if_o the_o law_n be_v just_a and_o equitable_a a_o christian_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o yield_v positive_a active_a obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n i._n e._n fear_v of_o threat_n and_o punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n civil_a government_n be_v his_o appointment_n as_o much_o as_o oeconomical_a but_o it_o be_v not_o man_n law_n that_o next_o and_o immediate_o bind_v conscience_n to_o obedience_n but_o god_n and_o man_n law_n bind_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o go_n hence_o a_o man_n that_o break_v the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n sin_n against_o god_n and_o eo_fw-la nomine_fw-la wrong_v his_o conscience_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o obey_v a_o unjust_a law_n of_o man_n i._n e._n a_o law_n no_o way_n warrantable_a by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n break_v god_n law_n and_o if_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o so_o he_o sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n which_o always_o aggravate_v any_o sin_n against_o god_n hence_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o any_o such_o law_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o man_n displeasure_n than_o go_n god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n if_o one_o must_v be_v disobey_v and_o obey_v god_n indemnify_v conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o disobey_v of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o act_n so_o if_o a_o law_n of_o man_n lie_v before_o we_o which_o we_o doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o we_o be_v here_o at_o least_o to_o suspend_v active_a obedience_n while_o we_o seek_v for_o further_a information_n for_o whether_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v sin_n or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o we_o at_o present_a as_o whether_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v what_o it_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v amount_v to_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v a_o doubtful_a action_n if_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v true_a but_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n be_v find_v upon_o the_o best_a examination_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n a_o christian_n conscience_n be_v the_o most_o certain_o disoblige_v his_o duty_n lie_v plain_a before_o he_o god_n law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o can_v joyful_o suffer_v all_o wrong_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n in_o the_o case_n of_o refusal_n of_o active_a obedience_n unto_o their_o law_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v either_o from_o a_o truely-enlightned_n conscience_n or_o from_o a_o err_a which_o be_v bind_v as_o to_o present_a action_n for_o a_o man_n must_v walk_v by_o that_o light_n he_o have_v or_o by_o none_o at_o all_o that_o such_o refusal_n of_o active_a obedience_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v mind_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o most_o justifiable_a at_o god_n and_o man_n tribunal_n §_o 6._o here_o will_v fall_v in_o a_o great_a enquiry_n that_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o humane_a power_n both_o legislative_a and_o executive_a be_v limit_v by_o a_o superior_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o have_v the_o felicity_n of_o keep_v within_o prescribe_v bound_n or_o have_v such_o subject_n that_o will_v not_o be_v except_v against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o not_o agreeable_a to_o god_n law_n and_o this_o they_o will_v make_v the_o plea_n for_o their_o disobedience_n both_o superior_n and_o inferior_n will_v plead_v conscience_n though_o never_o so_o unrighteous_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n unto_o this_o allegation_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o though_o every_o law_n primary_o require_v active_a obedience_n yet_o upon_o a_o transgression_n it_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o the_o penalty_n but_o for_o the_o future_a expect_v active_a obedience_n and_o a_o reiterated_a refusal_n of_o obedience_n the_o law_n look_v upon_o as_o presumptuous_a and_o be_v real_o so_o if_o this_o continuation_n at_o enmity_n with_o the_o law_n be_v voluntary_a and_o deliberate_a after_o sufficient_a information_n and_o conviction_n and_o if_o this_o refusal_n be_v conjoin_v with_o resistance_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o rebellion_n which_o we_o explode_v as_o unwarrantable_a for_o a_o christian_n about_o presumption_n we_o distinguish_v there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v real_o so_o and_o that_o which_o be_v only_o call_v so_o by_o a_o unjust_a law_n and_o mistake_a judge_n persist_v in_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n after_o conviction_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v presumption_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n whoever_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v but_o if_o such_o persistance_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n law_n in_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n or_o any_o sin_n at_o all_o against_o god_n however_o man_n may_v term_v it_o a_o presumptuous_a breach_n of_o his_o law_n for_o a_o conscientious_a christian_a can_v no_o more_o obey_v a_o unrighteous_a law_n after_o suffer_v than_o before_o §_o 7._o in_o all_o case_n of_o voluntary_a deliberate_a refusal_n of_o active_a obedience_n to_o a_o law_n there_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o wrong_n do_v to_o the_o lawgiver_n or_o subject_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n if_o his_o power_n law_n and_o end_n be_v good_a and_o they_o not_o answer_v for_o the_o first_o end_n of_o every_o law_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v active_a obedience_n as_o beforesaid_a the_o law_n of_o god_n first_o oblige_v we_o so_o to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o punishment_n be_v for_o the_o reduce_v the_o sufferer_n to_o active_a obedience_n and_o the_o exemplary_a restraint_n of_o other_o from_o disobedience_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o deliberate_a resolve_v and_o constant_a undergo_n of_o suffer_v in_o this_o way_n of_o refusal_n be_v a_o practical_a charge_v the_o magistrate_n with_o the_o high_a usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n in_o impose_v law_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a disparage_a testimony_n bear_v against_o his_o law_n a_o great_a reputation_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o cause_n plead_v for_o let_v it_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n and_o the_o most_o exemplary_a disappointment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n law-making_a end_n whereby_o other_o be_v great_o embolden_v to_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o refusal_n §_o 8._o in_o all_o case_n where_o magistrate_n abuse_v their_o power_n they_o do_v a_o wrong_n to_o the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o go_v beyond_o his_o commission_n and_o entrench_v on_o his_o prerogative_n and_o do_v apparent_a injury_n to_o the_o subject_a 1._o in_o that_o a_o inferior_a subordinate_a lawgiver_n have_v bereave_v he_o by_o a_o law_n of_o those_o just_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n grant_v to_o he_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o his_o supreme_a lawgiver_n 2._o in_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v his_o subject_n by_o impose_v a_o unjust_a law_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o suffer_v by_o it_o when_o he_o plead_v exemption_n by_o a_o law_n in_o full_a force_n and_o a_o discharge_n from_o a_o high_a court_n and_o be_v praiseworthy_a for_o the_o say_a refusal_n not_o to_o be_v condemn_v no_o nor_o reproach_v as_o a_o evil_a doer_n or_o presumptuous_a for_o his_o permanency_n in_o nonobedience_n 3._o in_o lay_v his_o subject_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o continue_a and_o reiterated_a suffering_n he_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n or_o else_o to_o answer_v the_o default_n at_o a_o high_a tribunal_n constant_o to_o persist_v in_o his_o refusal_n to_o yield_v such_o obedience_n though_o he_o be_v to_o pass_v under_o renew_a and_o reiterated_a penalty_n for_o a_o man_n to_o return_v to_o obedience_n after_o a_o deliberate_a suffering_n be_v a_o visible_a practical_a condemnation_n of_o himself_o for_o his_o former_a refusal_n which_o will_v great_o reflect_v on_o his_o honour_n both_o as_o a_o man_n or_o a_o christian_a unless_o by_o the_o access_n of_o further_a light_n he_o find_v his_o conscience_n do_v err_v and_o so_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o duty_n than_o it_o become_v he_o both_o as_o a_o man_n and_o christian_n to_o retract_v humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la beluinum_fw-la in_o errore_fw-la persistere_fw-la §_o 9_o now_o see_v such_o inevitable_a wrong_n light_v somewhere_o in_o case_n of_o these_o deliberate_a refusal_n it_o will_v be_v inquire_v who_o or_o what_o must_v determine_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o each_o party_n both_o stand_v high_o on_o their_o justification_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v a_o actual_a reconciliation_n be_v utter_o impossible_a rebus_fw-la sic_fw-la stantibus_fw-la because_o it_o will_v be_v as_o the_o great_a overswaying_a earthly_a power_n will_v have_v it_o deo_fw-la
