do_v appear_v that_o all_o man_n do_v agree_v in_o their_o notion_n and_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o without_o doubt_n which_o they_o all_o thus_o agree_v in_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n now_o as_o to_o this_o we_o may_v oberve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n or_o to_o something_o that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n which_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o he_o or_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v matter_n of_o mere_a knowledge_n and_o speculation_n we_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o conscience_n with_o as_o neither_o with_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o be_v pure_o passive_a as_o neither_o with_o action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v good_a or_o bad_a action_n in_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n may_v indeed_o prove_v matter_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o disquiet_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v not_o take_v our_o conscience_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o that_o word_n never_o come_v in_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o something_o willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o do_v not_o neither_o use_v this_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n fall_v under_o a_o moral_a consideration_n that_o be_v as_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a always_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o conscience_n in_o our_o action_n we_o have_v respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v and_o by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n with_o which_o they_o become_v moral_o good_a or_o evil._n three_o this_o be_v so_o the_o only_a thing_n remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o conscience_n be_v be_v what_o can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n when_o we_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n with_o such_o application_n to_o our_o action_n as_o we_o have_v now_o say_v now_o for_o that_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o when_o we_o talk_v of_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o they_o can_v but_o fall_v under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o distinction_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o either_o consider_v our_o action_n as_o already_o do_v or_o omit_v or_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o yet_o not_o do_v but_o as_o we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o they_o and_o then_o second_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o past_a or_o future_a yet_o we_o rank_n they_o under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o notion_n we_o either_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v duty_n or_o as_o forbid_a by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o as_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o to_o be_v indifferent_a action_n with_o these_o last_o action_n indeed_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o or_o direct_o concern_v but_o only_o by_o accident_n to_o wit_n as_o those_o indifferent_a action_n do_v approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o some_o of_o these_o head_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v indeed_o different_a way_n of_o bring_v in_o conscience_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o they_o all_o first_o of_o all_o when_o we_o be_v consider_v a_o action_n as_o yet_o not_o do_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o command_v by_o god_n we_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sinful_a action_n we_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n now_o i_o pray_v what_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o these_o expression_n i_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o will_v consult_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o deny_v if_o he_o can_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n if_o he_o say_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o that_o he_o very_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o action_n if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n whether_o he_o mean_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v now_o undeniable_o the_o sense_n that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v when_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o only_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n so_o that_o take_v conscience_n as_o it_o respect_v our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o which_o sense_n we_o call_v conscience_n a_o guide_n or_o a_o monitor_n and_o sometime_o though_o very_o improper_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n that_o use_v that_o word_n but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o life_n but_o second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v and_o consider_v conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o here_o indeed_o we_o do_v a_o little_a vary_v the_o expression_n about_o conscience_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v now_o give_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o some_o action_n we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v when_o we_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o have_v act_v right_o and_o honest_o in_o this_o affair_n or_o my_o conscience_n acquit_v i_o from_o blame_n as_o to_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n or_o i_o be_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v if_o we_o turn_v these_o phrase_n into_o other_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o instance_n we_o have_v either_o act_v or_o omit_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o we_o have_v do_v or_o forbear_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o affect_v we_o with_o grief_n and_o trouble_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o instance_n of_o expression_n that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n viz._n it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v or_o lawful_o may_v do_v only_o here_o we_o add_v to_o it_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o action_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a be_v now_o do_v or_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v remember_v it_o in_o the_o former_a case_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o action_n but_o in_o both_o case_n conscience_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o consequent_o in_o both_o case_n the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n what_o he_o ought_v
evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
the_o establish_v worship_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o if_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o about_o conscience_n be_v admit_v then_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v say_v conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_n what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o go_v against_o a_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o man_n only_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n that_o can_v true_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v say_v it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o real_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o some_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v join_v with_o we_o if_o against_o this_o it_o be_v except_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o direct_o sinful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n take_v it_o real_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o hold_v constant_a communion_n with_o some_o other_o congregation_n where_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v be_v more_o edify_v or_o to_o which_o he_o be_v relate_v by_o some_o church_n covenant_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o grant_v conscience_n be_v right_o plead_v for_o separation_n though_o how_o justifiable_o i_o do_v not_o now_o examine_v but_o than_o i_o say_v this_o plea_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n i_o just_o now_o lay_v down_o for_o if_o the_o man_n as_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o case_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n by_o god_n law_n as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o other_o and_o not_o with_o we_o then_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o can_v without_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n that_o be_v without_o sin_n join_v with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o same_o account_n which_o we_o give_v of_o its_o be_v against_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o further_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o our_o proposition_n that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o also_o in_o the_o case_n where_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o those_o doubt_n remain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_o say_v of_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n one_o must_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n have_v real_o entertain_v this_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o must_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o conform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v but_o then_o this_o be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n we_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o therefore_o it_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v because_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v but_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n to_o act_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o two_o exception_n which_o be_v all_o i_o can_v think_v of_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o it_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n now_o if_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o and_o indeed_o how_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o will_v be_v leave_v that_o can_v be_v able_a with_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o our_o sacrament_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o private_a grudge_n or_o pique_n because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v or_o have_v receive_v some_o disappointment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o church_n or_o by_o the_o man_n that_o be_v favourer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o pet_n will_v join_v themselves_o to_o another_o communion_n all_o those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o turn_n more_o effectual_o by_o be_v of_o another_o way_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o can_v thereby_o better_a please_v a_o relation_n from_o who_o they_o have_v expectance_n they_o can_v better_o advance_v their_o trade_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n they_o can_v better_o procure_v a_o reputation_n or_o regain_v one_o that_o be_v sink_v in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o that_o to_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o pride_n or_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n do_v refuse_v we_o their_o company_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v all_o such_o be_v certain_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o place_n all_o those_o lay_v people_n who_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o account_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o they_o most_o love_n and_o reverence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o exercise_n their_o function_n among_o we_o who_o pretence_n it_o be_v that_o if_o these_o good_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n they_o will_v come_v to_o our_o congregation_n but_o so_o long_o as_o that_o be_v refuse_v they_o will_v hear_v they_o where_o they_o can_v i_o say_v all_o these_o be_v likewise_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o however_o it_o may_v real_o and_o true_o be_v against_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o conform_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o than_o of_o ordinary_a people_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o know_v no_o ill_a in_o conformity_n but_o only_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n be_v silence_v in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o those_o that_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o a_o mere_a dislike_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o our_o church_n office_n they_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n like_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o they_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o object_n against_o our_o form_n in_o particular_a they_o do_v not_o like_o our_o ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o surplice_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o they_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o they_o all_o these_o man_n likewise_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o they_o do_v
forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o sin_v not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head_n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discouse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probality_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n
affirm_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n of_o obey_v authority_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o man_n be_v and_o i_o believe_v all_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v their_o superior_n well_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o we_o here_o talk_v contradiction_n can_v a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o be_v be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o such_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o doubt_v concern_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o case_n that_o every_o day_n happen_v where_o a_o man_n have_v a_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o a_o man_n often_o have_v very_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o action_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o have_v in_o those_o circumstance_n for_o the_o do_v the_o action_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o doubt_n he_o have_v about_o it_o that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o consider_v without_o his_o present_a circumstance_n yet_o as_o it_o come_v circumstantiate_v to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o he_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v large_o before_o in_o my_o explication_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o be_v not_o all_o doubt_v contrary_a to_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o such_o kind_n of_o doubt_v as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o do_v we_o see_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o faith_n my_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n shall_v be_v destroy_v it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v overbalance_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v this_o wherever_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n touch_v any_o action_n he_o be_v deliberate_v about_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a man_n all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v than_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o such_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o do_v that_o action_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v such_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n as_o will_v perhaps_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o resolve_v and_o will_v create_v he_o likewise_o some_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o indeed_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v these_o ought_v not_o any_o long_a to_o be_v call_v doubt_n after_o they_o be_v thus_o overrule_v or_o overbalance_v but_o rather_o to_o go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o pure_a scruple_n which_o the_o casuist_n of_o all_o persuasion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v act_v against_o in_o plain_a english_a that_o doubtfulness_n about_o a_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o censure_v as_o a_o sin_n be_v such_o a_o doubtfulness_n as_o after_o the_o action_n be_v do_v render_v the_o man_n self-condemned_n his_o conscience_n can_v not_o but_o reproach_v he_o for_o do_v as_o he_o do_v but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o self-condemned_n because_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n though_o he_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n yet_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o have_v make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a choice_n that_o he_o can_v in_o his_o circumstance_n and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v so_o he_o both_o act_n in_o faith_n and_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n from_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n that_o be_v make_v about_o do_v or_o forbear_v a_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n you_o see_v there_o be_v no_o great_a intricacy_n in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o both_o hand_n always_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a for_o if_o he_o be_v real_o so_o he_o will_v always_o do_v that_o which_o he_o judge_v most_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v thus_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n notwithstanding_o any_o doubt_v he_o may_v have_v about_o the_o action_n because_o more_o than_o the_o former_a a_o man_n can_v do_v and_o more_o than_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v as_o for_o what_o sin_n a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v engage_v a_o man_n in_o or_o what_o troublesome_a reflection_n a_o melancholy_a imagination_n may_v occasion_v to_o he_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o not_o to_o answer_v for_o they_o they_o be_v of_o another_o consideration_n iv_o have_v thus_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o act_n whenever_o it_o happen_v and_o that_o both_o when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o the_o command_v of_o other_o all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o speak_v something_o about_o the_o authority_n or_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o discussion_n of_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v spare_v after_o what_o i_o have_v say_v relate_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n particular_o under_o my_o last_n head_n however_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o point_n though_o i_o intend_v it_o a_o very_a short_a one_o because_o indeed_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v be_v not_o so_o much_o any_o new_a matter_n as_o a_o application_n of_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o whether_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n do_v bind_v at_o all_o and_o how_o far_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o itself_o lay_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n any_o way_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n to_o suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v for_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a or_o unresolved_a in_o his_o mind_n whether_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a action_n he_o be_v bind_v or_o not_o bind_v to_o suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v plain_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v while_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no._n to_o speak_v this_o plain_a if_o i_o can_v since_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_v what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o where_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o since_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v pure_o doubtful_a he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o such_o conviction_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v either_o command_n or_o forbid_v the_o action_n doubt_v of_o for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v no_o long_o doubt_n it_o follow_v likewise_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n
something_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n but_o if_o the_o church_n have_v all_o thing_n essential_a to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o when_o the_o 17._o v._o annotation_n on_o the_o apologet._n nar._n p._n 17._o church_n of_o rome_n be_v call_v a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o metaphysical_a or_o natural_a sense_n as_o a_o thief_n be_v a_o true_a man_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o though_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v a_o true_a spirit_n but_o withal_o she_o be_v a_o false_a church_n as_o mr._n brinsly_n say_v from_o bishop_n hall_n a_o heretical_a 26._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 26._o apostatical_a antichristian_a synagogue_n and_o so_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o the_o parochial_a church_n true_a church_n it_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v sound_a church_n which_o may_v safe_o be_v communicate_v with_o thus_o do_v dr._n bryan_n make_v the_o 291._o dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p._n 289_o 291._o opposition_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o christian_n so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v christianity_n and_o acknowledge_v christ_n their_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a society_n of_o traitorous_a usurper_n so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o church_n therefore_o which_o be_v spiritual_a babylon_n god_n people_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_v etc._n etc._n but_o not_o from_o church_n which_o have_v make_v separation_n from_o rome_n as_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n in_o france_n and_o these_o of_o great_a britain_n have_v do_v in_o who_o congregation_n be_v find_v truth_n of_o doctrine_n a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n submit_v to_o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o a_o separation_n will_v as_o have_v be_v say_v unchurch_n it_o this_o will_v be_v to_o deny_v christ_n hold_v communion_n with_o it_o or_o to_o deny_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n with_o which_o christ_n hold_v communion_n contrary_a to_o a_o principle_n that_o be_v i_o think_v universal_o maintain_v the_o error_n of_o these_o man_n say_v mr._n brightman_n 156._o brightman_n brightman_n brightman_n on_o rev._n c._n 3._o v._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o allen_n vindiciae_fw-la pietatis_fw-la second_o part_n p._n 123._o vindication_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n p._n 130._o cotton_n on_o john_n p._n 156._o iâ—_n full_a of_o evil_a who_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n make_v a_o departure_n from_o this_o church_n by_o total_a separation_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v quite_o banish_v from_o hence_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o those_o that_o abide_v there_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v that_o christ_n be_v here_o feast_v with_o his_o member_n will_v they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o sit_v at_o meat_n there_o where_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o sit_v further_o this_o will_v be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n conclude_v 136._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v grave_a consut_o p._n 57_o cawdrey_n independency_n further_o prove_v p._n 136._o because_o we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n consist_v of_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o faithful_a people_n therefore_o they_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o incur_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o odious_a reproach_n of_o manifest_a schism_n for_o what_o be_v that_o say_v another_z 44._o another_z another_z another_z brinsly_n arraigment_n p._n 15_o 24_o 44._o but_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n this_o last_o will_v not_o diminish_v but_o much_o increase_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o another_o say_v 104._o say_v say_v say_v baily_n dissuasive_a c._n 6._o p._n 104._o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o depart_v from_o a_o church_n which_o i_o