first_o direction_n that_o paul_n give_v 1_o epist._n 1_o chap._n ver_fw-la 10._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o he_o have_v be_v large_a in_o two_o epistle_n he_o do_v almost_o close_o with_o this_o 2_o epist._n chap._n 13._o 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_n be_v perfect_a be_v of_o good_a comfort_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o and_o he_o not_o only_o exhort_v to_o it_o but_o rom._n 15._o 5._o he_o pray_v for_o it_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o all_o his_o doctrine_n and_o direction_n concern_v offence_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n take_v to_o commend_v union_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o to_o his_o disciple_n lest_o thereby_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v stumble_v and_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o and_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v obscure_v so_o as_o the_o member_n thereof_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o may_v be_v at_o length_n see_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o joh._n 17._o 4._o minister_n will_v study_v the_o divert_v of_o people_n from_o these_o thing_n which_o ordinary_o breed_v offence_n as_o strive_v about_o word_n and_o jangle_v in_o controversy_n not_o material_a the_o judge_a and_o condemn_v of_o other_o and_o such_o like_a and_o they_o will_v study_v to_o be_v occupy_v themselves_o and_o to_o have_v other_o exercise_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o come_v near_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n we_o see_v when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n offend_v at_o zebedee_n child_n for_o their_o suit_n the_o lord_n check_v that_o and_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o humility_n and_o mortification_n and_o such_o like_a that_o he_o may_v put_v the_o unprofitable_a question_n who_o shall_v be_v great_a out_o of_o their_o head_n as_o it_o be_v in_o matth._n chap._n 18._o 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 20._o ver_fw-la 20_o and_o 25_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v frequent_a in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n whereas_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n he_o dehort_v from_o strife_n contention_n vain_a jangle_n follow_v of_o fable_n and_o such_o like_a so_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o other_o side_n exhort_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o the_o press_v of_o good_a work_n as_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n in_o opposition_n to_o these_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 4._o 5._o and_o chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o 2_o tim._n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 14._o 15_o etc._n etc._n titus_n 3._o ver_n 8._o 9_o yea_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v minister_n so_o serious_a in_o this_o as_o to_o charge_n and_o obtest_v their_o hearer_n as_o he_o do_v he_o 1_o corinth_n 1._o 10._o and_o phil._n 2._o 1._o to_o eschew_v these_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o strive_v about_o word_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 3._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 14_o etc._n etc._n especial_o minister_n will_v beware_v of_o mention_v such_o thing_n unnecessary_o as_o be_v the_o bone_n of_o contention_n or_o which_o may_v foster_v mistake_n of_o or_o grudge_n against_o other_o or_o make_v themselves_o to_o appear_v to_o be_v carnal_a and_o to_o walk_v like_o man_n but_o rather_o they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o hush_v they_o to_o silence_n as_o they_o will_v have_v block_n remove_v out_o of_o the_o people_n way_n otherwise_o they_o can_v but_o lose_v of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o discompose_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o people_n which_o by_o all_o mean_n shall_v be_v eâ—…chewed_v by_o they_o the_o consider_v of_o three_o scripture_n will_v give_v a_o view_n of_o paul_n carriage_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o o_o how_o commendable_a be_v it_o the_o first_o be_v 1_o corinth_n 9_o 19_o 20._o 21_o 22_o etc._n etc._n though_o i_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n yet_o have_v i_o make_v myself_o servant_n unto_o all_o 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 where_o his_o condescend_v to_o other_o his_o insinuate_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o win_v the_o affection_n of_o people_n his_o greediness_n to_o edify_v and_o save_v soul_n and_o his_o endeavour_v by_o his_o own_o example_n to_o engage_v other_o to_o that_o same_o condescend_v way_n be_v abundant_o hold_v forth_o as_o a_o useful_a and_o excellent_a copy_n to_o be_v follow_v especial_o by_o minister_n who_o shall_v study_v edification_n at_o such_o a_o time_n most_o serious_o the_o second_o be_v 2_o corinth_n 6._o from_o ver_fw-la 1._o to_o ver_fw-la 11._o it_o be_v a_o great_a word_n that_o he_o have_v ver_fw-la 3._o give_v no_o offence_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o blame_v for_o untendernesse_n in_o offence_n make_v the_o ministry_n obnoxious_a to_o contempt_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n that_o point_v out_o a_o ministerial_a walk_n which_o study_v more_o the_o master_n honour_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n both_o his_o own_o and_o other_o than_o the_o please_a of_o other_o and_o the_o make_v themselves_o acceptable_a only_a aâ—…_n man_n or_o as_o familiar_a companion_n to_o those_o they_o converse_v with_o then_o follow_v in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o 〈◊〉_d in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fasting_n by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n by_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n as_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a as_o unknown_a and_o yet_o well_o know_v as_o die_v and_o behold_v we_o live_v as_o chastened_a and_o not_o kill_v as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n wherein_o as_o in_o so_o many_o step_n he_o set_v forth_o his_o ministerial_a walk_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o offence_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a description_n of_o a_o patient_a diligent_a faithful_a deny_v impartial_a single_a powerful_a preacher_n drive_v and_o press_v the_o great_a design_n of_o reconciliation_n as_o his_o main_a scope_n as_o from_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o be_v clear_a and_o this_o be_v point_v out_o as_o his_o work_n at_o such_o a_o time_n among_o such_o a_o people_n for_o such_o a_o end_n as_o the_o prevent_n of_o offence_n the_o three_o scripture_n be_v 2_o corinth_n chap._n 11._o ver_fw-la 28_o 29._o which_o be_v former_o cite_v and_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v engrave_v on_o