midnight_n at_o which_o paul_n and_o silas_n speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v to_o be_v tutor_v and_o train_v up_o in_o their_o new_a religion_n where_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v great_a prudence_n and_o caution_n use_v towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fly_v back_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n for_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o and_o so_o long_o live_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o then_o of_o a_o sudden_a turn_v christian_n they_o retain_v still_o a_o great_a love_n and_o kindness_n for_o many_o of_o their_o old_a custom_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v mighty_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la to_o overcome_v the_o old_a man_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o first_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n imaginable_a the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n will_v not_o stand_v rigid_o on_o any_o little_a matter_n will_v for_o the_o present_a tolerate_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a afterward_o to_o be_v do_v away_o hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v be_v better_o teach_v and_o be_v bring_v off_o those_o mistake_v they_o now_o labour_v under_o have_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o begin_n plain_o tell_v all_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o cease_n of_o their_o law_n the_o abrogation_n of_o their_o ceremony_n and_o worship_n the_o no_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o gentile_n they_o will_v never_o have_v bear_v such_o doctrine_n they_o will_v never_o have_v become_v christian_n upon_o such_o term_n nor_o ever_o endure_v those_o teacher_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v so_o little_a account_n of_o moses_n and_o their_o temple_n now_o to_o gain_v these_o st._n paul_n become_v weak_a himself_o tie_v up_o himself_o while_o among_o these_o jewish_a convert_v to_o such_o observance_n which_o he_o be_v real_o free_a from_o as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o same_o doubt_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o 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that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o and_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n as_o without_o law_n be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a become_v i_o as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n thereof_o with_o you_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o these_o compliance_n and_o civility_n to_o win_v many_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n by_o these_o wise_a art_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o 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we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o when_o we_o be_v of_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o child_n and_o lead_v they_o by_o string_n and_o remove_v every_o straw_n and_o rub_v out_o of_o their_o way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v man_n none_o of_o we_o labour_n under_o those_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o christian_n do_v who_o forsake_v a_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v and_o long_o live_v and_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n have_v leave_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n command_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o many_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o father_n by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother_n tongue_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v themselves_o towards_o these_o new_a convert_v as_o god_n almighty_n do_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o first_o out_o of_o egypt_n he_o for_o a_o while_o lead_v they_o by_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o a_o cloud_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o rain_v down_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n this_o he_o do_v for_o they_o while_o in_o their_o passage_n thus_o extraordinary_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n even_o humour_v that_o people_n lest_o upon_o every_o little_a pretence_n they_o shall_v return_v back_o to_o the_o garlic_n and_o onion_n of_o egypt_n but_o after_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n he_o then_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o ordinary_a common_a mean_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o he_o do_v not_o show_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1._o thess_n 2._o 9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n
and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n thus_o it_o be_v usual_o observe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v quite_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o the_o galatian_n though_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n among_o who_o he_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v he_o pity_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o weak_a christian_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o cast_v off_o that_o no_o cause_n of_o offence_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o but_o to_o the_o galatian_n a_o people_n that_o have_v be_v full_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n among_o who_o himself_o have_v plant_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v present_a in_o person_n and_o so_o know_v that_o they_o understand_v better_o when_o some_o of_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n think_v circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n necessary_a to_o christian_n he_o chide_v they_o sharp_o and_o rebuke_n they_o more_o severe_o who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n he_o who_o will_v condescend_v to_o the_o ignorant_a novice_n among_o the_o roman_n will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o comply_v with_o the_o galatian_n that_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o light_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o forbearance_n cease_v when_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gentile_a world_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n contain_v therein_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v tolerate_v in_o those_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o through_o mistake_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o whatever_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n about_o weak_a brethren_n by_o way_n of_o analogy_n or_o similitude_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2_o i_o will_v desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v by_o what_o pretence_n they_o can_v challenge_v any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o weak_a christian_n when_o according_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n further_a off_o from_o be_v such_o in_o any_o sense_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n worth_a a_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la shall_v sue_v in_o formâ_fw-la