innocent_a yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a in_o a_o far_o less_o degree_n than_o the_o man_n that_o practise_v the_o former_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o his_o justification_n let_v we_o suppose_v two_o man_n both_o of_o they_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o as_o thing_n stand_v with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o fit_a condition_n so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o one_o of_o these_o man_n do_v upon_o this_o account_n forbear_v all_o prayer_n both_o public_a and_o private_a neither_o use_v his_o closet_n nor_o frequent_v the_o church_n the_o other_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o what_o both_o natural_a religion_n and_o christianity_n do_v oblige_v he_o to_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o forbear_v his_o usual_a office_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a though_o yet_o he_o believe_v he_o sinful_o perform_v they_o if_o the_o question_n now_o be_v put_v which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o better_a man_n or_o the_o least_o offender_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v give_v their_o judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o latter_a though_o yet_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v that_o this_o person_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o live_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o he_o can_v say_v his_o prayer_n without_o sin_n this_o judgement_n i_o say_v man_n will_v pass_v in_o this_o case_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o certain_o no_o indisposition_n that_o a_o man_n have_v contract_v of_o what_o nature_n soever_o will_v take_v off_o from_o his_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v do_v his_o duty_n so_o well_o as_o he_o ought_v he_o must_v at_o least_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o therefore_o let_v his_o circumstance_n be_v what_o they_o will_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v less_o criminal_a in_o perform_v a_o know_a duty_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o his_o condition_n will_v allow_v he_o though_o with_o many_o and_o deserve_a reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o vnworthiness_n than_o in_o whole_o omit_v or_o disuse_v that_o duty_n because_o a_o neglect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n be_v a_o less_o fault_n than_o to_o neglect_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o let_v this_o now_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o
case_n and_o we_o have_v a_o easy_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n before_o we_o viz._n that_o since_o a_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v before_o a_o less_o when_o a_o man_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v customary_o and_o habitual_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v this_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a well_o but_o some_o say_v how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o st._n paul_n doctrine_n who_o express_o affirm_v that_o whoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v 29._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o damnation_n to_o himself_o can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o dreadful_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v actual_o damn_v he_o certain_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o that_o a_o man_n run_v a_o much_o less_o hazard_n in_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o in_o venture_v to_o receive_v while_o he_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o he_o receive_v unworthithy_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o brief_o answer_v such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o all_o along_o suppose_v in_o our_o case_n be_v in_o no_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o receive_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o st._n paul_n use_v this_o term._n for_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n that_o he_o so_o severe_o censure_v in_o the_o corinthian_n be_v their_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o so_o little_a a_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v about_o that_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o common_a food_n 22._o ibid._n v._o 29._o v._n 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o meeting_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o use_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o eat_v or_o tipple_a house_n some_o of_o they_o revel_v it_o there_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o go_v away_o drink_v from_o these_o religious_a assembly_n all_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o text._n but_o i_o hope_v none_o among_o we_o especial_o none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o doubtful_a about_o their_o be_v due_o qualify_v do_v profane_a the_o sacrament_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o further_a perhaps_o the_o damnation_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o denounce_v be_v not_o so_o frightful_a as_o be_v common_o apprehend_v for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v if_o either_o the_o original_a or_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o english_a bibles_n be_v consult_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o mean_v hereby_o in_o all_o probability_n that_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o affront_v our_o lord_n instistution_n by_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a meat_n do_v by_o this_o his_o profaneness_n draw_v severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o himself_o for_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o many_o be_v weak_a and_o 30._o ver._n 30._o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o be_v fall_v asleep_o but_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n much_o less_o of_o any_o man_n be_v put_v into_o that_o state_n by_o thus_o receive_v unworthy_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v visit_v with_o god_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n as_o to_o the_o next_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o very_a place_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a viz._n in_o the_o 32._o verse_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o judge_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n i._n e._n with_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o life_n but_o further_a admit_v st._n paul_n in_o these_o word_n to_o mean_a damnation_n in_o the_o usual_a sense_n yet_o still_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v come_v to_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v thus_o unworthy_o as_o the_o corinthian_n do_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o case_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o that_o pray_v or_o hear_v unworthy_o he_o that_o fast_n or_o give_v alm_n unworthy_o in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o in_o any_o instance_n perform_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unworthy_o i_o say_v such_o a_o man_n according_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o his_o own_o damnation_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o damnation_n that_o communicate_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o indeed_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n damnable_a and_o may_v prove_v actual_o so_o to_o he_o unless_o either_o by_o a_o particular_a or_o general_a repentance_n he_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n for_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v for_o these_o reason_n think_v it_o adviseable_a to_o leave_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o the_o only_a consequence_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o perform_v they_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v the_o sin_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o damnable_a as_o we_o reasonable_o can_v suppose_v it_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o we_o contend_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o speak_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o much_o great_a sin_n of_o transgress_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n than_o of_o observe_v that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v though_o with_o much_o unworthiness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o further_a with_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o encourage_v any_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o due_a qualification_n or_o from_o extenuate_v any_o man_n sin_n that_o come_v unworthy_o unworthy_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o melancholy_a scrupulous_a person_n yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o live_v in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o a_o renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n and_o withal_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o even_o the_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n voluntary_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o partake_n in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v for_o all_o that_o think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n from_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o too_o much_o consider_v how_o often_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o with_o our_o case_n in_o the_o three_o place_n therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v give_v to_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o
duty_n that_o he_o general_o take_v the_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o our_o lord_n by_o partake_v in_o his_o supper_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o since_o his_o last_o communicate_v he_o find_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o much_o worse_a frame_n than_o it_o use_v to_o be_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o perhaps_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n that_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o conscience_n so_o that_o when_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n of_o receive_v come_v he_o can_v but_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a unfit_a condition_n to_o communicate_v in_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n what_o to_o do_v for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o offend_v god_n if_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o forbid_v he_o to_o come_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v he_o to_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o he_o have_v opportunity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n every_o time_n that_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o these_o circumstance_n this_o be_v a_o exact_a instance_n of_o the_o case_n i_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o three_o proposition_n where_o on_o one_o side_n the_o man_n run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n now_o for_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n i_o say_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n only_o once_o or_o twice_o from_o the_o communion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a frame_n of_o mind_n against_o another_o opportunity_n the_o answer_n according_a to_o our_o three_o proposition_n must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a thus_o to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o this_o answer_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n be_v more_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o the_o one_o but_o no_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o the_o other_o for_o christ_n have_v no_o more_o appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o year_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o day_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o determinate_a proportion_n of_o our_o annual_a income_n to_o charitable_a uses_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v bind_v we_o in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o to_o the_o particular_n the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o determine_v we_o only_o this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o often_o we_o perform_v these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o better_a and_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o be_v christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o frequent_o this_o now_o be_v so_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n if_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n though_o but_o once_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o unworthiness_n as_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o suppose_v that_o christ_n law_n have_v precise_o tie_v he_o up_o to_o communicate_v every_o time_n that_o a_o communion_n be_v appoint_v yet_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v thus_o tie_v he_o up_o and_o withal_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o run_v so_o certain_a a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o shall_v communicate_v at_o this_o time_n apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o unworthy_a as_o he_o do_v this_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n must_v needs_o in_o this_o case_n overballance_v the_o other_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o reasonable_a to_o the_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o receive_n to_o another_o opportunity_n against_o which_o time_n he_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o prepare_v than_o to_o adventure_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o then_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n customary_o and_o habitual_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v not_o hold_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o nay_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o first_o particular_a about_o this_o case_n and_o withal_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o in_o come_v to_o it_o though_o with_o never_o so_o great_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o second_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o danger_n be_v at_o least_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n he_o must_v choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o least_o sin_n lie_v that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v communicate_v frequent_o at_o least_o so_o often_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n do_v enjoin_v he_o which_o be_v three_o time_n a_o year_n though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o communicate_v at_o all_o have_v thus_o go_v through_o three_o of_o our_o proposition_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o put_v our_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o illustration_n of_o our_o four_o and_o last_o here_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o apprehend_v he_o run_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_v whether_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o withal_o so_o unskilful_a a_o judge_n be_v he_o of_o the_o morality_n of_o action_n that_o he_o apprehend_v no_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o in_o this_o case_n now_o all_o the_o man_n can_v do_v be_v to_o consider_v what_o inducement_n he_o have_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n or_o interest_n to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o for_o since_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a those_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n according_a to_o our_o four_o proposition_n but_o if_o the_o case_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n will_v be_v long_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o shall_v frequent_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o forbear_v it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o act_v more_o prudent_o and_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o advantage_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o for_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o they_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o inconsiderable_a that_o which_o i_o desire_v chief_o to_o be_v here_o consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n it_o be_v much_o more_o advisable_v for_o our_o doubt_a person_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o by_o frequent_v this_o ordinance_n he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n both_o to_o grow_v more_o worthy_a if_o he_o be_v now_o unworthy_a and_o likewise_o to_o cure_v the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n he_o be_v now_o trouble_v with_o but_o if_o he_o neglect_v this_o mean_n of_o grace_n he_o not_o only_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o increase_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o long_o he_o defer_v his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n still_o the_o more_o doubtful_a will_v he_o be_v of_o his_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o but_o also_o be_v
