never_o so_o slight_a nay_o though_o they_o shall_v prove_v real_o inconvenient_a either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o public_a yet_o if_o they_o stand_v upon_o they_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o require_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o we_o must_v yield_v we_o must_v obey_v always_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o against_o god_n law_n for_o we_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n either_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n ourselves_o or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o for_o to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o publâ—ck_n than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iu._n and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a matter_n here_o before_o we_o that_o be_v the_o business_n of_o church_n communion_n the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n to_o which_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o law_n have_v appoint_v be_v the_o four_o general_a head_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v this_o point_n of_o the_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v have_v be_v large_o handle_v by_o several_a learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o one_o of_o those_o discourse_n which_o have_v late_o be_v write_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o dissenter_n thither_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o full_a satisfaction_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o just_a to_o touch_v upon_o it_o here_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o here_o the_o proposition_n we_o lie_v down_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n and_o consequent_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v or_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o it_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o because_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o forego_n principle_n which_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o christ_n have_v forbid_v all_o humane_a authority_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a to_o make_v any_o law_n or_o order_n about_o religion_n which_o i_o believe_v never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v show_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a upon_o another_o account_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o unity_n do_v consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o with_o our_o brethren_n under_o common_a governor_n in_o the_o same_o religious_a communion_n of_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o those_o church_n governor_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_v religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n under_o those_o governor_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o very_a much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v that_o there_o be_v something_o require_v of_o he_o in_o those_o assembly_n and_o by_o those_o governor_n and_o that_o as_o a_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o which_o he_o can_v submit_v to_o without_o sin_n and_o this_o point_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o do_v seem_v often_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o business_n of_o come_v to_o church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n no_o otherwise_o to_o bind_v their_o conscience_n than_o other_o pure_o humane_a law_n they_o think_v they_o owe_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n in_o these_o matter_n different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o yield_v to_o any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o often_o make_v so_o slight_a a_o business_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o these_o thing_n than_o this_o come_v to_o the_o withdraw_v our_o communion_n from_o the_o church_n carry_v a_o far_o great_a guilt_n in_o it_o than_o the_o violate_v any_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a for_o though_o we_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o time_n the_o gesture_n the_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o method_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n as_o also_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v to_o officiate_v be_v all_o of_o humane_a institution_n and_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o vary_a at_o the_o discretion_n of_o our_o governor_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o offend_a against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n a_o humane_a law_n ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o divine_a law_n modify_v or_o clothe_v with_o several_a circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n do_v create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n upon_o every_o subject_a than_o a_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n in_o the_o other_o case_n we_o only_o yield_v obedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o god_n in_o general_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n to_o make_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o business_n of_o pay_v tribute_n and_o custom_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n with_o a_o humane_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o that_o every_o subject_n shall_v pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n be_v due_a be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o what_o good_n we_o shall_v pay_v tribute_n or_o custom_n or_o what_o proportion_n of_o those_o good_n shall_v be_v pay_v this_o be_v not_o define_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o every_o kingdom_n but_o now_o because_o humane_a authority_n do_v interpose_v in_o this_o affair_n and_o settle_v what_o every_o man_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o king_n and_o out_o of_o what_o commodity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n or_o concealment_n detain_v the_o king_n right_o from_o he_o that_o he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n for_o this_o but_o only_o the_o transgress_a of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n in_o case_n he_o be_v detect_v no_o certain_o for_o all_o that_o the_o custom_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o form_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o humane_a law_n only_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a aught_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o unjust_a person_n before_o god_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o good_n will_v not_o render_v he_o less_o unjust_a or_o more_o
be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o may_v justify_v their_o proceed_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o please_v this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o except_v against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o their_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n and_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o we_o think_v they_o can_v without_o sin_n join_v in_o our_o communion_n for_o even_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o we_o have_v show_v bind_v thus_o far_o that_o a_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o grant_v they_o and_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v render_v this_o whole_a plea_n for_o nonconformity_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v now_o open_v it_o whole_o insufficient_a viz._n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v indeed_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n communion_n but_o what_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n then_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o real_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n here_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n our_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o communion_n this_o have_v be_v do_v several_a time_n and_o of_o late_a by_o several_a person_n which_o have_v treat_v of_o all_o these_o particular_a matter_n and_o who_o have_v show_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n appointment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v for_o gravity_n decency_n purity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o most_o approvable_a and_o the_o least_o exceptionable_a of_o any_o church_n constitution_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o this_o be_v the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o whether_o suppose_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v i_o say_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v any_o man_n