pauperis_fw-la they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o uninstructed_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o do_v prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v if_o the_o several_a dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a waver_a half_a christian_n do_v they_o think_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o weakness_n they_o will_v be_v either_o more_o careful_a to_o hide_v it_o or_o will_v more_o diligent_o seek_v out_o for_o remedy_n they_o will_v be_v more_o modest_a and_o humble_a not_o so_o forward_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o will_v not_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o hold_v out_o and_o persist_v in_o this_o their_o weakness_n nor_o breed_v up_o their_o child_n in_o it_o nor_o so_o zealous_o endeavour_v to_o instil_v the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v into_o all_o with_o who_o they_o converse_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o ordinary_o look_v upon_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o high_a illumination_n great_a knowledge_n than_o other_o man_n have_v attain_v unto_o they_o rather_o count_v we_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o some_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o so_o much_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v we_o for_o the_o weak_a and_o worse_a christian_n why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o why_o do_v they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n as_o be_v pure_a more_o select_a christian_n than_o other_o now_o though_o such_o person_n as_o these_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n very_o weak_a of_o little_a judgement_n or_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o this_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n under_o that_o character_n nor_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v forgo_v our_o just_a liberty_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o many_o among_o they_o will_v grant_v our_o reformation_n to_o have_v be_v very_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a for_o those_o day_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o make_v but_o we_o now_o say_v they_o see_v by_o a_o clear_a light_n have_v great_a knowledge_n and_o have_v arrive_v to_o high_a perfection_n and_o so_o discover_v and_o can_v bear_v those_o fault_n and_o defect_n which_o before_o be_v tolerable_a now_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o these_o two_o plea_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a and_o destructive_a of_o one_o another_o to_o desire_v abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o abolition_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n and_o to_o demand_v the_o same_o because_o of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o light_n they_o now_o enjoy_v above_o that_o age_n wherein_o this_o present_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v establish_v this_o show_v they_o will_v be_v either_o weak_a or_o strong_a according_a as_o it_o best_o suit_n with_o the_o argument_n they_o be_v manage_v against_o we_o they_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v as_o weak_a only_o that_o on_o it_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o plausible_a objection_n against_o we_o 3_o those_o who_o be_v real_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a instruction_n we_o can_v be_v always_o babe_n in_o christ_n without_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n he_o be_v something_o worse_a than_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o and_o resolute_o against_o all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n persist_v in_o his_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n the_o case_n of_o young_a beginner_n and_o novice_n be_v very_o pittiable_a who_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o lesson_n but_o the_o same_o condescension_n be_v not_o due_a to_o those_o who_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n to_o understand_v but_o for_o want_v of_o humility_n and_o willingness_n to_o be_v instruct_v such_o who_o be_v peevish_a and_o stubborn_a who_o ignorance_n and_o error_n be_v voluntary_a and_o affect_v who_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o clear_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o party_n can_v upon_o no_o account_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o weak_a person_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o cruelty_n to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o he_o walk_v at_o his_o own_o peril_n who_o have_v eye_n and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v
what_o argument_n he_o may_v possible_o thence_o draw_v to_o encourage_v himself_o in_o sin_n and_o folly_n or_o excuse_v himself_o from_o the_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o religion_n this_o will_v open_v the_o door_n to_o infinite_a scrupulosity_n and_o trouble_n and_o i_o shall_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o do_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o give_v scandal_n now_o this_o be_v suppose_v i_o dare_v bold_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o name_v any_o one_o sin_n either_o against_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o that_o our_o conformity_n do_v give_v any_o real_a probable_a occasion_n unto_o and_o it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o conceit_n that_o our_o nonconform_a brethren_n will_v out_o of_o mere_a perverseness_n or_o spite_n and_o revenge_v run_v into_o sin_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v our_o leave_v they_o criminal_a and_o vicious_a which_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o do_v yet_o they_o will_v lose_v the_o design_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o prove_v the_o only_a guilty_a person_n themselves_o the_o only_a thing_n i_o imagine_v can_v be_v further_o say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o yet_o by_o my_o conformity_n i_o may_v tempt_v and_o provoke_v other_o that_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o nay_o those_o who_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o rather_o than_o stand_v out_o or_o be_v move_v by_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o my_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n to_o follow_v my_o example_n with_o a_o doubt_v or_o gainsay_v conscience_n suppose_v a_o master_n of_o family_n that_o use_v to_o frequent_v the_o private_a meeting_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n use_v to_o follow_v he_o thither_o but_o afterward_o by_o read_v of_o such_o good_a book_n as_o have_v be_v late_o write_v be_v himself_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o go_v to_o church_n and_o at_o last_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v only_o he_o be_v afraid_a that_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o family_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n he_o will_v be_v apt_a also_o to_o forsake_v the_o private_a meeting_n and_o go_v along_o with_o he_o to_o church_n though_o it_o be_v altogether_o against_o