a_o minister_n heart_n beside_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o never_o man_n be_v more_o serious_a in_o quench_v fire_n in_o his_o house_n than_o paul_n be_v in_o remove_v of_o offence_n and_o in_o recover_v such_o as_o be_v offend_v he_o be_v not_o only_o careful_a not_o to_o give_v offence_n himself_o nor_o only_o to_o keep_v other_o from_o give_v offence_n nor_o yet_o only_o for_o remove_v of_o such_o as_o be_v take_v at_o himself_o nay_o nor_o only_o to_o satisfy_v those_o that_o be_v strong_a that_o have_v offend_v but_o the_o very_a stumble_n although_o without_o cause_n of_o the_o most_o weak_a ignorant_a silly_a person_n affect_v he_o more_o than_o if_o it_o have_v pierce_v himself_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o he_o can_v have_v continue_v careless_a of_o man_n construction_n of_o he_o of_o their_o be_v grieve_a and_o make_v weak_a or_o of_o their_o be_v offend_v any_o other_o way_n as_o alas_o it_o be_v like_o too_o many_o do_v now_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o laugh_v to_o he_o to_o
condescend_v to_o remove_v a_o wrong_n or_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v a_o suppose_a wrong_n do_v grieve_v and_o offend_v so_o do_v evil-grounded_n reproof_n or_o unadvertent_n admonition_n that_o be_v not_o season_v with_o love_n hard_a report_n etc._n etc._n 11._o we_o may_v consider_v offence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o distinction_n party_n offend_v and_o so_o first_o we_o offend_v friend_n in_o many_o respect_n who_o it_o may_v be_v we_o will_v not_o desire_v to_o grieve_v yet_o unadvert_o we_o stumble_v they_o and_o hurt_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n by_o unfaithfulnesse_n to_o they_o carnalnesse_n in_o converse_v with_o they_o side_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o many_o such_o like_a way_n or_o second_o they_o be_v enemy_n or_o such_o to_o who_o we_o bear_v no_o such_o respect_n these_o also_o be_v scandalize_v when_o they_o be_v provoke_v through_o the_o carnalness_n of_o our_o way_n to_o judge_v hardly_o of_o we_o or_o of_o religion_n for_o our_o sake_n or_o to_o follow_v some_o carnal_a course_n to_o oppose_v what_o we_o carnal_o do_v when_o we_o irritate_fw-la they_o and_o provoke_v their_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o man_n in_o all_o debate_n be_v often_o guilty_a whether_o their_o contest_v be_v in_o thing_n civil_a ecclesiastic_a or_o scholastic_a when_o beside_o what_o may_v further_o their_o cause_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v just_a they_o do_v not_o carry_v respective_o to_o the_o adversary_n and_o tender_o and_o convince_o so_o as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o edification_n even_o when_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o three_o we_o may_v look_v on_o offence_n as_o it_o offend_v wicked_a or_o profane_a man_n possible_o heathen_n jew_n or_o gentile_n they_o be_v offend_v when_o harden_v in_o their_o impiety_n by_o the_o grossness_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v profess_o tender_v thus_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o to_o give_v offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n four_o among_o those_o that_o be_v tender_a some_o be_v more_o weak_a some_o be_v more_o strong_a the_o first_o be_v often_o offend_v where_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o matter_n as_o rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o vent_v ready_o by_o rash_a judge_n and_o censure_v of_o other_o that_o be_v strong_a than_o themselves_o for_o go_v beyond_o their_o light_n or_o because_o of_o their_o seem_a to_o be_v despise_v by_o they_o etc._n etc._n which_o show_v wherein_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o strong_a also_o lie_v therefore_o these_o two_o be_v put_v together_o rom._n 14._o 3._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v that_o be_v him_z that_o be_v strong_a despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o that_o be_v the_o weak_a judge_v he_o that_o eat_v 12._o offence_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o they_o direct_o distinction_n incline_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n or_o as_o they_o more_o indirect_o scare_v and_o divert_v from_o or_o make_v more_o faint_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o pursue_n of_o holiness_n either_o in_o truth_n or_o practice_n thus_o a_o blot_n in_o some_o professor_n make_v religion_n to_o be_v some_o way_n abhor_v this_o especial_o fall_v out_o when_o minister_n and_o professor_n that_o be_v eminent_a become_v offensive_a for_o that_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a fly_n in_o the_o box_n of_o the_o apothecary_n ointment_n that_o make_v all_o to_o stink_v thus_o mal._n 1._o the_o priest_n make_v the_o people_n stumble_v at_o the_o law_n as_o also_o do_v the_o son_n of_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 2._o and_o this_o be_v charge_v on_o david_n that_o by_o his_o fall_n he_o make_v the_o heathen_a blaspheme_n and_o thus_o contention_n and_o division_n among_o minister_n and_o disciple_n be_v insinuate_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n believe_v in_o or_o acknowledge_v of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v joh._n 17._o 21._o 13._o sometime_o scandal_n be_v in_o immediate_a duty_n of_o distinction_n religious_a worship_n as_o pray_v preach_v confer_v speak_v judge_v of_o such_o thing_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v either_o by_o miscarry_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v or_o by_o a_o unreverent_a light_a passionate_a manner_n etc._n etc._n or_o it_o be_v give_v by_o our_o ordinary_a and_o common_a carriage_n in_o our_o eat_n drink_v apparel_v manner_n of_o live_v buy_v and_o sell_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v when_o something_o of_o our_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n give_v evidence_n of_o pride_n vanity_n unconstancy_n covetousness_n addictedness_n to_o pleasure_n carnalnesse_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n whereby_o our_o neighbour_n be_v wrong_v thus_o the_o husband_n may_v offend_v the_o wife_n and_o the_o wife_n the_o husband_n by_o their_o irreligious_a converse_v together_o whereby_o one_o of_o they_o do_v strengthen_v the_o other_o to_o think_v exactness_n in_o religion_n not_o so_o necessary_a and_o so_o a_o servant_n who_o have_v a_o profession_n may_v stumble_v a_o master_n if_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o service_n 14._o again_o some_o offence_n be_v offensive_a and_o be_v distinction_n give_v from_o the_o first_o do_v of_o the_o action_n thus_o where_o there_o be_v any_o appearance_n of_o evil_n the_o offence_n be_v give_v in_o this_o manner_n again_o offence_n may_v be_v at_o first_o only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o yet_o afterward_o become_v give_v and_o make_v