profess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o who_o ministry_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v save_v than_o from_o a_o church_n which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v false_a and_o who_o minister_n i_o take_v to_o have_v no_o call_v from_o god_n nor_o any_o blessing_n from_o his_o hand_n this_o therefore_o be_v their_o avow_v principle_n that_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a and_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v general_o hold_v and_o maintain_v against_o the_o brownist_n 55._o brownist_n brownist_n brownist_n ames_n be_v puritanismus_n angl._n v._o parker_n on_o the_o cross_n part_v 2._o c._n 91._o §_o 21._o bax._n defence_n p._n 55._o and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v declare_v on_o their_o part_n 6._o part_n part_n part_n apologet._n nar._n p._n 6._o we_o have_v always_o profess_v and_o that_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o most_o either_o actual_o overspread_v with_o defilement_n or_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o both_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n several_a have_v write_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n against_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o have_v in_o print_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o practice_n so_o mr._n baxter_n 75._o baxter_n baxter_n baxter_n sacril_n desert_n p._n 75._o i_o constant_o join_v iâ—_n my_o parish-church_n in_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n it_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n joseph_n allen_n 111._o allen_n allen_n allen_n the_o life_n of_o mr._n j._n allen_n p._n 111._o that_o he_o as_o frequent_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n as_o his_o opportunity_n and_o strength_n permit_v 64._o permit_v permit_v permit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o schism_n p._n 64._o of_o mr._n brinsley_n that_o he_o ordinary_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n dr._n collins_n say_v as_o much_o of_o himself_o etc._n himself_o himself_o himself_o reasonable_a account_n etc._n etc._n mr._n lie_v in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v advise_v his_o people_n to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o best_a they_o can_v and_o not_o to_o separate_v but_o to_o do_v as_o the_o old_a puritan_n do_v thirty_o year_n before_o mr._n cradacot_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n profess_v that_o if_o that_o pulpit_n be_v his_o die_a bed_n he_o will_v earnest_o persuade_v they_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n mr._n hickman_n free_o declare_v i_o profess_v 113._o bonasus_n vapulans_fw-la p._n 113._o wherever_o i_o come_v i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o reconcile_v people_n to_o the_o public_a assembly_n my_o conscience_n will_v fly_v in_o my_o face_n if_o i_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o and_o mr._n corbet_n as_o he_o do_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o say_v 26._o say_v say_v say_v account_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n p._n 26._o that_o the_o presbyterian_o general_o frequent_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a 15._o public_a public_a public_a discourse_v of_o the_o religion_n etc._n etc._n p._n 33._o v._o mr._n read_z case_n p._n 15._o assembly_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o it_o be_v their_o principle_n and_o we_o may_v charitable_o believe_v it_o be_v their_o practice_n in_o conformity_n to_o it_o 1._o it_o it_o it_o nonconformist_n plea_n for_o lay-communion_n p._n 1._o thus_o mr._n corbet_n declare_v for_o himself_o i_o own_o parish-church_n have_v a_o competent_a minister_n and_o a_o number_n of_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n for_o true_a church_n and_o the_o worship_n therein_o perform_v as_o well_o in_o common-prayer_n as_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v in_o the_o main_a sound_n and_o good_a for_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n thereof_o and_o i_o may_v not_o disow_v the_o same_o in_o my_o practice_n by_o a_o total_a neglect_n thereof_o for_o my_o judgement_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v concordant_a and_o if_o these_o two_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o concordant_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n or_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v themselves_o while_o they_o declare_v against_o separation_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o up_o those_o good_a man_n therefore_o be_v aware_a of_o this_o who_o meet_v a_o little_a after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n to_o consider_v say_v mr._n baxter_n 240._o nonconformist_n plea_n foâ—_n peace_n §_o 17â—_n p_o 240._o whether_o our_o actual_a forbearance_n to_o join_v with_o the_o parish-church_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v total_a may_v not_o tend_v to_o deceive_v man_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v for_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o take_v their_o communion_n to_o be_v
kind_n that_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n among_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o a_o separation_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v as_o well_o wound_v themselves_o as_o those_o they_o bend_v it_o against_o and_o they_o that_o do_v so_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n so_o mr._n baxter_n many_o that_o observe_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o holy_a discipline_n avoid_v this_o 231._o cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o error_n by_o turn_v to_o a_o sinful_a separation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o that_o grave_a advice_n of_o dr._n owen_n when_o 77._o evangel_n loâ—e_a c_o 3_o p._n 77._o any_o church_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v by_o his_o own_o consent_n antecedent_o a_o member_n do_v fall_v in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a from_o any_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v profess_v or_o when_o it_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n or_o irregulatity_n in_o its_o administration_n such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v place_v in_o his_o present_a state_n by_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o may_v orderly_o therein_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o such_o defection_n and_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o they_o who_o miscarriage_n at_o present_a he_o can_v remedy_n in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v a_o large_a and_o spacious_a field_n for_o wisdom_n patience_n love_n and_o prudent_a zeal_n to_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a imagination_n that_o separation_n be_v the_o only_a cure_n for_o church-disorder_n if_o this_o advice_n be_v good_a in_o one_o case_n it_o be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o it_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o faithful_o follow_v this_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o force_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o little_a this_o plea_n of_o the_o defective_a discipline_n reach_v the_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o law_n take_v order_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o dr._n bryan_n say_v 28._o say_v say_v say_v dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p_o 301._o v._o grave_a confut_o part_n 1._o p._n 17._o â—ermin_n separation_n examine_v p._n 28._o and_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n put_v thereby_o into_o the_o minister_n hand_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o after_o dr._n collins_n have_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o rubric_n canon_n etc._n etc._n he_o conclude_v 122._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 151_o &_o 154._o v._o vine_n on_o sacrament_n c._n 19_o p._n 233._o brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church_n reformat_fw-la p_o 122._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o time_n ever_o since_o it_o be_v a_o church_n have_v be_v to_o suspend_v some_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v defect_n through_o some_o past_a and_o present_a obstruction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yet_o can_v the_o church_n proper_o stand_v charge_v with_o they_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v 236._o acknowledge_v acknowledge_v acknowledge_v brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 48._o jenk_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o blake'_v vindiciae_fw-la c._n 31._o p._n 236._o or_o whatever_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a cause_n from_o a_o defect_n remissness_n or_o corruption_n therein_o for_o a_o separation_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v from_o a_o grave_a author_n those_o say_v he_o that_o for_o many_o year_n together_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o three_o last_o prince_n deny_v to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o this_o church_n have_v a_o low_a opinion_n of_o the_o discipline_n then_o exercise_v of_o which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o large_a evidence_n yet_o how_o tender_a be_v they_o of_o the_o church_n honour_n to_o keep_v christian_n in_o communion_n how_o zealous_a be_v they_o against_o separation_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o mr._n parker_n mr._n paget_n mr._n ball._n mr._n brightman_n lay_v we_o low_a enough_o when_o he_o do_v not_o only_o parallel_v we_o with_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n but_o make_v that_o church_n the_o type_n and_o we_o the_o antitype_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o discipline_n yet_o how_o zealous_a be_v he_o against_o separation_n from_o these_o assembler_n and_o break_v out_o in_o these_o word_n therefore_o their_o error_n be_v wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a who_o so_o forsake_v the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v altogether_o banish_v thence_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o grave_a sort_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n and_o what_o rule_v they_o do_v lay_v down_o about_o it_o and_o show_v that_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o the_o last_o advice_n give_v by_o a_o reverend_a person_n to_o his_o parishioner_n in_o a_o farewell_n sermon_n in_o 454._o england_n remembranc_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o these_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o extreme_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a temptation_n in_o a_o time_n of_o difference_n to_o think_v we_o can_v run_v too_o far_o from_o they_o we_o differ_v from_o and_o so_o whilst_o we_o decline_v one_o rock_n we_o split_v upon_o another_o remember_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o superstition_n and_o separation_n maintain_v i_o beseech_v you_o sober_a principle_n such_o as_o these_o be_v that_o every_o defective_a ministry_n be_v not_o a_o false_a ministry_n that_o sinful_a super-addition_n do_v not_o nullify_v divine_a institution_n that_o sinful_a defect_n in_o ordinance_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o direct_v a_o worship_n prescribe_v thing_n simple_o evil_a and_o manifest_o idolatrous_a and_o direct_v about_o worship_n thing_n doubtful_o good_a be_v enjoin_v but_o the_o unquestionable_a substance_n of_o worship_n be_v maintain_v this_o latter_a ter_z do_v not_o justify_v separation_n and_o that_o the_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o do_v not_o affect_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v such_o but_o what_o may_v be_v safe_o communicate_v in_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v from_o they_o 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o eminent_a nonconformist_n general_n 3._o general_n have_v have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v enjoin_v upon_o those_o that_o hold_v lay-communion_n with_o it_o which_o respect_v form_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n tolerable_a and_o what_o no_o church_n be_v without_o more_o or_o less_o 68_o less_o less_o less_o letter_n of_o the_o miâ—ist_n of_o old-engl_n p._n 12_o 13._o bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n p._n 311._o troughton_n apol_n c._n 7_o p._n 68_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v communion_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o dedic_n few_o few_o few_o owen_n peace-off_a p._n 17._o mischief_n of_o imposition_n epist_n dedic_n first_o form_n and_o so_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v what_o their_o opinion_n be_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o public_a form_n of_o form_n prescribe_v and_o of_o that_o particular_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n use_v in_o this_o church_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v declare_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o what_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v as_o we_o see_v occasion_n so_o mr._n ball_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v 131._o trial_n c._n 2._o p._n 36_o etc._n etc._n 8._o p._n 131._o any_o particular_a form_n stint_v or_o not_o stint_v as_o necessary_a but_o do_v warrant_n both_o as_o allowable_a for_o where_o nothing_o be_v in_o particular_a command_v touch_v the_o external_a form_n of_o word_n and_o order_n in_o which_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o to_o put_v religion_n in_o read_v or_o utter_v word_n in_o a_o stint_a or_o conceive_a form_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o superstition_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o 137._o