from_o sin_n that_o withdraw_v from_o that_o communion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o through_o his_o mistake_n he_o believe_v he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n or_o thus_o whether_o will_v any_o man_n persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v sinful_a term_n require_v in_o our_o communion_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o general_a question_n true_o put_v and_o this_o i_o give_v as_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o that_o in_o general_a speak_v a_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o god_n law_n or_o justify_v any_o man_n transgression_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o and_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o i_o think_v i_o have_v my_o misperswasion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o discharge_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o break_v it_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o have_v full_o show_v before_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n ask_v this_o question_n be_v st._n paul_n guilty_a of_o sin_n or_o no_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n be_v very_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o this_o because_o he_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n they_o contradict_v his_o own_o express_a word_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n if_o they_o say_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n in_o do_v this_o then_o they_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o practise_v it_o if_o real_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a will_v 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 be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n do_v pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o image_n do_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o real_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o his_o soul_n and_o deity_n be_v personal_o unite_v be_v now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o practice_n or_o be_v he_o not_o he_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o he_o will_v abhor_v these_o practice_n if_o he_o do_v in_o the_o least_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o as_o idolatrous_a nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forbid_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_n
he_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a catholic_n unless_o he_o thus_o worship_n image_n and_o saint_n 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 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pretence_n for_o the_o separation_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o i_o trust_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v before_o god_n with_o the_o formal_a guilt_n of_o the_o schism_n any_o far_a than_o the_o error_n that_o lead_v he_o into_o it_o be_v contract_v by_o his_o own_o fault_n though_o schism_n in_o itself_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o same_o schism_n be_v equal_o guilty_a before_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n to_o serve_v any_o private_a secular_a turn_n these_o be_v most_o horrible_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v in_o their_o excuse_n in_o the_o second_o
place_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n through_o misperswasion_n and_o mistake_v of_o judgement_n which_o they_o groundless_o and_o foolish_o take_v up_o and_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o will_v yet_o still_o certain_o correct_v in_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v but_o so_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a about_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v these_o man_n have_v indeed_o far_o more_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o than_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o they_o be_v very_o unblamable_a and_o be_v bind_v as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v more_o care_n of_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v that_o sin_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o but_o three_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o nor_o never_o have_v mean_n to_o know_v better_o or_o those_o that_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v their_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o in_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n light_n into_o wrong_a path_n in_o a_o word_n those_o that_o be_v unhappy_o engage_v in_o a_o schism_n but_o god_n almighty_a who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n but_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o circumstance_n i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n among_o we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n though_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a material_o yet_o he_o be_v innocent_o at_o least_o pittiable_o so_o and_o if_o he_o be_v as_o free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o life_n be_v may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_n for_o all_o that_o and_o god_n almighty_a we_o hope_v who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n and_o not_o by_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n will_v impute_v that_o schism_n which_o in_o other_o perhaps_o be_v a_o wilful_a crime_n to_o this_o man_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o a_o pure_a sin_n of_o ignorance_n which_o shall_v not_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n know_v and_o unknown_a be_v account_v for_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v to_o the_o other_o regularity_n of_o his_o life_n add_v a_o diligent_a care_n in_o these_o four_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o his_o way_n but_o that_o he_o keep_v his_o mind_n ready_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v any_o conviction_n which_o god_n by_o any_o mean_n or_o instrument_n shall_v offer_v to_o he_o second_o that_o he_o separate_a no_o far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o member_n than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o do_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o the_o public_a law_n and_o establishment_n in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n three_o that_o where_o he_o can_v give_v active_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n he_o do_v in_o those_o instance_n patient_o and_o christianly_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n which_o those_o law_n inflict_v neither_o exclaim_n against_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n as_o persecutor_n for_o enact_v or_o execute_v those_o law_n nor_o use_v any_o undue_a illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v himself_o more_o ease_n and_o liberty_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n behave_v himself_o as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n to_o the_o government_n he_o live_v under_o and_o four_o and_o last_o that_o he_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o a_o good_a subject_n in_o avoid_v all_o peevish_a and_o bitter_a censure_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v in_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n from_o he_o and_o exercise_v humanity_n and_o friendliness_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n christian_n whosoever_o i_o say_v of_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n make_v good_a these_o point_n that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n very_o sincere_a in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o they_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o our_o way_n do_v yet_o in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o observe_v the_o four_o particular_n i_o have_v now_o name_v i_o shall_v be_v loath_a for_o my_o part_n to_o censure_v they_o either_o as_o ill_a man_n or_o ill_a subject_n or_o ill_a christian_n but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n do_v no_o more_o justify_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n or_o extenuate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n than_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o justify_v or_o extenuate_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n devout_a papist_n for_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n for_o a_o innocent_a mistake_a separatist_n will_v hold_v true_a mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o delude_a romanist_n who_o be_v invincible_o and_o without_o any_o fault_n of_o he_o entangle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o idolatry_n but_o i-believe_a for_o