the_o person_n guilty_a although_o in_o the_o first_o act_n he_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a this_o be_v first_o when_o suppose_v a_o man_n eat_v without_o respect_n to_o difference_n of_o meat_n as_o he_o may_v do_v indifferent_o if_o he_o be_v tell_v by_o one_o that_o such_o meat_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o therefore_o in_o his_o judgement_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o eat_v it_o although_o before_o that_o it_o be_v not_o offence_n give_v but_o take_v he_o not_o know_v that_o any_o be_v present_a that_o will_v offend_v yet_o if_o he_o shall_v continue_v after_o that_o to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v offence_n give_v upon_o his_o side_n second_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v one_o to_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o he_o or_o his_o carriage_n in_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a although_o he_o have_v give_v no_o just_a occasion_n thereof_o and_o if_o after_o his_o knowledge_n thereof_o he_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v the_o same_o according_a to_o his_o place_n in_o that_o case_n the_o offence_n become_v give_v also_o because_o he_o remove_v not_o that_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o his_o brother_n way_n distinction_n 15._o some_o offence_n be_v offensive_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v when_o the_o thing_n itself_o have_v some_o appearance_n of_o evil_n or_o a_o tendency_n to_o offend_v in_o itself_o again_o some_o but_o by_o accident_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o concur_v circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n some_o offence_n also_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v of_o infirmity_n that_o be_v when_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a slip_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v when_o they_o be_v not_o continue_v in_o stick_v to_o or_o defend_v or_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o they_o not_o know_v that_o they_o will_v be_v offensive_a and_o when_o that_o be_v know_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o again_o other_o offence_n be_v more_o root_v and_o confirm_v as_o when_o a_o person_n have_v a_o tract_n in_o they_o be_v not_o much_o careful_a to_o prevent_v they_o or_o remove_v they_o be_v not_o much_o weight_v for_o they_o but_o sleight_v they_o or_o defend_v they_o etc._n etc._n this_o distinction_n of_o offence_n answer_v to_o that_o distinction_n of_o sin_n in_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o malice_n which_o maliciousness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o person_n but_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v here_o in_o respect_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o distinction_n distinction_n of_o scandal_n in_o private_a and_o public_a both_o which_o may_v be_v two_o way_n understand_v either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o witness_n or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o private_a scandal_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n which_o do_v offend_v few_o because_o of_o its_o not_o be_v know_v to_o many_o and_o so_o a_o public_a offence_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v a_o scandal_n know_v to_o many_o thus_o the_o same_o offence_n may_v be_v a_o private_a offence_n to_o one_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n and_o a_o public_a offence_n to_o another_o or_o the_o same_o person_n in_o respect_n of_o these_o circumstance_n in_o the_o last_o respect_n a_o private_a offence_n
more_o hurt_v follow_v than_o advantage_n that_o be_v a_o rule_n anent_o affirmative_a precept_n that_o they_o bind_v continual_o or_o semper_fw-la but_o not_o always_o to_o the_o actual_a perform_n of_o they_o or_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la thus_o a_o servant_n or_o wife_n or_o any_o other_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o pray_v always_o yet_o to_o do_v it_o then_o when_o the_o master_n husband_n or_o family_n calleth-for_a some_o other_o thing_n necessary_a will_v be_v a_o offence_n four_o in_o necessary_a thing_n offence_n ought_v to_o have_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o circumstantiat_fw-la case_n to_o sway_v one_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o that_o necessary_a duty_n thus_o suppose_v it_o necessary_a to_o pray_v a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v the_o place_n and_o posture_n of_o pray_v according_o thus_o it_o be_v offensive_a in_o some_o case_n to_o pray_v so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v observe_v because_o that_o look_v hypocritical_a like_o and_o be_v condemn_v matth._n 6._o sometime_o again_o it_o be_v offensive_a not_o to_o be_v know_v to_o pray_v as_o be_v in_o daniel_n case_n dan._n 6._o because_o his_o not_o evidence_v of_o it_o by_o open_v of_o his_o window_n have_v look_v like_o his_o recede_v from_o his_o former_a piety_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o respect_n what_o be_v ofensive_a at_o one_o time_n may_v be_v edify_v at_o another_o and_o what_o be_v edify_v now_o may_v become_v offensive_a afterward_o upon_o another_o occasion_n as_o by_o paul_n circumcise_n of_o timothy_n and_o refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n do_v appear_v so_o sometime_o suppose_v it_o when_o nehemiah_n be_v stand_v before_o the_o king_n to_o kneel_v down_o to_o pray_v will_v have_v be_v offensive_a at_o other_o time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o kneel_v in_o his_o chamber_n as_o in_o daniel_n case_n may_v be_v offensive_a also_o and_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o offence_n custom_n guide_v much_o in_o the_o indifferent_a circumstance_n and_o alteration_n in_o these_o be_v often_o offensive_a five_o in_o our_o particular_n in_o temporal_a thing_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o cede_fw-la in_o what_o be_v our_o own_o than_o to_o offend_v other_o and_o mar_v their_o spiritual_a good_a thus_o christ_n condescend_v to_o quit_v his_o privilege_n matth._n 17._o 27._o rather_o than_o to_o offend_v and_o thus_o paul_n shun_v the_o take_n of_o wage_n in_o corinth_n although_o he_o have_v right_o thereto_o and_o do_v even_o then_o take_v from_o other_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o our_o brother_n be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o our_o temporal_a right_n much_o more_o be_v this_o to_o have_v influence_n in_o limit_v and_o hedge_v we_o up_o from_o lawful_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n or_o what_o our_o inclination_n and_o affection_n lead_v to_o even_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a if_o so_o be_v the_o follow_v thereof_o may_v be_v a_o offence_n to_o any_o it_o be_v for_o this_o also_o that_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 6._o