understand_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v adjunct_n to_o divine_a worship_n that_o be_v not_o use_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o any_o of_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a than_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v a_o command_n nor_o do_v we_o sin_n if_o we_o act_v without_o it_o as_o for_o example_n a_o servant_n be_v require_v to_o go_v a_o mile_n upon_o some_o service_n and_o he_o use_v a_o coat_n or_o a_o cloak_n take_v a_o horse_n or_o go_v on_o foot_n put_v a_o string_n about_o his_o finger_n to_o remember_v he_o of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v or_o if_o to_o carry_v a_o message_n consider_v what_o to_o say_v and_o write_v it_o down_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o fit_v to_o deliver_v it_o in_o such_o case_n his_o master_n will_v think_v he_o impertinent_a to_o ask_v direction_n and_o it_o be_v no_o disobedience_n nor_o supererogation_n to_o act_v as_o he_o see_v fit_a without_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o we_o as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v this_o say_v there_o be_v way_n make_v for_o the_o next_o inference_n conclus_fw-la 3._o if_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v neither_o command_v conclus_fw-la 3_o nor_o forbid_v and_o thing_n be_v not_o unlawful_a because_o not_o command_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n to_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v such_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v not_o therein_o command_v it_o be_v somewhat_o a_o specious_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o this_o author_n use_v the_o scripture_n have_v determine_v whatsoever_o may_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n perfect_a 2d_o p._n 2d_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n now_o if_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o the_o right_n do_v of_o it_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o make_v we_o perfect_a they_o must_v have_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o that_o and_o he_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n except_o as_o before_o except_v etc._n etc._n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a etc._n etc._n by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o a_o challenge_n he_o immediate_o subjoin_v viz._n if_o our_o author_n can_v show_v we_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v be_v think_v he_o be_v a_o champion_n for_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o the_o derogator_n from_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n he_o will_v have_v bring_v unanswerable_a argument_n for_o that_o kind_n of_o scripture-sufficiency_n which_o we_o deny_v if_o say_v he_o our_o r._n author_n can_v show_v we_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o 29._o pag._n 29._o performance_n of_o which_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o god_n will_v accept_v we_o can_v show_v he_o direction_n of_o scripture_n well!_o where_o be_v it_o scripture_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o be_v natural_o necessary_a to_o all_o humane_a action_n or_o evident_o convenient_a for_o a_o action_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o weighty_a nature_n for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o it_o or_o appear_v to_o any_o common_a judgement_n to_o be_v so_o decent_a that_o without_o they_o the_o performance_n will_v be_v sordid_a scripture_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shine_v out_o in_o every_o reasonable_a soul_n etc._n etc._n scripture_n with_o the_o exception_n before_o except_v in_o his_o book_n 21_o pag._n 21_o suppose_v then_o we_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n be_v scripture_n alone_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o matter_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o ready_o answer_v yes_o if_o you_o take_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o light_n shine_v in_o every_o reasonable_a soul_n if_o you_o take_v in_o common_a judgement_n convenience_n and_o decency_n last_o if_o you_o take_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v not_o now_o how_o he_o have_v all_o this_o while_n plead_v for_o that_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v so_o loud_o exclaim_v against_o all_o supplement_n and_o addition_n to_o that_o and_o against_o 38._o pag._n 38._o reason_n and_o authority_n as_o a_o supply_n or_o what_o difference_n he_o have_v conceive_v betwixt_o authority_n &_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shine_v out_o in_o every_o reasonable_a soul_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v to_o 29._o pag._n 29._o the_o one_o what_o he_o grant_v to_o the_o other_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o must_v be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o and_o somewhat_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o make_v it_o out_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a great_a argument_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a 28._o pag._n 28._o argument_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v easy_o part_v with_o but_o yet_o what_o to_o give_v and_o what_o to_o take_v and_o wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o what_o we_o hold_v and_o he_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v he_o know_v not_o or_o have_v not_o be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o discover_v but_o however_o when_o all_o this_o be_v pastover_n he_o conclude_v as_o to_o one_o part_n we_o can_v possible_o agree_v with_o our_o r._n brother_n in_o this_o thing_n viz._n that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o particular_a direction_n for_o worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v under_o the_o law_n this_o indeed_o i_o touch_v upon_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 30._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n pag._n 30._o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n consist_v not_o in_o give_v as_o particular_a direction_n for_o worship_n as_o they_o have_v under_o the_o law_n and_o in_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o set_v baptism_n against_o circumcision_n the_o lord_n supper_n against_o the_o passover_n and_o prayer_n against_o sacrifice_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v possible_o agree_v certain_o if_o ever_o controversy_n be_v like_a to_o be_v end_v we_o may_v now_o expect_v it_o because_o it_o be_v about_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n but_o in_o this_o case_n he_o strange_o fail_v of_o performance_n for_o whereas_o the_o decide_n the_o case_n depend_v upon_o the_o comparison_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v any_o thing_n about_o the_o latter_a but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o former_a and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v make_v up_o his_o defect_n in_o the_o latter_a first_o he_o say_v as_o to_o circumcision_n what_o particular_a 31._o pag._n 31._o direction_n have_v the_o jew_n their_o rule_n extend_v no_o further_o than_o to_o the_o act_n and_o the_o time_n here_o i_o must_v confess_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o time_n that_o be_v determine_v but_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n in_o baptism_n prescribe_v the_o law_n be_v herein_o more_o particular_a than_o the_o gospel_n 2_o as_o to_o the_o passover_n he_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v a_o rule_n but_o then_o he_o add_v what_o rule_n have_v they_o to_o determine_v they_o to_o a_o kid_n or_o a_o lamb_n but_o be_v not_o that_o a_o rule_n to_o determine_v they_o when_o it_o must_v be_v a_o kid_n or_o a_o lamb_n and_o no_o other_o creature_n and_o be_v not_o two_o to_o all_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o world_n a_o determination_n as_o well_o as_o one_o to_o two_o but_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o determine_v as_o his_o cautious_a way_n of_o express_v it_o will_v imply_v let_v he_o consult_v the_o text_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o to_o be_v one_o etc._n exod._n 12._o etc._n etc._n out_o of_o two_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o male_a keep_v the_o 14_o day_n and_o to_o be_v kill_v at_o even_o without_o a_o bone_n break_v to_o be_v roast_v to_o be_v eat_v in_o the_o house_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n with_o bitter_a herb_n and_o none_o leave_v to_o the_o morning_n and_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v it_o stand_v as_o our_o author_n acknowledge_v p._n 32._o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v etc._n etc._n and_o with_o several_a other_o rite_n too_o long_o to_o enumerate_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v nothing_o specify_v or_o require_v but_o the_o element_n and_o the_o break_n and_o pour_v out_o nothing_o say_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o the_o bread_n or_o wine_n nothing_o require_v of_o the_o time_n or_o posture_n or_o number_n etc._n etc._n
