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
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
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
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
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
communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o these_o indifference_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v where_o by_o flesh_n and_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o though_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o common_a meal_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v whole_o abstain_v from_o rather_o than_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o a_o brother_n if_o i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n taylour_n say_v great_a exemp_n p._n 420_o must_v rather_o quit_v my_o own_o good_n than_o suffer_v my_o brother_n to_o perish_v much_o rather_o must_v i_o quit_v my_o privilege_n and_o we_o shall_v ill_o die_v for_o our_o brother_n who_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o meal_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n or_o change_v a_o dish_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o our_o brother_n live_v or_o die_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o win_v and_o gain_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o conform_v be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n of_o charity_n not_o needless_o to_o vex_v and_o exasperate_v our_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o may_v estrange_v they_o more_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n and_o the_o law_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o their_o brethren_n we_o dare_v not_o indeed_o omit_v any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o our_o superior_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o apostolical_a government_n excellent_a liturgy_n orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n use_v in_o our_o church_n shall_v all_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o some_o weak_a man_n take_v offence_n at_o they_o but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o disposal_n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o please_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o good_a unto_o edification_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n jean_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v as_o first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forbear_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o possibility_n of_o scandal_n but_o where_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a be_v probable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o never_o know_v what_o to_o do_v second_o our_o weak_a brethren_n must_v have_v some_o probable_a ground_n for_o their_o imagination_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a or_o else_o we_o must_v wear_v no_o ribbon_n nor_o put_v off_o our_o hat_n but_o come_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o for_o this_o exception_n he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n that_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o another_o without_o probable_a ground_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a administration_n three_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o yield_v i_o some_o great_a profit_n i_o must_v only_o for_o a_o while_o forbear_v it_o until_o my_o brother_n be_v better_a inform_v last_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o please_v peevish_a and_o froward_a people_n or_o to_o humour_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a opinion_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v mr._n calvin_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o tell_v of_o some_o foolish_a interpreter_n that_o leave_v to_o christian_n almost_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n of_o superstitious_a
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