that_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v it_o or_o second_o though_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o trifle_a nay_o though_o perhaps_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o inconvenient_a law_n yet_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o be_v such_o as_o gives_z offence_n to_o our_o superior_n or_o to_o any_o other_o that_o be_v either_o argue_v a_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n before_o our_o fellow_n subject_n i_o say_v in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n the_o transgression_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n render_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o a_o fault_n as_o well_o as_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o law_n but_o out_o of_o these_o two_o case_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o a_o pure_o humane_a law_n do_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n or_o how_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o do_v make_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o secure_v these_o two_o point_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o good_a of_o the_o public_a and_o of_o private_a person_n and_o wâ—th_v all_o the_o sacredness_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o authority_n which_o be_v likewise_o in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a good_a we_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n or_o lay_v command_n upon_o inferior_n be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o mankind_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o humane_a law_n do_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o a_o great_a many_o case_n may_v and_o do_v happen_v in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v act_n contrary_a to_o a_o pure_o humane_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n always_o suppose_v as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n or_o refractoryness_n express_v towards_o the_o governor_n nor_o no_o scandal_n or_o ill_a example_n give_v to_o other_o by_o the_o action_n for_o if_o there_o be_v either_o of_o these_o in_o the_o case_n i_o dare_v not_o acquit_v the_o man_n from_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o god_n law_n in_o the_o instance_n wherein_o he_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o governor_n ought_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o esteem_v very_o sacred_a both_o because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o herefore_o wherever_o they_o do_v peremptory_o lay_v their_o command_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o far_o to_o comply_v as_o not_o to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o nor_o to_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o and_o though_o their_o command_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o slight_a nay_o though_o they_o shall_v prove_v real_o inconvenient_a either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o public_a yet_o if_o they_o stand_v upon_o they_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o require_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o we_o must_v yield_v we_o must_v obey_v always_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o against_o god_n law_n for_o we_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n either_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n ourselves_o or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o for_o to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o publtck_n than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iu._n and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a matter_n here_o before_o we_o that_o be_v the_o business_n of_o church_n communion_n the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n to_o which_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o law_n have_v appoint_v be_v the_o four_o general_a head_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v this_o point_n of_o the_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v have_v be_v large_o handle_v by_o several_a learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o one_o of_o those_o discourse_n which_o have_v late_o be_v write_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o dissenter_n thither_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o full_a satisfaction_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o just_a to_o touch_v upon_o it_o here_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o here_o the_o proposition_n we_o lie_v down_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n and_o consequent_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v or_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o it_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o because_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o forego_n principle_n which_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o christ_n have_v forbid_v all_o humane_a authority_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a to_o make_v any_o law_n or_o order_n about_o religion_n which_o i_o believe_v never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v show_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a upon_o another_o account_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o uslye_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o unity_n do_v consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o with_o our_o brethren_n under_o common_a governor_n in_o the_o same_o religious_a communion_n of_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o those_o church_n governor_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_v religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n under_o those_o governor_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o very_a much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v that_o there_o be_v something_o require_v of_o he_o in_o those_o assembly_n and_o by_o those_o governor_n and_o that_o as_o a_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o which_o he_o can_v submit_v to_o without_o sin_n and_o this_o point_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o do_v seem_v often_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o business_n of_o come_v to_o church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n no_o otherwise_o to_o bind_v their_o conscience_n than_o other_o pure_o humane_a law_n they_o think_v they_o owe_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n in_o these_o matter_n different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o yield_v to_o any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o often_o make_v so_o slight_a a_o business_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o these_o thing_n than_o this_o come_v to_o the_o withdraw_v our_o communion_n from_o the_o church_n carry_v a_o far_o great_a guilt_n in_o it_o than_o the_o violate_v any_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a for_o though_o we_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o time_n the_o gesture_n the_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o method_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n as_o also_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v to_o officiate_v be_v all_o of_o humane_a institution_n and_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o vary_a at_o the_o discretion_n of_o our_o governor_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o offend_a against_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
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_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 but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n however_o he_o may_v act_v doubt_o in_o that_o case_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v we_o be_v clear_a beyond_o exception_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o our_o point_n but_o will_v be_v put_v a_o far_a question_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o several_a rule_n about_o a_o man_n act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v viz._n that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v the_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o follow_v this_o rule_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n whether_o a_o man_n in_o a_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v only_o a_o pure_a doubt_n may_v not_o without_o sin_n indifferent_o choose_v either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o one_o side_n do_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o reasonable_a or_o more_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o more_o curious_a than_o useful_a but_o however_o since_o it_o proper_o fall_v under_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o and_o tend_v somewhat_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o only_o i_o declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o assert_v any_o thing_n dogmatical_o but_o only_o to_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o further_a examination_n and_o withal_o that_o whether_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n we_o have_v undertake_v that_o now_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o natural_a and_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v in_o all_o case_n and_o especial_o in_o doubtful_a case_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v and_o certain_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o steady_o will_v he_o pursue_v this_o rule_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v oblige_v we_o in_o all_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v best_a be_v always_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a much_o less_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a because_o that_o which_o be_v safe_a be_v not_o always_o either_o best_a or_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o we_o act_n otherwise_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n now_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v viz._n the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o determine_v and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o likewise_o because_o they_o follow_v from_o it_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n take_v now_o this_o for_o grant_v i_o ask_v what_o law_n do_v a_o man_n transgress_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n choose_v either_o side_n indifferent_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v safe_a or_o most_o reasonable_a always_o suppose_v that_o the_o side_n he_o choose_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n i_o say_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o transgress_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o sin_n at_o all_o if_o the_o man_n be_v at_o all_o guilty_a it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n either_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v less_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a for_o his_o
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
and_o vilify_v the_o person_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a jesus_n his_o person_n as_o one_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v obey_v and_o follow_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o merit_n and_o what_o can_v such_o person_n expect_v but_o that_o god_n will_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o the_o infinite_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o great_a undertake_n in_o some_o remarkable_a way_n upon_o they_o either_o in_o this_o world_n by_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n or_o in_o the_o next_o without_o repentance_n by_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 30._o their_o eternal_a damnation_n obj._n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o come_v to_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n and_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o a_o confirm_a ordinance_n answ_n conversion_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n 1._o for_o turn_v man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o open_a infidelity_n to_o the_o poofession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o indeed_o till_o man_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n convert_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n neither_o jew_n nor_o turk_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o a_o state_n of_o gentilism_n till_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o christ_n church_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n can_v come_v to_o it_o 2._o take_v conversion_n for_o the_o turn_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o baptize_v and_o do_v profess_v christ_n religion_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n to_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o more_o forceable_a argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o what_o be_v therein_o represent_v to_o we_o what_o can_v more_o work_v upon_o ingenuous_a spirit_n than_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o undeserved_a love_n and_o kindness_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o melt_v the_o most_o freeze_a heart_n into_o flood_n of_o tear_n and_o joy_n to_o behold_v therein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n shed_v his_o blood_n to_o reconcile_v sinner_n unto_o god_n what_o can_v more_o powerful_o captivate_v the_o most_o rebellious_a spirit_n into_o obedience_n than_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o pardon_n of_o their_o past_a transgression_n by_o that_o full_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o can_v more_o effectual_o fright_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o folly_n than_o the_o infinite_a displeasure_n of_o god_n declare_v therein_o against_o all_o iniquity_n how_o accuse_v a_o thing_n be_v sin_n will_v the_o consider_v communicant_a say_v that_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o do_v but_o take_v sin_n upon_o he_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o it_o what_o a_o mighty_a evil_n must_v sin_v needs_o be_v when_o nothing_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v it_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a malignity_n must_v sin_n have_v in_o it_o when_o it_o lay_v on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o omnipotency_n such_o a_o load_n of_o wrath_n as_o make_v he_o complain_v and_o sweat_v and_o groan_v and_o die_v again_o here_o we_o repeat_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o god_n solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o afresh_o to_o be_v his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o a_o new_a oath_n to_o be_v true_a to_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v make_v with_o he_o and_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a love_n for_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o can_v break_v through_o all_o these_o bond_n and_o obligation_n to_o come_v at_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o some_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o it_o or_o the_o negligence_n and_o connivance_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n that_o which_o be_v chief_o pretend_v be_v that_o the_o viciousness_n of_o those_o member_n do_v derive_v a_o stain_n and_o defilement_n on_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o pollute_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o themselves_o here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o upon_o that_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o sinful_a company_n now_o many_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o good_a man_n who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o mix_a assembly_n that_o the_o communion_n receive_v no_o perjudice_n by_o the_o corruption_n of_o some_o of_o its_o member_n they_o be_v frequent_o to_o exhort_v and_o advise_v they_o for_o this_o end_n be_v we_o place_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o though_o to_o instruct_v the_o flock_n god_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n on_o purpose_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n to_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n und_fw-ge to_o good_a 24._o heb._n 3._o 13._o heb._n 10._o 24._o work_n they_o be_v prudent_o and_o with_o much_o affection_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o rude_o civil_a as_o to_o suffer_v sin_n to_o lie_v upon_o they_o without_o disturbance_n so_o run_v the_o precept_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n but_o thou_o shall_v rebuke_v thy_o brother_n 17._o leu._n 19_o 17._o and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o be_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n say_v the_o apostle_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n 1._o gal._n 6._o 1._o consider_v that_o thou_o also_o may_v be_v tempt_v they_o be_v to_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o reformation_n this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o a_o good_a man_n he_o can_v see_v god_n dishhonour_v his_o law_n trample_v upon_o his_o brother_n wilful_o undo_v himself_o but_o he_o must_v be_v deep_o touch_v and_o affect_v with_o it_o river_n of_o water_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n say_v the_o psalmist_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n and_o when_o in_o ezekiel_n time_n the_o jewish_a church_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v it_o as_o the_o particular_a mark_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o upright_a not_o that_o they_o separate_v but_o sigh_v and_o cry_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v do_v in_o she_o of_o the_o same_o holy_a frame_n and_o 4._o ezek._n 9_o 4._o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v st._n paul_n he_o can_v not_o mention_v those_o in_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n who_o whilst_o they_o profess_v christianity_n show_v themselves_o by_o their_o sensuality_n and_o earthly-mindedness_a to_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n without_o sorrow_n and_o tear_n of_o who_o say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o weep_v 18._o phil._n 3._o 18._o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v their_o company_n especial_o all_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o though_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o necessary_a business_n require_v it_o and_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v perform_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o such_o person_n i_o may_v be_v in_o their_o company_n without_o blame_n yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n i_o be_o to_o show_v my_o dislike_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o shun_v their_o society_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o 14._o 2_o thess_n 3._o 14._o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a again_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n i_o write_v to_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o a_o idolater_n or_o etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v if_o private_a and_o often_o repeat_v admonition_n by_o himself_o or_o before_o one_o or_o two_o more_o will_v not_o do_v they_o be_v then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o they_o that_o by_o its_o more_o public_a reproof_n the_o scandalous_a