condemn_v their_o contention_n go_v to_o law_n before_o infidel_n because_o of_o the_o scandal_n thereof_o and_o why_o say_v he_o do_v you_o not_o rather_o suffer_v wrong_a our_o lord_n also_o as_o be_v just_a now_o hint_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o matth._n 17._o 27._o when_o he_o pave_v tribute_n and_o in_o that_o cede_v his_o own_o right_n lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v and_o it_o be_v like_a they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o most_o tender_a man_n 3._o assert_v we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v equal_a respect_n to_o be_v have_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o person_n in_o the_o give_n of_o offence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v equal_a that_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o shun_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o oâ—…_n the_o strong_a of_o the_o profane_a as_o of_o the_o gracious_a etc._n etc._n for_o 1._o the_o command_n be_v general_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o â—…ew_v nor_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o which_o three_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v comprehend_v 2._o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o sin_n in_o reference_n to_o any_o person_n so_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o give_v to_o any_o of_o they_o a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v because_o that_o be_v never_o good_a 3._o iâ—…_n we_o look_v to_o the_o good_a or_o strong_a as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a to_o please_v they_o or_o abstain_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v their_o offence_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o profane_a thus_o paul_n will_v not_o give_v the_o false_a teacher_n of_o corinth_n ground_n of_o stumble_v more_o than_o the_o church-member_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o be_v debtor_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n to_o the_o unwise_a as_o to_o the_o wise_a ro._n 1._o 14._o yea_o we_o be_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o without_o law_n though_o still_o we_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o the_o more_o may_v be_v gain_v 1_o cor._n 9_o 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n chap._n vii_o show_v what_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o malicious_a be_v and_o clear_v several_a other_o important_a question_n if_o it_o be_v say_v what_o then_o be_v it_o which_o be_v call_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o the_o malicious_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v respect_v we_o answer_v 1._o in_o construct_v any_o malicious_o to_o take_v offence_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o spiritualnesse_n lest_o we_o account_v man_n malicious_a because_o of_o some_o particular_a difference_n from_o we_o or_o some_o other_o person_n even_o as_o from_o david_n imprecation_n against_o his_o malicious_a enemy_n we_o will_v not_o draw_v a_o example_n for_o regulate_v of_o our_o prayer_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o enemy_n 2._o there_o be_v need_n also_o here_o to_o take_v heed_n what_o spirit_n we_o be_v of_o in_o our_o account_v man_n to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o disciple_n luke_n 9_o when_o they_o pretend_v elias_n example_n for_o to_o make_v a_o man_n malicious_a in_o take_v offence_n in_o this_o respect_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o he_o offend_v at_o even_o the_o best_a as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v at_o christ_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o it_o must_v not_o be_v out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n that_o this_o offence_n be_v take_v 3._o it_o must_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o personal_a or_o particular_a account_n but_o from_o a_o man_n be_v instrumental_a in_o further_a and_o advance_v the_o gospel_n and_o so_o must_v be_v very_o sib_a to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pretend_v in_o our_o ordinary_a carriage_n if_o it_o be_v yet_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o offend_v we_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v lawful_a answ._n this_o be_v to_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n whenas_o we_o shall_v overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o not_o to_o care_v for_o we_o in_o their_o practice_n can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o we_o and_o our_o meeting_n of_o they_o in_o their_o untender_a way_n be_v to_o harden_v they_o in_o it_o and_o bring_v their_o blood_n on_o our_o own_o head_n whereas_o more_o tender_a deal_n may_v edify_v they_o and_o as_o by_o heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o their_o head_n soften_v they_o and_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a if_o it_o be_v ask_v further_o what_o one_o be_v to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o doubtful_a case_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v lawful_a and_o it_o be_v withal_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o can_v be_v offensive_a or_o scandalous_a to_o any_o answ._n 1._o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o will_v also_o consider_v circumstance_n of_o time_n person_n occasion_n etc._n etc._n 2._o we_o will_v try_v what_o a_o action_n so_o circumstantiate_v have_v former_o be_v thought_n of_o in_o the_o case_n of_o other_o in_o former_a time_n yea_o 3._o what_o use_n to_o be_v our_o own_o thought_n of_o such_o action_n in_o other_o person_n if_o we_o have_v not_o count_v they_o offensive_a in_o they_o for_o often_o man_n more_o impartial_o judge_n especial_o of_o what_o be_v offensive_a in_o the_o person_n of_o other_o than_o in_o themselves_o 4._o the_o conscience_n will_v be_v reflect_v on_o what_o it_o say_v for_o often_o there_o be_v a_o murmur_a in_o the_o conscience_n which_o show_v its_o suspicion_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v offensive_a and_o hurtful_a before_o it_o be_v act_v which_o be_v yet_o often_o bear_v down_o by_o the_o
