Selected quad for the lemma: law_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
law_n become_v gain_v weak_a 7,469 5 11.0638 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33791 A Collection of cases and other discourses lately written to recover dissenters to the communion of the Church of England by some divines of the city of London ; in two volumes ; to each volume is prefix'd a catalogue of all the cases and discourses contained in this collection. 1685 (1685) Wing C5114; ESTC R12519 932,104 1,468

There are 18 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n first_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n now_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v often_o call_v our_o new_a birth_n and_o consequent_o at_o man_n first_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_z according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o tender_o handle_v and_o nurse_v and_o gentle_o use_v with_o all_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n not_o drive_v fast_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o go_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o heb._n 5._o 14._o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n against_o which_o least_o exception_n can_v be_v make_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o at_o first_o tell_v his_o disciple_n of_o the_o shame_n and_o suffering_n he_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o when_o he_o do_v speak_v of_o they_o it_o be_v covert_o and_o obscure_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v by_o it_o have_v be_v present_o discourage_v and_o tempt_v to_o have_v forsake_v he_o not_o unnecessary_a burden_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o which_o may_v render_v their_o new_a profession_n grievous_a to_o they_o every_o stumbling-block_n and_o prejudice_n be_v to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o way_n that_o may_v occasion_v their_o fall_n the_o grow_v christian_n and_o proficient_o be_v charitable_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o these_o novice_n and_o make_v allowance_n and_o for_o a_o time_n bear_v with_o their_o ignorance_n and_o many_o mistake_n and_o childish_a humour_n and_o deny_v themselves_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o become_v even_o as_o child_n with_o they_o as_o if_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o understand_v no_o better_o than_o these_o raw_a beginner_n now_o these_o fresh_a disciple_n little_a one_o or_o babe_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o st._n paul_n rom._n 14._o call_v weak_a brethren_n weak_a for_o want_v of_o age_n or_o growth_n or_o as_o the_o original_a word_n rather_o signify_v sickly_a and_o feeble_a like_o a_o man_n beginning_n to_o recover_v from_o a_o waste_a disease_n his_o distemper_n though_o cure_v yet_o hang_v a_o long_a time_n upon_o he_o the_o dregs_o of_o it_o still_o remain_v he_o must_v for_o a_o while_o be_v careful_o attend_v and_o watch_v since_o every_o little_a thing_n discompose_v he_o and_o hazard_n a_o relapse_n so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o first_o convert_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v his_o disciple_n they_o be_v immediate_o baptise_a though_o as_o yet_o they_o understand_v but_o little_a of_o the_o nature_n or_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o haste_n to_o make_v more_o proselyte_n and_o therefore_o present_o baptise_a all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o it_o without_o that_o previous_a instruction_n and_o preparation_n which_o afterward_o when_o church_n be_v settle_v be_v make_v necessary_a before_o heathen_n or_o jew_n can_v be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n thus_o the_o same_o day_n the_o apostle_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o jew_n act_n 2._o they_o baptise_a about_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o philip_n without_o any_o delay_n baptise_a the_o eunuch_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o jailor_n and_o his_o household_n be_v baptise_a the_o same_o hour_n at_o 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 opinion_n with_o those_o weak_a christian_n and_o advise_v all_o other_o who_o do_v understand_v their_o liberty_n yet_o to_o oblige_v their_o brethren_n by_o the_o same_o inoffensive_a carriage_n this_o than_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o weak_a the_o strong_a be_v the_o well-grounded_n understand_v christian_n that_o know_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v all_o kind_n of_o meat_n that_o christ_n have_v set_v they_o free_a from_o the_o burdensome_a yoke_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n the_o weak_a though_o brethren_n that_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n yet_o abstain_v from_o some_o meat_n judge_v they_o unlawful_a or_o unclean_a and_o observe_v day_n and_o zealous_o retain_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n not_o be_v yet_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o that_o liberty_n our_o saviour_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n hence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v weak_a brethren_n principal_o respect_v those_o time_n when_o our_o religion_n make_v its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v temporary_a provision_n for_o the_o easy_a proselyte_a man_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o better_a secure_n and_o fix_v those_o that_o be_v already_o come_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o stand_v law_n equal_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o infant_n state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o to_o its_o condition_n whilst_o it_o be_v but_o a_o embryo_n till_o church_n be_v form_v and_o settle_v and_o our_o christianity_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n and_o possession_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o for_o 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 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 make_v his_o way_n he_o then_o teach_v they_o another_o lesson_n and_o behave_v himself_o after_o a_o far_o different_a manner_n now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o have_v his_o office_n and_o be_v to_o propagate_v any_o religion_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n like_o a_o master_n that_o deal_v not_o so_o sharp_o with_o his_o scholar_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o school_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v afterward_o but_o the_o direction_n st._n paul_n give_v and_o according_a to_o which_o himself_o practise_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v become_v the_o national_a religion_n countenance_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o general_o profess_v by_o every_o one_o among_o we_o that_o we_o hardly_o know_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n 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
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 approve_v of_o and_o by_o our_o authority_n and_o influence_n harden_v other_o in_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opposition_n against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n they_o think_v we_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o themselves_o whilst_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o judge_v as_o ill_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o long_o as_o we_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o themselves_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o those_o infinite_a mischief_n which_o have_v happen_v both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o religious_a dispute_n and_o division_n which_o sure_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v by_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o shall_v go_v to_o church_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o a_o conventicle_n in_o the_o afternoon_n who_o halt_v between_o both_o and_o will_v fain_o displease_v neither_o side_n but_o indeed_o give_v real_a offence_n to_o both_o from_o all_o this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n but_o be_v afraid_a of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o this_o principle_n aught_o to_o hasten_v the_o fast_o to_o his_o parish-church_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v those_o very_a dissenter_n of_o who_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a 3._o it_o remain_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v now_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v true_o weak_a person_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o danger_n of_o their_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n offend_v by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v i_o shall_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o come_v to_o his_o parish-church_n and_o use_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v do_v the_o same_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v such_o offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brethren_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n beside_o this_o matter_n of_o private_a scandal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v great_a evil_n in_o and_o great_a mischief_n to_o other_o and_o a_o more_o public_a scandal_n do_v follow_v our_o forbear_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o withdraw_n into_o private_a assembly_n than_o can_v happen_v by_o our_o leave_v they_o and_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v then_o to_o conform_v notwithstanding_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o for_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n one_o be_v that_o nothing_o which_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v scandalize_a other_o the_o other_o be_v that_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a scandal_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o by_o these_o two_o rule_n i_o shall_v now_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n at_o first_o propound_v 1._o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v other_o be_v scandalize_v which_o be_v direct_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rom._n 3._o 8._o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o be_v any_o necessary_a duty_n to_o be_v omit_v out_o of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o other_o lest_o they_o through_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v hurt_v by_o it_o we_o must_v not_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a sin_n in_o another_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n ourselves_o nor_o disobey_v god_n law_n and_o so_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o our_o own_o damnation_n though_o it_o be_v to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n thus_o calvin_n tell_v we_o instit_fw-la lib._n 3._o c._n 19_o quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la factu_fw-la nullius_fw-la offendiculi_fw-la timore_fw-la omittenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v
this_o head_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o though_o these_o reverend_a person_n do_v go_v upon_o different_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n they_o espouse_v they_o agree_v not_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o parochial_a church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o notion_n of_o hear_v as_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o about_o the_o call_v of_o those_o they_o hear_v yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v whole_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o from_o the_o parochial_a church_n as_o no_o church_n be_v equal_o condemn_v by_o all_o 3._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o unlawful_a thing_n if_o the_o thing_n account_v unlawful_a be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o unchurch_n a_o church_n and_o affect_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n 1._o if_o the_o corruption_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o unchurch_n a_o church_n or_o affect_v the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n so_o say_v mr._n tomb_n not_o every_o nor_o many_o corruption_n 48._o theodulia_n answer_v to_o preface_n §_o 23._o p._n 47_o 48._o of_o some_o kind_n do_v unchurch_n there_o be_v many_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n &c_n aid_n blake_n be_v vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 229_o &c_n &c_n who_o yet_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n amid_o who_o christ_n do_v walk_v but_o such_o general_n avow_a unrepented_a of_o error_n in_o faith_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o corruption_n of_o worship_n by_o idolatry_n in_o life_n by_o evil_a manner_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n till_o which_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o till_o then_o the_o corruption_n be_v tolerable_a and_o so_o afford_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o so_o mr._n brinsly_n 50._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 50._o suppose_v some_o just_a grievance_n may_v be_v find_v among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o tolerable_a if_o so_o then_o be_v separation_n on_o this_o ground_n intolerable_a unwarrantable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o very_a great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o mr._n noyes_n private_a brethren_n may_v not_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o separate_v from_o church_n or_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n heresy_n or_o profaneness_n to_o all_o which_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n cotton_n the_o former_a assert_n that_o many_o error_n in_o 76._o evangelical_n love_n p._n 76._o doctrine_n disorder_n in_o sacred_a administration_n irregular_a walk_v in_o conversation_n with_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n in_o ruler_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o evacuate_v their_o church-state_n or_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o leave_v their_o communion_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o the_o latter_a say_v 156._o exposit_n on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 156._o unless_o you_o find_v in_o the_o church_n blasphemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n i._n e._n such_o as_o force_n they_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n this_o be_v universal_o own_a but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v yet_o continue_v unconvince_v let_v he_o but_o peruse_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o nine_o church_n in_o scripture_n collect_v by_o mr._n baxter_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v think_v the_o conclusion_n infer_v from_o it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a observe_v say_v he_o that_o no_o etc._n cure_v of_o church_n division_n dir._n 5._o p._n 40_o etc._n etc._n one_o member_n be_v in_o all_o