surplice_n since_o white_a be_v use_v as_o a_o badge_n of_o royalty_n and_o dignity_n of_o joy_n and_o innocency_n in_o civil_a case_n and_o so_o may_v be_v use_v by_o 510._o v._o brightman_n in_o ames_n fresh_a suit_n part_v 2._o p._n 505_o 510._o way_n of_o signification_n in_o religious_a and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v about_o the_o surplice_n be_v that_o it_o be_v tie_v to_o worship_n which_o be_v remote_a from_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o shall_v afterward_o be_v consider_v to_o this_o i_o may_v also_o add_v the_o cross_n which_o he_o say_v they_o 15._o pag._n 15._o do_v not_o stumble_v of_o make_v upon_o a_o pack_n of_o cloth_n or_o stuff_n or_o upon_o a_o sheep_n for_o note_n of_o distinction_n and_o may_v be_v and_o be_v use_v for_o grave_a purpose_n in_o the_o like_a way_n of_o signification_n in_o civil_a matter_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v and_o so_o may_v be_v by_o this_o argument_n transfer_v into_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n 4._o it_o be_v further_o maintain_v in_o the_o state_v of_o the_o case_n 6._o case_n of_o indiff_n thing_n p._n 5_o 6._o that_o the_o order_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n be_v leave_v to_o christian_a prudence_n to_o this_o our_o author_n say_v it_o be_v very_o true_a these_o must_v be_v determine_v 7._o case_n examine_v p._n 7._o by_o human_a prudence_n but_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o may_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o agent_n be_v another_o question_n who_o ever_o affirm_v it_o that_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a prudence_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v be_v all_o that_o i_o maintain_v but_o how_o far_o superior_n may_v determine_v and_o how_o far_o inferior_n must_v submit_v to_o thing_n so_o determine_v be_v another_o question_n and_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v whether_o no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o i_o have_v state_v it_o when_o he_o himself_o speak_v so_o dubious_o and_o uncertain_o about_o it_o but_o because_o i_o have_v not_o state_v it_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o dissenter_n position_n 19_o pag._n 19_o but_o only_o a_o position_n which_o their_o adversary_n have_v impose_v upon_o they_o without_o any_o ground_n as_o he_o say_v let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o state_v the_o question_n which_o be_v thus_o q._n whether_o thing_n the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o which_o ibid._n ibid._n god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v be_v neither_o necessary_a to_o the_o action_n as_o a_o human_a action_n nor_o convenient_a for_o it_o with_o reference_n to_o those_o that_o perform_v it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o nor_o natural_o nor_o in_o common_a judgement_n such_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v do_v decent_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o all_o person_n or_o by_o any_o person_n who_o judge_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o part_n to_o which_o they_o be_v by_o man_n determine_v either_o in_o the_o letter_n or_o by_o the_o just_a reason_n and_o consequence_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o forbid_v all_o useless_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n in_o so_o sacred_a action_n or_o thing_n not_o necessary_a and_o use_v ordinary_o in_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a service_n or_o judge_v that_o in_o worship_n every_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v leave_v he_o may_v be_v universal_o and_o lawful_o use_v this_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o form_v into_o a_o position_n and_o 24._o pag._n 23_o 24._o from_o thence_o do_v declare_v that_o it_o lie_v upon_o his_o adversary_n to_o prove_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v all_o dissenter_n conform_v to_o be_v 1._o thing_n natural_o necessary_a to_o all_o human_a acts._n or_o 2._o thing_n convenient_a for_o they_o as_o human_a act_n or_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o such_o act_n or_o 3._o such_o as_o nature_n show_v to_o be_v comely_a for_o all_o human_a act_n or_o such_o grave_a act_n at_o least_o or_o which_o common_a judgement_n so_o judge_v or_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v do_v what_o they_o reasonable_o judge_v sinful_a or_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v useless_a and_o superfluous_a action_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n sinful_a or_o 6._o no_o reason_n so_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v ordinary_o use_v in_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o 7._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v that_o christian_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n in_o thing_n when_o god_n have_v so_o leave_v they_o whether_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o dissenter_n position_n he_o best_a 19_o pag._n 19_o understand_v as_o i_o shall_v think_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v their_o position_n explain_v as_o he_o say_v or_o confound_v i_o leave_v 24._o pag._n 24._o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o this_o only_a i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v of_o it_o i_o may_v turn_v his_o own_o word_n upon_o he_o and_o whereas_o he_o say_v of_o the_o case_n as_o i_o have_v state_v it_o none_o in_o his_o wit_n do_v ever_o deny_v it_o i_o can_v say_v as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o he_o none_o in_o his_o wit_n do_v ever_o affirm_v it_o for_o who_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v ever_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sordid_a and_o indecent_a disorderly_a and_o confuse_a idle_a useless_a and_o superfluous_a hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a and_o yet_o according_a to_o he_o this_o must_v he_o do_v that_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o comely_a convenient_a or_o edify_v may_v be_v admit_v thereinto_o for_o this_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o decency_n we_o can_v understand_v 11._o pag._n 11._o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v oppose_v to_o sordid_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a by_o his_o rule_n it_o must_v be_v sordid_a and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n again_o who_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v affirm_v that_o man_n may_v do_v what_o they_o reasonable_o judge_v sinful_a and_o yet_o these_o thing_n must_v they_o affirm_v that_o will_v attack_v this_o position_n of_o our_o author_n by_o which_o state_v of_o the_o question_n and_o mingle_v thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n together_o he_o have_v provide_v well_o for_o his_o own_o security_n and_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v conquer_v or_o so_o much_o as_o oppose_v fling_v down_o the_o gauntlet_n with_o if_o our_o r._n author_n have_v take_v the_o 25._o pag._n 25._o position_n as_o here_o state_v and_o argue_v it_o we_o shall_v consider_v what_o he_o have_v say_v if_o not_o we_o shall_v light_o pass_v over_o what_o he_o have_v say_v etc._n etc._n and_o expect_v till_o he_o have_v justify_v all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o last_o seven_o mention_v particular_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o light_o pass_v over_o what_o he_o have_v say_v without_o clear_v what_o may_v be_v clear_v and_o reduce_v the_o case_n into_o its_o proper_a principle_n though_o it_o be_v what_o he_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o explain_v or_o prove_v if_o we_o review_v his_o seven_o particular_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o subject_n the_o the_o the_o v._o case_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n dr._n calamy_n sermon_n on_o that_o subject_n four_o and_o 6_o defence_n 6_o 6_o 6_o the_o case_n of_o symbolise_v and_o the_o defence_n belong_v not_o to_o this_o case_n and_o be_v otherwhere_o resolve_v and_o of_o the_o five_o remain_v four_o of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o one_o argument_n which_o come_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o the_o last_o of_o christian_a liberty_n i_o shall_v treat_v upon_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n in_o treat_v upon_o the_o four_o that_o belong_v to_o one_o argument_n and_o have_v for_o their_o subject_n human_a act_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o put_v and_o resolve_v the_o follow_a question_n q._n what_o be_v it_o that_o do_v make_v thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n this_o be_v the_o main_a seat_n of_o the_o controversy_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o since_o we_o afterward_o divide_v upon_o it_o and_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o be_v by_o circumstance_n unlawful_a it_o be_v fit_a to_o understand_v how_o this_o question_n be_v resolve_v by_o
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o 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rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n a_o humane_a law_n ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o divine_a law_n modify_v or_o clothe_v with_o several_a circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n do_v create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n upon_o every_o subject_a than_o a_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n in_o the_o other_o case_n we_o only_o yield_v obedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o god_n in_o general_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n to_o make_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o business_n of_o pay_v tribute_n and_o custom_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n with_o a_o humane_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o that_o every_o subject_n shall_v pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n be_v due_a be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o what_o good_n we_o shall_v pay_v tribute_n or_o custom_n or_o what_o proportion_n of_o those_o good_n shall_v be_v pay_v this_o be_v not_o define_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o every_o kingdom_n but_o now_o because_o humane_a authority_n do_v interpose_v in_o this_o affair_n and_o settle_v what_o every_o man_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o king_n and_o out_o of_o what_o commodity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n or_o concealment_n detain_v the_o king_n right_o from_o he_o that_o he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n for_o this_o but_o only_o the_o transgress_a of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n in_o case_n he_o be_v detect_v no_o certain_o for_o all_o that_o the_o custom_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o form_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o humane_a law_n only_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a aught_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o unjust_a person_n before_o god_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o good_n will_v not_o render_v he_o less_o unjust_a or_o more_o excusable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n to_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o baptism_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o worship_a god_n for_o the_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n all_o this_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o king_n and_o every_o man_n what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v dishonest_a &_o unjust_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o give_v but_o they_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n just_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o thing_n thus_o clothe_v by_o humane_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n about_o they_o than_o we_o can_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o have_v name_v and_o that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o for_o instance_n purge_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o knavery_n before_o god_n that_o will_v contrive_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a as_o any_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n before_o god_n that_o will_v choose_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n different_a from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prescribe_v always_o suppose_v that_o the_o worship_n establish_v be_v command_v by_o just_a authority_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o can_v just_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o in_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o hold_v it_o than_o mere_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o statute_n or_o a_o humane_a law_n for_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v this_o that_o i_o think_v no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v warrant_v it_o so_o that_o even_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v which_o shall_v ordain_v that_o wilful_a causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o tolerate_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o yet_o nevertheless_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n will_v still_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v there_o now_o only_o remain_v our_o last_o general_a head_n about_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v with_o our_o preliminary_a point_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v or_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o or_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n here_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o we_o concern_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v sinful_a have_v authority_n over_o we_o how_o far_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o