to_o lay_v down_o our_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o block_v up_o the_o way_n aga_v any_o by_o scandalous_a live_n invite_v and_o allure_v they_o all_o in_o by_o exemplary_a holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a how_o short_a soever_o my_o discourse_n come_v of_o will_v be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o and_o a_o perfect_a confutation_n of_o this_o objection_n finis_fw-la the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n qu._n i._n whether_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n qu._n ii_o whether_o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o london_n print_v by_o t._n moor_n &_o j._n ashburne_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n 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 worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr_n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n &c_n &c_n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n etc._n etc._n 15._o the_o case_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o second_o part_n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak-bretheren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n question_n q._n whether_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n itself_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o question_n more_o immediate_o respect_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o which_o be_v either_o by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n so_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o age_n necessary_a in_o natural_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a such_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n due_a and_o peculiar_a to_o those_o object_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o thing_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o variable_a and_o determine_v according_a to_o circumstance_n as_o gesture_n place_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v by_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o they_o be_v all_o already_o prescribe_v and_o that_o nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v add_v to_o what_o be_v already_o prescribe_v nor_o can_v any_o thing_n so_o prescribe_v be_v alter_v or_o abolish_v nothing_o now_o can_v be_v make_v necessary_a and_o bind_v to_o all_o person_n place_n and_o age_n that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v once_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a authority_n can_v be_v render_v void_a or_o unnecessary_a by_o any_o other_o therefore_o the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o then_o be_v no_o other_o than_o whether_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 2._o show_v that_o thing_n indifferent_a may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n 3._o 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 4._o how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o apply_v 5._o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o church_n but_o what_o be_v either_o necessary_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o bind_v to_o all_o christian_n or_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o so_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o they_o 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o all_o thing_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o duty_n second_o sin_n three_o neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n duty_n be_v either_o so_o moral_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a command_n sin_n be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a prohibition_n neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o no_o law_n either_o of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n have_v determine_v and_o be_v usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o indifferent_a that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n partake_v in_o itself_o of_o neither_o extreme_n and_o may_v be_v indifferent_o use_v or_o forbear_v as_o in_o reason_n and_o prudence_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o apostle_n call_v lawfal_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o law_n and_o what_o be_v therefore_o lawful_a to_o we_o and_o which_o without_o sin_n we_o may_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v rom._n 4._o 15._o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n to_o omit_v that_o which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_a nor_o to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v for_o else_o that_o will_v be_v a_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_a and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o law_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o that_o duty_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o without_o respect_n to_o any_o law_n but_o now_o if_o duty_n be_v duty_n because_o its_o enjoined_n and_o
sin_n be_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v fordidden_v then_o indifferent_a be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o neither_o enjoy_v nor_o forbid_v for_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n there_o need_v a_o command_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n there_o need_v a_o prohibition_n so_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o command_n nor_o prohibition_n it_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n and_o must_v be_v therefore_o indifferent_a lawful_a and_o free_n so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o we_o may_v know_v by_o its_o authority_n what_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o since_o all_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o law_n than_o that_o not_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o lawful_a thing_n be_v as_o much_o determine_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o necessary_a be_v determine_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o so_o make_v and_o declare_v by_o any_o law_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o be_v no_o duty_n or_o sin_n which_o there_o be_v a_o law_n about_o to_o conclude_v there_o must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o make_v it_o a_o transgression_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o law_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v none_o and_o what_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o or_o against_o remain_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o lawful_a to_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v day_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n how_o must_v this_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o case_n but_o by_o consider_v what_o the_o law_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v in_o it_o if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o enjoin_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o duty_n if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o forbid_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o sin_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o in_o what_o we_o neither_o sin_n by_o omit_v nor_o observe_v so_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v rom._n 14._o 6._o he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o law_n require_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o necessary_a and_o no_o law_n forbid_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o in_o both_o they_o do_v well_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o thing_n though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o it_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o be_v expect_v about_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o which_o the_o service_n can_v be_v celebrate_v without_o such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o that_o these_o be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v but_o what_o those_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v be_v not_o so_o universal_o agree_v to_o and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o aforesaid_a that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o than_o it_o will_v very_o much_o serve_v to_o justify_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n and_o defend_v our_o church_n in_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o what_o be_v there_o almost_o in_o that_o kind_n among_o we_o which_o be_v not_o natural_o or_o moral_o necessary_a to_o the_o action_n and_o if_o time_n and_o place_n fall_v under_o humane_a determination_n because_o they_o be_v natural_o necessary_a then_o why_o not_o also_o gesture_n and_o habit_n which_o worship_n can_v no_o more_o natural_o be_v celebrate_v without_o than_o the_o former_a and_o consequent_o a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v and_o stand_v may_v be_v alike_o lawful_o determine_v and_o use_v as_o time_n for_o assemble_v together_o and_o a_o church_n to_o assemble_v and_o officiate_v in_o and_o what_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v to_o a_o natural_a action_n that_o be_v moral_a circumstance_n to_o a_o moral_a action_n and_o there_o be_v moral_a as_o necessary_a to_o a_o moral_a action_n as_o there_o be_v natural_a necessary_a to_o a_o natural_a action_n as_o for_o example_n what_o time_n and_o place_n be_v to_o natural_a that_o be_v method_n and_o order_n to_o moral_a and_o religious_a act_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v separate_v from_o these_o than_o the_o other_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o administration_n in_o divine_a worship_n where_o not_o otherwise_o determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n may_v as_o well_o be_v determine_v by_o man_n as_o time_n and_o place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o service_n so_o that_o the_o exception_n make_v against_o humane_a appointment_n in_o divine_a worship_n viz._n that_o all_o but_o natural_a circumstance_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a command_n to_o legitimate_a their_o use_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v not_o prescribe_v be_v therefore_o prohibit_v be_v of_o no_o service_n to_o they_o that_o plead_v it_o and_o it_o remain_v good_a so_o far_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o christian_a prudence_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o except_o what_o refer_v to_o the_o element_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o always_o be_v oblige_v to_o all_o age_n under_o the_o several_a variation_n and_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o will_v be_v always_o so_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v order_n decency_n and_o edification_n insist_v upon_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 26_o 40._o so_o that_o we_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v than_o as_o bind_v by_o these_o measure_n and_o where_o not_o bind_v by_o they_o we_o be_v free_a for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n where_o revelation_n do_v not_o interpose_v as_o it_o do_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n all_o person_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o those_o natural_a rule_n may_v choose_v what_o way_n they_o please_v for_o the_o regulation_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o when_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o those_o natural_a rule_n except_o as_o above_o except_v the_o particular_a circumstrnce_n be_v as_o much_o now_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o free_a choice_n as_o they_o be_v then_o and_o this_o or_o that_o may_v be_v use_v and_o observe_v as_o the_o case_n require_v and_o occasion_n serve_v so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o prudence_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v so_o still_o since_o the_o gospel_n keep_v to_o those_o eternal_a rule_n which_o even_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v invariable_o establish_v and_o which_o if_o it_o ever_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o particular_n be_v certain_o so_o when_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v improve_v by_o new_a help_n and_o so_o he_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o judge_v what_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o essential_a worship_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o he_o who_o that_o worship_n be_v direct_v to_o but_o then_o that_o which_o confirm_v this_o be_v that_o those_o rule_n be_v also_o general_a and_o such_o as_o will_v in_o their_o use_n and_o end_n respect_v all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n rare_o do_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o in_o what_o they_o do_v show_v how_o far_o custom_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n be_v uncover_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v argue_v not_o from_o institution_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o decency_n
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o gild_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o
the_o establish_v worship_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o if_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o about_o conscience_n be_v admit_v then_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v say_v conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_n what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o go_v against_o a_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o man_n only_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n that_o can_v true_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v say_v it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o real_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o some_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v join_v with_o we_o if_o against_o this_o it_o be_v except_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o direct_o sinful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n take_v it_o real_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o hold_v constant_a communion_n with_o some_o other_o congregation_n where_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v be_v more_o edify_v or_o to_o which_o he_o be_v relate_v by_o some_o church_n covenant_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o grant_v conscience_n be_v right_o plead_v for_o separation_n though_o how_o justifiable_o i_o do_v not_o now_o examine_v but_o than_o i_o say_v this_o plea_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n i_o just_o now_o lay_v down_o for_o if_o the_o man_n as_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o case_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n by_o god_n law_n as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o other_o and_o not_o with_o we_o then_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o can_v without_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n that_o be_v without_o sin_n join_v with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o same_o account_n which_o we_o give_v of_o its_o be_v against_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o further_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o our_o proposition_n that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o also_o in_o the_o case_n where_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o those_o doubt_n remain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_o say_v of_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n one_o must_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n have_v real_o entertain_v this_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o must_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o conform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v but_o then_o this_o be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n we_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o therefore_o it_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v because_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v but_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n to_o act_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o two_o exception_n which_o be_v all_o i_o can_v think_v of_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o it_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n now_o if_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o and_o indeed_o how_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o will_v be_v leave_v that_o can_v be_v able_a with_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o our_o sacrament_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o private_a grudge_n or_o pique_n because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v or_o have_v receive_v some_o disappointment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o church_n or_o by_o the_o man_n that_o be_v favourer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o pet_n will_v join_v themselves_o to_o another_o communion_n all_o those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o turn_n more_o effectual_o by_o be_v of_o another_o way_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o can_v thereby_o better_a please_v a_o relation_n from_o who_o they_o have_v expectance_n they_o can_v better_o advance_v their_o trade_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n they_o can_v better_o procure_v a_o reputation_n or_o regain_v one_o that_o be_v sink_v in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o that_o to_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o pride_n or_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n do_v refuse_v we_o their_o company_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v all_o such_o be_v certain_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o place_n all_o those_o lay_v people_n who_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o account_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o they_o most_o love_n and_o reverence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o exercise_n their_o function_n among_o we_o who_o pretence_n it_o be_v that_o if_o these_o good_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n they_o will_v come_v to_o our_o congregation_n but_o so_o long_o as_o that_o be_v refuse_v they_o will_v hear_v they_o where_o they_o can_v i_o say_v all_o these_o be_v likewise_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o however_o it_o may_v real_o and_o true_o be_v against_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o conform_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o than_o of_o ordinary_a people_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o know_v no_o ill_a in_o conformity_n but_o only_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n be_v silence_v in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o those_o that_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o a_o mere_a dislike_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o our_o church_n office_n they_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n like_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o they_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o object_n against_o our_o form_n in_o particular_a they_o do_v not_o like_o our_o ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o surplice_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o they_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o they_o all_o these_o man_n likewise_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o they_o do_v
not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o service_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o their_o conscience_n can_v be_v concern_v but_o only_o they_o be_v not_o please_v with_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o service_n as_o fancy_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o decent_a or_o convenient_a or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o prudent_o order_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o yet_o still_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o it_o can_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o any_o assembly_n in_o which_o they_o be_v practise_v because_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v not_o touch_v be_v not_o affect_v where_o no_o law_n of_o god_n be_v transgress_v in_o the_o four_o place_n all_o those_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o our_o communion_n pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n that_o be_v of_o another_o persuasion_n those_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o our_o worship_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v breed_v in_o another_o way_n or_o those_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o but_o that_o they_o know_v a_o great_a many_o religious_a godly_a person_n that_o do_v condemn_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v at_o we_o these_o now_o may_v be_v very_o well_o mean_v man_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v reasonable_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n education_n or_o the_o example_n or_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n that_o make_v any_o action_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v that_o action_n and_o therefore_o before_o i_o can_v say_v that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n be_v against_o my_o conscience_n i_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n law_n have_v either_o in_o general_n or_o in_o particular_a either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n make_v that_o action_n unlawful_a i_o grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a and_o pious_a be_v always_o to_o be_v listen_v to_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o then_o no_o man_n opinion_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o conscience_n nor_o be_o i_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o follow_v it_o any_o far_a than_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o it_o declare_v god_n law_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o sure_a in_o this_o case_n of_o church_n communion_n i_o can_v be_v but_o very_o little_o concern_v to_o follow_v any_o man_n opinion_n when_o both_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o as_o pious_a as_o any_o other_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o when_o also_o the_o public_a law_n which_o have_v much_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o private_a opinion_n have_v determine_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o it_o be_v great_a weakness_n &_o sillyness_n &_o not_o conscience_n that_o prevail_v with_o these_o man_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v in_o any_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o it_o unlawful_a or_o forbid_v let_v that_o persuasion_n be_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o will_v than_o they_o may_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o example_n or_o the_o advice_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n can_v in_o the_o least_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o refuse_v our_o communion_n five_o those_o that_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o our_o governor_n in_o their_o law_n and_o prescription_n about_o god_n worship_n have_v not_o right_o use_v the_o power_n which_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o but_o have_v exceed_v their_o bound_n have_v make_v perhaps_o too_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n or_o lay_v more_o stress_n than_o be_v meet_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o