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
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
service_n be_v many_o yet_o they_o be_v sufficient_o describe_v in_o their_o law_n and_o it_o be_v but_o consult_v that_o or_o those_o who_o office_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o they_o may_v be_v present_o inform_v and_o as_o soon_o see_v it_o as_o the_o book_n be_v lay_v open_a this_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o the_o several_a scheme_n draw_v up_o for_o discipline_n and_o order_n by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o make_v some_o attempt_n to_o describe_v they_o and_o then_o when_o thing_n be_v thus_o dark_a and_o obscure_a so_o hard_o to_o trace_v and_o discover_v that_o it_o have_v thus_o perplex_v and_o baffle_v those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o bring_v these_o thing_n within_o scripture_n rule_n how_o perplex_v must_v they_o be_v that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v above_o show_v must_v all_o their_o day_n live_v in_o the_o communion_n it_o be_v likely_a of_o no_o church_n since_o though_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v yet_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o examine_v and_o more_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o all_o in_o it_o be_v prescribe_v 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o may_v answer_v to_o this_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a out_o of_o worship_n that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v after_o be_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o what_o it_o be_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o instance_n it_o be_v in_o all_o and_o if_o the_o want_n of_o a_o law_n to_o require_v or_o forbid_v do_v make_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o nature_n or_o civil_a matter_n it_o do_v also_o the_o same_o in_o religious_a and_o in_o thing_n forbid_v by_o humane_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v require_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o thing_n require_v by_o humane_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n we_o may_v safe_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n by_o but_o i_o confess_v the_o question_n require_v a_o more_o parcicular_a answer_n because_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a may_v yet_o in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n become_v unlawful_a as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a case_n and_o secular_a matter_n to_o be_v cover_v or_o uncover_v be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o indifferent_a but_o to_o be_v cover_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o better_n as_o custom_n and_o law_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o stand_v bare_a before_o will_v be_v unlawful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o omission_n and_o contempt_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o then_o much_o more_o will_v this_o hold_v where_o the_o case_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n where_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a may_v become_v ridiculous_a absurd_a and_o profane_a and_o argue_v rather_o contempt_n of_o god_n than_o reverence_n for_o he_o in_o the_o person_n use_v they_o again_o the_o thing_n may_v though_o grave_a and_o pertinent_a yet_o be_v so_o numerous_a that_o they_o may_v obscure_v and_o oppress_v the_o service_n and_o confound_v and_o distract_v the_o mind_n that_o shall_v attend_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o so_o for_o one_o reason_n or_o another_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v add_v 1._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v so_o call_v from_o their_o general_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o if_o in_o practice_n and_o use_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o case_n they_o always_o be_v so_o and_o never_o unlawful_a for_o that_o they_o may_v be_v by_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a expedient_a or_o inexpedient_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o apply_v 2._o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v respect_n and_o that_o may_v be_v require_v or_o forbid_v by_o one_o law_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v or_o require_v by_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o one_o state_n which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o another_o and_o by_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o into_o the_o other_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v thing_n be_v indifferent_a we_o must_v understand_v of_o what_o rank_n they_o be_v and_o what_o law_n they_o do_v respect_n as_o for_o example_n humane_a conversation_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v different_a rank_n to_o which_o thing_n be_v refer_v and_o therefore_o what_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o conversation_n may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o worship_n thus_o to_o interchange_n discourse_v about_o common_a affair_n be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o useful_a in_o its_o place_n but_o when_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o religious_a solemnity_n be_v criminal_a this_o distinction_n of_o rank_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o which_o if_o observe_v will_v have_v prevent_v the_o objection_n make_v by_o some_o that_o if_o a_o church_n or_o authority_n may_v command_v indifferent_a thing_n than_o they_o may_v require_v we_o to_o pray_v stand_v upon_o the_o head_n etc._n etc._n for_o that_o though_o indifferent_a in_o another_o case_n be_v not_o in_o that_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o it_o 3._o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o some_o rule_n in_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v therein_o also_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o plead_v they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o as_o some_o unwary_o do_v and_o therefore_o present_o they_o may_v be_v use_v for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o person_n may_v spit_v in_o another_o face_n may_v keep_v on_o his_o hat_n before_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n the_o spit_n and_o be_v cover_v be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a but_o now_o as_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_v in_o common_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o which_o even_o in_o that_o case_n do_v tie_v we_o up_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n otherwise_o indifferent_a so_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o must_v be_v much_o more_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o we_o must_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o as_o in_o common_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o action_n the_o end_n in_o conversation_n the_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v viz._n time_n place_n person_n as_o when_o where_o before_o who_o we_o be_v cover_v or_o uncover_v etc._n etc._n so_o in_o sacred_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o worship_n the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n glory_n security_n of_o that_o in_o its_o order_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n be_v we_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o indifferency_n lawfulness_n or_o expediency_n of_o thing_n use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o do_v make_v for_o or_o against_o and_o do_v approach_n to_o or_o recede_v from_o these_o character_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v or_o observe_v and_o the_o more_o or_o less_o esteem_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n for_o 1._o these_o be_v general_a rule_n and_o so_o the_o particular_n be_v nor_o so_o easy_o point_v to_o 2._o decency_n and_o edification_n and_o order_n be_v as_o be_v observe_v before_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a and_o depend_v upon_o circumstance_n and_o so_o in_o their_o nature_n not_o easy_o determine_v and_o 3._o person_n have_v very_o different_a opinion_n about_o what_o be_v decent_a edify_v and_o orderly_o as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n some_o be_v for_o and_o other_o against_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n some_o doubtless_o be_v for_o be_v cover_v other_o for_o be_v uncover_v in_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v somewhat_o further_o requisite_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n
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
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
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n however_o he_o may_v act_v doubt_o in_o that_o case_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v we_o be_v clear_a beyond_o exception_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o our_o point_n but_o will_v be_v put_v a_o far_a question_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o several_a rule_n about_o a_o man_n act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v viz._n that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v the_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o follow_v this_o rule_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n whether_o a_o man_n in_o a_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v only_o a_o pure_a doubt_n may_v not_o without_o sin_n indifferent_o choose_v either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o one_o side_n do_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o reasonable_a or_o more_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o more_o curious_a than_o useful_a but_o however_o since_o it_o proper_o fall_v under_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o and_o tend_v somewhat_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o only_o i_o declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o assert_v any_o thing_n dogmatical_o but_o only_o to_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o further_a examination_n and_o withal_o that_o whether_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n we_o have_v undertake_v that_o now_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o natural_a and_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v in_o all_o case_n and_o especial_o in_o doubtful_a case_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v and_o certain_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o steady_o will_v he_o pursue_v this_o rule_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v oblige_v we_o in_o all_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v best_a be_v always_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a much_o less_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a because_o that_o which_o be_v safe_a be_v not_o always_o either_o best_a or_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o we_o act_n otherwise_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n now_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v viz._n the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o determine_v and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o likewise_o because_o they_o follow_v from_o it_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n take_v now_o this_o for_o grant_v i_o ask_v what_o law_n do_v a_o man_n transgress_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n choose_v either_o side_n indifferent_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v safe_a or_o most_o reasonable_a always_o suppose_v that_o the_o side_n he_o choose_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n i_o say_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o transgress_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o sin_n at_o all_o if_o the_o man_n be_v at_o all_o guilty_a it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n either_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v less_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a for_o his_o
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
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
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
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