be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o can_v touch_v or_o affect_v our_o action_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o we_o or_o as_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o remember_v it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o our_o conscience_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o we_o be_v mistake_v our_o conscience_n prove_v but_o a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n because_o it_o have_v itself_o lose_v its_o way_n in_o not_o follow_v its_o rule_n as_o it_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o however_o our_o guide_n still_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n but_o that_o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v the_o notion_n that_o any_o of_o we_o have_v of_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o do_v so_o and_o what_o other_o measure_n have_v we_o of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n according_a to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o all_o action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o persuasion_n no_o we_o measure_v virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o act_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o man_n intention_n in_o act_v but_o however_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o knave_n that_o in_o any_o instance_n act_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o pass_v this_o sentence_n we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v right_o or_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o be_v his_o judgement_n right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o honesty_n in_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o that_o persuasion_n continue_v be_v often_o as_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o if_o his_o persuasion_n be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o confident_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_n contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n for_o instance_n shall_v of_o a_o jew_n become_v a_o christian_a while_o yet_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o believe_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n or_o if_o a_o papist_n shall_v too_o serve_v some_o private_a end_n renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o our_o reform_a church_n be_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o now_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o both_o these_o case_n have_v make_v a_o good_a change_n as_o have_v change_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o a_o true_a one_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o agree_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o make_v that_o change_n because_o they_o make_v it_o not_o upon_o honest_a principle_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o both_o nay_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o think_v better_o of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o a_o cunning_a popish_a factor_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n abandon_v our_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n as_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o such_o a_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o real_o here_o the_o change_n be_v make_v from_o a_o true_a keligion_n to_o a_o false_a one_o than_o we_o shall_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o man_n i_o have_v before_o name_v all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o then_o our_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v over_o he_o it_o can_v never_o bear_v he_o out_o if_o he_o do_v a_o
yet_o they_o help_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o thus_o act_n be_v a_o case_n of_o pure_a doubt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o persuasion_n on_o either_o side_n and_o withal_o that_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o his_o proceed_n the_o truth_n be_v when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o have_v he_o be_v not_o culpable_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o measure_n these_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n can_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o another_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v why_o i_o do_v mention_n they_o at_o all_o since_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v they_o seem_v altogether_o unpracticable_a for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o sinfulness_n in_o a_o action_n that_o we_o here_o talk_v of_o and_o much_o less_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o balance_v these_o thing_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a from_o thence_o to_o form_v a_o good_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o the_o determine_a man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v give_v these_o because_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o these_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o man_n have_v to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o in_o these_o case_n and_o i_o trust_v also_o they_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o useless_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o the_o purpose_v they_o be_v intend_v because_o all_o may_v hereby_o at_o least_o learn_v thus_o much_o viz._n what_o method_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o action_n in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v false_a notion_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o particular_a sin_n and_o so_o may_v sometime_o make_v false_a application_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v since_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o act_n in_o doubtful_a case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o do_v endeavour_v it_o but_o to_o render_v these_o rule_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n more_o intelligible_a and_o more_o useful_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o give_v my_o reader_n a_o specimen_fw-la both_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o likewise_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v what_o light_n they_o give_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o choose_n his_o way_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n he_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o since_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o room_n to_o give_v every_o particular_a rule_n a_o several_a instance_n i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o one_o case_n under_o which_o i_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n i_o have_v now_o represent_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o celebrate_a case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o great_a or_o a_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_n in_o any_o case_n among_o we_o and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o by_o the_o discussion_n of_o this_o case_n divert_v my_o reader_n against_o his_o will_n from_o the_o main_a argument_n i_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o so_o mark_v in_o the_o print_n that_o every_o one_o may_v without_o trouble_n if_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o read_v it_o pass_v it_o over_o as_o a_o long_a parenthesis_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o point_n this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v they_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o grievous_a notorious_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o vicious_a course_n which_o he_o be_v unwilling_a that_o his_o new_a vow_n at_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v divorce_v he_o from_o for_o indeed_o he_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n but_o this_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v not_o so_o devout_a a_o christian_n nor_o live_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o life_n as_o he_o think_v become_v the_o partaker_n of_o such_o heavenly_a food_n or_o perhaps_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o to_o so_o feel_v a_o sense_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n or_o such_o ardour_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o every_o worthy_a communicant_a aught_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o or_o perhaps_o he_o want_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n so_o comfortable_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o a_o company_n of_o idle_a and_o naughty_a fancy_n especial_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o serious_a that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o it_o in_o such_o circumstance_n these_o or_o such_o like_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v several_a time_n endeavour_v to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a condition_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o satisfy_v himself_o nor_o get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n what_o now_o must_v this_o man_n do_v he_o will_v fain_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o as_o look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n he_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o doubt_v he_o sin_n on_o that_o account_n if_o he_o do_v come_v he_o doubt_v he_o approach_v unworthy_o and_o so_o sin_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o this_o what_o course_n the_o man_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o this_o suppose_v the_o man_n after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubt_n what_o he_o must_v do_v must_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o must_v he_o forbear_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v do_v and_o yet_o which_o of_o they_o soever_o he_o choose_v he_o fear_v he_o sin_n if_o the_o former_a have_v be_v the_o question_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v thus_o that_o the_o man_n be_v to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o get_v better_a instruction_n and_o information_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o about_o the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o particular_o those_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n upon_o himself_o and_o so_o occasion_n all_o the_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o once_o come_v right_o to_o understand_v these_o point_n his_o doubt_n will_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o man_n will_v be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o as_o his_o case_n be_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v he_o may_v without_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o the_o world_n at_o any_o time_n approach_v to_o the_o holy_a