by_o the_o occasion_n or_o example_n of_o it_o shall_v thy_o weak_a brother_n perish_v so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o thy_o action_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o so_o far_o as_o thou_o know_v he_o be_v fall_v into_o or_o confirm_v in_o sin_n by_o thy_o mean_n and_o when_o you_o sin_v so_o against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n you_o sin_n against_o christ_n the_o apostle_n enlarge_v further_a and_o very_o plain_o upon_o this_o point_n 1_o cor._n 10.23_o to_o the_o 9th_o etc._n etc._n which_o i_o shall_v not_o detain_v the_o reader_n upon_o but_o only_o refer_v he_o to_o distinct_a read_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o that_o eminent_a place_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n 1_o epist_n ch_n 2.10_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n abide_v in_o the_o light_n i._n e._n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o he_o that_o be_v no_o active_a scandal_n i._n e._n he_o give_v no_o occasion_n of_o fall_v unto_o his_o brother_n and_o there_o be_v no_o passive_a scandal_n he_o be_v so_o far_o enlighten_v and_o inform_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o do_v not_o easy_o take_v offence_n at_o his_o brother_n action_n so_o as_o to_o start_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o walk_v in_o any_o way_n of_o sin_n or_o error_n neither_o be_v he_o soon_o offend_v and_o prejudice_v at_o his_o brother_n person_n or_o profession_n as_o to_o start_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o either_o but_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n i._n e._n have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o brother_n soul_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v because_o darkness_n have_v blind_v his_o eye_n ergo_fw-la will_v both_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o lay_v stumbling-block_n and_o scandal_n in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v also_o chap._n ix_o of_o necessity_n and_o indifference_n §_o 1._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v follow_v to_o consider_v the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o strong_a and_o weak_a be_v most_o concern_v about_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o which_o scandal_n and_o offence_n do_v arise_v among_o christian_n and_o those_o be_v thing_n necessary_a and_o indifferent_a §_o 2._o the_o thing_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v or_o avoid_v by_o some_o law_n be_v thing_n necessary_a and_o if_o by_o christ_n law_n they_o be_v religious_o necessary_a if_o by_o man_n law_n they_o be_v civil_o necessary_a if_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n then_o natural_o necessary_a all_o thing_n whatever_o antecedaneous_a to_o a_o law_n be_v in_o a_o possibility_n to_o necessity_n or_o indifferency_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v doubt_v of_o suppose_v they_o under_o a_o law_n or_o relate_v to_o it_o not_o appear_v to_o we_o whether_o necessary_a or_o indifferent_a be_v scruple_n and_o these_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o in_o conscience_n §_o 3._o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v general_o know_v by_o this_o description_n est_fw-fr medium_n quod_fw-la ita_fw-la se_fw-la habet_fw-la ad_fw-la duo_fw-la extrema_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la magis_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la alterum_fw-la inclinat_fw-la it_o be_v a_o middle_a thing_n that_o respect_v both_o extreme_n alike_o as_o that_o which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o respect_n of_o morality_n lege_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sine_fw-la discrimine_fw-la aut_fw-la differentiam_fw-la b._n e._n ratione_fw-la boni_fw-la &_o mali_fw-la determinati_fw-la ulâ—â_fw-la lege_fw-la it_o be_v in_o itself_o neither_o moral_o good_a nor_o moral_o evil_a it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o middle_n of_o a_o line_n that_o leave_v so_o much_o on_o both_o side_n civil_a est_fw-la bonum_fw-la &_o malum_fw-la physicum_fw-la morale_fw-la civil_a that_o it_o be_v equal_o separate_v from_o both_o in_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o one_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o other_o and_o though_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v proper_o opposita_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la medio_fw-la vel_fw-la adversa_fw-la for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o some_o respect_n or_o other_o but_o because_o moral_a or_o civil_a good_a or_o evil_n be_v additional_a after_o the_o determination_n of_o nature_n in_o genere_fw-la svo_fw-la by_o some_o further_a law_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o action_n not_o concern_v in_o the_o say_a law_n which_o thing_n therefore_o can_v have_v no_o moral_n or_o civil_a goodness_n or_o evil_n in_o they_o but_z remain_z adiaphorus_n and_o so_o in_o this_o consideration_n necessary_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o indifferent_a be_v disparata_fw-la and_o not_o contraria_fw-la those_o thing_n or_o action_n which_o direct_o fall_v under_o the_o law_n by_o positive_a command_n or_o prohibition_n be_v say_v to_o be_v absolute_a good_a and_o evil_n though_o it_o be_v but_o secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la viz._n proper_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o law_n and_o those_o thing_n or_o action_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o concern_v in_o the_o law_n but_o only_o circumstantial_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o those_o be_v relative_o necessary_a and_o respective_o only_o good_a or_o evil_n §_o 4._o though_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o indifferent_a be_v disparata_fw-la yet_o necessary_a and_o indifferent_a be_v adversa_fw-la and_o there_o be_v no_o medium_n betwixt_o they_o for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v or_o may_v be_v rank_v under_o these_o two_o head_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o either_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o law_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v concern_v they_o receive_v a_o relative_a constitute_v good_a or_o evil_n from_o the_o say_a law_n if_o not_o concern_v as_o to_o command_n or_o prohibition_n they_o remain_v indifferent_a and_o their_o indifferency_n also_o must_v be_v respective_a as_o to_o this_o or_o that_o law_n for_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v indifferent_a and_o unconcerned_a as_o to_o one_o law_n when_o it_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o make_v necessary_a by_o another_o law_n §_o 5._o by_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o distinction_n from_o morality_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o meram_fw-la artem_fw-la physicam_fw-la here_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o art_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o law_n to_o direct_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o various_a respect_n unto_o its_o right_a end_n and_o all_o conformity_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o say_a rule_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v good_a and_o all_o irregularity_n and_o falsity_n be_v evil_a though_o bonum_fw-la &_o malum_fw-la be_v most_o proper_a in_o the_o moral_a acceptation_n yet_o we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v in_o other_o art_n beside_o divinity_n in_o logic_n there_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a consequence_n reason_v etc._n etc._n verum_fw-la &_o bomem_fw-la though_o they_o be_v moral_o contra-distinct_a yet_o they_o be_v in_o logic_n convertible_a term_n so_o there_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o every_o art_n which_o be_v its_o veritas_fw-la lead_v to_o its_o right_a end_n and_o this_o be_v the_o bonitas_fw-la thereof_o there_o be_v also_o a_o necessity_n in_o they_o and_o necessarium_fw-la quando_fw-la semper_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la falsum_fw-la esse_fw-la potest_fw-la when_o the_o axiom_n affirm_v be_v always_o true_a and_o never_o can_v be_v false_a to_o this_o be_v oppose_v a_o contingency_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o medium_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n as_o indifferency_n be_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v a_o axiomatical_a indifferency_n proper_o as_o the_o other_o be_v moral_a and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v contingent_a be_v indifferent_o concern_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n to_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n sic_fw-la vera_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la aliquando_fw-la falsa_fw-la esse_fw-la possunt_fw-la &_o sic_fw-la falsa_fw-la ut_fw-la aliquando_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la possunt_fw-la §_o 6._o all_o necessity_n respect_v conscience_n and_o religious_a practice_n be_v moral_a and_o have_v their_o good_a and_o evil_n determine_v by_o a_o moral_a law_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n absolute_a or_o relative_n absolute_a when_o the_o principal_a substance_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o action_n be_v determine_v as_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o moral_a law_n look_v direct_o upon_o it_o the_o duty_n be_v call_v perfectum_fw-la officium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o perfect_a or_o absolute_a throughout_o duty_n a_o relative_n necessity_n be_v when_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o itself_o by_o a_o circumstantial_a respect_n to_o another_o thing_n fall_v under_o some_o law_n and_o become_v good_a by_o way_n of_o expediency_n or_o evil_a by_o way_n of_o non-expediency_a it_o be_v call_v common_a
yet_o they_o have_v a_o possibility_n of_o necessary_a goodness_n evil_a or_o indifferency_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n by_o one_o law_n may_v be_v leave_v indifferent_a by_o another_o &_o vice_fw-la versa_fw-la 3._o the_o same_o law_n that_o ordain_v thing_n or_o action_n necessary_o good_a or_o evil_n do_v exclusiuè_a &_o implicitè_fw-fr determine_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o reference_n to_o its_o self_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v be_v neither_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o sin_n be_v indifferent_a 4._o there_o be_v none_o can_v loose_v or_o absolve_v from_o a_o bind_a law_n but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n or_o one_o superior_a to_o he_o man_n may_v by_o alteration_n of_o statute_n change_v their_o necessity_n into_o indifference_n &_o vice_fw-la versa_fw-la or_o god_n by_o his_o supremacy_n may_v do_v this_o in_o man_n law_n but_o no_o man_n can_v abolish_v god_n law_n or_o make_v new_a one_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n by_o change_a thing_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v indifferent_a into_o necessity_n it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n only_o 5._o all_o appearance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o they_o real_o be_v not_o by_o the_o several_a respect_n they_o have_v to_o the_o law_n they_o be_v under_o be_v error_n and_o hallucination_n of_o the_o understanding_n for_o good_a sometime_o appear_v evil_a and_o evil_a good_a necessary_a thing_n indifferent_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n necessary_a and_o though_o our_o walk_n must_v be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o understanding_n yet_o do_v not_o our_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n alter_v the_o true_a respect_n that_o thing_n have_v in_o themselves_o 6._o all_o religious_a action_n as_o such_o practical_o circumstantiate_v whether_o moral_a or_o ceremonial_a be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o can_v be_v call_v indifferent_a unless_o in_o a_o