likewise_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o former_a rule_n from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o admit_v the_o lawgiver_n have_v be_v to_o blame_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o these_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v soon_o say_v then_o prove_v and_o have_v real_o do_v more_o than_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o they_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o governor_n be_v indeed_o deep_o concern_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o there_o be_v any_o but_o how_o this_o do_v concern_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v not_o easy_o understand_v so_o long_o as_o what_o be_v command_v or_o enjoin_v do_v not_o appear_v to_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o have_v say_v this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o add_v that_o those_o who_o so_o much_o stand_v up_o for_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v be_v think_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o it_o do_v by_o their_o endless_a scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v authority_n in_o such_o matter_n in_o all_o appearance_n take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o destroy_v all_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o religion_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o and_o such_o other_o uncommand_v thing_n six_o and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o instance_n all_o those_o that_o can_v communicate_v occasional_o with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o that_o when_o they_o have_v a_o turn_n to_o be_v serve_v when_o there_o be_v a_o office_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n can_v come_v to_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o communion_n but_o at_o other_o time_n they_o do_v not_o afford_v we_o their_o presence_n these_o be_v also_o exclude_v from_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o their_o not_o constant_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o for_o if_o indeed_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n with_o what_o conscience_n dare_v they_o do_v it_o at_o all_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o worldly_a good_a to_o venture_v upon_o such_o a_o action_n as_o they_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n be_v a_o sinful_a thing_n as_o i_o dare_v say_v none_o of_o these_o person_n do_v than_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o make_v the_o inference_n that_o it_o can_v be_v more_o against_o their_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o thrice_o than_o to_o do_v it_o once_o and_o do_v it_o constant_o than_o to_o do_v it_o thrice_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o false_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n and_o come_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o that_o can_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v teal_o believe_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a or_o that_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v as_o for_o those_o that_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a i_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v they_o because_o they_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o they_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o determine_v either_o way_n but_o however_o because_o these_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n i_o shall_v consider_v their_o case_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n upon_o that_o argument_n those_o that_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v with_o be_v such_o as_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o my_o business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o such_o a_o belief_n or_o
as_o neither_o have_v mean_n to_o cometo_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o condition_n not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o accurate_o inform_v himself_o about_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o i_o say_v a_o man_n can_v formal_o be_v say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o obey_v his_o lawful_a superior_n though_o the_o instance_n in_o which_o he_o obey_v shall_v happen_v to_o contradict_v some_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n here_o be_v as_o no_o law_n to_o he_o that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o because_o he_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o then_o further_o this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o we_o own_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n when_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n command_v as_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v unlawful_a i_o say_v this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o when_o ever_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o man_n sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o his_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v common_o run_v away_o with_o for_o the_o man_n will_v as_o certain_o sin_n if_o in_o this_o case_n he_o do_v the_o action_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o he_o do_v in_o do_v it_o with_o a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n but_o the_o sin_n lie_v here_o viz._n in_o do_v a_o action_n which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v and_o which_o the_o man_n will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v a_o ill_a action_n if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a and_o so_o careful_a in_o mind_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v it_o be_v his_o act_v contrary_a to_o a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o here_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v his_o vicious_a criminal_a ignorance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v the_o form_n to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o that_o be_v no_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o the_o sin_n at_o all_o five_o we_o add_v this_o further_a that_o whatever_o power_n or_o right_o we_o give_v to_o our_o superior_n for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o either_o to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o those_o rule_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o direct_v a_o man_n proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n for_o this_o case_n of_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o those_o rule_n be_v here_o to_o take_v place_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o other_o instance_n and_o therefore_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v in_o this_o case_n very_o unequal_a that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o much_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o this_o particular_a instance_n than_o if_o he_o obey_v they_o not_o as_o have_v abundant_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a in_o that_o case_n we_o can_v say_v â—e_n be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v but_o shall_v rather_o disobey_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a for_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 and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o their_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a it_o be_v likewise_o more_o probable_a that_o a_o man_n in_o this_o instance_n be_v not_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o a_o great_a probability_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o according_a to_o our_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o retrieve_v the_o balance_n which_o be_v so_o far_o incline_v the_o other_o way_n and_o to_o turn_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o very_o usual_o be_v such_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v in_o this_o instance_n than_o of_o obey_v as_o will_v to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n rather_o to_o do_v the_o action_n how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o it_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o doubt_n than_o to_o omit_v it_o after_o lawful_a authority_n have_v enjoin_v it_o but_o however_o this_o happen_v it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o mind_n as_o before_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v nothing_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n but_o what_o they_o lawful_o may_v do_v it_o will_v not_o justify_v any_o man_n disobedience_n to_o say_v that_o he_o apprehend_v it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o sinful_a to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o for_o our_o mistake_v and_o false_a reason_n will_v not_o take_v off_o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n in_o their_o lawful_a command_n unless_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o in_o those_o instance_n we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o understand_v better_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_v our_o way_n by_o remove_v from_o our_o question_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o it_o and_o which_o indeed_o by_o be_v usual_o blend_v with_o it_o have_v make_v it_o more_o intricate_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v we_o be_v pretty_a well_o prepare_v to_o propose_v our_o point_n in_o the_o six_o place_n then_o exclude_v as_o we_o have_v do_v out_o of_o our_o case_n all_o those_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o none_o of_o which_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v the_o plain_a question_n before_o we_o be_v this_o whether_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o vnlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n pretty_a equal_a and_o where_o likewise_o the_o man_n concern_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o satisfy_n himself_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a ought_v not_o so_o far_o to_o overbalance_n the_o doubt_n as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o also_o to_o oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o hold_v the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n and_o i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v under_o this_o head_n ii_o our_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o if_o lawful_a authority_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v lawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o our_o judgement_n remain_v suspend_v as_o have_v equal_a or_o near_o equal_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o though_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n we_o shall_v general_o forbear_v the_o action_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o before_o give_v yet_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v authority_n over_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o for_o first_o of_o all_o even_o in_o point_n of_o humility_n and_o modesty_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o consideration_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o subject_a owe_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n of_o his_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o so_o much_o influence_n as_o this_o even_o a_o confessor_n or_o a_o private_a friend_n have_v over_o our_o conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o we_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a on_o both_o side_n we_o usual_o so_o far_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v sway_v and_o overrule_v by_o what_o they_o advise_v and_o that_o oftentimes_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o weight_n and_o force_n of_o their_o reason_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
for_o fear_n of_o offence_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o place_n hic_fw-la charitatis_fw-la rationem_fw-la haberi_fw-la decet_fw-la sed_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la arras_n our_o charity_n to_o our_o brother_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n displease_v god_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n and_o action_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o man_n of_o ill-disposed_a or_o weak_a mind_n false_a consequence_n and_o unjust_a inference_n may_v be_v strain_v from_o they_o as_o we_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v abuse_v into_o a_o argument_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o st._n luke_n 2._o 24._o but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n nor_o can_v it_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n duty_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o such_o uncertain_a contingent_a thing_n as_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o construction_n other_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o action_n or_o the_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v draw_v from_o they_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o law_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o accidental_a event_n that_o may_v happen_v either_o through_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o command_n without_o any_o allowance_n from_o he_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o foresee_v those_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o our_o do_v our_o duty_n it_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v that_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v give_v any_o real_a scandal_n and_o whatever_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o my_o do_v of_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v it_o imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v one_o to_o disobey_v god_n in_o obey_v he_o but_o they_o alone_o be_v chargeable_a who_o be_v offend_v by_o it_o now_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a injunction_n of_o our_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o another_o bible_n out_o of_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n will_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n more_o plain_o command_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n that_o the_o conformity_n require_v by_o our_o church_n contain_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unlawful_a must_v be_v grant_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n from_o all_o which_o the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v since_o we_o may_v not_o redeem_v a_o scandal_n by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n since_o god_n have_v plain_o require_v our_o submission_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o now_o discourse_v with_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n and_o be_v lawful_a i_o say_v the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n refuse_v to_o conform_v only_o for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o argument_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o 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but_o have_v they_o take_v a_o particular_a fancy_n to_o that_o bread_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v eat_v of_o any_o other_o because_o that_o best_a agree_v with_o their_o stomach_n and_o be_v most_o please_a to_o their_o palate_n can_v we_o think_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v so_o easy_o excuse_v they_o or_o which_o be_v near_o to_o our_o case_n because_o god_n do_v prefer_v act_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n where_o both_o can_v not_o be_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v any_o man_n whole_o leave_v off_o sacrifice_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n invent_v another_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o more_o expedient_a than_o sacrifice_a or_o choose_v another_o place_n to_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a for_o all_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o city_n be_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o prayer_n forsake_v the_o church_n to_o save_v
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 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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 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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 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dangerous_a to_o add_v as_o it_o be_v to_o detract_v from_o these_o write_a rule_n we_o may_v no_o more_o do_v what_o be_v not_o command_v than_o what_o be_v forbid_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o we_o in_o the_o present_a controversy_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v answer_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v but_o of_o little_a force_n therefore_o to_o give_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o this_o i_o say_v first_o that_o throughout_o the_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o moses_n and_o christ_n or_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o show_v the_o exact_a correspondence_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o type_n and_o the_o antitype_n and_o not_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v as_o particular_o prescribe_v the_o order_n of_o external_a worship_n as_o moses_n by_o god_n appointment_n have_v do_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v not_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o very_a many_o the_o manner_n 12._o exod._n 12._o of_o celebrate_v the_o passover_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v kill_v and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v eat_v be_v it_o set_v down_o with_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v not_o so_o deliver_v unto_o we_o we_o have_v only_o a_o short_a narrative_n with_o a_o general_a command_n superad_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o when_o 25._o luk._n 22._o 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 24_o 25._o st._n paul_n repeat_v it_o again_o he_o do_v it_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o posture_n of_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v we_o a_o more_o spiritual_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n be_v not_o so_o particular_a in_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o worship_n as_o the_o law_n be_v and_o we_o must_v not_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o christ_n have_v actual_o do_v this_o because_o we_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v 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with_o a_o promise_n of_o build_v he_o 8._o 2_o chron_n 6._o 8._o another_o kind_n of_o house_n by_o confirm_v the_o settlement_n of_o the_o crown_n in_o his_o family_n which_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o every_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v not_o command_v be_v not_o therefore_o sinful_a the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o full_o satisfy_v in_o this_o that_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o order_v divers_a thing_n for_o which_o they_o can_v not_o find_v a_o command_n the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n be_v a_o know_v and_o pregnant_a instance_n it_o be_v of_o modern_a and_o humane_a institution_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v present_a at_o 22._o john_n 10._o 22._o it_o some_o thing_n they_o a_o little_a alter_v and_o add_v other_o at_o the_o passeover_n as_o their_o eat_n of_o it_o not_o stand_v but_o sit_v or_o lie_v at_o the_o table_n and_o their_o sing_v a_o paschal_n hymn_n after_o it_o which_o with_o some_o other_o like_o usage_n be_v 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not_o any_o man_n who_o have_v ever_o see_v this_o discourse_n which_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v wonder_v to_o hear_v you_o ask_v i_o whether_o a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a 18._o p._n 18._o church_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n when_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o that_o tract_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o christian_n by_o be_v so_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o visible_a but_o invisible_a church_n but_o not_o 19_o p._n 19_o to_o examine_v your_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n 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full_a representative_a of_o that_o church_n excommunicate_v 21._o p._n 21._o the_o poor_a asian_o upon_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n and_o that_o each_o church_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o own_v each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o what_o shall_v the_o poor_a lay-christians_a do_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n can_v they_o not_o communicate_v with_o both_o or_o either_o without_o danger_n of_o schism_n themselves_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o put_v hard_a case_n almost_o about_o any_o thing_n and_o if_o a_o particular_a hard_a case_n which_o either_o may_v possible_o happen_v or_o have_v sometime_o happen_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v a_o stand_n and_o general_a rule_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n can_v be_v firm_a and_o stable_a in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n man_n dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n against_o the_o necessity_n 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it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o sometime_o i_o can_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n be_v not_o schism_n a_o very_a grievous_a and_o damn_v sin_n because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o man_n may_v be_v unavoidable_o innocent_o and_o without_o a_o schismatical_a mind_n engage_v in_o a_o schism_n i_o have_v evident_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n and_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o if_o you_o can_v answer_v the_o scripture-evidence_n produce_v in_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v careful_o consider_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o confutation_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n to_o urge_v hard_a case_n against_o it_o which_o will_v overthrow_v all_o law_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v if_o you_o imagine_v or_o can_v produce_v any_o real_a case_n wherein_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a