our_o charity_n or_o our_o conscience_n or_o make_v up_o the_o hazard_n of_o a_o give_v offence_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v command_v we_o warrantable_o to_o hurt_v the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o love_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v on_o and_o we_o may_v add_v that_o a_o indifferent_a action_n be_v involve_v with_o offence_n can_v but_o be_v in_o its_o practise_v sinful_a as_o it_o be_v complex_o consider_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o magistrate_n command_v more_o than_o a_o action_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o itself_o on_o this_o ground_n many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o last_o persecution_n do_v choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n than_o to_o be_v construct_v to_o have_v cede_v or_o deliver_v the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o redeem_v their_o life_n by_o give_v of_o any_o piece_n of_o paper_n at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o officer_n lest_o thereby_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o other_o interpret_v to_o have_v give_v up_o their_o bible_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o displease_v see_v by_o a_o superior_n command_v that_o may_v be_v do_v but_o of_o scandalize_a either_o by_o strengthen_v somewhat_o that_o be_v wrong_n ot_fw-mi seem_a to_o do_v so_o by_o wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o provoke_v they_o to_o judge_v we_o or_o some_o such_o way_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o three_o child_n dan._n 3_o may_v have_v escape_v the_o furnace_n for_o to_o fall_v down_o at_o the_o king_n command_n be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a and_o have_v they_o do_v that_o no_o more_o have_v be_v call_v for_o but_o to_o fall_v down_o at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o place_n etc._n etc._n have_v at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o obedience_n and_o no_o question_n joabs_n resist_n and_o in_o part_n neglect_v of_o david_n command_n for_o number_v of_o the_o people_n be_v more_o approvable_a than_o his_o obedience_n yet_o be_v the_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o consider_v it_o as_o circumstantiat_fw-la it_o tend_v to_o foster_v david_n pride_n and_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr in_o that_o which_o bring_v on_o wrath_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v to_o the_o confirm_v of_o he_o in_o his_o sin_n the_o same_o also_o may_v be_v say_v when_o do_v something_o that_o be_v offensive_a may_v seem_v a_o way_n to_o prevent_v a_o cross_n for_o active_a offence_n be_v ever_o sinful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o complex_fw-la case_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v whatever_o peril_n follow_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o daniel_n case_n who_o will_v not_o stumble_v other_o by_o shut_v of_o his_o window_n although_o it_o hazard_v his_o own_o life_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o this_o case_n paul_n say_v that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o to_o die_v than_o that_o any_o shall_v make_v his_o glory_v void_a or_o make_v he_o a_o occasion_n for_o other_o to_o stumble_v upon_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 15._o etc._n etc._n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o sometime_o the_o case_n be_v so_o state_v side_n that_o whatever_o be_v do_v there_o will_v be_v offence_n as_o if_o paul_n take_v wage_n he_o be_v call_v a_o self-seek_a that_o be_v one_o that_o make_v gain_v of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o he_o forbear_v it_o be_v say_v he_o love_v not_o the_o corinthian_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v not_o from_o they_o again_o some_o weak_a jew_n be_v ready_a to_o stumble_v and_o not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n if_o he_o circumcise_v not_o timothy_n other_o again_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n and_o to_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n if_o he_o circumcise_v titus_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o case_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o will_v ever_o look_v what_o be_v most_o expedient_a as_o to_o edification_n it_o be_v like_o it_o do_v displease_v peter_n and_o the_o jew_n more_o that_o he_o do_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n and_o the_o false_a apostle_n that_o he_o do_v not_o take_v wage_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o yet_o he_o do_v what_o be_v most_o edify_a and_o of_o itself_o apt_a to_o further_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o a_o spiritual_a discerner_n will_v ready_o find_v what_o be_v most_o edify_a in_o itself_o or_o in_o that_o case_n which_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v although_o it_o may_v be_v most_o displease_v 2._o respect_n will_v be_v have_v to_o these_o that_o be_v most_o unbiased_a prejudice_n possess_v the_o jew_n and_o these_o corrupt_a teacher_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o paul_n do_v they_o stumble_v at_o it_o but_o it_o be_v like_a he_o have_v respect_n to_o other_o and_o do_v what_o may_v most_o wipe_v away_o the_o calumny_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o false_a apostle_n 3._o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n will_v look_v to_o what_o be_v most_o deny_v like_o and_o it_o be_v ever_o safe_a to_o sway_n to_o that_o hand_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v in_o hazard_n upon_o one_o side_n to_o be_v think_v negligent_a if_o he_o be_v not_o painful_a and_o even_o someway_o rigorous_a in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n covetous_a if_o he_o be_v but_o painful_a it_o be_v safe_a to_o hazard_v upon_o diligence_n without_o rigidity_n although_o it_o shall_v occasion_v he_o to_o be_v account_v negligent_a because_o there_o be_v least_o selfinesse_n on_o that_o side_n and_o that_o have_v least_o to_o commend_v it_o unto_o man_n corruption_n thus_o paul_n rather_o hazard_v upon_o what_o may_v follow_v upon_o his_o refuse_v to_o take_v wage_n than_o to_o take_v they_o because_o take_v be_v of_o itself_o more_o apt_a to_o give_v offence_n than_o refuse_v and_o do_v not_o look_v so_o single_a like_o and_o there_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a access_n to_o vindicat_fw-la that_o against_o clamorous_a mouth_n 4._o when_o the_o offence_n seem_v to_o follow_v both_o from_o omit_v and_o commit_v paul_n choose_v often_o to_o commend_v forbearance_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o forbear_v to_o eat_v meat_n and_o to_o take_v wage_n at_o least_o in_o corinth_n see_v he_o be_v otherwise_o supply_v so_o when_o there_o be_v hazard_n of_o be_v account_v proud_a on_o the_o one_o side_n if_o man_n take_v so_o and_o so_o on_o they_o or_o live_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o rank_n on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o may_v be_v account_v silly_a and_o of_o no_o spirit_n if_o they_o be_v short_a of_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o safe_a to_o eschew_v what_o may_v look_v like_o ostentation_n because_o the_o tentation_n of_o self-seeking_a lie_v near_o that_o 5._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o we_o live_v among_o will_v be_v observe_v as_o sometime_o folk_n be_v ready_a to_o count_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n necessary_a than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v abstain_v from_o therefore_o paul_n will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n sometime_o