abstract_n consideration_n from_o all_o religious_a respect_n 7._o absolute_a good_a and_o evil_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n with_o lawful_a and_o unlawful_a for_o a_o indifferent_a action_n be_v lawful_a which_o have_v no_o determination_n by_o a_o law_n to_o good_a or_o evil_n because_o not_o only_o the_o precept_n but_o even_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o law_n make_v a_o licitum_fw-la but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o prohibition_n that_o make_v it_o unlawful_a hence_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o media_fw-la inter_fw-la licita_fw-la &_o illicita_fw-la for_o they_o be_v contradicentia_fw-la and_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v licita_fw-la and_o upon_o that_o account_n refer_v to_o the_o law_n and_o confirm_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o law_n lawfulness_n be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n 8._o to_o say_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o mean_a between_o command_v and_o forbid_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o mean_a between_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o something_o carry_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n in_o it_o that_o by_o a_o command_n or_o prohibition_n put_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n upon_o it_o correspondent_a to_o the_o say_a law_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o creation_n make_v thing_n natural_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o law_n moral_n make_v they_o moral_o so_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o which_o be_v prohibit_v as_o not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o be_v necessary_o evil_a that_o which_o be_v command_v as_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o requisite_a be_v good_a necessary_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o may_v or_o may_v not_o answer_v and_o be_v not_o absolute_o command_v or_o forbid_v be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o law_n though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o another_o and_o therefore_o indifferent_a chap._n xi_o concern_v christian_n liberty_n §_o 1._o upon_o the_o true_a state_v of_o necessity_n and_o indifference_n depend_v the_o right_a understanding_n of_o christian_a liberty_n concern_v the_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o extent_n thereof_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o something_o be_v subjoin_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o christian_a liberty_n many_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v evince_v we_o shall_v brief_o explain_v how_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v 1._o for_o freedom_n from_o the_o impurity_n of_o sin_n because_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v bondage_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v to_o holiness_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o liberty_n jam._n 1.25_o ch_n 2.12_o 2._o sometime_o take_v for_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n from_o the_o curse_n due_a to_o sin_n or_o lie_v upon_o the_o creature_n for_o it_o in_o its_o effect_n rom._n 8.21_o 3._o it_o be_v take_v for_o freedom_n from_o the_o darkness_n of_o and_o bondage_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a veil_n of_o ceremony_n 1_o cor._n 3.17_o 4._o for_o a_o free_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 3.17_o gal._n 2.4_o in_o all_o place_n i_o find_v liberty_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o some_o law_n whereby_o man_n be_v bind_v either_o under_o duty_n or_o unto_o punishment_n we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n by_o christ_n but_o not_o from_o duty_n require_v by_o it_o gal._n 5.1_o it_o be_v a_o freedom_n purchase_v for_o we_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o law_n in_o respect_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 1._o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o liberty_n from_o sin_n dominion_n which_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 6.18_o 22._o joh._n 8.32_o 2._o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o bondage_n of_o expectation_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n gal._n 4.22_o to_o the_o 30._o rom._n 7.3_o now_o christian_a liberty_n as_o it_o respect_v indifferent_a thing_n it_o flow_v from_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n two_o way_n either_o by_o way_n of_o release_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o some_o law_n by_o the_o repeal_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o consist_v in_o many_o observation_n of_o day_n meat_n habit_n and_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o be_v liberatio_fw-la or_o by_o allow_v we_o and_o entrust_v we_o with_o a_o latitude_n in_o the_o use_n of_o many_o thing_n notwithstanding_o all_o superven_a law_n and_o imposition_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o maintain_v gal._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n that_o place_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o the_o liberty_n purchase_v for_o we_o by_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o all_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v a_o liberty_n by_o gospel-charter_n we_o be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o avoid_v all_o re-intanglement_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o spy_v out_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n and_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o they_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7.23_o which_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o religious_a service_n such_o as_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o immediate_a command_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v v._o 22_o and_o 24._o for_o christ_n do_v not_o prohibit_v service_n to_o man_n in_o domestic_a and_o civil_a affair_n but_o a_o flavery_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o institute_v worship_n be_v you_o not_o time-servers_a or_o men-servers_a so_o that_o by_o christ_n law_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o refuse_v homage_n to_o man_n usurpation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n §_o 2._o as_o what_o christ_n law_n to_o we_o determine_v for_o our_o practice_n to_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o action_n comprehend_v under_o that_o law_n be_v definite_a so_o what_o he_o have_v not_o there_o determine_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o be_v indefinite_a and_o a_o christian_a have_v therein_o his_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v without_o sin_n as_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o relate_v to_o religious_a observation_n in_o meat_n drink_n day_n and_o circumstance_n attend_v institute_v worship_n not_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o christ_n but_o be_v leave_v by_o christ_n to_o our_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o it_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o as_o for_o example_n to_o sit_v or_o stand_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o prayer_n for_o a_o man_n to_o turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o east_n or_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o medium_n off_o cium_o quod_fw-la cur_n factum_fw-la sit_fw-la ratio_fw-la probabilis_fw-la reddi_fw-la potest_fw-la cic._n off_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 10.23_o a_o indifferency_n may_v become_v a_o necessity_n per_fw-la accidens_fw-la pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v a_o expediency_n or_o non-expediency_a which_o can_v be_v proper_o a_o medium_n between_o a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o indifferent_a because_o every_o moral_a expediency_n be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la boni_fw-la moralis_fw-la pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la though_o not_o pro_fw-la semper_fw-la &_o ubique_fw-la §_o 7._o thing_n have_v a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v so_o ordain_v of_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v or_o do_v this_o or_o that_o to_o the_o complete_n their_o being_n or_o welbeing_n in_o order_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o end_n for_o which_o he_o first_o introduce_v they_o and_o his_o command_n unto_o they_o the_o proper_a catholic_a rule_n of_o every_o art_n so_o to_o be_v and_o do_v be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o all_o natural_a agent_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o respective_a art_n and_o science_n do_v receive_v viz._n what_o they_o shall_v be_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o to_o what_o end_n they_o shall_v tend_v all_o which_o be_v undispensable_a rebus_fw-la secundum_fw-la natucam_fw-la aut_fw-la regulas_fw-la artis_fw-la positis_fw-la and_o unalterable_a by_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o and_o they_o be_v his_o ordinance_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n etc._n etc._n give_v by_o god_n and_o can_v depart_v from_o before_o he_o jer._n 31.35_o 36._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o these_o statute_n be_v remove_v from_o before_o i_o hence_o all_o creature_n and_o thing_n shall_v according_a to_o their_o first_o constitution_n have_v keep_v their_o regular_a motion_n to_o the_o best_a end_n supreme_a and_o subordinate_a and_o so_o all_o good_a though_o since_o the_o break_n in_o of_o the_o curse_n upon_o the_o creature_n for_o man_n moral_a transgression_n there_o be_v enter_v thousand_o of_o natural_a evil_n into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o nature_n have_v swerve_v from_o its_o primitive_a course_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o run_v in_o the_o crooked_a channel_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n hence_o natural_a indifferency_n be_v such_o natural_a action_n modes_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o create_a being_n which_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o destruction_n to_o the_o esse_fw-la bene_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o last_o end_n of_o the_o creature_n as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v tall_a or_o short_a fat_a or_o lean_a of_o a_o fair_a or_o black_a complexion_n so_o a_o sheep_n black_a or_o white_a it_o may_v rain_v or_o be_v fair_a wether_n on_o this_o or_o that_o day_n the_o fuel_n of_o fire_n may_v be_v hay_n straw_n coal_n or_o wood_n the_o eye_n may_v look_v on_o this_o or_o that_o object_n the_o understanding_n contemplate_v this_o or_o that_o truth_n the_o will_v choose_v this_o or_o that_o good_a