separate_v to_o those_o church_n which_o they_o account_v better_o because_o they_o never_o find_v those_o where_o they_o be_v before_o to_o they_o good_a find_v the_o set_n up_o christ_n in_o your_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n and_o then_o you_o dare_v to_o account_v it_o antichristian_a thus_o one_o in_o a_o farewell_n sermon_n speak_v of_o suppose_a defect_n in_o a_o 456._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o p._n 456._o church_n do_v advise_v his_o auditor_n enlarge_v your_o care_n and_o pain_n in_o your_o preparation_n a_o right_a stomach_n make_v good_a nourishment_n of_o a_o indifferent_a meal_n you_o may_v be_v warm_a though_o in_o a_o cold_a air_n and_o room_n than_o you_o have_v former_o be_v if_o you_o will_v put_v on_o more_o clothes_n before_o you_o come_v watch_v your_o heart_n more_o narrow_o and_o speak_v thing_n to_o your_o heart_n more_o than_o you_o have_v do_v ecclesiast_fw-la 10._o 10._o if_o the_o iron_n be_v blunt_a then_o must_v he_o put_v to_o more_o strength_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v real_o for_o edification_n yet_o this_o they_o declare_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n so_o mr._n burrough_n if_o you_o be_v join_v to_o a_o pastor_n 85._o iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 85._o so_o as_o you_o believe_v he_o be_v set_v over_o you_o by_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o pastor_n to_o you_o though_o this_o man_n have_v mean_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v more_o comfortable_a for_o you_o to_o have_v another_o pastor_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o cause_v you_o to_o desert_n he_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v over_o you_o and_o so_o the_o minister_n in_o new-england_n 5._o platform_n c._n 13._o §_o 5._o deliver_v their_o mind_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o great_a enlargement_n with_o just_a grief_n to_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a so_o when_o this_o question_n be_v put_v be_v they_o not_o at_o all_o time_n oblige_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o be_v most_o edify_v it_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n they_o may_v say_v at_o all_o time_n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o outweigh_v 91._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 4._o p._n 91._o their_o own_o edification_n so_o that_o edification_n may_v be_v outweigh_v and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v no_o stand_v and_o sufficient_a reason_n so_o mr._n burrough_n declare_v in_o this_o 86._o irenic_n c._n 12._o p._n 85_o 86._o case_n man_n must_v consider_v not_o only_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o what_o it_o be_v to_o they_o how_o it_o stand_v in_o reference_n to_o their_o relation_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o better_a but_o be_v it_o better_o in_o all_o the_o reference_n i_o have_v and_o it_o have_v be_v it_o better_o in_o regard_n of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o public_a for_o the_o help_v i_o in_o all_o my_o relation_n may_v it_o not_o help_v one_o way_n and_o hinder_v many_o way_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v mr._n baxter_n many_o thing_n say_v he_o 85._o defence_n part_v 1._o p._n 85._o 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 edification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v adjudge_v of_o alone_a our_o own_o improvement_n be_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o in_o our_o action_n and_o especial_o not_o with_o respect_n to_o church-communion_n for_o then_o other_o reason_n do_v give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o over-rule_v it_o thus_o we_o see_v those_o that_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n in_o other_o thing_n agree_v with_o she_o in_o this_o and_o they_o give_v several_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o it_o first_o if_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v not_o profit_v yet_o we_o must_v arg._n 1_o come_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o god_n and_o show_v reverence_n to_o his_o 309._o lect._n 28._o p._n 129_o 309._o ordinance_n this_o be_v mr._n hildersham_n opinion_n second_o the_o leave_v a_o church_n for_o better_a edification_n arg._n 2_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n which_o be_v that_o we_o must_v always_o choose_v the_o best_a so_o mr._n burrough_n to_o hold_v what_o be_v in_o itself_o best_a must_v be_v choose_v 87._o irenic_n c._n 12._o p._n 84_o 87._o and_o do_v not_o weigh_v circumstance_n or_o reference_n be_v a_o divide_v principle_n and_o afterward_o he_o say_v a_o christian_a without_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o will_v hack_v and_o hew_v and_o disturb_v himself_o and_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n i_o believe_v some_o of_o you_o have_v know_v those_o who_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v better_a than_o other_o they_o have_v present_o follow_v with_o all_o eagerness_n 78_o of_o this_o v._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 4._o p._n 75_o 76_o 78_o never_o consider_v circumstance_n reference_n or_o consequence_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a it_o must_v be_v do_v yet_o be_v weary_v with_o this_o they_o have_v after_o grow_v loose_a in_o as_o great_a a_o excess_n the_o other_o way_n three_o this_o principle_n of_o better_a edification_n if_o follow_v arg._n 3_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n so_o mr._n hildersham_n 66._o lect._n 66._o this_o factious_a disposition_n of_o the_o hearer_n of_o god_n word_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o great_o hinder_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n this_o say_v mr._n brinsly_n the_o moderate_a author_n of_o the_o late_a irenicum_fw-la mr._n burrough_n 48._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 48._o will_n by_o no_o mean_n allow_v but_o condemn_v as_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o bring_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n and_o i_o think_v none_o who_o be_v judicious_a but_o will_v therein_o subscribe_v to_o he_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o transcribe_v his_o own_o word_n it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o better_a thing_n to_o enjoy_v a_o ministry_n 85._o burrough_n iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 85._o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n than_o one_o of_o low_a but_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o rule_n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v under_o a_o pastor_n who_o be_v faithful_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n gift_v upon_o another_o man_n come_v into_o the_o country_n that_o be_v more_o eminent_a he_o shall_v forsake_v his_o pastor_n and_o join_v to_o the_o other_o and_o if_o after_o this_o still_o a_o more_o eminent_a man_n come_v he_o shall_v leave_v the_o former_a and_o join_v to_o he_o and_o by_o the_o same_o law_n a_o pastor_n who_o have_v a_o good_a people_n yet_o if_o other_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o receive_v more_o good_a he_o may_v leave_v his_o own_o people_n and_o go_v to_o they_o what_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n will_v there_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v condemn_v also_o by_o the_o new-england_n minister_n this_o mr._n cawdrey_n do_v expose_v if_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o 50._o platform_n pref._n p._n 7._o etc._n etc._n 13._o §_o 1._o independ_v a_o schism_n p._n 50._o separate_v from_o a_o true_a church_n etc._n etc._n only_o with_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o church-institution_n true_a or_o conceit_v by_o his_o own_o light_n all_o the_o sectary_n and_o separatist_n donatist_n brownist_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v justify_v this_o say_v another_o speak_v of_o hear_v 74._o methermeneut_n p._n 72_o 74._o for_o this_o reason_n be_v a_o church-destroying_a principle_n sure_o if_o one_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v than_o not_o another_o nor_o another_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o not_o the_o pastor_n nor_o teacher_n and_o so_o farewell_n churches_n four_o this_o will_v be_v endless_a so_o mr._n burrough_n arg._n 4_o man_n must_v not_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n though_o there_o 163._o irenic_n c._n 23._o p._n 163._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 first_o because_o we_o never_o find_v the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n separate_v or_o raise_v church_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o second_o there_o will_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o church-fellowship_n if_o this_o be_v admit_v for_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o have_v all_o thing_n so_o comfortable_a but_o within_o a_o while_n another_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o comfortable_a there_o and_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o prudent_a maxim_n the_o general_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v more_o regard_v than_o some_o comfortable_a accommodation_n to_o ourselves_o so_o mr._n baxter_n 85._o defence_n part_v 1._o p._n 85._o what_o if_o twenty_o minister_n be_v one_o able_a than_o another_o in_o their_o several_a degree_n do_v it_o
upon_o that_o as_o sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o contention_n and_o debate_n that_o whatever_o may_v be_v plausible_o urge_v against_o it_o from_o the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o the_o representation_n even_o of_o angel_n adore_v after_o that_o manner_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o a_o signification_n of_o shame_n and_o reverence_n or_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o idolator_n that_o dâ—d_v many_o of_o they_o worship_n uncover_v yet_o he_o peremptory_o conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n about_o it_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o coustom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n for_o in_o public_a case_n a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o go_v his_o own_o way_n or_o to_o have_v his_o own_o mind_n for_o that_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n one_o man_n have_v as_o much_o a_o right_a as_o another_o there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v some_o common_a order_n and_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o confusion_n be_v before_o such_o establishment_n then_o to_o break_v that_o establishment_n will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o where_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o new_a experiment_n to_o decry_v and_o throw_v down_o what_o be_v already_o establish_v or_o use_v in_o a_o church_n because_o we_o think_v better_o of_o another_o for_o say_v a_o grave_a author_n and_o well_o skill_v in_o these_o matter_n the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v 118._o aug._n epist_n 118._o happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n public_a peace_n be_v worth_a all_o new_a offer_n if_o the_o church_n be_v disquiet_v and_o its_o peace_n endanger_v by_o they_o though_o in_o themselves_o better_a and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o labour_v under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o public_a order_n than_o the_o mischief_n of_o be_v without_o it_o or_o what_o be_v next_o to_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o some_o form_n seem_o of_o a_o better_a cast_n and_o mould_n that_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v experiment_v i_o say_v it_o again_o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n or_o destruction_n which_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o i_o have_v rather_o choose_v that_o as_o i_o will_v a_o house_n to_o have_v one_o with_o some_o fault_n rather_o than_o to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o i_o can_v have_v they_o mend_v when_o tolerable_a i_o think_v myself_o bind_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o but_o to_o do_v all_o i_o can_v for_o its_o preservation_n though_o with_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a for_o its_o support_n and_o encouragement_n in_o do_v thus_o i_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n my_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o promote_v religion_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o what_o the_o gospel_n look_v as_o be_v the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o these_o be_v secure_v we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o contend_v for_o or_o against_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n further_o than_o the_o church_n order_n and_o peace_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_a speak_v of_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o 16._o rom._n 14._o 16._o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o promote_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o substantial_a righteousness_n he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v within_o 86._o aug._n epist_n 86._o say_v st._n austin_n and_o all_o its_o observation_n be_v but_o its_o vesture_n which_o though_o various_a in_o different_a church_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o common_a faith_n nor_o to_o he_o that_o use_v they_o and_o therefore_o what_o he_o and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o divine_a oracle_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n 86._o epist_n 118._o &_o 86._o it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_a to_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v thus_o take_v into_o consideration_n by_o a_o good_a man_n then_o certain_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o be_v when_o that_o be_v establish_v and_o be_v make_v a_o law_n and_o be_v back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n and_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o gratify_a our_o own_o inclination_n against_o public_a order_n be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v whether_o our_o will_n or_o the_o public_a good_a and_o order_n must_v take_v place_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o the_o distraction_n if_o not_o dissolution_n of_o government_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v without_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o governor_n so_o can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o submission_n of_o the_o govern_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o the_o gevernour_n and_o the_o permit_v they_o to_o choose_v and_o determine_v in_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_a as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n vndetermine_v in_o scripture_n and_o such_o thing_n indeed_o there_o be_v that_o christian_n may_v have_v a_o liberty_n in_o and_o yet_o hold_v communion_n as_o in_o posture_n etc._n etc._n though_o decency_n will_v plead_v for_o uniformity_n in_o those_o thing_n also_o but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a worship_n or_o christian_a communion_n which_o yet_o they_o differ_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o as_o now_o whether_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n whether_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o morning_n or_o evening_n whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a etc._n etc._n now_o unless_o one_o of_o these_o disagree_a party_n do_v yield_v to_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o superior_n and_o guide_n to_o determine_v for_o they_o and_o they_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o it_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o why_o superior_n may_v not_o then_o command_v and_o why_o inferior_n be_v not_o to_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n in_o posture_n or_o habit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o time_n above_o specify_v and_o form_n i_o understand_v not_o to_o conlude_v this_o if_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n require_v or_o general_o practise_v in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n omit_v or_o forbid_v in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o require_v in_o scripture_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o act_n or_o to_o forbear_v as_o they_o that_o be_v of_o its_o communion_n do_v general_o act_n or_o forbear_v or_o the_o law_n of_o that_o communion_n require_v and_o in_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o public_a voice_n of_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v authority_n custom_n or_o the_o majority_n but_o to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v if_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v determine_v object_n in_o our_o practice_n then_o where_o be_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v only_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o liberty_n which_o yet_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o 1._o gal._n 5._o 1._o 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v
the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n a_o humane_a law_n ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o divine_a law_n modify_v or_o clothe_v with_o several_a circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n do_v create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n upon_o every_o subject_a than_o a_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n in_o the_o other_o case_n we_o only_o yield_v obedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o god_n in_o general_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n to_o make_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o business_n of_o pay_v tribute_n and_o custom_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n with_o a_o humane_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o that_o every_o subject_n shall_v pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n be_v due_a be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o what_o good_n we_o shall_v pay_v tribute_n or_o custom_n or_o what_o proportion_n of_o those_o good_n shall_v be_v pay_v this_o be_v not_o define_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o every_o kingdom_n but_o now_o because_o humane_a authority_n do_v interpose_v in_o this_o affair_n and_o settle_v what_o every_o man_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o king_n and_o out_o of_o what_o commodity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n or_o concealment_n detain_v the_o king_n right_o from_o he_o that_o he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n for_o this_o but_o only_o the_o transgress_a of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n in_o case_n he_o be_v detect_v no_o certain_o for_o all_o that_o the_o custom_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o form_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o humane_a law_n only_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a aught_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o unjust_a person_n before_o god_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o good_n will_v not_o render_v he_o less_o unjust_a or_o more_o excusable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n to_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o baptism_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o worship_a god_n for_o the_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n all_o this_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o king_n and_o every_o man_n what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v dishonest_a &_o unjust_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o give_v but_o they_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n just_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o thing_n thus_o clothe_v by_o humane_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n about_o they_o than_o we_o can_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o have_v name_v and_o that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o for_o instance_n purge_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o knavery_n before_o god_n that_o will_v contrive_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a as_o any_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n before_o god_n that_o will_v choose_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n different_a from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prescribe_v always_o suppose_v that_o the_o worship_n establish_v be_v command_v by_o just_a authority_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o can_v just_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o in_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o hold_v it_o than_o mere_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o statute_n or_o a_o humane_a law_n for_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v this_o that_o i_o think_v no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v warrant_v it_o so_o that_o even_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v which_o shall_v ordain_v that_o wilful_a causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o tolerate_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o yet_o nevertheless_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n will_v still_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v there_o now_o only_o remain_v our_o last_o general_a head_n about_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v with_o our_o preliminary_a point_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v or_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o or_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n here_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o we_o concern_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v sinful_a have_v authority_n over_o we_o how_o far_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o
persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v we_o have_v they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o practice_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n where_o then_o be_v their_o conscience_n they_o may_v perhaps_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o do_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v we_o their_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o thing_n stand_v thus_o with_o they_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o herein_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o may_v justify_v their_o proceed_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o please_v this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o except_v against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o their_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n and_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o we_o think_v they_o can_v without_o sin_n join_v in_o our_o communion_n for_o even_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o we_o have_v show_v bind_v thus_o far_o that_o a_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o grant_v they_o and_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v render_v this_o whole_a plea_n for_o nonconformity_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v now_o open_v it_o whole_o insufficient_a viz._n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v indeed_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n communion_n but_o what_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n then_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o real_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n here_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n our_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o communion_n this_o have_v be_v do_v several_a time_n and_o of_o late_a by_o several_a person_n which_o have_v treat_v of_o all_o these_o particular_a matter_n and_o who_o have_v show_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n appointment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v for_o gravity_n decency_n purity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o most_o approvable_a and_o the_o least_o exceptionable_a of_o any_o church_n constitution_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o this_o be_v the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o whether_o suppose_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v i_o say_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v any_o man_n from_o sin_n that_o withdraw_v from_o that_o communion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o through_o his_o mistake_n he_o believe_v he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n or_o thus_o whether_o will_v any_o man_n persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v sinful_a term_n require_v in_o our_o communion_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o general_a question_n true_o put_v and_o this_o i_o give_v as_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o that_o in_o general_a speak_v a_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o god_n law_n or_o justify_v any_o man_n transgression_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o and_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o i_o think_v i_o have_v my_o misperswasion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o discharge_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o break_v it_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o have_v full_o show_v before_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n ask_v this_o question_n be_v st._n paul_n guilty_a of_o sin_n or_o no_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n be_v very_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o this_o because_o he_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n they_o contradict_v his_o own_o express_a word_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o say_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n in_o do_v this_o then_o they_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o practise_v it_o if_o real_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a will_v
it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o let_v it_o alone_o or_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o but_o he_o doubt_n whether_o god_n law_n have_v not_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o he_o can_v lawful_o omit_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o single_a doubt_n we_o call_v that_o a_o double_a doubt_n where_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o a_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o doubt_v on_o one_o side_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v this_o action_n god_n law_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o be_v the_o action_n circumstantiate_v with_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o he_o with_o respect_n to_o it_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o forbear_v the_o action_n as_o it_o be_v now_o present_v to_o he_o god_n law_n have_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v forbid_v it_o so_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v because_o he_o fear_v he_o may_v sin_v whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o put_v any_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v which_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n i._o now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n we_o may_v thus_o apply_v the_o general_n rule_n that_o when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n there_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o the_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v suppose_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o here_o come_v in_o that_o famous_a maxim_n which_o have_v obtain_v both_o among_o christian_n and_o heathen_n quod_fw-la dubitas_fw-la ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la which_o with_o the_o restriction_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v will_v for_o ever_o be_v good_a advice_n in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o venture_v upon_o any_o action_n where_o a_o man_n have_v the_o least_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o act_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o that_o kind_n suppose_v all_o along_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o offend_v by_o this_o action_n be_v not_o overbalance_v and_o so_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o remove_v by_o other_o consideration_n which_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n do_v suggest_v thus_o for_o instance_n here_o be_v a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v allowable_a in_o a_o christian_n to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o put_v out_o money_n to_o interest_n or_o to_o go_v to_o law_n as_o have_v converse_v with_o such_o man_n or_o such_o book_n as_o do_v condemn_v these_o practice_n and_o that_o not_o without_o some_o colour_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o man_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o convince_v by_o their_o discourse_n as_o to_o have_v take_v up_o any_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v unlawful_a nor_o will_v he_o censure_v any_o man_n that_o use_v they_o because_o he_o see_v there_o be_v as_o good_a man_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v as_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o other_o side_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o point_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n positive_o concern_v they_o either_o way_n he_o can_v say_v that_o he_o believe_v they_o lawful_a though_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o doubt_v mind_n now_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a case_n the_o rule_n be_v plain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n judgement_n continue_v thus_o in_o suspense_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o from_o god_n law_n to_o engage_v in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o why_o shall_v he_o rash_o throw_v himself_o into_o danger_n by_o venture_v upon_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o he_o run_v no_o hazard_n by_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o if_o he_o practise_v they_o he_o do_v thus_o far_o be_v right_a but_o then_o as_o i_o say_v this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la for_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v such_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o action_n as_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n this_o consideration_n of_o uncertainty_n it_o will_v then_o be_v reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n concern_v which_o i_o do_v before_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o thus_o if_o the_o man_n that_o make_v a_o question_n about_o any_o of_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v shall_v light_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v either_o drink_v such_o a_o single_a health_n or_o a_o quarrel_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v nay_o and_o that_o perhaps_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o some_o of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o company_n or_o again_o that_o he_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o improve_n his_o money_n in_o which_o his_o whole_a fortune_n consist_v in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o that_o of_o usury_n so_o that_o he_o and_o his_o family_n must_v in_o time_n starve_v unless_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o this_o course_n or_o last_o if_o a_o orphan_n be_v trust_v to_o his_o care_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o that_o orphan_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o he_o must_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o necessity_n either_o of_o wage_n a_o law_n suit_n for_o the_o clear_n it_o or_o suffer_v his_o near_a relation_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o be_v defraud_v of_o his_o right_n i_o say_v if_o the_o case_n happen_v to_o be_v thus_o circumstantiate_v he_o that_o before_o doubt_v in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o put_v out_o money_n to_o usury_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o law-suit_n may_v i_o shall_v think_v certain_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a in_o this_o particular_a case_n notwithstanding_o his_o general_n doubt_v to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n he_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o act_v according_o indeed_o he_o can_v be_v well_o excuse_v if_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o act._n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v i_o doubt_v whether_o these_o practice_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o why_o man_n if_o you_o only_o doubt_v about_o they_o you_o do_v by_o this_o ackonwledge_n that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v lawful_a as_o well_o as_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o you_o be_v thus_o in_o aequilibrio_fw-la sure_o such_o press_a consideration_n as_o those_o which_o be_v present_v in_o this_o case_n aught_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o you_o will_v answer_v either_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v for_o my_o part_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v unlawful_a will_v justify_v a_o man_n prudence_n in_o act_v on_o that_o side_n which_o he_o call_v the_o safe_o and_o which_o have_v not_o these_o circumstance_n happen_v will_v real_o have_v be_v so_o to_o conclude_v if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o do_v a_o thing_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v a_o general_n speculative_a doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o this_o very_a consideration_n be_v in_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o silence_v the_o doubt_n that_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o advisable_a to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n which_o before_o and_o out_o of_o those_o circumstance_n we_o doubt_v in_o general_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o no._n ii_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o to_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v
duty_n that_o he_o general_o take_v the_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o our_o lord_n by_o partake_v in_o his_o supper_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o since_o his_o last_o communicate_v he_o find_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o much_o worse_a frame_n than_o it_o use_v to_o be_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o perhaps_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n that_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o conscience_n so_o that_o when_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n of_o receive_v come_v he_o can_v but_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a unfit_a condition_n to_o communicate_v in_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n what_o to_o do_v for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o offend_v god_n if_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o forbid_v he_o to_o come_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v he_o to_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o he_o have_v opportunity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n every_o time_n that_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o these_o circumstance_n this_o be_v a_o exact_a instance_n of_o the_o case_n i_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o three_o proposition_n where_o on_o one_o side_n the_o man_n run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n now_o for_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n i_o say_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n only_o once_o or_o twice_o from_o the_o communion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a frame_n of_o mind_n against_o another_o opportunity_n the_o answer_n according_a to_o our_o three_o proposition_n must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a thus_o to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o this_o answer_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n be_v more_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o the_o one_o but_o no_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o the_o other_o for_o christ_n have_v no_o more_o appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o year_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o day_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o determinate_a proportion_n of_o our_o annual_a income_n to_o charitable_a uses_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v bind_v we_o in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o to_o the_o particular_n the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o determine_v we_o only_o this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o often_o we_o perform_v these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o better_a and_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o be_v christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o frequent_o this_o now_o be_v so_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n if_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n though_o but_o once_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o unworthiness_n as_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o suppose_v that_o christ_n law_n have_v precise_o tie_v he_o up_o to_o communicate_v every_o time_n that_o a_o communion_n be_v appoint_v yet_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v thus_o tie_v he_o up_o and_o withal_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o run_v so_o certain_a a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o shall_v communicate_v at_o this_o time_n apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o unworthy_a as_o he_o do_v this_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n must_v needs_o in_o this_o case_n overballance_v the_o other_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o reasonable_a to_o the_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o receive_n to_o another_o opportunity_n against_o which_o time_n he_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o prepare_v than_o to_o adventure_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o then_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n customary_o and_o habitual_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v not_o hold_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o nay_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o first_o particular_a about_o this_o case_n and_o withal_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o in_o come_v to_o it_o though_o with_o never_o so_o great_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o second_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o danger_n be_v at_o least_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n he_o must_v choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o least_o sin_n lie_v that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v communicate_v frequent_o at_o least_o so_o often_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n do_v enjoin_v he_o which_o be_v three_o time_n a_o year_n though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o communicate_v at_o all_o have_v thus_o go_v through_o three_o of_o our_o proposition_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o put_v our_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o illustration_n of_o our_o four_o and_o last_o here_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o apprehend_v he_o run_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_v whether_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o withal_o so_o unskilful_a a_o judge_n be_v he_o of_o the_o morality_n of_o action_n that_o he_o apprehend_v no_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o in_o this_o case_n now_o all_o the_o man_n can_v do_v be_v to_o consider_v what_o inducement_n he_o have_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n or_o interest_n to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o for_o since_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a those_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n according_a to_o our_o four_o proposition_n but_o if_o the_o case_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n will_v be_v long_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o shall_v frequent_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o forbear_v it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o act_v more_o prudent_o and_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o advantage_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o for_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o they_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o inconsiderable_a that_o which_o i_o desire_v chief_o to_o be_v here_o consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n it_o be_v much_o more_o advisable_v for_o our_o doubt_a person_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o by_o frequent_v this_o ordinance_n he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n both_o to_o grow_v more_o worthy_a if_o he_o be_v now_o unworthy_a and_o likewise_o to_o cure_v the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n he_o be_v now_o trouble_v with_o but_o if_o he_o neglect_v this_o mean_n of_o grace_n he_o not_o only_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o increase_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o long_o he_o defer_v his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n still_o the_o more_o doubtful_a will_v he_o be_v of_o his_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o but_o also_o be_v