again_o the_o omit_v of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v seem_v to_o import_v the_o condemn_v of_o some_o necessary_a duty_n and_o therefore_o daniel_n will_v not_o forbear_v his_o ordinary_a circumstance_n in_o prayer_n thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v to_o what_o side_n to_o speak_v so_o the_o tide_n of_o offence_n do_v run_v and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v shune_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v which_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o in_o the_o mention_a case_n some_o be_v weak_a so_o condescend_v edifi_v they_o and_o grieve_v of_o they_o may_v stumble_v they_o at_o the_o gospel_n other_o be_v perverse_a and_o condescend_v to_o they_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o opposition_n and_o so_o prove_v a_o stumble_n to_o they_o upon_o this_o ground_n circumcise_n of_o timothy_n to_o the_o weak_a at_o one_o time_n be_v edify_v and_o forbear_v thereof_o have_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n at_o a_o other_o time_n and_o to_o other_o person_n circumcise_n have_v be_v a_o offence_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o titus_n instance_a and_o paul_n refuse_v to_o circumcise_v he_o be_v not_o that_o he_o regard_v not_o their_o stumble_n but_o that_o he_o know_v the_o circumcise_n of_o he_o will_v puff_n they_o up_o and_o strengthen_v they_o and_o so_o stumble_v they_o indeed_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o contra_fw-la if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o if_o the_o case_n stand_v so_o state_v that_o do_v will_v offend_v the_o weak_a and_o tender_a no_o do_n will_v displease_v and_o irritate_fw-la the_o perverse_a as_o suppose_v in_o the_o case_n of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n or_o contrary_o do_v offend_v the_o gross_a and_o
no_o do_v the_o tender_a what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n answ._n as_o there_o be_v never_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v so_o there_o be_v never_o a_o necessity_n that_o one_o shall_v fall_v in_o a_o active_a offence_n the_o offence_n therefore_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n must_v be_v take_v and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o as_o suppose_v in_o some_o case_n the_o weak_a be_v real_o offend_v and_o the_o perverse_a be_v but_o irritate_v in_o that_o case_n their_o irritation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stand_v upon_o for_o often_o they_o be_v real_o edify_v when_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v as_o in_o the_o instance_n propose_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n be_v real_o offensive_a to_o the_o godly_a as_o be_v ready_a to_o draw_v they_o to_o sin_n but_o though_o it_o may_v possible_o displease_v other_o that_o the_o believer_n do_v not_o eat_v with_o they_o yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o that_o deed_n of_o itself_o apt_a to_o stumble_v they_o and_o induce_v they_o to_o sin_n again_o sometime_o the_o godly_a be_v displease_v and_o the_o perverse_a and_o profane_a be_v real_o stumble_v as_o when_o paul_n refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n it_o be_v like_o his_o not_o do_v thereof_o do_v real_o displease_v many_o godly_a jew_n that_o be_v zealous_a in_o the_o law_n yet_o his_o do_v of_o that_o have_v real_o be_v a_o stumble_n to_o many_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o do_v teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o will_v have_v be_v confirm_v by_o that_o practice_n therefore_o paul_n will_v rather_o displease_v the_o godly_a jew_n than_o stumble_v the_o profane_a teacher_n by_o a_o deed_n which_o have_v also_o be_v a_o real_a stumble_n unto_o the_o jew_n this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o rule_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o will_v look_v well_o upon_o what_o side_n the_o active_a offence_n lie_v and_o upon_o what_o side_n the_o displeasure_n only_o and_o to_o choose_v the_o eschew_v of_o offence_n who_o ever_o be_v displease_v 2._o when_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o forbear_v whoever_o be_v displease_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o instance_n give_v paul_n incline_v still_o to_o forbearance_n he_o forbear_v to_o eat_v flesh_n and_o to_o circumcise_v titus_n and_o to_o take_v wage_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o case_n be_v so_o state_v because_o whoever_o be_v displease_v that_o be_v not_o of_o itself_o so_o inductive_a to_o sin_n as_o do_v be_v which_o either_o do_v strengthen_v other_o to_o do_v doubt_o upon_o our_o example_n or_o to_o judge_v we_o for_o do_v what_o they_o account_v sinful_a or_o some_o such_o like_a indeed_o in_o some_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o offend_a by_o do_v we_o may_v do_v what_o be_v indifferent_a to_o prevent_v the_o irritate_v of_o any_o that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a access_n to_o edify_v they_o and_o therefore_o act._n 16._o 2._o paul_n will_v circumcise_v timothy_n lest_o he_o make_v himself_o ungracious_a to_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o part_n yet_o have_v there_o be_v any_o there_o to_o take_v advantage_n from_o that_o to_o confirm_v their_o error_n he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o as_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o titus_n do_v appear_v for_o so_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o offence_n but_o somewhat_o which_o be_v displease_v to_o those_o jew_n yet_o 3._o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v so_o that_o neither_o have_v ground_n but_o both_o may_v be_v displease_v then_o the_o tender_a be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o the_o prevent_v their_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o because_o they_o be_v displease_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v wound_v other_o be_v but_o irritat_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o so_o it_o be_v displeasure_n simple_o to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v offence_n to_o the_o other_o because_o on_o a_o ground_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v displease_v 2._o the_o lord_n be_v most_o tender_a in_o the_o grieve_n or_o not_o grieve_v of_o the_o godly_a as_o be_v clear_a matth._n 18_o therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o also_o hence_o the_o prophet_n profess_v 2_o kin._n 3._o 14._o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v respect_n to_o jehosaphat_n he_o have_v not_o stand_v much_o on_o the_o displease_a of_o other_o or_o suppose_v some_o profane_a person_n shall_v be_v displease_v because_o a_o man_n do_v not_o drink_v so_o much_o although_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o moderation_n and_o suppose_v some_o tender_a person_n shall_v think_v his_o drink_n thereof_o inconsistent_a