and_o infinite_a other_o variety_n that_o nature_n sport_v itself_o in_o without_o any_o distraction_n or_o so_o much_o as_o wrong_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n thereof_o §_o 8._o thing_n or_o action_n be_v political_o necessary_a or_o indifferent_a when_o they_o become_v necessary_a by_o subjection_n to_o some_o law_n of_o polity_n or_o indifferent_a by_o be_v void_a of_o limitation_n by_o that_o law_n political_a necessity_n and_o indifference_n be_v either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a civil_o necessary_a be_v either_o when_o the_o thing_n or_o action_n themselves_o have_v a_o innate_a tendency_n to_o the_o order_n of_o civil_a society_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o distributive_a or_o commutative_a justice_n flow_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n diffuse_v itself_o through_o all_o natural_a conscience_n and_o become_v the_o very_a vein_n and_o sinew_n of_o society_n or_o when_o according_a to_o the_o discretion_n or_o prudential_a arbitrement_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n agree_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n a_o civil_a law_n be_v enact_v where_o it_o bind_v be_v civil_o necessary_a and_o that_o which_o it_o leave_v unbound_v be_v civil_o indifferent_a and_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o law_n unto_o this_o head_n may_v be_v refer_v oeconomical_a necessity_n and_o indifference_n of_o which_o we_o may_v have_v some_o such_o analogical_a understanding_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o stay_v upon_o §_o 9_o some_o thing_n and_o action_n fall_v under_o a_o spiritual_a political_a consideration_n and_o be_v ecclesiastical_a pertain_v to_o institute_v worshp_n to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n body-politick_a which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o these_o be_v levitical_a or_o evangelical_n levitical_o necessary_a where_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v by_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n under_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o moses_n levitical_o indifferent_a where_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n may_v be_v lawful_o do_v or_o not_o be_v do_v according_a to_o discretion_n §_o 10._o thing_n or_o action_n evangelical_o ecclesiastical_a be_v also_o necessary_a or_o indifferent_a necessary_a when_o they_o have_v a_o determination_n of_o political_a good_a or_o evil_n lay_v on_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n thing_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o church-constitution_n be_v also_o indifferent_a when_o they_o be_v not_o declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v of_o any_o necessary_a concernment_n to_o the_o be_v or_o well-being_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n all_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n be_v found_v on_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o moral_a precept_n by_o the_o name_n of_o institute_v worship_n because_o god_n ordain_v the_o moral_a law_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o obedience_n under_o all_o the_o age_n of_o his_o church_n but_o christ_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o prerogative_n of_o alter_v institute_v worship_n at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o those_o several_a age_n and_o great_a end_n that_o he_o design_v the_o attain_n of_o by_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a change_n that_o he_o think_v good_a to_o make_v be_v when_o he_o change_v his_o church-discipline_n from_o oeconomical_a to_o national_a and_o from_o national_a in_o one_o nation_n to_o particular_a congregation_n in_o all_o nation_n whither_o his_o gospel_n shall_v be_v disperse_v this_o last_o change_n of_o institute_v worship_n we_o be_v under_o and_o it_o stand_v constitute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o own_o promulgation_n by_o himself_o immediate_o when_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o ascension_n inspire_v with_o his_o spirit_n extraordinary_o commissionated_a by_o his_o authority_n from_o under_o this_o last_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n we_o must_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o start_v till_o his_o second_o come_v the_o date_n of_o its_o continuance_n be_v fix_v by_o himself_o chap._n x._o some_o plain_a proposition_n concern_v thing_n necessary_a and_o indifferent_a §_o 1._o have_v thus_o brief_o describe_v and_o unfold_v all_o sort_n of_o necessity_n and_o indifference_n requisite_a to_o our_o purpose_n and_o rank_v they_o to_o several_a head_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o they_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o we_o judge_v it_o now_o convenient_a in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o we_o come_v to_o argue_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n to_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o general_a proposition_n to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n whereby_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v further_o and_o more_o clear_o appear_v 1._o no_o create_a being_n or_o action_n have_v any_o thing_n of_o moral_a necessity_n or_o indifferency_n antecedent_n to_o a_o moral_a law_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n thing_n can_v respect_v it_o as_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o if_o the_o two_o extreme_n can_v be_v without_o a_o law_n neither_o can_v the_o middle_n be_v in_o respect_n to_o the_o say_a law_n and_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o make_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o command_v or_o forbid_v other_o thing_n can_v be_v moral_o indifferent_a as_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n 2._o though_o thing_n have_v no_o indifferency_n antecedaneous_a to_o a_o law_n and_o without_o respect_n thereto_o
west_n or_o wear_v this_o or_o that_o colour_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n thousand_o of_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o natural_a civil_a or_o moral_a liberty_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o christian_a as_o a_o man_n may_v claim_v as_o much_o of_o that_o as_o another_o and_o have_v as_o much_o law-obligation_n as_o to_o precept_n of_o practice_n but_o the_o matter_n under_o debate_n be_v what_o the_o evangelical_n liberty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n §_o 3._o a_o christian_n liberty_n be_v not_o a_o boundless_a and_o lawless_a liberty_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v most_o free_a but_o have_v its_o special_a limit_n and_o bound_n set_v unto_o it_o by_o christ_n in_o certain_a rule_n and_o precept_n general_o prescribe_v by_o he_o to_o which_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v reduce_v either_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o and_o so_o fall_v direct_o under_o that_o law_n or_o to_o the_o general_a circumstance_n and_o so_o be_v subject_n more_o remote_o hence_o there_o be_v no_o action_n that_o a_o christian_n do_v of_o religious_a concernment_n that_o be_v complete_o indifferent_a but_o have_v aliquatenus_fw-la rationem_fw-la boni_fw-la aut_fw-la mali_fw-la §_o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o set_v a_o double_a bind_v to_o christian_a liberty_n viz._n moral_a and_o evangelical_n 1._o moral_a in_o that_o christ_n law_n allow_v none_o the_o liberty_n of_o commit_v moral_a transgression_n it_o own_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v all_o moral_a precept_n prohibition_n or_o permission_n and_o none_o may_v use_v christian_a liberty_n as_o occasion_n of_o licentiousness_n gal._n 5.13_o 1_o pet._n 2.16_o 2._o the_o evangelical_n bind_v to_o liberty_n in_o matter_n leave_v by_o christ_n indifferent_a be_v expediency_n by_o which_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v substantial_o indifferent_a may_v be_v relative_o and_o circumstantial_o necessary_a pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o become_v bonum_fw-la aut_fw-la malum_fw-la contingens_fw-la aut_fw-la respectivum_fw-la and_o that_o be_v medium_n officium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o become_v unlawful_a the_o rule_n be_v plain_a 1_o cor._n 10.23_o 28_o 29._o therefore_o 1._o all_o action_n and_o therefore_o indifferent_a must_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o great_a and_o general_a moral_a end_n of_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o rom._n 14.6_o a_o man_n may_v eat_v or_o drink_v or_o wear_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n indifferent_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o god_n glory_n keep_v a_o day_n or_o not_o keep_v it_o choose_v this_o or_o that_o time_n to_o pray_v in_o for_o the_o same_o end_n and_o hence_o election_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o indifferency_n according_a to_o their_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o tendency_n or_o aptness_n to_o accomplish_v that_o great_a end_n 2._o a_o second_o end_n but_o subordinate_a in_o expediency_n to_o be_v respect_v be_v edification_n of_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 1_o cor._n 10.23_o and_o that_o which_o respect_v neither_o of_o these_o end_n with_o at_o least_o some_o tendency_n be_v religious_o vain_a as_o wear_v one_o colour_n more_o than_o another_o religious_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o one_o part_n of_o worship_n more_o than_o another_o what_o do_v this_o conduce_v to_o edification_n by_o which_o way_n if_o any_o it_o shall_v be_v sublime_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o bring_v vain_a oblation_n to_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n be_v abominable_a to_o he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 5._o god_n have_v not_o by_o law_n determine_v particular_o all_o the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_n conversation_n but_o leave_v many_o to_o the_o management_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o expediency_n which_o be_v a_o skill_n of_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n heb._n 5.12_o and_o between_o good_a and_o better_a discretion_n be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o practical_a judgement_n which_o although_o it_o be_v guide_v by_o general_a rule_n for_o attain_v the_o great_a end_n yet_o it_o take_v its_o particular_a measure_n very_o much_o from_o former_a experience_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o various_a circumstance_n and_o occurrence_n and_o according_o it_o judge_v what_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o expedient_a in_o all_o action_n and_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v indifferent_o referrable_a