conscience_n have_v pass_v no_o dictate_v no_o verdict_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v against_o any_o such_o dictate_v or_o verdict_n the_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o he_o either_o believe_v he_o may_v act_v as_o he_o do_v without_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v no_o belief_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o any_o way_n condemn_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o not_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o choose_v otherwise_o but_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n always_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o to_o choose_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n which_o in_o our_o case_n we_o do_v likewise_o suppose_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o must_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o here_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_n to_o choose_v one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o but_o may_v indifferent_o choose_v either_o yet_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whoever_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n either_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o act_n against_o a_o doubt_n or_o that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n such_o a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o so_o believe_v can_v without_o sin_n act_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o second_o we_o be_v far_o from_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o act_v thus_o hand_n over_o head_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n much_o less_o from_o commend_v he_o for_o so_o do_v for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o strict_o speak_v a_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o act_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o think_v he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a dispensation_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o never_o look_v further_a into_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v more_o care_n about_o they_o than_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a he_o that_o be_v hearty_o good_a will_v with_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o thing_n be_v expedient_a and_o do_v edify_v it_o will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o action_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o action_n without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o the_o do_v or_o forbear_v the_o action_n do_v more_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o charity_n and_o according_o as_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o determine_v his_o choice_n in_o a_o word_n the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a sense_n will_v he_o have_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v precise_o make_v his_o duty_n and_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n do_v oblige_v his_o conscience_n but_o also_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a so_o that_o it_o will_v real_o grate_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v be_v account_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o devout_a christian_a and_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o doubt_v to_o choose_v either_o side_n indiscriminate_o though_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o do_v not_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o law_n of_o god_n he_o transgress_v but_o he_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o he_o after_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n good_a that_o shall_v have_v the_o preference_n to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v this_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n so_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o though_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v our_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v unblameable_a ignorance_n of_o those_o law_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o we_o sin_n and_o again_o wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v avoid_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o we_o must_v forbear_v that_o action_n or_o we_o sin_n but_o if_o conscience_n can_v say_v that_o this_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n shall_v thus_o suggest_v to_o he_o though_o i_o can_v say_v direct_o that_o this_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v lay_v any_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o you_o either_o way_n yet_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v choose_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o way_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v for_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n than_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v less_o harm_n though_o you_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o go_v this_o way_n than_o the_o other_o now_o in_o this_o case_n though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o proper_o oblige_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n to_o obey_v his_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n do_v not_o propose_v the_o choice_n to_o he_o under_o that_o condition_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n he_o will_v undoubted_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o conscience_n all_o thing_n consider_v have_v represent_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o general_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o considerable_a inquiry_n that_o can_v be_v make_v about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v leave_v any_o material_a difficulty_n in_o this_o argument_n untouched_a though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o need_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n but_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o discussion_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n however_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v something_o towards_o it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o save_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o case_n the_o labour_n and_o trouble_v of_o do_v it_o the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o be_v brief_o this_o there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o enjoin_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n some_o perhaps_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n other_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o
of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 27._o l._n 7._o for_o annot_v cavoid_v r._n can_v avoid_v p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o this_o last_o r._n the_o least_o p._n 43._o l._n 28._o after_o spiritual_a add_v by_o do_v the_o former_a p._n 61._o l._n 1._o r._n because_o p._n 62._o l._n penult_n r._n chrysostome_n p._n 66._o l._n 9_o r._n no_o wise_a p._n 94._o l._n 19_o r._n probability_n advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n tojoyn_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_n conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_v of_o it_o london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well-instructed_n conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well-grounded_n or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o action_n no_o further_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o mat_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbea_n do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o something_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o to_o make_v we_o suspect_v every_o thing_n for_o such_o or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o displease_v god_n by_o the_o most_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a action_n by_o these_o mean_n ensnare_a and_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n and_o render_v religion_n a_o most_o troublesome_a burden_n to_o they_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n therefore_o start_v and_o boggle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a evil_a or_o mischief_n be_v afraid_a of_o omit_v or_o do_v what_o may_v be_v omit_v or_o do_v without_o sin_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o illustrate_v than_o by_o those_o unaccountable_a antipathy_n or_o prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o man_n have_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o live_a creature_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n or_o hurt_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v so_o offensive_a and_o dreadful_a to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o tiger_n or_o bear_n and_o avoid_v they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o plague_n or_o poison_n just_o thus_o do_v some_o man_n run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o
disparagement_n at_o all_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n upon_o these_o account_n 1._o although_o the_o formal_a word_n of_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n be_v utter_v by_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o litany_n that_o which_o the_o minister_n utter_v be_v the_o other_o part_n and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n 2._o that_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v begin_v by_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o in_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n first_o of_o all_o but_o in_o that_o prayer_n remember_v not_o lord_n our_o offence_n and_o spare_v we_o good_a lord_n and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v utter_v the_o formal_a word_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o people_n take_v they_o all_o afterward_o from_o he_o except_v only_o the_o word_n of_o that_o petition_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o 3._o they_o be_v but_o these_o two_o short_a and_o know_v petition_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n upon_o the_o utter_n of_o which_o by_o the_o people_n the_o weight_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o people_n any_o vocal_a part_n in_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n i_o know_v not_o what_o petition_n be_v more_o proper_a for_o they_o than_o such_o as_o these_o as_o for_o the_o repetition_n of_o they_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o there_o be_v still_o new_a and_o distinct_a matter_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o they_o be_v a_o great_a relief_n to_o attention_n and_o mind_v the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o evident_o contribute_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o affectionate_a and_o ardent_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o desire_v those_o weighty_a thing_n we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o this_o prayer_n i_o can_v almost_o appeal_v to_o the_o keen_a of_o our_o adversary_n if_o that_o petition_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o be_v apply_v but_o once_o in_o gross_a to_o the_o deprecation_n and_o supplication_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o litany_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o let_v our_o attention_n fall_v and_o to_o forget_v the_o meaning_n and_o to_o languish_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o those_o prayer_n than_o as_o it_o be_v now_o order_v but_o 4._o i_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o offer_v up_o these_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o minister_n have_v the_o principal_a and_o guide_v part_n in_o that_o he_o utter_v all_o the_o distinct_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n do_v not_o whereas_o he_o utter_v word_n of_o invocation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o now_o i_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v whether_o if_o the_o people_n be_v to_o utter_v that_o which_o be_v the_o minister_n part_v now_o and_o the_o 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will_v deny_v who_o consider_v it_o without_o aversion_n and_o prejudice_n against_o it_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n deliver_v all_o well_o mean_v people_n from_o that_o they_o may_v not_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o concern_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o indeed_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n be_v because_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o honest_a person_n be_v very_o confident_a that_o in_o this_o thing_n at_o least_o our_o liturgy_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_n to_o such_o person_n give_v reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o for_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v commend_v but_o because_o upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o part_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o litany_n be_v last_o mention_v i_o shall_v now_o speak_v brief_o to_o some_o other_o 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lord_n jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o you_o be_v now_o call_v through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n amen_n i_o receive_v yesternight_o from_o you_o dear_a brother_n s._n and_o fellow-prisoner_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o christ_n gospel_n a_o letter_n wherein_o you_o gentle_o require_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o before_o i_o do_v show_v you_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o his_o true_a infallible_a church_n touch_v the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o declare_v what_o vision_n i_o have_v the_o same_o night_n whilst_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n i_o fall_v asleep_a know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n reveal_v to_o his_o people_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n fix_v on_o he_o special_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n to_o their_o comfort_n as_o a_o taste_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o kingdom_n to_o come_v