these_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o command_v to_o come_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o any_o of_o all_o these_o church_n as_o if_o their_o communion_n in_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o before_o you_o separate_v from_o any_o as_o judge_v communion_n with_o they_o unlawful_a be_v sure_a that_o you_o bring_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o any_o of_o these_o recite_v be_v 2._o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v if_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o so_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o they_o must_v necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o communicate_v in_o they_o mr._n vines_n speak_v plain_o to_o both_o of_o these_o 239._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 239._o the_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_v many_o way_n in_o doctrine_n ordinance_n worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o this_o corruption_n the_o doctrine_n in_o some_o remote_a point_n the_o worship_n in_o some_o ritual_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o custom_n how_o many_o church_n do_v we_o find_v thus_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o no_o separation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n nor_o any_o commandment_n to_o the_o godly_a of_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n to_o separate_v i_o must_v in_o such_o a_o case_n avoid_v the_o corruption_n hold_v the_o communion_n but_o if_o corruption_n invade_v the_o fundamental_o the_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n be_v destroy_v the_o worship_n be_v become_v idolatrous_a and_o what_o be_v above_o all_o if_o the_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v or_o approve_v thing_n unlawful_a in_o that_o case_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n the_o church_n of_o protestant_n so_o separate_v from_o rome_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n nor_o thus_o strict_o require_v than_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n under_o defect_n be_v lawful_a and_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n so_o say_v mr._n corbet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n we_o hold_v not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o forsake_v a_o 33._o account_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o n._n c._n p._n 8._o and_o discourse_v of_o relig._n §_o 16._o p._n 33._o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n find_v therein_o or_o to_o separate_v from_o its_o worship_n for_o the_o tolerable_a fault_n thereof_o while_o our_o personal_a profession_n of_o some_o error_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o evil_n be_v not_o require_v as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o mr._n burrough_n himself_o do_v grant_v as_o much_o and_o more_o for_o he_o say_v 163._o irenicum_fw-la c._n 23._o p._n 162_o 163._o where_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o viz._n the_o be_v constrain_v to_o profess_v believe_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v deprive_v of_o mean_n altogether_o necessary_a or_o most_o expedient_a to_o salvation_n but_o men_n may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o freeman_n of_o christ_n man_n must_v not_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n though_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o it_o to_o gather_v into_o a_o new_a church_n which_o may_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o comfortable_a and_o as_o though_o such_o corruption_n shall_v be_v impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n yet_o if_o not_o actual_o impose_v upon_o we_o our_o communicate_v in_o the_o true_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o the_o say_a imposition_n as_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o those_o corruption_n as_o mr._n bradshaw_n do_v argue_v so_o 103._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 103._o though_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v and_o be_v unavoidable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n that_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o total_a separation_n as_o it_o be_v also_o own_a for_o say_v one_o when_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o 12._o jerubbaal_n p._n 12._o that_o one_o can_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n unavoidable_o that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n though_o not_o of_o a_o positive_a yet_o of_o a_o negative_a though_o not_o of_o a_o total_a yet_o of_o a_o partial_a separation_n i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o the_o lesser_a but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o great_a suppose_v then_o the_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n not_o respect_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n
from_o divine_a providence_n 2._o a_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o humane_a law_n which_o forbid_v it_o 3._o a_o necessity_n from_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o public_a and_o 4._o when_o it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o great_a hindrance_n than_o help_n as_o when_o we_o must_v use_v none_o or_o do_v worse_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a be_v thereby_o make_v necessary_a and_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o what_o be_v public_o establish_v without_o the_o breach_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o the_o bring_n danger_n upon_o himself_o be_v as_o much_o where_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v restrain_v from_o so_o do_v as_o if_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o natural_a or_o providential_a necessity_n that_o be_v the_o one_o he_o can_v do_v physical_o and_o natural_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v moral_o honest_o and_o prudent_o have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o communion_n in_o a_o worship_n not_o essential_o defective_a and_o corrupt_a be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o where_o better_a be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o that_o better_o be_v not_o to_o have_v where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v lawful_o i_o may_v free_o pass_v on_o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v take_v from_o malac._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n etc._n etc._n that_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o return_v their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n reply_n 1._o no_o argument_n can_v be_v 14._o letter_n of_o the_o the_o minist_n of_o old-england_n to_o those_o in_o new-engl_n p._n 14._o bring_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o by_o analogy_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o argue_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o liable_a to_o most_o exception_n and_o apt_a to_o draw_v aside_o if_o care_n be_v not_o have_v which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v not_o to_o take_v the_o proportion_n in_o every_o material_a point_n just_a and_o true_a 2._o the_o corrupt_a 74._o ball_n be_v trial_n of_o the_o ground_n p._n 74._o sacrifice_n be_v that_o which_o the_o deceiver_n bring_v voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o neglect_n have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n but_o the_o faithful_a bring_v himself_o and_o his_o goodly_a desire_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o corruption_n whether_o respect_v matter_n or_o form_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o they_o cleave_v not_o to_o his_o sacrifice_n to_o stain_v or_o pollute_v it_o etc._n etc._n 3._o he_o offer_v not_o a_o corrupt_a thing_n who_o offer_v the_o best_a he_o have_v 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v mr._n ball_n that_o what_o be_v 78._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n c._n 4._o p._n 78._o simple_o best_a be_v not_o best_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n or_o end_n what_o be_v best_a in_o a_o time_n free_a be_v not_o best_o in_o a_o time_n not_o free_a it_o be_v grant_v say_v mr._n baxter_n that_o 85._o def._n of_o cure_n p._n 85._o we_o must_v offer_v god_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v do_v but_o not_o the_o best_a which_o we_o can_v do_v and_o many_o thing_n must_v concur_v and_o especial_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a good_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a so_o that_o before_o this_o text_n can_v be_v 86._o v._o burrough_n iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 86._o oppose_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v corruption_n as_o much_o prohibit_v as_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a under_o the_o law_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o a_o person_n do_v choose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o offer_v it_o when_o he_o have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n 3._o that_o such_o a_o corruption_n as_o affect_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n do_v yet_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o abominable_a to_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o objection_n reach_v not_o the_o case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o that_o place_n for_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o a_o remarkable_a say_v 5._o platform_n of_o discipline_n c._n 13._o §_o 5._o of_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a when_o it_o be_v for_o better_a edification_n and_o that_o we_o may_v choose_v what_o be_v for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v more_o for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v less_o for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o case_n i_o shall_v show_v from_o they_o p._n 2._o that_o as_o defect_n and_o fault_n in_o worship_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n sometime_o they_o say_v it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imaginary_a a_o seem_a contentment_n of_o mind_n as_o one_o 58._o methermenent_fw-la p._n 71._o on_o john_n 4._o lect._n 58._o call_v it_o this_o mr._n hildersham_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o prefer_v other_o before_o their_o own_o pastor_n only_o because_o they_o show_v more_o zeal_n in_o their_o voice_n and_o gesture_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n though_o haply_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v nothing_o so_o wholesome_a or_o powerful_a or_o fit_a to_o edify_v their_o conscience_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n be_v of_o such_o he_o say_v we_o may_v wish_v they_o more_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n mr._n baxter_n observe_v the_o 359._o cure_v of_o di●is_n p._n 359._o same_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o another_o that_o the_o other_o be_v best_a and_o common_o appearance_n and_o a_o take_a tone_n and_o voice_n do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o solid_a evidence_n of_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o edification_n which_o say_v a_o reverend_a person_n of_o late_a lie_v more_o in_o 95._o con●inuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 4_o p._n 95._o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n than_o in_o the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o affection_n these_o as_o he_o say_v be_v indeed_o of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o other_o but_o without_o they_o be_v far_o from_o make_v a_o person_n better_o and_o leave_v he_o true_o edify_v again_o it_o may_v be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o that_o complain_v they_o do_v not_o edify_v mr._n hildersham_n charge_v it_o upon_o such_o thou_o 58._o lect._n 28._o p_o 129._o and_o lect._n 58._o may_v receive_v profit_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o thyself_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o that_o preach_v and_o he_o thus_o free_o again_o declare_v himself_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v never_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n if_o he_o have_v a_o godly_a heart_n but_o he_o can_v true_o say_v he_o never_o hear_v any_o faithful_a minister_n in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v so_o mean_a but_o he_o can_v discern_v some_o gift_n in_o he_o that_o be_v want_v in_o himself_o and_o can_v receive_v some_o profit_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o advise_v to_o cure_v the_o fault_n before_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n so_o the_o pious_a person_n abovesaid_a argue_v how_o shall_v thou_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o thou_o come_v with_o prejudice_n without_o any_o reverence_n or_o delight_n unto_o it_o nor_o do_v scarce_o acknowledge_v god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o so_o mr._n jenkin_n direct_v labour_v for_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o judas_n v._o 19_o experimental_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n man_n