this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n yet_o by_o that_o time_n they_o be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n by_o a_o christian_n spiritual_a reason_n and_o discretion_n act_v from_o sense_n exercise_v heb._n 5.12_o there_o be_v manifest_a good_a or_o evil_n at_o least_o relative_a discover_v in_o they_o or_o at_o least_o put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o say_v general_a end_n and_o rule_n of_o walk_v §_o 6._o as_o strength_n appear_v most_o in_o the_o management_n of_o a_o man_n self_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o observance_n of_o discretion_n so_o weakness_n in_o the_o failure_n hereof_o be_v most_o discoverable_a and_o by_o a_o accumulation_n of_o these_o little_a failure_n a_o christian_n do_v exceed_o miscarry_v and_o profession_n become_v very_o much_o disparage_v §_o 7._o hence_o indifferent_a action_n may_v become_v offend_v grieve_v and_o scandalize_a unto_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o external_a accident_n temporal_a or_o local_a respect_n and_o so_o may_v be_v unlawful_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o expediency_n for_o that_o which_o certain_o be_v not_o expedient_a be_v unlawful_a though_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o this_o case_n §_o 8._o as_o the_o scandalize_a other_o be_v a_o mischief_n that_o make_v a_o indifferent_a action_n unexpedient_a so_o also_o the_o betray_v our_o own_o liberty_n paul_n in_o his_o act_n keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n here_o when_o he_o find_v that_o some_o design_v by_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o bring_v he_o into_o bondage_n he_o give_v not_o the_o least_o place_n to_o they_o as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o titus_n gal._n 2.3_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o our_o liberty_n and_o not_o to_o be_v enthral_v in_o bondage_n though_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o do_v a_o action_n in_o itself_o adiaphorous_a §_o 9_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o every_o action_n or_o forbearance_n must_v appear_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o he_o may_v do_v or_o forbear_v believe_o in_o all_o religious_a concernment_n therefore_o all_o absolute_a necessity_n must_v be_v bind_v on_o his_o conscience_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o law_n positive_o command_v or_o forbid_v and_o all_o relative_a necessity_n i._n e._n indifferency_n circumstantial_a must_v arrive_v at_o conscience_n with_o their_o expediency_n which_o must_v be_v the_o balance_n of_o election_n in_o thing_n equal_o good_a in_o themselves_o their_o comparative_a goodness_n must_v be_v respective_a or_o evil_n must_v make_v some_o appearance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o a_o christian_n freedom_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o say_a judgement_n according_a to_o the_o several_a case_n he_o meet_v withal_o be_v his_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v deprive_v of_o jure_fw-la by_o any_o exotic_a law_n §_o 10._o where_o thing_n be_v absolute_o indifferent_a and_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a respective_a difference_n between_o adiaphorous_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o christian_n liberty_n to_o take_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o he_o sin_v not_o against_o any_o rule_n of_o expedience_n in_o take_v either_o for_o both_o be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a enough_o neither_o do_v i_o know_v why_o any_o additional_a law_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o transgressor_n in_o choose_v or_o refuse_v of_o either_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o action_n or_o thing_n may_v be_v equal_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a moral_o which_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n may_v not_o arise_v from_o nature_n his_o own_o inclination_n or_o some_o other_o small_a attend_v circumstance_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o any_o humane_a authority_n as_o the_o transgressor_n of_o any_o law_n §_o 11._o as_o particular_a person_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o expediency_n may_v judge_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o according_a to_o their_o respect_n to_o know_v precept_n or_o to_o choose_v one_o before_o another_o arbitrary_o where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o compare_v respect_n so_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o use_v their_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n and_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o rule_n of_o expediency_n for_o time_n place_n and_o external_a accommodation_n but_o can_v make_v any_o bind_a law_n to_o themselves_o or_o other_o because_o those_o thing_n be_v alterable_a
in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v determine_v but_o pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o must_v be_v liable_a still_o to_o no_o other_o judgement_n than_o that_o of_o discretion_n those_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v under_o it_o can_v by_o humane_a law_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o therefore_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v agree_v on_o by_o common_a consent_n in_o congregation_n or_o by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o according_a as_o the_o expediency_n or_o conveniency_n appear_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o so_o long_o and_o no_o long_o hence_o they_o can_v undergo_v the_o title_n or_o denomination_n of_o a_o law_n but_o only_o of_o prudential_a rule_n which_o have_v no_o bind_a reason_n for_o observation_n but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o agree_a circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v most_o convenient_a by_o the_o church_n to_o assemble_v at_o such_o a_o hour_n so_o long_o as_o the_o day_n be_v of_o such_o a_o length_n but_o when_o that_o circumstance_n alter_v than_o it_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a at_o another_o many_o such_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v and_o no_o church_n can_v walk_v comfortable_o as_o long_o as_o any_o authority_n undertake_v to_o prohibit_v they_o of_o this_o liberty_n of_o their_o prudential_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o alterable_a appendix_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n xii_o wherein_o be_v handle_v the_o first_o question_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a §_o 1._o the_o first_o question_n that_o seem_v to_o offer_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o this_o whether_o a_o religious_a gospel-indifferency_n cease_v to_o be_v so_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v positive_o and_o certain_o determine_v as_o to_o its_o practice_n by_o humane_a authority_n explic._n by_o religious_a gospel-indifferency_n i_o understand_v as_o beforementioned_a any_o thing_n or_o action_n which_o circumstantial_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o may_v be_v use_v or_o omit_v or_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n without_o any_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n again_o this_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v determine_v as_o to_o expediency_n by_o a_o society_n or_o lawful_a authority_n but_o not_o impose_v as_o a_o stand_n and_o bind_v law_n but_o be_v commend_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o concur_v conscientious_o studious_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o carry_v the_o more_o force_n along_o with_o it_o to_o persuade_v we_o at_o least_o to_o present_v act_v till_o by_o further_a and_o great_a illumination_n we_o be_v otherwise_o incline_v nay_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o propose_v as_o their_o judgement_n according_a to_o their_o light_n receive_v not_o magisterial_o but_o demonstrative_o only_a convince_o enough_o as_o to_o the_o expediency_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n unto_o conscience_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n man_n be_v a_o candlestick_n only_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n and_o bind_v it_o to_o submit_v thereunto_o but_o otherwise_o if_o man_n in_o authority_n undertake_v to_o make_v a_o law_n that_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o by_o christ_n law_n leave_v indifferent_a i._n e._n to_o christian_a discretion_n to_o do_v or_o omit_v shall_v become_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o a_o expedient_a necessity_n and_o according_a to_o their_o will_n and_o opinion_n bind_v inferior_n to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o by_o a_o penalty_n we_o affirm_v that_o a_o religious_a gospel-indifferency_n notwithstanding_o all_o humane_a authoritative_a determination_n change_v it_o into_o a_o necessity_n keep_v its_o pristine_a indifferency_n and_o remain_v the_o same_o to_o a_o christian_n conscience_n and_o practice_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n follow_v §_o 2._o argum._n 1._o that_o power_n that_o can_v change_v gospel-indifferencies_a into_o gospel-necessity_n can_v also_o change_v gospel-necessity_n into_o gospel-indifferencies_a but_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v do_v the_o latter_a ergo_fw-la not_o the_o former_a the_o assumption_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o protestant_n it_o be_v a_o presumption_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n for_o humane_a authority_n to_o pretend_v to_o dispense_v with_o or_o null_a any_o of_o the_o manifest_a law_n of_o christ_n the_o major_n be_v also_o evident_a because_o it_o must_v be_v a_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a to_o make_v and_o null_n a_o law_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o humane_a authority_n may_v make_v a_o gospel-indifferency_n necessary_a genere_fw-la civili_fw-la the_o answer_n fall_v far_o short_a for_o we_o speak_v of_o law_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n have_v equal_a force_n upon_o the_o conscience_n for_o a_o civil_a legislative_a power_n can_v as_o well_o null_a any_o law_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n only_o as_o it_o can_v make_v it_o so_o if_o man_n can_v make_v moral_a law_n he_o may_v as_o well_o null_a those_o which_o he_o have_v make_v or_o dispense_v with_o they_o at_o pleasure_n as_o make_v new_a we_o must_v always_o allow_v a_o sovereign_a prerogative_n to_o supreme_a lawgiver_n in_o any_o kind_n as_o to_o promulgate_v so_o to_o abrogate_v or_o dispense_v with_o their_o own_o law_n at_o pleasure_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o law_n that_o man_n