form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o institute_n which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v circumcision_n i_o be_v discourse_v of_o god_n visible_a way_n of_o form_v a_o church_n which_o i_o assert_v to_o be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v that_o divine_a charter_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v found_v but_o than_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v how_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o this_o covenant_n i_o add_v that_o god_n have_v invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o receive_v they_o into_o covenant_n they_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o this_o covenant_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o will_v any_o sober_a dissenter_n deny_v here_o be_v no_o dispute_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n what_o form_n of_o church-government_n christ_n institute_v whether_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a here_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o the_o validity_n of_o order_n or_o succession_n or_o in_o what_o case_n baptism_n may_v be_v valid_a which_o be_v not_o administer_v by_o a_o valid_a authority_n this_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n which_o proceed_v upon_o a_o quite_o different_a hypothesis_n viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o one_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v or_o will_v be_v own_v to_o be_v christian_n or_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n i_o make_v no_o inquiry_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptise_a or_o not_o but_o take_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o grant_v i_o inquire_v whether_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v we_o church-member_n whether_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a or_o universal_a church_n whether_o a_o church-member_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n whether_o he_o that_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o whole_a church_n whether_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o with_o which_o we_o can_v when_o we_o please_v communicate_v occasional_o whether_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n 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 if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o these_o matter_n you_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n but_o all_o your_o query_n which_o proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a hypothesis_n of_o your_o own_o do_v not_o concern_v i_o and_o yet_o to_o oblige_v you_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v they_o 1._o your_o first_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o pious_a dissenter_n suppose_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v full_o invest_v with_o sufficient_a power_n be_v in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o a_o moral_a heathen_a or_o in_o a_o worse_o than_o a_o papist_n ans_fw-fr the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o rebaptization_n if_o they_o have_v be_v once_o though_o irregular_o baptize_v this_o you_o may_v find_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o p._n 22._o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o if_o they_o continue_v schismatic_n whatever_o their_o other_o pretence_n to_o piety_n be_v their_o condition_n be_v not_o as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o papist_n 2._o whether_o the_o submission_n to_o the_o power_n and_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n which_o all_o must_v own_v to_o be_v a_o sound_a church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n which_o unite_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o captious_a question_n which_o must_v be_v distinct_o answer_v a_o general_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o that_o divine_a covenant_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v which_o primary_o respect_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a church-duty_n and_o essential_a to_o church-communion_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o understand_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o baptize_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n as_o obedience_n to_o church-governor_n be_v but_o then_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o universal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o on_o those_o which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o this_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o church-authoritie_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v confine_v within_o certain_a limit_n as_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v and_o though_o all_o orthodox_n church_n must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o original_a authority_n over_o another_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o perceive_v sir_n you_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o you_o add_v if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o he_o who_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o this_o church_n be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o benefit_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o be_v it_o with_o every_o one_o who_o be_v exclude_v by_o church-censure_n though_o excommunicate_v for_o a_o slight_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n nay_o for_o a_o wrongful_a cause_n true_o sir_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n viz_o by_o baptism_n which_o do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o whoever_o live_v in_o england_n and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o cathelick_n church_n and_o whoever_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o one_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o excommunication_n and_o schism_n the_o first_o be_v a_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o second_o be_v a_o man_n be_v own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v not_o valid_a unless_o it_o be_v inflict_v for_o a_o just_a cause_n the_o second_o be_v always_o valid_a and_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cut_v man_n off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o christ_n body_n i_o say_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v the_o final_a state_n of_o man_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o gracious_a allowance_n god_n will_v make_v for_o some_o schismatic_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v what_o favour_n he_o may_v allow_v to_o other_o sinner_n but_o you_o proceed_v if_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o this_o sound_a church_n this_o be_v another_o horn_n of_o your_o formidable_a dilemma_n if_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o those_o baptise_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v catholic_n christian_n for_o all_o that_o as_o if_o because_o the_o subject_n of_o spain_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n therefore_o english_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o neither_o but_o may_v be_v very_o good_a subject_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o therefore_o though_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o all_o english_a christian_n inhabit_v in_o
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
of_o schism_n or_o to_o discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o schism_n lie_v or_o to_o avoid_v it_o without_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o course_n soever_o they_o take_v i_o leave_v all_o such_o case_n to_o god_n who_o know_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n and_o will_v take_v care_n of_o my_o own_o duty_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n and_o not_o hope_v to_o justify_v the_o ordinary_a breach_n of_o know_a law_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o the_o case_n which_o you_o propose_v be_v not_o so_o unanswerable_a a_o difficulty_n as_o you_o imagine_v several_a council_n in_o palestine_n in_o rome_n in_o pontus_n and_o other_o place_n 23._o euseb_n b._n 5._o cap._n 23._o determine_v the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o month_n which_o be_v the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o dispute_v you_o call_v a_o mistake_n in_o arithmetic_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o the_o same_o time_n decree_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n whatever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o fall_v on_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a observation_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n pope_n victor_n upon_o this_o writes_z to_z several_z bishop_n very_o bitter_o against_o they_o and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o excommunicate_v and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o they_o 24._o cap._n 24._o but_o this_o be_v ill_o resent_v by_o other_o bishop_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o particular_o ireneus_fw-la write_v a_o letter_n to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o earnest_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o and_o do_v prevent_v it_o from_o take_v effect_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v eusebius_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v true_a as_o you_o assert_v that_o pope_n victor_n in_o a_o council_n excommunicate_v the_o poor_a asian_o what_o he_o do_v be_v only_o his_o own_o act_n which_o be_v displease_v to_o other_o bishop_n and_o which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o undo_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heat_n and_o warmth_n and_o tendency_n towards_o a_o schism_n but_o no_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o among_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o suppose_v pope_n victor_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n and_o this_o excommunication_n have_v take_v effect_n this_o can_v not_o make_v the_o asian_a church_n schismatic_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o be_v our_o own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a punishment_n the_o second_o when_o it_o be_v causeless_a be_v schism_n so_o that_o have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n unless_o the_o asian_a church_n upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o excommunication_n can_v not_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o therefore_o any_o one_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o they_o without_o partake_v in_o a_o schism_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o asian_a church_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o victor_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o do_v as_o ill_o a_o thing_n as_o victor_n have_v do_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o pope_n victor_n have_v set_v they_o a_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v saint_n cyprian_n of_o another_o temper_n when_o he_o and_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v threaten_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o pope_n stephen_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o warm_a dispute_n about_o rebaptise_v heretic_n at_o that_o very_a time_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n he_o declare_v his_o resolution_n not_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o bishop_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o therefore_o not_o with_o pope_n stephen_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o rash_a and_o furious_a censure_n and_o conclude_v that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n be_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o such_o case_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o say_v he_o write_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr bono_fw-mi patientiae_fw-la well_o but_o if_o the_o asiatic_a church_n be_v not_o schismatic_n yet_o pope_n victor_n have_v be_v a_o schismatic_a have_v he_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o this_o have_v make_v the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_a christian_n very_a hard_a for_o they_o must_v either_o have_v suspend_v communion_n with_o both_o these_o divide_a church_n and_o live_v without_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o christian_a communion_n or_o they_o must_v have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o church_n or_o have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o have_v maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o both_o that_o be_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n which_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o schismatical_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n by_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatic_a if_o they_o renounce_v his_o communion_n when_o he_o impose_v no_o new_a unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n this_o be_v to_o break_v communion_n with_o their_o own_o bishop_n who_o have_v excommunicate_v they_o if_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unjust_o excommunicate_v this_o be_v to_o separate_a for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n which_o be_v a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o both_o they_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v schismatic_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o more_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v both_o with_o the_o roman_a and_o asian_a church_n without_o schism_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v upon_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o confirm_v 1._o that_o the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n can_v involve_v his_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n though_o it_o may_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a and_o certain_o since_o bishop_n be_v but_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n that_o other_o man_n be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o his_o personal_a schism_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o every_o abuse_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v schismatical_a when_o the_o bishop_n be_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n who_o bishop_n be_v a_o schismatic_a without_o communicate_v in_o the_o schism_n and_o therefore_o though_o victor_n have_v schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n the_o christian_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n for_o though_o a_o particular_a church-society_n consist_v in_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n may_v violate_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o communion_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o a_o church_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a fault_n which_o can_v affect_v the_o whole_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a where_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v constitution_n in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o oblige_v the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o people_n for_o shall_v any_o english_a bishop_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_v law_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n or_o shall_v exercise_v any_o authority_n in_o censure_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o allow_v he_o by_o those_o canon_n this_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o bind_v
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
