do_v appear_v that_o all_o man_n do_v agree_v in_o their_o notion_n and_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o without_o doubt_n which_o they_o all_o thus_o agree_v in_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n now_o as_o to_o this_o we_o may_v oberve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n or_o to_o something_o that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n which_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o he_o or_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v matter_n of_o mere_a knowledge_n and_o speculation_n we_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o conscience_n with_o as_o neither_o with_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o be_v pure_o passive_a as_o neither_o with_o action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v good_a or_o bad_a action_n in_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n may_v indeed_o prove_v matter_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o disquiet_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v not_o take_v our_o conscience_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o that_o word_n never_o come_v in_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o something_o willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o do_v not_o neither_o use_v this_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n fall_v under_o a_o moral_a consideration_n that_o be_v as_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a always_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o conscience_n in_o our_o action_n we_o have_v respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v and_o by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n with_o which_o they_o become_v moral_o good_a or_o evil._n three_o this_o be_v so_o the_o only_a thing_n remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o conscience_n be_v be_v what_o can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n when_o we_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n with_o such_o application_n to_o our_o action_n as_o we_o have_v now_o say_v now_o for_o that_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o when_o we_o talk_v of_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o they_o can_v but_o fall_v under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o distinction_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o either_o consider_v our_o action_n as_o already_o do_v or_o omit_v or_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o yet_o not_o do_v but_o as_o we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o they_o and_o then_o second_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o past_a or_o future_a yet_o we_o rank_n they_o under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o notion_n we_o either_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v duty_n or_o as_o forbid_a by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o as_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o to_o be_v indifferent_a action_n with_o these_o last_o action_n indeed_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o or_o direct_o concern_v but_o only_o by_o accident_n to_o wit_n as_o those_o indifferent_a action_n do_v approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o some_o of_o these_o head_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v indeed_o different_a way_n of_o bring_v in_o conscience_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o they_o all_o first_o of_o all_o when_o we_o be_v consider_v a_o action_n as_o yet_o not_o do_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o command_v by_o god_n we_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sinful_a action_n we_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n now_o i_o pray_v what_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o these_o expression_n i_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o will_v consult_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o deny_v if_o he_o can_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n if_o he_o say_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o that_o he_o very_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o action_n if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n whether_o he_o mean_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v now_o undeniable_o the_o sense_n that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v when_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o only_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n so_o that_o take_v conscience_n as_o it_o respect_v our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o which_o sense_n we_o call_v conscience_n a_o guide_n or_o a_o monitor_n and_o sometime_o though_o very_o improper_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n that_o use_v that_o word_n but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o life_n but_o second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v and_o consider_v conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o here_o indeed_o we_o do_v a_o little_a vary_v the_o expression_n about_o conscience_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v now_o give_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o some_o action_n we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v when_o we_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o have_v act_v right_o and_o honest_o in_o this_o affair_n or_o my_o conscience_n acquit_v i_o from_o blame_n as_o to_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n or_o i_o be_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v if_o we_o turn_v these_o phrase_n into_o other_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o instance_n we_o have_v either_o act_v or_o omit_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o we_o have_v do_v or_o forbear_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o affect_v we_o with_o grief_n and_o trouble_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o instance_n of_o expression_n that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n viz._n it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v or_o lawful_o may_v do_v only_o here_o we_o add_v to_o it_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o action_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a be_v now_o do_v or_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v remember_v it_o in_o the_o former_a case_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o action_n but_o in_o both_o case_n conscience_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o consequent_o in_o both_o case_n the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n what_o he_o ought_v
be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o can_v touch_v or_o affect_v our_o action_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o we_o or_o as_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o remember_v it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o our_o conscience_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o we_o be_v mistake_v our_o conscience_n prove_v but_o a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n because_o it_o have_v itself_o lose_v its_o way_n in_o not_o follow_v its_o rule_n as_o it_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o however_o our_o guide_n still_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n but_o that_o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v the_o notion_n that_o any_o of_o we_o have_v of_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o do_v so_o and_o what_o other_o measure_n have_v we_o of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n according_a to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o all_o action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o persuasion_n no_o we_o measure_v virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o act_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o man_n intention_n in_o act_v but_o however_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o knave_n that_o in_o any_o instance_n act_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o pass_v this_o sentence_n we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v right_o or_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o be_v his_o judgement_n right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o honesty_n in_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o that_o persuasion_n continue_v be_v often_o as_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o if_o his_o persuasion_n be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o confident_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_n contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n for_o instance_n shall_v of_o a_o jew_n become_v a_o christian_a while_o yet_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o believe_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n or_o if_o a_o papist_n shall_v too_o serve_v some_o private_a end_n renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o our_o reform_a church_n be_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o now_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o both_o these_o case_n have_v make_v a_o good_a change_n as_o have_v change_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o a_o true_a one_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o agree_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o make_v that_o change_n because_o they_o make_v it_o not_o upon_o honest_a principle_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o both_o nay_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o think_v better_o of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o a_o cunning_a popish_a factor_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n abandon_v our_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n as_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o such_o a_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o real_o here_o the_o change_n be_v make_v from_o a_o true_a keligion_n to_o a_o false_a one_o than_o we_o shall_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o man_n i_o have_v before_o name_v all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o then_o our_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v over_o he_o it_o can_v never_o bear_v he_o out_o if_o he_o do_v a_o
evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o offend_v his_o conscience_n before_o he_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o his_o lawful_a governor_n and_o his_o communion_n from_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o public_a under_o they_o it_o appear_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o justify_v a_o man_n separation_n that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sinner_n notwithstanding_o that_o for_o leave_v our_o assembly_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v at_o last_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n what_o therefore_o shall_v every_o dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o say_v what_o be_v there_o that_o more_o concern_v he_o to_o do_v than_o present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o point_n where_o he_o be_v now_o dissatisfy_v for_o â—ear_v he_o be_v find_v to_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n all_o the_o time_n he_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n that_o live_v out_o of_o our_o communion_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o these_o that_o as_o for_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n they_o do_v agree_v with_o we_o and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o be_v nice_a controvert_v point_n point_n dispute_v pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la among_o the_o divine_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v they_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o they_o nay_o perhaps_o if_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o ability_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o something_o of_o this_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v happy_a if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v so_o too_o but_o still_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o certain_o without_o repentance_n be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o for_o be_v a_o heretic_n in_o his_o opinion_n or_o a_o drunkard_n for_o instance_n in_o his_o manner_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n think_v so_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o that_o the_o business_n of_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a conformity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o who_o be_v it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v be_v very_o well_o please_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o dust_n raise_v no_o dispute_n or_o contention_n move_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o that_o every_o member_n will_v have_v do_v his_o duty_n peaceable_o and_o quiet_o in_o his_o station_n or_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n have_v arise_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v debate_v among_o learned_a man_n and_o never_o have_v proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n about_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n salvation_n we_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o never_o understand_v how_o to_o justify_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o to_o defend_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n against_o all_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o all_o that_o we_o say_v be_v that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v scruple_n and_o except_v against_o the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o lie_v upon_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v bind_v as_o he_o will_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o possible_o can_v to_o get_v satisfaction_n about_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o nay_o even_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o communion_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n and_o above_o their_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o they_o have_v not_o understanding_n and_o wit_n enough_o to_o dive_v into_o they_o why_o in_o god_n name_n who_o desire_v they_o we_o say_v that_o they_o may_v innocent_o enough_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o their_o governor_n in_o these_o point_n as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o hundred_o other_o without_o ever_o dive_v into_o they_o but_o since_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v wit_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o cavil_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o deny_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o lawful_a power_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v so_o much_o honesty_n as_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v themselves_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n too_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o we_o desire_v it_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o horrible_a inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n that_o arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n which_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o to_o conclude_v if_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o famous_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v oblige_v christian_n it_o do_v especial_o in_o this_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o goodness_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o case_n where_o his_o superior_n have_v lay_v their_o command_n upon_o he_o for_o there_o he_o can_v disobey_v without_o sin_n unless_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reconcile_v their_o command_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n but_o upon_o the_o best_a mean_n he_o have_v use_v he_o find_v they_o irreconcilable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n that_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n the_o second_o part_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o dissenter_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_v church_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v lawful_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n i_o now_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o a_o less_o reason_n viz._n because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o we_o because_o they_o fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v do_v any_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o indeed_o a_o short_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o let_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v as_o great_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v be_v real_o a_o duty_n than_o a_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o or_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o manssetled_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o ordinary_o acquit_v he_o from_o sin_n if_o he_o omit_v that_o action_n suppose_v god_n law_n have_v command_v it_o as_o i_o there_o show_v much_o less_o will_v a_o man_n bare_a doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o it_o be_v my_o meaning_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n particular_o to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o conformity_n that_o will_v otherwise_o conform_v hope_v that_o some_o reader_n who_o case_n this_o
of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 27._o l._n 7._o for_o annot_v cavoid_v r._n can_v avoid_v p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o this_o last_o r._n the_o least_o p._n 43._o l._n 28._o after_o spiritual_a add_v by_o do_v the_o former_a p._n 61._o l._n 1._o r._n because_o p._n 62._o l._n penult_n r._n chrysostome_n p._n 66._o l._n 9_o r._n no_o wise_a p._n 94._o l._n 19_o r._n probability_n advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n tojoyn_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_n conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_v of_o it_o london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well-instructed_n conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well-grounded_n or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o action_n no_o further_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o mat_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbea_n do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o something_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o to_o make_v we_o suspect_v every_o thing_n for_o such_o or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o displease_v god_n by_o the_o most_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a action_n by_o these_o mean_n ensnare_a and_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n and_o render_v religion_n a_o most_o troublesome_a burden_n to_o they_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n therefore_o start_v and_o boggle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a evil_a or_o mischief_n be_v afraid_a of_o omit_v or_o do_v what_o may_v be_v omit_v or_o do_v without_o sin_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o illustrate_v than_o by_o those_o unaccountable_a antipathy_n or_o prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o man_n have_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o live_a creature_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n or_o hurt_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v so_o offensive_a and_o dreadful_a to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o tiger_n or_o bear_n and_o avoid_v they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o plague_n or_o poison_n just_o thus_o do_v some_o man_n run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o
be_v with_o his_o method_n his_o style_n his_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o accustom_v to_o his_o voice_n which_o you_o can_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n or_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o the_o best_a of_o we_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n till_o by_o conversation_n with_o they_o we_o grow_v acquaint_v with_o their_o phrase_n manner_n of_o speak_v argue_v and_o connexion_n and_o if_o god_n word_n have_v be_v general_o use_v as_o some_o among_o we_o have_v treat_v his_o minister_n reject_v they_o i_o mean_v because_o they_o do_v not_o present_o apprehend_v they_o it_o have_v be_v throw_v out_o of_o all_o man_n hand_n long_o ago_o as_o a_o unprofitable_a piece_n 3._o quest_n i_o desire_v such_o further_o to_o examine_v serious_o and_o recollect_v themselves_o whether_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v they_o first_o forsake_v our_o ministry_n as_o unprofitable_a be_v not_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o church_n the_o preacher_n happen_v to_o treat_v on_o some_o subject_a cross_n to_o their_o opinion_n which_o hasty_a person_n who_o consider_v not_o what_o different_a apprehension_n man_n may_v have_v in_o many_o matter_n and_o yet_o agree_v well_o enough_o together_o can_v brook_v but_o present_o fling_v away_o from_o those_o that_o contradict_v they_o as_o if_o they_o contradict_v god_n himself_o whereas_o if_o they_o will_v have_v have_v patience_n they_o may_v have_v profit_v even_o by_o such_o discourse_n either_o by_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n or_o more_o confirm_v in_o that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o truth_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o argument_n bring_v against_o it_o 4._o quest_n but_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o this_o the_o minister_n be_v perhaps_o upon_o some_o distasteful_a subject_n when_o you_o chance_v to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o happen_v to_o treat_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o you_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o though_o more_o necessary_a it_o may_v be_v than_o many_o other_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o because_o of_o their_o ungratefulness_n they_o be_v seldom_o handle_v will_v you_o not_o be_v angry_a nor_o lay_v aside_o this_o paper_n and_o read_v no_o further_o if_o i_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o which_o i_o mention_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o i_o know_v some_o have_v take_v offence_n as_o they_o call_v it_o at_o such_o doctrine_n and_o aught_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v better_o teach_v be_v he_o not_o preach_v i_o mean_v about_o schism_n or_o disobedience_n to_o governor_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v such_o sin_n which_o be_v very_o heinous_a and_o dangerous_a every_o way_n and_o therefore_o no_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n balk_v the_o treat_v of_o they_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o suppose_v he_o that_o treat_v of_o they_o when_o you_o be_v at_o church_n extend_v the_o duty_n of_o unity_n and_o of_o obedience_n further_o than_o you_o desire_v may_v not_o you_o for_o all_o that_o have_v profit_v very_o much_o by_o what_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o subject_n i_o believe_v sober_a man_n among_o you_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o your_o own_o minister_n speak_v hard_a word_n of_o conformity_n and_o conformist_n than_o you_o will_v have_v have_v they_o and_o yet_o you_o do_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n leave_v they_o but_o still_o fancy_v you_o can_v profit_v by_o they_o even_o by_o what_o they_o say_v on_o that_o subject_a of_o conformity_n and_o therefore_o you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o search_v and_o try_v what_o account_v you_o can_v give_v of_o take_v such_o distaste_n at_o the_o establish_a ministry_n as_o to_o forsake_v it_o upon_o their_o press_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o certain_o christian_a duty_n with_o great_a strictness_n than_o agree_v with_o your_o present_a inclination_n and_o i_o the_o rather_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o because_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n to_o hear_v man_n and_o woman_n of_o your_o way_n to_o complain_v of_o their_o vnprofitableness_n under_o ordinance_n of_o the_o deadness_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o duty_n and_o their_o barrenness_n under_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n which_o arise_v perhaps_o in_o those_o mind_n that_o be_v well_o incline_v mere_o from_o a_o natural_a dullness_n or_o indisposition_n which_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o attend_v or_o to_o remember_v and_o keep_v in_o mind_n as_o they_o desire_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o therefore_o moral_a indisposition_n such_o as_o prejudice_n passion_n disaffection_n to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o to_o any_o christian_a doctrine_n will_v much_o more_o make_v man_n unapt_a to_o receive_v any_o impression_n from_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o though_o in_o itself_o never_o so_o good_a and_o fit_v powerful_o to_o affect_v the_o heart_n be_v it_o but_o entertain_v with_o a_o honest_a mind_n so_o that_o if_o 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
member_n may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o by_o its_o just_a censure_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n commun_n matth._n 18._o 17._o rubr._n before_o the_o commun_n our_o church_n have_v give_v every_o minister_n of_o a_o parish_n power_n to_o refuse_v all_o scandalous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o as_o slack_v and_o as_o much_o disuse_v as_o discipline_n be_v among_o we_o be_v such_o person_n more_o general_o inform_v against_o and_o complain_v of_o they_o will_v not_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o offence_n and_o the_o church_n together_o you_o see_v by_o what_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v either_o be_v clear_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o public_a offender_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n secure_v from_o infection_n by_o their_o fellowship_n by_o this_o do_v the_o primitive_a christian_n show_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o by_o suffer_v for_o it_o they_o be_v infinite_o careful_a to_o keep_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n â—nspotted_a and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o out_o of_o danger_n as_o they_o can_v from_o the_o malignant_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o tell_v they_o private_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o when_o that_o will_v not_o do_v bring_v they_o before_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o lapse_v into_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o presecution_n be_v the_o common_a sin_n that_o for_o some_o age_n chief_o exercise_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o all_o offence_n against_o the_o christian_a law_n all_o vice_n and_o immorality_n that_o be_v either_o public_a in_o themselves_o or_o make_v know_v and_o prove_v to_o the_o church_n come_v also_o under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a rod_n and_o be_v put_v to_o open_a shame_n and_o pennance_n this_o be_v that_o discipline_n that_o preserve_v their_o manner_n so_o uncorrupt_a and_o make_v their_o religion_n so_o renown_v and_o triumphant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o happy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o in_o this_o loose_a and_o degenerate_a age_n as_o our_o own_o church_n express_v comminat_fw-la preface_n to_o the_o comminat_fw-la her_o wish_n and_o desire_n be_v it_o again_o in_o its_o due_a force_n and_o vigour_n restore_v and_o resettled_a among_o we_o but_o if_o after_o all_o imaginable_a care_n and_o endeavour_v by_o private_a christian_n some_o scandalous_a member_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o the_o discipline_n or_o of_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o governor_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n whatever_o pollution_n those_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n may_v draw_v on_o themselves_o last_o tit._n 3._o last_o by_o suffer_v it_o private_a member_n that_o be_v no_o way_n neither_o by_o consent_n nor_o council_n nor_o excuse_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n can_v receive_v none_o for_o sin_n no_o otherwise_o pollute_v than_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o will_n not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v choose_v and_o embrace_v &_o not_o as_o it_o be_v know_v i_o may_v know_v adultery_n and_o yet_o be_v chaste_a see_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o city_n and_o yet_o be_v peaceable_a hear_v oath_n and_o curse_n and_o yet_o tremble_v at_o god_n name_n noah_n be_v a_o good_a man_n in_o a_o evil_a world_n let_v a_o righteous_a person_n among_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o wicked_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o more_o fear_n of_o pollution_n from_o wicked_a man_n in_o sacred_a than_o in_o civil_a society_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o the_o least_o defile_v by_o that_o society_n they_o have_v with_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n nor_o by_o that_o familiarity_n they_o have_v with_o the_o accurse_a judas_n though_o he_o eat_v the_o passover_n with_o they_o and_o they_o keep_v he_o company_n after_o they_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o traitor_n what_o pollution_n do_v abel_n receive_v from_o cain_n when_o they_o sacrifice_v together_o or_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n from_o eli_n debauch_a son_n when_o at_o shilo_n they_o worship_v together_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a indeed_o communicate_v together_o but_o in_o what_o not_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o their_o common_a duty_n and_o though_o to_o communicate_v with_o sin_n be_v sin_n yet_o to_o communicate_v with_o a_o sinner_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sin_n can_v be_v none_o communion_n be_v a_o common_a union_n many_o partake_n of_o one_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v now_o the_o common_a union_n of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o evil_a but_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n in_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o other_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o exercise_n when_o therefore_o some_o do_v evil_a the_o communion_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v not_o pollute_v because_o evil_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o union_n in_o common_a one_o with_o another_o but_o the_o error_n of_o man_n by_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n which_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o only_o that_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o he_o in_o it_o shall_v answer_v for_o obj._n but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v a_o little_a leaven_n 6._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n and_o show_v only_o that_o sin_n like_o leaven_n be_v of_o a_o very_a spread_a and_o diffusive_a nature_n not_o that_o it_o actual_o defile_v where_o it_o be_v not_o admmit_v a_o people_n in_o one_o assembly_n be_v as_o a_o lump_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n among_o they_o be_v as_o leaven_n but_o now_o although_o the_o leaven_n be_v apt_a to_o convey_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a lump_n yet_o only_o be_v those_o part_n actual_o leaven_v with_o it_o that_o take_v the_o leaven_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n the_o sinner_n by_o his_o bad_a example_n be_v apt_a to_o spread_v the_o infection_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n but_o only_o such_o as_o allow_v or_o any_o way_n communicate_v with_o he_o in_o his_o sin_n be_v actual_o infect_v such_o as_o chloe_n that_o reprove_v the_o offender_n 11._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o and_o present_v he_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n in_o their_o place_n ro_o reform_v he_o remain_z in_o spite_n of_o its_o malignity_n unpolluted_a beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o advise_v not_o his_o disciple_n to_o leave_v their_o assembly_n but_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o take_v no_o leaven_n of_o they_o show_v thereby_o that_o a_o good_a man_n that_o stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n may_v be_v where_o leaven_n be_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v leaven_v the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 7._o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o pious_a and_o devout_a man_n in_o the_o communion_n be_v as_o sovereign_a a_o antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n as_o the_o bare_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o power_n to_o convey_v it_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o holy_a man_n at_o they_o be_v of_o as_o much_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o purge_v and_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a body_n as_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o bad_a be_v to_o stain_v and_o pollute_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o 18._o 2_o cor._n 30._o 18._o wicked_a shall_v never_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a have_v obtain_v pardon_n for_o the_o wicked_a obj._n but_o be_v not_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n typify_v by_o 20._o numb_a 19_o 13_o 20._o the_o legal_a uncleanness_n and_o be_v not_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v make_v unclean_a ans_fw-fr those_o legal_a and_o ceremonial_a pollution_n concern_v not_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v touch_v a_o grave_n a_o dead_a person_n a_o leper_n and_o not_o at_o all_o be_v the_o less_o clean_a it_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a uncleanness_n but_o the_o corruption_n and_o depravity_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o incapacitates_fw-la man_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o 2._o those_o legal_a pollution_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o whole_a communion_n but_o only_o those_o particular_a person_n who_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o any_o such_o pollution_n as_o come_v upon_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o 2._o though_o the_o prophet_n many_o time_n reprove_v the_o priest_n
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
be_v a_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o prime_a head_n and_o most_o general_a dictate_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o but_o also_o all_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o those_o head_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n but_o all_o the_o thing_n likewise_o that_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o those_o command_n or_o prohibition_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o be_v deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o attend_v further_o to_o what_o that_o law_n may_v be_v suppose_v by_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o action_n we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o if_o neither_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o by_o consequence_n from_o it_o nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o action_n before_o we_o appear_v either_o to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n or_o to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o proper_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o action_n in_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v as_o our_o prudence_n iii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o which_o natural_o follow_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a design_n be_v what_o share_v humane_a law_n have_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o do_v real_o bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v our_o three_o general_n head_n now_o as_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o man_n general_o speak_v do_v also_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o in_o the_o four_o follow_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n do_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n there_o be_v no_o one_o dictate_v of_o nature_n more_o obvious_a to_o we_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o government_n we_o live_v under_o in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o society_n and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o for_o kingdom_n or_o state_n for_o city_n or_o family_n to_o subsist_v or_o at_o least_o to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o duty_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o declare_v there_o than_z that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v make_v by_o just_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o consequent_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v real_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o add_v this_o far_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v with_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n save_v god_n alone_o it_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o he_o for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o judgement_n of_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n &_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n so_o that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o now_o god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o everlasting_a law_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o whether_o they_o be_v our_o parent_n or_o our_o master_n and_o much_o more_o our_o prince_n and_o the_o sovereign_n legislative_a power_n under_o who_o we_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o only_a we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o those_o command_n of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o a_o consequential_a or_o a_o secondary_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n because_o they_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o any_o law_n or_o command_v of_o man_n do_v clash_n with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v either_o evil_a in_o itself_o or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n that_o law_n or_o command_n by_o what_o humane_a authority_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v or_o give_v do_v not_o bind_v our_o conscience_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v here_o reduce_v to_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o must_v act_n as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o we_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o for_o since_o god_n only_o have_v proper_a and_o direct_a authority_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o humane_a power_n only_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o and_o since_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o the_o most_o sovereign_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n far_o than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o clear_n the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o humane_a law_n general_o speak_v may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o every_o humane_a law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o no_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o affirm_v this_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o manamong_n we_o upon_o these_o term_n will_v be_v innocent_a thus_o much_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o where_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n
upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o gild_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o
the_o establish_v worship_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o if_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o about_o conscience_n be_v admit_v then_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v say_v conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_n what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o go_v against_o a_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o man_n only_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n that_o can_v true_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v say_v it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o real_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o some_o law_n of_o god_n if_o 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 of_o ordinary_a people_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o know_v no_o ill_a in_o conformity_n but_o only_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n be_v silence_v in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o those_o that_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o a_o mere_a dislike_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o our_o church_n office_n they_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n like_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o they_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o object_n against_o our_o form_n in_o particular_a they_o do_v not_o like_o our_o ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o surplice_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o they_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o they_o all_o these_o man_n likewise_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o they_o do_v
not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o service_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o their_o conscience_n can_v be_v concern_v but_o only_o they_o be_v not_o please_v with_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o service_n as_o fancy_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o decent_a or_o convenient_a or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o prudent_o order_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o yet_o still_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o it_o can_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o any_o assembly_n in_o which_o they_o be_v practise_v because_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v not_o touch_v be_v not_o affect_v where_o no_o law_n of_o god_n be_v transgress_v in_o the_o four_o place_n all_o those_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o our_o communion_n pure_o upon_o the_o account_n 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 of_o another_o opinion_n and_o when_o also_o the_o public_a law_n which_o have_v much_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o private_a opinion_n have_v determine_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o it_o be_v great_a weakness_n &_o sillyness_n &_o not_o conscience_n that_o prevail_v with_o these_o man_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v in_o any_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o it_o unlawful_a or_o forbid_v let_v that_o persuasion_n be_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o will_v than_o they_o may_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o example_n or_o the_o advice_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n can_v in_o the_o least_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o refuse_v our_o communion_n five_o those_o that_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o our_o governor_n in_o their_o law_n and_o prescription_n about_o god_n worship_n have_v not_o right_o use_v the_o power_n which_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o but_o have_v exceed_v their_o bound_n have_v make_v perhaps_o too_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n or_o lay_v more_o stress_n than_o be_v meet_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o likewise_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o former_a rule_n from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o admit_v the_o lawgiver_n have_v be_v to_o blame_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o these_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v soon_o say_v then_o prove_v and_o have_v real_o do_v more_o than_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o they_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o governor_n be_v indeed_o deep_o concern_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o there_o be_v any_o but_o how_o this_o do_v concern_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v not_o easy_o understand_v so_o long_o as_o what_o be_v command_v or_o enjoin_v do_v not_o appear_v to_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o have_v say_v this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o add_v that_o those_o who_o so_o much_o stand_v up_o for_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v be_v think_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o it_o do_v by_o their_o endless_a scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v authority_n in_o such_o matter_n in_o all_o appearance_n take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o destroy_v all_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o religion_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o and_o such_o other_o uncommand_v thing_n six_o and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o instance_n all_o those_o that_o can_v communicate_v occasional_o with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o that_o when_o they_o have_v a_o turn_n to_o be_v serve_v when_o there_o be_v a_o office_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n can_v come_v to_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o communion_n but_o at_o other_o time_n they_o do_v not_o afford_v we_o their_o presence_n these_o be_v also_o exclude_v from_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o their_o not_o constant_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o for_o if_o indeed_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n with_o what_o conscience_n dare_v they_o do_v it_o at_o all_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o worldly_a good_a to_o venture_v upon_o such_o a_o action_n as_o they_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n be_v a_o sinful_a thing_n as_o i_o dare_v say_v none_o of_o these_o person_n do_v than_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o make_v the_o inference_n that_o it_o can_v be_v more_o against_o their_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o thrice_o than_o to_o do_v it_o once_o and_o do_v it_o constant_o than_o to_o do_v it_o thrice_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o false_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n and_o come_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o that_o can_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v teal_o believe_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a or_o that_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v as_o for_o those_o that_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a i_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v they_o because_o they_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o they_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o determine_v either_o way_n but_o however_o because_o these_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n i_o shall_v consider_v their_o case_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n upon_o that_o argument_n those_o that_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v with_o be_v such_o as_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o my_o business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o such_o a_o belief_n or_o
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 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 gain_v instruction_n and_o information_n to_o himself_o about_o any_o point_n that_o he_o desire_v thorough_o to_o understand_v that_o be_v to_o say_v free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o apply_v himself_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o the_o get_v right_a notion_n and_o sentiment_n about_o his_o duty_n in_o these_o matter_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n call_v in_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o practise_v all_o that_o he_o be_v undoubted_o convince_v to_o
it_o in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v prejudice_v or_o bias_v any_o way_n it_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n be_v rather_o deâ—â—rous_a to_o find_v himself_o mistake_v and_o his_o governor_n in_o the_o right_n than_o himself_o in_o the_o right_n and_o his_o governor_n mistake_v i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o and_o we_o ready_o grant_v you_o have_v produce_v a_o person_n that_o do_v sincere_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o we_o must_v say_v this_o also_o that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n we_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o man_n will_v long_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n gain_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o see_v not_o only_o that_o he_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o let_v we_o admit_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o worship_n that_o he_o be_v still_o of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o separate_a from_o we_o what_o will_v we_o say_v of_o such_o a_o man_n will_v we_o still_o brand_v he_o for_o a_o schismatic_a notwithstanding_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o bring_v himself_o over_o to_o we_o but_o can_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o that_o if_o such_o a_o case_n do_v ever_o happen_v though_o the_o man_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o schism_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o because_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v there_o be_v a_o actual_a schism_n commence_v let_v the_o 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_o believe_v 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
forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o sin_v not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head_n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discouse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probality_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n
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
affirm_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n of_o obey_v authority_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o man_n be_v and_o i_o believe_v all_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v their_o superior_n well_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o we_o here_o talk_v contradiction_n can_v a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o be_v be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o such_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o doubt_v concern_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o case_n that_o every_o day_n happen_v where_o a_o man_n have_v a_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o a_o man_n often_o have_v very_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o action_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o have_v in_o those_o circumstance_n for_o the_o do_v the_o action_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o doubt_n he_o have_v about_o it_o that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o consider_v without_o his_o present_a circumstance_n yet_o as_o it_o come_v circumstantiate_v to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o he_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v large_o before_o in_o my_o explication_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o be_v not_o all_o doubt_v contrary_a to_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o such_o kind_n of_o doubt_v as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o do_v we_o see_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o faith_n my_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n shall_v be_v destroy_v it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v overbalance_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v this_o wherever_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n touch_v any_o action_n he_o be_v deliberate_v about_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a man_n all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v than_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o such_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o do_v that_o action_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v such_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n as_o will_v perhaps_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o resolve_v and_o will_v create_v he_o likewise_o some_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o indeed_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v these_o ought_v not_o any_o long_a to_o be_v call_v doubt_n after_o they_o be_v thus_o overrule_v or_o overbalance_v but_o rather_o to_o go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o pure_a scruple_n which_o the_o casuist_n of_o all_o persuasion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v act_v against_o in_o plain_a english_a that_o doubtfulness_n about_o a_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o censure_v as_o a_o sin_n be_v such_o a_o doubtfulness_n as_o after_o the_o action_n be_v do_v render_v the_o man_n self-condemned_n his_o conscience_n can_v not_o but_o reproach_v he_o for_o do_v as_o he_o do_v but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o self-condemned_n because_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n though_o he_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n yet_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o have_v make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a choice_n that_o he_o can_v in_o his_o circumstance_n and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v so_o he_o both_o act_n in_o faith_n and_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n from_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n that_o be_v make_v about_o do_v or_o forbear_v a_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n you_o see_v there_o be_v no_o great_a intricacy_n in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o both_o hand_n always_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a for_o if_o he_o be_v real_o so_o he_o will_v always_o do_v that_o which_o he_o judge_v most_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v thus_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n notwithstanding_o any_o doubt_v he_o may_v have_v about_o the_o action_n because_o more_o than_o the_o former_a a_o man_n can_v do_v and_o more_o than_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v as_o for_o what_o sin_n a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v engage_v a_o man_n in_o or_o what_o troublesome_a reflection_n a_o melancholy_a imagination_n may_v occasion_v to_o he_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o not_o to_o answer_v for_o they_o they_o be_v of_o another_o consideration_n iv_o have_v thus_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o act_n whenever_o it_o happen_v and_o that_o both_o when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o the_o command_v of_o other_o all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o speak_v something_o about_o the_o authority_n or_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o discussion_n of_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v spare_v after_o what_o i_o have_v say_v relate_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n particular_o under_o my_o last_n head_n however_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o point_n though_o i_o intend_v it_o a_o very_a short_a one_o because_o indeed_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v be_v not_o so_o much_o any_o new_a matter_n as_o a_o application_n of_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o whether_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n do_v bind_v at_o all_o and_o how_o far_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o itself_o lay_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n any_o way_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n to_o suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v for_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a or_o unresolved_a in_o his_o mind_n whether_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a action_n he_o be_v bind_v or_o not_o bind_v to_o suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v plain_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v while_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no._n to_o speak_v this_o plain_a if_o i_o can_v since_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_v what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o where_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o since_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v pure_o doubtful_a he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o such_o conviction_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v either_o command_n or_o forbid_v the_o action_n doubt_v of_o for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v no_o long_o doubt_n it_o follow_v likewise_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n
conscience_n have_v pass_v no_o dictate_v no_o verdict_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v against_o any_o such_o dictate_v or_o verdict_n the_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o he_o either_o believe_v he_o may_v act_v as_o he_o do_v without_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v no_o belief_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o any_o way_n condemn_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o not_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o choose_v otherwise_o but_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n always_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o to_o choose_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n which_o in_o our_o case_n we_o do_v likewise_o suppose_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o must_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o here_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_n to_o choose_v one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o but_o may_v indifferent_o choose_v either_o yet_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whoever_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n either_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o act_n against_o a_o doubt_n or_o that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n such_o a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o so_o believe_v can_v without_o sin_n act_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o second_o we_o be_v far_o from_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o act_v thus_o hand_n over_o head_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n much_o less_o from_o commend_v he_o for_o so_o do_v for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o strict_o speak_v a_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o act_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o think_v he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a dispensation_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o never_o look_v further_a into_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v more_o care_n about_o they_o than_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a he_o that_o be_v hearty_o good_a will_v with_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o thing_n be_v expedient_a and_o do_v edify_v it_o will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o action_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o action_n without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o the_o do_v or_o forbear_v the_o action_n do_v more_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o charity_n and_o according_o as_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o determine_v his_o choice_n in_o a_o word_n the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a sense_n will_v he_o have_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v precise_o make_v his_o duty_n and_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n do_v oblige_v his_o conscience_n but_o also_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a so_o that_o it_o will_v real_o grate_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v be_v account_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o devout_a christian_a and_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o doubt_v to_o choose_v either_o side_n indiscriminate_o though_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o do_v not_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o law_n of_o god_n he_o transgress_v but_o he_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o he_o after_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n good_a that_o shall_v have_v the_o preference_n to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v this_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n so_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o though_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v our_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v unblameable_a ignorance_n of_o those_o law_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o we_o sin_n and_o again_o wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v avoid_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o we_o must_v forbear_v that_o action_n or_o we_o sin_n but_o if_o conscience_n can_v say_v that_o this_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n shall_v thus_o suggest_v to_o he_o though_o i_o can_v say_v direct_o that_o this_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v lay_v any_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o you_o either_o way_n yet_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v choose_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o way_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v for_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n than_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v less_o harm_n though_o you_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o go_v this_o way_n than_o the_o other_o now_o in_o this_o case_n though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o proper_o oblige_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n to_o obey_v his_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n do_v not_o propose_v the_o choice_n to_o he_o under_o that_o condition_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n he_o will_v undoubted_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o conscience_n all_o thing_n consider_v have_v represent_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o general_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o considerable_a inquiry_n that_o can_v be_v make_v about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v leave_v any_o material_a difficulty_n in_o this_o argument_n untouched_a though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o need_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n but_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o discussion_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n however_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v something_o towards_o it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o save_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o case_n the_o labour_n and_o trouble_v of_o do_v it_o the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o be_v brief_o this_o there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o enjoin_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n some_o perhaps_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n other_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o
but_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o mortify_v all_o pride_n and_o overween_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n let_v they_o lay_v aside_o all_o zeal_n of_o party_n and_o little_a singularity_n and_o learn_v to_o judge_v righteous_o and_o sober_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v soon_o remove_v 2._o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o offend_v that_o be_v displease_v their_o weak_a brethren_n hinder_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n ought_v serious_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o real_o only_o the_o care_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o their_o party_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o conformity_n they_o be_v â—oth_o to_o lose_v that_o share_n they_o have_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o so_o many_o or_o to_o sink_v in_o that_o estimation_n they_o have_v obtain_v of_o great_a sanctity_n by_o join_v with_o the_o strict_a and_o pure_a christian_n for_o undoubted_o man_n reputation_n among_o a_o part_n be_v a_o very_a great_a temptation_n to_o detain_v they_o in_o error_n and_o be_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o their_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n when_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n and_o opprobrious_a nickname_n thus_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v who_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n when_o therefore_o man_n tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v a_o scandalous_a thing_n for_o they_o now_o to_o conform_v they_o often_o mean_v nothing_o else_o by_o it_o but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unhandsome_a and_o a_o disgraceful_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o change_v their_o mind_n and_o confess_v their_o mistake_n and_o retract_v what_o they_o have_v so_o long_o and_o so_o zealous_o defend_v or_o else_o let_v they_o look_v well_o that_o it_o be_v not_o some_o paltry_a secular_a interest_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n they_o dare_v not_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n that_o be_v they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v lose_v their_o trade_n they_o shall_v disoblige_v many_o of_o their_o good_a customer_n they_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v continue_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v true_o to_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rank_a men-pleasers_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n p._n 141._o please_v man_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a for_o their_o good_a and_o edification_n and_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n but_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o christian_a union_n communion_n charity_n or_o sobriety_n to_o please_v a_o divide_v hot_a brain_a party_n not_o to_o escape_v their_o sharp_a censure_n 3._o if_o to_o displease_v our_o weak_a brother_n be_v the_o sinful_a offend_v he_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n upon_o man_n conscience_n will_v beget_v endless_a perplexity_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a with_o a_o quiet_a and_o well_o assure_v mind_n since_o as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v some_o one_o or_o other_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o by_o do_v we_o shall_v anger_v some_o by_o forbear_v we_o shall_v provoke_v other_o and_o since_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o weak_a be_v divide_v and_o shatter_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o faction_n each_o condemn_v all_o the_o other_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v thereby_o displease_v all_o the_o rest_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v his_o duty_n in_o whatever_o place_n he_o live_v or_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o must_v displease_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o thing_n now_o be_v among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n when_o they_o pass_v their_o unwarrantable_a censure_n upon_o we_o and_o our_o action_n and_o they_o who_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o other_o can_v never_o tell_v whither_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o this_o principle_n they_o be_v slave_n to_o the_o party_n they_o espouse_v and_o must_v run_v with_o they_o into_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o or_o if_o at_o last_o they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n be_v more_o hate_v and_o despise_v by_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o humour_v they_o at_o all_o 4._o i_o add_v only_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v displease_v or_o grieve_v our_o weak_a brethren_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a christian_n and_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o we_o which_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o think_v it_o so_o high_o infringe_v and_o violate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o strait_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o will_n and_o passion_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o this_o be_v so_o say_v mr._n baxter_n p._n 134._o of_o the_o forename_a book_n the_o most_o childish_a and_o womanish_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o the_o strong_a will_n and_o passion_n must_v rule_v all_o the_o world_n for_o these_o be_v hardly_a please_v and_o no_o man_n must_v displease_v they_o whatever_o condescension_n therefore_o may_v be_v due_a to_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v govern_v the_o wise_a and_o better_o instruct_v christian_n in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o who_o can_v govern_v more_o absolute_o than_o they_o who_o will_n must_v never_o be_v cross_v and_o who_o none_o must_v displease_v from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o scandalize_a or_o give_v offence_n viz._n do_v of_o something_o which_o another_o take_v ill_a or_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o it_o 2._o i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a in_o scripture_n the_o greek_a word_n which_o we_o translate_v scandal_n or_o offence_n signify_v either_o a_o trap_n and_o snare_n or_o else_o more_o common_o something_o lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o another_o which_o occasion_n his_o stumble_a or_o fall_v by_o which_o he_o be_v bruise_v and_o hurt_v and_o so_o consequent_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v man_n from_o become_v christ_n disciple_n or_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o new_a profession_n or_o tempt_v they_o to_o forsake_v that_o faith_n they_o have_v late_o embrace_v be_v call_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n it_o be_v sometime_o render_v a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v as_o rom._n 14._o 13._o occasion_n of_o stumble_v as_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 10._o a_o stumbling-block_n revel_v 2._o 14._o or_o a_o thing_n that_o do_v offend_v as_o st._n matt._n 13._o 41._o in_o all_o which_o place_n there_o be_v the_o same_o original_a word_n hence_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o as_o it_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o tend_v to_o estrange_v or_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o it_o or_o be_v apt_a when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o turn_v they_o from_o it_o and_o make_v they_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n st._n matth._n 17._o 27._o be_v say_v to_o have_v pay_v tribute_n lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v the_o jew_n this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o child_n be_v free_a but_o he_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v any_o occasion_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o contemner_n of_o their_o law_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n according_a as_o you_o understand_v that_o tribute_n to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o the_o roman_n or_o the_o temple_n and_o so_o
strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n for_o edification_n the_o first_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o induction_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n reducible_a to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o her_o creed_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o allow_v which_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a contain_v all_o necessary_n and_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n nothing_o defective_a in_o vital_n or_o integral_n to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n christ_n that_o found_v his_o church_n best_o know_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v contain_v in_o her_o creed_n whatever_o be_v fundamental_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o by_o easy_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o will_v we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n upon_o earth_n the_o constitution_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o government_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o law_n the_o time_n of_o account_n and_o retribution_n the_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o confirm_v these_o we_o may_v read_v they_o at_o large_a in_o holy_a writ_n and_o find_v wise_o sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n who_o article_n to_o help_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v short_a and_o few_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o dulness_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v manifest_a and_o plain_a they_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o suppose_v before_o or_o include_v in_o or_o follow_v from_o that_o brief_a creed_n the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o 1_o john_n 4._o 15._o 5._o 5._o whatever_o be_v any_o way_n reveal_v by_o god_n as_o necessary_a be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o highpriest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lead_v unto_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o no_o man_n can_v firm_o believe_v they_o but_o they_o must_v ordinary_o influence_n his_o manner_n and_o better_a his_o conversation_n and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creed_n his_o life_n be_v not_o mend_v he_o either_o ignorant_o and_o gross_o mistake_v their_o consequence_n or_o be_v wilful_o desperate_a our_o church_n public_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n no_o act_n of_o devotion_n however_o set_v off_o with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o if_o obedience_n be_v want_v afterward_o be_v but_o scene_n and_o show_n such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n which_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o story_n in_o magnify_v and_o praise_v in_o sigh_v and_o repeat_v but_o in_o the_o production_n of_o mercy_n charity_n and_o justice_n and_o such_o excellent_a virtue_n she_o make_v no_o debate_n between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o argue_v nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_o in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o
thing_n enjoin_v we_o must_v separate_a at_o this_o time_n from_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o which_o do_v not_o require_v the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o shall_v judge_v cause_n enough_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o nay_o when_o we_o have_v once_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v then_o separate_a from_o one_o another_o and_o every_o man_n must_v be_v a_o church_n by_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o society_n whether_o mere_o humane_a or_o christian_a shall_v subsist_v without_o the_o orderly_a determination_n of_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o maintain_v our_o separation_n upon_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o will_v not_o only_o part_v we_o from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v and_o tear_n christendom_n into_o ten_o thousand_o piece_n but_o scarce_o leave_v we_o so_o much_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o make_v christian_a communion_n absolute_o impracticable_a let_v we_o not_o give_v those_o of_o rome_n the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v that_o church_n which_o have_v always_o oppose_v they_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o be_v the_o constant_a mark_n of_o their_o envy_n quite_o ruin_v or_o extreme_o weaken_v by_o a_o pernicious_a mistake_n that_o will_v divide_v and_o divide_v we_o again_o and_o again_o and_o never_o make_v any_o end_n of_o divide_v let_v we_o show_v at_o least_o that_o well_o be_v we_o incline_v unto_o peace_n by_o come_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a let_v not_o this_o hinder_v we_o from_o join_v in_o those_o other_o holy_a office_n in_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_n let_v not_o our_o groundless_a scruple_v at_o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o exception_n and_o for_o those_o that_o esteem_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o particular_n utter_o unlawful_a which_o i_o suppose_v be_v but_o very_o few_o and_o i_o know_v they_o have_v but_o very_o slight_a argument_n for_o the_o severe_a judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o we_o if_o they_o will_v meet_v let_v they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o private_a manner_n that_o they_o can_v without_o any_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o their_o number_n which_o can_v be_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o may_v make_v their_o adherent_n over_o forward_a and_o bold_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o create_v of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o government_n and_o while_o they_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v any_o connivance_n they_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o it_o from_o his_o majesty_n wont_a and_o often_o experience_a clemency_n when_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o dissent_n be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o but_o a_o religious_a design_n in_o it_o than_o when_o they_o assume_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o confidence_n and_o think_v to_o extort_v indulgency_n by_o clamour_n and_o discontent_n and_o resolve_v to_o assemble_v open_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o royal_a command_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n to_o outbrave_v authority_n these_o be_v but_o ill_a method_n of_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o i_o hope_v for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v all_o upon_o all_o occasion_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o become_v good_a subject_n and_o sober_a christian_n and_o make_v no_o disturbance_n neither_o on_o a_o civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a account_n let_v it_o pity_v we_o at_o last_o to_o see_v the_o ghastly_a wound_n that_o be_v still_o renew_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n let_v we_o have_v some_o compassion_n on_o a_o bleed_a church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_a and_o in_o eminent_a danger_n of_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o her_o enemy_n by_o the_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v support_n and_o defend_v she_o why_o shall_v we_o leave_v she_o thus_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a when_o her_o present_a exigency_n require_v our_o most_o cordial_a assistance_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n do_v not_o allow_v we_o may_v forsake_v she_o that_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v object_v against_o she_o since_o she_o exact_v not_o forbid_v thing_n of_o we_o let_v we_o strengthen_v her_o hand_n by_o our_o unanimous_a agreement_n and_o since_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v her_o doctrine_n let_v we_o not_o despise_v her_o worship_n since_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o let_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v any_o long_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o happy_a peace_n to_o a_o divide_a church_n a_o considerable_a security_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o probable_o defeat_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o stand_v gape_v after_o all_o and_o hope_n by_o our_o distraction_n to_o repair_v the_o loss_n she_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o reformation_n may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v all_o wicked_a purpose_n unsuccessful_a and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o love_n heal_v all_o our_o breach_n and_o prosper_v the_o charitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o peace_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n viz._n i._o whether_o to_o communicate_v with_o some_o church_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n ii_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n in_o order_n to_o state_n such_o case_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o church-communion_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o some_o word_n which_o must_v be_v use_v in_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o so_o common_o understand_v as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church_n communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n now_o the_o plain_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o a_o church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v this_o description_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n 1._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n for_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o dispute_n in_o what_o sense_n angel_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o i_o call_v the_o church_n a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v a_o body_n to_o single_a individual_n or_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n without_o any_o order_n or_o union_n among_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o particular_a man_n and_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v of_o great_a multitude_n yet_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o particular_a man_n not_o consider_v in_o a_o private_a and_o separate_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a society_n which_o be_v call_v a_o body_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o exact_a order_n eph._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n wherein_o their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n consist_v much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a ends._n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o god_n ordain_v a_o most_o exact_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o for_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o unity_n he_o form_v into_o a_o