as_o mere_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o we_o take_v they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o affair_n than_o we_o ourselves_o be_v as_o have_v better_o consider_v they_o and_o see_v far_o into_o they_o than_o we_o do_v i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v few_o of_o those_o we_o be_v now_o dispute_v with_o if_o a_o doubt_n shall_v happen_v to_o arise_v in_o their_o conscience_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o practice_n in_o their_o trade_n or_o their_o other_o civil_a concernment_n and_o they_o shall_v upon_o this_o apply_v to_o some_o friend_n of_o they_o of_o who_o learning_n and_o prudence_n and_o honesty_n they_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n and_o put_v their_o case_n to_o he_o but_o will_v if_o the_o doubt_n be_v so_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n as_o in_o our_o case_n we_o suppose_v it_o without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n be_v conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o man_n they_o thus_o apply_v to_o especial_o if_o that_o judgement_n be_v second_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o some_o other_o learned_a pious_a man_n who_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o consult_v likewise_o if_o now_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o or_o two_o private_a man_n be_v of_o so_o much_o weight_n as_o to_o over-rule_v a_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n when_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a be_v it_o not_o very_o hard_o if_o the_o joint_a resolution_n and_o determination_n of_o our_o public_a governor_n who_o office_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o command_v for_o the_o best_a shall_v not_o in_o such_o a_o case_n have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o subject_n or_o will_v it_o not_o argue_v much_o self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n and_o a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o refuse_v that_o respect_n to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o every_o private_a man_n almost_o that_o we_o think_v wise_a than_o ourselves_o second_o i_o desire_v that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o the_o casuist_n and_o in_o particular_a our_o excellent_a bishop_n sanderson_n have_v urge_v in_o this_o affair_n viz._n it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o law_n that_o in_o all_o dispute_v case_n he_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o that_o contend_v with_o he_o suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a in_o controvert_v matter_n the_o right_o be_v always_o presume_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o possessor_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n show_v to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o for_o instance_n if_o i_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o another_o man_n make_v a_o claim_n to_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o that_o estate_n belong_v to_o he_o or_o i_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o i_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o i_o have_v a_o good_a title_n to_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n nor_o can_v i_o without_o injustice_n be_v dispossess_v of_o it_o till_o my_o adversary_n have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v a_o better_a title_n to_o it_o than_o i._n let_v we_o now_o apply_v this_o rule_n to_o our_o present_a case_n here_o be_v a_o contest_v or_o dispute_v between_o the_o superior_a and_o the_o subject_a about_o a_o matter_n of_o right_a as_o to_o a_o particular_a action_n the_o superior_a say_v it_o be_v his_o right_n to_o command_v his_o subject_n in_o this_o instance_n and_o according_o do_v command_v he_o the_o subject_n say_v that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o his_o superior_a have_v right_o to_o command_v he_o in_o this_o instance_n because_o he_o doubt_n whether_o this_o command_n be_v not_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o superior_a be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o command_v though_o it_o be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o as_o to_o this_o instance_n he_o do_v not_o exceed_v the_o just_a limit_n of_o his_o power_n why_o certain_o by_o the_o former_a rule_n so_o long_o as_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o doubtful_a the_o subject_n must_v yield_v and_o at_o no_o hand_n by_o his_o disobedience_n dispossess_v his_o superior_a of_o that_o authority_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o till_o he_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o disobey_v in_o this_o instance_n than_o to_o obey_v which_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v because_o we_o here_o suppose_v that_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a but_o three_o if_o this_o argument_n appear_v too_o subtle_a let_v the_o question_n before_o we_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o common_a rule_n viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v now_o put_v the_o point_n upon_o this_o issue_n i_o ask_v which_o be_v safe_a with_o respect_n to_o conscience_n for_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o such_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o or_o to_o disobey_v they_o i_o think_v this_o question_n will_v soon_o be_v answer_v by_o any_o man_n that_o will_v attend_v to_o what_o i_o be_o go_v to_o represent_v viz._n there_o be_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o to_o be_v so_o that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n but_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n about_o which_o we_o be_v now_o suppose_v to_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o questionable_a to_o we_o even_o after_o our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v that_o thing_n which_o our_o superior_n have_v enjoin_v we_o this_o now_o be_v so_o we_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o superior_n do_v in_o this_o instance_n command_v a_o unlawful_a thing_n yet_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v in_o obey_v they_o be_v very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n with_o that_o we_o run_v in_o disobey_v they_o suppose_v it_o shall_v indeed_o prove_v that_o they_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o public_a good_n for_o by_o do_v the_o former_a by_o obey_v our_o superior_n the_o only_a hazard_n we_o run_v be_v of_o transgress_v some_o unknown_a law_n of_o god_n some_o law_n which_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v to_o we_o all_o that_o we_o can_v pronounce_v after_o our_o best_a enquiry_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n and_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o if_o there_o shall_v indeed_o be_v such_o a_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v either_o not_o of_o such_o consequence_n that_o we_o in_o our_o circumstance_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o cometo_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o in_o each_o of_o which_o case_n as_o i_o say_v a_o man_n ignorance_n do_v excuse_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o in_o such_o a_o instance_n as_o this_o we_o disobey_v authority_n when_o it_o have_v peremptorly_a lay_v its_o command_n upon_o we_o we_o venture_v upon_o a_o much_o great_a danger_n for_o in_o that_o case_n we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n a_o law_n of_o which_o no_o man_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v suppose_v ignorant_a and_o withal_o a_o law_n it_o be_v of_o such_o importance_n and_o consequence_n to_o mankind_n that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v the_o very_a be_v as_o well_o as_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o society_n depend_v upon_o it_o suppose_v now_o this_o to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v in_o act_v on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o in_o our_o present_a question_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a person_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o safe_a in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n than_o to_o disobey_v they_o with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n four_o if_o there_o yet_o remain_v any_o dispute_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v if_o you_o please_v our_o saviour_n rule_n determine_v it_o as_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o even_o so_o do_v you_o unto_o they_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o favour_n for_o our_o superior_n than_o this_o eternal_a law_n of_o equity_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o be_v so_o impartial_a as_o to_o pass_v the_o same_o judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o authority_n when_o he_o be_v
conscience_n have_v pass_v no_o dictate_v no_o verdict_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v against_o any_o such_o dictate_v or_o verdict_n the_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o he_o either_o believe_v he_o may_v act_v as_o he_o do_v without_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v no_o belief_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o any_o way_n condemn_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o not_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o choose_v otherwise_o but_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n always_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o to_o choose_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n which_o in_o our_o case_n we_o do_v likewise_o suppose_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o must_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o here_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_n to_o choose_v one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o but_o may_v indifferent_o choose_v either_o yet_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whoever_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n either_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o act_n against_o a_o doubt_n or_o that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n such_o a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o so_o believe_v can_v without_o sin_n act_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o second_o we_o be_v far_o from_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o act_v thus_o hand_n over_o head_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n much_o less_o from_o commend_v he_o for_o so_o do_v for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o strict_o speak_v a_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o act_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o think_v he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a dispensation_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o never_o look_v further_a into_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v more_o care_n about_o they_o than_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a he_o that_o be_v hearty_o good_a will_v with_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o thing_n be_v expedient_a and_o do_v edify_v it_o will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o action_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o action_n without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o the_o do_v or_o forbear_v the_o action_n do_v more_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o charity_n and_o according_o as_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o determine_v his_o choice_n in_o a_o word_n the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a sense_n will_v he_o have_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v precise_o make_v his_o duty_n and_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n do_v oblige_v his_o conscience_n but_o also_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a so_o that_o it_o will_v real_o grate_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v be_v account_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o devout_a christian_a and_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o doubt_v to_o choose_v either_o side_n indiscriminate_o though_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o do_v not_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o law_n of_o god_n he_o transgress_v but_o he_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o he_o after_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n good_a that_o shall_v have_v the_o preference_n to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v this_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n so_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o though_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v our_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v unblameable_a ignorance_n of_o those_o law_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o we_o sin_n and_o again_o wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v avoid_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o we_o must_v forbear_v that_o action_n or_o we_o sin_n but_o if_o conscience_n can_v say_v that_o this_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n shall_v thus_o suggest_v to_o he_o though_o i_o can_v say_v direct_o that_o this_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v lay_v any_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o you_o either_o way_n yet_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v choose_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o way_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v for_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n than_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v less_o harm_n though_o you_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o go_v this_o way_n than_o the_o other_o now_o in_o this_o case_n though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o proper_o oblige_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n to_o obey_v his_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n do_v not_o propose_v the_o choice_n to_o he_o under_o that_o condition_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n he_o will_v undoubted_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o conscience_n all_o thing_n consider_v have_v represent_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o general_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o considerable_a inquiry_n that_o can_v be_v make_v about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v leave_v any_o material_a difficulty_n in_o this_o argument_n untouched_a though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o need_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n but_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o discussion_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n however_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v something_o towards_o it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o save_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o case_n the_o labour_n and_o trouble_v of_o do_v it_o the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o be_v brief_o this_o there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o enjoin_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n some_o perhaps_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n other_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o
of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 27._o l._n 7._o for_o annot_v cavoid_v r._n can_v avoid_v p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o this_o last_o r._n the_o least_o p._n 43._o l._n 28._o after_o spiritual_a add_v by_o do_v the_o former_a p._n 61._o l._n 1._o r._n because_o p._n 62._o l._n penult_n r._n chrysostome_n p._n 66._o l._n 9_o r._n no_o wise_a p._n 94._o l._n 19_o r._n probability_n advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n tojoyn_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_n conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_v of_o it_o london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well-instructed_n conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well-grounded_n or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o action_n no_o further_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o mat_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbea_n do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o something_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o to_o make_v we_o suspect_v every_o thing_n for_o such_o or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o displease_v god_n by_o the_o most_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a action_n by_o these_o mean_n ensnare_a and_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n and_o render_v religion_n a_o most_o troublesome_a burden_n to_o they_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n therefore_o start_v and_o boggle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a evil_a or_o mischief_n be_v afraid_a of_o omit_v or_o do_v what_o may_v be_v omit_v or_o do_v without_o sin_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o illustrate_v than_o by_o those_o unaccountable_a antipathy_n or_o prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o man_n have_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o live_a creature_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n or_o hurt_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v so_o offensive_a and_o dreadful_a to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o tiger_n or_o bear_n and_o avoid_v they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o plague_n or_o poison_n just_o thus_o do_v some_o man_n run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o
authority_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absurd_a as_o may_v by_o some_o be_v imagine_v for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o their_o lawful_a teacher_n what_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o themselves_o but_o the_o difficulty_n here_o be_v how_o shall_v a_o private_a christian_a govern_v himself_o when_o the_o very_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n determine_v different_o concern_v these_o matter_n in_o question_n among_o we_o some_o warrant_v and_o allow_v they_o other_o as_o much_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v they_o by_o what_o rule_n shall_v he_o choose_v his_o guide_n to_o which_o i_o brief_o reply_v 1._o as_o for_o those_o who_o scruple_n at_o conformity_n and_o be_v tolerable_o able_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o let_v not_o such_o rely_v bare_o upon_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v equal_o hear_v both_o side_n that_o they_o will_v think_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v some_o sense_n and_o conscience_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v somewhat_o for_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o or_o require_v of_o other_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la favour_n to_o or_o admiration_n of_o man_n person_n they_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v propound_v to_o they_o be_v diffident_a of_o their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o indifferent_a to_o either_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o change_v their_o mind_n when_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v we_o thus_o prevail_v with_o the_o people_n diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n our_o church_n will_v every_o day_n gain_v more_o ground_n among_o all_o wise_a man_n for_o we_o care_v not_o how_o much_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n our_o people_n have_v so_o they_o be_v but_o humble_a and_o modest_a with_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v man_n to_o become_v our_o proselyte_n any_o further_a than_o we_o give_v they_o good_a scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o 2._o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o examine_v or_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o few_o of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o separate_v from_o we_o real_o be_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o only_o in_o general_a word_n declaim_v against_o popery_n superstition_n antichristian_a and_o unscriptural_a ceremony_n humane_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n such_o have_v better_a trust_n to_o and_o depend_v on_o those_o minister_n of_o know_a sufficiency_n for_o their_o office_n who_o be_v regular_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n set_v over_o they_o than_o any_o other_o guide_n or_o teacher_n that_o they_o can_v choose_v for_o themselves_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o safe_a course_n which_o in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v i_o speak_v now_o of_o these_o present_a controversy_n about_o form_n and_o ceremony_n so_o hot_o agitate_a among_o we_o which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o common_a people_n out_o of_o their_o profession_n not_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n when_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n about_o which_o we_o can_v easy_o satisfy_v ourselves_o we_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o public_o authorize_v guide_n and_o preacher_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o chance_v to_o mislead_v we_o we_o have_v something_o to_o say_v or_o apologise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o error_n be_v