make_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n necessary_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v civil_a only_o be_v only_o for_o decency_n splendour_n etc._n etc._n i_o reply_v that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o respect_n and_o end_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o give_v it_o its_o specifical_a denomination_n when_o it_o have_v none_o such_o absolute_o consider_v that_o which_o respect_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o gospel-worship_n of_o christ_n or_o pretend_v so_o to_o do_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v a_o part_n of_o gospel-worship_n as_o kneel_v be_v a_o indifferent_a gesture_n a_o man_n may_v kneel_v when_o he_o do_v other_o thing_n beside_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o use_v another_o posture_n in_o worship_n but_o when_o this_o or_o that_o gesture_n be_v apply_v to_o worship_n it_o be_v religious_a by_o its_o respect_n use_v and_o application_n but_o still_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n till_o by_o some_o bind_a law_n the_o conscience_n become_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o worship_n now_o he_o that_o undertake_v to_o bind_v conscience_n here_o undertake_v to_o make_v a_o law_n for_o christ_n and_o to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o such_o that_o make_v such_o law_n do_v claim_v such_o a_o power_n be_v manifest_a because_o they_o make_v obedience_n unto_o such_o law_n necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n §_o 3._o argum._n 2._o if_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o evangelical_n indifferency_n may_v be_v change_v jure_fw-la into_o a_o evangelical_n necessity_n by_o any_o power_n beside_o christ_n than_o it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o be_v evangelical_o evil_a that_o this_o or_o that_o shall_v remain_v indifferent_a which_o christ_n have_v leave_v so_o or_o at_o least_o better_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o necessity_n i._n e._n a_o command_v good_a or_o prohibit_v evil_a than_o indifferent_a to_o be_v dispose_v by_o the_o discretion_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o christian_n but_o there_o be_v no_o true_a evangelical_n indifferency_n that_o have_v such_o a_o reason_n for_o the_o change_n of_o it_o into_o a_o necessity_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v this_o because_o whatever_o be_v alter_v by_o a_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v alter_v from_o worse_a to_o better_o and_o what_o be_v alter_v by_o a_o law_n for_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v make_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o far_o better_a than_o it_o be_v before_o but_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o wise_a lawgiver_n leave_v in_o indifferency_n to_o practice_n or_o omit_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n shall_v be_v more_o for_o his_o honour_n if_o it_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o necessity_n by_o a_o law_n for_o to_o say_v so_o will_v be_v a_o high_a impeachment_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o king_n and_o parliament_n when_o any_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v they_o have_v not_o make_v such_o law_n as_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v make_v and_o have_v leave_v the_o subject_a under_o a_o great_a liberty_n than_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonweal_n or_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n to_o say_v
so_o therefore_o be_v to_o make_v a_o double_a reflection_n on_o christ_n first_o that_o his_o law_n be_v defective_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v establish_v and_o that_o the_o liberty_n grant_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o member_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v too_o great_a a_o latitude_n to_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o exact_a gospel-worship_n which_o we_o shall_v honour_v he_o by_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v evangelical_o indifferent_a may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o law_n we_o say_v that_o all_o the_o true_a jus_o of_o other_o law_n must_v be_v found_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o be_v precedaneous_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o in_o authority_n or_o practice_n it_o must_v take_v place_n before_o they_o moreover_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o so_o ill_o establish_v christian_a liberty_n as_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v license_v to_o violate_v any_o natural_a or_o civil_a bond_n §_o 4._o argum._n 3._o that_o which_o by_o christ_n authority_n have_v leave_v a_o character_n impress_v on_o conscience_n can_v by_o any_o authority_n be_v abrogate_a without_o removal_n of_o the_o say_a character_n but_o as_o the_o law_n so_o the_o liberty_n by_o gospel-charter_n grant_v by_o christ_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o character_n impress_v indelible_o on_o conscience_n as_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o any_o other_o authority_n therefore_o christian_a liberty_n can_v be_v abrogate_a etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la a_o religious_a gospel-indifferency_n can_v be_v take_v away_o or_o cease_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o mere_a humane_a law_n i._n e._n humane_a law_n that_o christ_n never_o allow_v man_n to_o make_v the_o major_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n fix_v a_o indelible_a character_n upon_o conscience_n for_o positive_a obedience_n and_o also_o as_o to_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o he_o that_o know_v not_o one_o by_o the_o law_n know_v not_o the_o other_o nor_o can_v never_o tell_v when_o he_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o do_v not_o and_o if_o any_o other_o can_v interpose_v and_o make_v a_o law_n to_o bind_v conscience_n sub_fw-la reatu_fw-la by_o new_a law_n or_o release_v it_o by_o new_a liberty_n either_o to_o make_v additional_a character_n or_o delete_a christ_n christian_n religion_n will_v thereby_o become_v no_o other_o than_o a_o undigested_a heap_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v true_a character_n be_v sometime_o remove_v from_o conscience_n as_o in_o case_n of_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o faith_n rom._n 8._o so_o in_o case_n of_o a_o err_a conscience_n that_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o to_o be_v indifferent_a which_o be_v necessary_a all_o error_n when_o entertain_v lay_v hold_v on_o conscience_n sub_fw-la pretextu_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la christi_fw-la under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n authority_n and_o so_o do_v all_o humane_a usurp_a law_n when_o they_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o conscience_n and_o when_o by_o a_o far_a inform_a light_n the_o error_n be_v expel_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n still_o remain_v expel_v the_o error_n which_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v do_v and_o confirm_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o truth_n maugre_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o any_o humane_a power_n so_o that_o where_o christ_n law_n have_v once_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o fix_v his_o authority_n there_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o whatever_o man_n external_a practice_n or_o conformity_n be_v that_o ever_o any_o humane_a power_n can_v blot_v out_o the_o character_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o fix_v another_o supremacy_n there_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a law_n in_o religious_a thing_n that_o can_v bind_v the_o conscience_n under_o guilt_n in_o case_n of_o transgression_n i_o shall_v never_o conscientious_o observe_v that_o for_o my_o duty_n the_o omission_n of_o which_o do_v not_o make_v i_o conscious_a of_o a_o transgression_n as_o to_o the_o minor_a that_o the_o liberty_n grant_v by_o christ_n leave_v a_o character_n on_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v manifest_a 1._o because_o law_n be_v the_o bound_n of_o liberty_n and_o one_o must_v be_v know_v and_o act_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 2._o because_o their_o liberty_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n permissive_a only_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n positive_a i._n e._n so_o far_o as_o that_o christian_n shall_v walk_v in_o it_o he_o have_v but_o two_o path_n to_o walk_v in_o either_o of_o positive_o direct_v obedience_n or_o of_o liberty_n under_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n regulate_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o expediency_n for_o either_o in_o matter_n of_o institute_v worship_n christ_n have_v by_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n limit_v our_o action_n or_o have_v leave_v church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o equilibrio_n of_o indifferency_n to_o poise_v themselves_o according_a to_o conscience-light_n as_o to_o respective_a difference_n by_o discretion_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o equality_n to_o choose_v pro_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la again_o our_o assurance_n be_v not_o only_o negative_a but_o positive_a that_o it_o be_v christ_n will_n that_o we_o shall_v maintain_v our_o liberty_n in_o religious_a thing_n stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v any_o take_v it_o away_o without_o intrude_a on_o conscience_n and_o entrench_v on_o his_o prerogative_n which_o for_o we_o to_o yield_v to_o be_v to_o betray_v his_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n §_o 5._o argum._n 4._o hence_o if_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v and_o ergo_fw-la the_o thing_n retain_v its_o pristine_a nature_n that_o law_n which_o direct_o put_v a_o christian_a on_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v in_o obey_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v but_o a_o law_n that_o change_v evangelical_n indifferency_n into_o necessity_n do_v direct_o put_v a_o christian_a on_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o obey_v ergo_fw-la it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v that_o the_o major_n may_v be_v universal_a i_o add_v direct_o because_o many_o good_a law_n be_v occasion_n of_o sin_v indirect_o but_o when_o the_o law_n require_v such_o obedience_n which_o in_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n because_o the_o obedience_n direct_o aim_v at_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o the_o law_n such_o a_o law_n must_v needs_o be_v sinful_a the_o minor_a do_v thus_o appear_v