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
disobedience_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o little_a absurd_a to_o say_v that_o those_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o separate_v from_o it_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v just_a what_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o such_o person_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n cease_v to_o be_v sound_a member_n you_o add_v nay_o possible_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v several_a religious_a assembly_n live_v by_o different_a custom_n and_o rule_n and_o yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v not_o more_o inconsistent_a than_o that_o particular_a place_n shall_v have_v their_o particular_a custom_n and_o by-law_n differ_v from_o the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o land_n without_o make_v a_o distinct_a government_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o variety_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o worship_n in_o several_a congregation_n be_v consistent_a with_o one_o communion_n may_v be_v grant_v when_o the_o prudence_n of_o governor_n see_v it_o fit_a and_o expedient_a but_o mr._n humphry_n project_n which_o i_o perceive_v you_o be_v nibble_v at_o of_o make_v a_o national_a church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o shall_v declare_v presbyterian_o independent_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v certain_o the_o cunning_a way_n of_o cure_v schism_n that_o ever_o be_v think_v on_o but_o you_o may_v find_v that_o expedient_a for_o union_n at_o large_a consider_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o and_o thus_o sir_n i_o proceed_v to_o your_o three_o letter_n and_o here_o you_o run_v nothing_o but_o dregs_o and_o lees_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o any_o neglect_n of_o you_o if_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v you_o paragraph_v by_o paragraph_n as_o i_o have_v do_v your_o first_o letter_n there_o be_v little_a new_a in_o this_o but_o only_o a_o repetition_n of_o your_o old_a query_n and_o though_o you_o know_v repetition_n be_v very_o convenient_a to_o lengthen_v a_o sermon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o art_n to_o lengthen_v this_o answer_n which_o be_v too_o long_o already_o your_o first_o charge_n upon_o i_o be_v that_o i_o only_o amuse_v people_n with_o equivocal_a word_n and_o term_n that_o i_o play_v 16._o letter_n 3._o p._n 16._o with_o the_o word_n church_n and_o schism_n which_o have_v be_v no_o fault_n have_v i_o play_v the_o right_a way_n with_o they_o that_o be_v have_v i_o ridicule_v they_o as_o you_o do_v who_o think_v they_o word_n only_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v with_o who_o have_v find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o any_o government_n which_o be_v only_o a_o intrigue_n 12._o p._n 12._o between_o clergyman_n on_o all_o side_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n 17._o p._n 17._o church_n to_o be_v schism_n but_o place_n schism_n whole_o in_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o division_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n who_o still_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o a_o true_a independent_a notion_n to_o justify_v causeless_a separation_n division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v certain_o very_o sinful_a and_o a_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o unnatural_a as_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n shall_v fight_v with_o each_o other_o while_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o same_o body_n but_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o same_o body_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o schism_n unless_o a_o quarrel_n be_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n but_o separation_n be_v none_o you_o desire_v i_o to_o define_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o church_n when_o consider_v as_o catholic_n and_o universal_a and_o when_o take_v in_o a_o more_o restrain_a sense_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v already_o if_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o you_o may_v find_v it_o do_v more_o large_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o but_o will_v not_o any_o man_n who_o have_v ever_o see_v this_o discourse_n which_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v wonder_v to_o hear_v you_o ask_v i_o whether_o a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a 18._o p._n 18._o church_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n when_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o that_o tract_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o christian_n by_o be_v so_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o visible_a but_o invisible_a church_n but_o not_o 19_o p._n 19_o to_o examine_v your_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o church_n not_o that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o member_n also_o of_o the_o invisible_a that_o be_v every_o profess_a christian_a be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o whoever_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o do_v not_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o what_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v know_v do_v not_o concern_v we_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o with_o he_o it_o become_v we_o to_o leave_v they_o but_o this_o also_o you_o may_v find_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n you_o urge_v the_o case_n of_o pope_n victor_n who_o as_o you_o say_v in_o a_o council_n or_o full_a representative_a of_o that_o church_n excommunicate_v 21._o p._n 21._o the_o poor_a asian_o upon_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n and_o that_o each_o church_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o own_v each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o what_o shall_v the_o poor_a lay-christians_a do_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n can_v they_o not_o communicate_v with_o both_o or_o either_o without_o danger_n of_o schism_n themselves_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o put_v hard_a case_n almost_o about_o any_o thing_n and_o if_o a_o particular_a hard_a case_n which_o either_o may_v possible_o happen_v or_o have_v sometime_o happen_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v a_o stand_n and_o general_a rule_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n can_v be_v firm_a and_o stable_a in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n man_n dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n against_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o ministry_n and_o all_o church-government_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v many_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o many_o otherwise_o very_o good_a man_n from_o the_o power_n and_o prejudice_n of_o education_n or_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o damnable_a heresy_n but_o must_v there_o be_v no_o stand_a law_n or_o rule_n because_o there_o may_v happen_v some_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n do_v not_o humane_a power_n make_v provision_n against_o such_o case_n by_o court_n of_o chancery_n or_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o authority_n and_o sacredness_n of_o law_n and_o will_v we_o not_o allow_v god_n himself_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_v with_o law_n in_o hard_a case_n without_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n be_v not_o church-communion_n a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o sometime_o i_o can_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n be_v not_o schism_n a_o very_a grievous_a and_o damn_v sin_n because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o man_n may_v be_v unavoidable_o innocent_o and_o without_o a_o schismatical_a mind_n engage_v in_o a_o schism_n i_o have_v evident_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n and_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o if_o you_o can_v answer_v the_o scripture-evidence_n produce_v in_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v careful_o consider_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o confutation_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n to_o urge_v hard_a case_n against_o it_o which_o will_v overthrow_v all_o law_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v if_o you_o imagine_v or_o can_v produce_v any_o real_a case_n wherein_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a
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 the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o eminent_a nonconformist_n of_o several_a persuasion_n publish_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o suffering_n which_o such_o needless_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o edition_n correct_v by_o the_o author_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxiv_o to_o the_o dissenter_n from_z the_o church_n of_o england_n dear_a brethren_n you_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v upon_o by_o authority_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n order_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o expose_v our_o religion_n to_o danger_n and_o yourselves_o to_o suffer_v in_o which_o unless_o the_o cause_n be_v good_a the_o call_v clear_a and_o 3._o mr._n mede_n be_v farewell_o serm._n on_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o the_o end_v right_a it_o can_v bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o or_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n not_o bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o for_o we_o can_v suffer_v joyful_o the_o 4._o mr._n read_v his_o case_n p._n 4._o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n the_o confinement_n of_o our_o person_n the_o ruin_n of_o our_o family_n unless_o conscience_n be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v i_o will_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o i_o may_v have_v avoid_v those_o suffering_n from_o men._n not_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o who_o all_o be_v accountable_a 92._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n ser._n 4._o p._n 92._o for_o what_o portion_n he_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v not_o to_o throw_v away_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o who_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o ibid._n read_v ibid._n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o yourselves_o to_o assist_v person_n in_o this_o enquiry_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o of_o late_a several_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v undertake_v the_o most_o material_a point_n that_o you_o do_v question_n and_o have_v handle_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o calmness_n which_o become_v their_o profession_n and_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o which_o may_v the_o better_o invite_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o but_o because_o truth_n and_o reason_n do_v too_o often_o suffer_v by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la we_o have_v against_o particular_a person_n to_o remove_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o obstruction_n i_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n show_v that_o these_o author_n be_v not_o alone_o but_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a nonconformist_n for_o they_o who_o do_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o parochial_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o of_o these_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o for_o one_o hundred_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v produce_v two_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o go_v by_o the_o poll_n so_o that_o if_o reason_n or_o authority_n will_v prevail_v i_o hope_v that_o yet_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o recovery_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o your_o own_o and_o the_o church_n sake_n amen_n the_o content_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n pag._n 1_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n p._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o p._n 12_o that_o they_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o can_v p._n 16_o that_o defect_n in_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n p._n 23_o that_o the_o expectation_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o withhold_v communion_n p._n 39_o the_o badness_n of_o minister_n will_v not_o justify_v separation_n p._n 48_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o discipline_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v p._n 59_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o its_o lay-member_n be_v concern_v in_o p._n 64_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a and_o do_v not_o stint_v the_o spirit_n ibid._n that_o public_a prescribe_a form_n may_v lawful_o be_v join_v with_o p._n 66_o that_o the_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n be_v for_o its_o matter_n sound_n and_o good_a and_o for_o its_o form_n tolerable_a if_o not_o useful_a p._n 69_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o idolatrous_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o ordinance_n p._n 71_o 72_o that_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n and_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a p._n 73_o the_o conclusion_n ibid._n the_o non-conformists'_a plea_n for_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o christian_a world_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o rank_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n minister_n and_o people_n the_o clergy_n beside_o the_o thing_n essential_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o well-ordered_a church_n in_o the_o world_n strict_o oblige_v by_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n or_o both_o to_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n more_o especial_o contain_v in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v use_v the_o form_n and_o rite_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o promise_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n in_o its_o order_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n which_o do_v much_o depend_v upon_o that_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o laity_n be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n require_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o attend_v upon_o and_o join_v with_o the_o worship_n practise_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o when_o it_o 29._o defence_n of_o the_o cure_n part_v 2._o pag._n 29._o be_v object_v that_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n he_o reply_v what_o be_v impose_v on_o you_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o your_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o parish-church_n but_o your_o actual_a communion_n itself_o in_o discourse_v therefore_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v lest_o the_o thing_n require_v only_o of_o one_o order_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o all_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o one_o that_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o mischief_n cranford_n a_o book_n license_v by_o mr._n cranford_n spring_v from_o man_n confound_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a conformity_n with_o those_o of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n there_o be_v much_o more_o require_v of_o the_o minister_n than_o of_o the_o people_n private_a person_n have_v much_o less_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o in_o absent_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o the_o pastor_n have_v for_o not_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n certain_o if_o this_o difference_n be_v but_o observe_v and_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o
they_o may_v not_o lawful_o join_v together_o with_o who_o shall_v the_o faithful_a join_v at_o all_o be_v not_o this_o to_o fill_v the_o conscience_n with_o scruple_n and_o the_o church_n with_o rent_n such_o as_o these_o must_v if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a 95._o sacriâ—eg_fw-mi defer_v p._n 95._o to_o their_o own_o principle_n renounce_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v like_o those_o that_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o he_o 47._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 47._o know_v that_o never_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n nor_o ever_o public_o hear_v or_o pray_v or_o worship_n god_n at_o all_o because_o they_o think_v all_o your_o way_n which_o he_o direct_v to_o mr._n bagshaw_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v bad_a with_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o any_o communion_n so_o much_o mr._n burrough_n do_v maintain_v there_o will_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o church-fellowship_n 163._o irenic_n c._n 23._o p._n 163._o if_o this_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n for_o corruption_n in_o it_o be_v admit_v for_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o have_v all_o thing_n so_o comfortable_a but_o within_o a_o while_n another_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o comfortable_a there_o upon_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o this_o do_v mr._n r._n allein_a ground_n his_o last_o advice_n to_o his_o parishioner_n destroy_v 127._o godly_a man_n portion_n p._n 127._o not_o say_v he_o all_o communion_n by_o seek_v after_o a_o pure_a church_n than_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_v communion_n at_o all_o if_o not_o in_o all_o where_n shall_v we_o rest_v in_o all_o society_n something_o will_v offend_v with_o this_o last_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n union_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n so_o mr._n baines_n a_o person_n of_o 297._o comment_fw-fr on_o â—phes_n c._n 2._o 15._o p._n 297._o great_a experience_n this_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n reprove_v such_o as_o make_v a_o secession_n or_o departure_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n our_o visible_a assembly_n either_o upon_o dislike_n of_o some_o disorder_n in_o administration_n ecclesiastical_a or_o disallow_v form_n and_o manner_n of_o procure_v thing_n which_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o full_a compliment_n and_o perfection_n require_v this_o be_v not_o in_o my_o conceit_n so_o much_o to_o reform_v as_o to_o deform_v to_o massacre_v the_o body_n and_o divide_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n and_o will_v end_v in_o the_o dissolution_n 171._o morton_n memorial_n p._n 78_o etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n def._n of_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 171._o of_o all_o church-communion_n if_o it_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n r._n williams_n of_o new-england_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o great_a purity_n separate_v so_o long_o that_o he_o own_v no_o church_n nor_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o his_o motion_n the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o dissolve_a themselves_o as_o we_o have_v the_o account_n from_o thence_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o avoid_v according_a to_o the_o prudent_a advice_n in_o a_o book_n above-cited_n doctrine_n cry_v up_o purity_n to_o the_o 371._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 14._o p._n 371._o ruin_n of_o unity_n reject_v for_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o unity_n as_o well_o as_o purity_n five_o they_o argue_v that_o to_o separate_v upon_o such_o arg._n 5_o a_o account_n be_v not_o at_o all_o warrant_v in_o scripture_n thus_o mr._n cawdrey_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o christ_n impose_v no_o 192._o independ_v a._n schism_n p._n 192._o privilege_n of_o his_o purchase_n either_o to_o deprive_v a_o man_n self_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n right_o constitute_v for_o want_v of_o some_o reformation_n in_o light_a matter_n say_v mr._n blake_n 228._o vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 228._o we_o read_v not_o of_o separation_n in_o his_o way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n approve_v nor_o any_o precedent_n to_o go_v before_o we_o in_o it_o we_o read_v a_o heavy_a brand_n lay_v upon_o it_o judas_n 19_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n so_o the_o congregation_n in_o new-england_n declare_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o 8._o platform_n of_o discipline_n in_o new-england_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o corinth_n wherein_o be_v many_o unworthy_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v never_o command_v to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o same_o therefore_o the_o godly_a in_o like_a case_n be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v infer_v be_v not_o to_o separate_v for_o so_o much_o must_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n if_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o this_o be_v according_o infer_v by_o mr._n noyes_n for_o brethren_n to_o separate_v from_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o church_n and_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n in_o heresy_n or_o profaneness_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n unto_o who_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n tomb_n separation_n 48._o theodulia_n answ_n to_o pref._n §_o 25._o p._n 48._o from_o a_o church_n somewhat_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a in_o worship_n or_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o dissonant_n from_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n or_o example_n which_o either_o of_o old_a the_o prophet_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o fault_n of_o pride_n or_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n sixthly_a they_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n arg._n 6_o for_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corruption_n because_o a_o person_n may_v communicate_v in_o the_o worship_n without_o partake_v in_o those_o corruption_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n at_o the_o savoy-conference_n 35._o confer_v savoy_n p._n 12_o 13._o mr._n baxter_n defence_n of_o the_o cure_n p._n 34_o 35._o that_o not_o only_o the_o hear_n but_o the_o read_v a_o defective_a liturgy_n be_v lawful_a to_o he_o that_o by_o violence_n be_v necessitate_v to_o offer_v up_o that_o or_o none_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o thus_o separate_v the_o substance_n from_o the_o circumstantial_a defect_n in_o the_o ministerial_a use_n of_o such_o worship_n much_o more_o may_v this_o be_v suppose_v to_o to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o only_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o to_o give_v a_o explicit_a consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n use_v in_o it_o 1._o this_o separation_n of_o the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a in_o divine_a worship_n they_o grant_v possible_a so_o mr._n ball_n if_o 308._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n p._n 308._o some_o thing_n human_a be_v mix_v with_o divine_a a_o sound_n christian_n must_v separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o not_o cast_v away_o what_o be_v of_o god_n as_o a_o nullity_n fruitless_a unprofitable_a defile_v because_o somewhat_o of_o man_n be_v annex_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o body_n we_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o substance_n and_o the_o sickness_n which_o cleave_v unto_o it_o betwixt_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o part_n or_o member_n and_o some_o bunch_n or_o swelling_n which_o be_v a_o deformity_n but_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o part_n or_o member_n etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n calamy_n it_o be_v 7._o door_n of_o truth_n open_v p._n 7._o one_o thing_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a from_o pollution_n another_o to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n 2._o they_o grant_v that_o what_o be_v faulty_a and_o a_o sin_n in_o worship_n be_v no_o sin_n to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o so_o mr._n corbet_n my_o 6._o nonconformist_n plea_n &c_n &c_n p._n 6._o partake_n in_o any_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a for_o the_o matter_n and_o allowable_a or_o passable_a in_o the_o mode_n for_o the_o main_a do_v not_o involve_v i_o in_o the_o blame_n of_o some_o sinful_a defect_n therein_o to_o which_o i_o consent_v not_o and_o which_o i_o can_v redress_v so_o another_o in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n while_o all_o necessary_a fundamental_a truth_n be_v 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o public_o profess_v and_o maintain_v in_o a_o church_n be_v teach_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a
assembly_n and_o the_o corruption_n there_o though_o great_a yet_o be_v not_o such_o as_o make_v the_o worship_n cease_v to_o be_v god_n worship_n nor_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v swallow_v down_o if_o one_o will_v communicate_v in_o that_o worship_n while_o any_o christian_a that_o be_v watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o carriage_n as_o all_o aught_o ever_o to_o be_v may_v partake_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v active_a in_o or_o approve_v the_o other_o there_o god_n be_v yet_o present_a there_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o worship_v serve_v acceptable_o and_o real_o enjoy_v 3._o they_o grant_v that_o the_o be_v present_a at_o divine_a worship_n be_v no_o consent_n to_o the_o corruption_n in_o it_o thus_o mr._n robinson_n he_o that_o partake_v 23._o lawfulness_n of_o heaâ—ing_n etc._n etc._n p._n 19_o 23._o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o uphold_v any_o evil_a have_v his_o part_n in_o the_o evil_a also_o but_o i_o deny_v as_o a_o most_o vain_a imagination_n that_o every_o one_o that_o partake_v with_o a_o church_n in_o thing_n lawful_a join_v with_o it_o in_o uphold_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o christ_n our_o lord_n join_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o yet_o uphold_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o it_o so_o mr._n nye_n 96._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 16_o 18._o cure_n dir_fw-mi 35._o p_o 196_o etc._n etc._n defence_n p._n 96._o approbation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o show_v until_o it_o be_v express_v outward_o by_o my_o word_n and_o gesture_n this_o mr._n baxter_n undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n take_v that_o for_o my_o profession_n which_o i_o never_o make_v by_o word_n or_o deed._n that_o the_o profession_n make_v by_o church-communion_n be_v total_o distinct_a from_o this_o that_o this_o opinion_n will_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o any_o pastor_n or_o church_n on_o earth_n since_o every_o one_o mix_v sin_n with_o their_o prayer_n 4._o they_o say_v that_o corruption_n though_o foreknown_a do_v not_o yet_o make_v those_o that_o be_v present_a guilty_a of_o they_o thus_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n declare_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o people_n 16._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old-england_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-england_n p._n 12_o 13_o 16._o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v personal_a as_o some_o distinguish_v or_o otherwise_o know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o know_v for_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v whether_o it_o be_v know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o all_o presence_n be_v faulty_a and_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v not_o our_o presence_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n know_v whereof_o we_o stand_v not_o guilty_a if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v tolerate_v and_o i_o be_o call_v to_o be_v present_a by_o such_o fault_n i_o be_o not_o defile_v though_o know_v before_o mr._n baxter_n reply_v to_o those_o of_o a_o 200._o curâ—_n p._n 200._o contrary_a opinion_n after_o this_o manner_n take_v heed_n that_o thus_o by_o affirm_v that_o foreknowing_a fault_n in_o worship_n make_v they_o we_o you_o make_v not_o god_n the_o great_a sinner_n and_o the_o worst_a be_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o god_n foreknoweth_a all_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v present_a when_o they_o commit_v they_o and_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o world_n what_o fault_n soever_o be_v in_o the_o word_n or_o form_n he_o do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o any_o such_o fail_n will_v you_o say_v therefore_o that_o god_n approve_v or_o consent_v to_o all_o these_o sin_n i_o know_v beforehand_o that_o every_o man_n will_v sin_v that_o pray_v by_o defect_n of_o desire_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o do_v all_o this_o make_v it_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o otherwhere_o add_v it_o be_v another_o man_n 748_o christian_n diâ—ect_a p._n 748_o fault_n or_o error_n that_o you_o foreknow_v and_o not_o your_o own_o 5._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o another_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o absent_v from_o it_o or_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o it_o thus_o mr._n baxter_n the_o 34._o cure_n p._n 197._o v._o jerubbaal_n justify_v p_o 16_o etc._n etc._n 22_o 34._o word_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o pastor_n work_n and_o none_o of_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o why_o shall_v any_o hold_v i_o guilty_a of_o another_o man_n fault_n which_o i_o neither_o can_v help_v nor_o belong_v to_o any_o office_n of_o i_o to_o help_v any_o far_a than_o to_o admonish_v he_o and_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o he_o that_o minister_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o debar_v ourselves_o of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n mr._n nye_n affirm_v and_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n 10._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 10._o if_o i_o may_v not_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n mix_v with_o it_o which_o be_v my_o own_o much_o less_o may_v i_o thus_o leave_v a_o ordinance_n for_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v another_o man_n no_o way_n i_o or_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o this_o be_v to_o make_v another_o man_n sin_n or_o infirmity_n more_o mine_n than_o my_o own_o thus_o be_v the_o case_n resolve_v 65._o of_o scandal_n a_o discourse_n p._n 65._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n i_o may_v not_o only_o say_v one_o do_v that_o which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a but_o suffer_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a rather_o than_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o necessary_a ordinance_n e._n g._n if_o either_o i_o must_v have_v my_o child_n baptize_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o not_o baptize_v at_o all_o i_o must_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o way_n though_o i_o judge_v it_o a_o unlawful_a addition_n because_o the_o manner_n concern_v he_o that_o do_v it_o not_o i_o at_o least_o not_o so_o much_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v all_o the_o essence_n he_o must_v be_v responsible_a for_o every_o irregularity_n not_o i_o thus_o jacob_n take_v laban_n oath_n though_o by_o his_o idol_n etc._n etc._n 24._o v._o crofton_n reformat_fw-la no_o separate_a p._n 24._o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v mr._n baxter_n resolâ—â—_n the_o case_n in_o his_o christian_a directory_n pag._n 49._o seven_o they_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o join_v arg._n 7_o with_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n where_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o thus_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n at_o the_o savoy_n 13._o savoy_n savoy_n savoy_n confer_v at_o the_o savoy_n p._n 3_o 12_o 13._o a_o inconvenient_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o imposer_n and_o in_o the_o chooser_n and_o voluntary_a user_n that_o may_v offer_v god_n better_o and_o will_v not_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o that_o by_o violence_n be_v necessitate_v to_o offer_v up_o that_o or_o none_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o a_o author_n that_o be_v far_o from_o be_v favourable_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o 64._o separate_a yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 64._o where_o hear_v or_o communion_n in_o sacrament_n no_o where_n enjoy_v but_o only_o in_o such_o church_n that_o be_v so_o corrupt_a as_o you_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_a yea_o and_o a_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o you_o so_o far_o as_o possible_o christian_n can_v without_o sin_n according_o mr._n baxter_n declare_v that_o 78._o def._n of_o cure_n part_n 1._o p._n 78._o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n constant_o with_o any_o of_o the_o parish_n church_n among_o we_o that_o have_v honest_a competent_a pastor_n when_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o and_o profess_v for_o his_o own_o part_n be_v i_o say_v he_o in_o armenia_n 6._o part_n 2._o p._n 176._o and_o cure_n p._n 265._o q._n 6._o abassia_n or_o among_o the_o greek_n i_o will_v join_v in_o a_o much_o more_o defective_a form_n than_o our_o liturgy_n rather_o than_o none_o and_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o new-england_n minister_n to_o join_v with_o the_o english_a liturgy_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o church-worship_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o conjecture_v from_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n etc._n etc._n 5._o defence_n of_o synod_n pref._n p._n 4_o 5._o def._n of_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 78._o n._n 6._o p._n 96._o n._n 5._o now_o in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o he_o show_v 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o by_o a_o necessity_n arise_v