and_o the_o same_o 41._o act_n 2._o 41._o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o 3000_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a st._n peter_n exhort_v they_o all_o to_o repent_v in_o order_n to_o it_o but_o whether_o they_o do_v so_o or_o no_o he_o stay_v not_o for_o proof_n from_o their_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n but_o present_o upon_o their_o profess_a willing_a reception_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n one_o may_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o among_o so_o great_a a_o number_n all_o will_v not_o prove_v sincere_a convert_v and_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n 3._o act_n 4._o 34._o act_n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v two_o of_o the_o number_n in_o who_o you_o know_v that_o glad_a reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o gross_a hypocrisy_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n st._n philip_n proceed_v in_o plant_v the_o church_n at_o samaria_n when_o the_o people_n see_v the_o miracle_n he_o do_v give_v heed_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o 12._o act_n 8._o 12._o teach_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n they_o be_v baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o among_o they_o be_v simon_n magus_n whose_o former_a notorious_a crime_n of_o sorcery_n witchcraft_n and_o blasphemy_n may_v have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o fear_n to_o the_o holy_a deacon_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o his_o heart_n not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v afterward_o yet_o upon_o his_o believe_v 20._o act_n 8._o 20._o he_o be_v baptise_a such_o other_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v demas_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n they_o 13._o ver_fw-la 13._o have_v nothing_o it_o seem_v but_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o entitle_v they_o to_o that_o privilege_n since_o afterward_o as_o we_o read_v the_o one_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n and_o the_o other_o two_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o representation_n christ_n have_v 19_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o make_v of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o gospel_n fore-instructing_a his_o disciple_n by_o many_o parable_n that_o it_o shall_v consist_v of_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a it_o be_v a_o field_n wherein_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o a_o net_n wherein_o be_v fish_n of_o all_o sort_n a_o flour_n in_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o solid_a corn_n and_o 47._o mat._n 13._o 24_o 25._o vers_fw-la 47._o light_a chaff_n a_o vine_n on_o which_o be_v fruitful_a and_o barren_a branch_n a_o great_a house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o gold_n 12._o mat._n 3._o 12._o and_o silver_n and_o vessel_n of_o lesser_a value_n wood_n and_o earth_n 1._o john_n 15._o 1._o a_o marriage_n feast_n where_o be_v wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n 20._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 20._o some_o with_o wedding_n garment_n and_o some_o without_o some_o 25._o mat._n 25._o have_v oil_n and_o some_o but_o empty_a lamp_n st._n hierome_n compare_v it_o to_o noah_n ark_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v typus_fw-la st._n hier._n dial_n con_fw-mi lucifer_n arca_n noae_n ecclesiae_fw-la typus_fw-la not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n many_o more_o be_v circumcise_a in_o the_o flesh_n than_o what_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v many_o be_v call_v 6._o rom._n 9_o 6._o but_o few_o choose_v he_o declare_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o in_o his_o church_n many_o more_o be_v call_v and_o admit_v into_o it_o by_o baptism_n than_o what_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n or_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o heaven_n 4._o the_o many_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a member_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v plant_v be_v another_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o number_n whereof_o in_o all_o likelihood_n can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o great_a have_v they_o be_v so_o cautious_a and_o scrupulous_a as_o to_o admit_v none_o into_o they_o but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n they_o think_v to_o be_v real_o holy_a in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v 7._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 34._o ver_fw-la 12._o 2_o cor._n 12._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 7._o many_o that_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o come_v drink_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o be_v fornicator_n unclean_a and_o contentious_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n there_o be_v many_o that_o nauseated_a the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o make_v it_o their_o choice_n to_o pick_v and_o eat_v the_o rubbish_n of_o the_o partition_n wall_n which_o christ_n have_v demolish_a the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n which_o expire_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n they_o attempt_v to_o pull_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o to_o give_v a_o resurrection_n to_o they_o they_o be_v so_o much_o go_v off_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n observe_v day_n and_o month_n and_o 11._o gal._n 3._o 7_o 10_o 11._o time_n and_o year_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o superstition_n st._n paul_n signify_v his_o fear_n of_o quite_o lose_v they_o and_o that_o his_o labour_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o in_o vain_a among_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n there_o be_v not_o one_o but_o what_o have_v receive_v such_o member_n into_o it_o that_o be_v either_o very_o cold_a &_o lukewarm_a in_o their_o religion_n or_o by_o their_o vicious_a life_n prove_v a_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o it_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n so_o swarm_v with_o these_o that_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o 4._o rev._n 3._o 1_o 4._o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v thereby_o enable_v far_o beyond_o what_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n can_v pretend_v to_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a do_v notwistanding_n admit_v many_o mere_a formal_a professor_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o no_o other_o rule_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n be_v practicable_a whether_o person_n be_v real_o holy_a and_o true_o regenerate_v or_o no_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n who_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o they_o may_v through_o want_n of_o judgement_n be_v deceive_v through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v impose_v upon_o through_o humane_a frailty_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n be_v misguide_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n many_o time_n the_o door_n may_v be_v open_v to_o the_o bad_a and_o shut_v against_o the_o good_a now_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christ_n appointment_n which_o be_v either_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v or_o in_o observe_v which_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n can_v be_v secure_v from_o act_v wrongful_o and_o injurious_o to_o men._n in_o sum_n christ_n have_v entrust_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o order_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o his_o church_n and_o who_o under_o he_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o these_o be_v but_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o short_a and_o fallible_a understanding_n he_o have_v 7._o 2._o cor._n 4_o 7._o not_o leave_v the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n to_o be_v manage_v sole_o by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o have_v give_v they_o a_o certain_a public_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o both_o in_o admit_v person_n into_o his_o church_n and_o in_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o one_o the_o rule_n be_v open_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o other_o open_a and_o scandalous_a offence_n prove_v by_o witness_n 2._o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o his_o continuance_n in_o some_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n he_o forfeit_v that_o right_a and_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o behaviour_n he_o be_v actual_o exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n for_o the_o explanation_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n these_o three_o particular_n be_v to_o be_v do_v 1._o what_o be_v
service_n be_v many_o yet_o they_o be_v sufficient_o describe_v in_o their_o law_n and_o it_o be_v but_o consult_v that_o or_o those_o who_o office_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o they_o may_v be_v present_o inform_v and_o as_o soon_o see_v it_o as_o the_o book_n be_v lay_v open_a this_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o the_o several_a scheme_n draw_v up_o for_o discipline_n and_o order_n by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o make_v some_o attempt_n to_o describe_v they_o and_o then_o when_o thing_n be_v thus_o dark_a and_o obscure_a so_o hard_o to_o trace_v and_o discover_v that_o it_o have_v thus_o perplex_v and_o baffle_v those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o bring_v these_o thing_n within_o scripture_n rule_n how_o perplex_v must_v they_o be_v that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v above_o show_v must_v all_o their_o day_n live_v in_o the_o communion_n it_o be_v likely_a of_o no_o church_n since_o though_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v yet_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o examine_v and_o more_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o all_o in_o it_o be_v prescribe_v 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o may_v answer_v to_o this_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a out_o of_o worship_n that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v after_o be_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o what_o it_o be_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o instance_n it_o be_v in_o all_o and_o if_o the_o want_n of_o a_o law_n to_o require_v or_o forbid_v do_v make_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o nature_n or_o civil_a matter_n it_o do_v also_o the_o same_o in_o religious_a and_o in_o thing_n forbid_v by_o humane_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v require_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o thing_n require_v by_o humane_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n we_o may_v safe_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n by_o but_o i_o confess_v the_o question_n require_v a_o more_o parcicular_a answer_n because_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a may_v yet_o in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n become_v unlawful_a as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a case_n and_o secular_a matter_n to_o be_v cover_v or_o uncover_v be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o indifferent_a but_o to_o be_v cover_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o better_n as_o custom_n and_o law_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o stand_v bare_a before_o will_v be_v unlawful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o omission_n and_o contempt_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o then_o much_o more_o will_v this_o hold_v where_o the_o case_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n where_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a may_v become_v ridiculous_a absurd_a and_o profane_a and_o argue_v rather_o contempt_n of_o god_n than_o reverence_n for_o he_o in_o the_o person_n use_v they_o again_o the_o thing_n may_v though_o grave_a and_o pertinent_a yet_o be_v so_o numerous_a that_o they_o may_v obscure_v and_o oppress_v the_o service_n and_o confound_v and_o distract_v the_o mind_n that_o shall_v attend_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o so_o for_o one_o reason_n or_o another_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v add_v 1._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v so_o call_v from_o their_o general_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o if_o in_o practice_n and_o use_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o case_n they_o always_o be_v so_o and_o never_o unlawful_a for_o that_o they_o may_v be_v by_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a expedient_a or_o inexpedient_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o apply_v 2._o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v respect_n and_o that_o may_v be_v require_v or_o forbid_v by_o one_o law_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v or_o require_v by_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o one_o state_n which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o another_o and_o by_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o into_o the_o other_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v thing_n be_v indifferent_a we_o must_v understand_v of_o what_o rank_n they_o be_v and_o what_o law_n they_o do_v respect_n as_o for_o example_n humane_a conversation_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v different_a rank_n to_o which_o thing_n be_v refer_v and_o therefore_o what_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o conversation_n may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o worship_n thus_o to_o interchange_n discourse_v about_o common_a affair_n be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o useful_a in_o its_o place_n but_o when_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o religious_a solemnity_n be_v criminal_a this_o distinction_n of_o rank_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o which_o if_o observe_v will_v have_v prevent_v the_o objection_n make_v by_o some_o that_o if_o a_o church_n or_o authority_n may_v command_v indifferent_a thing_n than_o they_o may_v require_v we_o to_o pray_v stand_v upon_o the_o head_n etc._n etc._n for_o that_o though_o indifferent_a in_o another_o case_n be_v not_o in_o that_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o it_o 3._o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o some_o rule_n in_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v therein_o also_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o plead_v they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o as_o some_o unwary_o do_v and_o therefore_o present_o they_o may_v be_v use_v for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o person_n may_v spit_v in_o another_o face_n may_v keep_v on_o his_o hat_n before_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n the_o spit_n and_o be_v cover_v be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a but_o now_o as_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_v in_o common_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o which_o even_o in_o that_o case_n do_v tie_v we_o up_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n otherwise_o indifferent_a so_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o must_v be_v much_o more_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o we_o must_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o as_o in_o common_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o action_n the_o end_n in_o conversation_n the_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v viz._n time_n place_n person_n as_o when_o where_o before_o who_o we_o be_v cover_v or_o uncover_v etc._n etc._n so_o in_o sacred_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o worship_n the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n glory_n security_n of_o that_o in_o its_o order_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n be_v we_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o indifferency_n lawfulness_n or_o expediency_n of_o thing_n use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o do_v make_v for_o or_o against_o and_o do_v approach_n to_o or_o recede_v from_o these_o character_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v or_o observe_v and_o the_o more_o or_o less_o esteem_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n for_o 1._o these_o be_v general_a rule_n and_o so_o the_o particular_n be_v nor_o so_o easy_o point_v to_o 2._o decency_n and_o edification_n and_o order_n be_v as_o be_v observe_v before_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a and_o depend_v upon_o circumstance_n and_o so_o in_o their_o nature_n not_o easy_o determine_v and_o 3._o person_n have_v very_o different_a opinion_n about_o what_o be_v decent_a edify_v and_o orderly_o as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n some_o be_v for_o and_o other_o against_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n some_o doubtless_o be_v for_o be_v cover_v other_o for_o be_v uncover_v in_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v somewhat_o further_o requisite_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n