all_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o innocence_n or_o excuseableness_n of_o some_o man_n mistake_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o infinite_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o he_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n that_o which_o i_o will_v most_o serious_o press_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v this_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n how_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o offend_v his_o conscience_n before_o he_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o his_o lawful_a governor_n and_o his_o communion_n from_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o public_a under_o they_o it_o appear_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o justify_v a_o man_n separation_n that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sinner_n notwithstanding_o that_o for_o leave_v our_o assembly_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v at_o last_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n what_o therefore_o shall_v every_o dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o say_v what_o be_v there_o that_o more_o concern_v he_o to_o do_v than_o present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o point_n where_o he_o be_v now_o dissatisfy_v for_o fear_v he_o be_v find_v to_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n all_o the_o time_n he_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n that_o live_v out_o of_o our_o communion_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o these_o that_o as_o for_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n they_o do_v agree_v with_o we_o and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o be_v nice_a controvert_v point_n point_n dispute_v pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la among_o the_o divine_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v they_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o they_o nay_o perhaps_o if_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o ability_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o something_o of_o this_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v happy_a if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v so_o too_o but_o still_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o certain_o without_o repentance_n be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o for_o be_v a_o heretic_n in_o his_o opinion_n or_o a_o drunkard_n for_o instance_n in_o his_o manner_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n think_v so_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o that_o the_o business_n of_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a conformity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o who_o be_v it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v be_v very_o well_o please_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o dust_n raise_v no_o dispute_n or_o contention_n move_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o that_o every_o member_n will_v have_v do_v his_o duty_n peaceable_o and_o quiet_o in_o his_o station_n or_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n have_v arise_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v debate_v among_o learned_a man_n and_o never_o have_v proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n about_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n salvation_n we_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o never_o understand_v how_o to_o justify_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o to_o defend_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n against_o all_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o all_o that_o we_o say_v be_v that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v scruple_n and_o except_v against_o the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o lie_v upon_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v bind_v as_o he_o will_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o possible_o can_v to_o get_v satisfaction_n about_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o nay_o even_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o communion_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n and_o above_o their_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o they_o have_v not_o understanding_n and_o wit_n enough_o to_o dive_v into_o they_o why_o in_o god_n name_n who_o desire_v they_o we_o say_v that_o they_o may_v innocent_o enough_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o their_o governor_n in_o these_o point_n as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o hundred_o other_o without_o ever_o dive_v into_o they_o but_o since_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v wit_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o cavil_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o deny_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o lawful_a power_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v so_o much_o honesty_n as_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v themselves_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n too_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o we_o desire_v it_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o horrible_a inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n that_o arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n which_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o to_o conclude_v if_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o famous_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v oblige_v christian_n it_o do_v especial_o in_o this_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o goodness_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o case_n where_o his_o superior_n have_v lay_v their_o command_n upon_o he_o for_o there_o he_o can_v disobey_v without_o sin_n unless_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reconcile_v their_o command_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n but_o upon_o the_o best_a mean_n he_o have_v use_v he_o find_v they_o irreconcilable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n that_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n finis_fw-la
excusable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n to_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o baptism_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o worship_a god_n for_o the_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n all_o this_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o king_n and_o every_o man_n what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v dishonest_a &_o unjust_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o give_v but_o they_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n just_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o thing_n thus_o clothe_v by_o humane_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n about_o they_o than_o we_o can_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o have_v name_v and_o that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o for_o instance_n purge_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o knavery_n before_o god_n that_o will_v contrive_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a as_o any_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n before_o god_n that_o will_v choose_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n different_a from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prescribe_v always_o suppose_v that_o the_o worship_n establish_v be_v command_v by_o just_a authority_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o can_v just_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o in_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o hold_v it_o than_o mere_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o statute_n or_o a_o humane_a law_n for_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v this_o that_o i_o think_v no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v warrant_v it_o so_o that_o even_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v which_o shall_v ordain_v that_o wilful_a causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o tolerate_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o yet_o nevertheless_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n will_v still_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v there_o now_o only_o remain_v our_o last_o general_a head_n about_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v with_o our_o preliminary_a point_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v or_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o or_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n here_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o we_o concern_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v sinful_a have_v authority_n over_o we_o how_o far_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n
erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v worship_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o if_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o about_o conscience_n be_v admit_v then_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v say_v conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_n what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o go_v against_o a_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o man_n only_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n that_o can_v true_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v say_v it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o real_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o some_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v join_v with_o we_o if_o against_o this_o it_o be_v except_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o direct_o sinful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n take_v it_o real_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o hold_v constant_a communion_n with_o some_o other_o congregation_n where_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v be_v more_o edify_v or_o to_o which_o he_o be_v relate_v by_o some_o church_n covenant_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o grant_v conscience_n be_v right_o plead_v for_o separation_n though_o how_o justifiable_o i_o do_v not_o now_o
examine_v but_o than_o i_o say_v this_o plea_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n i_o just_o now_o lay_v down_o for_o if_o the_o man_n as_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o case_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n by_o god_n law_n as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o other_o and_o not_o with_o we_o then_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o can_v without_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n that_o be_v without_o sin_n join_v with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o same_o account_n which_o we_o give_v of_o its_o be_v against_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o further_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o our_o proposition_n that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o also_o in_o the_o case_n where_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o those_o doubt_n remain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_o say_v of_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n one_o must_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n have_v real_o entertain_v this_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o must_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o conform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v but_o then_o this_o be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n we_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o therefore_o it_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v because_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v but_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n to_o act_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o two_o exception_n which_o be_v all_o i_o can_v think_v of_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o it_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n now_o if_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o and_o indeed_o how_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o will_v be_v leave_v that_o can_v be_v able_a with_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o our_o sacrament_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o private_a grudge_n or_o pique_n because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v or_o have_v receive_v some_o disappointment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o church_n or_o by_o the_o man_n that_o be_v favourer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o pet_n will_v join_v themselves_o to_o another_o communion_n all_o those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o turn_n more_o effectual_o by_o be_v of_o another_o way_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o can_v thereby_o better_a please_v a_o relation_n from_o who_o they_o have_v expectance_n they_o can_v better_o advance_v their_o trade_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n they_o can_v better_o procure_v a_o reputation_n or_o regain_v one_o that_o be_v sink_v in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o that_o to_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o pride_n or_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n do_v refuse_v we_o their_o company_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v all_o such_o be_v certain_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o place_n all_o those_o lay_v people_n who_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o account_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o they_o most_o love_n and_o reverence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o exercise_n their_o function_n among_o we_o who_o pretence_n it_o be_v that_o if_o these_o good_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n they_o will_v come_v to_o our_o congregation_n but_o so_o long_o as_o that_o be_v refuse_v they_o will_v hear_v they_o where_o they_o can_v i_o say_v all_o these_o be_v likewise_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o however_o it_o may_v real_o and_o true_o be_v against_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o conform_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o than_o 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pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o service_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o their_o conscience_n can_v be_v concern_v but_o only_o they_o be_v not_o please_v with_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o service_n as_o fancy_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o decent_a or_o convenient_a or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o prudent_o order_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o yet_o still_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o it_o can_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o any_o assembly_n in_o which_o they_o be_v practise_v because_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v not_o touch_v be_v not_o affect_v where_o no_o law_n of_o god_n be_v transgress_v in_o the_o four_o place_n all_o those_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o our_o communion_n pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n that_o be_v of_o another_o persuasion_n those_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o our_o worship_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v breed_v in_o another_o way_n or_o those_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o but_o that_o they_o know_v a_o great_a many_o religious_a godly_a person_n that_o do_v condemn_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v at_o we_o these_o now_o may_v be_v very_o well_o mean_v man_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v reasonable_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n education_n or_o the_o example_n or_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n that_o make_v any_o action_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v that_o action_n and_o therefore_o before_o i_o can_v say_v that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n be_v against_o my_o conscience_n i_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n law_n have_v either_o in_o general_n or_o in_o particular_a either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n make_v that_o action_n unlawful_a i_o grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a and_o pious_a be_v always_o to_o be_v listen_v to_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o then_o no_o man_n opinion_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o conscience_n nor_o be_o i_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o follow_v it_o any_o far_a than_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o it_o declare_v god_n law_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o sure_a in_o this_o case_n of_o church_n communion_n i_o can_v be_v but_o very_o little_o concern_v to_o follow_v any_o man_n opinion_n when_o both_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o as_o pious_a as_o any_o other_o that_o be_v