which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v comprehend_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sweet_a rest_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o see_v a_o great_a beautiful_a city_n all_o of_o the_o colour_n of_o azure_a and_o white_a four_o square_n in_o a_o marvellous_a beautiful_a composition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sight_n whereof_o so_o inward_o comfort_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o consolation_n i_o have_v thereof_o yea_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o cause_v my_o heart_n as_o yet_o to_o leap_v for_o joy_n and_o as_o charity_n be_v no_o churl_n but_o will_v have_v other_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o delight_n some_o thought_n i_o call_v to_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v who_o and_o whilst_o they_o come_v and_o we_o together_o behold_v the_o same_o by_z and_z by_z to_o my_o great_a grief_n it_o vade_v away_o this_o dream_n i_o think_v not_o to_o have_v come_v of_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o sense_n because_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o so_o much_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o contentation_n of_o your_o request_n as_o he_o wrought_v in_o peter_n to_o satisfy_v cornelius_n therefore_o i_o interpret_v this_o beautiful_a city_n to_o be_v the_o glorious_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sky_n signify_v the_o heavenly_a state_n thereof_o who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n man_n ought_v to_o measure_n and_o judge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o in_o earth_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a hill_n and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o the_o marvellous_a quadrature_n of_o the_o same_o i_o take_v to_o signify_v the_o universal_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n here_o militant_a aught_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o primitive_a 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about_o to_o show_v in_o we_o by_o follow_v any_o private_a man_n interpretation_n upon_o the_o word_n another_o spirit_n than_o they_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v lest_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o himself_o neither_o otherwise_o now_o teach_v we_o than_o he_o do_v they_o therefore_o let_v we_o believe_v as_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o they_o according_a as_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n assure_o will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o all_o our_o worldly_a trouble_n and_o misery_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o bliss_n through_o our_o obedience_n to_o faith_n with_o they_o therefore_o god_n command_v we_o in_o job_n to_o ask_v of_o the_o elder_a generation_n and_o to_o search_v diligent_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o father_n for_o we_o be_v but_o yesterday_n children_n and_o be_v 8._o job_n 8._o ignorant_a and_o our_o day_n be_v like_o a_o shadow_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o thou_o and_o shall_v utter_v word_n from_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o solomon_n we_o be_v 6._o prov._n 6._o command_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o mother_n the_o lord_n grant_v you_o to_o direct_v your_o step_n in_o all_o thing_n after_o she_o and_o to_o abhor_v contention_n with_o she_o for_o as_o st._n paul_n write_v if_o any_o man_n be_v contentious_a neither_o we_o neither_o the_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 11._o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o such_o custom_n hitherto_o i_o have_v show_v you_o good_a brother_n s._n my_o judgement_n general_o of_o that_o you_o stand_v in_o doubt_n and_o dissent_v from_o other_o to_o the_o which_o i_o wish_v you_o as_o i_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v comformable_a and_o then_o doubtless_o you_o can_v err_v but_o bold_o may_v be_v glad_a in_o your_o trouble_n and_o triumph_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o thus_o much_o have_v i_o write_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o vision_n before_o god_n unfeigned_a but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o satisfy_v you_o with_o uncertain_a vision_n only_o and_o not_o after_o god_n word_n i_o will_v take_v the_o ground_n of_o your_o letter_n and_o special_o answer_v to_o the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o infallible_a reason_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n to_o be_v lawful_a commendable_a and_o necessary_a whereof_o you_o seem_v to_o stand_v in_o doubt_n indeed_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o papistical_a synagogue_n only_o which_o have_v corrupt_v god_n word_n by_o false_a interpretation_n and_o have_v pervert_v the_o true_a use_n of_o christ_n sacrament_n you_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v good_a handfast_a of_o your_o opinion_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o antiquity_n and_o have_v his_o beginning_n from_o god_n word_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o must_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abuse_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v neglect_v or_o think_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v use_v in_o christ_n church_n auxentius_n one_o of_o the_o arrian_n sect_n with_o his_o adherent_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n and_o next_o after_o he_o pelagius_n the_o heretic_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v in_o st._n bernard_n time_n as_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o his_o write_n and_o in_o our_o day_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o inordinate_a kind_n of_o man_n stir_v up_o
what_o pass_v 6._o john_n 13._o from_o ver._n 1._o to_o 31._o vid._n hor._n heb._n tal._n p._n 300._o and_o mat._n 26._o 6._o between_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a meal_n in_o bethany_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o many_o other_o judicious_o urge_v by_o he_o because_o the_o disciple_n think_v when_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o he_o ver._n 27._o that_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o that_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o judas_n who_o keep_v the_o bag_n to_o buy_v those_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o against_o the_o feast_n viz._n the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o passage_n and_o that_o discourse_v relate_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n be_v transact_v at_o a_o ordinary_a and_o common_a supper_n and_o indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n which_o st._n john_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o write_v his_o gospel_n and_o which_o throughout_o he_o constant_o pursue_v viz._n to_o add_v out_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n several_a remarkable_a passage_n especial_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n life_n action_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n there_o be_v another_o passage_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o 53._o john_n 5._o 53._o many_o learned_a divine_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v respect_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o not_o at_o that_o time_n institute_v when_o those_o mysterious_a word_n be_v utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v 54._o ver._n 54._o his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o whoso_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o 55._o ver._n 55._o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o 56._o ver._n 56._o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o now_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o his_o suffering_n and_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v receive_v the_o token_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o blood_n shed_v for_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o reward_v by_o he_o as_o his_o friend_n these_o be_v all_o the_o place_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divinely-inspired_n author_n among_o all_o their_o write_n there_o be_v but_o one_o place_n which_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 11._o where_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o he_o receive_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o viz._n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o 24._o ver._n 23._o ver._n 24._o he_o be_v betray_v take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o after_o the_o 25._o ver._n 25._o same_o manner_n he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o for_o as_o often_o as_o 26._o ver._n 26._o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v or_o show_v you_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v there_o be_v several_a other_o place_n wherein_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v mention_v 7._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 16_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 20._o act_n 2._o 46._o act_n 20._o 7._o and_o describe_v by_o several_a name_n and_o title_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o omit_v and_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consult_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o that_o trouble_n if_o they_o do_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v against_o kneel_v or_o that_o look_v like_o a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o gesture_n let_v we_o now_o look_v back_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o place_n foremention_v and_o see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o his_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay_v communicant_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v it_o to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o communicant_n as_o he_o give_v it_o they_o and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v the_o cup_n to_o bless_v it_o to_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a that_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v by_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n consider_v as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o consecrate_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o do_v all_o this_o in_o commemoration_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n in_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v break_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o the_o least_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o here_o in_o all_o this_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n its_o silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o and_o this_o have_v be_v ingenuous_o confess_v in_o write_v by_o a_o 48._o a_o manuscript_n of_o a_o unknown_a author_n cite_v by_o mr._n paybody_n p._n 48._o great_a enemy_n to_o kneel_v and_o a_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v that_o the_o gesture_n of_o sit_v be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o not_o express_o command_v but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v object_n that_o when_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o institution_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_v drink_v etc._n etc._n the_o force_n of_o their_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n at_o all_o our_o saviour_n sit_v at_o the_o passover_n as_o the_o scripture_n plain_o inform_v 14._o mat._n 26._o 20._o mar._n 14._o 18._o luke_n 22._o 14._o we_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v he_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n when_o he_o institute_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o passover_n therefore_o do_v this_o relate_v to_o and_o include_v the_o gesture_n among_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o miserable_a shift_n which_o tend_v to_o sink_v rather_o than_o support_v their_o cause_n for_o first_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v when_o he_o administer_v answ_n i_o the_o sacrament_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o those_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v his_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n since_o christ_n have_v not_o restrain_v and_o interpret_v these_o word_n do_v