because_o such_o a_o law_n bind_v a_o man_n up_o in_o obedience_n to_o it_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o indifferency_n whereas_o that_o part_n of_o the_o indifferency_n according_a to_o christ_n rule_n of_o expediency_n may_v be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o then_o the_o humane_a law_n and_o the_o say_a gospel-rule_n contradict_v one_o another_o expediency_n alter_v daily_o as_o to_o attend_v circumstance_n at_o some_o time_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o at_o another_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o avoid_v as_o for_o example_n the_o apostle_n reckon_v eat_v this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o meat_n sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o i_o make_v no_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v jewish_o unclean_a or_o heathenish_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n 1_o cor._n 10.25_o 27._o but_o if_o i_o be_o enforce_v by_o law_n to_o eat_v this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o meat_n in_o the_o shambles_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n i_o be_o necessitate_v to_o sin_n 1._o i_o offend_v my_o brother_n that_o make_v this_o law_n confirm_v he_o in_o sin_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o who_o conscience_n i_o ought_v by_o the_o apostle_n rule_v to_o forbear_v this_o act_n and_o therefore_o sin_n against_o all_o such_o as_o idolatrous_o eat_v this_o sacrifice_a meat_n for_o what_o can_v tell_v i_o more_o plain_o than_o the_o law_n that_o this_o or_o that_o meat_n by_o its_o attend_a circumstance_n be_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n again_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o or_o that_o public_a place_n be_v a_o indifferency_n to_o hear_v it_o to_o my_o edification_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a be_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o a_o humane_a law_n to_o hear_v always_o in_o my_o own_o parish-church_n and_o thereby_o debar_v of_o my_o liberty_n of_o hear_v there_o where_o i_o can_v most_o profit_n and_o whereas_o the_o parish-minist_a be_v ignorant_a profane_a or_o erroneous_a who_o to_o hear_v constant_o must_v needs_o be_v sin_n to_o i_o i_o be_o certain_o by_o this_o law_n put_v upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v in_o yield_v active_a obedience_n unto_o it_o §_o 6._o argum._n 5._o that_o indifferency_n
indifferent_a thing_n to_o take_v it_o up_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o but_o because_o of_o the_o father_n command_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v a_o command_n of_o christ_n that_o enjoin_v the_o child_n obedience_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o father_n command_v it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o child_n yield_v obedience_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o command_n for_o one_o particular_a action_n and_o therefore_o under_o expediency_n if_o the_o father_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n that_o one_o child_n shall_v pick_v straw_n all_o his_o day_n and_o another_o play_n at_o push-pin_n such_o law_n will_v become_v null_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o absurd_a than_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o what_o can_v alter_v it_o more_o than_o to_o lay_v it_o under_o a_o law_n when_o a_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a unto_o practice_n before_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a as_o to_o practise_v when_o it_o be_v lawful_a before_o to_o make_v it_o unlawful_a we_o have_v show_v that_o necessity_n and_o indifferency_n be_v but_o relative_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n and_o he_o make_v a_o law_n that_o give_v thing_n contrary_a relation_n and_o respect_n to_o what_o they_o have_v before_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o a_o law_n can_v and_o make_v one_o law_n contrary_a to_o another_o man_n do_v but_o trifle_n that_o plead_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o make_v necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n when_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v enjoin_v under_o the_o great_a church-penalty_n what_o be_v great_a than_o excommunication_n yea_o pecuniary_a mulct_n imprisonment_n deprivation_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o offender_n against_o the_o law_n persecute_v with_o great_a rigour_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o open_a transgression_n of_o moral_a and_o gospel-precept_n §_o 5._o i_o may_v take_v another_o very_a plain_a medium_n to_o prove_v the_o minor_a thus_o he_o that_o make_v a_o thing_n unlawful_a either_o to_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v which_o christ_n have_v make_v lawful_a by_o his_o law_n do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o change_v indifferency_n into_o necessity_n do_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o the_o major_n for_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n unlawful_a etc._n etc._n lawful_a and_o unlawful_a being_n contradicentia_fw-la and_o he_o that_o by_o a_o new_a law_n render_v that_o unlawful_a for_o my_o practice_n which_o christ_n law_n have_v render_v lawful_a do_v a_o thing_n e_fw-la region_fw-la contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v as_o evident_a for_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o indifferent_a action_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v or_o omit_v as_o to_o eat_v such_o a_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o keep_v such_o a_o day_n or_o wear_v such_o a_o garment_n but_o there_o be_v a_o new_a law_n of_o the_o church_n come_v which_o now_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o i_o either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o he_o that_o make_v a_o law_n bind_v always_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o either_o part_n of_o the_o indifferency_n make_v the_o other_o part_n unlawful_a which_o antecedaneous_a to_o this_o law_n be_v lawful_a now_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o he_o have_v make_v lawful_a for_o they_o may_v as_o well_o make_v that_o lawful_a to_o do_v or_o omit_v again_o if_o the_o church_n may_v make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o he_o have_v make_v lawful_a than_o she_o may_v take_v away_o the_o relative_n goodness_n that_o be_v in_o any_o part_n of_o a_o indifferent_a action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o expediency_n and_o stamp_n upon_o it_o a_o positive_a evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v etc._n etc._n again_o nothing_o can_v be_v ecclesiastical_o and_o therefore_o religious_o unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o make_v ecclesiastical_o and_o religious_o evil_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o jure_v but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v ecclesiastical_o good_a and_o necessary_a without_o the_o say_v reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n §_o 6._o argum._n 4._o the_o church_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o law-making_a power_n ergo._n i_o prove_v it_o thus_o he_o that_o can_v jure_v or_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la annex_v a_o punishment_n in_o some_o measure_n correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n that_o will_v be_v commit_v against_o that_o law_n can_v make_v such_o a_o law_n as_o if_o a_o corporation_n under_o the_o king_n make_v a_o law_n to_o hang_v or_o burn_v in_o the_o hand_n for_o some_o offence_n which_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v then_o that_o be_v null_a the_o major_n be_v very_o plain_a but_o the_o church_n can_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o at_o least_o the_o jure_fw-la execute_v such_o penalty_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o her_o law_n for_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o lawmaker_n will_v still_o have_v the_o first_o stroke_n of_o his_o law_n fall_v upon_o conscience_n by_o bind_v it_o under_o guilt_n where_o be_v ever_o any_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n ever_o bind_v under_o guilt_n for_o transgress_v a_o mere_a church-law_n in_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n second_o they_o can_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la annex_v and_o execute_v the_o penalty_n of_o exclusion_n from_o communion_n as_o christ_n never_o make_v a_o mere_a ceremony_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n so_o he_o never_o threaten_v the_o non-observation_n with_o non-communion_n let_v any_o precept_n or_o any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o any_o suffer_v church-censure_n under_o the_o new-testament_n for_o non-observation_n of_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n three_o as_o for_o other_o penalty_n which_o we_o call_v secular_a as_o whip_v imprison_v fine_v confiscate_a we_o know_v the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o they_o be_v never_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o never_o will_v be_v §_o 7._o argum._n 5._o that_o law_n which_o direct_o and_o unavoidable_o hinder_v much_o good_a and_o cause_v much_o evil_n in_o the_o obediential_a subjection_n thereto_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n but_o to_o change_v religious_a indifferency_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n into_o necessity_n do_v so_o ergo._n the_o major_n be_v undeniable_a for_o though_o a_o good_a action_n may_v per_fw-mi accidens_fw-la hinder_v some_o other_o good_a and_o cause_v some_o evil_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o true_a constitute_v nature_n but_o good_a action_n produce_v good_a effect_n as_o evil_a action_n evil_a so_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n the_o minor_a that_o such_o a_o change_n work_v such_o ill_a effect_n be_v thus_o prove_v 1._o because_o it_o hinder_v the_o most_o expedient_a use_n of_o a_o action_n leave_v by_o christ_n indifferent_a to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whereas_o the_o expediency_n by_o christ_n prescript_n may_v lie_v in_o the_o contrary_a part_n of_o the_o action_n wherein_o a_o goodness_n be_v place_v by_o the_o church_n law_n and_o a_o evil_n place_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o action_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o goodness_n by_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o church_n law_n can_v have_v universal_a obedience_n yield_v to_o it_o without_o sin_n because_o when_o christ_n expediency_n fall_v on_o the_o part_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n it_o will_v be_v sin_n to_o obey_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o way_n we_o turn_v our_o face_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n east_n west_n north_n or_o south_n the_o church_n make_v a_o law_n the_o minister_n must_v turn_v his_o face_n towards_o the_o east_n in_o such_o a_o part_n of_o worship_n this_o hinder_v the_o expedient_a use_n of_o that_o posture_n 1._o it_o hinder_v from_o turn_v that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o for_o edification_n and_o cause_v the_o minister_n to_o turn_v his_o back_n to_o the_o people_n which_o be_v very_o unexpedient_a it_o may_v confirm_v a_o jew_n pagan_a or_o papist_n in_o their_o superstitious_a observance_n to_o observe_v we_o to_o do_v thus_o de_fw-mi industriâ_fw-la out_o of_o a_o strict_a observation_n and_o therefore_o then_o unexpedient_a 2._o it_o hinder_v much_o good_a because_o it_o frustrate_v christ_n end_n in_o the_o management_n of_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n for_o christ_n manage_v all_o those_o by_o necessity_n and_o indifferency_n in_o willing_a and_o require_v a_o necessary_a obedience_n to_o his_o positive_a law_n and_o a_o indifferent_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n