be_v p._n 4._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n this_o be_v a_o 235._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235._o plea_n say_v mr._n vine_n that_o be_v plausible_a to_o easy_a capacity_n because_o it_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o holiness_n of_o ordinance_n and_o people_n but_o what_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donatistical_n and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsley_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a 97._o brinsley_n arraignment_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenk_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacril_n desert_n p._n 97._o plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n do_v advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o that_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o 131._o unjust_o unjust_o unjust_o cawâ—rey's_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n 496._o separation_n separation_n separation_n manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o 2._o out_o out_o out_o vine_n on_o sacrament_n p._n 242_o platform_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o v._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scanlous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n 242._o burrough_n burrough_n burrough_n gospel-worship_n serm_n 11._o p._n 242._o a_o error_n on_o both_o side_n either_o those_o that_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o at_o all_o with_o who_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o those_o that_o if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v the_o scandalous_a away_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o this_o both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o so_o far_o agree_v in_o and_o for_o this_o their_o opinion_n they_o urge_v several_a argument_n first_o it_o be_v no_o where_n command_v but_o be_v a_o vain_a arg._n 1_o pretend_v to_o holiness_n above_o rule_n and_o example_n say_v 31._o on_o sacrament_n p._n 246._o p._n 31._o mr._n vines_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o say_v because_o there_o be_v no_o command_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o this_o word_n come_v forth_o in_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n against_o which_o christ_n say_v he_o have_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o impure_a be_v not_o call_v forth_o into_o the_o pure_a but_o there_o be_v promise_v make_v to_o they_o that_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o towards_o the_o impure_a part_n for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v every_o disease_n the_o plague_n shall_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n forsake_v the_o lord_n presence_n because_o satan_n come_v also_o among_o they_o etc._n etc._n the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n do_v affirm_v in_o the_o 47._o vindicat._n of_o presbyt_fw-la govern_v p._n 134._o brinsly_n arraign_v p._n 47._o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v such_o a_o profane_a mixture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o we_o believe_v few_o if_o any_o of_o our_o congregation_n can_v be_v charge_v withal_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o godly_a party_n to_o separate_a much_o less_o to_o gather_v 71._o v._o firmin_n separate_a examine_v p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 71._o a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n from_o which_o consideration_n mr._n tomb_n conclude_v 74._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v theodulia_n p._n 74._o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o any_o person_n to_o join_v in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n with_o any_o if_o he_o have_v no_o command_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o that_o service_n because_o of_o their_o presence_n nor_o power_n to_o exclude_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o perform_v nay_o they_o do_v not_o only_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v not_o command_v but_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v and_o unlawful_a so_o mr._n hooker_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n because_o of_o the_o 9_o survey_v of_o discipline_n pres_n a._n 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 9_o sin_n of_o some_o worshipper_n be_v unlawful_a so_o the_o new-england_n minister_n do_v declare_v as_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n be_v tolerate_v be_v not_o present_o necessary_a so_o for_o the_o member_n thereof_o otherwise_o worthy_a hereupon_o to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v unlawful_a second_o they_o plead_v that_o the_o communicate_v in_o arg._n 2_o god_n service_n with_o open_a sinner_n who_o the_o godly_a in_o some_o of_o our_o assembly_n be_v enforce_v to_o communicate_v with_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o profane_a 53._o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53._o or_o to_o pollute_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n so_o mr._n vine_n the_o presence_n 32._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 242._o &_o p._n 31_o 32._o of_o wicked_a man_n at_o god_n ordinance_n pollute_v not_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n nor_o yet_o to_o their_o presence_n there_o this_o mr._n burrough_n disclaim_v 237._o gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o you_o be_v not_o defile_v by_o the_o mere_a presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o be_v a_o mere_a deceit_n and_o gull_n that_o some_o will_v put_v upon_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o thus_o be_v you_o defile_v if_o you_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n and_o the_o uttermost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o purge_v they_o out_o but_o if_o this_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n person_n be_v in_o it_o be_v universal_o grant_v that_o the_o innocent_a shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o the_o nocent_a so_o mr._n ball_n the_o precept_n of_o debar_v scandalous_a offender_n 205._o trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 205._o bind_v they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v this_o power_n and_o they_o only_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o presbyt_fw-la v._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la their_o power_n but_o god_n regular_o do_v not_o leave_v that_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a steward_n or_o some_o few_o private_a christian_n and_o if_o the_o steward_n or_o one_o or_o few_o private_a christian_n can_v debar_v the_o unworthy_a from_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v not_o defile_v to_o they_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o they_o desire_v to_o reform_v or_o expel_v but_o can_v because_o power_n be_v not_o in_o their_o hand_n to_o do_v it_o lawful_o this_o they_o confirm_v 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o good_a man_n who_o of_o old_a join_v with_o 235._o grave_a confut_o part_n 3._o p._n 53_o &_o 55._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 211._o platform_n c_o 14._o §_o 8._o blake_n vindic._n p._n 235._o many_o that_o be_v notorious_o stain_v with_o gross_a sin_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n in_o apostolical_a time_n all_o which_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v insist_v upon_o this_o be_v also_o plead_v by_o those_o of_o new-england_n and_o other_o this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o congregation_n 16._o christian_n directory_n p._n 747._o v._n nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 16._o to_o be_v we_o so_o mr._n baxter_n if_o you_o be_v want_v in_o your_o duty_n to_o reform_v it_o it_o be_v your_o sin_n but_o if_o bare_a presence_n make_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v we_o it_o will_v also_o make_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o assembly_n we_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o sense_n be_v that_o scandalous_a member_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n for_o that_o must_v be_v either_o because_o it_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n or_o that_o those_o that_o do_v communicate_v with_o such_o be_v in_o so_o do_v corrupt_v also_o but_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v than_o we_o may_v
for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a the_o 26._o jer._n 15._o 16._o ezek._n 22._o 26._o holy_a from_o the_o profane_a yet_o do_v they_o never_o teach_v that_o because_o the_o unclean_a come_v into_o the_o congregation_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o whole_a communion_n be_v pollute_v by_o it_o but_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v the_o unclean_a person_n be_v unclean_a so_o as_o many_o as_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n be_v pollute_v by_o it_o to_o partake_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n in_o a_o moral_a sense_n answer_v to_o the_o legal_a touch_v a_o unclean_a thing_n 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o unclean_a person_n that_o do_v not_o purify_v himself_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pollute_v the_o sanctuary_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o other_o so_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o but_o not_o of_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n go_v up_o as_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o the_o person_n that_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n come_v better_o prepare_v may_v do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a 15._o tit._n 1._o 15._o be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o suggestion_n that_o the_o whole_a communion_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v pollute_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n company_n at_o and_o among_o they_o be_v lay_v open_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n may_v be_v far_o evince_v from_o these_o particular_n 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o sin_n either_o of_o the_o priest_n or_o the_o people_n become_v at_o any_o time_n a_o occasion_n of_o separation_n to_o they_o what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n what_o high_a aggravation_n can_v there_o be_v of_o sin_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n that_o sin_v be_v the_o high-priest_n son_n or_o the_o public_a scandal_n ae_v impudence_n of_o the_o sin_n lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n not_o elkanab_n and_o hannah_n by_o name_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorance_n and_o detestation_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o 24._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 17._o 24._o those_o man_n they_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n all_o the_o people_n fall_v on_o their_o face_n say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n 39_o 1_o king_n 18._o 39_o all_o along_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n many_o of_o the_o member_n be_v grow_v very_o bad_a and_o scandalous_a yet_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o the_o example_n of_o any_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o any_o such_o precept_n from_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o do_v they_o do_v not_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v pollute_v by_o those_o filthy_a member_n and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v safe_a themselves_o they_o must_v withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n but_o exhort_v they_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o if_o neither_o private_a nor_o public_a admonition_n and_o reproof_n will_v do_v then_o to_o suspend_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n they_o render_v themselves_o capable_a of_o be_v restore_v to_o peace_n and_o pardon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o revelation_n send_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o preach_v repentance_n to_o they_o and_o by_o their_o authority_n to_o reform_v abuse_n but_o give_v they_o no_o command_n to_o cease_v the_o public_a administration_n or_o to_o advise_v the_o unpolluted_a part_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n nay_o although_o those_o candlestick_n be_v very_o foul_a yet_o be_v our_o lord_n please_v still_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 1._o rev._n 2._o 1._o and_o certain_o so_o sing_v as_o christ_n afford_v his_o presence_n in_o a_o church_n none_o of_o its_o member_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v they_o 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n be_v a_o most_o corrupt_a church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o very_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a yet_o keep_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o command_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v the_o ecclesiastical_a chair_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v 8._o mat._n 15._o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n devour_v widow_n house_n be_v hypocrite_n and_o such_o as_o only_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n separate_v from_o their_o communion_n but_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n free_o subject_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o he_o be_v circumcise_a on_o the_o eight_o day_n redeem_v by_o a_o certain_a price_n be_v a_o son_n and_o a_o first-born_a 22._o luke_n 2._o 22._o observe_v their_o passover_n and_o other_o feast_n enjoin_v by_o their_o law_n yea_o and_o that_o of_o the_o dedication_n too_o though_o 26._o matth._n 26._o but_o of_o humane_a institution_n be_v baptize_v among_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n reason_v 37._o john_n 17._o 37._o with_o they_o about_o religion_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n though_o not_o to_o follow_v their_o practice_n 7._o john_n 10._o 6_o 7._o mat._n 6._o 7._o what_o great_a cause_n on_o the_o account_n of_o cortuption_n in_o manner_n can_v be_v give_v to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n than_o be_v here_o yet_o how_o careful_a be_v our_o saviour_n both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v it_o they_o fit_v in_o moses_n be_v chair_n hear_v they_o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o there_o be_v schism_n 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 1._o and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o let_v 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o
1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v wâ—at_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strife_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brother_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridled_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o sin_n but_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o due_a care_n and_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v not_o pollute_v by_o any_o sinful_a act_n and_o compliance_n of_o your_o own_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o but_o as_o clear_v and_o satisfactory_a as_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o be_v it_o yet_o suffer_v very_o much_o from_o the_o exception_n of_o some_o weak_a understanding_n who_o meet_v often_o in_o scripture_n with_o such_o command_n and_o exhortation_n as_o these_o to_o separate_v to_o come_v out_o not_o to_o touch_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o and_o the_o like_a present_o without_o stay_v to_o examine_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o character_n of_o good_a man_n to_o be_v always_o separate_v and_o tho_o wherever_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v understand_v with_o relation_n to_o idolater_n and_o idolatrous_a practice_n either_o among_o jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o will_v they_o have_v they_o extend_v to_o every_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o either_o real_o be_v or_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v a_o corruption_n or_o a_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n many_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v by_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o two_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o hope_v in_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o false_a gloss_n they_o labour_v under_o to_o give_v a_o deliverance_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o be_v obj._n 1_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 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 17._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o main_a place_n to_o which_o they_o fly_v upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o their_o strong_a hold_n i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n and_o that_o by_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o apostolical_a admonition_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o person_n the_o convert_v corinthian_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o this_o purpose_n you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o convert_v corinthian_n live_v in_o civil_a society_n among_o the_o unbelieving_a gentile_n by_o who_o many_o of_o they_o be_v their_o kinsfolk_n and_o friend_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v often_o invite_v to_o their_o idol-feast_n to_o which_o some_o of_o they_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 27._o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o go_v and_o eat_v of_o the_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n even_o in_o the_o idol_n temple_n think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a 10._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 10._o to_o do_v so_o so_o long_o as_o they_o know_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o do_v not_o intentional_o go_v and_o eat_v in_o any_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n now_o from_o this_o practice_n the_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 4._o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o by_o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n tell_v they_o that_o though_o they_o that_o be_v strong_a know_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o worship_v the_o idol_n when_o they_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n sacrifice_n yet_o some_o other_o weak_a christian_n and_o new_a convert_v may_v not_o know_v so_o much_o and_o consequent_o by_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o sin_n not_o only_o to_o go_v to_o those_o feast_n but_o to_o do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n 2._o as_o harmless_a a_o action_n as_o they_o esteem_v it_o that_o it_o be_v 7._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 7._o plain_a idolatry_n be_v not_o you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 14._o they_o as_o it_o be_v write_v they_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v that_o be_v they_o eat_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o golden_a calf_n 6_o exod._n 32._o 6_o and_o that_o this_o action_n be_v idolatrous_a he_o prove_v by_o a_o analogy_n it_o bear_v to_o a_o rite_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o christian_n for_o as_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o feast_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o god_n to_o who_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v and_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 18._o as_o the_o christian_n when_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o christ_n who_o death_n and_o 16._o ver_fw-la 16._o passion_n be_v therein_o commemorate_a so_o when_o they_o do_v eat_v of_o the_o idol_n sacrifice_n they_o must_v have_v be_v think_v to_o do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n because_o to_o the_o idol_n be_v the_o sacrifice_n offer_v but_o bless_a be_v 20._o ver_fw-la 20._o god_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o such_o a_o exhortation_n we_o live_v not_o in_o a_o civil_a society_n with_o idolater_n but_o under_o a_o christian_a prince_n and_o with_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n here_o be_v no_o public_a idol_n set_v up_o nor_o any_o feast_n keep_v in_o honour_n of_o they_o have_v the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o we_o we_o have_v be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o text_n as_o the_o corinthian_n be_v but_o be_v far_o otherwise_o not_o the_o least_o aid_n can_v be_v fetch_v from_o hence_o to_o defend_v separation_n from_o our_o public_a assembly_n 2._o who_o be_v the_o person_n the_o christian_a corinthian_n be_v require_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o unbeliever_n than_o infidel_n than_o idolater_n what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o 16._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o ver_fw-la 15._o ver_fw-la 16._o darkness_n and_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n or_o what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o infidel_n and_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o now_o because_o christian_n 17._o ver_fw-la 17._o by_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n because_o some_o who_o while_o they_o profess_v christ_n do_v not_o live_v like_o christian_n afford_v their_o presence_n at_o they_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o pagan_a and_o a_o infidel_n that_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_n devil_n and_o a_o immoral_a christian_a who_o yet_o outward_o own_v christ_n and_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n betwixt_o a_o church_n whole_o make_v up_o of_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n and_o a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a christian_n together_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o
touch_v viz._n the_o unclean_a and_o abominable_a practice_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n the_o unfruitful_a 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o again_o thus_o describe_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o but_o rather_o to_o reprove_v they_o that_o be_v in_o judgement_n to_o condemn_v they_o by_o word_n to_o reprove_v they_o in_o conversation_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o their_o company_n must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o lord_n table_n to_o which_o they_o be_v command_v because_o evil_a man_n who_o till_o they_o repent_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v there_o rude_o intrude_v themselves_o may_v they_o not_o join_v with_o bad_a man_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o can_v be_v well_o avoid_v in_o do_v a_o good_a action_n because_o they_o must_v in_o no_o case_n and_o on_o no_o account_n join_v with_o they_o in_o do_v a_o sinful_a one_o because_o they_o have_v omit_v their_o duty_n must_v i_o neglect_v i_o because_o they_o sin_n in_o come_v unprepared_o must_v i_o sin_n in_o not_o come_v at_o all_o will_v their_o sin_n be_v any_o plea_n or_o excuse_n for_o i_o if_o i_o communicate_v with_o they_o will_v their_o unworthiness_n be_v lay_v at_o my_o door_n if_o i_o separate_v because_o of_o that_o shall_v they_o answer_v for_o my_o contempt_n as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o own_o profanation_n of_o it_o no_o sure_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v the_o 20._o ezek._n 18._o 20._o second_o be_v that_o text_n obj._n 2._o in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v 4._o 18._o c._n 4._o not_o of_o her_o plague_n answ_n this_o place_n be_v most_o certain_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n of_o the_o roman_a idolatrous_a polity_n and_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n lest_o they_o endanger_v their_o own_o salvation_n by_o communicate_v with_o she_o in_o mass_n and_o other_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n it_o abundant_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o afford_v not_o the_o least_o plea_n for_o dissenter_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o unless_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o or_o but_o little_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o have_v a_o church_n reform_v from_o all_o her_o superstition_n that_o retain_v nothing_o of_o she_o but_o what_o she_o retain_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n here_o be_v no_o drown_v religion_n in_o shadow_n and_o formality_n nor_o bury_v she_o under_o a_o load_n of_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a rubbish_n nor_o dress_v up_o religion_n in_o a_o flaunt_a pomp_n to_o set_v she_o off_o or_o a_o gaudy_a garb_n to_o recommend_v she_o much_o less_o in_o such_o fantastical_a rite_n such_o antic_a vestment_n and_o gesticulation_n that_o may_v just_o render_v her_o ridiculous_a and_o contemptible_a but_o her_o ceremony_n be_v few_o and_o decent_a countenance_v by_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o very_o much_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o religion_n here_o be_v no_o half-communions_a no_o more_o sacrament_n thrust_v upon_o we_o than_o our_o lord_n himself_o institute_v and_o yet_o those_o left_a whole_a and_o entire_a for_o our_o use_n and_o comfort_n that_o he_o do_v no_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o the_o votary_n neither_o mind_n nor_o understand_v no_o pray_v to_o saint_n or_o angel_n no_o adore_a image_n picture_n and_o relic_n no_o worship_v the_o creature_n beside_o or_o more_o than_o the_o creator_n which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v who_o in_o all_o their_o public_a office_n of_o devotion_n for_o one_o prayer_n to_o god_n have_v order_v ten_o to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n here_o be_v no_o doctrine_n obtrude_v on_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n nay_o to_o sense_n to_o all_o our_o sense_n no_o practice_n allow_v that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n no_o pardon_n to_o be_v buy_v no_o indulgence_n to_o be_v purchase_v no_o expunge_v any_o one_o commandment_n out_o of_o the_o decalogue_n or_o contrive_v art_n and_o device_n to_o make_v void_a the_o rest_n but_o as_o her_o devotion_n be_v pure_a and_o spiritual_a have_v god_n and_o he_o only_o for_o their_o object_n so_o her_o doctrine_n be_v find_v and_o orthodox_n have_v christ_n for_o its_o cornerstone_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o its_o foundation_n a_o church_n that_o need_v no_o counterfeit_a legend_n no_o incredible_a miracle_n no_o ridiculous_a fable_n to_o promote_v her_o veneration_n who_o security_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n but_o in_o their_o enlighten_v understanding_n that_o can_v defend_v itself_o without_o the_o help_n of_o spurious_a author_n or_o corrupt_v the_o word_n and_o sense_n of_o authentic_a one_o a_o church_n that_o dare_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o she_o be_v look_v into_o the_o more_o to_o be_v embrace_v and_o admire_v and_o i_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o clear_v every_o one_o of_o her_o member_n from_o vice_n as_o it_o be_v her_o constitution_n from_o corruption_n but_o let_v those_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o fall_v and_o be_v sure_a to_o sweep_v their_o own_o door_n clean_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a st._n paul_n advice_n be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v examine_v himself_o and_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o rash_a and_o censorious_a judge_v of_o our_o brother_n be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o some_o of_o those_o that_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v of_o so_o pollute_v and_o infectious_a a_o nature_n in_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o direct_o oposite_a this_o pharisaical_a humour_n be_v to_o that_o humility_n meekness_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v how_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o all_o good_a man_n who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v themselves_o than_o other_o who_o the_o more_o holy_a they_o be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o imperfection_n how_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o balk_v not_o at_o any_o time_n the_o society_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n who_o when_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o yet_o admit_v judas_n into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o yet_o how_o full_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o those_o ancient_a schismatic_n the_o novatian_o and_o the_o donatist_n may_v i_o stay_v to_o run_v the_o parallel_n both_o those_o schism_n and_o this_o among_o we_o will_v be_v find_v to_o begin_v on_o the_o same_o principle_n slackness_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o corruption_n in_o manner_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o same_o pretence_n zeal_n for_o purity_n and_o fear_v of_o pollution_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o bitter_a fountain_n pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o excuse_v ourselves_o or_o to_o recriminate_a they_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n be_v that_o all_o isarel_n may_v be_v save_v that_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o we_o will_v now_o at_o last_o lay_z aside_o all_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n all_o groundless_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n and_o come_v in_o and_o join_v their_o force_n with_o our_o church_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n and_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v extreme_o careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o stray_a brother_n for_o who_o sake_n in_o some_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n
to_o lay_v down_o our_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o block_v up_o the_o way_n aga_v any_o by_o scandalous_a live_n invite_v and_o allure_v they_o all_o in_o by_o exemplary_a holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a how_o short_a soever_o my_o discourse_n come_v of_o will_v be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o and_o a_o perfect_a confutation_n of_o this_o objection_n finis_fw-la 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 qu._n i._n whether_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n qu._n ii_o whether_o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o london_n print_v by_o t._n moor_n &_o j._n ashburne_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_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_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v 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 &c_n &c_n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_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 etc._n etc._n 15._o the_o case_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o second_o part_n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak-bretheren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._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 question_n q._n whether_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n itself_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o question_n more_o immediate_o respect_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o which_o be_v either_o by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n so_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o age_n necessary_a in_o natural_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a such_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n due_a and_o peculiar_a to_o those_o object_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o thing_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o variable_a and_o determine_v according_a to_o circumstance_n as_o gesture_n place_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v by_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o they_o be_v all_o already_o prescribe_v and_o that_o nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v add_v to_o what_o be_v already_o prescribe_v nor_o can_v any_o thing_n so_o prescribe_v be_v alter_v or_o abolish_v nothing_o now_o can_v be_v make_v necessary_a and_o bind_v to_o all_o person_n place_n and_o age_n that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v once_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a authority_n can_v be_v render_v void_a or_o unnecessary_a by_o any_o other_o therefore_o the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o then_o be_v no_o other_o than_o whether_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 2._o show_v that_o thing_n indifferent_a may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n 3._o consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 4._o how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o apply_v 5._o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o church_n but_o what_o be_v either_o necessary_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o bind_v to_o all_o christian_n or_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o so_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o they_o 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o all_o thing_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o duty_n second_o sin_n three_o neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n duty_n be_v either_o so_o moral_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a command_n sin_n be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a prohibition_n neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o no_o law_n either_o of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n have_v determine_v and_o be_v usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o indifferent_a that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n partake_v in_o itself_o of_o neither_o extreme_n and_o may_v be_v indifferent_o use_v or_o forbear_v as_o in_o reason_n and_o prudence_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o apostle_n call_v lawfal_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o law_n and_o what_o be_v therefore_o lawful_a to_o we_o and_o which_o without_o sin_n we_o may_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v rom._n 4._o 15._o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n to_o omit_v that_o which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_a nor_o to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v for_o else_o that_o will_v be_v a_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_a and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o law_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o that_o duty_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o without_o respect_n to_o any_o law_n but_o now_o if_o duty_n be_v duty_n because_o its_o enjoined_n and_o
sin_n be_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v fordidden_v then_o indifferent_a be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o neither_o enjoy_v nor_o forbid_v for_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n there_o need_v a_o command_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n there_o need_v a_o prohibition_n so_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o command_n nor_o prohibition_n it_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n and_o must_v be_v therefore_o indifferent_a lawful_a and_o free_n so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o we_o may_v know_v by_o its_o authority_n what_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o since_o all_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o law_n than_o that_o not_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o lawful_a thing_n be_v as_o much_o determine_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o necessary_a be_v determine_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o so_o make_v and_o declare_v by_o any_o law_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o be_v no_o duty_n or_o sin_n which_o there_o be_v a_o law_n about_o to_o conclude_v there_o must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o make_v it_o a_o transgression_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o law_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v none_o and_o what_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o or_o against_o remain_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o lawful_a to_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v day_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n how_o must_v this_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o case_n but_o by_o consider_v what_o the_o law_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v in_o it_o if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o enjoin_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o duty_n if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o forbid_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o sin_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o in_o what_o we_o neither_o sin_n by_o omit_v nor_o observe_v so_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v rom._n 14._o 6._o he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o law_n require_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o necessary_a and_o no_o law_n forbid_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o in_o both_o they_o do_v well_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o thing_n though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o it_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o be_v expect_v about_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o which_o the_o service_n can_v be_v celebrate_v without_o such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o that_o these_o be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v but_o what_o those_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v be_v not_o so_o universal_o agree_v to_o and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o aforesaid_a that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o than_o it_o will_v very_o much_o serve_v to_o justify_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n and_o defend_v our_o church_n in_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o what_o be_v there_o almost_o in_o that_o kind_n among_o we_o which_o be_v not_o natural_o or_o moral_o necessary_a to_o the_o action_n and_o if_o time_n and_o place_n fall_v under_o humane_a determination_n because_o they_o be_v natural_o necessary_a then_o why_o not_o also_o gesture_n and_o habit_n which_o worship_n can_v no_o more_o natural_o be_v celebrate_v without_o than_o the_o former_a and_o consequent_o a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v and_o stand_v may_v be_v alike_o lawful_o determine_v and_o use_v as_o time_n for_o assemble_v together_o and_o a_o church_n to_o assemble_v and_o officiate_v in_o and_o what_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v to_o a_o natural_a action_n that_o be_v moral_a circumstance_n to_o a_o moral_a action_n and_o there_o be_v moral_a as_o necessary_a to_o a_o moral_a action_n as_o there_o be_v natural_a necessary_a to_o a_o natural_a action_n as_o for_o example_n what_o time_n and_o place_n be_v to_o natural_a that_o be_v method_n and_o order_n to_o moral_a and_o religious_a act_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v separate_v from_o these_o than_o the_o other_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o administration_n in_o divine_a worship_n where_o not_o otherwise_o determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n may_v as_o well_o be_v determine_v by_o man_n as_o time_n and_o place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o service_n so_o that_o the_o exception_n make_v against_o humane_a appointment_n in_o divine_a worship_n viz._n that_o all_o but_o natural_a circumstance_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a command_n to_o legitimate_a their_o use_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v not_o prescribe_v be_v therefore_o prohibit_v be_v of_o no_o service_n to_o they_o that_o plead_v it_o and_o it_o remain_v good_a so_o far_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o christian_a prudence_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o except_o what_o refer_v to_o the_o element_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o always_o be_v oblige_v to_o all_o age_n under_o the_o several_a variation_n and_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o will_v be_v always_o so_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v order_n decency_n and_o edification_n insist_v upon_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 26_o 40._o so_o that_o we_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v than_o as_o bind_v by_o these_o measure_n and_o where_o not_o bind_v by_o they_o we_o be_v free_a for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n where_o revelation_n do_v not_o interpose_v as_o it_o do_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n all_o person_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o those_o natural_a rule_n may_v choose_v what_o way_n they_o please_v for_o the_o regulation_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o when_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o those_o natural_a rule_n except_o as_o above_o except_v the_o particular_a circumstrnce_n be_v as_o much_o now_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o free_a choice_n as_o they_o be_v then_o and_o this_o or_o that_o may_v be_v use_v and_o observe_v as_o the_o case_n require_v and_o occasion_n serve_v so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o prudence_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v so_o still_o since_o the_o gospel_n keep_v to_o those_o eternal_a rule_n which_o even_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v invariable_o establish_v and_o which_o if_o it_o ever_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o particular_n be_v certain_o so_o when_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v improve_v by_o new_a help_n and_o so_o he_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o judge_v what_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o essential_a worship_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o he_o who_o that_o worship_n be_v direct_v to_o but_o then_o that_o which_o confirm_v this_o be_v that_o those_o rule_n be_v also_o general_a and_o such_o as_o will_v in_o their_o use_n and_o end_n respect_v all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n rare_o do_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o in_o what_o they_o do_v show_v how_o far_o custom_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n be_v uncover_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v argue_v not_o from_o institution_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o decency_n
