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 inâ—â—ance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v the_o notion_n that_o any_o of_o we_o have_v of_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o do_v so_o and_o what_o other_o measure_n have_v we_o of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n according_a to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o all_o action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o persuasion_n no_o we_o measure_v virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o act_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o man_n intention_n in_o act_v but_o however_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o knave_n that_o in_o any_o instance_n act_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o pass_v this_o sentence_n we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v right_o or_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o be_v his_o judgement_n right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o honesty_n in_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o that_o persuasion_n continue_v be_v often_o as_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o if_o his_o persuasion_n be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o confident_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_n contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n for_o instance_n shall_v of_o a_o jew_n become_v a_o christian_a while_o yet_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o believe_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n or_o if_o a_o papist_n shall_v too_o serve_v some_o private_a end_n renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o our_o reform_a church_n be_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o now_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o both_o these_o case_n have_v make_v a_o good_a change_n as_o have_v change_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o a_o true_a one_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o agree_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o make_v that_o change_n because_o they_o make_v it_o not_o upon_o honest_a principle_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o both_o nay_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o think_v better_o of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o a_o cunning_a popish_a factor_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n abandon_v our_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n as_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o such_o a_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o real_o here_o the_o change_n be_v make_v from_o a_o true_a keligion_n to_o a_o false_a one_o than_o we_o shall_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o man_n i_o have_v before_o name_v all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o then_o our_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v over_o he_o it_o can_v never_o bear_v he_o out_o if_o he_o do_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o
action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v mistake_n 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 instance_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 dice_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 upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o gild_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o
place_n we_o either_o consider_v our_o action_n as_o already_o do_v or_o omit_v or_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o yet_o not_o do_v but_o as_o we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o they_o and_o then_o second_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o past_a or_o future_a yet_o we_o rank_n they_o under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o notion_n we_o either_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v duty_n or_o as_o forbid_a by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o as_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o to_o be_v indifferent_a action_n with_o these_o last_o action_n indeed_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o or_o direct_o concern_v but_o only_o by_o accident_n to_o wit_n as_o those_o indifferent_a action_n do_v approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o some_o of_o these_o head_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v indeed_o different_a way_n of_o bring_v in_o conscience_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o they_o all_o first_o of_o all_o when_o we_o be_v consider_v a_o action_n as_o yet_o not_o do_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o command_v by_o god_n we_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sinful_a action_n we_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n now_o i_o pray_v what_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o these_o expression_n i_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o will_v consult_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o deny_v if_o he_o can_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n if_o he_o say_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o that_o he_o very_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o action_n if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n whether_o he_o mean_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v now_o undeniable_o the_o sense_n that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v when_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o only_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n so_o that_o take_v conscience_n as_o it_o respect_v our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o which_o sense_n we_o call_v conscience_n a_o guide_n or_o a_o monitor_n and_o sometime_o though_o very_o improper_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n that_o use_v that_o word_n but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o life_n but_o second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v and_o consider_v conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o here_o indeed_o we_o do_v a_o little_a vary_v the_o expression_n about_o conscience_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v now_o give_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o some_o action_n we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v when_o we_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o have_v act_v right_o and_o honest_o in_o this_o affair_n or_o my_o conscience_n acquit_v i_o from_o blame_n as_o to_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n or_o i_o be_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v if_o we_o turn_v these_o phrase_n into_o other_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o instance_n we_o have_v either_o act_v or_o omit_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o we_o have_v do_v or_o forbear_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o affect_v we_o with_o grief_n and_o trouble_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o instance_n of_o expression_n that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n viz._n it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v or_o lawful_o may_v do_v only_o here_o we_o add_v to_o it_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o action_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a be_v now_o do_v or_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v remember_v it_o in_o the_o former_a case_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o action_n but_o in_o both_o case_n conscience_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o consequent_o in_o both_o case_n the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n what_o he_o ought_v 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