from_o divine_a providence_n 2._o a_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o humane_a law_n which_o forbid_v it_o 3._o a_o necessity_n from_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o public_a and_o 4._o when_o it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o great_a hindrance_n than_o help_n as_o when_o we_o must_v use_v none_o or_o do_v worse_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a be_v thereby_o make_v necessary_a and_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o what_o be_v public_o establish_v without_o the_o breach_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o the_o bring_n danger_n upon_o himself_o be_v as_o much_o where_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v restrain_v from_o so_o do_v as_o if_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o natural_a or_o providential_a necessity_n that_o be_v the_o one_o he_o can_v do_v physical_o and_o natural_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v moral_o honest_o and_o prudent_o have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o communion_n in_o a_o worship_n not_o essential_o defective_a and_o corrupt_a be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o where_o better_a be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o that_o better_o be_v not_o to_o have_v where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v lawful_o i_o may_v free_o pass_v on_o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v take_v from_o malac._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n etc._n etc._n that_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o return_v their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n reply_n 1._o no_o argument_n can_v be_v 14._o letter_n of_o the_o the_o minist_n of_o old-england_n to_o those_o in_o new-engl_n p._n 14._o bring_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o by_o analogy_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o argue_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o liable_a to_o most_o exception_n and_o apt_a to_o draw_v aside_o if_o care_n be_v not_o have_v which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v not_o to_o take_v the_o proportion_n in_o every_o material_a point_n just_a and_o true_a 2._o the_o corrupt_a 74._o ball_n be_v trial_n of_o the_o ground_n p._n 74._o sacrifice_n be_v that_o which_o the_o deceiver_n bring_v voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o neglect_n have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n but_o the_o faithful_a bring_v himself_o and_o his_o goodly_a desire_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o corruption_n whether_o respect_v matter_n or_o form_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o they_o cleave_v not_o to_o his_o sacrifice_n to_o stain_v or_o pollute_v it_o etc._n etc._n 3._o he_o offer_v not_o a_o corrupt_a thing_n who_o offer_v the_o best_a he_o have_v 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v mr._n ball_n that_o what_o be_v 78._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n c._n 4._o p._n 78._o simple_o best_a be_v not_o best_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n or_o end_n what_o be_v best_a in_o a_o time_n free_a be_v not_o best_o in_o a_o time_n not_o free_a it_o be_v grant_v say_v mr._n baxter_n that_o 85._o def._n of_o cure_n p._n 85._o we_o must_v offer_v god_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v do_v but_o not_o the_o best_a which_o we_o can_v do_v and_o many_o thing_n must_v concur_v and_o especial_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a good_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a so_o that_o before_o this_o text_n can_v be_v 86._o v._o burrough_n iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 86._o oppose_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v corruption_n as_o much_o prohibit_v as_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a under_o the_o law_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o a_o person_n do_v choose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o offer_v it_o when_o he_o have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n 3._o that_o such_o a_o corruption_n as_o affect_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n do_v yet_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o abominable_a to_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o objection_n reach_v not_o the_o case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o that_o place_n for_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o a_o remarkable_a say_v 5._o platform_n of_o discipline_n c._n 13._o §_o 5._o of_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a when_o it_o be_v for_o better_a edification_n and_o that_o we_o may_v choose_v what_o be_v for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v more_o for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v less_o for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o case_n i_o shall_v show_v from_o they_o p._n 2._o that_o as_o defect_n and_o fault_n in_o worship_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n sometime_o they_o say_v it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imaginary_a a_o seem_a contentment_n of_o mind_n as_o one_o 58._o methermenent_fw-la p._n 71._o on_o john_n 4._o lect._n 58._o call_v it_o this_o mr._n hildersham_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o prefer_v other_o before_o their_o own_o pastor_n only_o because_o they_o show_v more_o zeal_n in_o their_o voice_n and_o gesture_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n though_o haply_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v nothing_o so_o wholesome_a or_o powerful_a or_o fit_a to_o edify_v their_o conscience_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n be_v of_o such_o he_o say_v we_o may_v wish_v they_o more_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n mr._n baxter_n observe_v the_o 359._o cure_v of_o diâ—is_n p._n 359._o same_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o another_o that_o the_o other_o be_v best_a and_o common_o appearance_n and_o a_o take_a tone_n and_o voice_n do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o solid_a evidence_n of_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o edification_n which_o say_v a_o reverend_a person_n of_o late_a lie_v more_o in_o 95._o conâ—inuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 4_o p._n 95._o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n than_o in_o the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o affection_n these_o as_o he_o say_v be_v indeed_o of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o other_o but_o without_o they_o be_v far_o from_o make_v a_o person_n better_o and_o leave_v he_o true_o edify_v again_o it_o may_v be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o that_o complain_v they_o do_v not_o edify_v mr._n hildersham_n charge_v it_o upon_o such_o thou_o 58._o lect._n 28._o p_o 129._o and_o lect._n 58._o may_v receive_v profit_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o thyself_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o that_o preach_v and_o he_o thus_o free_o again_o declare_v himself_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v never_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n if_o he_o have_v a_o godly_a heart_n but_o he_o can_v true_o say_v he_o never_o hear_v any_o faithful_a minister_n in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v so_o mean_a but_o he_o can_v discern_v some_o gift_n in_o he_o that_o be_v want_v in_o himself_o and_o can_v receive_v some_o profit_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o advise_v to_o cure_v the_o fault_n before_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n so_o the_o pious_a person_n abovesaid_a argue_v how_o shall_v thou_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o thou_o come_v with_o prejudice_n without_o any_o reverence_n or_o delight_n unto_o it_o nor_o do_v scarce_o acknowledge_v god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o so_o mr._n jenkin_n direct_v labour_v for_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o judas_n v._o 19_o experimental_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n man_n
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
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
13._o 4._o though_o god_n do_v deny_v this_o privilege_n to_o david_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o give_v he_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v 1._o because_o thing_n be_v not_o settle_v so_o it_o be_v before_o with_o the_o tribe_n therefore_o god_n say_v he_o walk_v with_o they_o 1._o they_o they_o they_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 6_o 7._o vers_fw-la 1._o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o david_n for_o though_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n rest_n which_o be_v about_o the_o 10_o or_o at_o most_o the_o 20_o of_o his_o reign_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o therefore_o mr._n pool_n read_v it_o as_o the_o margin_n v._o 11._o i_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o rest_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o david_n because_o he_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o war_n and_o shed_v much_o blood_n 3._o blood_n blood_n blood_n 1_o chron._n 22._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 28_o 3._o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o 1._o god_n say_v i_o will_v ordain_v a_o place_n for_o israel_n and_o plant_v they_o etc._n etc._n 9_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o chron._n 17._o 9_o 2._o of_o solomon_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o rest_n and_o i_o will_v give_v he_o peace_n 9_o peace_n peace_n peace_n 1_o chron._n 22._o 9_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o david_n to_o design_n a_o temple_n nor_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n that_o he_o do_v design_n it_o but_o it_o be_v defer_v for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v and_o because_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a now_o because_o the_o author_n have_v refer_v i_o to_o ames_n i_o will_v send_v he_o back_o thither_o and_o let_v he_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v answer_v all_o this_o or_o no._n 26._o aim_n fresh_a suit_n part_n 2._o §._o 6_o and_o 7._o case_n examine_v p._n 26._o as_o for_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n this_o reverend_a person_n say_v it_o lie_v upon_o our_o author_n to_o prove_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_fw-la be_v keep_v as_o a_o religious_a feast_n there_o be_v no_o order_n for_o any_o religious_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v general_o command_v under_o the_o precept_n of_o give_v thanks_o for_o public_a mercy_n i_o shall_v therefore_o undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o a_o religious_a feast_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v 1._o observe_v that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o religious_a feast_n and_o fast_n admit_v of_o the_o same_o general_a proof_n and_o if_o i_o prove_v one_o i_o prove_v the_o other_o 2._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v think_v it_o lawful_a to_o institute_v religious_a feast_n and_o fast_n both_o occasional_a and_o anniversary_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n be_v the_o fast_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o 5_o and_o 10_o month_n institute_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n 19_o captivity_n captivity_n captivity_n zech._n 8._o 19_o such_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n institute_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n 59_o maccabee_n maccabee_n maccabee_n 1_o mac._n 4._o 59_o and_o keep_v to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n 22._o saviour_n saviour_n saviour_n john_n 10_o 22._o nay_o to_o this_o very_a day_n among_o they_o jud._n they_o they_o they_o buxtorf_n synag_fw-mi jud._n and_o so_o mordecai_n and_o esther_n do_v establish_v this_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o the_o jew_n take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o keep_v it_o 29._o it_o it_o it_o est_fw-la 9_o 20_o 27_o 29._o now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a feast_n will_v appear_v 1._o as_o it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o that_o great_a deliverance_n thus_o it_o be_v call_v a_o day_n of_o gladness_n a_o good_a day_n 22._o day_n day_n day_n â—_o 8._o 17._o 9_o 18_o 19_o 22._o which_o mr._n pool_n thus_o paraphrase_v a_o time_n of_o feast_v rejoice_v and_o thanksgiving_n 27._o thanksgiving_n thanksgiving_n thanksgiving_n on_o c._n 8._o 17._o ch._n 9_o 27._o this_o further_a appear_v from_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v the_o text_n that_o the_o memorial_n of_o their_o deliverance_n shall_v not_o perish_v or_o as_o mr._n pool_n because_o they_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n on_o their_o behalf_n 31._o behalf_n behalf_n behalf_n c._n 9_o 25_o 31._o it_o appear_v further_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v portion_n one_o to_o another_o and_o gift_n to_o the_o poor_a 22._o poor_a poor_a poor_a c._n 9_o 22._o which_o say_v pool_n they_o use_v to_o give_v upon_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n of_o which_o see_n neh._n 8._o 10._o and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o person_n of_o such_o signal_n piety_n as_o mordecai_n and_o esther_n shall_v institute_v and_o under_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v shall_v observe_v this_o feast_n only_o as_o a_o day_n of_o civil_a joy_n without_o respect_n to_o god_n that_o wonderful_o bring_v it_o about_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o religious_a feast_n as_o their_o fast_o be_v a_o religious_a fast_o so_o the_o text_n make_v they_o parallel_v they_o confirm_v these_o day_n of_o purim_n etc._n etc._n as_o they_o have_v decree_v for_o themselves_o &_o for_o their_o seed_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o fasting_n &_o their_o cry_n 31._o cry_n cry_n cry_n c._n 10_o 31._o but_o what_o their_o fast_n be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o cry_v