have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o that_o side_n and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o abstract_o consider_v be_v a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a when_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o i_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o usury_n and_o law_n suit_v and_o twenty_o more_o may_v be_v add_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n if_o this_o now_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a advantage_n both_o to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n and_o likewise_o so_o many_o both_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o separation_n that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n these_o consideration_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n a_o simple_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v sufficient_a weight_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o they_o do_v not_o act_n so_o reasonable_o as_o he_o may_v do_v for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o foolish_o do_v of_o any_o man_n that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v utter_o uncertain_a whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n as_o every_o one_o that_o doubt_v be_v shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o his_o point_n as_o to_o venture_v upon_o it_o no_o less_o a_o stake_n than_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o he_o live_v and_o the_o security_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v and_o withal_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o last_o the_o fortune_n also_o of_o his_o posterity_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o wise_a venture_n as_o this_o do_v every_o one_o among_o we_o make_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfuless_a of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o our_o communion_n do_v persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o government_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_v dissenter_n they_o be_v wise_a enough_o as_o to_o the_o world_n in_o other_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o wise_a in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o be_v i_o dare_v say_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n their_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n it_o will_v be_v but_o little_a either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o their_o reputation_n at_o the_o long_o run_v to_o have_v it_o say_v of_o they_o that_o beside_o the_o disturbance_n they_o have_v all_o along_o occasion_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v also_o bring_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n into_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o just_a prosecution_n of_o law_n they_o have_v draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o themselves_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a about_o but_o this_o will_v appear_v much_o clear_a when_o we_o have_v set_v the_o doubt_n about_o conformity_n upon_o the_o right_a foot_n viz._n considere_v it_o as_o a_o double_a doubt_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o i_o come_v now_o to_o do_v in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v other_o dissenter_n who_o as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n do_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o this_o question_n as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v to_o our_o worship_n because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o they_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o land_n do_v require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o of_o these_o as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v likewise_o two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o consequent_o must_v doubt_v equal_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o conform_v or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o two_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n the_o answer_n be_v very_o short_a and_o it_o be_v this_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n on_o both_o side_n be_v pretty_a equal_a in_o that_o case_n the_o command_n of_o authority_n do_v always_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o its_o own_o side_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o three_o general_n head_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o be_v in_o the_o other_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v unequal_a and_o here_o the_o case_n be_v this_o as_o the_o man_n apprehend_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n so_o he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v because_o it_o do_v appear_v more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o great_a probobility_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o but_o to_o this_o likewise_o we_o be_v ready_o provide_v of_o a_o answer_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n viz._n that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o the_o balance_n be_v so_o far_o incline_v one_o way_n the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o have_v weight_n enough_o to_o cast_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o church_n communion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o argument_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v the_o law_n than_o of_o obey_v they_o as_o will_n with_o any_o impartial_a conscientious_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o he_o rather_o to_o conform_v how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o doubt_n then_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n vide_fw-la three_o proposition_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n pag._n 27._o this_o be_v the_o issue_n upon_o which_o we_o will_v try_v the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o i_o refuse_v no_o indifferent_a man_n that_o will_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o be_v umpire_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o to_o this_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o suppose_v and_o admit_v that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v these_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o establish_v worship_n do_v real_o doubt_v on_o the_o true_a side_n and_o that_o he_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v conform_v to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v admit_v likewise_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v wonderful_o obscure_o declare_v there_o be_v no_o direct_a prohibition_n either_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o book_n of_o god_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o contest_v so_o that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o consequence_n and_o those_o consequence_n likewise_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o christ_n time_n till_o our_o reformation_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o though_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o either_o these_o or_o the_o like_a usage_n have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o all_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n either_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n ever_o condemn_v they_o as_o sinful_a or_o indeed_o that_o any_o particular_a christian_a do_v ever_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n these_o consequence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v unlawful_a
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
uncleanness_n to_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o little_a thing_n whilst_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o great_a be_v the_o most_o evident_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o false_a christian_n and_o have_v it_o not_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n that_o such_o a_o mighty_a scrupulosity_n about_o our_o duty_n have_v prove_v a_o very_a successful_a way_n of_o grow_v great_a or_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o give_v man_n so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a so_o that_o i_o have_v know_v it_o advise_v as_o a_o useful_a caution_n to_o those_o who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o world_n always_o to_o stand_v upon_o your_o guard_n and_o look_v to_o your_o pocket_n when_o you_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a tenderness_n and_o exactness_n than_o other_o undoubted_o sober_a and_o honest_a christian_n general_o do_v 3._o where_o person_n be_v true_o honest_a and_o mean_a well_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a than_o such_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o thing_n lawful_a this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disturbance_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o breed_v great_a anxiety_n and_o inquietude_n when_o person_n be_v continual_o shiver_v and_o tremble_v lest_o by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v they_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o it_o certain_o disable_v a_o man_n from_o perform_v his_o necessary_a duty_n he_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o slow_a progress_n in_o his_o journey_n who_o instead_o of_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o his_o way_n be_v frequent_o at_o a_o stand_n doubt_v which_o foot_n he_o shall_v set_v forward_o or_o what_o particular_a path_n he_o shall_v choose_v this_o rob_v man_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n whilst_o they_o be_v daily_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o untie_v knot_n which_o themselves_o only_o have_v fasten_v scruple_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a when_o once_o we_o attend_v to_o and_o entertain_v they_o like_o the_o plague_n of_o fly_n among_o the_o egyptian_n will_v be_v constant_o buzz_v in_o our_o ear_n and_o torment_v we_o with_o their_o impertinency_n till_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o distrust_v every_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o ordinary_a civility_n no_o recreation_n we_o can_v use_v no_o clothes_n we_o can_v wear_v no_o discourse_n we_o can_v hold_v with_o other_o no_o conversation_n we_o can_v maintain_v or_o business_n which_o we_o transact_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o trifle_a objection_n or_o scruple_n about_o it_o which_o will_v make_v our_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a for_o 4._o these_o scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o very_a little_a and_o inconsiderable_a reason_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o which_o may_v soon_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o christian_n thus_o he_o that_o scruple_n a_o minister_n officiate_a in_o a_o white_a garment_n may_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o his_o do_v it_o in_o black_a and_o then_o he_o proceed_v against_o any_o solemn_a distinct_a habit_n and_o at_o last_o against_o the_o office_n of_o minister_n itself_o and_o tell_v you_o all_o god_n people_n be_v holy_a and_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o teacher_n for_o we_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n from_o scruple_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n man_n have_v soon_o come_v to_o question_v infant_n baptism_n itself_o they_o have_v at_o first_o perchance_o dislike_v only_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n of_o humane_a appointment_n but_o thence_o they_o have_v go_v on_o to_o deny_v all_o outward_a bodily_a reverence_n and_o think_v it_o not_o expedient_a to_o pull_v off_o their_o hat_n in_o church_n than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o before_o magistrate_n at_o last_o not_o at_o all_o and_o thus_o by_o give_v place_n to_o such_o little_a scruple_n they_o become_v afraid_a of_o speak_v look_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o other_o men._n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associt_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n this_o do_v not_o only_o now_o and_o then_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v the_o probable_a effect_n of_o embrace_v and_o cherish_v such_o scruple_n that_o man_n go_v on_o scruple_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n 5._o last_o this_o needless_a scruple_v of_o lawful_a thing_n have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n a_o church_n reform_v according_a to_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a pattern_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n in_o which_o even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o most_o considerable_a of_o our_o dissenter_n nothing_o be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v sinful_a yet_o how_o be_v she_o rend_v and_o tear_v mangle_a and_o divide_v how_o have_v she_o be_v assault_v undermine_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v the_o second_o time_n overthrow_v upon_o the_o account_n only_o of_o habit_n and_o gesture_n and_o particular_a form_n rite_n and_o modes_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n with_o which_o some_o man_n be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v or_o please_v which_o they_o judge_v may_v be_v better_o do_v and_o order_v another_o way_n or_o which_o they_o rather_o will_v have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n that_o every_o man_n may_v do_v therein_o according_a to_o his_o own_o discretion_n or_o opinion_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o respect_v chief_o outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_a and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o fraction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n to_o all_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n impendent_a over_o our_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n have_v by_o various_a way_n and_o mean_v all_o along_o contrive_v and_o endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n manifest_v itself_o for_o the_o encourage_n and_o promote_a of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n so_o have_v the_o devil_n always_o be_v at_o work_n to_o oppose_v what_o he_o can_v find_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o hinder_v the_o good_a effect_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o when_o the_o fullness_n
which_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o cure_v our_o scrupulousness_n about_o little_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 14._o among_o who_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n observe_v or_o not_o observe_v some_o day_n have_v occasion_v as_o much_o trouble_v and_o scruple_n as_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n do_v now_o among_o we_o ver_fw-la 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_n this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n and_o then_o he_o add_v ver_fw-la 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o men._n thus_o when_o you_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o your_o prayer_n let_v it_o be_v your_o great_a care_n to_o fix_v in_o your_o mind_n a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a majesty_n of_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o your_o manifold_a want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o petition_n for_o and_o his_o readiness_n to_o grant_v they_o upon_o your_o humble_a request_n and_o the_o more_o you_o do_v this_o the_o less_o solicitous_a you_o will_v be_v about_o the_o form_n or_o word_n of_o your_o prayer_n he_o that_o mind_v those_o thing_n most_o on_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o christ_n sake_n do_v depend_v will_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nor_o require_v new_a phrase_n every_o time_n to_o stir_v his_o attention_n or_o to_o raise_v his_o affection_n thus_o let_v man_n be_v very_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o holy_a communion_n let_v they_o come_v thereunto_o with_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o with_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o true_a charity_n towards_o all_o man_n the_o more_o concern_v they_o be_v about_o these_o necessary_a thing_n the_o less_o afraid_a will_v they_o be_v of_o offend_a god_n by_o kneel_v at_o the_o administration_n or_o come_v up_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o a_o new_a nature_n in_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n which_o make_v a_o man_n real_o better_a and_o more_o like_a unto_o god_n he_o that_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o not_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n or_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o not_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n or_o gospel_n as_o i_o before_o show_v you_o have_v no_o worthy_a thought_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o right_a notion_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o unfeigned_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o our_o brother_n not_o in_o any_o external_a rite_n or_o