that_o which_o mankind_n will_v have_v be_v have_v there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a institution_n and_o be_v in_o before_o that_o institution_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o injoin_v of_o it_o by_o divine_a institution_n so_o as_o it_o become_v necessary_a to_o they_o that_o make_v it_o a_o yoke_n and_o a_o 18._o act._n 15._o 18._o yoke_n intolerable_a and_o it_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o that_o law_n that_o constitute_v the_o liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o in_o that_o epistle_n and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v take_v as_o our_o author_n will_v have_v it_o for_o a_o freedom_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v a_o secondary_a sense_n and_o which_o may_v be_v take_v from_o some_o parity_n of_o reason_n betwixt_o case_n and_o case_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o primary_n sense_n of_o it_o but_o take_v it_o how_o we_o will_v in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o i_o there_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o that_o 47._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n pag._n 47._o plead_v it_o against_o submission_n to_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o impose_v in_o or_o about_o divine_a worship_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o general_a head_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a 5._o §._o 5._o tract_n which_o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o church_n as_o they_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o indifferent_a and_o for_o a_o enforcement_n of_o that_o and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o far_o this_o reverend_a author_n consent_v to_o or_o by_o his_o concession_n must_v be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o indeed_o he_o sometime_o do_v tell_v we_o that_o nine_o part_n of_o ten_o of_o all_o dissenter_n say_v they_o can_v comply_v with_o thing_n require_v in_o the_o english_a 38._o case_n examine_v pag._n 3._o 36._o 38._o liturgy_n because_o they_o believe_v the_o thing_n sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o elsewhere_o two_o hardly_o of_o a_o hundred_o think_v they_o indifferent_a but_o whether_o our_o author_n be_v of_o that_o number_n or_o at_o least_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o be_v i_o shall_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o concession_n as_o to_o other_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v the_o method_n take_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a tract_n where_o i_o say_v all_o thing_n object_v against_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o posture_n form_n and_o time_n and_o show_v these_o to_o be_v natural_a or_o moral_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o now_o in_o general_n he_o grant_v what_o be_v such_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v and_o if_o we_o 14._o pag._n 14._o come_v to_o particular_n he_o do_v at_o last_o yield_v it_o as_o for_o posture_n what_o more_o scruple_v and_o oppose_v than_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o of_o this_o he_o say_v there_o 22._o pag._n 22._o be_v no_o command_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v indifferent_a that_o in_o all_o probability_n our_o saviour_n administer_v it_o kneel_v and_o sit_v 12._o pag._n 12._o backward_o upon_o his_o leg_n that_o no_o dissenter_n refuse_v it_o 36._o pag._n 36._o because_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o intend_v it_o as_o a_o homage_n to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n there_o real_o present_a but_o declare_v that_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o the_o bread_n be_v a_o idolatry_n to_o 13._o pag._n 12_o 13._o be_v abhor_v and_o in_o conclusion_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o that_o hesitate_n in_o that_o point_n fear_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n use_v by_o idolatrous_a papist_n which_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o no_o moment_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v as_o to_o form_n of_o prayer_n he_o say_v god_n have_v jest_v we_o 30._o pag._n 30._o at_o liberty_n what_o word_n to_o use_v and_o further_o that_o for_o conceive_a prayer_n we_o know_v no_o body_n say_v no_o other_o must_v be_v use_v 22._o pag._n 22._o in_o god_n worship_n and_o if_o so_o than_o form_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o it_o but_o suppose_v any_o scruple_n the_o use_n of_o they_o 18._o case_n of_o indiff_n p._n 18._o he_o say_v however_o we_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o people_n may_v hear_v they_o if_o any_o scruple_n the_o use_n of_o they_o he_o may_v yet_o 22._o case_n exam._n p._n 22._o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n we_o hope_v though_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o it_o as_o a_o minister_n as_o to_o time_n he_o say_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n direct_v and_o for_o festival_n such_o as_o purim_n among_o the_o jew_n he_o 29._o pag._n 29._o say_v it_o be_v general_o command_v under_o the_o precept_n of_o 26._o pag._n 26._o give_v thanks_o for_o public_a mercy_n last_o be_v the_o thing_n require_v unlawful_a because_o impose_v he_o answer_v some_o of_o we_o include_v sure_o himself_o be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n nay_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o most_o 39_o pag._n 39_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v agree_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a 7._o pag._n 7._o circumstance_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o superior_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o by_o circumstance_n be_v make_v sinful_a but_o if_o imposition_n will_v make_v they_o sinful_a such_o a_o command_n must_v not_o have_v be_v obey_v so_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o reverend_a brother_n and_o the_o dissenter_n he_o defend_v and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o say_v agree_v to_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v in_o the_o article_n 1._o pag._n 1._o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v dissent_v from_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lay-communion_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o nor_o why_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o so_o much_o of_o goal_n and_o session_n and_o judicature_n and_o of_o the_o suffering_n they_o endure_v when_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a 44._o pag._n 41_o 44._o it_o be_v for_o not_o do_v what_o they_o lawful_o can_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n when_o such_o withhold_v communion_n from_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o other_o church_n against_o it_o that_o some_o call_v they_o as_o he_o complain_v perverse_a and_o contumacious_a person_n abide_v abide_v and_o other_o call_v they_o damnable_a schismatic_n and_o 1._o pag._n 1._o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o separation_n from_o that_o church_n be_v a_o separation_n from_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o will_v meet_v with_o such_o that_o will_v speak_v very_o severe_a thing_n of_o his_o follow_a appeal_n to_o god_n judge_n o_o thou_o righteous_a judge_n between_o these_o people_n and_o those_o who_o thus_o pursue_v 44._o pag._n 41_o 44._o they_o i_o be_o far_o from_o one_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o smiter_n of_o his_o fellow-servant_n as_o he_o call_v they_o nor_o 41._o pag._n 41._o will_v have_v any_o one_o do_v what_o he_o very_o believe_v be_v unlawful_a but_o i_o do_v think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o do_v what_o they_o lawful_o can_v to_o hear_v ready_o and_o consider_v impartial_o what_o may_v be_v offer_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o suffer_v patient_o where_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o this_o i_o think_v every_o true_o conscientious_a person_n will_v do_v and_o i_o shall_v question_v his_o conscience_n that_o do_v it_o not_o certain_o to_o return_v he_o his_o own_o word_n if_o our_o brethren_n have_v any_o value_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o ibid._n ibid._n peace_n of_o other_o soul_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o the_o union_n of_o protestant_n against_o popish_a adversary_n for_o any_o thing_n indeed_o that_o be_v good_a and_o lovely_a they_o will_v rather_o break_v than_o any_o long_o draw_v this_o see_v of_o contention_n and_o will_v do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o breach_n which_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a than_o scandalous_a to_o our_o religion_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 3._o l._n 13._o r._n i_o shall_v p._n 30._o l._n antepenult_n r._n imply_v p._n 31._o l._n 6._o r._n expression_n p._n 39_o marg._n add_v to_o lightfoot_n hor._n in_o matth._n and_o mark_n p._n 46._o l._n 17._o 1._o government_n book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z 1._o a._n a_o persuasive_a 〈…〉_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o
evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
a_o subject_a as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o own_o cause_n when_o he_o be_v a_o superior_a we_o believe_v there_o will_v be_v present_o a_o end_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o let_v man_n talk_v as_o grave_o as_o they_o please_v about_o the_o danger_n of_o obey_v the_o public_a law_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o think_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a for_o any_o domestic_a of_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v lawful_a authority_n to_o live_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o private_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o family_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v whether_o those_o order_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n if_o a_o parent_n for_o instance_n shall_v command_v his_o son_n to_o sit_v uncover_v before_o he_o he_o will_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o good_a answer_n from_o the_o young_a man_n to_o say_v sir_n i_o be_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o use_v any_o such_o ceremony_n to_o man_n and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v excuse_v i_o if_o i_o do_v not_o pay_v you_o that_o respect_v you_o require_v if_o a_o master_n shall_v order_v his_o servant_n to_o provide_v dinner_n for_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o he_o shall_v reply_v i_o will_v do_v it_o with_o all_o my_o heart_n but_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v any_o work_n on_o the_o sabbath_n i_o be_o not_o indeed_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o till_o i_o be_v resolve_v in_o this_o point_n i_o pray_v sir_n be_v please_v to_o pardon_v i_o will_v now_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o master_n think_v these_o answer_n reasonable_a will_v he_o take_v they_o in_o such_o good_a part_n as_o to_o think_v his_o son_n or_o his_o servant_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v in_o thus_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n no_o i_o dare_v say_v he_o will_v not_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n will_v tell_v they_o you_o be_v my_o son_n or_o my_o servant_n and_o you_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o i_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o command_v and_o for_o you_o to_o do_v i_o will_v take_v care_n to_o command_v you_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o justifiable_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v not_o think_v by_o your_o foolish_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n so_o long_o as_o you_o confess_v you_o know_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o what_o i_o bid_v you_o do_v to_o control_v my_o order_n and_o command_n that_o i_o think_v neither_o become_v you_o to_o do_v nor_o i_o to_o suffer_v i_o dare_v say_v most_o man_n will_v judge_v this_o a_o very_a fit_v and_o just_a reply_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v all_o natural_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o in_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n our_o superior_a be_v to_o be_v obey_v notwithstanding_o our_o doubt_n and_o that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n we_o think_v otherwise_o it_o be_v where_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o where_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v just_o presume_v unequal_a judge_n as_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o five_o let_v i_o add_v this_o one_o consideration_n more_o and_o i_o have_v do_v if_o in_o mere_o doubtful_a case_n our_o superior_n have_v not_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v we_o what_o will_v their_o authority_n signify_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o weight_n enough_o when_o the_o scale_n hang_v even_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n it_o be_v true_o the_o light_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o and_o there_o will_v not_o be_v leave_v power_n enough_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v we_o for_o the_o secure_n in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v to_o govern_v for_o i_o pray_v consider_v what_o can_v there_o be_v so_o wise_o command_v or_o provide_v for_o either_o in_o a_o family_n in_o a_o city_n or_o in_o a_o kingdom_n but_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o exception_n and_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o doubt_n to_o some_o person_n or_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o such_o chief_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o humane_a law_n but_o some_o person_n or_o other_o will_v be_v find_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a or_o lawful_a and_o if_o such_o a_o doubt_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o the_o command_n in_o what_o a_o condition_n be_v all_o family_n and_o corporation_n and_o society_n in_o the_o world_n what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n why_o certain_o nothing_o but_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n for_o instance_n if_o whenever_o a_o prince_n declare_v war_n against_o his_o enemy_n it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v lawful_a for_o any_o subject_a to_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n from_o his_o sovereign_n in_o case_n he_o doubt_n whether_o that_o war_n be_v a_o lawful_a war_n or_o no_o in_o what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v that_o prince_n or_o that_o kingdom_n be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v