here_o speak_v of_o do_v declare_v so_o to_o go_v you_o and_o fast_o pool_n add_v and_o pray_v which_o be_v the_o main_a business_n to_o which_o fast_v be_v only_o a_o help_n 31._o help_n help_n help_n on._n c._n 4._o 16_o and_o 9_o 31._o but_o our_o author_n say_v there_o be_v no_o order_n for_o any_o religious_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o become_v they_o to_o do_v upon_o such_o a_o gracious_a and_o wonderful_a deliverance_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o order_n for_o such_o act_n on_o their_o day_n of_o fast_v be_v they_o not_o therefore_o religious_a nay_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n or_o of_o any_o duty_n to_o he_o plain_o express_v and_o shall_v we_o therefore_o esteem_v it_o not_o to_o be_v religious_a and_o canonical_a but_o say_v our_o author_n if_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a feast_n it_o be_v general_o command_v under_o the_o precept_n of_o give_v thanks_o and_o i_o desire_v no_o more_o for_o in_o one_o breath_n he_o have_v yield_v all_o so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v gain_v that_o fix_v and_o anniversary_n festival_n day_n set_v apart_o for_o commemoration_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o we_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o command_n for_o and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o church_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v they_o as_o they_o do_v and_o further_o that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v use_v in_o divine_a worship_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v the_o synagogal_a worship_n to_o this_o he_o reply_v the_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o synagogue_n want_v no_o special_a command_n be_v but_o a_o circumstance_n convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n consider_v as_o a_o humane_a act._n a_o multitude_n of_o people_n can_v not_o meet_v to_o worship_n god_n together_o without_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o first_o why_o do_v not_o synagogue_n want_v a_o special_a command_n as_o well_o as_o the_o temple_n which_o he_o contend_v for_o for_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o build_v a_o more_o convenient_a place_n for_o one_o already_o institute_v a_o temple_n for_o a_o tabernacle_n or_o to_o build_v place_n for_o which_o they_o have_v as_o he_o yield_v no_o special_a command_n as_o the_o synagogue_n but_o suppose_v they_o need_v not_o a_o command_n for_o synagogue_n because_o a_o multitude_n can_v not_o meet_v together_o without_o a_o fit_a place_n yet_o how_o will_v that_o be_v a_o reason_n that_o the_o worship_v in_o synagogue_n want_v it_o not_o that_o place_n be_v a_o circumstance_n convenient_a and_o that_o synagogue_n be_v fit_a place_n for_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o worship_n in_o we_o grant_v and_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n to_o justify_v the_o building_n and_o use_v such_o place_n without_o a_o special_a command_n yet_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o worship_n so_o and_o so_o order_v in_o those_o place_n what_o be_v that_o to_o day_n and_o hour_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o he_o contend_v against_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o form_n use_v in_o their_o service_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v write_v of_o if_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v justify_v though_o they_o want_v a_o special_a command_n how_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
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
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
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
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
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
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
it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o let_v it_o alone_o or_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o but_o he_o doubt_n whether_o god_n law_n have_v not_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o he_o can_v lawful_o omit_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o single_a doubt_n we_o call_v that_o a_o double_a doubt_n where_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o a_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o doubt_v on_o one_o side_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v this_o action_n god_n law_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o be_v the_o action_n circumstantiate_v with_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o he_o with_o respect_n to_o it_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o forbear_v the_o action_n as_o it_o be_v now_o present_v to_o he_o god_n law_n have_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v forbid_v it_o so_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v because_o he_o fear_v he_o may_v sin_v whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o put_v any_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v which_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n i._o now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n we_o may_v thus_o apply_v the_o general_n rule_n that_o when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n there_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o the_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o here_o come_v in_o that_o famous_a maxim_n which_o have_v obtain_v both_o among_o christian_n and_o heathen_n quod_fw-la dubitas_fw-la ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la which_o with_o the_o restriction_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v will_v for_o ever_o be_v good_a advice_n in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o venture_v upon_o any_o action_n where_o a_o man_n have_v the_o least_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o act_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o that_o kind_n suppose_v all_o along_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o offend_v by_o this_o action_n be_v not_o overbalance_v and_o so_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o remove_v by_o other_o consideration_n which_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n do_v suggest_v thus_o for_o instance_n here_o be_v a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v allowable_a in_o a_o christian_n to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o put_v out_o money_n to_o interest_n or_o to_o go_v to_o law_n as_o have_v converse_v with_o such_o man_n or_o such_o book_n as_o do_v condemn_v these_o practice_n and_o that_o not_o without_o some_o colour_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o man_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o convince_v by_o their_o discourse_n as_o to_o have_v take_v up_o any_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v unlawful_a nor_o will_v he_o censure_v any_o man_n that_o use_v they_o because_o he_o see_v there_o be_v as_o good_a man_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v as_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o other_o side_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o point_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n positive_o concern_v they_o either_o way_n he_o can_v say_v that_o he_o believe_v they_o lawful_a though_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o doubt_v mind_n now_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a case_n the_o rule_n be_v plain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n judgement_n continue_v thus_o in_o suspense_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o from_o god_n law_n to_o engage_v in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o why_o shall_v he_o rash_o throw_v himself_o into_o danger_n by_o venture_v upon_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o he_o run_v no_o hazard_n by_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o if_o he_o practise_v they_o he_o do_v thus_o far_o be_v right_a but_o then_o as_o i_o say_v this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la for_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v such_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o action_n as_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n this_o consideration_n of_o uncertainty_n it_o will_v then_o be_v reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o i_o do_v before_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o thus_o if_o the_o man_n that_o make_v a_o question_n about_o any_o of_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v shall_v light_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v either_o drink_v such_o a_o single_a health_n or_o a_o quarrel_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v nay_o and_o that_o perhaps_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o some_o of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o company_n or_o again_o that_o he_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o improve_n his_o money_n in_o which_o his_o whole_a fortune_n consist_v in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o that_o of_o usury_n so_o that_o he_o and_o his_o family_n must_v in_o time_n starve_v unless_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o this_o course_n or_o last_o if_o a_o orphan_n be_v trust_v to_o his_o care_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o that_o orphan_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o he_o must_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o necessity_n either_o of_o wage_n a_o law_n suit_n for_o the_o clear_n it_o or_o suffer_v his_o near_a relation_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o be_v defraud_v of_o his_o right_n i_o say_v if_o the_o case_n happen_v to_o be_v thus_o circumstantiate_v he_o that_o before_o doubt_v in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o put_v out_o money_n to_o usury_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o law-suit_n may_v i_o shall_v think_v certain_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a in_o this_o particular_a case_n notwithstanding_o his_o general_n doubt_v to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n he_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o act_v according_o indeed_o he_o can_v be_v well_o excuse_v if_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o act._n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v i_o doubt_v whether_o these_o practice_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o why_o man_n if_o you_o only_o doubt_v about_o they_o you_o do_v by_o this_o ackonwledge_n that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v lawful_a as_o well_o as_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o you_o be_v thus_o in_o aequilibrio_fw-la sure_o such_o press_a consideration_n as_o those_o which_o be_v present_v in_o this_o case_n aught_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o you_o will_v answer_v either_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v for_o my_o part_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v unlawful_a will_v justify_v a_o man_n prudence_n in_o act_v on_o that_o side_n which_o he_o call_v the_o safe_o and_o which_o have_v not_o these_o circumstance_n happen_v will_v real_o have_v be_v so_o to_o conclude_v if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o do_v a_o thing_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v a_o general_n speculative_a doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o this_o very_a consideration_n be_v in_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o silence_v the_o doubt_n that_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o advisable_a to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n which_o before_o and_o out_o of_o those_o circumstance_n we_o doubt_v in_o general_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o no._n ii_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o to_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v
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