according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o expediency_n and_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o proceed_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o church_n how_o great_a a_o presumption_n be_v it_o in_o any_o church_n to_o attempt_v the_o alter_v this_o course_n of_o government_n which_o christ_n the_o head_n have_v settle_v and_o frustrate_v his_o end_n in_o necessity_n and_o indifferency_n by_o cause_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v necessary_a to_o become_v indifferency_n and_o what_o he_o have_v make_v indifferent_a to_o be_v do_v necessary_o and_o hinder_v that_o conscientious_a discreet_a occasional_a use_n which_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o require_v as_o most_o conduce_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n §_o 8._o now_o whereas_o the_o end_n of_o exercise_v this_o juridical_a power_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o late_a century_n of_o the_o church_n be_v unity_n and_o uniformity_n without_o doubt_n this_o principal_o and_o primary_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o the_o whole_a visible_a body_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o discipline_n and_o ceremony_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o desirous_a and_o to_o be_v maintain_v with_o such_o a_o great_a curiosity_n and_o exactness_n of_o ceremony_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n how_o much_o rather_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o catholic_n a_o catholic_n good_a be_v much_o more_o desirable_a and_o of_o far_o great_a concernment_n than_o a_o particular_a good_a but_o as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n power_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n practicable_a so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v manifest_a that_o a_o catholic_n uniformity_n in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n will_v never_o be_v attain_v among_o church_n or_o particular_a christian_n nor_o never_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n any_o more_o than_o that_o all_o his_o member_n shall_v wear_v the_o same_o clothes_n or_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o shape_a house_n for_o have_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o difference_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o all_o shall_v have_v go_v the_o same_o way_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o none_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n then_o christ_n will_v have_v make_v it_o necessary_a and_o then_o indeed_o all_o those_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v necessity_n and_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o indifferency_n at_o all_o but_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n design_v it_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v variety_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferency_n and_o so_o far_o from_o the_o disparagement_n of_o it_o as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v as_o conducible_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o beauty_n of_o his_o workmanship_n as_o the_o variety_n of_o complexion_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n to_o the_o old_a creation_n now_o for_o man_n to_o place_v the_o uniformity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o christ_n never_o place_v it_o in_o be_v no_o small_a reflection_n on_o his_o wisdom_n and_o prerogative_n for_o nothing_o carry_v more_o evidence_n with_o it_o than_o that_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o leave_v indifferent_a he_o intend_v neither_o conscience_n or_o church_n shall_v be_v determine_v ad_fw-la unum_fw-la in_fw-la by_o any_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v vary_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o such_o variety_n shall_v be_v of_o advantage_n to_o edification_n and_o not_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v bespatter_v with_o the_o foul_a name_n of_o faction_n and_o schism_n when_o such_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o this_o kind_n §_o 9_o but_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n have_v any_o probability_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o ever_o attain_v or_o be_v it_o attainable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferency_n that_o all_o church_n and_o particular_a christian_n have_v the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o go_v the_o same_o way_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o it_o or_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o what_o advantage_n will_v accrue_v will_v it_o not_o prove_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n but_o some_o man_n plead_v that_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v be_v make_v necessary_a as_o the_o very_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o in_o conformity_n unto_o these_o shall_v consist_v uniformity_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a project_n 2._o that_o if_o christ_n have_v approve_v such_o a_o way_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o peace_n in_o his_o church_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n he_o will_v have_v allot_v it_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o indifferency_n shall_v be_v and_o who_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o deputation_n to_o make_v they_o necessity_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o uniformity_n but_o 3_o he_o have_v appoint_v ordinance_n enough_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o choose_v out_o those_o thing_n himself_o wherein_o the_o uniformity_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o all_o church_n that_o do_v walk_v in_o these_o according_a to_o gospel-rule_n be_v uniform_a have_v ceremony_n enough_o and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o set_v a_o new_a mint_n on_o work_n §_o 10._o and_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v attainable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n about_o some_o little_a external_n ceremony_n what_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o how_o use_v will_v this_o abundant_o answer_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o a_o right_a uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n will_v it_o cure_v all_o schism_n or_o prevent_v they_o will_v it_o keep_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o a_o due_a proportion_n to_o each_o other_o will_v it_o maintain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o expel_v all_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n in_o both_o i_o say_v nothing_o less_o for_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n it_o do_v not_o do_v this_o in_o those_o church_n where_o it_o be_v most_o zealous_o pursue_v if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o into_o protestant-prelatick_a church_n we_o see_v what_o great_a error_n and_o heresy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o corruption_n in_o worship_n do_v abound_v accompany_v with_o irreconcilable_a difference_n and_o irreparable_a breach_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o high_a and_o weighty_a matter_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v notwithstanding_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o stress_n that_o they_o lie_v upon_o those_o small_a and_o trifle_a observance_n and_o not_o on_o aberration_n from_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o defection_n from_o purity_n in_o that_o worship_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v which_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v as_o the_o great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o all_o external_n conformity_n §_o 11._o but_o we_o must_v inquire_v out_o a_o better_a way_n of_o settle_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n more_o agree_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o practicable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o zealous_o to_o be_v pursue_v by_o all_o that_o love_v the_o name_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o be_v that_o all_o church_n walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n that_o they_o be_v uniform_a in_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v as_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o a_o christian_n edification_n in_o matter_n of_o communion_n as_o in_o the_o word_n sacrament_n prayer_n sing_v psalm_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o these_o in_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o trouble_v and_o distract_v their_o walk_n and_o interrupt_v their_o worship_n with_o the_o new-fangled_a multifarious_a brainsick_a law_n of_o man_n in_o institute_v worship_n nor_o place_v uniformity_n in_o a_o heap_n of_o husky_a nauseous_a ceremony_n for_o the_o rule_n be_v one_o and_o the_o lawgiver_n one_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n will_v agree_v in_o substance_n submit_v to_o one_o king_n and_o conform_v to_o one_o sort_n of_o law_n and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o small_a difference_n in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o those_o law_n determine_v thing_n necessary_a and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discretion_n in_o thing_n expedient_a because_o of_o dubious_a and_o difficult_a circumstance_n attend_v yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a thing_n require_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o main_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o