observance_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o mutable_a and_o be_v different_a in_o several_a church_n 3._o it_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o the_o remove_v these_o scruple_n which_o hinder_v the_o bless_a union_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o if_o man_n be_v but_o real_o willing_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n this_o alone_a will_v go_v half_a way_n towards_o conquer_a they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v fond_a of_o and_o nourish_v their_o doubt_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o converse_v only_o with_o those_o man_n read_v only_o those_o book_n and_o hear_v those_o discourse_n which_o be_v make_v of_o their_o side_n which_o serve_v to_o heighten_v and_o strengthen_v their_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n when_o they_o avoid_v the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n as_o dangerous_a snare_n and_o temptation_n and_o look_v upon_o this_o tenderness_n or_o aptness_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a conscientiousness_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n whereas_o will_v they_o come_v once_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v all_o this_o while_n mistake_v will_v they_o calm_o and_o patient_o hear_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v or_o write_v against_o they_o as_o eager_o desire_v and_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o man_n do_v for_o cure_v of_o any_o disease_n they_o be_v subject_a unto_o will_v they_o i_o say_v thus_o diligent_o use_v all_o fit_a mean_n and_o help_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o scruple_n before_o they_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o difficult_a a_o task_n to_o convince_v and_o settle_v such_o teachable_a mind_n if_o therefore_o any_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n against_o any_o thing_n practise_v or_o require_v in_o our_o church_n let_v he_o first_o read_v some_o of_o those_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o fairness_n and_o evidence_n imaginable_a on_o purpose_n to_o explain_v and_o justify_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o usual_o except_v against_o let_v he_o consult_v with_o some_o of_o our_o church_n before_o he_o leave_v it_o let_v he_o honest_o repair_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n or_o some_o other_o who_o he_o have_v in_o great_a estimation_n and_o ingenuous_o open_v his_o mind_n to_o he_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v he_o most_o stumble_v at_o and_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v offer_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n if_o consult_v with_o one_o person_n will_v not_o do_v it_o let_v he_o advise_v with_o other_o and_o try_v this_o often_o before_o he_o condemn_v we_o and_o divide_v from_o we_o will_v man_n do_v this_o serious_o with_o earnest_a desire_n of_o instruction_n without_o doubt_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o few_o separatist_n and_o they_o who_o after_o this_o do_v still_o dissent_v from_o we_o will_v be_v far_o more_o excusable_a in_o it_o than_o otherwise_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o man_n ordinary_o do_v in_o their_o temporal_a affair_n when_o they_o have_v any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n about_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o present_o repair_v to_o those_o who_o be_v best_a skill_a and_o most_o able_a to_o resolve_v they_o and_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n they_o common_o acquiesce_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o have_v any_o man_n a_o scruple_n about_o his_o estate_n whether_o it_o be_v firm_o settle_v or_o he_o have_v a_o true_a legal_a title_n to_o it_o the_o way_n he_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o advise_v with_o lawyer_n the_o most_o eminent_a for_o knowledge_n and_o honesty_n in_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n this_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n he_o can_v have_v that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o safe_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o one_o that_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o custom_n or_o practice_n be_v for_o his_o health_n the_o opinion_n of_o know_a and_o experience_a physician_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o determine_v he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o here_o when_o any_o private_a christian_a be_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v with_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o concern_v his_o duty_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v he_o i_o say_v to_o come_v to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o dispute_v and_o argue_v with_o they_o and_o pert_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o with_o all_o modesty_n to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n meek_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o receive_v instruction_n humble_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o evil_a affection_n love_v of_o a_o party_n or_o carnal_a interest_n influence_n or_o bias_n their_o judgement_n we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o desire_n man_n to_o pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o priest_n sleeve_n or_o to_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o guide_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o only_o diligent_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v some_o due_a regard_n and_o deference_n to_o their_o
prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o our_o saviour_n own_o countryman_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o kindred_n who_o know_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n mark_v 6._o 3._o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o speak_v and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o have_v they_o not_o know_v his_o mean_a original_a and_o employment_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o our_o lord_n st._n john_n 6._o 61._o have_v discourse_v of_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o take_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a carnal_a sense_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n or_o the_o messiah_n who_o will_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o turn_v cannibal_n thus_o again_o our_o saviour_n before_o the_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v tell_v his_o disciple_n st._n matt._n 26._o 31._o all_o of_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n that_o be_v shall_v fly_v away_o and_o shameful_o forsake_v i_o when_o you_o behold_v my_o hard_a usage_n and_o dismal_a suffering_n so_o christ_n crucify_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v they_o have_v set_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o a_o temporal_a earthly_a king_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a dominion_n and_o greatness_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o come_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o prince_n and_o saviour_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v put_v to_o such_o a_o curse_a and_o ignominious_a death_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n they_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mark_v 4._o 17._o and_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n be_v present_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o leave_v and_o renounce_v that_o profession_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a after_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o most_o stumble_v the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v the_o danger_n moses_n law_n and_o their_o temple_n worship_n and_o the_o singular_a preeminence_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o of_o be_v undermine_v by_o christianity_n they_o be_v strange_o wed_v to_o their_o legal_a observance_n fond_a of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o peculiarity_n which_o distinguish_v their_o nation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v jealous_a of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o encroach_v upon_o their_o privilege_n or_o tend_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o uncircumcised_a world_n this_o mighty_o offend_v they_o and_o harden_v they_o against_o christianity_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o gentile_a convert_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v afraid_a of_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n or_o be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o scare_v they_o from_o christianity_n as_o when_o it_o come_v attend_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o that_o be_v do_v discourage_v they_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o continue_v in_o his_o faith_n now_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o these_o different_a apprehension_n among_o the_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o that_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 15._o and_o of_o those_o direction_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v rom._n 14._o concern_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o weak_a brethren_n another_o case_n there_o be_v concern_v eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n discourse_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 8._o and_o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n though_o as_o ordinary_a meat_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o who_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n do_v eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n for_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o weak_a as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v quite_o leave_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o christian_n eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o such_o a_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o error_n who_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v of_o who_o soul_n st._n paul_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a regard_n that_o he_o will_v eat_v no_o such_o meat_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v rather_o than_o lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o or_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n in_o all_o these_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o interpreter_n and_o those_o that_o have_v write_v large_o on_o this_o subject_n no_o less_o than_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o sin_n into_o which_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v and_o by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o another_o forsake_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n lose_v a_o disciple_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n perish_v be_v the_o proper_a sin_n of_o offend_a or_o give_v scandal_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o which_o be_v revel_v 2._o 14._o where_o balaam_n be_v say_v to_o have_v teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o scandal_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o relate_v othis_fw-la entice_v they_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v god_n against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v reckon_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o upon_o every_o occasion_n draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o tell_v the_o separatist_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n usual_o say_v he_o man_n talk_v most_o against_o scandalize_a those_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o best_a be_v least_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o they_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o suppose_v a_o separatist_n shall_v say_v if_o you_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o parish_n minister_n or_o church_n in_o england_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o many_o good_a people_n i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o one_o why_o call_v you_o those_o good_a people_n that_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n nay_o that_o will_v sin_n because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n therefore_o if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v you_o make_v the_o separatist_n almost_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o will_v sin_n against_o god_n because_o another_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o great_a thing_n our_o nonconformist_n pretend_v unto_o above_o other_o man_n be_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o must_v mean_v if_o they_o mean_v any_o virtue_n by_o it_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a security_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v by_o what_o other_o man_n do_v that_o be_v against_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o do_v real_o disparage_v and_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v thus_o afraid_a of_o give_v they_o offence_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v with_o sense_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o
of_o what_o he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v true_o observe_v by_o some_o that_o consider_v the_o know_a temper_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a any_o such_o mischief_n shall_v ensue_v viz._n that_o by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o or_o more_o leave_v their_o separate_a assembly_n other_o shall_v be_v move_v to_o follow_v they_o against_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v abundant_o notorious_a how_o they_o have_v use_v to_o treat_v those_o that_o have_v desert_v they_o with_o what_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n they_o have_v prosecute_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o worst_a enemy_n pass_v more_o grievous_a censure_n upon_o they_o than_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n long_o continue_v in_o our_o communion_n 4._o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o observe_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v concern_v give_v offence_n that_o if_o to_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n than_o we_o may_v scandalize_v and_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o as_o soon_o by_o please_v they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o by_o diplease_v they_o and_o go_v contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n and_o humour_n st._n paul_n who_o circumcise_a timothy_n act_v 16._o 3._o in_o favour_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n that_o he_o may_v insinuate_v and_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o they_o refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n galat._n 2._o 3._o though_o he_o make_v the_o jew_n angry_a by_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n or_o submission_n and_o condescension_n to_o they_o no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n he_o consider_v the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o he_o comply_v to_o circumcise_v timothy_n lest_o all_o the_o jew_n with_o he_o shall_v have_v forsake_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o deny_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n lest_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n shall_v think_v he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jewish_a law_n hold_v still_o in_o force_n and_o so_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v become_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o they_o he_o please_v indeed_o the_o former_a for_o fear_n of_o drive_v they_o from_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o displease_v the_o latter_a lest_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n always_o necessary_a he_o have_v true_o scandalize_v they_o if_o he_o have_v do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v have_v he_o he_o have_v offend_v they_o in_o the_o true_a scripture_n sense_n if_o he_o have_v please_v and_o humour_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a way_n of_o scandalize_a christian_n among_o we_o by_o not_o plain_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o mistake_n by_o not_o speak_v free_o and_o round_o to_o they_o nor_o act_v courageous_o whereby_o they_o become_v harden_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v but_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o the_o book_n i_o have_v so_o often_o cite_v many_o a_o time_n say_v he_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o go_v to_o the_o common-prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o same_o man_n that_o call_v the_o go_n to_o they_o a_o scandal_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a separation_n and_o error_n because_o i_o know_v that_o be_v not_o scandal_n which_o they_o call_v scandal_n that_o be_v displease_v they_o and_o cross_v their_o opinion_n but_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o error_n or_o other_o sin_n be_v true_a scandalize_a understand_v this_o or_o you_o will_v