and_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n there_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o doubt_n but_o further_a to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o have_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n we_o will_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o we_o when_o they_o put_v the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o as_o before_o that_o a_o israelite_n be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o as_o we_o reasonable_o may_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o baal_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n now_o will_v they_o give_v to_o the_o doubt_a man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o say_v that_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o king_n law_n and_o worship_n jehovah_n only_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o baal_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n why_o this_o be_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n to_o we_o but_o will_v they_o then_o say_v that_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v the_o man_n must_v not_o obey_v authority_n in_o worship_v jehovah_n only_o but_o he_o must_v either_o worship_n baal_n and_o not_o jehovah_n or_o both_o baal_n and_o jehovah_n together_o why_o this_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n but_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o my_o reader_n whether_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o necessary_o engage_v in_o idolatry_n and_o other_o grievous_a sin_n as_o he_o be_v by_o our_o way_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o conclude_v nothing_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o question_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o state_v of_o it_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o limitation_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v to_o the_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o god_n have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_a be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v as_o much_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_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 yet_o when_o ever_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weighty_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v obey_v rather_o than_o disobey_v in_o that_o case_n as_o will_v persuade_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o those_o reason_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o five_o particular_n i_o before_o insist_v on_o the_o three_o and_o indeed_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o whence_o they_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o christian_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o doubt_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n command_v that_o action_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o point_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o a_o just_a discussion_n because_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o come_v clear_o off_o from_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o obey_v authority_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o likewise_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o this_o text_n with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v some_o general_a account_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n that_o so_o understand_v before_o hand_n the_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o here_o use_v they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n ii_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o this_o text._n iii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n iu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v damn_a or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v first_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o so_o full_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o that_o they_o still_o believe_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o to_o oblige_v their_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o they_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o so_o that_o whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n these_o man_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o meat_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o than_o otherwise_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o st._n paul_n here_o style_v the_o weak_a christian_n appear_v from_o several_a passage_n of_o this_o chapter_n nor_o i_o think_v be_v it_o much_o question_v by_o any_o as_o for_o what_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n concern_v their_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n altogether_o and_o only_o eat_v herb_n which_o will_v make_v one_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n because_o by_o that_o law_n they_o be_v no_o more_o tie_v from_o flesh_n except_v only_a swines-flesh_n and_o a_o few_o other_o sort_n than_o they_o be_v from_o herb_n st._n chrysostome_n have_v well_o obviate_v this_o difficulty_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o christian_n there_o be_v say_v he_o several_a of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n even_o after_o their_o christianity_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o observation_n of_o meat_n not_o dare_v whole_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n these_o now_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o and_o reproach_v by_o the_o other_o christian_n for_o thus_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n choose_v to_o eat_v no_o flesh_n at_o all_o but_o to_o feed_v altogether_o upon_o herb_n that_o so_o this_o way_n of_o live_v of_o they_o may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_a or_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o for_o a_o legal_a observance_n thus_o st._n chrysostome_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n theodoret_n and_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
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
of_o time_n come_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n dethrone_v his_o kingdom_n overthrow_v and_o the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n be_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n out_o of_o his_o snare_n and_o power_n when_o therefore_o he_o perceive_v that_o by_o all_o the_o grievous_a persecution_n he_o raise_v against_o the_o church_n it_o spread_v only_o so_o much_o the_o fast_o that_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a heathen_a idolatry_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v shameful_o expel_v out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o from_o his_o altar_n his_o oracle_n silence_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n prevail_v every_o where_o he_o than_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o old_a serpentine_a art_n of_o dissimulation_n since_o he_o can_v no_o long_o oppose_v christ_n kingdom_n by_o open_a war_n he_o resolve_v to_o turn_v christian_a and_o to_o set_v up_o for_o christ_n deputy_n and_o substitute_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o fight_v against_o christian_n under_o christ_n banner_n and_o by_o adulterate_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o spoil_v it_o of_o all_o its_o efficacy_n to_o introduce_v his_o old_a heathen_a rite_n and_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n as_o unwritten_a tradition_n from_o christ_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o under_o his_o name_n and_o pretend_a authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o that_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o fraud_n which_o be_v so_o please_v to_o his_o own_o infernal_a nature_n hope_v to_o burn_v destroy_v root_n out_o all_o true_a christian_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n under_o colour_n of_o propagate_a the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o enlarge_a christ_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n when_o christendom_n have_v long_o groan_v under_o this_o miserable_a tyranny_n it_o please_v god_n in_o many_o place_n of_o europe_n but_o especial_o here_o in_o england_n to_o set_v on_o foot_n a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v happy_o and_o peaceable_o accomplish_v among_o we_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o countenance_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n to_o nip_v this_o in_o the_o bud_n the_o devil_n raise_v that_o sharp_a persecution_n in_o qu._n mary_n day_n in_o which_o our_o first_o reformer_n glorious_o seal_v what_o they_o have_v do_v with_o their_o blood_n but_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o our_o reformation_n himself_o will_v turn_v reformer_n too_o a_o great_a cry_n be_v soon_o raise_v against_o our_o church_n as_o not_o sufficient_o purge_v from_o popery_n our_o bishop_n our_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n be_v all_o antichristian_a and_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o all_o minister_n tithe_n temple_n and_o the_o university_n too_o be_v condemn_v as_o such_o and_o god_n know_v they_o have_v well_o nigh_o reform_v away_o all_o learning_n true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o pare_n off_o all_o superfluity_n have_v grievous_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o now_o dissent_v from_o we_o do_v then_o complain_v that_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v open_o oppose_v and_o deride_v almost_o all_o that_o service_n of_o god_n out_o of_o conscience_n which_o other_o man_n use_v to_o do_v out_o of_o profaneness_n and_o what_o infinite_a mischief_n this_o rash_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n for_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n have_v do_v to_o our_o church_n and_o nation_n if_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o last_o age_n will_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v man_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o any_o discourse_n shall_v we_o little_o consider_v who_o interest_n we_o thus_o serve_v and_o promote_v we_o do_v his_o work_n who_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o that_o be_v and_o where_o he_o reign_v to_o be_v sure_a by_o these_o uncharitable_a separation_n we_o high_o gratify_v the_o common_a enemy_n who_o great_a design_n and_o policy_n it_o have_v all_o along_o be_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o invincible_a scruple_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n to_o weaken_v and_o by_o degree_n pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o then_o we_o all_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o rome_n if_o any_o now_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o prevent_v this_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n that_o arise_v from_o our_o division_n it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o scruple_n which_o they_o can_v well_o do_v since_o no_o one_o can_v at_o any_o time_n think_v or_o believe_v as_o he_o will_v as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o imposition_n themselves_o the_o matter_n scruple_v at_o shall_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o and_o then_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v better_o secure_v to_o this_o i_o only_o answer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o now_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o at_o present_a stand_n among_o we_o we_o have_v a_o church_n settle_a and_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a be_v enjoin_v what_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o governor_n and_o superior_n be_v how_o far_o they_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n or_o scruple_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v that_o be_v another_o question_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o i_o consider_v now_o only_o what_o private_a member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o do_v and_o then_o i_o say_v scruple_v the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n will_v not_o justify_v our_o leave_v it_o nay_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o it_o be_v our_o best_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o submit_v and_o comply_v with_o such_o order_n notwithstanding_o our_o scruple_n but_o i_o add_v 2._o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v alter_v because_o some_o thing_n be_v scruple_v in_o it_o there_o never_o can_v be_v a_o settle_a church_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v for_o since_o there_o will_v be_v always_o a_o difference_n in_o man_n understanding_n and_o temper_n some_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a other_o peevish_a and_o proud_a there_o will_v consequent_o be_v many_o that_o shall_v scruple_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocnt_a constitution_n and_o if_o the_o ceremony_n now_o in_o use_n among_o we_o have_v not_o be_v retain_v at_o our_o first_o reformation_n those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v now_o so_o much_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v have_v then_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o of_o which_o we_o have_v this_o notorious_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n in_o the_o late_a time_n when_o our_o church_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n when_o none_o of_o those_o ceremony_n or_o form_n which_o be_v now_o object_v against_o be_v impose_v or_o common_o use_v yet_o even_o then_o be_v man_n gather_v congregation_n out_o of_o congregation_n purify_n and_o reform_v still_o further_o scruple_n increase_v sect_n and_o division_n upon_o they_o multiply_v and_o never_o such_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o those_o day_n and_o without_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n one_o may_v foretell_v that_o if_o what_o be_v principal_o find_v fault_n with_o in_o our_o church_n be_v now_o abolish_v yet_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o scruple_n will_v at_o least_o in_o time_n find_v cavil_v objection_n against_o any_o constitution_n that_o can_v be_v make_v they_o be_v like_o man_n give_v to_o sue_v and_o go_v to_o law_n they_o never_o want_v some_o pretence_n to_o disturb_v themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n man_n may_v talk_v of_o reconcile_a our_o difference_n and_o make_v up_o our_o breach_n to_o their_o life_n end_v and_o propound_v their_o several_a project_n and_o frame_v their_o model_n and_o conceive_v fine_a design_n of_o union_n and_o accommodation_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o will_v have_v any_o effect_n or_o do_v any_o good_a till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o other_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a till_o self-conceit_n and_o pride_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n root_v out_o and_o when_o this_o be_v effectual_o do_v there_o will_v then_o be_v find_v but_o little_a need_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o present_a constitution_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o agreement_n must_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o temper_n the_o way_n to_o unite_v we_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o amend_v the_o present_a establishment_n government_n liturgy_n endeavour_v to_o add_v to_o it_o
do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o it_o he_o have_v some_o little_a reason_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o will_v never_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o at_o liberty_n have_v no_o very_a weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o any_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n 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