more_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o be_v occasion_v by_o those_o to_o who_o judgement_n by_o god_n command_n we_o do_v owe_v a_o great_a respect_n and_o submission_n but_o when_o we_o choose_v instructor_n and_o counsellor_n to_o ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o like_n and_o they_o teach_v we_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lawful_a minister_n if_o then_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n we_o may_v thank_v our_o own_o wantonness_n for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o severe_o accountable_a for_o such_o mistake_v thus_o let_v a_o man_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o threaten_a disease_n apply_v himself_o rather_o to_o the_o license_v physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n of_o approve_a skill_n and_o honesty_n and_o if_o he_o chance_v to_o miscarry_v under_o they_o yet_o he_o have_v this_o contentment_n that_o he_o use_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a mean_n for_o his_o health_n and_o recovery_n but_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o all_o and_o will_v hearken_v only_o to_o quack_n and_o empiric_n though_o they_o advise_v he_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o other_o prescribe_v if_o under_o their_o hand_n he_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o he_o must_v then_o charge_v his_o own_o perverse_a folly_n or_o idle_a humour_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n 4._o in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o our_o scruple_n we_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a that_o be_v necessary_a or_o our_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v that_o be_v sinful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v that_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n oblige_v we_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4._o 15._o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n but_o either_o omit_v what_o the_o law_n command_v or_o do_v what_o the_o law_n forbid_v for_o instance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v where_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n where_o fit_v be_v require_v where_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n be_v forbid_v and_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v enjoin_v then_o indeed_o the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v be_v find_v as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v then_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o read_v prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n must_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n lawful_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o scruple_v they_o because_o they_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n nay_o where_o they_o be_v require_v by_o our_o superior_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o convince_a and_o can_v be_v evade_v but_o by_o give_v another_o notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a especial_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v or_o that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n and_o on_o these_o two_o mistake_v be_v chief_o ground_a man_n scruple_n about_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n 1._o that_o only_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v so_o that_o this_o be_v think_v exception_n sufficient_a against_o the_o form_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o where_o command_v in_o scripture_n who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n now_o here_o i_o only_o ask_v where_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v forbid_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o by_o himself_o command_v or_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_n forbid_v either_o by_o general_n or_o particular_a law_n for_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v show_v there_o can_v be_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o pretence_n and_o we_o be_v sufficient_o sure_a that_o no_o such_o place_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n habit_n and_o gesture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v in_o many_o case_n by_o moses_n law_n and_o yet_o god_n can_v be_v at_o least_o visible_o and_o public_o worship_v without_o they_o if_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o
face_n at_o our_o devotion_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a rule_n they_o may_v then_o with_o a_o better_a grace_n though_o with_o little_a reason_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o conformity_n as_o offensive_a to_o they_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v exasperate_v or_o provoke_v any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o satisfaction_n i_o design_v i_o very_o well_o know_v their_o weakness_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n however_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n profess_v religion_n and_o godliness_n that_o have_v do_v such_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n dissenter_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_v particular_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o so_o to_o order_v their_o return_n to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o those_o who_o they_o forsake_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o conform_v with_o a_o willing_a mind_n be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n or_o to_o save_v their_o purse_n or_o to_o get_v into_o a_o office_n or_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o vote_n or_o the_o like_a for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o conformity_n as_o some_o practice_n and_o call_v occasional_a communion_n which_o be_v come_v to_o church_n and_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n be_v true_o scandalous_a to_o all_o good_a man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n 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 worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n etc._n etc._n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o second_o part._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n and_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o that_o have_v be_v so_o usual_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n in_o this_o case_n assert_v to_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o vindicate_v from_o favour_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o have_v beed_o quote_v by_o they_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o to_o the_o christian-reader_n thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a i_o suppose_v that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o a_o far_o better_a pen_n a_o author_n that_o do_v every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v with_o that_o accuracy_n of_o judgement_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n that_o become_v a_o person_n of_o his_o character_n and_o therefore_o may_v wonder_v what_o so_o mean_v a_o scribe_n have_v to_o do_v after_o he_o i_o have_v but_o this_o answer_n only_o to_o give_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o affectation_n nor_o conceit_n of_o this_o paper_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n this_o discourse_n be_v show_v to_o some_o person_n both_o friend_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o author_n who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a that_o the_o subject_n be_v undertake_v by_o another_o and_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v stay_v till_o it_o be_v see_v what_o that_o discourse_n expect_v then_o will_v be_v with_o a_o design_n to_o suppress_v it_o whole_o have_v the_o method_n or_o the_o management_n be_v near_o alike_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o and_o because_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o hit_v one_o fancy_n may_v not_o do_v so_o to_o another_o or_o not_o to_o all_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o venture_v this_o to_o the_o public_a also_o which_o the_o author_n do_v with_o prayer_n for_o and_o true_a charity_n unto_o all_o that_o need_v such_o discourse_n beseech_v god_n that_o they_o may_v honest_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o of_o late_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o most_o material_a scruple_n and_o objection_n and_o that_o they_o may_v find_v a_o suitable_a effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o more_o trouble_n and_o distract_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n than_o how_o to_o govern_v themselves_o and_o order_v their_o action_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v indifferent_a in_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_o good_a or_o evil_n or_o be_v make_v so_o by_o some_o plain_a command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o our_o great_a law_n giver_n all_o party_n be_v soon_o agree_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o question_n or_o dispute_v between_o they_o in_o these_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a and_o suppose_v man_n honest_a there_o can_v be_v any_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o but_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v whole_o undetermined_a by_o god_n and_o neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o just_a and_o natural_a consequence_n either_o enjoin_v or_o prohibit_v by_o any_o law_n of_o he_o there_o man_n sail_v not_o by_o so_o plain_a a_o compass_n but_o have_v a_o large_a scope_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o mistake_v their_o course_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v less_o than_o a_o good_a service_n to_o man_n to_o direct_v they_o safe_o in_o this_o unbeaten_a tract_n and_o to_o prescribe_v to_o they_o such_o rule_n to_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o attend_v they_o can_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n this_o be_v our_o apostle_n charitable_a design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o respect_n in_o manage_v this_o present_a argument_n viz._n 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o by_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hit_v those_o great_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v indeed_o but_o of_o one_o particular_a instance_n of_o these_o i_o e._n the_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v thing_n that_o have_v
and_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n to_o wound_v and_o destroy_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o to_o provide_v matter_n for_o eternal_a torment_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o discourage_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o render_v it_o more_o perplex_v and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o may_v be_v just_o call_v a_o offence_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o easy_o understand_v how_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v any_o other_o but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o way_n now_o let_v our_o debate_n be_v determine_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o let_v the_o issue_n be_v whether_o conformity_n can_v be_v grieve_v other_o upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a be_v say_v or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n be_v offer_v that_o we_o offend_v man_n hereby_o because_o we_o either_o do_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o to_o his_o holy_a religion_n by_o it_o it_o be_v much_o true_a that_o we_o bring_v honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o both_o by_o it_o to_o god_n by_o take_v the_o best_a course_n we_o can_v pitch_v upon_o to_o secure_v the_o solemnity_n and_o decency_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o to_o religion_n by_o take_v care_n that_o all_o the_o great_a service_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v decent_o and_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o profane_v by_o the_o ignorance_n or_o temerity_n of_o every_o bold_a and_o unskilful_a undertaker_n 2._o nor_o second_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o hereby_o we_o let_v man_n be_v spectator_n of_o our_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o so_o grieve_v and_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n while_o they_o see_v we_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o our_o eye_n i_o have_v that_o charity_n for_o the_o modesty_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o they_o will_v not_o call_v our_o worship_n idolatry_n and_o the_o service_n of_o baal_n any_o long_o though_o it_o can_v be_v dissemble_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o less-discerning_a rabble_n have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o so_o to_o account_v and_o think_v of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o have_v be_v mislead_v into_o such_o a_o opinion_n i_o will_v beg_v they_o to_o come_v and_o behold_v our_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o their_o better_a conviction_n 3._o no_o nor_o three_o do_v i_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o offence_n upon_o its_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a or_o difficult_a to_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o any_o to_o show_v where_o he_o be_v hinder_v from_o be_v good_a by_o see_v other_o conformable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o what_o obstruction_n that_o cast_v in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o he_o and_o a_o furtherance_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n but_o let_v or_o hindrance_n it_o can_v be_v none_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o by_o this_o we_o make_v religion_n cumbersome_a and_o clog_v that_o with_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a thing_n i_o grant_v the_o objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o the_o charge_n of_o give_v offence_n undeniable_a be_v it_o either_o so_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o old_a in_o st._n augustin_n time_n or_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o roman-church_n clog_v with_o so_o many_o antic_a and_o garish_a ceremony_n that_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n to_o be_v a_o exact_a ritualist_n and_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n hard_a to_o remember_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o any_o service_n and_o office_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n a_o hundred_o time_n over_o but_o let_v i_o beg_v man_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v just_a against_o a_o church_n and_o its_o liturgy_n which_o enjoin_v but_o three_o ceremony_n against_o which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v object_v and_o these_o too_o not_o in_o the_o same_o but_o so_o many_o distinct_a service_n and_o which_o be_v little_o more_o than_o bare_o determine_v those_o circumstance_n of_o habit_n and_o gesture_n which_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o our_o action_n if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v think_v to_o make_v the_o practice_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n burdensome_a than_o any_o of_o the_o posture_n in_o which_o our_o brethren_n perform_v their_o worship_n will_v make_v that_o so_o too_o and_o then_o the_o directory_n will_v be_v as_o chargeable_a and_o faulty_a in_o this_o as_o the_o liturgy_n these_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o this_o first_o way_n that_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v that_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n nor_o can_v come_v under_o his_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o which_o he_o speak_v against_o in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v offend_v and_o trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o some_o man_n be_v trouble_v to_o see_v a_o church_n constitute_v among_o we_o to_o behold_v it_o protect_v by_o law_n and_o power_n and_o to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o deference_n and_o respect_n pay_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v at_o present_a by_o multitude_n both_o of_o great_a and_o good_a man_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v great_o malign_v and_o envy_v by_o man_n and_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o private_a interest_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v so_o their_o design_n and_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v effect_v but_o so_o ill_a man_n be_v trouble_v at_o a_o good_a government_n and_o thief_n and_o robber_n may_v be_v vex_v that_o honest_a man_n be_v secure_v from_o they_o and_o these_o may_v as_o well_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o government_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o as_o other_o may_v that_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o church_n and_o conformity_n sure_o we_o know_v thing_n better_o than_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o scandal_n that_o any_o man_n be_v vex_v or_o trouble_v at_o if_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o offence_n or_o forbear_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n that_o every_o ill_n design_v man_n be_v please_v to_o take_v exception_n against_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a we_o must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o venture_v to_o undertake_v any_o thing_n till_o we_o see_v whether_o all_o person_n will_v be_v please_v with_o it_o or_o not_o we_o must_v not_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o please_v not_o the_o humour_n of_o every_o man_n for_o than_o nothing_o can_v avoid_v that_o character_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o will_v serve_v we_o much_o further_o not_o only_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o from_o this_o imputation_n but_o to_o reflect_v it_o back_o upon_o those_o that_o charge_v we_o for_o when_o we_o have_v well_o consider_v thing_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o scandal_n will_v fall_v upon_o our_o accuser_n and_o not_o conformity_n but_o separation_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o give_a offence_n and_o that_o in_o both_o the_o notion_n of_o give_v it_o that_o have_v be_v name_v separation_n be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n as_o be_v both_o a_o evil_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o betray_v other_o into_o many_o evil_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o schism_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o donatist_n or_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o make_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v a_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v on_o our_o behalf_n that_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v real_o a_o schism_n and_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o best_a successor_n yea_o and_o few_o sin_n great_a than_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v separation_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a notion_n of_o scandal_n too_o and_o we_o sad_o see_v what_o great_a mischief_n it_o be_v introductive_a of_o what_o uncharitableness_n and_o rail_n what_o pride_n and_o censoriousness_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o schism_n be_v scarce_o ever_o content_a to_o be_v alone_o man_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o go_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n by_o