palace_n amen_n the_o end_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n examine_v state_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o calm_o argue_v london_n print_v by_o h._n hill_n for_o fincham_n gardner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o some_o tract_n publish_v within_o the_o year_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o such_o doubt_n as_o the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n plead_v for_o refuse_v communion_n with_o it_o there_o be_v one_o that_o respect_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o some_o one_o of_o our_o brethren_n choose_v to_o examine_v and_o to_o begin_v his_o debate_n 2._o case_n examine_v p._n 2._o with_o in_o the_o management_n of_o which_o whether_o he_o have_v deal_v close_o and_o ingenuous_o to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n 16._o p._n 16._o i_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o inquire_v and_o must_v leave_v other_o to_o judge_v i_o confess_v i_o be_v not_o alittle_o surprise_v that_o before_o he_o have_v set_v one_o foot_n forward_o he_o shall_v thus_o assault_v i_o if_o that_o r._n person_n have_v be_v please_v to_o have_v determine_v 2._o pag_n 2._o who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o to_o a_o man_n practice_n whether_o his_o own_o conscience_n or_o his_o superior_a etc._n etc._n he_o will_v in_o our_o opinion_n have_v make_v the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n much_o fit_a for_o a_o argument_n whereas_o the_o most_o dissenter_n judge_v that_o as_o he_o have_v state_v it_o he_o have_v but_o beg_v the_o question_n if_o the_o dispute_n have_v be_v betwixt_o protestant_a and_o papist_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o colour_n to_o have_v â—â—ent_v 4_o page_n in_o 40_o upon_o this_o argument_n though_o even_o betwixt_o such_o there_o may_v be_v 20_o case_n controvert_v in_o which_o this_o demand_n will_v be_v impertinent_a but_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o this_o issue_n when_o both_o side_n be_v in_o the_o main_n agree_v as_o it_o be_v betwixt_o protestant_a and_o protestant_n be_v a_o run_v the_o question_n out_o of_o its_o wit_n and_o a_o hearty_a beg_n it_o before_o he_o put_v it_o it_o be_v to_o possess_v the_o unwary_a reader_n with_o prejudice_n to_o puzzle_v the_o cause_n and_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v every_o little_a tract_n a_o volume_n in_o matter_n of_o controversy_n there_o be_v always_o some_o principle_n suppose_v and_o to_o put_v a_o adversary_n upon_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o show_v a_o design_n rather_o to_o cavil_v then_o to_o end_v the_o dispute_n and_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o the_o person_n so_o do_v be_v either_o diffident_a of_o his_o cause_n or_o his_o own_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o but_o to_o return_v his_o own_o compliment_n we_o will_v not_o presume_v any_o thing_n so_o absurd_a or_o disingenuous_a of_o so_o worthy_a a_o person_n 10._o p._n 10._o but_o how_o remote_a soever_o this_o question_n be_v to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n yet_o because_o our_o author_n ask_v it_o with_o some_o kind_n of_o seriousness_n i_o shall_v direct_v he_o where_o he_o may_v have_v satisfaction_n and_o that_o in_o a_o judicious_a tract_n late_o publish_v etc._n publish_v publish_v publish_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o rome_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42_o etc._n etc._n or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o compare_v the_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v he_o may_v find_v it_o resolve_v by_o himself_o in_o his_o case_n examine_v 38._o examine_v examine_v examine_v p._n 36_o 37._o n._n 4._o 38._o but_o in_o my_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o much_o near_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n which_o be_v not_o by_o dispute_v who_o shall_v be_v judge_n but_o by_o enable_v man_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o clear_a state_v of_o the_o case_n and_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n dispute_v as_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o ready_a way_n one_o shall_v think_v be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o thing_n thus_o indifferent_a may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n and_o because_o they_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o inquire_v how_o we_o be_v to_o apply_v they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n i_o take_v and_o if_o i_o do_v manage_v it_o as_o it_o shall_v i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o beg_v though_o i_o never_o think_v of_o come_v near_o his_o question_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n but_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o case_n be_v right_o state_v and_o prove_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v offer_v against_o it_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o remind_v the_o thing_n case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n reader_n that_o in_o the_o little_a tract_n concern_v in_o the_o present_a dispute_n the_o question_n undertake_v be_v q._n whether_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o 1._o i_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n 2._o show_v that_o thing_n indifferent_a may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n 3._o consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 4._o how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o most_o of_o these_o our_o author_n have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o but_o to_o the_o first_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o dissenter_n but_o agree_v with_o this_o author_n in_o his_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o they_o be_v such_o 3._o p._n 3._o thing_n as_o by_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v neither_o enjoin_v nor_o forbid_v now_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v observe_v that_o this_o concession_n of_o he_o will_v bereave_v they_o of_o some_o of_o the_o common_a and_o most_o considerable_a argument_n that_o they_o use_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o if_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o enjoin_v conclus_fw-la 1_o nor_o forbid_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v not_o command_v the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a and_o undeniable_a for_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v as_o abovesaid_a what_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o the_o be_v forbid_v but_o now_o if_o the_o be_v not_o command_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o be_v forbid_v than_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v so_o that_o either_o they_o must_v quit_v the_o argument_n and_o grant_v that_o the_o be_v not_o command_v do_v not_o make_v a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n or_o they_o must_v alter_v the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o indeed_o utter_o exterminate_v they_o and_o leave_v no_o such_o middle_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o duty_n or_o sin_n now_o after_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v so_o frank_o grant_v this_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o he_o can_v say_v that_o the_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n not_o command_v be_v guilt_n enough_o nor_o why_o he_o shall_v take_v such_o pain_n to_o 25._o p._n 25._o oppose_v what_o i_o have_v offer_v in_o confutation_n of_o that_o principle_n for_o what_o can_v he_o plead_v for_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n not_o command_v who_o have_v grant_v that_o the_o be_v not_o command_v be_v a_o branch_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indifferent_a and_o if_o he_o will_v maintain_v it_o he_o must_v do_v it_o upon_o no_o less_o absurdity_n than_o the_o say_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v forbid_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v either_o forbid_v or_o not_o forbid_v but_o let_v we_o abstract_n the_o case_n of_o thing_n not_o command_v from_o this_o consequence_n and_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o tract_n 20._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n p._n 20._o aforesaid_a a_o objection_n and_o answer_n and_o yet_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o a_o imperfect_a account_n our_o author_n give_v of_o it_o he_o say_v what_o our_o author_n say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o have_v 25._o case_n examine_v p._n
the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n a_o humane_a law_n ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o divine_a law_n modify_v or_o clothe_v with_o several_a circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n do_v create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n upon_o every_o subject_a than_o a_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n in_o the_o other_o case_n we_o only_o yield_v obedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o god_n in_o general_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n to_o make_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o business_n of_o pay_v tribute_n and_o custom_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n with_o a_o humane_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o that_o every_o subject_n shall_v pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n be_v due_a be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o what_o good_n we_o shall_v pay_v tribute_n or_o custom_n or_o what_o proportion_n of_o those_o good_n shall_v be_v pay_v this_o be_v not_o define_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o every_o kingdom_n but_o now_o because_o humane_a authority_n do_v interpose_v in_o this_o affair_n and_o settle_v what_o every_o man_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o king_n and_o out_o of_o what_o commodity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n or_o concealment_n detain_v the_o king_n right_o from_o he_o that_o he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n for_o this_o but_o only_o the_o transgress_a of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n in_o case_n he_o be_v detect_v no_o certain_o for_o all_o that_o the_o custom_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o form_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o humane_a law_n only_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a aught_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o unjust_a person_n before_o god_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o good_n will_v not_o render_v he_o less_o unjust_a or_o more_o excusable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n to_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o baptism_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o worship_a god_n for_o the_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n all_o this_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o king_n and_o every_o man_n what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v dishonest_a &_o unjust_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o give_v but_o they_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n just_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o thing_n thus_o clothe_v by_o humane_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n about_o they_o than_o we_o can_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o have_v name_v and_o that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o for_o instance_n purge_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o knavery_n before_o god_n that_o will_v contrive_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a as_o any_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n before_o god_n that_o will_v choose_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n different_a from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prescribe_v always_o suppose_v that_o the_o worship_n establish_v be_v command_v by_o just_a authority_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o can_v just_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o in_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o hold_v it_o than_o mere_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o statute_n or_o a_o humane_a law_n for_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v this_o that_o i_o think_v no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v warrant_v it_o so_o that_o even_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v which_o shall_v ordain_v that_o wilful_a causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o tolerate_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o yet_o nevertheless_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n will_v still_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v there_o now_o only_o remain_v our_o last_o general_a head_n about_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v with_o our_o preliminary_a point_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v or_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o or_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n here_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o we_o concern_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v sinful_a have_v authority_n over_o we_o how_o far_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o
persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v we_o have_v they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o practice_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n where_o then_o be_v their_o conscience_n they_o may_v perhaps_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o do_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v we_o their_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o thing_n stand_v thus_o with_o they_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o herein_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_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
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 most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o our_o communion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v i_o do_v very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o will_v present_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o those_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v schism_n and_o division_n which_o do_v now_o give_v so_o much_o scandal_n to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o this_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o furious_a attacques_n that_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o she_o by_o enemy_n without_o and_o enemy_n within_o her_o own_o bowel_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v perfect_o set_v free_a from_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n at_o the_o least_o from_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o her_o adversary_n if_o all_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n will_v most_o serious_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o in_o thing_n where_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v will_v religious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o direction_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o prudent_a mean_n for_o satisfaction_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o face_n of_o thing_n will_v present_o be_v change_v among_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v near_o no_o more_o of_o any_o division_n or_o schism_n in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v either_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o alas_o we_o fear_v we_o have_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n even_o those_o of_o they_o that_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v their_o mind_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n in_o those_o point_n which_o they_o stick_v at_o if_o 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 counter_a to_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o reconcile_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o present_o upon_o this_o set_v up_o a_o flag_n of_o defiance_n to_o authority_n but_o rather_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o the_o indifference_n and_o honesty_n he_o can_v to_o get_v a_o true_a information_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n continual_o for_o his_o assistance_n he_o call_v in_o the_o best_a help_n and_o consult_v the_o best_a guide_n he_o can_v his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o what_o both_o side_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o read_v a_o book_n which_o be_v write_v against_o his_o opinion_n as_o one_o that_o defend_v
between_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v between_o doubt_v for_o instance_n whether_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a and_o doubt_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n where_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o which_o doubt_n the_o casuist_n call_v a_o speculative_a doubt_n the_o other_o a_o practical_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v often_o very_o easy_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o latter_a kind_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v what_o it_o become_v he_o to_o do_v as_o to_o this_o present_a action_n without_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v his_o doubt_n of_o the_o former_a kind_n thus_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a to_o play_v at_o card_n or_o die_n which_o be_v the_o speculative_a doubt_n as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v very_o able_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o doubt_n again_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n whether_o the_o present_a war_n in_o which_o his_o prince_n be_v engage_v be_v a_o just_a war_n or_o no_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a doubt_n that_o be_v what_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v in_o case_n his_o prince_n command_v he_o to_o serve_v in_o that_o war_n concern_v which_o he_o do_v thus_o doubt_n now_o it_o be_v the_o doubt_n of_o this_o latter_a kind_n these_o practical_a doubt_n as_o they_o be_v call_v that_o conscience_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o concern_v with_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o which_o it_o chief_o need_v a_o rule_n to_o direct_v it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v but_o get_v satisfy_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o present_a action_n he_o doubt_v about_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n as_o to_o his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v his_o general_n or_o speculative_a doubt_n about_o that_o action_n resolve_v or_o no._n these_o kind_n of_o doubt_n if_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v must_v be_v overrule_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a idle_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o talk_v that_o a_o man_n must_v do_v no_o action_n till_o all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o be_v resolve_v thus_o far_o we_o grant_v it_o concern_v he_o that_o his_o doubt_n shall_v be_v resolve_v viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n he_o determine_v himself_o to_o be_v all_o thing_n consider_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o to_o direct_v a_o man_n in_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n be_v our_o principal_a business_n under_o this_o head_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o a_o man_n must_v so_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o a_o action_n as_o to_o see_v clear_o through_o all_o the_o speculative_a point_n which_o occasion_n his_o doubt_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o before_o entangle_v his_o understanding_n and_o from_o intrinsic_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o question_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v their_o meaning_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o absurd_a than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n till_o he_o have_v resolve_v or_o depose_v all_o his_o doubt_n about_o it_o for_o in_o many_o case_n this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o person_n concern_v perhaps_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o sufficient_a time_n of_o consideration_n for_o the_o do_v it_o for_o he_o must_v either_o act_n or_o not_o act_v present_o and_o he_o be_v in_o equal_a perplexity_n both_o as_o to_o the_o one_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o do_v more_o than_o this_o viz._n by_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n to_o get_v satisfy_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o for_o as_o for_o other_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o thing_n stand_v with_o he_o he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o prospect_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o all_o be_v say_v we_o see_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o proceed_v among_o man_n even_o those_o that_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a i_o dare_v say_v if_o we_o take_v all_o the_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v where_o there_o be_v one_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n upon_o such_o a_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n as_o we_o before_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v ten_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v overrule_v and_o the_o man_n proceed_v to_o action_n without_o such_o a_o resolution_n sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o though_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n yet_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o he_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n to_o act_v thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o for_o this_o he_o take_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o general_n duty_n or_o this_o be_v that_o which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o he_o have_v consult_v do_v advise_v he_o to_o and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v what_o kind_n of_o resolution_n of_o doubt_n that_o be_v which_o a_o man_n conscience_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n safe_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n upon_o this_o head_n which_o be_v what_o that_o rule_n be_v by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o thus_o resolve_v our_o doubt_n or_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o one_o side_n or_o other_o in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n by_o which_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v second_o i_o shall_v apply_v this_o general_n rule_n to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v concern_v that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o some_o principle_n for_o the_o determine_v himself_o in_o any_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o happen_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o have_v consider_v what_o we_o have_v before_o say_v will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n but_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n on_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o for_o since_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o doubt_v be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o which_o be_v to_o settle_v the_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v the_o doubt_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o viz._n that_o after_o all_o thing_n consider_v there_o do_v appear_v great_a reason_n to_o lie_v on_o this_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o there_o do_v on_o that_o so_o that_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o from_o which_o the_o measure_n of_o resolve_v all_o particular_a case_n be_v to_o be_v take_v can_v be_v lay_v down_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n that_o side_n which_o all_o thing_n due_o consider_v do_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o casuist_n have_v usual_o propose_v this_o rule_n in_o other_o term_n viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v but_o i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o express_v it_o so_o because_o of_o the_o uncertain_a meaning_n of_o the_o safe_a side_n for_o according_a as_o that_o word_n be_v expound_v as_o it_o may_v be_v expound_v different_a way_n so_o be_v the_o rule_n so_o word_v true_a or_o false_a if_o we_o take_v safety_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n and_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o usual_o understand_v viz._n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o any_o hazard_n or_o danger_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n
of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o all_o case_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o will_v be_v very_o unadvisable_v so_o to_o do_v sure_o i_o be_o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a life_n no_o wise_a man_n do_v always_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n to_o himself_o we_o see_v a_o hundred_o instance_n every_o day_n where_o man_n venture_v upon_o the_o less_o safe_a and_o the_o more_o hazardous_a side_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o reason_n and_o consideration_n which_o they_o think_v aught_o more_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o general_a speak_n more_o safe_a that_o be_v more_o free_a from_o hazard_n or_o danger_n to_o travel_v on_o foot_n than_o on_o horseback_n to_o stay_v at_o home_n than_o to_o go_v into_o foreign_a country_n to_o traffic_n by_o land_n than_o to_o venture_v one_o stock_n on_o the_o uncertain_a sea_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ease_n and_o expedition_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o first_o case_n and_o the_o improvement_n and_o benefit_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o second_o and_o the_o gain_n and_o profit_n in_o the_o last_o do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n overballance_v the_o consideration_n of_o safety_n in_o these_o case_n and_o determine_v a_o man_n not_o to_o that_o side_n which_o be_v free_a from_o danger_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o convenient_a or_o more_o useful_a or_o more_o advantageous_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o to_o those_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v i_o suppose_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o safe_a side_n of_o any_o action_n with_o reference_n to_o conscience_n we_o general_o mean_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o appear_v the_o least_o hazard_n or_o danger_n of_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o safety_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o good_a rule_n for_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v thus_o put_v and_o thus_o understand_v it_o will_v often_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o rather_o entangle_v he_o further_o in_o difficulty_n than_o help_v he_o out_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o rule_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o all_o his_o action_n to_o keep_v himself_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n he_o can_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o safety_n i_o here_o speak_v of_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v very_o few_o person_n that_o converse_v much_o in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v reason_n almost_o every_o day_n to_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o transgress_v this_o rule_n for_o they_o do_v every_o day_n engage_v in_o such_o action_n in_o which_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o thus_o for_o instance_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o we_o who_o although_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v prone_a enough_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n in_o eat_v or_o drink_v when_o temptation_n be_v offer_v and_o according_o for_o this_o reason_n do_v most_o serious_o set_v himself_o against_o this_o particular_a sin_n yet_o make_v any_o great_a scruple_n of_o go_v to_o feast_n and_o entertainment_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v by_o other_o nay_o or_o of_o make_v they_o himself_o when_o decency_n or_o civility_n or_o the_o serve_v any_o of_o his_o temporal_a affair_n do_v require_v he_o so_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o run_v a_o much_o great_a hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n he_o fear_v than_o if_o he_o shall_v forbear_v all_o such_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n of_o intemperance_n many_o other_o instance_n which_o daily_o occur_v in_o humane_a life_n may_v be_v give_v wherein_o good_a man_n nay_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o business_n or_o other_o laudable_a design_n which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o pursue_v frequent_o venture_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o this_o without_o any_o reproach_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o any_o censure_n from_o other_o men._n the_o truth_n be_v god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o secure_v a_o man_n duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o any_o action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o conversation_n preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n or_o if_o you_o will_v danger_n of_o so_o do_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o live_v like_o a_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o perform_v the_o common_a office_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o much_o more_o to_o live_v to_o any_o great_a purpose_n for_o the_o serve_v his_o generation_n indeed_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o whoever_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a must_v abandon_v all_o secular_a affair_n and_o retire_v to_o a_o cloister_n or_o a_o desert_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o business_n those_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v safe_o venture_v on_o the_o more_o dangerous_a side_n of_o a_o action_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o considerable_a good_a that_o they_o design_n in_o that_o action_n but_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o be_v that_o of_o one_o who_o be_v altogether_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o action_n or_o no._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o determine_v themselves_o in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v do_v thus_o far_o i_o think_v come_v home_o to_o that_o business_n that_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v advisable_v in_o any_o case_n to_o forsake_v the_o more_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o action_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o more_o hazardous_a we_o will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o advisable_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n as_o in_o any_o other_o until_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n for_o doubt_v person_n to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o different_z from_z that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o man_n or_o to_o speak_v the_o thing_n more_o plain_o till_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o doubt_v be_v debar_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o reason_n and_o discretion_n which_o man_n that_o do_v not_o doubt_n be_v allow_v to_o do_v but_o to_o come_v more_o strict_o to_o the_o point_n i_o do_v believe_v there_o do_v abundance_n of_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v frequent_o happen_v in_o which_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n although_o we_o suppose_v he_o never_o so_o honest_a do_v think_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o determine_v himself_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n on_o which_o he_o apprehend_v there_o be_v least_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v often_o forsake_v that_o side_n which_o be_v safe_o in_o this_o sense_n for_o that_o which_o do_v more_o recommend_v itself_o to_o he_o upon_o other_o account_n thus_o for_o instance_n some_o time_n doubtful_a case_n do_v happen_v in_o which_o the_o great_a probability_n on_o one_o side_n will_v turn_v the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a safety_n on_o the_o other_o thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o thing_n strangle_v or_o that_o have_v blood_n in_o it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o forbid_v these_o meat_n and_o shall_v repair_v to_o some_o intelligent_a person_n about_o this_o matter_n who_o shall_v give_v he_o such_o a_o account_n of_o those_o text_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o difficulty_n in_o this_o affair_n that_o the_o man_n come_v away_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o all_o kind_n of_o meat_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o that_o any_o be_v forbid_v i_o ask_v now_o whether_o this_o degree_n of_o satisfaction_n have_v not_o weight_n enough_o to_o put_v a_o
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
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
in_o great_a danger_n to_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o he_o now_o have_v upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v most_o principal_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o maintain_v it_o now_o i_o say_v suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n equal_a this_o very_a consideration_n alone_o will_v prevail_v with_o a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o forbear_v it_o even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v unworthy_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o large_a exemplification_n of_o all_o our_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v thus_o prepare_v our_o way_n by_o settle_v the_o notion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o main_a business_n that_o be_v before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o share_n humane_a law_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a have_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o what_o power_n they_o have_v to_o over-rule_v a_o man_n doubt_n in_o any_o case_n which_o according_a to_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v be_v the_o three_o general_n enquiry_n i_o be_o to_o resolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a point_n that_o be_v dispute_v between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o point_n upon_o which_o that_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v so_o far_o as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discuss_v it_o as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o general_a way_n as_o that_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v may_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o doubtful_a case_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o this_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o their_o assertion_n general_o be_v this_o general_o i_o say_v for_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a as_o any_o who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o of_o another_o opinion_n viz._n that_o wherever_o a_o man_n doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o very_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o forbear_v that_o action_n though_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assertion_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o chief_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n i._o what_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o right_n apprehend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o what_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o first_o we_o do_v ready_o own_v with_o they_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v its_o subject_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v second_o we_o agree_v likewise_o with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o wherever_o any_o subject_n have_v take_v up_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o such_o a_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o will_v so_o far_o bind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v in_o that_o instance_n obey_v their_o law_n without_o offend_a god_n but_o then_o we_o say_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o though_o he_o can_v obey_v without_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v yet_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n three_o we_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o particular_a action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v a_o sinful_a action_n but_o only_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o yet_o if_o the_o man_n have_v a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o no_o public_a law_n will_v warrant_v he_o to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v no_o more_o do_v the_o action_n enjoin_v without_o sin_n than_o he_o can_v in_o the_o former_a case_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o disobey_v his_o superior_n unless_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n of_o inculpable_a ignorance_n four_o we_o say_v this_o far_o that_o a_o culpable_a doubt_n do_v no_o more_o excuse_v the_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o a_o culpable_a ignorance_n i._n e._n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v it_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o so_o plain_o i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o know_v this_o and_o he_o must_v be_v most_o criminal_o ignorant_a that_o can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o his_o superior_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o such_o a_o instance_n where_o their_o command_n do_v so_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o affirm_v the_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o such_o action_n that_o he_o do_v though_o they_o be_v do_v pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o principle_n we_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_n far_o be_v we_o therefore_o from_o assert_v that_o whatever_o our_o governor_n do_v command_v the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o only_o doubt_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o action_n he_o that_o command_v it_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o it_o and_o not_o he_o that_o obey_v for_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o matter_n where_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o action_n which_o their_o superior_a god_n almighty_a have_v forbid_v we_o be_v offender_n if_o we_o do_v that_o action_n as_o well_o as_o they_o in_o command_v it_o and_o that_o whether_o we_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n but_o then_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o as_o i_o say_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v that_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n do_v command_v and_o it_o be_v either_o through_o his_o gross_a carelessness_n or_o some_o other_o worse_a principle_n in_o he_o that_o he_o know_v it_o not_o or_o be_v doubtful_a of_o it_o for_o wherever_o a_o man_n be_v innocent_o and_o inculpable_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a matter_n which_o authority_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o