with_o sobriety_n i_o say_v in_o that_o case_n he_o shall_v respect_v the_o last_o because_o this_o offence_n do_v flow_v from_o a_o ground_n of_o conscience_n last_o it_o will_v be_v look_v to_o in_o such_o a_o case_n what_o may_v be_v most_o in_o the_o upshot_n or_o event_n for_o edification_n suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v involvement_n on_o all_o hand_n for_o some_o thing_n be_v compare_v may_v be_v better_o discern_v than_o when_o they_o be_v abstract_o consider_v in_o themselves_o now_o edification_n and_o offence_n do_v never_o lie_v upon_o one_o side_n therefore_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n comparative_o be_v edify_v it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v offence_n chap._n viii_o hold_v forth_o what_o be_v called-for_a when_o offence_n abound_v it_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v call_v for_o from_o a_o christian_a live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o offence_n abound_v and_o when_o there_o be_v too_o great_a a_o readiness_n both_o to_o give_v and_o take_v offence_n answ._n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o condescend_v on_o all_o particular_n here_o yet_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v useful_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a in_o reference_n to_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o both_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o elsewhere_o we_o may_v hazard_v to_o propose_v these_o general_a direction_n 1._o a_o man_n will_v not_o only_o respect_v his_o own_o clearness_n in_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o deed_n but_o will_v even_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 29._o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o cast_v a_o door_n open_a to_o many_o evil_n and_o do_v this_o abound_v that_o man_n be_v burn_v with_o any_o offence_n take_v by_o other_o as_o be_v paul_n case_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 29._o there_o will_v be_v few_o offence_n give_v it_o ought_v to_o affect_v we_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pang_n or_o stound_n at_o our_o heart_n to_o hear_v or_o see_v of_o any_o that_o be_v offend_v this_o be_v a_o principal_a remedy_n from_o a_o inward_a sympathy_n to_o study_v this_o and_o there_o will_v be_v direction_n furnish_v where_o that_o touch_n be_v who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o soon_o will_v we_o put_v our_o head_n in_o the_o fire_n than_o hazard_v to_o offend_v any_o if_o this_o be_v 2._o as_o man_n will_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o give_v offence_n so_o also_o not_o to_o take_v offence_n or_o to_o stumble_v even_o when_o block_n be_v cast_v in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o folly_n sometime_o to_o be_v exclaim_v against_o the_o frequency_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v advert_v but_o to_o be_v stumble_v at_o these_o ourselves_o either_o by_o wax_a cold_a in_o our_o love_n to_o the_o godly_a or_o faint_v in_o duty_n or_o ready_a to_o take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o other_o even_o of_o their_o state_n that_o we_o offend_v at_o or_o passionate_o to_o be_v irritate_fw-la to_o some_o carnal_a revenge_n etc._n etc._n for_o seldom_o be_v many_o offence_n give_v active_o but_o many_o also_o be_v offend_v passive_o as_o matth._n 24._o 10._o and_o at_o such_o time_n they_o be_v bless_v who_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v both_o a_o good_a thing_n and_o a_o rare_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o case_n matth._n 11._o 6._o for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o carnal_a contest_v often_o anâ—…_n ill_a reply_n bring_v on_o more_o sinful_a contention_n so_o it_o be_v here_o and_o offence_n take_v by_o one_o lead_v he_o to_o give_v another_o as_o the_o result_n of_o that_o whereas_o be_v it_o our_o care_n not_o to_o stumble_v ourselves_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o give_v occasion_n of_o that_o to_o other_o and_o brook_n much_o more_o peace_n as_o it_o be_v psal._n 119._o 165._o great_a peace_n have_v they_o who_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v
if_o there_o have_v be_v still_o difference_n and_o yet_o moderation_n in_o these_o difference_n nor_o will_v this_o be_v try_v only_o by_o a_o age_n or_o time_n wherein_o a_o point_n may_v be_v more_o agitate_v than_o at_o another_o time_n but_o more_o general_o especial_o when_o the_o argument_n on_o either_o side_n want_v that_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n bring_v for_o other_o truth_n have_v and_o be_v so_o full_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o among_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o all_o age_n there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a consent_n again_o 3._o we_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o error_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o they_o or_o practice_n follow_v thereupon_o there_o may_v be_v something_n true_o error_n that_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v forbear_v in_o themselves_o yet_o their_o consequent_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v forbear_v and_o this_o also_o may_v be_v at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o church_n more_o necessary_a to_o be_v advert_v to_o than_o in_o another_o because_o consequent_n of_o schism_n faction_n division_n etc._n etc._n may_v sometime_o follow_v on_o the_o mean_a error_n and_o see_v these_o be_v always_o enemy_n to_o edification_n even_o when_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o least_o ground_n they_o be_v never_o absolute_o to_o be_v forbear_v for_o to_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o for_o one_o to_o think_v such_o a_o man_n a_o better_a preacher_n than_o a_o other_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n yet_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o rend_v they_o and_o to_o make_v faction_n in_o corinth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v forbear_v but_o to_o be_v reprove_v and_o in_o the_o former_a difference_n of_o meat_n the_o apostle_n condemn_v always_o the_o offence_n and_o schism_n that_o follow_v on_o it_o although_o he_o do_v not_o peremptory_o decide_v any_o thing_n as_o to_o man_n practice_n or_o censure_v for_o the_o opinion_n itself_o thus_o one_o may_v think_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n not_o to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la and_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v forbear_v but_o if_o he_o be_v press_v the_o change_n of_o it_o and_o refuse_v to_o observe_v it_o or_o vent_v it_o to_o offend_v other_o that_o be_v intolerable_a thus_o the_o difference_n and_o error_n concern_v church-government_n by_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n may_v we_o conceive_v in_o themselves_o be_v