support_v and_o protect_v upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n be_v hereby_o make_v a_o judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o war_n and_o though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a never_o so_o unexperienced_a never_o so_o ignorant_a never_o so_o unexperienced_a never_o so_o unable_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o these_o momentous_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n yet_o if_o some_o rumour_n or_o uncertain_a story_n have_v reach_v his_o ear_n that_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o this_o war_n be_v lawful_o begin_v or_o no_o why_o he_o be_v upon_o this_o principle_n warrant_v to_o deny_v not_o only_o his_o personal_a service_n but_o his_o contribution_n towards_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o war._n but_o these_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v must_v needs_o be_v think_v intolerable_a also_o iii_o have_v thus_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o against_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v establish_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o and_o of_o those_o three_o the_o first_o i_o have_v prevent_v by_o my_o state_v the_o question_n the_o second_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v in_o my_o proof_n of_o our_o assertion_n so_o that_o the_o three_o only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o however_o i_o will_v name_v the_o two_o first_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o our_o doctrine_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o involve_v he_o often_o time_n in_o most_o grievous_a sin_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v so_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o isralite_n sometime_o do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o it_o then_o happen_v among_o they_o the_o chief_a ruler_n shall_v command_v that_o baal_n shall_v be_v worship_v why_o now_o in_o this_o case_n say_v they_o according_a to_o your_o way_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n the_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o true_a god_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n but_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o because_o in_o the_o state_v of_o our_o question_n we_o have_v exclude_v all_o such_o doubt_n out_o of_o it_o as_o do_v proceed_v from_o a_o man_n gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a and_o notorious_a that_o the_o doubt_v in_o this_o instance_n do_v on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v as_o forward_o to_o acknowledge_v as_o they_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v a_o action_n that_o be_v plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o his_o ignorance_n and_o much_o less_o his_o doubtfulness_n that_o will_v excuse_v he_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o governor_n so_o that_o though_o this_o argument_n will_v fall_v heavy_a enough_o upon_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o absolute_a blind_a obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n indiscriminate_o which_o no_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o touch_v we_o who_o only_o assert_v that_o where_o we_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o a_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o
and_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n there_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o doubt_n but_o further_a to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o have_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n we_o will_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o we_o when_o they_o put_v the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o as_o before_o that_o a_o israelite_n be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o as_o we_o reasonable_o may_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o baal_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n now_o will_v they_o give_v to_o the_o doubt_a man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o say_v that_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o king_n law_n and_o worship_n jehovah_n only_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o baal_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n why_o this_o be_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n to_o we_o but_o will_v they_o then_o say_v that_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v the_o man_n must_v not_o obey_v authority_n in_o worship_v jehovah_n only_o but_o he_o must_v either_o worship_n baal_n and_o not_o jehovah_n or_o both_o baal_n and_o jehovah_n together_o why_o this_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n but_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o my_o reader_n whether_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o necessary_o engage_v in_o idolatry_n and_o other_o grievous_a sin_n as_o he_o be_v by_o our_o way_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o conclude_v nothing_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o question_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o state_v of_o it_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o limitation_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v to_o the_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o god_n have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_a be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v as_o much_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n yet_o when_o ever_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weighty_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v obey_v rather_o than_o disobey_v in_o that_o case_n as_o will_v persuade_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o those_o reason_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o five_o particular_n i_o before_o insist_v on_o the_o three_o and_o indeed_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o whence_o they_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o christian_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o doubt_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n command_v that_o action_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o point_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o a_o just_a discussion_n because_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o come_v clear_o off_o from_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o obey_v authority_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o likewise_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o this_o text_n with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v some_o general_a account_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n that_o so_o understand_v before_o hand_n the_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o here_o use_v they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n ii_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o this_o text._n iii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n iu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v damn_a or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v first_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o so_o full_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o that_o they_o still_o believe_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o to_o oblige_v their_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o they_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o so_o that_o whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n these_o man_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o meat_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o than_o otherwise_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o st._n paul_n here_o style_v the_o weak_a christian_n appear_v from_o several_a passage_n of_o this_o chapter_n nor_o i_o think_v be_v it_o much_o question_v by_o any_o as_o for_o what_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n concern_v their_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n altogether_o and_o only_o eat_v herb_n which_o will_v make_v one_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n because_o by_o that_o law_n they_o be_v no_o more_o tie_v from_o flesh_n except_v only_a swines-flesh_n and_o a_o few_o other_o sort_n than_o they_o be_v from_o herb_n st._n chrysostome_n have_v well_o obviate_v this_o difficulty_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o christian_n there_o be_v say_v he_o several_a of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n even_o after_o their_o christianity_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o observation_n of_o meat_n not_o dare_v whole_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n these_o now_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o and_o reproach_v by_o the_o other_o christian_n for_o thus_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n choose_v to_o eat_v no_o flesh_n at_o all_o but_o to_o feed_v altogether_o upon_o herb_n that_o so_o this_o way_n of_o live_v of_o they_o may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_a or_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o for_o a_o legal_a observance_n thus_o st._n chrysostome_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n theodoret_n and_o
galatia_n yet_o no_o one_o member_n of_o they_o be_v ever_o command_v to_o come_v out_o or_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n to_o join_v in_o a_o pure_a congregation_n or_o to_o avoid_v mix_v communion_n or_o for_o better_a edification_n for_o man_n to_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v certain_o a_o worse_a fault_n than_o to_o kneel_v at_o it_o or_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o advise_v any_o to_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n but_o only_o every_o one_o to_o examine_v himself_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v without_o sin_n submit_v to_o a_o hundred_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o our_o mind_n or_o we_o have_v rather_o let_v alone_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n so_o desirable_a in_o itself_o so_o necessary_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n for_o our_o common_a interest_n and_o safety_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o what_o i_o may_v without_o vanity_n call_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o can_v stand_v now_o to_o tell_v you_o how_o earnest_o this_o duty_n of_o maintain_v unity_n among_o christian_n be_v press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o concern_v our_o bless_a master_n be_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v agree_v together_o and_o live_v as_o brethren_n how_o severe_o the_o holy_a apostle_n chide_v and_o rebuke_v those_o that_o cause_v division_n and_o strife_n among_o christian_n reckon_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n it_o shall_v make_v both_o the_o ear_n one_o will_v think_v of_o some_o among_o we_o to_o tingle_v but_o to_o hear_v what_o sense_n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o separate_n from_o and_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n nay_o what_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n here_o in_o england_n have_v say_v of_o it_o yet_o remain_v in_o print_n charge_v the_o people_n to_o be_v as_o tender_v of_o church-division_n as_o they_o be_v of_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n or_o any_o other_o enormous_a crime_n and_o do_v man_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o evil_n of_o schism_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o rock_n let_v we_o therefore_o divert_v our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n upon_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a that_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o pray_v by_o a_o book_n be_v such_o why_o then_o have_v man_n such_o invincible_a scruple_n about_o one_o and_o none_o at_o all_o about_o the_o other_o they_o run_v headlong_o into_o the_o separate_a assembly_n which_o sure_o be_v more_o like_a to_o schismatical_a conventicle_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n be_v to_o idolatry_n let_v man_n be_v as_o scrupulous_a and_o fearful_a of_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_a law_n of_o subjection_n peaceableness_n and_o charity_n as_o they_o be_v of_o worship_v god_n after_o a_o impure_a manner_n and_o this_o alone_a will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o make_v up_o those_o breach_n which_o threaten_v sudden_a ruin_n to_o our_o church_n and_o nation_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o in_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v use_v any_o argument_n or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o many_o of_o those_o very_a minister_n who_o now_o dissent_n from_o we_o do_v teach_v and_o maintain_v and_o print_v too_o against_o the_o independent_o and_o other_o sectary_n that_o divide_v from_o they_o when_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o parish-church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a doctrine_n against_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o corruption_n for_o pure_a ordinance_n in_o those_o day_n i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o be_v not_o as_o good_a against_o themselves_o when_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o pretence_n and_o no_o other_o they_o divide_v from_o we_o now_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o then_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o we_o finis_fw-la some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n london_n print_v by_o h._n hill_n jun._n for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n and_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v concern_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v to_o mention_v any_o one_o thing_n require_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n judge_v by_o they_o absolute_o sinful_a on_o the_o account_n of_o which_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v necessary_a and_o consequent_o justifiable_a they_o either_o put_v we_o off_o with_o some_o inconvenience_n inexpedience_n or_o corruption_n as_o they_o call_v they_o some_o thing_n appoint_v and_o use_v which_o in_o their_o opinion_n render_v our_o service_n less_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o chief_a of_o which_o exception_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o several_a discourse_n late_o write_v with_o great_a temper_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v they_o do_v not_o see_v but_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o and_o devout_o our_o way_n and_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n live_v and_o die_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v long_o join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o at_o least_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v such_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o be_v by_o law_n require_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o