as_o neither_o have_v mean_n to_o cometo_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o condition_n not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o accurate_o inform_v himself_o about_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o i_o say_v a_o man_n can_v formal_o be_v say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o obey_v his_o lawful_a superior_n though_o the_o instance_n in_o which_o he_o obey_v shall_v happen_v to_o contradict_v some_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n here_o be_v as_o no_o law_n to_o he_o that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o because_o he_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o then_o further_o this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o we_o own_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n when_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n command_v as_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v unlawful_a i_o say_v this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o when_o ever_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o man_n sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o his_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v common_o run_v away_o with_o for_o the_o man_n will_v as_o certain_o sin_n if_o in_o this_o case_n he_o do_v the_o action_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o he_o do_v in_o do_v it_o with_o a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n but_o the_o sin_n lie_v here_o viz._n in_o do_v a_o action_n which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v and_o which_o the_o man_n will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v a_o ill_a action_n if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a and_o so_o careful_a in_o mind_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v it_o be_v his_o act_v contrary_a to_o a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o here_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v his_o vicious_a criminal_a ignorance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v the_o form_n to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o that_o be_v no_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o the_o sin_n at_o all_o five_o we_o add_v this_o further_a that_o whatever_o power_n or_o right_o we_o give_v to_o our_o superior_n for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o either_o to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o those_o rule_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o direct_v a_o man_n proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n for_o this_o case_n of_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o those_o rule_n be_v here_o to_o take_v place_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o other_o instance_n and_o therefore_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v in_o this_o case_n very_o unequal_a that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o much_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o this_o particular_a instance_n than_o if_o he_o obey_v they_o not_o as_o have_v abundant_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a in_o that_o case_n we_o can_v say_v â—e_n be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v but_o shall_v rather_o disobey_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a it_o be_v likewise_o more_o probable_a that_o a_o man_n in_o this_o instance_n be_v not_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o a_o great_a probability_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o according_a to_o our_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o retrieve_v the_o balance_n which_o be_v so_o far_o incline_v the_o other_o way_n and_o to_o turn_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o very_o usual_o be_v such_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v in_o this_o instance_n than_o of_o obey_v as_o will_v to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n rather_o to_o do_v the_o action_n how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o doubt_n than_o to_o omit_v it_o after_o lawful_a authority_n have_v enjoin_v it_o but_o however_o this_o happen_v it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o mind_n as_o before_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v nothing_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n but_o what_o they_o lawful_o may_v do_v it_o will_v not_o justify_v any_o man_n disobedience_n to_o say_v that_o he_o apprehend_v it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o sinful_a to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o for_o our_o mistake_v and_o false_a reason_n will_v not_o take_v off_o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n in_o their_o lawful_a command_n unless_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o in_o those_o instance_n we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o understand_v better_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_v our_o way_n by_o remove_v from_o our_o question_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o it_o and_o which_o indeed_o by_o be_v usual_o blend_v with_o it_o have_v make_v it_o more_o intricate_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v we_o be_v pretty_a well_o prepare_v to_o propose_v our_o point_n in_o the_o six_o place_n then_o exclude_v as_o we_o have_v do_v out_o of_o our_o case_n all_o those_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o none_o of_o which_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v the_o plain_a question_n before_o we_o be_v this_o whether_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o vnlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n pretty_a equal_a and_o where_o likewise_o the_o man_n concern_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o satisfy_n himself_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a ought_v not_o so_o far_o to_o overbalance_n the_o doubt_n as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o also_o to_o oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o hold_v the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n and_o i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v under_o this_o head_n ii_o our_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o if_o lawful_a authority_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v lawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o our_o judgement_n remain_v suspend_v as_o have_v equal_a or_o near_o equal_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o though_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n we_o shall_v general_o forbear_v the_o action_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o before_o give_v yet_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v authority_n over_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o for_o first_o of_o all_o even_o in_o point_n of_o humility_n and_o modesty_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o consideration_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o subject_a owe_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n of_o his_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o so_o much_o influence_n as_o this_o even_o a_o confessor_n or_o a_o private_a friend_n have_v over_o our_o conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o we_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a on_o both_o side_n we_o usual_o so_o far_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v sway_v and_o overrule_v by_o what_o they_o advise_v and_o that_o oftentimes_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o weight_n and_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n
form_n other_o doubt_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ceremony_n or_o our_o way_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o it_o may_v be_v about_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v indeed_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v undetermined_a and_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v under_o this_o suspense_n of_o judgement_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o will_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v now_o of_o those_o that_o thus_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o that_o have_v only_o a_o single_a doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o those_o suspect_a condition_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_a from_o we_o again_o there_o be_v other_o that_o doubt_v on_o both_o side_n as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v that_o be_v as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a so_o they_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o separate_a upon_o account_n of_o those_o term_n now_o of_o these_o likewise_o there_o may_v be_v 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._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v be_v more_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a that_o now_o which_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o adviseable_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v do_v in_o each_o of_o these_o case_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o but_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o separate_a to_o this_o i_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o safe_a for_o he_o to_o separate_a than_o if_o he_o have_v doubt_v on_o both_o side_n because_o indeed_o if_o he_o must_v doubt_v at_o all_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o his_o doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o resolution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o we_o have_v allow_v it_o as_o such_o that_o in_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v i_o do_v ready_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o intend_a and_o do_v only_o obtain_v in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v forbear_v that_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v though_o he_o can_v without_o danger_n of_o sin_v do_v the_o action_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v about_o it_o but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n here_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v conform_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o danger_n of_o sin_v nay_o and_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o conform_v so_o that_o that_o rule_n have_v here_o no_o place_n at_o all_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o case_n if_o it_o be_v right_o put_v be_v this_o a_o man_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o that_o i_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_n cut_v myself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o i_o may_v likewise_o lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a disobedience_n and_o refractariness_n to_o all_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o i_o too_o which_o yet_o by_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a i_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v both_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o be_o very_o unsatisfied_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n thus_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o what_o now_o will_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v to_o this_o case_n why_o certain_o he_o will_v say_v this_o that_o he_o who_o can_v doubt_v after_o this_o fashion_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o a_o very_a ignorant_a one_o and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o good_a advice_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n about_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o christianity_n than_o of_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n because_o indeed_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o his_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v thus_o ignorant_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v observe_v they_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v his_o act_n if_o it_o shall_v indeed_o prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o a_o man_n right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o be_v entangle_v by_o a_o wilful_o eroneous_a one_o will_v no_o more_o discharge_v he_o from_o sin_n as_o to_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o the_o second_o concoction_n though_o never_o so_o regular_a can_v rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o as_o to_o his_o body_n but_o second_o though_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o offer_v be_v the_o proper_a answer_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o further_a to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o viz._n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n at_o all_o in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o so_o that_o the_o doubt_v about_o conformity_n shall_v have_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n as_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o case_n i_o say_v now_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o just_a dispute_n whether_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n be_v the_o more_o eligible_a side_n nay_o i_o say_v further_o that_o if_o the_o rule_n i_o lay_v down_o about_o a_o single_a doubt_n be_v true_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v only_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o disobey_v and_o separate_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_v the_o rule_n be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v that_o side_n of_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n that_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o very_a great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o very_a great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o very_a consideration_n
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
do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o it_o he_o have_v some_o little_a reason_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o will_v never_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o at_o liberty_n have_v no_o very_a weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o any_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-play_n or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischief_n 1._o when_o our_o superior_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a who_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n our_o scruple_n will_v not_o excuse_v or_o justify_v our_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o we_o judge_v what_o be_v command_v to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a erroneous_a judgement_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o such_o persuasion_n we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o upon_o any_o inducement_n whatever_o if_o i_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n wherein_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n i_o be_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o do_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o be_o certain_o innocent_a when_o i_o forbear_v i_o may_v commit_v a_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v it_o wisdom_n will_v therefore_o that_o the_o safe_a part_n be_v choose_v but_o now_o if_o i_o be_o by_o the_o command_n of_o my_o superior_n oblige_v to_o it_o my_o choice_n be_v then_o determine_v it_o than_o become_v my_o duty_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v safe_a or_o advisable_v to_o neglect_v a_o plain_a duty_n for_o a_o uncertain_a offence_n thus_o most_o and_o best_a casuist_n do_v determine_v about_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n particular_o the_o forename_a reverend_a bishop_n in_o the_o same_o sermon_n whatsoever_o be_v command_v we_o by_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n quod_fw-la tamen_fw-la not_z sit_fw-la certum_fw-la displicere_fw-la deo_fw-la say_v st._n bernard_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o we_o receive_v and_o obey_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v it_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o high_a power_n and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o their_o ordinance_n but_o now_o this_o be_v more_o plain_a concern_v fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n these_o aught_o all_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n a_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_a as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o such_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_a sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a imperfect_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v far_o great_a corruption_n both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o practice_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o we_o at_o this_o day_n yet_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o mankind_n he_o forsake_v not_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o assemble_v with_o they_o in_o their_o public_a synagogue_n which_o answer_n to_o our_o parish-church_n preach_v in_o the_o temple_n though_o they_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n observe_v their_o festival_n though_o some_o of_o they_o of_o humane_a institution_n nay_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o continue_v to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o wretched_a generation_n of_o men._n great_a be_v the_o pollution_n and_o misdemeanour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n
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
for_o fear_n of_o offence_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o place_n hic_fw-la charitatis_fw-la rationem_fw-la haberi_fw-la decet_fw-la sed_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la arras_n our_o charity_n to_o our_o brother_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n displease_v god_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n and_o action_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o man_n of_o ill-disposed_a or_o weak_a mind_n false_a consequence_n and_o unjust_a inference_n may_v be_v strain_v from_o they_o as_o we_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v abuse_v into_o a_o argument_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o st._n luke_n 2._o 24._o but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n nor_o can_v it_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n duty_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o such_o uncertain_a contingent_a thing_n as_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o construction_n other_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o action_n or_o the_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v draw_v from_o they_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o law_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o accidental_a event_n that_o may_v happen_v either_o through_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o command_n without_o any_o allowance_n from_o he_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o foresee_v those_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o our_o do_v our_o duty_n it_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v that_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v give_v any_o real_a scandal_n and_o whatever_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o my_o do_v of_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v it_o imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v one_o to_o disobey_v god_n in_o obey_v he_o but_o they_o alone_o be_v chargeable_a who_o be_v offend_v by_o it_o now_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a injunction_n of_o our_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o another_o bible_n out_o of_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n will_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n more_o plain_o command_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n that_o the_o conformity_n require_v by_o our_o church_n contain_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unlawful_a must_v be_v grant_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n from_o all_o which_o the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v since_o we_o may_v not_o redeem_v a_o scandal_n by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n since_o god_n have_v plain_o require_v our_o submission_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o now_o discourse_v with_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n and_o be_v lawful_a i_o say_v the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n refuse_v to_o conform_v only_o for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o argument_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o brother_n safety_n by_o wound_v his_o own_o soul_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o lawful_a authority_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a but_o then_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o load_v the_o conclusion_n with_o some_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o pretend_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o it_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o brief_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o those_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o do_v respect_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v neglect_v or_o violate_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a that_o this_o be_v true_a even_o of_o some_o command_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n do_v produce_v that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n under_o moses_n law_n yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o positive_a injunction_n of_o man_n that_o concern_v only_o the_o external_o and_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o royal_a and_o indispensable_a law_n of_o charity_n of_o which_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a part_n thus_o say_v mr._n jean_n in_o his_o second_o part_n of_o scholastical_a divinity_n what_o law_n of_o any_o earthly_a wight_n whatsoever_o concern_v ceremony_n can_v be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o command_v of_o god_n touch_v the_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o these_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a work_n of_o mercy_n if_o therefore_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o work_n of_o mercy_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o man_n sure_o then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o trash_n of_o human_a invention_n to_o yield_v unto_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o there_o do_v happen_v any_o such_o interfering_n between_o two_o command_n of_o god_n the_o one_o positive_a the_o other_o moral_a the_o positive_a aught_o always_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n ought_v certain_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o moral_a command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a obligation_n they_o cease_v to_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v our_o performance_n of_o any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o church_n be_v presume_v to_o dispense_v with_o its_o order_n as_o god_n almighty_n do_v allow_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n in_o such_o circumstance_n but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o where_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a the_o sin_n we_o must_v otherwise_o commit_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o at_o last_o our_o obedience_n be_v dispense_v withal_o only_o for_o that_o one_o time_n thus_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n our_o saviour_n st._n matth._n 12._o 5._o acquit_v david_n and_o his_o follower_n of_o all_o blame_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o hunger_n do_v eat_v of_o the_o shewbread_n which_o otherwise_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v but_o have_v they_o take_v a_o particular_a fancy_n to_o that_o bread_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v eat_v of_o any_o other_o because_o that_o best_a agree_v with_o their_o stomach_n and_o be_v most_o please_a to_o their_o palate_n can_v we_o think_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v so_o easy_o excuse_v they_o or_o which_o be_v near_o to_o our_o case_n because_o god_n do_v prefer_v act_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n where_o both_o can_v not_o be_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v any_o man_n whole_o leave_v off_o sacrifice_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n invent_v another_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o more_o expedient_a than_o sacrifice_a or_o choose_v another_o place_n to_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a for_o all_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o city_n be_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o prayer_n forsake_v the_o church_n to_o save_v
question_n beside_o that_o it_o can_v serve_v any_o purpose_n of_o piety_n if_o it_o decline_v from_o duty_n in_o any_o instance_n it_o be_v like_o give_v alm_n out_o of_o the_o portion_n of_o orphan_n or_o build_v hospital_n with_o the_o money_n and_o spoil_n of_o sacrilege_n 4._o it_o be_v further_a say_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n if_o determination_n by_o superior_n be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n than_o they_o do_v very_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a determine_v all_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o so_o no_o danger_n may_v be_v leave_v of_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v in_o that_o she_o have_v determine_v so_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n then_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v spare_v all_o his_o direction_n about_o forbearance_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o weak_a brethren_n and_o full_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n and_o so_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o fear_n of_o scandal_n this_o true_o seem_v a_o very_a odd_a way_n of_o argue_v and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o suppose_v nothing_o else_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n or_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o only_o this_o one_o matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o project_n itself_o shall_v it_o take_v will_v prove_v very_o vain_a and_o unsuccessful_a for_o though_o we_o true_o say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o innocent_a and_o so_o give_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o offence_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o upon_o supposition_n our_o church_n have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n she_o possible_o can_v which_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v a_o yoke_n great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n nor_o if_o she_o have_v prescribe_v as_o many_o ceremony_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o scandal_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o the_o course_n st._n paul_n take_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o some_o thing_n upon_o good_a reason_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v shall_v abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v and_o offer_v to_o idol_n which_o decree_n i_o presume_v they_o may_v not_o transgress_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o of_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v take_v offence_n at_o such_o abstinence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o great_a reason_n be_v for_o a_o time_n leave_v at_o liberty_n which_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o those_o the_o apostle_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o though_o afterward_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o that_o reason_n cease_v determination_n be_v make_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o st._n paul_n have_v determine_v the_o dispute_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n one_o way_n they_o who_o have_v follow_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n whatever_o have_v happen_v have_v sure_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o still_o the_o scandal_n have_v not_o be_v prevent_v but_o all_o the_o contrary_a part_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v be_v utter_o estrange_v from_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o that_o case_n for_o governor_n be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n to_o free_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v that_o as_o little_a occasion_n as_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o be_v scandalize_v there_o be_v other_o objection_n offer_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n and_o rutherford_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v follow_v but_o they_o either_o may_v be_v answer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v or_o else_o they_o chief_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o governor_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o act_n uncharitable_o and_o give_v great_a offence_n contrary_a to_o st._n paul_n rule_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o determinate_o to_o impose_v unnecessary_a rite_n by_o which_o they_o know_v many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v scandalize_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o discourse_n of_o though_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v take_v all_o reasonable_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o take_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v foresee_v by_o those_o who_o make_v our_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v any_o reason_n against_o the_o first_o establishment_n nor_o 2._o be_v they_o now_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v it_o reasonable_a to_o alter_v public_a law_n make_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o deliberation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v dislike_v by_o or_o prove_v offensive_a to_o private_a person_n if_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o then_o can_v never_o be_v any_o settle_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n because_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o establishment_n that_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o give_v such_o offence_n they_o who_o now_o take_v offence_n at_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v on_o the_o same_o or_o a_o like_a account_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o whatever_o can_v be_v enjoin_v and_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n will_v be_v good_a against_o any_o establishment_n they_o themselves_o shall_v make_v for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o use_v these_o reason_n against_o their_o own_o establishment_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n other_o will_v take_v up_o their_o weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o what_o serve_v to_o destroy_v the_o present_a church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o overthrow_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n so_o that_o whatever_o alteration_n be_v make_v if_o this_o be_v allow_v for_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o it_o viz._n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o man_n take_v at_o the_o present_a constitution_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v and_o new_a offence_n will_v arise_v and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v continual_a change_n and_o alter_v to_o gratify_v the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v any_o one_o party_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o get_v their_o form_n of_o government_n and_o worship_n establish_v by_o law_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v preach_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n we_o do_v now_o to_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o private_a person_n must_v bend_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o law_n to_o private_a person_n that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v offend_v that_o our_o weakness_n proceed_v from_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v instruction_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o what_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n appoint_v and_o order_v shall_v be_v present_o abrogate_a or_o change_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o man_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v how_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a botht_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v and_o have_v be_v where_o they_o have_v have_v any_o advantage_n and_o what_o little_a consideration_n or_o regard_n they_o have_v have_v of_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o they_o will_v have_v we_o so_o tender_a of_o they_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o precept_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o such_o instance_n though_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o because_o no_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n i_o may_v from_o this_o head_n further_o argue_v that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o parish-church_n upon_o that_o account_n because_o all_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o
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
severe_a against_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v encourage_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o idolatry_n by_o see_v man_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a religion_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o consent_n with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o the_o church_n may_v be_v offend_v too_o by_o see_v her_o member_n have_v so_o little_a a_o regard_n to_o her_o constitution_n and_o the_o plain_a canon_n of_o her_o great_a founder_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o careful_a and_o cautious_a what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o nice_a point_n and_o so_o ought_v we_o always_o to_o be_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o but_o second_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o what_o we_o do_v may_v only_o offend_v some_o these_o different_a party_n may_v have_v different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n some_o may_v think_v it_o lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n other_o may_v scruple_n it_o or_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o sin_n now_o in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o and_o our_o action_n and_o what_o difference_n to_o make_v in_o our_o respect_n to_o man_n and_o the_o apostle_n rule_v in_o this_o text_n will_v be_v a_o safe_a measure_n and_o direction_n to_o we_o especial_o it_o ecumenius_fw-la his_o note_n be_v true_a as_o it_o common_o be_v in_o all_o place_n where_o a_o climax_n or_o gradation_n be_v use_v as_o it_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v in_o this_o place_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v how_o he_o put_v the_o chief_a thing_n last_o and_o make_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o which_o especial_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o concern_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o win_v other_o unto_o the_o faith_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o offend_v and_o grieve_v those_o that_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a than_o this_o be_v so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v plain_o this_o you_o ought_v as_o near_o as_o you_o can_v to_o do_v nothing_o to_o offend_v any_o but_o however_o take_v care_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o church_n you_o ough_o to_o have_v a_o charitable_a respect_n to_o all_o particular_a person_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n and_o never_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o that_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o do_v now_o this_o will_v be_v a_o clear_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a case_n and_o not_o only_o acquit_v conformity_n from_o all_o guilt_n of_o scandal_n but_o cast_v it_o whole_o upon_o separation_n and_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n since_o that_o be_v a_o direct_a give_v offence_n to_o those_o which_o the_o apostle_n chief_o respect_v in_o this_o prohibition_n i._n e._n the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o stay_v not_o now_o to_o give_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o contend_a party_n understand_v that_o competent_o well_o nor_o to_o prove_v the_o present_a national_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v just_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o god_n be_v thank_v be_v full_o do_v against_o both_o the_o opposite_a faction_n against_o she_o those_o that_o call_v she_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a on_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o that_o reproach_n she_o as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a on_o the_o other_o be_v her_o present_a constitution_n to_o be_v try_v by_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a practice_n her_o faith_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o of_o the_o first_o century_n and_o four_o most_o true_o general-council_n or_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n her_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o we_o can_v collect_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o pure_a time_n or_o be_v she_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o judgement_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o able_a and_o learned_a of_o protestant_n divine_v abroad_o since_o the_o reformation_n she_o will_v not_o only_o be_v justify_v but_o commend_v not_o only_o pass_v for_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o the_o most_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n the_o most_o true_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o i_o wave_v all_o this_o and_o proceed_v to_o apply_v this_o advice_n and_o rule_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o our_o own_o case_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n with_o respect_n to_o scandal_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o by_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v reform_v itself_o from_o those_o corruption_n that_o have_v sully_v the_o truth_n and_o beauty_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n not_o by_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o popular_a faction_n which_o too_o much_o influence_v some_o foreign_a reformation_n but_o upon_o grave_n and_o sober_a advice_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o lawful_a civil_a power_n digest_v her_o doctrinal_n into_o such_o a_o number_n of_o article_n as_o she_o judge_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o council_n establish_v such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o upon_o most_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o search_n she_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a and_o primitive_a age_n and_o retain_v only_o such_o rite_n and_o usage_n as_o she_o find_v most_o ancient_a and_o free_a from_o any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n and_o abuse_n all_o these_o thus_o constitute_v and_o frame_v she_o impose_v as_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n and_o require_v conformity_n unto_o of_o all_o her_o member_n she_o will_v be_v grievous_o offend_v if_o any_o of_o her_o child_n reject_v and_o comply_v not_o with_o this_o constitution_n as_o know_v her_o knowledge_n and_o integirty_a question_v her_o authority_n despise_v and_o that_o power_n that_o have_v confirm_v all_o this_o contemn_v by_o so_o do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v some_o particular_a man_n some_o heretic_n some_o schismatic_n some_o either_o design_v or_o less_o instruct_v person_n that_o declare_v themselves_o offend_v by_o conform_v to_o this_o constitution_n the_o question_n now_o be_v how_o we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o and_o which_o of_o these_o consideration_n we_o will_v permit_v to_o sway_v we_o whether_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n and_o just_a authority_n and_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n thereto_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o conform_v or_o whether_o respect_n to_o some_o private_a person_n and_o fear_v of_o offend_v and_o anger_v they_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o all_o care_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o determine_v we_o when_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o i_o will_v desire_v nothing_o plain_a than_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o text_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o person_n we_o ought_v chief_o to_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n unto_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o some_o private_a person_n and_o the_o church_n come_v in_o competition_n and_o we_o must_v needs_o offend_v some_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n than_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o true_o give_v they_o offence_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o be_v it_o so_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attend_v so_o to_o that_o consideration_n as_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n and_o care_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o rule_n so_o very_o reasonable_a at_o the_o very_a hear_n of_o and_o so_o fair_a upon_o its_o own_o reason_n that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v real_o worth_a while_n to_o go_v to_o add_v any_o strength_n to_o it_o we_o may_v venture_v it_o to_o its_o own_o strength_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o may_v challenge_v any_o one_o to_o assault_v or_o undertake_v it_o yet_o however_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o add_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v make_v it_o something_o more_o popular_o plain_a and_o convince_a 1._o and_o first_o i_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o fair_o consider_v whether_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v at_o least_o as_o fair_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o any_o private_a person_n of_o what_o character_n or_o denomination_n soever_o i_o do_v not_o see_v upon_o what_o reason_n any_o person_n can_v deny_v this_o to_o i_o especial_o in_o a_o case_n where_o we_o