forbear_v in_o person_n where_o they_o be_v not_o vent_v to_o the_o shake_n and_o draw_v away_o of_o other_o but_o if_o press_v in_o practice_n to_o the_o rent_v of_o a_o church_n and_o prefer_v or_o equal_v to_o the_o true_a government_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o word_n in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v forbear_v because_o then_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v vindicate_v and_o obstruction_n to_o edification_n in_o the_o rent_a or_o distract_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o at_o on_o time_n more_o than_o at_o another_o as_o such_o a_o offence_n do_v waken_v a_o schism_n and_o disturb_v order_n and_o union_n in_o one_o church_n or_o at_o one_o time_n more_o than_o another_o hence_o we_o see_v act_v 15._o something_n be_v put_v in_o that_o decree_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o time_n only_o for_o prevent_v of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n while_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o something_n be_v forbear_v among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o so_o among_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n as_o circumcision_n and_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n which_o yet_o for_o a_o time_n the_o jew_n observe_v and_o experience_n and_o reason_n make_v the_o thing_n clear_a according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n and_o i_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o to_o show_v his_o counterfeit_n or_o his_o dally_v in_o any_o necessary_a thing_n but_o the_o squaâ—…ing_n of_o his_o practice_n in_o lawful_a thing_n according_a to_o the_o several_a case_n of_o these_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o which_o will_v be_v applicable_a both_o to_o person_n and_o church_n 4._o we_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o thing_n and_o person_n sometime_o it_o will_v be_v meet_a to_o censure_v a_o fault_n or_o error_n in_o person_n as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n and_o yet_o it_o not_o be_v fit_a to_o censure_v the_o person_n he_o do_v indeed_o threaten_v these_o but_o do_v forbear_v lest_o thereby_o he_o shall_v have_v hurt_v more_o by_o a_o subsequent_a and_o follow_a rent_n than_o by_o his_o stroke_n he_o have_v cure_v so_o also_o be_v person_n to_o be_v distinguish_v some_o whereof_o only_a err_v but_o other_o teach_v other_o so_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n which_o have_v that_o be_v their_o own_o opinion_n only_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o these_o last_o can_v plead_v that_o forbearance_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v towards_o the_o former_a also_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o forbearance_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o forbear_v simple_o and_o altogether_o one_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o error_n and_o spread_v it_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o for_o bear_v in_o some_o respect_n to_o wit_n of_o censure_n only_o or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o degree_n something_o may_v be_v more_o gentle_o censure_v and_o yet_o not_o altogether_o forbear_v and_o one_o may_v ministerial_o reprove_v a_o fault_n and_o person_n by_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n in_o apply_v of_o it_o when_o yet_o he_o may_v forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o censure_n as_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n paul_n be_v reprove_v false_a teacher_n in_o corinth_n yet_o spare_v the_o rod_n for_o a_o time_n and_o so_o wish_v that_o some_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o galatia_n yet_o not_o do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o these_o teacher_n as_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o follower_n who_o hasty_a censure_n may_v rather_o have_v stumble_v than_o edify_v which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o that_o and_o of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n therefore_o seek_v he_o first_o to_o recover_v they_o and_o again_o to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o thereupon_o to_o exercise_v the_o weapon_n that_o he_o have_v in_o readiness_n for_o the_o avenge_a all_o disobedience_n when_o their_o obedience_n be_v make_v manifest_a 2_o cor._n 10._o 6._o which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v before_o that_o lest_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o teacher_n have_v side_v with_o they_o against_o his_o authority_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v both_o more_o hurtful_a to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o church_n than_o edify_v by_o which_o alone_o he_o be_v sway_v these_o and_o other_o such_o consideration_n be_v have_v minister_n by_o christian_n prudence_n be_v to_o gather_v when_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o when_o to_o speak_v when_o to_o censure_n and_o when_o to_o forbear_v but_o by_o all_o mean_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v watchful_a lest_o the_o ground_n that_o plead_v for_o forbearance_n sometime_o for_o the_o church_n edification_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n be_v not_o stretch_v out_o so_o broad_a as_o to_o foster_v our_o lukewarm_a temper_n coldness_n and_o faint_a cowardliness_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v much_o need_n to_o try_v from_o what_o that_o moderation_n do_v flow_v and_o whether_o even_o then_o the_o heart_n be_v hot_a with_o holy_a indignation_n against_o these_o even_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n true_a zeal_n will_v be_v guide_v towards_o the_o scope_n of_o edification_n lest_o that_o duty_n of_o exercise_v discipline_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o the_o church_n be_v reject_v of_o he_o because_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o prove_v more_o hurtful_a than_o edify_v in_o the_o effect_n thereof_o some_o few_o instance_n whereof_o have_v give_v some_o occasion_n of_o speak_v evil_a of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o these_o who_o at_o all_o time_n lie_v in_o wait_n to_o catch_v at_o what_o may_v be_v wrest_v to_o the_o reproach_n thereof_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o without_o insist_v on_o particular_n there_o must_v be_v a_o single_a impartial_a and_o prudentiall_a walk_n so_o as_o may_v attain_v edification_n and_o as_o man_n may_v be_v answerable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o trust_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o most_o contribute_v to_o edification_n but_o 1._o if_o what_o be_v vent_v be_v blasphemous_a and_o destroy_v forbear_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n that_o come_v not_o within_o this_o debate_n as_o in_o paul_n deal_v with_o hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o