one_o in_o this_o question_n a_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v by_o chance_n happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o prove_v it_o by_o this_o reason_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n must_v own_v for_o true_a and_o good_a because_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o own_o than_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o rather_o to_o avoid_v sin_n in_o himself_o than_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o his_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o whether_o any_o human_a authority_n can_v make_v that_o action_n cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a which_o if_o do_v without_o any_o such_o command_n have_v be_v criminal_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scandal_n that_o follow_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a can_v secure_v that_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v by_o what_o i_o do_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o their_o command_n but_o than_o it_o do_v free_v i_o from_o all_o guilt_n and_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o to_o become_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v which_o if_o i_o have_v do_v needless_o without_o any_o great_a reason_n and_o my_o brother_n have_v be_v hurt_v and_o his_o conscience_n wound_v by_o it_o may_v have_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o uncharitableness_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o scandal_n be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a to_o follow_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n otherwise_o obligatory_a do_v not_o lose_v their_o bind_a force_n because_o of_o some_o scandal_n that_o may_v possible_o happen_v from_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o or_o else_o all_o authority_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o insignificant_a and_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v for_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o allow_v man_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v thereat_o to_o disobey_v law_n and_o constitution_n make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o bring_v both_o magistrate_n and_o law_n into_o contempt_n for_o what_o law_n ever_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o some_o man_n or_o other_o either_o do_v or_o may_v take_v offence_n thereat_o whether_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v scandalous_a or_o no_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o hurtfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v he_o be_v free_a to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o which_o be_v direct_o to_o dissolve_v all_o government_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o certain_a disorder_n and_o everlasting_a confusion_n every_o one_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o charity_n may_v superior_n therefore_o at_o their_o pleasure_n appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n then_o sure_o a_o inferior_a earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o heaven_n this_o mr._n jean_n urge_v also_o out_o of_o amesius_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o here_o be_v no_o cross_v the_o determination_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o express_a will_n that_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n we_o shall_v obey_v our_o governor_n and_o he_o who_o have_v make_v this_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o mischief_n that_o may_v sometime_o without_o our_o fault_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n follow_v from_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o superior_n shall_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v exercise_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n cancel_v the_o public_a law_n or_o that_o every_o ignorant_a and_o froward_a brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n especial_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o duty_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n before_o we_o give_v a_o alm_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o exact_v of_o we_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accuse_v we_o of_o injury_n if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o but_o a_o great_a care_n to_o hinder_v sin_n in_o other_o or_o not_o to_o scandalize_v they_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o after_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v his_o due_a and_o right_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o forenamed_a most_o judicious_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_a to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la dicat_fw-la ut_fw-la habeamus_fw-la quod_fw-la demus_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la faciamus_fw-la furta_fw-la divitibus_fw-la who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o steal_v from_o the_o rich_a what_o we_o may_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tax_n on_o pretence_n that_o you_o know_v those_o who_o have_v more_o need_n of_o your_o money_n to_o this_o mr._n jean_n reply_v suppose_v say_v he_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o here_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o both_o be_v require_v by_o god_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v to_o those_o in_o want_n what_o be_v none_o of_o i_o own_o this_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n or_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n to_o do_v he_o good_a by_o wrong_v our_o superior_n god_n have_v oblige_v servant_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o power_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o master_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o to_o give_v away_o their_o master_n good_n without_o his_o leave_n though_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o relief_n god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n or_o fall_v but_o then_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o management_n in_o all_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o be_v bind_v charitable_o to_o regard_v our_o brother_n but_o in_o instance_n where_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n our_o superior_n only_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n it_o remain_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o great_a bishop_n in_o what_o case_n soever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n of_o circumstance_n we_o have_v nothing_o permit_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o remit_v of_o the_o right_n of_o god_n or_o our_o superior_a and_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o neighbour_n in_o such_o
communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o these_o indifference_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v where_o by_o flesh_n and_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o though_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o common_a meal_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v whole_o abstain_v from_o rather_o than_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o a_o brother_n if_o i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n taylour_n say_v great_a exemp_n p._n 420_o must_v rather_o quit_v my_o own_o good_n than_o suffer_v my_o brother_n to_o perish_v much_o rather_o must_v i_o quit_v my_o privilege_n and_o we_o shall_v ill_o die_v for_o our_o brother_n who_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o meal_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n or_o change_v a_o dish_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o our_o brother_n live_v or_o die_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o win_v and_o gain_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o conform_v be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n of_o charity_n not_o needless_o to_o vex_v and_o exasperate_v our_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o may_v estrange_v they_o more_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n and_o the_o law_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o their_o brethren_n we_o dare_v not_o indeed_o omit_v any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o our_o superior_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o apostolical_a government_n excellent_a liturgy_n orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n use_v in_o our_o church_n shall_v all_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o some_o weak_a man_n take_v offence_n at_o they_o but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o disposal_n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o please_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o good_a unto_o edification_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n jean_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v as_o first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forbear_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o possibility_n of_o scandal_n but_o where_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a be_v probable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o never_o know_v what_o to_o do_v second_o our_o weak_a brethren_n must_v have_v some_o probable_a ground_n for_o their_o imagination_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a or_o else_o we_o must_v wear_v no_o ribbon_n nor_o put_v off_o our_o hat_n but_o come_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o for_o this_o exception_n he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n that_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o another_o without_o probable_a ground_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a administration_n three_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o yield_v i_o some_o great_a profit_n i_o must_v only_o for_o a_o while_o forbear_v it_o until_o my_o brother_n be_v better_a inform_v last_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o please_v peevish_a and_o froward_a people_n or_o to_o humour_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a opinion_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v mr._n calvin_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o tell_v of_o some_o foolish_a interpreter_n that_o leave_v to_o christian_n almost_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n of_o superstitious_a
the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n enlarge_v their_o reason_n in_o this_o chapter_n because_o it_o be_v a_o confederate_n with_o devil_n and_o be_v partaker_n at_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n which_o he_o condemn_v as_o huge_o unbecoming_a they_o that_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n vers_fw-la 20_o 21._o grotius_n be_v so_o exact_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n may_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1._o well_fw-mi aliquid_fw-la a_o tabulâ_fw-la &c_n &c_n i._n e._n when_o at_o their_o public_a feast_n they_o send_v some_o part_n off_o the_o table_n to_o be_v offer_v solemn_o to_o the_o idol_n and_o to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a feast_n 2._o well_fw-mi ab_fw-la aris_n ad_fw-la mensam_fw-la defertis_fw-la or_o when_o they_o take_v some_o considerable_a portion_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o feed_v upon_o it_o at_o the_o table_n as_o part_v of_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o now_o for_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v present_a at_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v in_o that_o canon_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n also_o be_v so_o sharp_a upon_o from_z 14_o to_o 24_o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o afterward_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o it_o and_o plain_o mean_v either_o that_o part_n of_o the_o offer_v which_o they_o afterward_o spend_v in_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n or_o which_o be_v public_o sell_v afterward_o in_o the_o shambles_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o understand_v and_o be_v common_a among_o they_o to_o offer_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o own_o common_a use_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sacred_a and_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o in_o some_o great_a and_o solemn_a sacrifice_n they_o do_v but_o that_o which_o be_v true_o their_o own_o and_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n especial_o have_v give_v a_o part_n of_o it_o to_o their_o go_n the_o other_o i_o e._n what_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambleâ—_n critic_n give_v two_o account_n of_o 1._o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o the_o butcher_n sell_v part_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n before_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o shambles_n well_fw-mi à _fw-fr mà cellario_n qui_fw-la ante_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellum_fw-la carnes_z ferret_n aliquid_fw-la de_fw-fr aram_n in_o dedisset_fw-la 2._o or_o that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o often_o sell_v have_v its_o probable_a either_o more_o than_o they_o can_v spend_v themselves_o or_o perhaps_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exchange_v it_o for_o other_o meat_n which_o they_o may_v purchase_v with_o the_o money_n they_o sell_v it_o for_o well_fw-mi à _fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la qui_fw-la part_n quae_fw-la ipsis_fw-la cederent_fw-la venderent_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n now_o these_o be_v the_o meat_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v no_o order_n at_o all_o so_o that_o man_n be_v at_o their_o liberty_n to_o buy_v and_o eat_v they_o if_o they_o please_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n or_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o they_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v then_o only_o from_o when_o know_v what_o they_o be_v their_o eat_v they_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v give_v