displease_v god_n under_o pretence_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n p._n 135._o thus_o by_o comply_v with_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o real_o do_v they_o that_o mischief_n which_o we_o will_v avoid_v and_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o give_v scandal_n while_o we_o be_v run_v from_o it_o we_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v their_o sinful_a separation_n and_o division_n we_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v we_o by_o our_o practice_n condemn_v those_o thing_n which_o yet_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o allow_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o by_o our_o authority_n and_o influence_n harden_v other_o in_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opposition_n against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n they_o think_v we_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o themselves_o whilst_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o judge_v as_o ill_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o long_o as_o we_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o themselves_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o those_o infinite_a mischief_n which_o have_v happen_v both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o religious_a dispute_n and_o division_n which_o sure_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v by_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o shall_v go_v to_o church_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o a_o conventicle_n in_o the_o afternoon_n who_o halt_v between_o both_o and_o will_v fain_o displease_v neither_o side_n but_o indeed_o give_v real_a offence_n to_o both_o from_o all_o this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n but_o be_v afraid_a of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o this_o principle_n aught_o to_o hasten_v the_o fast_o to_o his_o parish-church_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v those_o very_a dissenter_n of_o who_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a 3._o it_o remain_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v now_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v true_o weak_a person_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o danger_n of_o their_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n offend_v by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v i_o shall_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o come_v to_o his_o parish-church_n and_o use_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v do_v the_o same_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v such_o offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brethren_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n beside_o this_o matter_n of_o private_a scandal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v great_a evil_n in_o and_o great_a mischief_n to_o other_o and_o a_o more_o public_a scandal_n do_v follow_v our_o forbear_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o withdraw_n into_o private_a assembly_n than_o can_v happen_v by_o our_o leave_v they_o and_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v then_o to_o conform_v notwithstanding_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o for_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n one_o be_v that_o nothing_o which_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v scandalize_a other_o the_o other_o be_v that_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a scandal_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o by_o these_o two_o rule_n i_o shall_v now_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n at_o first_o propound_v 1._o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v other_o be_v scandalize_v which_o be_v direct_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rom._n 3._o 8._o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o be_v any_o necessary_a duty_n to_o be_v omit_v out_o of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o other_o lest_o they_o through_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v hurt_v by_o it_o we_o must_v not_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a sin_n in_o another_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n ourselves_o nor_o disobey_v god_n law_n and_o so_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o our_o own_o damnation_n though_o it_o be_v to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n thus_o calvin_n tell_v we_o instit_fw-la lib._n 3._o c._n 19_o quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la factu_fw-la nullius_fw-la offendiculi_fw-la timore_fw-la omittenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v
be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n and_o perplexity_n in_o well_o meaning_n but_o less_o know_v member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o degree_n produce_v a_o distaste_n or_o dislike_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o plain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o administer_v in_o our_o church_n while_o it_o create_v prejudices_fw-la in_o people_n against_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a and_o why_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n have_v to_o those_o many_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o our_o dissenter_n conventicle_n worship_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o church_n service_n i_o can_v at_o all_o guess_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v here_o that_o irreverent_a sit_v at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n man_n unmannerly_a wear_v their_o hat_n in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o oftentimes_o put_v they_o off_o but_o half_a way_n at_o their_o prayer_n their_o indecent_a posture_n and_o antic_a gesture_n at_o their_o devotion_n the_o extravagancy_n and_o folly_n not_o to_o say_v worse_o some_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o extemporary_a effusion_n the_o strange_a uncouth_a metaphor_n and_o phrase_n they_o use_v in_o their_o preach_a in_o a_o word_n the_o slovenly_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o dissenter_n be_v much_o more_o scandalous_a than_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n can_v ever_o be_v 4._o consider_v the_o scandal_n that_o be_v hereby_o give_v to_o magistrate_n and_o our_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n concern_v which_o the_o forename_a mr._n jean_n in_o his_o first_o edition_n of_o his_o discourse_n about_o abstinence_n from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a have_v these_o word_n if_o say_v he_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o a_o millstone_n about_o one_o neck_n than_o to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o a_o poor_a and_o illiterate_a artisan_n what_o expression_n shall_v we_o then_o find_v answerable_a to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o a_o scandal_n give_v to_o a_o pious_a magistrate_n to_o a_o religious_a prince_n to_o a_o parliament_n and_o convocation_n to_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n 5._o by_o this_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n not_o that_o they_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o offend_v in_o that_o sense_n but_o this_o serve_v wonderful_o to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n it_o increase_v their_o confidence_n that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o among_o they_o only_o be_v find_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n insomuch_o that_o mr._n baxter_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o thousand_o have_v be_v draw_v to_o popery_n or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o this_o argument_n already_o and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o argument_n else_o in_o bellarmin_n and_o all_o other_o book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v not_o do_v so_o much_o to_o make_v papist_n in_o england_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o sect_n among_o ourselves_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o protestant_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n so_o forward_o to_o object_v against_o we_o and_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o and_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n the_o most_o dangerous_a weapon_n they_o use_v against_o the_o reformation_n 6._o this_o tend_v to_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudice_v man_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n a_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n and_o debate_n it_o make_v some_o man_n utter_o reject_v it_o as_o consist_v most_o in_o little_a trifle_n and_o nicety_n about_o which_o they_o observe_v the_o great_a noise_n and_o contention_n to_o be_v make_v or_o as_o destructive_a of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o society_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a feud_n and_o quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n that_o they_o have_v cause_v here_o in_o england_n shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n and_o division_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v of_o old_a and_o always_o will_v be_v where_o there_o be_v party_n in_o religion_n and_o one_o contend_v that_o their_o separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a the_o common_a people_n soon_o become_v doubtful_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v all_o religion_n i_o may_v add_v here_o that_o such_o separation_n necessary_o occasion_n breach_n of_o charity_n they_o beget_v implacable_a enmity_n and_o animosity_n hence_o come_v strife_n emulation_n envy_v one_o party_n continual_o endeavour_v to_o overtop_v the_o other_o watch_v for_o one_o another_o halt_n rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o sin_n and_o misfortune_n constant_a undermine_a one_o another_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a government_n and_o endanger_v the_o civil_a peace_n of_o all_o which_o and_z much_o more_o than_o i_o can_v now_o mention_v the_o present_a distract_a condition_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o undeniable_a a_o evidence_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o word_n to_o show_v the_o mischief_n that_o attend_v such_o division_n and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o maintain_n of_o charity_n among_o brethren_n the_o keep_n out_o popery_n and_o atheism_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o society_n we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o our_o religion_n last_o whether_o give_v offence_n to_o all_o both_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n those_o only_o except_v of_o our_o own_o particular_a sect_n and_o division_n nay_o scandalize_a they_o also_o in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o of_o far_o great_a and_o more_o weighty_a consideration_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o displease_v or_o grieve_v some_o few_o weak_a dissatisfied_a brethren_n woe_n to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v very_o light_o touch_v because_o they_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n late_o publish_v to_o sum_v up_o all_o i_o have_v say_v since_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o such_o weak_a person_n as_o st._n paul_n all_o along_o describe_v and_o provide_v for_o since_o we_o can_v by_o our_o conformity_n real_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v they_o in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v those_o word_n since_o though_o we_o do_v give_v offence_n to_o they_o by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o by_o refuse_v to_o conform_v we_o shall_v do_v both_o they_o and_o other_o great_a hurt_n and_o mischief_n i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a his_o weak_a brethren_n i_o end_v all_o with_o one_o word_n of_o advice_n first_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n second_o to_o those_o who_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n and_o therefore_o urge_v so_o hard_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v by_o we_o i_o will_v beseech_v they_o that_o they_o will_v take_v some_o care_n and_o make_v some_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v give_v any_o needless_a offence_n to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v think_v a_o reasonable_a request_n since_o they_o require_v all_o other_o to_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o they_o they_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o meet_v in_o such_o number_n nor_o at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o which_o we_o assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o our_o public_a church_n let_v they_o not_o affront_v our_o service_n and_o common-prayer_n nor_o revile_v our_o bishop_n and_o minister_n nor_o put_v on_o their_o hat_n when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o chance_v to_o be_v present_a at_o our_o service_n in_o our_o church_n nor_o talk_v nor_o read_v in_o book_n nor_o make_v sour_a
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n enlarge_v their_o reason_n in_o this_o chapter_n because_o it_o be_v a_o confederate_n with_o devil_n and_o be_v partaker_n at_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n which_o he_o condemn_v as_o huge_o unbecoming_a they_o that_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n vers_fw-la 20_o 21._o grotius_n be_v so_o exact_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n may_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1._o well_fw-mi aliquid_fw-la a_o tabulâ_fw-la &c_n &c_n i._n e._n when_o at_o their_o public_a feast_n they_o send_v some_o part_n off_o the_o table_n to_o be_v offer_v solemn_o to_o the_o idol_n and_o to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a feast_n 2._o well_fw-mi ab_fw-la aris_n ad_fw-la mensam_fw-la defertis_fw-la or_o when_o they_o take_v some_o considerable_a portion_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o feed_v upon_o it_o at_o the_o table_n as_o part_v of_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o now_o for_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v present_a at_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v in_o that_o canon_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n also_o be_v so_o sharp_a upon_o from_z 14_o to_o 24_o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o afterward_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o it_o and_o plain_o mean_v either_o that_o part_n of_o the_o offer_v which_o they_o afterward_o spend_v in_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n or_o which_o be_v public_o sell_v afterward_o in_o the_o shambles_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o understand_v and_o be_v common_a among_o they_o to_o offer_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o own_o common_a use_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sacred_a and_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o in_o some_o great_a and_o solemn_a sacrifice_n they_o do_v but_o that_o which_o be_v true_o their_o own_o and_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n especial_o have_v give_v a_o part_n of_o it_o to_o their_o go_n the_o other_o i_o e._n what_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambleâ—_n critic_n give_v two_o account_n of_o 1._o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o the_o butcher_n sell_v part_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n before_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o shambles_n well_fw-mi à _fw-fr mà cellario_n qui_fw-la ante_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellum_fw-la carnes_z ferret_n aliquid_fw-la de_fw-fr aram_n in_o dedisset_fw-la 2._o or_o that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o often_o sell_v have_v its_o probable_a either_o more_o than_o they_o can_v spend_v themselves_o or_o perhaps_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exchange_v it_o for_o other_o meat_n which_o they_o may_v purchase_v with_o the_o money_n they_o sell_v it_o for_o well_fw-mi à _fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la qui_fw-la part_n quae_fw-la ipsis_fw-la cederent_fw-la venderent_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n now_o these_o be_v the_o meat_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v no_o order_n at_o all_o so_o that_o man_n be_v at_o their_o liberty_n to_o buy_v and_o eat_v they_o if_o they_o please_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n or_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o they_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v then_o only_o from_o when_o know_v what_o they_o be_v their_o eat_v they_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v give_v offence_n thereby_o either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o see_v they_o make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o encourage_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o idolatry_n which_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v to_o wean_v they_o from_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o