heinous_a and_o of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o st._n matt._n 18._o 6._o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_n of_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom_n 14._o 15._o now_o this_o case_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n i_o have_v undertake_v brief_o to_o consider_v where_o i_o once_o for_o all_o suppose_v as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v who_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n that_o nothing_o be_v among_o we_o impose_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o sinful_a require_v by_o our_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n that_o alone_o will_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o discourse_v therefore_o at_o this_o present_a only_a with_o such_o who_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a can_v well_o enough_o join_v with_o we_o but_o dare_v not_o do_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a those_o who_o yet_o scruple_n and_o be_v dissatisfy_v at_o the_o use_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n nor_o do_v i_o design_v exact_o to_o handle_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n or_o elaborate_o explain_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v it_o or_o state_n the_o case_n there_o treat_v of_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o meddle_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n and_o superior_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o charge_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o this_o one_o question_n whether_o there_o do_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_a from_o his_o parish_n church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n here_o i_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o three_o how_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 will_v prove_v very_o vain_a and_o unsuccessful_a for_o though_o we_o true_o say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o innocent_a and_o so_o give_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o offence_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o upon_o supposition_n our_o church_n have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n she_o possible_o can_v which_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v a_o yoke_n great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n nor_o if_o she_o have_v prescribe_v as_o many_o ceremony_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o scandal_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o the_o course_n st._n paul_n take_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o some_o thing_n upon_o good_a reason_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v shall_v abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o 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 concern_v the_o case_n of_o governor_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o act_n uncharitable_o and_o give_v great_a offence_n contrary_a to_o st._n paul_n rule_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o determinate_o to_o impose_v unnecessary_a rite_n by_o which_o they_o know_v many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v scandalize_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o discourse_n of_o though_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v take_v all_o reasonable_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o take_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v foresee_v by_o those_o who_o make_v our_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v any_o reason_n against_o the_o first_o establishment_n nor_o 2._o be_v they_o now_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v it_o reasonable_a to_o alter_v public_a law_n make_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o deliberation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v dislike_v by_o or_o prove_v offensive_a to_o private_a person_n if_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o then_o can_v never_o be_v any_o settle_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n because_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o establishment_n that_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o give_v such_o offence_n they_o who_o now_o take_v offence_n at_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v on_o the_o same_o or_o a_o like_a account_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o whatever_o can_v be_v enjoin_v and_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n will_v be_v good_a against_o any_o establishment_n they_o themselves_o shall_v make_v for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o use_v these_o reason_n against_o their_o own_o establishment_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n other_o will_v take_v up_o their_o weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o what_o serve_v to_o destroy_v the_o present_a church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o overthrow_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n so_o that_o whatever_o alteration_n be_v make_v if_o this_o be_v allow_v for_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o it_o viz._n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o man_n take_v at_o the_o present_a constitution_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v and_o new_a offence_n will_v arise_v and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v continual_a change_n and_o alter_v to_o gratify_v the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v any_o one_o party_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o get_v their_o form_n of_o government_n and_o worship_n establish_v by_o law_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v preach_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n we_o do_v now_o to_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o private_a person_n must_v bend_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o law_n to_o private_a person_n that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v offend_v that_o our_o weakness_n proceed_v from_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v instruction_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o what_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n appoint_v and_o order_v shall_v be_v present_o abrogate_a or_o change_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o man_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v how_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a botht_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v and_o have_v be_v where_o they_o have_v have_v any_o advantage_n and_o what_o little_a consideration_n or_o regard_n they_o have_v have_v of_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o they_o will_v have_v we_o so_o tender_a of_o they_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o precept_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o such_o instance_n though_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o because_o no_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n i_o may_v from_o this_o head_n further_o argue_v that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o parish-church_n upon_o that_o account_n because_o all_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o
be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n and_o perplexity_n in_o well_o meaning_n but_o less_o know_v member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o degree_n produce_v a_o distaste_n or_o dislike_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o plain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o administer_v in_o our_o church_n while_o it_o create_v prejudices_fw-la in_o people_n against_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a and_o why_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n have_v to_o those_o many_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o our_o dissenter_n conventicle_n worship_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o church_n service_n i_o can_v at_o all_o guess_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v here_o that_o irreverent_a sit_v at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n man_n unmannerly_a wear_v their_o hat_n in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o oftentimes_o put_v they_o off_o but_o half_a way_n at_o their_o prayer_n their_o indecent_a posture_n and_o antic_a gesture_n at_o their_o devotion_n the_o extravagancy_n and_o folly_n not_o to_o say_v worse_o some_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o extemporary_a effusion_n the_o strange_a uncouth_a metaphor_n and_o phrase_n they_o use_v in_o their_o preach_a in_o a_o word_n the_o slovenly_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o dissenter_n be_v much_o more_o scandalous_a than_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n can_v ever_o be_v 4._o consider_v the_o scandal_n that_o be_v hereby_o give_v to_o magistrate_n and_o our_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n concern_v which_o the_o forename_a mr._n jean_n in_o his_o first_o edition_n of_o his_o discourse_n about_o abstinence_n from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a have_v these_o word_n if_o say_v he_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o a_o millstone_n about_o one_o neck_n than_o to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o a_o poor_a and_o illiterate_a artisan_n what_o expression_n shall_v we_o then_o find_v answerable_a to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o a_o scandal_n give_v to_o a_o pious_a magistrate_n to_o a_o religious_a prince_n to_o a_o parliament_n and_o convocation_n to_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n 5._o by_o this_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n not_o that_o they_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o offend_v in_o that_o sense_n but_o this_o serve_v wonderful_o to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n it_o increase_v their_o confidence_n that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o among_o they_o only_o be_v find_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n insomuch_o that_o mr._n baxter_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o thousand_o have_v be_v draw_v to_o popery_n or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o this_o argument_n already_o and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o argument_n else_o in_o bellarmin_n and_o all_o other_o book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v not_o do_v so_o much_o to_o make_v papist_n in_o england_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o sect_n among_o ourselves_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o protestant_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n so_o forward_o to_o object_v against_o we_o and_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o and_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n the_o most_o dangerous_a weapon_n they_o use_v against_o the_o reformation_n 6._o this_o tend_v to_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudice_v man_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n a_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n and_o debate_n it_o make_v some_o man_n utter_o reject_v it_o as_o consist_v most_o in_o little_a trifle_n and_o nicety_n about_o which_o they_o observe_v the_o great_a noise_n and_o contention_n to_o be_v make_v or_o as_o destructive_a of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o society_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a feud_n and_o quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n that_o they_o have_v cause_v here_o in_o england_n shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n and_o division_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v of_o old_a and_o always_o will_v be_v where_o there_o be_v party_n in_o religion_n and_o one_o contend_v that_o their_o separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a the_o common_a people_n soon_o become_v doubtful_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v all_o religion_n i_o may_v add_v here_o that_o such_o separation_n necessary_o occasion_n breach_n of_o charity_n they_o beget_v implacable_a enmity_n and_o animosity_n hence_o come_v strife_n emulation_n envy_v one_o party_n continual_o endeavour_v to_o overtop_v the_o other_o watch_v for_o one_o another_o halt_n rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o sin_n and_o misfortune_n constant_a undermine_a one_o another_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a government_n and_o endanger_v the_o civil_a peace_n of_o all_o which_o and_z much_o more_o than_o i_o can_v now_o mention_v the_o present_a distract_a condition_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o undeniable_a a_o evidence_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o word_n to_o show_v the_o mischief_n that_o attend_v such_o division_n and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o maintain_n of_o charity_n among_o brethren_n the_o keep_n out_o popery_n and_o atheism_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o society_n we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o our_o religion_n last_o whether_o give_v offence_n to_o all_o both_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n those_o only_o except_v of_o our_o own_o particular_a sect_n and_o division_n nay_o scandalize_a they_o also_o in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o of_o far_o great_a and_o more_o weighty_a consideration_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o displease_v or_o grieve_v some_o few_o weak_a dissatisfied_a brethren_n woe_n to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v very_o light_o touch_v because_o they_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n late_o publish_v to_o sum_v up_o all_o i_o have_v say_v since_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o such_o weak_a person_n as_o st._n paul_n all_o along_o describe_v and_o provide_v for_o since_o we_o can_v by_o our_o conformity_n real_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v they_o in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v those_o word_n since_o though_o we_o do_v give_v offence_n to_o they_o by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o by_o refuse_v to_o conform_v we_o shall_v do_v both_o they_o and_o other_o great_a hurt_n and_o mischief_n i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a his_o weak_a brethren_n i_o end_v all_o with_o one_o word_n of_o advice_n first_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n second_o to_o those_o who_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n and_o therefore_o urge_v so_o hard_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v by_o we_o i_o will_v beseech_v they_o that_o they_o will_v take_v some_o care_n and_o make_v some_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v give_v any_o needless_a offence_n to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v think_v a_o reasonable_a request_n since_o they_o require_v all_o other_o to_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o they_o they_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o meet_v in_o such_o number_n nor_o at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o which_o we_o assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o our_o public_a church_n let_v they_o not_o affront_v our_o service_n and_o common-prayer_n nor_o revile_v our_o bishop_n and_o minister_n nor_o put_v on_o their_o hat_n when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o chance_v to_o be_v present_a at_o our_o service_n in_o our_o church_n nor_o talk_v nor_o read_v in_o book_n nor_o make_v sour_a