their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n or_o suppose_v he_o a_o man_n of_o eminency_n among_o his_o neighbour_n on_o who_o favour_n many_o do_v depend_v of_o great_a interest_n and_o reputation_n by_o who_o example_n many_o be_v sway_v and_o lead_v though_o himself_n do_v conform_v upon_o good_a reason_n and_o principle_n yet_o his_o example_n may_v invite_v many_o other_o to_o it_o though_o they_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o now_o here_o i_o desire_v these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n against_o one_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o public_a church_n against_o one_o conscience_n why_o then_o ought_v not_o this_o man_n to_o be_v as_o afraid_a when_o he_o leave_v his_o parish-church_n and_o frequent_v the_o private_a congregation_n lest_o he_o shall_v draw_v some_o to_o follow_v he_o thither_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o he_o fear_v if_o he_o leave_v the_o meeting_n and_o resort_n to_o his_o parish-church_n some_o not_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o thither_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o example_n interest_n reputation_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o instance_n the_o danger_n of_o give_v this_o scandal_n be_v equal_a that_o therefore_o which_o ought_v to_o determine_v his_o practice_n must_v be_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o such_o a_o one_o who_o have_v be_v a_o separatist_n but_o be_v now_o himself_o satisfy_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n aught_o to_o take_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n in_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v other_o also_o especial_o those_o who_o he_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o think_v to_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n by_o his_o example_n he_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o his_o former_a mistake_n to_o set_v before_o they_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o his_o change_n be_v ground_v and_o must_v do_v this_o public_o and_o frequent_o persuade_v other_o to_o use_v the_o same_o help_n and_o mean_n which_o be_v so_o effectual_a for_o his_o own_o conviction_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o prevent_v this_o ill_a effect_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v further_o answerable_a for_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v true_o observe_v by_o some_o that_o consider_v the_o know_a temper_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a any_o such_o mischief_n shall_v ensue_v viz._n that_o by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o or_o more_o leave_v their_o separate_a assembly_n other_o shall_v be_v move_v to_o follow_v they_o against_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v abundant_o notorious_a how_o they_o have_v use_v to_o treat_v those_o that_o have_v desert_v they_o with_o what_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n they_o have_v prosecute_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o worst_a enemy_n pass_v more_o grievous_a censure_n upon_o they_o than_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n long_o continue_v in_o our_o communion_n 4._o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o observe_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v concern_v give_v offence_n that_o if_o to_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n than_o we_o may_v scandalize_v and_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o as_o soon_o by_o please_v they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o by_o diplease_v they_o and_o go_v contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n and_o humour_n st._n paul_n who_o circumcise_a timothy_n act_v 16._o 3._o in_o favour_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n that_o he_o may_v insinuate_v and_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o they_o refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n galat._n 2._o 3._o though_o he_o make_v the_o jew_n angry_a by_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n or_o submission_n and_o condescension_n to_o they_o no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n he_o consider_v the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o he_o comply_v to_o circumcise_v timothy_n lest_o all_o the_o jew_n with_o he_o shall_v have_v forsake_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o deny_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n lest_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n shall_v think_v he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jewish_a law_n hold_v still_o in_o force_n and_o so_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v become_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o they_o he_o please_v indeed_o the_o former_a for_o fear_n of_o drive_v they_o from_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o displease_v the_o latter_a lest_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n always_o necessary_a he_o have_v true_o scandalize_v they_o if_o he_o have_v do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v have_v he_o he_o have_v offend_v they_o in_o the_o true_a scripture_n sense_n if_o he_o have_v please_v and_o humour_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a way_n of_o scandalize_a christian_n among_o we_o by_o not_o plain_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o mistake_n by_o not_o speak_v free_o and_o round_o to_o they_o nor_o act_v courageous_o whereby_o they_o become_v harden_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v but_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o the_o book_n i_o have_v so_o often_o cite_v many_o a_o time_n say_v he_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o go_v to_o the_o common-prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o same_o man_n that_o call_v the_o go_n to_o they_o a_o scandal_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a separation_n and_o error_n because_o i_o know_v that_o be_v not_o scandal_n which_o they_o call_v scandal_n that_o be_v displease_v they_o and_o cross_v their_o opinion_n but_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o error_n or_o other_o sin_n be_v true_a scandalize_a understand_v this_o or_o you_o will_v displease_v god_n under_o pretence_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n p._n 135._o thus_o by_o comply_v with_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o real_o do_v they_o that_o mischief_n which_o we_o will_v avoid_v and_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o give_v scandal_n while_o we_o be_v run_v from_o it_o we_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v their_o sinful_a separation_n and_o division_n we_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v we_o by_o our_o practice_n condemn_v those_o thing_n which_o yet_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o allow_v and_o