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
which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v so_o indeed_o particular_a person_n and_o party_n of_o man_n may_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v notorious_a often_o do_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o so_o like_a to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o and_o be_v offend_v public_o with_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n to_o which_o we_o may_v cast_v in_o this_o consideration_n to_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o other_o every_o offence_n to_o a_o single_a private_a person_n or_o person_n be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o no_o man_n can_v offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o he_o sin_v grievous_o and_o be_v direct_o guilty_a of_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v have_v consider_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a and_o uninstruct_v person_n by_o conformity_n to_o our_o church_n and_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v causeless_a and_o whole_o without_o any_o just_a reason_n conformity_n be_v neither_o a_o sin_n nor_o causal_n of_o any_o nor_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n tie_v on_o we_o by_o the_o command_v and_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v do_v whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o other_o that_o no_o snare_n or_o possibility_n of_o offence_n to_o some_o man_n by_o it_o ought_v to_o supersede_n our_o care_n or_o can_v atone_v the_o sin_n of_o neglect_v of_o it_o that_o we_o can_v forbear_v it_o now_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v other_o without_o grievous_o offend_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o conscience_n 3._o that_o our_o refuse_v to_o conform_v will_v great_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o do_v so_o not_o only_o our_o own_o national_a church_n of_o england_n but_o even_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o too_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o some_o declaration_n of_o the_o great_a man_n among_o they_o of_o late_a who_o can_v but_o grieve_v to_o see_v their_o great_a bulwark_n and_o the_o whole_a reformation_n so_o batter_v and_o weaken_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o such_o great_a advantage_n thereby_o give_v to_o the_o great_a enemy_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o preponderate_v all_o the_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fancy_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o private_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n by_o it_o and_o last_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o speedy_a conscientious_a care_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o our_o causeless_a separation_n and_o division_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o no_o long_o go_v on_o mad_o to_o contrive_v our_o own_o ruin_n in_o pull_v down_o those_o wall_n and_o make_v those_o breach_n in_o our_o church_n bank_n at_o which_o the_o enemy_n may_v and_z without_o god_n immediate_a interposition_n will_v sudden_o break_v in_o as_o a_o mighty_a resistless_a torrent_n that_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o doctrine_n be_v orthodox_n and_o government_n apostolical_a and_o who_o term_n of_o communion_n none_o of_o we_o dare_v term_n sinful_a in_o which_o we_o may_v acceptable_o serve_v our_o god_n and_o happy_o save_v our_o own_o soul_n live_v happy_o and_o die_v comfortable_o and_o pass_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n triumphant_a above_o which_o sing_v incessant_a hallelujah_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o let_v we_o also_o give_v all_o possible_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_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 â—he_n 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 etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._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 a_o collection_n of_o case_n and_o other_z discourse_n late_o write_v to_o recover_v dissenter_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o some_o divine_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o second_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n tooke_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_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_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o
full_a of_o comfort_n as_o more_o large_o be_v express_v in_o the_o homily_n of_o justification_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o supererogation_n this_o be_v confute_v article_n 14._o voluntary_a work_n beside_o over_o and_o above_o god_n commandment_n which_o they_o call_v work_n of_o supererogation_n can_v be_v teach_v without_o arrogance_n and_o impiety_n for_o by_o they_o man_n do_v declare_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o render_v unto_o god_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v but_o that_o they_o do_v more_o for_o his_o sake_n than_o of_o bind_a duty_n be_v require_v whereas_o christ_n say_v plain_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v to_o you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n as_o to_o make_v simple_a fornication_n a_o mere_a venial_a sin_n our_o church_n will_v endure_v no_o such_o doctrine_n for_o as_o in_o the_o litany_n she_o call_v fornication_n express_o a_o deadly_a sin_n so_o have_v it_o ever_o be_v account_v in_o our_o church_n one_o of_o the_o most_o deadly_a even_o consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o adultery_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o communion_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o uncharitableness_n like_o it_o and_o never_o pronounce_v so_o sad_a a_o sentence_n against_o those_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o great_a a_o detestation_n as_o she_o express_v in_o the_o homily_n especial_o of_o her_o idolatrous_a and_o wicked_a principle_n and_o practice_n she_o be_v satisfy_v to_o condemn_v the_o gross_a corruption_n of_o that_o apostate_n church_n and_o leave_v her_o member_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n nor_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o vnchurch_n she_o and_o as_o to_o the_o remain_v most_o immoral_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o be_v all_o as_o contrary_a to_o natural_a as_o to_o reveal_v religion_n the_o great_a enemy_n our_o church_n have_v can_v sure_o have_v the_o forehead_n to_o charge_v she_o with_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o any_o such_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o christendom_n that_o more_o severe_o condemn_v all_o instance_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o immorality_n three_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n whereas_o our_o liturgy_n have_v be_v by_o many_o condemn_a as_o great_o resemble_v the_o mass-book_n all_o that_o have_v compare_v they_o do_v know_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o both_z as_o to_o matter_n and_o form_n although_o some_o few_o of_o the_o same_o prayer_n be_v find_v in_o both_o and_o three_o or_o four_o of_o the_o same_o rite_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o to_o show_v this_o throughout_o in_o the_o particular_n will_v be_v a_o very_a long_a and_o tedious_a task_n i_o will_v therefore_o single_a out_o the_o order_n of_o administration_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o roman_a ritual_a and_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o by_o this_o take_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o likeness_n between_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o mass-book_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o great_a agreement_n between_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o the_o other_o office_n of_o each_o than_o be_v between_o these_o two_o except_v that_o beside_o the_o lord_n prayer_n there_o be_v no_o prayer_n belong_v to_o the_o popish_a office_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o reader_n who_o understand_v no_o more_o of_o the_o language_n that_o the_o popish_a prayer_n and_o office_n be_v express_v in_o than_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o they_o take_v the_o follow_a account_n of_o the_o popish_a admonistration_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o our_o own_o tongue_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o long_a beadroll_z of_o preparatory_a prescription_n the_o priest_n be_v dress_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o purple_a robe_n call_v the_o infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a by_o his_o name_n and_o say_v what_o ask_v thou_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o godfather_n answer_v faith_n the_o priest_n say_v again_o what_o shall_v thou_o get_v by_o faith_n the_o godfather_n reply_v eternal_a life_n then_o add_v the_o priest_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o next_o the_o priest_n blow_v three_o gentle_a puff_n upon_o the_o infant_n face_n and_o say_v as_o if_o we_o come_v all_o into_o the_o world_n possess_v by_o the_o devil_n go_v out_o of_o he_o o_o unclean_a spirit_n and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n then_o with_o his_o thumb_n he_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o the_o infant_n forehead_n and_o breast_n say_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n both_o in_o thy_o forehead_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n take_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o heavenly_a precept_n and_o be_v thy_o manner_n such_o as_o that_o thou_o may_v now_o become_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n after_o this_o follow_v a_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v always_o protect_v this_o his_o elect_a one_o call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n that_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o a_o long_a prayer_n the_o priest_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n head_n come_v the_o benediction_n of_o salt_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o form_n i_o exorcise_v or_o conjure_v thee_o o_o creature_n of_o salt_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n ✚_o and_o in_o the_o love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n ✚_o and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ✚_o i_o conjure_v thou_o by_o the_o live_a god_n ✚_o by_o the_o true_a god_n ✚_o by_o the_o holy_a god_n ✚_o by_o the_o god_n ✚_o which_z create_v thou_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o mankind_n and_o have_v ordain_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v consecrate_v by_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o the_o faith_n that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n thou_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o wholesome_a sacrament_n for_o the_o drive_v away_o of_o the_o enemy_n moreover_o we_o pray_v thou_o o_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o in_o sanctify_v thou_o will_v sanctify_v ✚_o this_o creature_n of_o salt_n and_o in_o blessing_n thou_o will_v bless_v it_o ✚_o that_o it_o may_v be_v to_o all_o that_o receive_v it_o a_o perfect_a medicine_n remain_v in_o their_o bowel_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o be_v about_o to_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n amen_n this_o idle_a and_o profane_a form_n be_v recite_v the_o priest_n proceed_v in_o his_o work_n with_o the_o poor_a infant_n and_o next_o put_v a_o little_a of_o this_o holy_a salt_n into_o his_o mouth_n he_o call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n and_o say_v take_v thou_o the_o salt_n of_o wisdom_n and_o add_v most_o impious_o be_v it_o thy_o propitiation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n amen_n this_o end_v with_o the_o pax_n tecum_fw-la god_n almighty_n be_v next_o mock_v with_o a_o prayer_n that_o this_o infant_n who_o have_v taste_v this_o first_o food_n of_o salt_n may_v not_o be_v suffer_v any_o more_o to_o hunger_n but_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o celestial_a food_n etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v another_o exorcise_a of_o the_o devil_n wherein_o he_o be_v conjure_v as_o before_o and_o most_o woeful_o becal_v and_o next_o the_o priest_n sign_n the_o infant_n again_o with_o his_o thumb_n on_o the_o forehead_n say_v and_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n ✚_o which_o we_o give_v to_o his_o forehead_n thou_o curse_a devil_n never_o dare_v thou_o to_o violate_v by_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o tedious_a expectation_n we_o see_v some_o sign_n of_o baptism_n approach_v for_o the_o priest_n put_v his_o hand_n again_o on_o the_o infant_n head_n and_o put_v up_o a_o very_a good_a prayer_n for_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o baptism_n the_o prayer_n be_v end_v he_o put_v part_n of_o his_o robe_n upon_o the_o infant_n and_o bring_v he_o within_o the_o church_n for_o he_o have_v be_v without_o all_o this_o while_n say_v call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o thou_o may_v partake_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a life_n amen_n then_o follow_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o the_o pater_fw-la noster_fw-la but_o after_o all_o this_o here_o be_v more_o exercise_n for_o our_o patience_n for_o the_o priest_n fall_v to_o his_o fool_n
subscription_n that_o be_v require_v to_o the_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o our_o church_n give_v all_o man_n liberty_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o not_o exercise_v authority_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v over_o our_o faith_n for_o she_o require_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v those_o article_n but_o at_o worst_o only_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o require_v subscription_n to_o they_o as_o a_o test_n whereby_o to_o judge_v who_o do_v so_o believe_v they_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o long_a beadroll_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v only_o the_o stamp_n of_o her_o authority_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o too_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v they_o with_o the_o same_o divine_a faith_n that_o we_o do_v the_o indisputable_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o a_o proof_n hereof_o the_o reader_n may_v consult_v the_o bull_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o four_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n herein_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o swear_v by_o all_o dignitary_n prebendary_n and_o such_o as_o have_v benefice_n with_o cure_n military_a officer_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o form_n follow_v in._n do_v believe_v with_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o do_v profess_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a roman_a church_n viz._n i_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a and_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n i_o most_o firm_o admit_v and_o embrace_v the_o apostolical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n and_o the_o other_o observance_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o say_a church_n also_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v etc._n etc._n i_o profess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a law_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n although_o all_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o every_o individual_a person_n etc._n etc._n i_o also_o admit_v and_o receive_v the_o receive_v and_o approve_a rite_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o all_o the_o foresay_a sacrament_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o taste_n i_o embrace_v and_o receive_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o define_v concern_v original_a sin_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o holy_a synod_n of_o trent_n i_o likewise_o profess_v that_o in_o the_o mass_n a_o true_a proper_a and_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o real_o and_o substantial_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a eucharist_n etc._n etc._n i_o also_o confess_v that_o whole_a and_o entire_a christ_n and_o the_o true_a sacrament_n be_v receive_v under_o one_o of_o the_o kind_n only_o i_o constant_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n there_o detain_v be_v relieve_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o saint_n reign_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o invoke_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o their_o relic_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v i_o most_o firm_o assert_v that_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n always_o a_o virgin_n and_o of_o the_o other_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o keep_v and_o that_o due_a honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o i_o affirm_v also_o that_o the_o power_n of_o indulgence_n be_v leave_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v very_o salutiferous_a to_o christian_a people_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a roman_a church_n the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o i_o profess_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ_n also_o all_o the_o other_o thing_n deliver_v decree_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o especial_o by_o the_o holy_a synod_n of_o trent_n i_o undoubted_o receive_v and_o profess_v as_o also_o all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o all_o heresy_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v by_o the_o church_n i_o in_o like_a manner_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v this_o true_a catholic_n faith_n viz._n all_o this_o stuff_n of_o their_o own_o together_o with_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v which_o at_o this_o present_a i_o true_o profess_v and_o sincere_o hold_v i_o will_v god_n assist_v i_o most_o constant_o retain_v and_o confess_v entire_a and_o inviolate_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v will_v take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v hold_v teach_v and_o declare_v by_o those_o that_o be_v under_o i_o or_o the_o care_n of_o who_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o i_o i_o the_o same_o n._n do_v profess_v vow_v and_o swear_v so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a gospel_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o read_v this_o can_v forbear_v pronounce_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o most_o glorious_a reformation_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o motive_n our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n thereof_o which_o consist_v in_o its_o be_v whole_o adapt_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o man_n life_n and_o renew_v their_o nature_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o have_v reveal_v god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o moses_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o these_o person_n deliver_v such_o doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o such_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n our_o church_n place_v it_o not_o in_o she_o own_o testimony_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o much_o less_o that_o of_o rome_n but_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o universal_a tradition_n take_v in_o that_o of_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n second_o we_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a or_o make_v so_o by_o a_o divine_a precept_n none_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v ever_o imagine_v not_o to_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n agreement_n with_o she_o in_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a or_o make_v so_o by_o a_o divine_a prohibition_n none_o of_o we_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o all_o modesty_n as_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inexcusable_a sin_n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o to_o agree_v with_o this_o apostate_n church_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o just_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o a_o church_n agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v sinful_a i_o can_v think_v that_o any_o of_o the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n and_o i_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o argue_v with_o any_o but_o such_o will_v thence_o infer_v that_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v be_v otherwise_o warrantable_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v
that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n be_v according_a to_o his_o definition_n the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a but_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o the_o israelite_n of_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanite_n in_o those_o word_n leu._n 18._o 2._o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n this_o place_n divers_a of_o the_o defender_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o i_o choose_v to_o forbear_v the_o name_v of_o any_o who_o arguing_n i_o purpose_v to_o inquire_v into_o because_o i_o will_v prevent_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o least_o suspicion_n in_o the_o reader_n that_o i_o design_n in_o this_o performance_n to_o expose_v any_o man_n weakness_n in_o particular_a or_o that_o i_o be_o therein_o act_v by_o any_o personal_a pique_n now_o then_o as_o to_o the_o text_n now_o cite_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o argue_v without_o mighty_a caution_n from_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n so_o as_o to_o infer_v the_o obligation_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v under_o a_o dispensation_n so_o different_a from_o they_o and_o in_o circumstance_n so_o vast_o differ_v from_o those_o they_o be_v in_o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o all_o consider_a person_n must_v needs_o be_v aware_a of_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v limit_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o israelite_n may_v have_v no_o usage_n whatsoever_o in_o common_a with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanite_n and_o therefore_o in_o as_o general_a term_n as_o the_o prohibition_n run_v our_o brethren_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o restriction_n therein_o intend_v it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o unlikeness_n to_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v never_o to_o company_n with_o wicked_a man_n they_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n of_o they_o they_o then_o must_v needs_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n after_o their_o do_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v what_o way_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o confine_v the_o restriction_n to_o those_o particular_n prohibit_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o i_o need_v not_o show_v that_o the_o particular_n forbid_v in_o all_o these_o viz._n from_o v._n 5_o to_o the_o 24_o be_v not_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o thus_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n in_o the_o 24_o v._o in_o these_o word_n defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o but_o those_o that_o allege_v this_o text_n to_o the_o foresay_a purpose_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a proposition_n be_v thus_o limit_v by_o the_o context_n as_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o necessary_o must_v because_o say_v they_o we_o find_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n in_o other_o place_n to_o imitate_v heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o second_o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14._o 1._o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o kickshaw_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n much_o disbecoming_a the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n insist_v upon_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v leu._n 19_o 19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle-gender_n with_o a_o divers_a kind_n thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o now_o these_o three_o it_o be_v say_v be_v thing_n of_o so_o indifferent_a a_o nature_n that_o none_o can_v be_v more_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v ready_o grant_v but_o where_o be_v it_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v forbid_v because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o maimonides_n indeed_o as_o i_o learn_v from_o grotius_n say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n use_v these_o mixture_n of_o seed_n and_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a in_o many_o of_o their_o magical_a exploit_n but_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n i_o have_v find_v no_o other_o text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v mere_a indifferent_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v forbid_v the_o israelite_n only_o in_o regard_n of_o heathen_n use_v they_o which_o make_v more_o for_o this_o purpose_n than_o these_o two_o do_v nor_o hardly_o another_o that_o make_v so_o much_o but_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o concern_v ourselves_o now_o with_o they_o because_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o great_a number_n of_o instance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v those_o people_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanites_n use_v they_o yet_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o prove_v our_o church_n symbolise_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n why_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v not_o symbolize_v with_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o symbolize_v in_o such_o with_o those_o heathen_n for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v too_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o unlikeness_n between_o those_o people_n and_o these_o in_o their_o usage_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o strange_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o their_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o distance_n be_v make_v wide_o as_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v acknowledge_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o pagan_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o
from_o thence_o on_o supposition_n you_o can_v make_v good_a proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a your_o design_n in_o all_o this_o talk_n be_v to_o justify_v if_o not_o a_o total_a yet_o a_o partial_a separation_n you_o do_v indeed_o to_o conceal_v nothing_o of_o your_o candour_n after_o all_o acknowledge_v 7._o acknowledge_v acknowledge_v acknowledge_v p._n 7._o that_o you_o be_v very_o far_o from_o think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o multitude_n of_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o our_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la that_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o excuse_v separation_n from_o their_o church_n nay_o you_o say_v 9_o say_v say_v say_v p._n 9_o that_o hundred_o of_o the_o speak_a church_n be_v as_o we_o believe_v as_o far_o from_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o mean_v in_o doctrine_n as_o the_o article_n and_o that_o in_o this_o thing_n a_o separation_n from_o the_o silent_a as_o well_o as_o this_o part_n of_o the_o speak_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v high_o sinful_a and_o in_o thus_o declare_v you_o condemn_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v orthodox_n divine_n and_o those_o which_o you_o account_v heterodox_n be_v much_o alike_o boggle_v at_o but_o i_o fear_v when_o all_o be_v do_v you_o condemn_v only_a separation_n in_o heart_n from_o these_o orthodox_n man_n your_o undertake_n in_o your_o 8_o page_n make_v i_o fear_v this_o viz._n that_o all_o the_o valuable_a person_n in_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a congregation_n shall_v give_v any_o reasonable_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o heart_n divide_v from_o a_o single_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o speak_v in_o matter_n concern_v doctrine_n as_o our_o church_n do_v in_o her_o article_n but_o if_o you_o think_v that_o all_o the_o communion_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o these_o divines_n be_v only_o that_o of_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v think_v they_o orthodox_n and_o love_v they_o as_o such_o but_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o nay_o and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v they_o we_o thank_v you_o for_o nothing_o this_o be_v such_o church_n communion_n as_o will_v well_o consist_v with_o rend_v and_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n but_o i_o pray_v do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o this_o while_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o we_o take_v to_o be_v in_o some_o point_v heterodox_n nay_o upon_o supposition_n that_o your_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la do_v as_o general_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n do_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o grant_v that_o separation_n from_o their_o congregation_n be_v lawful_a except_o there_o be_v a_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o heterodox_n opinion_n till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v of_o the_o jew_n separation_n from_o the_o pharisee_n which_o you_o never_o can_v but_o the_o contrary_n who_o can_v show_v he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n indeed_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o so_o be_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o such_o heterodox_n teacher_n but_o not_o so_o to_o beware_v of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o come_v within_o their_o church_n for_o that_o that_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o interpret_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o his_o own_o practice_n who_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o separatist_n from_o the_o jewish_a temple_n or_o synagogue_n and_o by_o what_o he_o say_v mat._n 23._o 2_o 3._o in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o your_o 9th_o page_n you_o return_v to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o our_o author_n and_o first_o you_o reflect_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o his_o book_n p._n 24._o but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o obvious_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o if_o our_o author_n stop_v here_o but_o he_o thus_o proceed_v and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o our_o author_n word_n that_o he_o have_v wonder_v how_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o church_n may_v lawful_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o whereas_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n direct_o be_v notwithstanding_o forbid_v thereby_o consequential_o he_o have_v admire_v how_o the_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v speak_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n consequential_o and_o then_o he_o immediate_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o of_o those_o law_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o prohibit_v their_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanites_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o nonconformist_n to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a to_o imitate_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a nature_n and_o that_o that_o circumstance_n of_o their_o be_v practise_v by_o that_o church_n make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o become_v sinful_a and_o endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o this_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v gather_v from_o these_o law_n and_o how_o i_o pray_v be_v this_o a_o obvious_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o warrant_n for_o separatian_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n which_o our_o author_n handle_v but_o you_o next_o make_v a_o question_n for_o he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v this_o 10._o this_o this_o this_o p._n 10._o whether_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v still_o indifferent_a as_o to_o christian_n use_n in_o god_n worship_n when_o it_o have_v be_v once_o use_v in_o idolatrous_a service_n if_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o natural_o necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a act_n nor_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o nor_o such_o without_o which_o it_o can_v in_o common_a judgement_n be_v decent_o perform_v but_o our_o author_n much_o more_o wonder_n how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n than_o how_o that_o of_o his_o own_o propound_v shall_v for_o first_o there_o be_v three_o apparent_a contradiction_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v concern_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o natural_o necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a act._n it_o be_v so_o too_o to_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o vnsuitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n again_o to_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o such_o as_o without_o which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v in_o common_a judgement_n be_v decent_o perform_v for_o you_o must_v mean_v by_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v so_o in_o divine_a worship_n for_o otherwise_o you_o trifle_v egregious_o in_o put_v this_o question_n or_o make_v your_o nonconformist_n so_o to_o do_v for_o who_o you_o put_v it_o but_o you_o abuse_v they_o if_o you_o do_v so_o for_o that_o which_o divers_a of_o they_o do_v
danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v better_a whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o very_a many_o place_n this_o great_a and_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o quite_o forget_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n even_o lose_v among_o christian_n so_o that_o many_o congregation_n in_o england_n may_v just_o have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o woman_n at_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n they_o have_v take_v away_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o but_o sure_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v nor_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v when_o they_o do_v so_o earnest_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v great_a but_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v upon_o this_o consideration_n be_v deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o habitual_a indisposition_n and_o unworthiness_n st._n paul_n indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o true_o represent_v and_o very_o much_o aggravate_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o do_v not_o deter_v the_o corinthian_n from_o it_o because_o they_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o it_o without_o due_a reverence_n but_o exhort_v they_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o and_o to_o come_v better_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o after_o that_o terrible_a declaration_n in_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o add_v therefore_o let_v christian_n take_v heed_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o let_v they_o come_v prepare_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n not_o as_o to_o a_o common_a meal_n but_o to_o a_o solemn_a participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o fear_v of_o perform_v so_o sacred_a a_o action_n in_o a_o undue_a manner_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v over_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n of_o prayer_n of_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a danger_n in_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unprofitable_a use_n of_o any_o of_o these_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o same_o caution_n concern_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reform_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o damnable_a to_o such_o person_n but_o now_o will_v any_o man_n from_o hence_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n not_o to_o pray_v not_o to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v endanger_v and_o aggravate_v his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n from_o this_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o give_v over_o pray_v and_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n as_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a that_o he_o that_o pray_v unworthy_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o by_o his_o indevout_a prayer_n and_o unfruitful_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n do_v further_a and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a as_o that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o high_a contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a perform_v this_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o he_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n he_o that_o unworthy_o use_v or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n but_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n plunge_v himself_o into_o a_o most_o desperate_a state_n and_o do_v certain_o damn_v himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n throw_v off_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o better_a state_n i_o can_v more_o fit_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n than_o by_o this_o plain_a similitude_n he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v intemperate_o endanger_v his_o health_n and_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n will_v not_o eat_v at_o all_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o will_v certain_o become_v of_o he_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n there_o be_v some_o conscientious_a person_n who_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v commit_v afterward_o be_v unpardonable_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v man_n except_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v those_o great_a miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o work_v and_o which_o he_o real_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n indeed_o to_o sin_n deliberate_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o such_o as_o to_o make_v it_o unpardonable_a but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v these_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o constant_a receive_n of_o it_o with_o the_o best_a preparation_n we_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o obtain_v the_o assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n for_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a and_o affect_a manner_n exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o so_o frequent_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v never_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n undoubted_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v that_o such_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n shall_v because_v of_o their_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o our_o lord_n institution_n unavoidable_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n such_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n as_o these_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a meaning_n but_o they_o be_v certain_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n for_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o these_o scruple_n no_o man_n perhaps_o be_v ever_o so_o worthy_o prepare_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v still_o some_o defect_n or_o other_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o preparation_n but_o if_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v this_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v and_o for_o our_o fear_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n be_v not_o prevent_v by_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n but_o increase_v because_o a_o powerful_a and_o probable_a mean_n of_o preserve_a man_n from_o sin_n be_v neglect_v and_o why_o shall_v
not_o every_o sincere_a christian_a by_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o god_n rather_o hope_v to_o be_v confirm_v in_o goodness_n and_o to_o receive_v far_a assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o strengthen_v he_o against_o sin_n and_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o subdue_v it_o than_o trouble_n himself_o with_o fear_n which_o be_v either_o without_o ground_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n we_o can_v sure_o entertain_v so_o unworthy_a a_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o do_v institute_v the_o sacrament_n not_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o as_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n this_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n into_o a_o cup_n of_o deadly_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n all_o then_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v that_o upon_o this_o consideration_n man_n shall_v be_v quicken_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fortify_v their_o resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o solemn_o renew_v every_o time_n they_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n but_o not_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n which_o may_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o good_a therefore_o as_o a_o learned_a divine_a say_v very_o well_o this_o sacrament_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o none_o but_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o but_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v engage_v to_o use_v their_o best_a diligence_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n since_o they_o be_v already_o in_o so_o bad_a a_o state_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n concern_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2._o second_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o that_o so_o much_o obj._n 2_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o clear_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o refrain_v from_o it_o second_o that_o a_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o immediate_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o preparation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o hope_v this_o objection_n be_v full_o answer_v 1._o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o than_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o receive_v it_o for_o who_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a and_o in_o all_o degree_n and_o respect_n due_o qualify_v to_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n who_o can_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_o fit_a to_o approach_v god_n altar_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o best_a man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o every_o imperfection_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o enter_v into_o by_o baptism_n and_o be_v go_v solemn_o to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n we_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o main_a qualify_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v more_o fit_a be_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n frequent_o that_o by_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o god_n appoint_v by_o this_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v nourish_v in_o goodness_n and_o new_a strength_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v continual_o derive_v to_o we_o for_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o more_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n and_o if_o we_o will_v neglect_v the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistence_n we_o may_v tire_v ourselves_o with_o our_o devotion_n and_o fill_v heaven_n with_o vain_a complaint_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o this_o importunity_n obtain_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n like_o lazy_a beggar_n that_o be_v always_o complain_v and_o always_o ask_v but_o will_v not_o work_v will_v do_v nothing_o to_o help_v themselves_o and_o better_o their_o condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o like_a to_o move_v the_o pity_n and_o compassion_n of_o other_o if_o we_o expect_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o careful_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n that_o excellent_a degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o man_n will_v have_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o insist_v upon_o have_v the_o end_n before_o they_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o may_v further_o they_o in_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o do_v it_o by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o one_o fault_n may_v draw_v on_o another_o but_o can_v never_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a fault_n that_o we_o be_v whole_o unprepared_a and_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o fault_n or_o plead_v it_o in_o excuse_n or_o extenuation_n of_o it_o a_o total_a want_n of_o preparation_n and_o a_o absolute_a unworthiness_n be_v impenitency_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n a_o resolution_n to_o continue_v a_o bad_a man_n not_o to_o quit_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o break_v off_o that_o wicked_a course_n he_o have_v live_v in_o but_o be_v this_o any_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o will_v not_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o with_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o a_o father_n command_v his_o son_n to_o ask_v he_o blessing_n every_o day_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v it_o he_o but_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v undutiful_a to_o he_o in_o his_o other_o action_n and_o life_n in_o open_a disobedience_n forbid_v he_o to_o come_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o excuse_v himself_o from_o ask_v his_o father_n blessing_n because_o he_o be_v undutiful_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o this_o be_v just_a the_o case_n of_o neglect_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v and_o the_o blessing_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n because_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o
this_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v only_o respect_v sit_v as_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o that_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o these_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n in_o a_o private_a house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n 20._o supper_n supper_n supper_n mat._n 26._o 20._o in_o the_o company_n of_o 11_o or_o 12_o at_o most_o 14._o mar._n 14._o 17._o luke_n 22._o 14._o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o as_o there_o do_v to_o sit._n so_o that_o this_o argument_n violent_o recoil_v upon_o those_o that_o urge_v it_o and_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o it_o conclude_v strong_o against_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o liberty_n they_o take_v in_o omit_v some_o thing_n and_o press_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o other_o upon_o a_o reason_n which_o equal_o oblige_v to_o all_o but_o i_o desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o may_v be_v answ_n two_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o these_o scotchman_n to_o take_v this_o further_a consideration_n along_o with_o they_o which_o i_o think_v will_v turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o tender_a conscience_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o observe_v most_o of_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o they_o omit_v rather_o than_o this_o of_o sit_v which_o they_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o contend_v for_o all_o those_o forementioned_a circumstance_n except_o the_o two_o last_o which_o too_o be_v general_o allow_v among_o learned_a man_n on_o all_o side_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v without_o dispute_n observe_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o he_o at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a and_o dubious_a as_o i_o shall_v evince_v by_o and_o by_o under_o the_o second_o query_n how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o where_o express_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v he_o real_o do_v why_o that_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o dubious_a shall_v be_v make_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o and_o evident_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n shall_v have_v no_o force_n nor_o be_v esteem_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o these_o be_v question_n i_o confess_v beyond_o my_o capacity_n and_o surpass_v my_o skill_n to_o resolve_v it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n that_o answ_n iii_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v this_o do_v respect_n only_o the_o verse_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 27_o 28._o verse_n bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o other_o action_n there_o specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a after_o all_o as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v and_o then_o i_o leave_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n how_o they_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v before_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o will_v ever_o answer_v to_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n their_o live_n and_o die_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o express_a command_n of_o his_o give_v a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o mere_o because_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o authority_n be_v cross_v to_o their_o private_a will_n and_o fancy_n but_o not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o serious_a and_o sincere-hearted_n person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o not_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o law_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n use_v that_o gesture_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o provide_v we_o will_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o either_o sit_v or_o stand_v that_o be_v any_o way_n but_o that_o which_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o conduct_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a which_o be_v not_o where_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o limit_v by_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v without_o sin_n become_v sinful_a to_o we_o when_o impose_v by_o humane_a authority_n it_o be_v remote_a from_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o false_a a_o principle_n this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o tenent_n to_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o who_o hold_v and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v receive_v kneel_v which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v safe_o do_v plain_o own_o that_o as_o to_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o principle_n this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n it_o can_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v as_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v if_o
will_v not_o wash_v out_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v trample_v upon_o and_o vilify_a of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o save_v we_o blindly_n therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o run_v into_o error_n and_o mischief_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o safe_o seek_v out_o for_o a_o plain_a rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o either_o way_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o a_o bare_a example_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o sit_v be_v somewhat_o ware_a of_o this_o namely_o that_o his_o example_n and_o those_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o lie_v down_o this_o 339._o gillesp_n against_o cer._n p._n 339._o for_o their_o maxim_n and_o guide_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n without_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n to_o bring_v their_o own_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o our_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o special_a reason_n draw_v from_o that_o time_n and_o place_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o which_o that_o gesture_n be_v peculiar_a how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v use_v another_o gesture_n if_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v institute_v apart_o from_o the_o passover_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o jew_n eat_v the_o passover_n after_o one_o fashion_n in_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o cease_v give_v occasion_n to_o alter_v it_o in_o canaan_n and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n comply_v with_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o that_o his_o example_n if_o he_o do_v sit_v be_v only_o temporary_a and_o not_o design_v for_o a_o stand_a law_n perpetual_o oblige_v to_o a_o like_a practice_n if_o christ_n act_v upon_o special_a reason_n than_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v they_o produce_v the_o reason_n if_o they_o can_v which_o make_v this_o example_n of_o christ_n of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a use_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o follow_v it_o when_o ever_o they_o do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v expose_v their_o own_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v build_v so_o much_o upon_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a ceremo_n gillesp_n 338._o disp_n against_o ceremo_n man_n in_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n and_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o a_o christian_n duty_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n flow_v pure_o from_o example_n record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o talk_v of_o christ_n example_n apart_o from_o all_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o to_o make_v that_o alone_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o while_n the_o world_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o example_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o man_n like_v unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v he_o be_v bear_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o natural_a law_n as_o a_o jew_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n as_o the_o messiah_n send_v of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o compass_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o he_o have_v free_o undertake_v he_o still_o act_v by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o be_v under_o the_o gospel-law_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o exemplify_v to_o we_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o deliver_v that_o which_o make_v that_o bitter_a and_o deadly_a cup_n which_o end_v his_o day_n relish_v with_o he_o be_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cup_n give_v he_o by_o 11._o john_n 18._o 11._o his_o father_n and_o the_o drink_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o soul_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n that_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n that_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o he_o frequent_o profess_v 15._o joh._n 17._o 4._o v._n mat._n 11._o 27._o luke_n 2._o 49._o joh._n 4._o 34._o joh._n 5._o 30._o 8_o c._n 28_o 29._o joh._n 10._o 25._o joh._n 14._o 24_o 31._o joh._n 15._o 10_o 15._o in_o his_o life-time_n that_o he_o do_v as_o his_o father_n give_v he_o commandment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o great_a business_n and_o delight_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o many_o such_o expression_n he_o use_v which_o may_v be_v consult_v at_o leisure_n if_o therefore_o we_o only_o look_v to_o his_o example_n without_o consider_v the_o various_a capacity_n and_o relation_n he_o bear_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o we_o and_o the_o several_a law_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v bind_v which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n we_o shall_v miserable_o mistake_v our_o way_n and_o bewilder_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v act_n like_o fool_n when_o we_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v pursuant_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n if_o we_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o he_o do_v for_o he_o fulfil_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o he_o come_v to_o abolish_v we_o shall_v thereby_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v if_o his_o example_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n i_o have_v stay_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o head_n because_o so_o ill_a a_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture-example_n and_o to_o show_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o may_v safe_o steer_v by_o they_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o one_o doctrine_n so_o teem_a and_o big_a with_o error_n so_o fatal_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o private_a person_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o public_a society_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o that_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o learn_v and_o derive_v our_o duty_n from_o and_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o badness_n of_o our_o action_n by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a man_n over_z and_o above_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n against_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o conform_v do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o because_o the_o posture_n he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o they_o say_v be_v a_o passover-gesture_n be_v if_o so_o very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o so_o earnest_o plead_v for_o
man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n or_o whatever_o the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o faith_n or_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v apt_a and_o fit_a to_o do_v all_o this_o and_o st._n judas_n seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a build_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o 19_o verse_n 19_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o honest_a christian_a with_o great_a assurance_n may_v expect_v the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o they_o who_o divide_v from_o the_o body_n and_o have_v great_a hope_n of_o edification_n from_o their_o teacher_n than_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n from_o apollo_n that_o water_n than_o from_o christ_n the_o chief_a husbandman_n who_o give_v the_o increase_n 2._o this_o constitution_n be_v use_v and_o manage_v in_o the_o best_a way_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v strict_a command_n under_o great_a penalty_n lay_v upon_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o do_v this_o who_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o private_a judgement_n or_o the_o force_n only_o of_o common_a christianity_n upon_o they_o thus_o to_o improve_v man_n soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o have_v temporal_a mulct_n and_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n hold_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n that_o when_o they_o do_v inform_v or_o direct_v their_o flock_n about_o their_o belief_n they_o shall_v keep_v to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n or_o when_o they_o persuade_v to_o practice_n their_o rule_n and_o proposition_n must_v be_v according_a to_o godliness_n that_o whenever_o they_o exhort_v or_o rebuke_v preach_v or_o pray_v whenever_o they_o direct_v or_o answer_v the_o scruple_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o the_o whole_a exercise_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o creed_n to_o regard_v mercy_n and_o justice_n the_o standard_n of_o good_a manner_n in_o short_a to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n and_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o to_o edification_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a man_n and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n to_o confess_v this_o truth_n and_o with_o gratitude_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n cure_v their_o ignorance_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n give_v they_o a_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n to_o say_v such_o as_o these_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v what_o we_o just_o suspect_v that_o they_o want_v true_a edification_n among_o themselves_o and_o shall_v be_v better_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n our_o protestant_a neighbour_n impartial_a judge_n will_v give_v their_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n who_o have_v own_a and_o commend_v the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v the_o prudence_n piety_n and_o work_v of_o her_o governor_n and_o pastor_n and_o wish_v that_o they_o and_o their_o charge_n be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o their_o pious_a and_o learned_a work_n to_o edify_v and_o save_v their_o people_n our_o 117._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 117._o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o at_o least_o in_o the_o good_a mood_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n give_v their_o consent_n to_o this_o that_o the_o instruction_n and_o discourse_n of_o our_o pastor_n from_o their_o pulpit_n be_v solid_a learned_a affectionate_a and_o pious_a and_o their_o only_a crime_n be_v that_o sometime_o they_o be_v too_o well_o study_v and_o too_o good_a if_o in_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o english_a clergy_n some_o few_o may_v be_v lazy_a one_o particular_a person_n may_v clothe_v his_o doctrine_n in_o too_o gay_a a_o dress_n another_o talk_v scholastical_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o hearer_n a_o three_o too_o dull_o a_o four_o too_o nice_o and_o opinionative_o and_o here_o and_o there_o a_o pastor_n answer_v not_o the_o true_a design_n of_o preach_v to_o inform_v man_n mind_n to_o guide_v their_o conscience_n and_o move_v their_o affection_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a charge_n that_o no_o edification_n so_o good_a be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a cause_n than_o want_v of_o accommodation_n or_o room_n in_o church_n for_o some_o to_o separate_v where_o good_a edification_n and_o conveniency_n too_o may_v be_v easy_o have_v and_o since_o they_o compel_v our_o pastor_n to_o speak_v well_o of_o themselves_o by_o their_o detraction_n and_o speak_v ill_o of_o they_o they_o must_v glad_o suffer_v they_o as_o fool_n bold_o to_o say_v 19_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 19_o that_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o clergy_n so_o learned_a and_o pious_a so_o prudent_a and_o painful_a and_o every_o way_n industrious_a to_o edify_v and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o now_o be_v in_o the_o english_a church_n the_o second_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o those_o that_o usual_o make_v this_o pretence_n for_o separation_n do_v common_o mistake_v better_a edification_n we_o have_v prove_v already_o that_o good_a and_o sufficient_a edification_n to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o english_a church_n for_o if_o teach_v plain_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o lay_v down_o clear_o rule_v of_o manner_n use_v well-composed_a prayer_n and_o proper_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n be_v not_o good_a and_o sufficient_a edification_n i_o know_v not_o what_o edification_n mean_v it_o may_v be_v heat_n of_o fancy_n stir_v up_o of_o humour_n this_o or_o that_o and_o man_n may_v as_o well_o define_v the_o thing_n they_o call_v wit_n as_o what_o edification_n mean_v and_o therefore_o to_o desert_n the_o plain_a and_o great_a duty_n of_o our_o church-communion_n for_o disputable_a doubtful_a or_o true_o mistake_v edification_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n in_o most_o case_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v better_o or_o best_a be_v very_o hard_a and_o require_v a_o sincere_a and_o consider_a head_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o better_a edification_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v especial_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v usual_o ignorant_a of_o such_o nice_a thing_n and_o prejudice_v by_o their_o party_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v mutable_a and_o various_a according_a to_o their_o fancy_n for_o better_a edification_n pure_a administration_n and_o church_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a absolute_a perfection_n and_o a_o less_o defective_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v hard_a to_o understand_v perplex_v man_n mind_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o innumerable_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o refine_n and_o purge_v so_o long_o till_o they_o weaken_v and_o destroy_v the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o know_a sin_n for_o dark_a and_o dispâ—â—able_a advantage_n which_o indeed_o be_v only_o mistake_v and_o principal_o be_v these_o three_o that_o follow_v 1._o in_o take_v nice_a and_o speculative_a notion_n for_o great_a and_o edify_v truth_n when_o doctrine_n have_v be_v raise_v only_o to_o please_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a yet_o have_v make_v many_o think_v their_o heart_n be_v warm_v when_o their_o head_n and_o fancy_n be_v gratify_v and_o dark_a and_o obscure_a discourse_n about_o angel_n the_o state_n of_o separate_a soul_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n have_v make_v 18_o colos_n 2._o 18_o some_o call_v the_o preacher_n high_a and_o mysterious_a while_o other_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n plain_o by_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conversation_n
church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o have_v not_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o exception_n as_o those_o that_o be_v use_v in_o our_o church_n at_o this_o day_n nay_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n if_o any_o at_o all_o require_v by_o our_o constitution_n which_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v it_o my_o design_n i_o may_v demonstrate_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n but_o it_o be_v full_o do_v by_o other_o hand_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o as_o a_o specimen_fw-la instance_n in_o one_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o boggle_v at_o viz._n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v a_o common_a and_o customary_a rite_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tertullian_n and_o st._n cyprian_n the_o latter_a whereof_o say_v oft_o enough_o that_o be_v regenerate_v 3._o cypr._n adv_o demetr_v p._n 203._o de_fw-la unit_fw-la eccl._n p._n 185._o vid._n the_o lap_n p._n 169._o bas._n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o tert._n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n c._n 3._o that_o be_v baptise_a they_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v sign_v on_o their_o forehead_n who_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o our_o lord_n religion_n and_o st._n basil_n plain_o put_v it_o among_o those_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n nay_o tertullian_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o use_v it_o in_o the_o most_o common_a action_n of_o life_n that_o upon_o every_o motion_n at_o their_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o at_o their_o go_v to_o bath_n or_o to_o bed_n or_o to_o meal_n or_o whatever_o their_o occasion_n call_v they_o to_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o their_o forehead_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o omit_v it_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o their_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o now_o let_v our_o dissenting-brethren_n serious_o reflect_v whether_o the_o constant_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n be_v not_o a_o mighty_a testimony_n against_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o wise_a best_a and_o happy_a age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o their_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n can_v in_o point_n of_o example_n pretend_v not_o to_o much_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n countenance_n and_o authority_n to_o support_n and_o shelter_n it_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o neither_o for_o i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n be_v either_o practise_v in_o foreign_a 1662._o see_v durel_n view_v of_o the_o government_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n 1662._o church_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v of_o by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v particular_o enumerate_v and_o rank_v under_o their_o proper_a head_n by_o mr._n sprint_v in_o his_o etc._n his_o his_o his_o p._n 123_o 124_o etc._n etc._n cassander_n anglicanus_n which_o they_o that_o be_v curious_a may_v consult_v vi_o six_o we_o beg_v that_o those_o who_o by_o their_o conformity_n have_v declare_v that_o they_o can_v close_v with_o our_o communion_n will_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n this_o be_v a_o request_n so_o reasonable_a that_o i_o hope_v it_o can_v fair_o be_v deny_v whatever_o dissaâ—tsfactions_n other_o may_v allege_v to_o keep_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o these_o man_n can_v have_v nothing_o to_o pretend_v have_v actual_o show_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o for_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o think_v that_o herein_o such_o man_n act_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o do_v it_o mere_o to_o secure_v a_o gainful_a office_n or_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o lash_n and_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v end_n so_o very_o vile_a and_o sordid_a so_o horrible_a a_o prostitution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o most_o venerable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o deliberate_a a_o way_n of_o sin_v even_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o suspect_v any_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o man_n of_o proflâ—gate_n and_o atheistical_a mindâ—_n who_o have_v put_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o banish_v all_o reverence_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v fain_o belâ—eve_v that_o when_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o principle_n that_o bring_v they_o thither_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o why_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o bring_v they_o thither_o at_o one_o time_n shall_v not_o bring_v they_o also_o at_o another_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v their_o company_n at_o that_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n but_o when_o the_o fear_n of_o some_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o the_o prospect_n of_o some_o secular_a advantage_n prompt_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v common_o blame_v in_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o they_o can_v dispense_v with_o oath_n and_o receive_v sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o so_o heavy_a a_o charge_n shall_v ever_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o protestant_n and_o especial_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v most_o to_o abhor_v popish_a practice_n and_o who_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v account_v not_o to_o make_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o men._n now_o i_o beseech_v our_o dissent_v or_o rather_o inconstant_a brethren_n to_o reason_v a_o little_a if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a why_o do_v they_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a why_o do_v they_o forsake_v it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n have_v tie_v upon_o we_o and_o who_o command_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thing_n that_o ought_v great_o to_o sway_v with_o all_o sober_a humble_a and_o consider_v christian_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o muâ—â—_n as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o be_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o shall_v peace_n be_v break_v only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v most_o entire_a and_o that_o by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o within_o their_o power_n be_v they_o satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o will_v they_o not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o will_v they_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o be_v lawful_a and_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o peace_n only_o because_o authority_n command_v it_o and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o duty_n oh_o sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o by_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o sacred_a to_o assist_v and_o help_v we_o and_o not_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o by_o a_o causeless_a and_o unjustifiable_a separation_n endeavour_v to_o rend_v and_o destroy_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n vii_o seven_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v what_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a mischief_n have_v ensue_v upon_o bear_v down_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o whereof_o many_o yet_o alive_a be_v make_v sensible_a by_o woeful_a experience_n omit_v what_o may_v seem_v of_o a_o little_a more_o remote_a consideration_n the_o blood_n and_o treasure_n the_o spoil_n and_o ravages_n of_o the_o late_a war_n the_o enslave_v and_o oppress_v all_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o what_o be_v above_o all_o the_o murder_n of_o a_o excellent_a and_o incomparable_a prince_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o a_o few_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o more_o immediate_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o first_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n throw_v down_o but_o what_o monstrous_a swarm_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n break_v in_o upon_o we_o both_o for_o number_n and_o impiety_n beyond_o whatever_o have_v be_v hear_v â—f_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o here_o i_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o sad_a account_n which_o mr._n edward_n have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o gangraena_fw-la