see_v they_o so_o careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o without_o all_o charity_n to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o speech_n relate_v be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o undetermined_a also_o as_o to_o their_o use_n no_o law_n have_v pass_v one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o they_o now_o this_o make_v they_o vast_o different_a from_o the_o thing_n scruple_v among_o we_o and_o by_o conformity_n to_o which_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o several_a law_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a power_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o how_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n as_o strong_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o humane_a command_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o we_o can_v show_v favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o other_o if_o we_o will_v for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v under_o authority_n and_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o those_o above_o we_o we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o do_v or_o forbear_v nor_o can_v we_o now_o abstain_v for_o fear_n of_o offend_v another_o man_n conscience_n without_o grievous_o wound_v and_o worse_a offend_n of_o our_o own_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o conformity_n as_o to_o another_o man_n yet_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o downright_a sin_n and_o a_o grievous_a guilt_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v impertinent_a a_o snare_n and_o a_o direct_a temptation_n and_o as_o improper_o urge_v against_o conformity_n as_o it_o will_v be_v against_o any_o other_o duty_n how_o necessary_a soever_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n that_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v of_o it_o in_o this_o and_o all_o such_o case_n we_o stand_v immediate_o responsible_a unto_o god_n and_o may_v just_o retort_v that_o so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v apology_n of_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o regard_v man_n judge_v you_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v the_o text_n be_v pertinent_o urge_v against_o conformity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v very_o much_o against_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a by_o consider_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n we_o against_o give_v offence_n unto_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o the_o gentile_n nor_o both_o these_o only_a but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a improvement_n of_o this_o place_n against_o the_o purpose_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o object_n of_o scandal_n be_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v especial_o to_o regard_v in_o their_o care_n not_o to_o give_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o there_o be_v three_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o may_v be_v offend_v with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o jew_n the_o gentile_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o here_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o analogy_n to_o which_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v different_a party_n among_o which_o man_n converse_v upon_o which_o account_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o our_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o in_o by_o consider_v the_o case_n that_o concern_v we_o which_o i_o think_v be_v only_o these_o two_o 1._o when_o we_o perceive_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o be_v go_v to_o do_v will_v offend_v all_o party_n equal_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o christianity_n by_o this_o practice_n see_v its_o professor_n make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n which_o their_o law_n so_o strict_o prohibit_v and_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v himself_o so_o
into_o its_o own_o law_n after_o this_o great_a example_n i_o proceed_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o that_o we_o find_v register_v in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n i_o instance_n only_o in_o two_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a the_o first_o be_v his_o circumcise_n timothy_n of_o which_o you_o have_v the_o story_n act_v 16._o 1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v certain_a timothy_n may_v have_v object_v against_o circumcision_n and_o plead_v his_o freedom_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o grecian_a father_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o it_o must_v be_v irksome_a and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o part_n which_o may_v be_v offend_v have_v he_o not_o be_v circumcise_v his_o mother_n be_v a_o jew_n the_o other_o be_v that_o famous_a story_n of_o st._n paul_n shave_v his_o head_n and_o purify_n himself_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o vow_n upon_o they_o just_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n prescribe_v in_o the_o levitical_a law_n you_o have_v the_o account_n of_o it_o act_v 21._o from_o 23_o to_o 27._o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o this_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n must_v be_v strange_o look_v upon_o at_o first_o by_o trophimus_n and_o those_o other_o heathen_a convert_v that_o come_v with_o he_o to_o jerusalem_n who_o know_v his_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o conversation_n abroad_o can_v scarce_o choose_v but_o reflect_v with_o some_o trouble_n upon_o this_o action_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o have_v some_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o st._n paul_n prefer_v his_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o incur_v this_o censure_n of_o they_o than_o to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v there_o from_o which_o example_n a_o great_a advantage_n may_v be_v draw_v not_o only_o to_o direct_v we_o what_o regard_n to_o have_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n above_o any_o private_a person_n but_o even_o to_o a_o national_a or_o local_a church_n which_o be_v but_o a_o member_n and_o part_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o from_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o to_o custom_n and_o usage_n may_v be_v different_a st._n paul_n may_v have_v plead_v strong_o against_o this_o thing_n to_o which_o st._n james_n advise_v he_o especial_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o offence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o other_o from_o who_o he_o come_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o his_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a church_n where_o he_o be_v and_o his_o care_n not_o to_o offend_v it_o overcome_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o cause_v he_o ready_o to_o do_v that_o which_o neither_o they_o be_v great_o please_v with_o nor_o himself_o in_o all_o probability_n neither_o which_o have_v often_o bring_v to_o my_o mind_n the_o apostolical_a temper_n of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o that_o famous_a answer_n of_o he_o to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n which_o he_o magnify_v so_o high_o for_o oracular_a and_o divine_a that_o at_o milan_n he_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o sabbath-fast_a because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o usage_n of_o his_o church_n but_o at_o rome_n he_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n there_o advise_v she_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a church_n her_o precedent_n and_o rule_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o it_o by_o both_o which_o notable_a example_n we_o may_v learn_v by_o what_o measure_n to_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n namely_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o usage_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o present_a church_n we_o be_v in_o provide_v they_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o plain_o contrary_a to_o any_o law_n of_o god_n for_o of_o such_o thing_n i_o be_o speak_v all_o this_o while_n and_o about_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o our_o present_a dispute_n about_o give_v offence_n be_v by_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v i_o only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o precedent_n that_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o great_a and_o overrule_a respect_n to_o any_o national_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o chance_v to_o come_v and_o in_o which_o we_o sojourn_v we_o certain_o ought_v much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o same_o to_o our_o own_o national_a church_n in_o which_o we_o not_o only_o live_v but_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a member_n of_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v our_o regard_n to_o it_o to_o over-rule_v all_o other_o respect_n to_o private_a person_n that_o may_v interfere_v with_o it_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o assure_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o present_a consideration_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o can_v well_o be_v object_v against_o they_o 2._o and_o yet_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o some_o popular_a consideration_n here_o also_o which_o be_v own_v for_o sound_n and_o good_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o in_o all_o other_o like_o case_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o which_o when_o apply_v in_o our_o case_n will_v present_o determine_v it_o our_o concern_n and_o duty_n to_o have_v great_a care_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o private_a person_n four_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v just_a mention_n and_o leave_v to_o take_v effect_n by_o our_o leisurely_o consideration_n of_o they_o 1._o that_o offend_v the_o church_n be_v offend_v the_o great_a party_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v not_o only_o great_a than_o any_o other_o single_a denomination_n of_o man_n but_o than_o all_o of_o they_o together_o i_o know_v how_o forward_o each_o party_n have_v be_v to_o boast_v its_o number_n and_o some_o to_o threaten_v authority_n with_o their_o strength_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o make_v false_a muster_n and_o great_a show_n to_o crowd_v together_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o piacular_a for_o one_o to_o be_v absent_a when_o either_o the_o party_n or_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o have_v public_a evidence_n now_o and_o of_o late_a that_o the_o church-party_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o think_v to_o be_v it_o be_v true_a honest_a man_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v noisy_a and_o tumultuous_a the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o integrity_n satisfi_v they_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n be_v to_o they_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o witness_n they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o boast_v of_o themselves_o nor_o court_v great_o man_n observance_n they_o keep_v their_o station_n and_o use_v not_o to_o run_v from_o place_n to_o place_n a_o art_n by_o which_o the_o same_o man_n may_v appear_v ten_o or_o twenty_o and_o this_o perhaps_o have_v make_v some_o good_a man_n fearful_a and_o some_o other_o confident_a but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o know_v one_o another_o better_a now_o and_o have_v signalise_v their_o number_n to_o material_a purpose_n now_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o sway_a consideration_n with_o all_o scrupulous_a person_n in_o this_o case_n in_o all_o other_o it_o be_v think_v safe_a to_o offend_v the_o lesser_a party_n suppose_v they_o but_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o other_o and_o when_o a_o dissenter_n consider_v that_o by_o conform_v he_o can_v but_o offend_v some_o few_o of_o his_o own_o small_a party_n or_o at_o most_o but_o some_o few_o of_o other_o but_o by_o his_o separation_n shall_v certain_o offend_v the_o whole_a church_n methinks_v it_o shall_v soon_o teach_v he_o which_o side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o choose_v unless_o those_o few_o must_v be_v count_v the_o only_a wise_a and_o the_o only_a good_a the_o sober_a and_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v disparage_v as_o consist_v only_o of_o ignorant_a and_o loose_a silly_a and_o dissolute_a person_n when_o bless_a be_v god_n plain_a experience_n contradict_v both_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o their_o supercilious_a accuser_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v otherwise_o but_o only_o the_o pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v they_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v in_o her_o child_n 2._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o offend_v any_o private_a party_n of_o man_n i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o remark_n each_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o this_o be_v evident_a every_o man_n reason_n
will_v suggest_v enough_o to_o he_o neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o endanger_v by_o private_a offence_n as_o by_o those_o against_o the_o public_a church_n man_n guilt_n be_v high_a and_o more_o injurious_a to_o themselves_o and_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a to_o other_o which_o be_v another_o good_a consideration_n to_o sway_v man_n in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v weigh_v the_o probable_a effect_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o where_o a_o honest_a and_o uninstruct_v man_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o may_v do_v or_o forbear_v such_o thing_n and_o after_o his_o enquiry_n remain_v scrupulous_a and_o unresolved_a it_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o determine_v himself_o by_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v what_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o what_o he_o be_v go_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v be_v and_o that_o which_o he_o see_v attend_v with_o a_o train_n of_o the_o worse_o and_o more_o mischievous_a consequence_n disargue_v itself_o and_o pronounce_v its_o own_o condemnation_n and_o by_o these_o effect_n he_o may_v make_v as_o true_a a_o difference_n as_o if_o the_o plain_a essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v naked_a unto_o his_o view_n 3._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v offend_v those_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v more_o duty_n than_o we_o do_v unto_o any_o private_a party_n whatsoever_o i_o confess_v charity_n and_o respect_n and_o all_o the_o possible_a ininstance_n of_o it_o we_o owe_v to_o every_o private_a person_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v any_o way_n relate_v and_o god_n have_v make_v all_o this_o matter_n of_o plain_a duty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o owe_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o whole_a church_n even_o as_o much_o more_o as_o we_o owe_v of_o deference_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o a_o father_n and_o a_o governor_n and_o those_o that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v above_o we_o above_o that_o common_a charity_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v to_o owe_v to_o one_o that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v our_o equal_a the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n consider_v we_o under_o great_a obligation_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o to_o our_o country_n than_o to_o any_o single_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o make_v injure_v of_o a_o father_n or_o our_o prince_n more_o heinous_a than_o do_v the_o same_o to_o a_o common_a person_n upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o we_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n too_o consider_v we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o call_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n let_v we_o know_v what_o great_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o and_o of_o how_o much_o great_a guilt_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o offend_v they_o than_o our_o fellow-christian_n or_o any_o party_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v engage_v there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n in_o the_o one_o when_o there_o be_v but_o the_o breach_n of_o common_a charity_n in_o the_o other_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o man_n may_v join_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o party_n and_o make_v another_o man_n their_o guide_n and_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o he_o and_o thereby_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o more_o duty_n than_o they_o owe_v to_o other_o but_o this_o be_v duty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o the_o failure_n