offence_n thereby_o either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o see_v they_o make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o encourage_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o idolatry_n which_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v to_o wean_v they_o from_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o see_v they_o so_o careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o without_o all_o charity_n to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o speech_n relate_v be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o undetermined_a also_o as_o to_o their_o use_n no_o law_n have_v pass_v one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o they_o now_o this_o make_v they_o vast_o different_a from_o the_o thing_n scruple_v among_o we_o and_o by_o conformity_n to_o which_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o several_a law_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a power_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o how_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n as_o strong_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o humane_a command_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o we_o can_v show_v favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o other_o if_o we_o will_v for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v under_o authority_n and_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o those_o above_o we_o we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o do_v or_o forbear_v nor_o can_v we_o now_o abstain_v for_o fear_n of_o offend_v another_o man_n conscience_n without_o grievous_o wound_v and_o worse_a offend_n of_o our_o own_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o conformity_n as_o to_o another_o man_n yet_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o downright_a sin_n and_o a_o grievous_a guilt_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v impertinent_a a_o snare_n and_o a_o direct_a temptation_n and_o as_o improper_o urge_v against_o conformity_n as_o it_o will_v be_v against_o any_o other_o duty_n how_o necessary_a soever_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n that_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v of_o it_o in_o this_o and_o all_o such_o case_n we_o stand_v immediate_o responsible_a unto_o god_n and_o may_v just_o retort_v that_o so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v apology_n of_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o regard_v man_n judge_v you_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v the_o text_n be_v pertinent_o urge_v against_o conformity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v very_o much_o against_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a by_o consider_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n we_o against_o give_v offence_n unto_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o the_o gentile_n nor_o both_o these_o only_a but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a improvement_n of_o this_o place_n against_o the_o purpose_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o object_n of_o scandal_n be_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v especial_o to_o regard_v in_o their_o care_n not_o to_o give_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o there_o be_v three_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o may_v be_v offend_v with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o jew_n the_o gentile_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o here_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o analogy_n to_o which_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v different_a party_n among_o which_o man_n converse_v upon_o which_o account_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o our_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o in_o by_o consider_v the_o case_n that_o concern_v we_o which_o i_o think_v be_v only_o these_o two_o 1._o when_o we_o perceive_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o be_v go_v to_o do_v will_v offend_v all_o party_n equal_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o christianity_n by_o this_o practice_n see_v its_o professor_n make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n which_o their_o law_n so_o strict_o prohibit_v and_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v himself_o so_o
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
i_o believe_v those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o lay-dissenters_a against_o the_o common-prayer_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v have_v wrought_v in_o they_o a_o great_a a_o version_n to_o it_o than_o the_o best_a divine_n of_o that_o way_n intend_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a to_o find_v myself_o mistake_v in_o this_o and_o this_o consideration_n be_v some_o encouragement_n to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o seem_v to_o dislike_v most_o of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v upon_o the_o plain_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n almost_o whole_o avoid_v appeal_n to_o other_o church_n antiquity_n not_o but_o that_o great_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o by_o it_o but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o examine_v this_o kind_n of_o argument_n and_o the_o like_a i_o say_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n with_o we_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v as_o for_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o worship_n or_o a_o sacrament_n of_o man_n make_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o have_v be_v so_o plain_o show_v in_o late_a discourse_n that_o unless_o i_o be_o call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o i_o can_v think_v fit_a to_o trouble_v you_o with_o this_o dispute_n but_o i_o hearty_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v at_o length_n that_o though_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v defend_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o communion_n because_o the_o people_n be_v not_o require_v to_o sign_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o minister_n only_o as_o for_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a table_n that_o be_v indeed_o every_o communicants_a act_n but_o of_o this_o you_o may_v expect_v a_o discourse_n from_o another_o hand_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o sober_a person_n that_o be_v yet_o unsatisfied_a about_o it_o and_o now_o i_o entreat_v all_o those_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n into_o who_o hand_n these_o paper_n shall_v fall_v that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o venture_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o it_o likely_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v upon_o such_o ground_n as_o these_o let_v we_o at_o length_n consult_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o age_n with_o posterity_n who_o will_v stand_v amaze_v to_o find_v a_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o this_o church_n carry_v on_o so_o long_o upon_o so_o little_a occasion_n give_v and_o such_o weak_a objection_n so_o strong_o insist_v upon_o as_o to_o build_v a_o opposite_a communion_n upon_o they_o let_v we_o consult_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o no_o long_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o scorn_v and_o dnager_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o disgrace_v by_o the_o papist_n our_o dangerous_a enemy_n always_o but_o never_o more_o dangerous_a than_o now_o if_o the_o dissenter_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v that_o the_o wide_a breach_n they_o have_v make_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o protestant_n will_v certain_o let_v in_o popery_n if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o a_o timely_a close_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nothing_o remain_v but_o to_o wait_v till_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o last_o extremity_n i_o can_v take_v no_o comfort_n in_o be_v assure_v that_o at_o last_o they_o will_v believe_v it_o when_o alas_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o we_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v unite_v in_o any_o other_o communion_n but_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v and_o whether_o so_o little_a account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o law_n and_o authority_n as_o to_o say_v that_o our_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o they_o by_o forbear_v to_o require_v what_o they_o dislike_v as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v will_v our_o case_n bear_v this_o wantonness_n will_v such_o expression_n consist_v with_o our_o duty_n i_o beseech_v they_o by_o what_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o by_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o charity_n they_o have_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n that_o they_o will_v take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o to_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o anger_n and_o all_o passion_n that_o obstruct_v a_o clear_a judgement_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v dispute_v among_o we_o and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v impartial_o what_o we_o have_v say_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n can_v they_o propound_v to_o themselves_o more_o beneficial_a design_n than_o to_o check_v the_o profaneness_n and_o atheism_n which_o in_o this_o last_o age_n have_v be_v so_o much_o complain_v of_o than_o to_o restore_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exclude_v of_o vicious_a man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a than_o to_o transmit_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n establish_v among_o we_o down_o to_o their_o posterity_n the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n by_o which_o they_o can_v contribute_v to_o all_o those_o good_a end_n be_v to_o return_v hearty_o and_o unanimous_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n all_o the_o true_a son_n whereof_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o with_o open_a arm_n with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a they_o will_v do_v we_o and_o themselves_o by_o it_o but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o for_o worldly_n and_o corrupt_a interest_n encourage_v and_o support_v the_o present_a separation_n from_o this_o church_n i_o can_v expostulate_v with_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n since_o such_o man_n have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o they_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v touch_v with_o tenderness_n for_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n while_o they_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o they_o be_v that_o when_o that_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n come_v which_o they_o of_o all_o man_n have_v most_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o than_o all_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o this_o schism_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o happen_v will_v be_v full_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v sure_a whilst_o those_o that_o in_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n have_v contribute_v to_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o easy_a account_n to_o give_v especial_o if_o they_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o better_a what_o good_a effect_v our_o application_n to_o man_n will_v have_v we_o can_v say_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o prepare_v for_o instruction_n we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o to_o detect_v the_o ill_a design_n of_o dishonest_a man_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o better_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n that_o whatever_o happen_v to_o this_o church_n it_o may_v not_o be_v forsake_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o protection_n amen_n finis_fw-la 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 the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o case_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 communion_n therewith_o unlawful_a in_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n we_o will_v first_o premise_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n second_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 three_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a first_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o premise_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_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