of_o this_o reason_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o load_v the_o conclusion_n with_o some_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o pretend_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o it_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o brief_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o those_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o do_v respect_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v neglect_v or_o violate_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a that_o this_o be_v true_a even_o of_o some_o command_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n do_v produce_v that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n under_o moses_n be_v law_n yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o positive_a injunction_n of_o man_n that_o concern_v only_o the_o external_o and_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o royal_a and_o indispensable_a law_n of_o charity_n of_o which_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a part_n thus_o say_v mr._n jean_n in_o his_o second_o part_n of_o scholastical_a divinity_n what_o law_n of_o any_o earthly_a wight_n whatsoever_o concern_v ceremony_n can_v be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o command_v of_o god_n touch_v the_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o these_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a work_n of_o mercy_n if_o therefore_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o work_n of_o mercy_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o man_n sure_o then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o trash_n of_o human_a invention_n to_o yield_v unto_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o there_o do_v happen_v any_o such_o interfering_n between_o two_o command_n of_o god_n the_o one_o positive_a the_o other_o moral_a the_o positive_a aught_o always_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n ought_v certain_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o moral_a command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a obligation_n they_o cease_v to_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v our_o performance_n of_o any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o church_n be_v presume_v to_o dispense_v with_o its_o order_n as_o god_n almighty_n do_v allow_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n in_o such_o circumstance_n but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o where_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a the_o sin_n we_o must_v otherwise_o commit_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o at_o last_o our_o obedience_n be_v dispense_v withal_o only_o for_o that_o one_o time_n thus_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n our_o saviour_n st._n matth._n 12._o 5._o acquit_v david_n and_o his_o follower_n of_o all_o blame_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o hunger_n do_v eat_v of_o the_o shewbread_n which_o otherwise_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v but_o have_v they_o take_v a_o particular_a fancy_n to_o that_o bread_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v eat_v of_o any_o other_o because_o that_o best_a agree_v with_o their_o stomach_n and_o be_v most_o please_a to_o their_o palate_n can_v we_o think_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v so_o easy_o excuse_v they_o or_o which_o be_v near_o to_o our_o case_n because_o god_n do_v prefer_v act_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n where_o both_o can_v not_o be_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v any_o man_n whole_o leave_v off_o sacrifice_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n invent_v another_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o more_o expedient_a than_o sacrifice_a or_o choose_v another_o place_n to_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a for_o all_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o city_n be_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o prayer_n forsake_v the_o church_n to_o save_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o his_o house_n but_o still_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o pityful_a pretence_n for_o our_o whole_o absent_v ourselves_o from_o church_n and_o constant_a neglect_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o neighbour_n life_n may_v be_v invade_v or_o his_o house_n fire_v by_o ill_a man_n of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a store_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n which_o be_v a_o more_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n than_o any_o act_n of_o devotion_n so_o that_o however_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o omission_n of_o some_o thing_n command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n by_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v perfect_o conformable_a in_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o very_o rare_o happen_v and_o for_o which_o no_o provision_n can_v be_v make_v by_o law_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_o this_o will_v not_o at_o all_o help_n those_o who_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o the_o law_n stand_v out_o in_o manifest_a opposition_n against_o they_o live_v in_o plain_a disobedience_n and_o contradiction_n to_o they_o as_o it_o they_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o they_o nay_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a way_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o what_o be_v appoint_v thus_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v gain_v but_o little_a by_o this_o plea_n if_o grant_v to_o they_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o exercise_v mercy_n and_o charity_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n they_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n in_o such_o case_n only_o in_o which_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v also_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n from_o prayer_n public_a or_o private_a from_o worship_v of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o a_o conventicle_n nay_o from_o obedience_n to_o god_n himself_o have_v he_o please_v in_o the_o scripture_n positive_o to_o have_v require_v whatever_o be_v at_o present_a enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n and_o let_v they_o well_o consider_v whether_o if_o god_n have_v plain_o in_o his_o word_n prescribe_v all_o that_o our_o church_n do_v command_v they_o will_v have_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o have_v refuse_v compliance_n with_o such_o divine_a imposition_n because_o they_o be_v unreasonable_o offensive_a to_o some_o godly_a people_n if_o our_o dissenter_n will_v but_o acknowledge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o external_a worship_n deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o such_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o their_o governor_n only_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v excuse_v from_o offer_v their_o accustom_a sacrifice_n or_o as_o they_o think_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o break_v the_o sabbath_n to_o omit_v god_n public_a worship_n i_o suppose_v this_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o they_o dare_v not_o own_o that_o the_o scandal_n other_o may_v take_v at_o such_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o moral_a duty_n be_v sufficient_a to_o void_a their_o obligation_n to_o the_o do_v of_o they_o mr._n jean_n who_o objection_n i_o shall_v the_o rather_o consider_v because_o of_o his_o eminency_n among_o the_o presbyterian_o though_o i_o find_v myself_o somewhat_o prevent_v by_o a_o late_a writer_n who_o have_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o they_o thus_o put_v the_o question_n suppose_v say_v he_o the_o great_a monarch_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v command_v the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o his_o slave_n upon_o some_o important_a affair_n to_o ride_v post_n through_o such_o a_o city_n without_o any_o of_o the_o least_o stay_n or_o diversion_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o company_n of_o little_a child_n shall_v be_v play_v in_o the_o street_n can_v this_o slave_n think_v that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o ride_v over_o they_o
brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n especial_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o duty_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n before_o we_o give_v a_o alm_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o exact_v of_o we_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accuse_v we_o of_o injury_n if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o but_o a_o great_a care_n to_o hinder_v sin_n in_o other_o or_o not_o to_o scandalize_v they_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o after_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v his_o due_a and_o right_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o forenamed_a most_o judicious_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_a to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la dicat_fw-la ut_fw-la habeamus_fw-la quod_fw-la demus_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la faciamus_fw-la furta_fw-la divitibus_fw-la who_o be_v it_o that_o siath_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o steal_v from_o the_o rich_a what_o we_o may_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tax_n on_o pretence_n that_o you_o know_v those_o who_o have_v more_o need_n of_o your_o money_n to_o this_o mr._n jean_n reply_v suppose_v say_v he_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o here_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o both_o be_v require_v by_o god_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v to_o those_o in_o want_n what_o be_v none_o of_o i_o own_o this_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n or_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n to_o do_v he_o good_a by_o wrong_v our_o superior_n god_n have_v oblige_v servant_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o power_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o master_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o to_o give_v away_o their_o master_n good_n without_o his_o leave_n though_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o relief_n god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n or_o fall_v but_o then_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o management_n in_o all_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o be_v bind_v charitable_o to_o regard_v our_o brother_n but_o in_o instance_n where_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n our_o superior_n only_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n it_o remain_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o great_a bishop_n in_o what_o case_n soever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n of_o circumstance_n we_o have_v nothing_o permit_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o remit_v of_o the_o right_n of_o god_n or_o our_o superior_a and_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o neighbour_n in_o such_o question_n beside_o that_o it_o can_v serve_v any_o purpose_n of_o piety_n if_o it_o decline_v from_o duty_n in_o any_o instance_n it_o be_v like_o give_v alm_n out_o of_o the_o portion_n of_o orphan_n or_o build_v hospital_n with_o the_o money_n and_o spoil_n of_o sacrilege_n 4._o it_o be_v further_a say_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n if_o determination_n by_o superior_n be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n than_o they_o do_v very_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a determine_v all_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o so_o no_o danger_n may_v be_v leave_v of_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v in_o that_o she_o have_v determine_v so_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n then_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v spare_v all_o his_o direction_n about_o forbearance_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o weak_a brethren_n and_o full_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n and_o so_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o fear_n of_o scandal_n this_o true_o seem_v a_o very_a odd_a way_n of_o argue_v and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o suppose_v nothing_o else_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n or_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o only_o this_o one_o matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o project_n itself_o shall_v it_o take_v 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thing_n strangle_v and_o offer_v to_o idol_n which_o decree_n i_o presume_v they_o may_v not_o transgress_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o of_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v take_v offence_n at_o such_o abstinence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o great_a reason_n be_v for_o a_o time_n leave_v at_o liberty_n which_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o those_o the_o apostle_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o though_o afterward_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o that_o reason_n cease_v determination_n be_v make_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o st._n paul_n have_v determine_v the_o dispute_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n one_o way_n they_o who_o have_v follow_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n whatever_o have_v happen_v have_v sure_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o still_o the_o scandal_n have_v not_o be_v prevent_v but_o all_o the_o contrary_a part_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v be_v utter_o estrange_v from_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o that_o case_n for_o governor_n be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n to_o free_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v that_o as_o little_a occasion_n as_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o be_v scandalize_v there_o be_v other_o objection_n offer_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n and_o rutherford_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v follow_v but_o they_o either_o may_v be_v answer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v or_o else_o they_o chief_o