in_o it_o a_o sin_n of_o their_o own_o cause_v and_o do_v no_o more_o supercede_v their_o original_n and_o primer_n obligation_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v lay_v on_o they_o than_o the_o be_v faithful_a to_o a_o company_n of_o banditi_n will_v excuse_v disloyalty_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o country_n or_o than_o give_v a_o gift_n to_o the_o corban_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v atone_v undutifulness_n to_o a_o want_a parent_n however_o man_n may_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o providence_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v they_o member_n and_o enter_v themselves_o into_o separate_a faction_n yet_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o owe_v duty_n to_o it_o still_o that_o no_o voluntary_a and_o second_o compact_n of_o their_o own_o can_v dissolve_v their_o primitive_a obligation_n or_o their_o care_n to_o continue_v faithful_a to_o the_o one_o expiate_v their_o regardless_o offend_v of_o the_o other_o for_o they_o do_v owe_v more_o duty_n to_o the_o one_o than_o to_o the_o other_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o owe_v to_o one_o be_v contract_v by_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o other_o be_v bind_v on_o they_o by_o the_o sacred_a and_o strong_a tie_n of_o religion_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v another_o good_a argument_n to_o determine_v a_o scrupulous_a person_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n which_o he_o have_v best_a to_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o own_o private_a party_n and_o know_v not_o by_o what_o consideration_n to_o determine_v his_o resolution_n let_v he_o in_o god_n name_n consider_v to_o which_o he_o owe_v most_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v his_o duty_n to_o the_o one_o more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o single-eyed_n he_o will_v soon_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v his_o scruple_n and_o know_v what_o choice_n he_o ought_v to_o make_v 4._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v true_o a_o grievous_a scandal_n and_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o true_a gospel-notion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o offend_a particular_a person_n may_v possible_o not_o be_v so_o that_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v not_o take_v offence_n but_o upon_o just_a reason_n but_o other_o man_n may_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n to_o they_o which_o real_o be_v not_o if_o we_o do_v that_o which_o grieve_v and_o injure_v the_o whole_a church_n than_o we_o do_v proper_o offend_v and_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o only_o offend_v some_o private_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n they_o may_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o every_o grieve_n and_o offend_v of_o another_o in_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o formal_a scandal_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o have_v be_v since_o this_o make_v clear_a by_o a_o better_a pen._n and_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a matter_n in_o debate_n this_o be_v real_o so_o in_o our_o case_n of_o conformity_n the_o refusal_n of_o it_o and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v true_o that_o give_v of_o offence_n which_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v it_o be_v lay_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o man_n entrap_a they_o into_o that_o damnable_a sin_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v a_o obstruct_v the_o effect_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o direct_a hindrance_n of_o that_o concord_n and_o love_n that_o unanimity_n and_o peace_n that_o it_o so_o strict_o call_v for_o among_o christian_n and_o design_n to_o render_v the_o world_n happy_a by_o but_o you_o may_v challenge_v any_o dissent_v person_n to_o show_v how_o anger_v some_o private_a person_n and_o a_o single_a party_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o or_o to_o name_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v temptation_n to_o they_o to_o commit_v and_o to_o instance_n that_o prejudice_n or_o disservice_n that_o it_o do_v to_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v possible_a i_o must_v confess_v that_o grief_n and_o anger_n at_o such_o a_o person_n conformity_n may_v irritate_fw-la and_o provoke_v man_n to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a but_o then_o i_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o they_o that_o be_v angry_a and_o not_o he_o with_o who_o they_o be_v causeless_o offend_v it_o may_v be_v take_v a_o offence_n on_o their_o part_n but_o not_o give_v it_o by_o he_o for_o if_o we_o must_v call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o any_o man_n do_v pervert_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o evil_n there_o will_v scarce_o any_o no_o not_o the_o best_a action_n of_o man_n escape_v that_o denomination_n this_o methinks_v be_v a_o very_a material_a consideration_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o sway_v with_o man_n in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o man_n can_v not_o determine_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o other_o reason_n yet_o they_o may_v by_o this_o they_o shall_v consider_v which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o judge_v true_a what_o be_v scandal_n and_o what_o be_v not_o and_o when_o both_o side_n say_v they_o be_v offend_v
&_o pap._n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la p._n 31._o before_o these_o unhappy_a war_n begin_v yield_v to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o cross_n and_o make_v many_o material_a alteration_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o those_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v unalterable_a and_o obligatory_a upon_o all_o christian_n as_o such_o or_o that_o the_o lay_v they_o aside_o for_o the_o bring_n about_o some_o great_a good_n will_v be_v offensive_a to_o god_n i_o will_v to_o god_n our_o brethren_n at_o least_o will_v but_o meet_v we_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o throw_v off_o those_o superstitious_a prejudices_fw-la they_o may_v have_v conceive_v against_o they_o and_o think_v that_o as_o the_o lay_v they_o aside_o will_v not_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n so_o the_o use_n of_o they_o can_v be_v so_o neither_o forgive_v the_o expression_n of_o superstitious_a prejudices_fw-la for_o i_o must_v suppose_v we_o put_v too_o high_a a_o value_n upon_o indifferent_a rite_n when_o we_o think_v that_o either_o the_o use_n or_o rejection_n of_o they_o will_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v other_o accident_n of_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o authority_n that_o will_v alter_v the_o case_n otherwise_o the_o imagination_n we_o may_v have_v of_o please_v or_o displease_v god_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n must_v look_v like_o what_o the_o greek_n express_v superstition_n by_o i_o mean_v a_o causeless_a dread_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o passage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o calvin_n that_o it_o be_v equal_o superstitious_a to_o condemn_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o unholy_a and_o to_o command_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a it_o be_v infinite_o precept_n in_o 2_o precept_n a_o noble_a conquest_n over_o ourselves_o a_o proper_a regain_n that_o christian_a liberty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v redeem_v and_o will_v be_v of_o far_o happy_a consequence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o possess_v ourselves_o with_o such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o to_o believe_v we_o can_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n by_o scruple_v what_o he_o have_v interpose_v no_o command_n to_o make_v they_o either_o obligatory_a or_o unlawful_a finis_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o several_a case_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v the_o second_o part._n 16._o the_o case_n of_o â—ay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v 17._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n etc._n etc._n 18._o a_o defence_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v symbolise_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o modest_a examination_n of_o that_o resolution_n 19_o the_o case_n of_o compel_a man_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 5._o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 6._o a_o discourse_n concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n 7._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n london_n print_v by_o m._n flesher_n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1684._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_a communion_n my_o design_n in_o this_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o of_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o awaken_v man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o more_o frequent_a receive_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a because_o in_o this_o last_o age_n by_o the_o unwary_a discourse_n of_o some_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v it_o unworthy_o such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o utter_o to_o deter_v many_o and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o discourage_v almost_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n and_o danger_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o visible_a abatement_n of_o piety_n by_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n of_o our_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o it_o and_o to_o the_o mighty_a scandal_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o general_a disuse_n and_o contempt_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o solemn_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v to_o treat_v of_o these_o four_o point_n first_o of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o the_o apostle_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o eat_v this_o 26._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26._o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n we_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v second_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o a_o frequent_a observance_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v signify_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n which_o expression_n consider_v and_o compare_v together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v imply_v a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o the_o frequent_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o their_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v which_o objection_n be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v wherefore_o whosoever_o
condemn_v with_o the_o world_n for_o as_o he_o that_o partake_v worthy_o of_o this_o sacrament_n confirm_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o due_a reverence_n and_o without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a continue_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n whilst_o he_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n this_o man_n aggravate_v and_o seal_v his_o own_o damnation_n because_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o but_o by_o renew_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v crucify_a to_o himself_o afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n and_o when_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v appear_v and_o pass_v final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n such_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a wretch_n as_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o dear_a love_n of_o their_o die_a lord_n nor_o be_v engage_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n by_o all_o the_o tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n with_o pilate_n and_o judas_n with_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o soldier_n who_o be_v the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o severe_a threaten_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o deter_v all_o those_o from_o their_o sin_n who_o think_v of_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o so_o solemn_a and_o holy_a a_o covenant_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v man_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n forsake_v their_o sin_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o under_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n ii_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o frequent_a observance_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o institution_n for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n yet_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o usage_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n so_o often_o as_o they_o solemn_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n they_o plain_o suppose_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n or_o rather_o imply_v a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v it_o for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o law_n or_o institution_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n which_o follow_v immediate_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o obligation_n hereunto_o and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o suitable_a practice_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n and_o force_n of_o persuasion_n i_o can_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o among_o christian_n be_v grow_v so_o general_a and_o a_o great_a many_o person_n from_o a_o superstitious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v by_o degree_n fall_v into_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v a_o threefold_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n each_o of_o they_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o of_o the_o great_a force_n imaginable_a to_o engage_v we_o hereunto_o 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o a_o plain_a precept_n and_o most_o solemn_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o great_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v as_o st._n james_n call_v he_o he_o have_v bid_v we_o do_v this_o and_o s._n paul_n who_o declare_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n admonish_v we_o to_o do_v it_o often_o now_o for_o any_o man_n that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o the_o open_a and_o continue_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o profession_n to_o such_o our_o lord_n may_v say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v how_o far_o the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o institution_n or_o the_o mistake_n which_o man_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o about_o it_o may_v extenuate_v this_o neglect_n be_v another_o consideration_n but_o after_o we_o know_v our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o have_v the_o law_n plain_o lay_v before_o we_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a institution_n from_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n authority_n 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o oblige_v hereunto_o in_o point_n of_o interest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o expect_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o this_o sacrament_n be_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o grace_n and_o assistence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o support_v we_o under_o suffering_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o in_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n we_o neglect_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o confirm_v and_o convey_v these_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n shall_v oblige_v we_o not_o to_o neglect_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o promote_a our_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n 3._o we_o be_v likewise_o particular_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o careful_a observance_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a thing_n our_o lord_n give_v in_o charge_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o man_n use_v religious_o to_o observe_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o die_a friend_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o do_v what_o he_o desire_v but_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n nay_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n of_o all_o mankind_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v himself_o to_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o undergo_v the_o most_o grievous_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a death_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bitter_a pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o any_o thing_n he_o ask_v of_o we_o who_o be_v go_v to_o do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o this_o so_o little_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o itself_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a to_o we_o have_v such_o a_o friend_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n bid_v we_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v we_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o when_o he_o have_v only_o commend_v to_o we_o one_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a action_n as_o a_o fit_a representation_n and_o memorial_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o have_v only_o enjoin_v we_o in_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o meet_v at_o his_o table_n and_o to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o to_o resolve_v to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v he_o no_o more_o can_v we_o without_o the_o most_o horrible_a ingratitude_n neglect_v this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o