can_v charge_v the_o church_n with_o any_o plain_a degeneracy_n or_o open_a apostasy_n from_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o any_o particular_a church_n degenerate_v plain_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n there_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o determine_v how_o far_o she_o forfeit_v all_o that_o respect_n that_o she_o may_v otherwise_o claim_v from_o man_n nor_o how_o much_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o single_a person_n may_v vie_v with_o she_o perhaps_o when_o the_o church_n be_v degenerate_v into_o arrianism_n the_o judgement_n of_o athanasius_n and_o some_o few_o other_o bishop_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o that_o of_o a_o whole_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o horrid_a apostasy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n perhaps_o the_o single_a doctrine_n of_o john_n huss_n be_v preferable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o constance_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n or_o any_o other_o parallel_a one_o that_o respect_v derive_v itself_o not_o from_o their_o person_n but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n our_o church_n do_v challenge_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o charge_n of_o any_o such_o apostasy_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o contest_v with_o she_o by_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v about_o thing_n confess_o doubtful_a and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n about_o which_o to_o say_v the_o least_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o single_a person_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n unless_o in_o this_o also_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n man_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o gross_a tenet_n in_o popery_n that_o single_a person_n may_v more_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o man_n deride_v and_o think_v he_o can_v baffle_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o shall_v blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o own_o either_o arrogate_a it_o to_o himself_o or_o ascribe_v it_o to_o another_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o his_o pretence_n be_v as_o just_a as_o another_o man_n i_o e._n indeed_o they_o be_v both_o monstrous_o unreasonable_a and_o yet_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o source_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o this_o age_n nor_o need_v i_o be_v condemn_v for_o stay_v a_o little_a while_n to_o drop_v a_o tear_n upon_o it_o man_n turn_v dictator_n in_o religion_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o dream_n as_o magisterial_o upon_o their_o follower_n as_o if_o they_o be_v oracular_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v their_o disciple_n hang_v as_o much_o upon_o their_o single_a authority_n and_o confidence_n and_o yield_v as_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a faith_n to_o all_o their_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o any_o poor_a papist_n against_o who_o they_o exclaim_v so_o tragical_o for_o blind_a obedience_n and_o faith_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o as_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o their_o placit_n and_o dare_v no_o more_o read_v and_o consult_v book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o inform_v they_o than_o a_o poor_a papist_n dare_n let_v a_o prohibit_v book_n be_v see_v in_o his_o house_n by_o a_o father_n of_o the_o inquisition_n if_o ever_o people_n follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a these_o man_n do_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o they_o have_v their_o person_n in_o admiration_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o say_v of_o some_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n or_o at_o least_o some_o mean_a reason_n equivalent_a thereto_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o submit_v to_o mean_n of_o information_n they_o common_o say_v they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o and_o the_o single_a bluster_a of_o one_o of_o their_o own_o rabbi_n shall_v signify_v more_o with_o they_o than_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o sober_a man_n live_v beside_o but_o i_o be_o insensible_o draw_v aside_o from_o my_o chief_a subject_n which_o be_v not_o to_o treat_v so_o much_o of_o a_o respect_n of_o credit_n and_o faith_n as_o of_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o just_o due_a from_o we_o to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o any_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o fail_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o unjust_a for_o man_n to_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o set_v up_o one_o single_a man_n opinion_n against_o that_o of_o many_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o way_n both_o as_o know_v and_o as_o upright_o as_o himself_o whatever_o consideration_n there_o be_v to_o determine_v our_o charity_n to_o single_a person_n there_o be_v the_o same_o at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a towards_o the_o church_n and_o as_o strong_a reason_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o offend_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o whatever_o become_v a_o argument_n in_o one_o case_n be_v equal_o so_o also_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o effectual_a with_o we_o we_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n and_o distinguish_v without_o any_o reason_n but_o those_o of_o our_o own_o partial_a and_o unjust_a respect_n let_v man_n be_v please_v to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o consult_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o and_o their_o thought_n will_v soon_o be_v resolve_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o will_v find_v the_o one_o call_v for_o as_o much_o deference_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o private_a person_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o careful_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o in_o all_o case_n extreme_o careful_a not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v in_o instance_n enough_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o that_o read_v and_o can_v scarce_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o any_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a easy_a postulatum_fw-la a_o very_a modest_a and_o reasonable_a intimation_n and_o yet_o i_o assure_v you_o it_o be_v a_o good_a point_n gain_v and_o a_o very_a good_a step_n towards_o our_o peace_n be_v man_n hearty_a in_o their_o concession_n of_o it_o will_v man_n pay_v but_o the_o same_o deference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o constitution_n as_o they_o ready_o do_v to_o their_o own_o single_a opinion_n or_o the_o confident_a suggestion_n of_o some_o admire_a leader_n we_o may_v quick_o hope_v to_o see_v some_o end_n of_o our_o question_n and_o dispute_n and_o will_v they_o be_v but_o as_o tender_v of_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o public_a as_o they_o be_v of_o do_v so_o to_o every_o little_a person_n of_o their_o own_o party_n we_o may_v begin_v to_o hope_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n may_v gain_v some_o respect_n and_o some_o measure_n of_o peaceableness_n and_o modesty_n bless_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n once_o more_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v too_o little_a to_o suggest_v and_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o what_o i_o will_v propose_v to_o consideration_n upon_o this_o subject_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o single_a or_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o true_o i_o think_v this_o be_v as_o reasonable_a a_o postulatum_fw-la as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o grant_v true_a by_o all_o that_o due_o consider_v thing_n in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o the_o public_a require_v more_o respect_n from_o we_o than_o any_o private_a person_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o we_o before_o that_o of_o the_o other_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o any_o private_a party_n of_o man_n come_v in_o competition_n and_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o we_o probable_o may_v give_v offence_n to_o one_o we_o ought_v to_o let_v our_o regard_n to_o the_o church_n sway_n and_o determine_v we_o and_o think_v it_o a_o less_o evil_a that_o some_o particular_a person_n be_v offend_v than_o that_o trouble_n or_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o say_v of_o caiaphas_n record_v joh._n 11._o 50._o tho_o speak_v with_o a_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a design_n yet_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o rational_a truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o one_o man_n suffer_v and_o not_o the_o whole_a nation_n perish_v and_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o less_o evil_a
that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n be_v according_a to_o his_o definition_n the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a but_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o the_o israelite_n of_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanite_n in_o those_o word_n leu._n 18._o 2._o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n this_o place_n divers_a of_o the_o defender_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o i_o choose_v to_o forbear_v the_o name_v of_o any_o who_o arguing_n i_o purpose_v to_o inquire_v into_o because_o i_o will_v prevent_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o least_o suspicion_n in_o the_o reader_n that_o i_o design_n in_o this_o performance_n to_o expose_v any_o man_n weakness_n in_o particular_a or_o that_o i_o be_o therein_o act_v by_o any_o personal_a pique_n now_o then_o as_o to_o the_o text_n now_o cite_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o argue_v without_o mighty_a caution_n from_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n so_o as_o to_o infer_v the_o obligation_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v under_o a_o dispensation_n so_o different_a from_o they_o and_o in_o circumstance_n so_o vast_o differ_v from_o those_o they_o be_v in_o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o all_o consider_a person_n must_v needs_o be_v aware_a of_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v limit_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o israelite_n may_v have_v no_o usage_n whatsoever_o in_o common_a with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanite_n and_o therefore_o in_o as_o general_a term_n as_o the_o prohibition_n run_v our_o brethren_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o restriction_n therein_o intend_v it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o unlikeness_n to_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v never_o to_o company_n with_o wicked_a man_n they_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n of_o they_o they_o then_o must_v needs_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n after_o their_o do_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v what_o way_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o confine_v the_o restriction_n to_o those_o particular_n prohibit_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o i_o need_v not_o show_v that_o the_o particular_n forbid_v in_o all_o these_o viz._n from_o v._n 5_o to_o the_o 24_o be_v not_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o thus_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n in_o the_o 24_o v._o in_o these_o word_n defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o but_o those_o that_o allege_v this_o text_n to_o the_o foresay_a purpose_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a proposition_n be_v thus_o limit_v by_o the_o context_n as_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o necessary_o must_v because_o say_v they_o we_o find_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n in_o other_o place_n to_o imitate_v heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o second_o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14._o 1._o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o kickshaw_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n much_o disbecoming_a the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n insist_v upon_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v leu._n 19_o 19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle-gender_n with_o a_o divers_a kind_n thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o now_o these_o three_o it_o be_v say_v be_v thing_n of_o so_o indifferent_a a_o nature_n that_o none_o can_v be_v more_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v ready_o grant_v but_o where_o be_v it_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v forbid_v because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o maimonides_n indeed_o as_o i_o learn_v from_o grotius_n say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n use_v these_o mixture_n of_o seed_n and_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a in_o many_o of_o their_o magical_a exploit_n but_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n i_o have_v find_v no_o other_o text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v mere_a indifferent_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v forbid_v the_o israelite_n only_o in_o regard_n of_o heathen_n use_v they_o which_o make_v more_o for_o this_o purpose_n than_o these_o two_o do_v nor_o hardly_o another_o that_o make_v so_o much_o but_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o concern_v ourselves_o now_o with_o they_o because_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o great_a number_n of_o instance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v those_o people_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanites_n use_v they_o yet_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o prove_v our_o church_n symbolise_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n why_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v not_o symbolize_v with_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o symbolize_v in_o such_o with_o those_o heathen_n for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v too_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o unlikeness_n between_o those_o people_n and_o these_o in_o their_o usage_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o strange_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o their_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o distance_n be_v make_v wide_o as_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v acknowledge_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o pagan_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o