condemn_v with_o the_o world_n for_o as_o he_o that_o partake_v worthy_o of_o this_o sacrament_n confirm_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o due_a reverence_n and_o without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a continue_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n whilst_o he_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n this_o man_n aggravate_v and_o seal_v his_o own_o damnation_n because_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o but_o by_o renew_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v crucify_a to_o himself_o afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n and_o when_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v appear_v and_o pass_v final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n such_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a wretch_n as_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o dear_a love_n of_o their_o die_a lord_n nor_o be_v engage_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n by_o all_o the_o tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n with_o pilate_n and_o judas_n with_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o soldier_n who_o be_v the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o severe_a threaten_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o deter_v all_o those_o from_o their_o sin_n who_o think_v of_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o so_o solemn_a and_o holy_a a_o covenant_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v man_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n forsake_v their_o sin_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o under_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n ii_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o frequent_a observance_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o institution_n for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n yet_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o usage_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n so_o often_o as_o they_o solemn_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n they_o plain_o suppose_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n or_o rather_o imply_v a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v it_o for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o law_n or_o institution_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n which_o follow_v immediate_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o obligation_n hereunto_o and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o suitable_a practice_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n and_o force_n of_o persuasion_n i_o can_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o among_o christian_n be_v grow_v so_o general_a and_o a_o great_a many_o person_n from_o a_o superstitious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v by_o degree_n fall_v into_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v a_o threefold_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n each_o of_o they_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o of_o the_o great_a force_n imaginable_a to_o engage_v we_o hereunto_o 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o a_o plain_a precept_n and_o most_o solemn_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o great_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v as_o st._n james_n call_v he_o he_o have_v bid_v we_o do_v this_o and_o s._n paul_n who_o declare_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n admonish_v we_o to_o do_v it_o often_o now_o for_o any_o man_n that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o the_o open_a and_o continue_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o profession_n to_o such_o our_o lord_n may_v say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v how_o far_o the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o institution_n or_o the_o mistake_n which_o man_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o about_o it_o may_v extenuate_v this_o neglect_n be_v another_o consideration_n but_o after_o we_o know_v our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o have_v the_o law_n plain_o lay_v before_o we_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a institution_n from_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n authority_n 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o oblige_v hereunto_o in_o point_n of_o interest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o expect_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o this_o sacrament_n be_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o grace_n and_o assistence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o support_v we_o under_o suffering_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o in_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n we_o neglect_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o confirm_v and_o convey_v these_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n shall_v oblige_v we_o not_o to_o neglect_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o promote_a our_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n 3._o we_o be_v likewise_o particular_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o careful_a observance_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a thing_n our_o lord_n give_v in_o charge_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o man_n use_v religious_o to_o observe_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o die_a friend_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o do_v what_o he_o desire_v but_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n nay_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n of_o all_o mankind_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v himself_o to_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o undergo_v the_o most_o grievous_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a death_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bitter_a pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o any_o thing_n he_o ask_v of_o we_o who_o be_v go_v to_o do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o this_o so_o little_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o itself_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a to_o we_o have_v such_o a_o friend_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n bid_v we_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v we_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o when_o he_o have_v only_o commend_v to_o we_o one_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a action_n as_o a_o fit_a representation_n and_o memorial_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o have_v only_o enjoin_v we_o in_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o meet_v at_o his_o table_n and_o to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o to_o resolve_v to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v he_o no_o more_o can_v we_o without_o the_o most_o horrible_a ingratitude_n neglect_v this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o
show_v both_o what_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o their_o crime_n be_v their_o irreverent_a and_o disorderly_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o their_o punishment_n be_v those_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o this_o be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a we_o be_v proportionable_o to_o understand_v the_o precept_n of_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o that_o be_v consider_v well_o with_o himself_o what_o a_o sacred_a action_n he_o be_v go_v about_o and_o what_o behaviour_n become_v he_o when_o he_o be_v celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o memorial_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o if_o heretofore_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o tax_v they_o withal_o let_v he_o censure_v and_o judge_v himself_o for_o it_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o sorry_a for_o his_o fault_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o have_v thus_o examine_v himself_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n and_o that_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o can_v well_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n but_o some_o will_v say_v be_v this_o all_o the_o preparation_n that_o be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o we_o take_v care_v not_o to_o come_v drink_v to_o it_o nor_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o irreverence_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a this_o be_v the_o particular_a unworthiness_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o corinthian_n and_o which_o he_o warn_v they_o to_o amend_v as_o they_o desire_v to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n such_o as_o they_o have_v already_o feel_v for_o this_o irreverent_a carriage_n of_o they_o so_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n he_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n with_o they_o at_o present_a in_o this_o matter_n though_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o irreverence_n will_v proportionable_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o like_a punishment_n he_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o their_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n answerable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o we_o may_v suppose_v he_o take_v for_o grant_v however_o it_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v prayer_n or_o any_o other_o religious_a duty_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o none_o but_o those_o who_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o communicate_v in_o this_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n very_o much_o to_o be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n to_o examine_v themselves_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v i_o mean_v to_o examine_v our_o past_a life_n and_o the_o action_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o all_o our_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o fix_v we_o in_o the_o steady_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n particular_o when_o we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n seal_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v lay_v aside_o all_o enmity_n and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n and_o hearty_o forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o this_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v earnest_o exhort_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o communion_n by_o way_n of_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n for_o it_o to_o repent_v we_o true_o of_o our_o sin_n past_a to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o to_o be_v in_o perfect_a charity_n with_o all_o man_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n and_o because_o this_o work_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o exercise_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n be_v incumbent_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o can_v never_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n more_o seasonable_o and_o with_o great_a advantage_n than_o when_o we_o be_v meditate_v of_o this_o sacrament_n therefore_o beside_o our_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o repentance_n and_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o be_v a_o very_a pious_a and_o commendable_a custom_n in_o christian_n before_o their_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n for_o this_o work_n of_o examination_n but_o how_o much_o time_n every_o person_n shall_v allot_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o as_o it_o need_v not_o so_o neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v precise_o determine_v some_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o spend_v more_o time_n upon_o this_o work_n than_o other_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o account_n be_v heavy_a because_o they_o have_v long_o run_v upon_o the_o score_n and_o neglect_a themselves_o and_o some_o also_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o easy_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o be_v oblige_v to_o allow_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o general_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v a_o work_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n slight_o and_o perfunctory_o and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o action_n the_o end_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v now_o the_o end_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o reform_v whatever_o we_o find_v amiss_o in_o ourselves_o and_o provide_v this_o end_n be_v obtain_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v less_o considerable_a whether_o more_a or_o less_o time_n be_v allow_v to_o this_o work_n it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v sure_a that_o the_o work_n be_v thorough_o do_v and_o i_o do_v on_o purpose_n speak_v thus_o cautious_o in_o this_o matter_n because_o some_o pious_a person_n do_v perhaps_o err_v on_o the_o strict_a hand_n and_o be_v a_o little_a superstitious_a on_o that_o side_n insomuch_o that_o unless_o they_o can_v gain_v so_o much_o time_n to_o set_v apart_o for_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n they_o will_v refrain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n at_o that_o time_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a mind_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v i_o praise_v they_o in_o this_o i_o praise_v they_o not_o for_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o due_a preparation_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o come_v so_o prepare_v as_o we_o can_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v rather_o than_o to_o abstain_v upon_o this_o punctilio_fw-la for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o general_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o prepare_v may_v receive_v at_o any_o time_n when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v though_o he_o have_v no_o particular_a foresight_n of_o that_o opportunity_n and_o i_o think_v in_o that_o case_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v do_v much_o better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o refrain_v because_o he_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n though_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o make_v such_o actual_a preparation_n as_o he_o desire_v and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o allowable_a how_o can_v minister_n communicate_v with_o sick_a person_n at_o all_o time_n or_o persuade_v other_o to_o do_v it_o many_o time_n upon_o very_o short_a and_o sudden_a warning_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o frequent_o that_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n they_o judge_v it_o as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o even_o as_o their_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o interpret_n the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v we_o can_v well_o conceive_v how_o they_o who_o celebrate_v it_o so_o constant_o