our_o saviour_n the_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n a_o command_n so_o reasonable_a so_o easy_a so_o full_a of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o faithful_a observer_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v so_o plain_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v of_o those_o great_a and_o manifold_a blessing_n which_o all_o christian_n believe_v to_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o frequent_a and_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o this_o sacrament_n where_o then_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o backwardness_n which_o we_o see_v in_o man_n to_o so_o plain_a so_o necessary_a and_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n the_o truth_n be_v man_n have_v be_v great_o discourage_v from_o this_o sacrament_n by_o the_o unwary_a press_v and_o inculcate_v of_o two_o great_a truth_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o iii_o third_z particular_a i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o these_o objection_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o the_o 27_o verse_n wherefore_o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 29._o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o upon_o the_o mistake_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o text_n have_v be_v ground_v two_o objection_n of_o great_a force_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o this_o sacrament_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v to_o remove_v first_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o second_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o devout_a christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n 1._o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o obj._n 1_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n whole_o to_o refrain_v from_o this_o sacrament_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a danger_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v avoid_v by_o not_o receive_v yet_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v a_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o thereby_o avoid_v sure_o they_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o make_v light_n of_o that_o gracious_a invitation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o faulty_a as_o he_o who_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o as_o he_o be_v severe_o punish_v for_o his_o disrespect_n so_o they_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o disobedience_n nay_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o contempt_n whole_o to_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o without_o some_o due_a qualification_n the_o great_a indisposition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v one_o being_n a_o bad_a man_n and_o he_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a and_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o continue_v so_o who_o wilful_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n than_o he_o that_o come_v to_o it_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n and_o preparation_n though_o much_o less_o than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o man_n to_o come_v to_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n without_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a awe_n upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o without_o some_o good_a thought_n and_o resolution_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v before_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n set_v himself_o serious_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n against_o they_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o these_o good_a resolution_n though_o after_o a_o while_o he_o may_v possible_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o this_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n to_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o good_a mood_n and_o fit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v much_o better_a than_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o sin_n even_o this_o righteousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o so_o soon_o pass_v away_o be_v better_a than_o none_o and_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o man_n can_v think_v of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o will_v by_o this_o consideration_n be_v excite_v to_o some_o good_a purpose_n and_o put_v upon_o some_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v his_o life_n and_o though_o he_o be_v very_o much_o under_o the_o bondage_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n if_o he_o do_v with_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o excellent_a mean_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n so_o to_o abate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o to_o imprint_v such_o consideration_n upon_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o break_v off_o his_o wicked_a course_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o to_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o the_o great_a enormity_n of_o life_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n nothing_o but_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o man_n may_v avoid_v and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a enough_o heretofore_o man_n use_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o great_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n by_o shame_n and_o fear_n of_o disgrace_n and_o will_v abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o man_n but_o man_n have_v harden_v their_o face_n in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o those_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o modesty_n which_o govern_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o order_n heretofore_o signify_v nothing_o now_o adays_o blush_v be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o shame_n be_v cease_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacrament_n do_v always_o use_v to_o lay_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o reform_v they_o it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v man_n good_a yet_o it_o will_v make_v they_o resolve_v to_o be_v so_o and_o leave_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o discourage_v man_n so_o much_o from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o way_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n and_o that_o many_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o kind_n of_o check_n before_o since_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v quite_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o and_o prostitute_a themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n and_o among_o the_o many_o ill_a effect_n of_o our_o past_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o in_o many_o congregation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n christian_n be_v general_o disuse_v and_o deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o they_o must_v necessary_o incur_v the_o
the_o sacrament_n can_v never_o be_v demonstrate_v so_o as_o that_o the_o conscience_n may_v sure_o build_v upon_o it_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o two_o way_n first_o we_o have_v no_o sure_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n second_o the_o custom_n observe_v by_o the_o jew_n render_v it_o very_o incertain_a and_o disputable_a 1._o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o scripture_n amount_v 22._o mat._n 26._o 26._o mar._n 14._o 22._o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o as_o they_o be_v eat_v or_o as_o they_o do_v eat_v as_o the_o phrase_n be_v render_v in_o st._n mark_n jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_a it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v say_v st._n paul_n after_o supper_n as_o st._n luke_n have_v 20._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 25._o luke_n 22._o 20._o it_o and_o give_v thanks_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a from_o this_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v that_o our_o lord_n do_v institute_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o but_o whether_o sit_v kneel_v or_o stand_v be_v not_o where_o mention_v nor_o plain_o determine_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o institute_v this_o holy_a feast_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o paschal_n feast_n for_o he_o take_v the_o bread_n as_o they_o be_v eat_v and_o the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v that_o he_o do_v celebrate_v the_o passover_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n which_o be_v in_o a_o discumb_a marg._n luke_n 22._o 14._o mat._n 26._o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o marg._n posture_n on_o bed_n place_v about_o the_o table_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o lie_a or_o lean_v upon_o couches_n yet_o whether_o after_o all_o the_o apostle_n receive_v or_o our_o lord_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n still_o sit_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v at_o the_o passover_n be_v not_o express_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v certain_o conclude_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o their_o argument_n who_o urge_v sit_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n can_v arise_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o its_o probable_a our_o lord_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o gesture_n he_o use_v at_o the_o passover_n when_o he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n but_o who_o see_v not_o that_o a_o probability_n be_v far_o from_o a_o certainty_n a_o thing_n may_v be_v real_o false_a though_o it_o seem_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v speculative_o probable_a may_v when_o reduce_v to_o practise_v become_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o great_a error_n thus_o to_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n kneel_v and_o thereby_o neglect_v a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o bare_a probability_n that_o our_o lord_n sit_v which_o we_o be_v not_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o all_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o they_o appeal_v to_o a_o incertain_a example_n against_o a_o plain_a certain_a command_n viz._n to_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o saviour_n die_a love_n and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o they_o therefore_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o as_o a_o plea_n against_o kneel_v will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o make_v the_o example_n appear_v and_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v sit_v before_o they_o press_v a_o conformity_n 2._o if_o we_o consult_v the_o record_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n and_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a man_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n concern_v the_o passover_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n celebrate_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o gesture_n throughout_o the_o solemnity_n for_o the_o babylon_n and_o jerusalem_n talmud_n maimonides_n and_o buxtorf_n do_v certify_v we_o that_o they_o do_v alter_v their_o posture_n at_o the_o passover_n though_o the_o lie_v or_o lean_v posture_n be_v general_o and_o most_o religious_o use_v and_o observe_v at_o this_o feast_n above_o any_o other_o and_o the_o scripture_n give_v some_o hint_n and_o intimation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o those_o 44._o gen._n 18._o 4._o 19_o c._n 2._o 24._o 32._o mat._n 15._o 2._o mar._n 7._o 3._o luke_n 7._o 44._o eastern_a country_n at_o their_o ordinary_a feast_n and_o entertainment_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o their_o foot_n and_o especial_o at_o their_o religious_a feast_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n often_o at_o the_o passover_n they_o wash_v their_o hand_n thrice_o at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o talmudist_n and_o the_o author_n forecited_a which_o ceremony_n can_v not_o well_o nor_o be_v 13._o tract_n berachoth_o â—esachin_n maimon_n in_o chametz_n umaâ—sah_n buxtorf_n synag_fw-mi c._n 13._o not_o in_o all_o likelihood_n perform_v during_o their_o lie_v or_o lean_v posture_n on_o their_o left_a side_n as_o their_o manner_n be_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o wash_v at_o all_o and_o so_o frequent_o be_v that_o no_o legal_a impurity_n or_o uncleanness_n may_v cleave_v to_o they_o and_o to_o signify_v the_o great_a care_n they_o take_v to_o keep_v this_o solemn_a feast_n holy_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o they_o be_v nice_a and_o curious_a in_o purify_n and_o wash_v themselves_o so_o in_o keep_v the_o bed_n table_n dishes_n and_o 286._o vid._n buxt_n synagoga_fw-la c._n 12._o p_o 286._o all_o other_o utensil_n necessary_a for_o this_o feast_n clean_a and_o free_a from_o all_o pollution_n too_o to_o wash_v so_o often_o more_o than_o the_o law_n require_v and_o the_o general_a custom_n of_o those_o eastern_a and_o hot_a country_n warrant_v be_v a_o pharisaical_a invention_n and_o superstitious_o abuse_v by_o they_o and_o as_o such_o it_o be_v certain_a our_o lord_n do_v not_o use_v it_o but_o that_o he_o do_v wash_v sometime_o before_o he_o eat_v the_o paschal_n supper_n and_o after_o he_o have_v sit_v down_o as_o the_o manner_n be_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v and_o all_o that_o i_o infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o when_o he_o wash_v be_v it_o once_o or_o twice_o he_o alter_v his_o posture_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n either_o arise_v from_o his_o bed_n and_o go_v 6._o vid._n john_n 2._o 6._o to_o the_o place_n where_o water_n and_o vessel_n be_v prepare_v and_o set_v for_o such_o use_n or_o have_v water_n bring_v to_o he_o in_o a_o basin_n wherein_o he_o wash_v either_o sit_v upright_o or_o stand_v which_o be_v both_o different_a from_o that_o gesture_n which_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o passover_n st._n john_n in_o chap._n 13._o 2_o 4_o 5._o verse_n will_v explain_v and_o confirm_v this_o custom_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o that_o supper_n be_v end_v that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n or_o almost_o end_v for_o by_o compare_v the_o 12_o and_o 26_o and_o 27_o verse_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v plain_o that_o they_o have_v not_o quite_o finish_v their_o supper_n jesus_n rise_v from_o supper_n and_o lay_v aside_o his_o garment_n and_o take_v a_o towel_n and_o gird_v himself_o and_o after_o that_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o basin_n and_o begin_v to_o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n there_o be_v learned_a man_n on_o both_o side_n who_o think_v all_o this_o be_v 12._o vid._n grot._n in_o lo_o dr._n hamond_n on_o v._o 26._o mark_n 14._o 12._o do_v at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o that_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o it_o when_o he_o institute_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o i_o shall_v wave_v this_o and_o not_o infist_n upon_o it_o because_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o i_o believe_v as_o the_o learned_a dr._n lightfoot_n do_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a or_o common_a meal_n and_o therefore_o i_o only_o shall_v conclude_v thus_o much_o from_o it_o which_o i_o think_v be_v very_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o wash_v at_o their_o feast_n and_o that_o in_o suppertime_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o thâ—s_n custom_n to_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o the_o guest_n be_v the_o office_n of_o servant_n and_o it_o be_v altogether_o unusual_a for_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n to_o do_v but_o our_o lord_n to_o set_v his_o disciple_n a_o example_n of_o humility_n and_o charitable_a condescension_n one_o to_o another_o perform_v this_o servile_a office_n himself_o 15._o joh._n 13._o 14_o 15._o