from_o thence_o on_o supposition_n you_o can_v make_v good_a proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a your_o design_n in_o all_o this_o talk_n be_v to_o justify_v if_o not_o a_o total_a yet_o a_o partial_a separation_n you_o do_v indeed_o to_o conceal_v nothing_o of_o your_o candour_n after_o all_o acknowledge_v 7._o acknowledge_v acknowledge_v acknowledge_v p._n 7._o that_o you_o be_v very_o far_o from_o think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o multitude_n of_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o our_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la that_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o excuse_v separation_n from_o their_o church_n nay_o you_o say_v 9_o say_v say_v say_v p._n 9_o that_o hundred_o of_o the_o speak_a church_n be_v as_o we_o believe_v as_o far_o from_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o mean_v in_o doctrine_n as_o the_o article_n and_o that_o in_o this_o thing_n a_o separation_n from_o the_o silent_a as_o well_o as_o this_o part_n of_o the_o speak_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v high_o sinful_a and_o in_o thus_o declare_v you_o condemn_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v orthodox_n divine_n and_o those_o which_o you_o account_v heterodox_n be_v much_o alike_o boggle_v at_o but_o i_o fear_v when_o all_o be_v do_v you_o condemn_v only_a separation_n in_o heart_n from_o these_o orthodox_n man_n your_o undertake_n in_o your_o 8_o page_n make_v i_o fear_v this_o viz._n that_o all_o the_o valuable_a person_n in_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a congregation_n shall_v give_v any_o reasonable_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o heart_n divide_v from_o a_o single_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o speak_v in_o matter_n concern_v doctrine_n as_o our_o church_n do_v in_o her_o article_n but_o if_o you_o think_v that_o all_o the_o communion_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o these_o divines_n be_v only_o that_o of_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v think_v they_o orthodox_n and_o love_v they_o as_o such_o but_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o nay_o and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v they_o we_o thank_v you_o for_o nothing_o this_o be_v such_o church_n communion_n as_o will_v well_o consist_v with_o rend_v and_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n but_o i_o pray_v do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o this_o while_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o we_o take_v to_o be_v in_o some_o point_v heterodox_n nay_o upon_o supposition_n that_o your_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la do_v as_o general_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n do_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o grant_v that_o separation_n from_o their_o congregation_n be_v lawful_a except_o there_o be_v a_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o heterodox_n opinion_n till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v of_o the_o jew_n separation_n from_o the_o pharisee_n which_o you_o never_o can_v but_o the_o contrary_n who_o can_v show_v he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n indeed_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o so_o be_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o such_o heterodox_n teacher_n but_o not_o so_o to_o beware_v of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o come_v within_o their_o church_n for_o that_o that_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o interpret_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o his_o own_o practice_n who_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o separatist_n from_o the_o jewish_a temple_n or_o synagogue_n and_o by_o what_o he_o say_v mat._n 23._o 2_o 3._o in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o your_o 9th_o page_n you_o return_v to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o our_o author_n and_o first_o you_o reflect_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o his_o book_n p._n 24._o but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o obvious_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o if_o our_o author_n stop_v here_o but_o he_o thus_o proceed_v and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o our_o author_n word_n that_o he_o have_v wonder_v how_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o church_n may_v lawful_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o whereas_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n direct_o be_v notwithstanding_o forbid_v thereby_o consequential_o he_o have_v admire_v how_o the_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v speak_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n consequential_o and_o then_o he_o immediate_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o of_o those_o law_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o prohibit_v their_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanites_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o nonconformist_n to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a to_o imitate_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a nature_n and_o that_o that_o circumstance_n of_o their_o be_v practise_v by_o that_o church_n make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o become_v sinful_a and_o endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o this_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v gather_v from_o these_o law_n and_o how_o i_o pray_v be_v this_o a_o obvious_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o warrant_n for_o separatian_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n which_o our_o author_n handle_v but_o you_o next_o make_v a_o question_n for_o he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v this_o 10._o this_o this_o this_o p._n 10._o whether_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v still_o indifferent_a as_o to_o christian_n use_n in_o god_n worship_n when_o it_o have_v be_v once_o use_v in_o idolatrous_a service_n if_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o natural_o necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a act_n nor_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o nor_o such_o without_o which_o it_o can_v in_o common_a judgement_n be_v decent_o perform_v but_o our_o author_n much_o more_o wonder_n how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n than_o how_o that_o of_o his_o own_o propound_v shall_v for_o first_o there_o be_v three_o apparent_a contradiction_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v concern_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o natural_o necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a act._n it_o be_v so_o too_o to_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o vnsuitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n again_o to_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o such_o as_o without_o which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v in_o common_a judgement_n be_v decent_o perform_v for_o you_o must_v mean_v by_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v so_o in_o divine_a worship_n for_o otherwise_o you_o trifle_v egregious_o in_o put_v this_o question_n or_o make_v your_o nonconformist_n so_o to_o do_v for_o who_o you_o put_v it_o but_o you_o abuse_v they_o if_o you_o do_v so_o for_o that_o which_o divers_a of_o they_o do_v
our_o saviour_n the_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n a_o command_n so_o reasonable_a so_o easy_a so_o full_a of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o faithful_a observer_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v so_o plain_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v of_o those_o great_a and_o manifold_a blessing_n which_o all_o christian_n believe_v to_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o frequent_a and_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o this_o sacrament_n where_o then_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o backwardness_n which_o we_o see_v in_o man_n to_o so_o plain_a so_o necessary_a and_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n the_o truth_n be_v man_n have_v be_v great_o discourage_v from_o this_o sacrament_n by_o the_o unwary_a press_v and_o inculcate_v of_o two_o great_a truth_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o iii_o third_z particular_a i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o these_o objection_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o the_o 27_o verse_n wherefore_o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 29._o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o upon_o the_o mistake_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o text_n have_v be_v ground_v two_o objection_n of_o great_a force_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o this_o sacrament_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v to_o remove_v first_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o second_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o devout_a christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n 1._o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o obj._n 1_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n whole_o to_o refrain_v from_o this_o sacrament_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a danger_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v avoid_v by_o not_o receive_v yet_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v a_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o thereby_o avoid_v sure_o they_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o make_v light_n of_o that_o gracious_a invitation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o faulty_a as_o he_o who_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o as_o he_o be_v severe_o punish_v for_o his_o disrespect_n so_o they_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o disobedience_n nay_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o contempt_n whole_o to_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o without_o some_o due_a qualification_n the_o great_a indisposition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v one_o being_n a_o bad_a man_n and_o he_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a and_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o continue_v so_o who_o wilful_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n than_o he_o that_o come_v to_o it_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n and_o preparation_n though_o much_o less_o than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o man_n to_o come_v to_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n without_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a awe_n upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o without_o some_o good_a thought_n and_o resolution_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v before_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n set_v himself_o serious_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n against_o they_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o these_o good_a resolution_n though_o after_o a_o while_o he_o may_v possible_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o this_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n to_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o good_a mood_n and_o fit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v much_o better_a than_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o sin_n even_o this_o righteousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o so_o soon_o pass_v away_o be_v better_a than_o none_o and_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o man_n can_v think_v of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o will_v by_o this_o consideration_n be_v excite_v to_o some_o good_a purpose_n and_o put_v upon_o some_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v his_o life_n and_o though_o he_o be_v very_o much_o under_o the_o bondage_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n if_o he_o do_v with_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o excellent_a mean_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n so_o to_o abate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o to_o imprint_v such_o consideration_n upon_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o break_v off_o his_o wicked_a course_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o to_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o the_o great_a enormity_n of_o life_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n nothing_o but_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o man_n may_v avoid_v and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a enough_o heretofore_o man_n use_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o great_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n by_o shame_n and_o fear_n of_o disgrace_n and_o will_v abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o man_n but_o man_n have_v harden_v their_o face_n in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o those_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o modesty_n which_o govern_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o order_n heretofore_o signify_v nothing_o now_o adays_o blush_v be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o shame_n be_v cease_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacrament_n do_v always_o use_v to_o lay_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o reform_v they_o it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v man_n good_a yet_o it_o will_v make_v they_o resolve_v to_o be_v so_o and_o leave_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o discourage_v man_n so_o much_o from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o way_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n and_o that_o many_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o kind_n of_o check_n before_o since_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v quite_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o and_o prostitute_a themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n and_o among_o the_o many_o ill_a effect_n of_o our_o past_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o in_o many_o congregation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n christian_n be_v general_o disuse_v and_o deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o they_o must_v necessary_o incur_v the_o