will_v not_o wash_v out_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v trample_v upon_o and_o vilify_a of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o save_v we_o blindly_n therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o run_v into_o error_n and_o mischief_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o safe_o seek_v out_o for_o a_o plain_a rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o either_o way_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o a_o bare_a example_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o sit_v be_v somewhat_o ware_a of_o this_o namely_o that_o his_o example_n and_o those_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o lie_v down_o this_o 339._o gillesp_n against_o cer._n p._n 339._o for_o their_o maxim_n and_o guide_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n without_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n to_o bring_v their_o own_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o our_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o special_a reason_n draw_v from_o that_o time_n and_o place_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o which_o that_o gesture_n be_v peculiar_a how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v use_v another_o gesture_n if_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v institute_v apart_o from_o the_o passover_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o jew_n eat_v the_o passover_n after_o one_o fashion_n in_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o cease_v give_v occasion_n to_o alter_v it_o in_o canaan_n and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n comply_v with_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o that_o his_o example_n if_o he_o do_v sit_v be_v only_o temporary_a and_o not_o design_v for_o a_o stand_a law_n perpetual_o oblige_v to_o a_o like_a practice_n if_o christ_n act_v upon_o special_a reason_n than_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v they_o produce_v the_o reason_n if_o they_o can_v which_o make_v this_o example_n of_o christ_n of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a use_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o follow_v it_o when_o ever_o they_o do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v expose_v their_o own_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v build_v so_o much_o upon_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a ceremo_n gillesp_n 338._o disp_n against_o ceremo_n man_n in_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n and_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o a_o christian_n duty_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n flow_v pure_o from_o example_n record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o talk_v of_o christ_n example_n apart_o from_o all_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o to_o make_v that_o alone_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o while_n the_o world_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o example_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o man_n like_v unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v he_o be_v bear_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o natural_a law_n as_o a_o jew_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n as_o the_o messiah_n send_v of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o compass_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o he_o have_v free_o undertake_v he_o still_o act_v by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o be_v under_o the_o gospel-law_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o exemplify_v to_o we_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o deliver_v that_o which_o make_v that_o bitter_a and_o deadly_a cup_n which_o end_v his_o day_n relish_v with_o he_o be_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cup_n give_v he_o by_o 11._o john_n 18._o 11._o his_o father_n and_o the_o drink_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o 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you_o complain_v of_o deadness_n and_o unprofitableness_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o of_o you_o do_v of_o the_o like_a barrenness_n under_o your_o own_o but_o proceed_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o a_o worse_a cause_n of_o which_o in_o reason_n you_o shall_v suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a rather_o than_o conclude_v so_o sudden_o as_o you_o do_v our_o ministry_n to_o be_v unedifying_a v._o the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o who_o fancy_n that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v something_o by_o our_o ministry_n yet_o they_o can_v profit_v more_o by_o other_o they_o ought_v in_o conscience_n to_o examine_v whence_o this_o conceit_n arise_v whether_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o prejudice_n from_o disaffection_n from_o disgust_n at_o some_o doctrine_n which_o they_o love_v not_o shall_v be_v touch_v from_o their_o seldom_o attendance_n upon_o the_o establish_a ministry_n from_o their_o careless_a hear_n when_o they_o be_v there_o or_o from_o the_o hasty_a sentence_n they_o pronounce_v against_o it_o before_o a_o sufficient_a trial_n and_o withal_o they_o shall_v consider_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o profit_v whether_o real_o and_o true_o they_o be_v not_o more_o earnest_o press_v in_o our_o congregation_n to_o be_v thorough_o good_a and_o virtuous_a to_o take_v a_o strict_a care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o dred_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o where_o they_o imagine_v they_o profit_v more_o because_o they_o be_v entertain_v there_o perchance_o with_o more_o please_a subject_n than_o this_o of_o their_o whole_a christian_a duty_n i_o only_o suggest_v this_o as_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v most_o deep_o ponder_v and_o do_v not_o accuse_v you_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o falseness_n to_o your_o own_o soul_n but_o this_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o grow_v more_o holy_a harmless_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o your_o common_a conversation_n if_o your_o passion_n be_v not_o better_o govern_v if_o your_o tongue_n be_v not_o more_o strict_o bridle_v if_o you_o grow_v not_o more_o humble_a less_o conceit_v of_o yourselves_o less_o confident_a of_o your_o own_o understanding_n more_o fearful_a to_o offend_v god_n by_o censure_v rash_a judge_v disrespectful_a behaviour_n to_o your_o better_n and_o superior_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n you_o do_v but_o deceive_v yourselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o profit_v more_o by_o the_o nonconforming_a ministry_n than_o by_o we_o upon_o which_o if_o you_o will_v attend_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o improve_v in_o these_o great_a thing_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v your_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o yourselves_o who_o may_v be_v convince_v in_o a_o little_a time_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o go_v any_o whither_o else_o for_o such_o edification_n and_o if_o you_o go_v for_o any_o other_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o seek_v still_o for_o better_a entertainment_n of_o your_o fancy_n and_o itch_a ear_n which_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v gratify_v with_o infinite_a variety_n the_o mischief_n of_o which_o they_o of_o your_o own_o way_n have_v feel_v and_o complain_v of_o as_o much_o as_o we_o and_o the_o better_a any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a have_v they_o appear_v in_o give_v caution_n against_o this_o wanton_a humour_n though_o pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o growth_n in_o grace_n or_o soulsaving_a knowledge_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o forefather_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o who_o can_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o dangerous_a principle_n that_o man_n must_v go_v where_o they_o can_v profit_v most_o and_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a person_n high_o esteem_v by_o
have_v bring_v yourself_o to_o much_o liberty_n i_o doubt_v not_o you_o will_v find_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o alter_v it_o and_o come_v into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n where_o if_o you_o do_v not_o meet_v present_o with_o such_o advantage_n for_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n as_o you_o be_v tell_v you_o may_v receive_v you_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v as_o the_o forename_a mr._n hildersham_n do_v to_o those_o that_o say_v they_o can_v not_o find_v such_o light_n such_o power_n such_o comfort_n in_o the_o word_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o first_o either_o you_o have_v not_o seek_v it_o aright_o not_o with_o earnestness_n or_o not_o with_o a_o good_a heart_n or_o secund_o if_o you_o have_v and_o do_v not_o find_v it_o at_o first_o yet_o you_o shall_v hereafter_o if_o you_o seek_v it_o here_o with_o a_o honest_a heart_n viii_o and_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n among_o we_o will_v be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n upon_o your_o heart_n if_o when_o you_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o you_o will_v remember_v and_o observe_v some_o rule_n deliver_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o another_o place_n lecture_n xxvi_o about_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o now_o alas_o be_v general_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v press_v for_o the_o dispose_n all_o man_n heart_n to_o profit_v by_o their_o attendance_n on_o it_o 1._o one_o be_v that_o at_o your_o come_n into_o the_o congregation_n and_o during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o your_o abode_n there_o you_o will_v behave_v yourselves_o reverent_o for_o we_o may_v not_o come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o we_o will_v into_o a_o dancing-school_n or_o playhouse_n laugh_v or_o toy_v etc._n etc._n neither_o may_v we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o as_o we_o will_v out_o of_o such_o a_o one_o but_o in_o our_o very_a come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o and_o whole_a outward_a carriage_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v some_o signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n that_o we_o bear_v to_o this_o place_n and_o that_o we_o do_v indeed_o account_v it_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o serious_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o awful_a sense_n of_o god_n presence_n possess_v the_o mind_n will_v no_o doubt_n be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o sermon_n for_o which_o end_n 2._o another_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v all_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o carry_v till_o all_o be_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n say_v he_o to_o be_v in_o god_n house_n before_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o become_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o wait_v for_o they_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o this_o be_v two_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o our_o assembly_n but_o all_o may_v receive_v profit_n by_o it_o for_o example_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o absolution_n i_o may_v add_v and_o all_o other_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o congregation_n a_o man_n may_v receive_v more_o profit_n and_o comfort_n than_o by_o any_o other_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n even_o after_o christ_n ascension_n when_o the_o typical_a honour_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v abolish_v etc._n etc._n be_v so_o delight_v to_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v at_o the_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n 1._o act._n 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v how_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v all_o may_v profit_v and_o by_o hear_v it_o preach_v even_o by_o the_o mean_a minister_n of_o christ_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o how_o the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n also_o further_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n and_o much_o more_o benefit_n may_v the_o faithful_a receive_v by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n nay_o by_o be_v present_a at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n all_o may_v receive_v profit_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n there-by_a of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n last_o by_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v by_o god_n minister_n all_o may_v receive_v good_a and_o therefore_o none_o ought_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o his_o second_o reason_n be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o we_o can_v receive_v no_o profit_n by_o the_o exercise_n use_v in_o our_o assembly_n yet_o we_o must_v be_v present_a at_o they_o all_o to_o do_v our_o homage_n unto_o god_n and_o show_v the_o reverend_a respect_n we_o have_v to_o his_o ordinance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n among_o we_o observe_v this_o but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o instruction_n and_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n there_o shall_v be_v all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o prayer_n use_v yea_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o our_o assembly_n 1_o k._n 11._o 1_o 2._o that_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o well_o as_o preach_v the_o holy_a communion_n administer_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o our_o common-prayer_n to_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v respect_n and_o this_o he_o repeat_v again_o lecture_n xxviii_o if_o thou_o be_v sure_a thou_o can_v not_o profit_v yet_o must_v thou_o come_v to_o do_v thy_o homage_n to_o god_n and_o to_o show_v thy_o reverence_n to_o his_o ordinance_n 3._o another_o of_o his_o general_a rule_n be_v that_o when_o we_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o do_v as_o the_o congregation_n do_v for_o it_o make_v much_o for_o the_o come_v liness_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o good_a order_n without_o confusion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n part_n of_o this_o good_a order_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o congregation_n when_o they_o all_o come_v together_o and_o go_v together_o pray_v together_o sing_v together_o kneel_z together_o in_o a_o word_n when_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v but_o one_o man._n and_o in_o several_a place_n he_o reprove_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o zeal_n man_n great_a carelessness_n in_o this_o particular_o their_o neglect_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o prayer_n have_v observe_v that_o man_n who_o will_v kneel_v at_o their_o own_o private_a prayer_n can_v never_o be_v see_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o common_a and_o public_a prayer_n his_o last_o general_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o teach_v our_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o show_v reverence_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v endure_v profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n no_o not_o in_o child_n and_o it_o stand_v we_o all_o upon_o to_o use_v the_o utmost_a authority_n we_o have_v to_o maintain_v the_o reverence_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n for_o the_o open_a contempt_n do_v by_o any_o may_v bring_v god_n curse_n on_o we_o all_o and_o certain_o say_v he_o among_o other_o cause_n of_o the_o plague_n and_o other_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o land_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v i_o be_o tempt_v to_o transcribe_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o these_o lecture_n because_o by_o they_o you_o may_v see_v that_o if_o i_o have_v move_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v about_o our_o sermon_n i_o may_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o devout_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v maintain_v that_o there_o want_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o profit_v in_o our_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v none_o as_o long_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o read_v by_o which_o together_o with_o the_o other_o holy_a duty_n all_o may_v receive_v the_o great_a profit_n and_o comfort_n if_o they_o please_v for_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a excellence_n authority_n and_o certainty_n than_o the_o sermon_n of_o any_o preacher_n in_o the_o world_n first_o because_o it_o come_v more_o immediate_o from_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o man_n yet_o be_v there_o in_o it_o far_o less_o mixture_n of_o humane_a ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n than_o in_o sermon_n while_o the_o word_n be_v read_v we_o be_v sure_o we_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o