the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n enlarge_v their_o reason_n in_o this_o chapter_n because_o it_o be_v a_o confederate_n with_o devil_n and_o be_v partaker_n at_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n which_o he_o condemn_v as_o huge_o unbecoming_a they_o that_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n vers_fw-la 20_o 21._o grotius_n be_v so_o exact_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n may_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1._o well_fw-mi aliquid_fw-la a_o tabulâ_fw-la &c_n &c_n i._n e._n when_o at_o their_o public_a feast_n they_o send_v some_o part_n off_o the_o table_n to_o be_v offer_v solemn_o to_o the_o idol_n and_o to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a feast_n 2._o well_fw-mi ab_fw-la aris_n ad_fw-la mensam_fw-la defertis_fw-la or_o when_o they_o take_v some_o considerable_a portion_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o feed_v upon_o it_o at_o the_o table_n as_o part_v of_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o now_o for_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v present_a at_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v in_o that_o canon_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n also_o be_v so_o sharp_a upon_o from_z 14_o to_o 24_o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o afterward_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o it_o and_o plain_o mean_v either_o that_o part_n of_o the_o offer_v which_o they_o afterward_o spend_v in_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n or_o which_o be_v public_o sell_v afterward_o in_o the_o shambles_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o understand_v and_o be_v common_a among_o they_o to_o offer_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o own_o common_a use_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sacred_a and_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o in_o some_o great_a and_o solemn_a sacrifice_n they_o do_v but_o that_o which_o be_v true_o their_o own_o and_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n especial_o have_v give_v a_o part_n of_o it_o to_o their_o go_n the_o other_o i_o e._n what_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambleâ—_n critic_n give_v two_o account_n of_o 1._o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o the_o butcher_n sell_v part_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n before_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o shambles_n well_fw-mi à _fw-fr mà cellario_n qui_fw-la ante_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellum_fw-la carnes_z ferret_n aliquid_fw-la de_fw-fr aram_n in_o dedisset_fw-la 2._o or_o that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o often_o sell_v have_v its_o probable_a either_o more_o than_o they_o can_v spend_v themselves_o or_o perhaps_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exchange_v it_o for_o other_o meat_n which_o they_o may_v purchase_v with_o the_o money_n they_o sell_v it_o for_o well_fw-mi à _fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la qui_fw-la part_n quae_fw-la ipsis_fw-la cederent_fw-la venderent_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n now_o these_o be_v the_o meat_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v no_o order_n at_o all_o so_o that_o man_n be_v at_o their_o liberty_n to_o buy_v and_o eat_v they_o if_o they_o please_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n or_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o they_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v then_o only_o from_o when_o know_v what_o they_o be_v their_o eat_v they_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v give_v offence_n thereby_o either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o see_v they_o make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o encourage_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o idolatry_n which_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v to_o wean_v they_o from_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o see_v they_o so_o careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o without_o all_o charity_n to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o speech_n relate_v be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o undetermined_a also_o as_o to_o their_o use_n no_o law_n have_v pass_v one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o they_o now_o this_o make_v they_o vast_o different_a from_o the_o thing_n scruple_v among_o we_o and_o by_o conformity_n to_o which_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o several_a law_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a power_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o how_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n as_o strong_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o humane_a command_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o we_o can_v show_v favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o other_o if_o we_o will_v for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v under_o authority_n and_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o those_o above_o we_o we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o do_v or_o forbear_v nor_o can_v we_o now_o abstain_v for_o fear_n of_o offend_v another_o man_n conscience_n without_o grievous_o wound_v and_o worse_a offend_n of_o our_o own_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o conformity_n as_o to_o another_o man_n yet_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o downright_a sin_n and_o a_o grievous_a guilt_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v impertinent_a a_o snare_n and_o a_o direct_a temptation_n and_o as_o improper_o urge_v against_o conformity_n as_o it_o will_v be_v against_o any_o other_o duty_n how_o necessary_a soever_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n that_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v of_o it_o in_o this_o and_o all_o such_o case_n we_o stand_v immediate_o responsible_a unto_o god_n and_o may_v just_o retort_v that_o so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v apology_n of_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o regard_v man_n judge_v you_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v the_o text_n be_v pertinent_o urge_v against_o conformity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v very_o much_o against_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a by_o consider_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n we_o against_o give_v offence_n unto_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o the_o gentile_n nor_o both_o these_o only_a but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a improvement_n of_o this_o place_n against_o the_o purpose_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o object_n of_o scandal_n be_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v especial_o to_o regard_v in_o their_o care_n not_o to_o give_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o there_o be_v three_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o may_v be_v offend_v with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o jew_n the_o gentile_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o here_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o analogy_n to_o which_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v different_a party_n among_o which_o man_n converse_v upon_o which_o account_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o our_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o in_o by_o consider_v the_o case_n that_o concern_v we_o which_o i_o think_v be_v only_o these_o two_o 1._o when_o we_o perceive_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o be_v go_v to_o do_v will_v offend_v all_o party_n equal_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o christianity_n by_o this_o practice_n see_v its_o professor_n make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n which_o their_o law_n so_o strict_o prohibit_v and_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v himself_o so_o
that_o the_o minister_n shall_v read_v all_o as_o he_o do_v other_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v recite_v the_o psalm_n and_o other_o godly_a hymn_n with_o the_o minister_n by_o way_n of_o answer_v in_o turn_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v with_o we_o more_o or_o less_o in_o most_o place_n for_o when_o the_o people_n rise_v up_o to_o do_v this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o solemn_a praise_v of_o god_n this_o be_v much_o near_o to_o sing_v wherein_o the_o people_n be_v allow_v to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o god_n vocal_a praise_n than_o the_o minister_n recite_v all_o himself_o and_o shut_v out_o the_o people_n from_o any_o part_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v object_v particular_o against_o the_o recite_v of_o one_o verse_n of_o the_o psalm_n by_o the_o minister_n and_o another_o by_o the_o people_n that_o the_o people_n verse_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v to_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n since_o in_o the_o confuse_a murmur_n of_o so_o many_o voice_n nothing_o can_v be_v distinct_o hear_v now_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v admit_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o vindication_n of_o these_o responsal_n i_o hope_v this_o objection_n will_v not_o be_v insist_v upon_o i_o grant_v that_o which_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o congregation_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o then_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o understand_v by_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o book_n or_o who_o be_v acquaint_v competent_o well_o with_o the_o psalm_n themselves_o i_o need_v not_o say_v much_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n because_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v by_o every_o one_o that_o make_v it_o if_o he_o can_v read_v and_o will_v bring_v a_o book_n along_o with_o he_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a as_o be_v pretend_v for_o they_o also_o to_o take_v those_o verse_n which_o be_v utter_v by_o those_o that_o be_v near_o they_o if_o they_o will_v careful_o attend_v and_o i_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v that_o some_o devout_a people_n that_o can_v never_o read_v have_v attain_v to_o a_o ability_n of_o recite_v most_o of_o the_o psalm_n without_o book_n by_o often_o hear_v they_o in_o those_o church_n where_o they_o be_v alternate_o recite_v which_o show_v that_o the_o murmur_n be_v not_o so_o confuse_v but_o that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v hear_v ditinct_o enough_o to_o be_v understand_v if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o then_o they_o that_o can_v read_v may_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v more_o quicken_v than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v to_o learn_v to_o read_v however_o to_o attend_v and_o to_o learn_v the_o psalm_n without_o book_n that_o they_o also_o may_v bear_v their_o part_n vocal_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o god_n praise_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o psalm_n be_v recite_v alternate_o in_o those_o church_n only_o where_o 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the_o govern_v who_o can_v never_o part_v with_o their_o right_n in_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o right_o they_o have_v you_o will_v soon_o learn_v from_o the_o reverend_a dean_n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n pag._n 307_o etc._n etc._n there_o you_o will_v find_v they_o have_v no_o right_n at_o all_o or_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v from_o what_o you_o say_v in_o these_o two_o page_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o which_o your_o discourse_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v certain_o what_o you_o will_v be_v at_o i_o shrewd_o conjecture_v that_o you_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n although_o she_o have_v neither_o ceremony_n nor_o liturgy_n to_o scare_v man_n away_o your_o second_o case_n be_v when_o a_o church_n be_v turn_v idolatrous_a that_o then_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o here_o we_o have_v no_o controversy_n your_o three_o be_v when_o a_o 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separate_a and_o then_o i_o hope_v in_o those_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o only_o lawful_a to_o separate_a in_o the_o last_o we_o may_v prudent_o and_o wary_o depart_v etc._n etc._n and_o why_o do_v you_o so_o mince_v the_o matter_n by_o change_v your_o phrase_n when_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o you_o may_v separate_a and_o why_o do_v you_o so_o mince_v it_o too_o in_o say_v in_o the_o two_o first_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o separate_a which_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o case_n you_o be_v at_o your_o liberty_n and_o that_o though_o you_o may_v lawful_o separate_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o why_o again_o do_v you_o say_v we_o judge_v this_o no_o sinful_a separation_n why_o do_v you_o speak_v out_o and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o necessary_a one_o except_o you_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o you_o have_v give_v i_o sufficient_a assurance_n in_o your_o book_n that_o this_o you_o do_v not_o think_v you_o say_v pag._n 33._o if_o any_o other_o in_o former_a age_n or_o in_o our_o own_o have_v have_v any_o other_o apprehension_n of_o the_o significancy_n you_o will_v have_v say_v signification_n of_o the_o term_n church_n schism_n and_o separation_n who_o we_o own_o to_o have_v be_v holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n till_o we_o see_v their_o notion_n justify_v from_o holy_a writ_n which_o alone_o can_v determine_v these_o thing_n we_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o believe_v that_o have_v they_o live_v in_o our_o time_n they_o will_v have_v dissent_v from_o their_o own_o apprehension_n under_o a_o more_o perfect_a light_n etc._n etc._n but_o 1._o what_o will_v you_o have_v say_v to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v give_v this_o answer_n to_o your_o cite_n holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n such_o as_o calvin_n who_o our_o author_n have_v so_o often_o appeal_v to_o in_o his_o book_n and_o other_o against_o our_o notion_n i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v have_v severe_o 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etc._n etc._n that_o be_v among_o conformable_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 3._o this_o answer_n will_v far_o better_v become_v the_o quaker_n than_o you_o they_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n which_o you_o do_v not_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v with_o a_o remark_n or_o two_o on_o those_o word_n with_o which_o you_o begin_v the_o conclude_a part_n of_o your_o book_n you_o say_v pag._n 29._o and_o now_o how_o happy_a shall_v we_o not_o only_o think_v ourselves_o but_o indeed_o be_v will_v our_o brethren_n but_o leave_n dispute_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o great_a whore_n and_o only_o argue_v how_o far_o we_o come_v short_a of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a gospel_n church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v record_n in_o holy_a writ_n to_o this_o i_o say_v 1._o how_o unaccountable_a be_v this_o charge_n you_o lay_v against_o your_o brethren_n when_o you_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o as_o perfect_v a_o separation_n as_o yourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o apostate_n church_n which_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o great_a whore_n 2._o it_o lie_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o show_v we_o a_o church_n which_o more_o symbolize_v with_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a gospel_n church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o as_o for_o those_o church_n which_o you_o believe_v do_v come_v near_o to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a it_o have_v often_o enough_o be_v demonstrate_v with_o invincible_a strength_n that_o the_o main_a thing_n viz._n the_o point_n of_o government_n in_o which_o you_o conceive_v they_o more_o agree_v with_o these_o church_n do_v speak_v they_o far_o less_o to_o agree_v with_o they_o than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o speak_v they_o to_o be_v therein_o unlike_a to_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v absolute_o perfect_a we_o do_v believe_v that_o such_o a_o constitution_n be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a but_o we_o bless_v god_n that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o imperfect_a and_o we_o who_o live_v in_o complete_a communion_n with_o this_o church_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o in_o what_o be_v require_v thereby_o that_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v find_v after_o all_o the_o pain_n that_o you_o and_o other_o have_v take_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o there_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o any_o one_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o do_v contradict_v any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o deprave_a of_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o gratify_n of_o any_o one_o corrupt_a affection_n or_o the_o make_v we_o unmeet_a for_o the_o heavenly_a happiness_n and_o this_o our_o holy_a martyr_n think_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o give_v a_o demonstration_n hereof_o by_o their_o excellent_a life_n and_o heroic_a behaviour_n under_o the_o great_a torment_n they_o not_o only_o patient_o but_o also_o joyful_o endure_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o more_o than_o they_o do_v that_o we_o be_v debar_v by_o our_o church_n of_o any_o help_n for_o the_o build_n of_o we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o whereas_o you_o express_v such_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o think_v that_o zeal_n will_v be_v much_o better_o employ_v in_o endeavour_v after_o pure_a heart_n and_o that_o this_o contend_v with_o your_o superior_n and_o your_o brethren_n about_o some_o thing_n enjoin_v have_v be_v infinite_o more_o
jewish_a church_n or_o if_o in_o a_o short_a history_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o undertake_v we_o shall_v have_v read_v that_o they_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o glad_o receive_v their_o word_n will_v this_o have_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o do_v not_o also_o circumcise_v and_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o those_o believe_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o usage_n of_o their_o mother-church_n no_o certain_o such_o a_o commission_n to_o proselyte_n stranger_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n can_v not_o in_o reason_n have_v be_v strain_v to_o prejudice_v the_o customary_a right_n of_o infant_n to_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o in_o parity_n of_o reason_n neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n so_o understand_v their_o commission_n without_o other_o notice_n as_o to_o exclude_v infant_n from_o sacramental_a initiation_n into_o the_o church_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v their_o commission_n be_v a_o direction_n how_o they_o 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as_o i_o say_v before_o call_v twelve_o man_n of_o any_o church_n where_o infant-baptism_n have_v be_v the_o constant_a and_o undoubted_a practice_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o indies_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o to_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o be_v baptise_a with_o the_o baptism_n which_o we_o administer_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o dissenter_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n whether_o he_o think_v that_o these_o man_n breed_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n can_v in_o probability_n so_o interpret_v this_o commission_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o they_o shall_v exclude_v the_o infant_n of_o believe_a proselyte_n from_o baptismal_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n the_o professor_n against_o infant-baptism_n put_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v 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of_o grow_v person_n just_a as_o the_o word_n in_o joh._n 3._o 36._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o thus_o far_o have_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o inconclusive_o and_o absurd_o the_o anabaptist_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o infant_n ought_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n from_o the_o forementioned_a text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o proselyte_v grow_v person_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o baptism_n and_o as_o little_a success_n have_v they_o with_o some_o other_o which_o they_o bring_v to_o show_v how_o unprofitable_a baptism_n be_v for_o infant_n as_o that_o in_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a baptism_n of_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v only_o capable_a signify_v nothing_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o 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decline_v the_o baptise_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o these_o man_n do_v now_o than_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o their_o argument_n be_v better_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o ancient_a a_o practice_n that_o no_o body_n know_v when_o or_o where_o it_o begin_v or_o how_o from_o not_o be_v it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o there_o be_v never_o any_o church_n ancient_a or_o modern_a which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o strange_a partiality_n to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tradition_n or_o the_o original_a use_n of_o baptism_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o it_o have_v under_o the_o law_n have_v the_o 28._o the_o the_o the_o ecquid_fw-la verisimise_n est_fw-la tot_fw-la
indian_a church_n in_o coulan_n and_o crangonor_n and_o about_o maliapur_n plant_v by_o st._n thomas_n both_o which_o practice_n infant-baptism_n though_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o never_o have_v it_o one_o from_o the_o other_o or_o both_o from_o any_o three_o church_n it_o be_v very_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o practice_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o church-destroying_a practice_n if_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n but_o only_o grow_v person_n one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o harmless_a practice_n as_o that_o of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v any_o one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o least_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o no_o such_o prohibition_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o in_o the_o four_o place_n what_o account_n can_v rational_o be_v give_v why_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v refuse_v to_o initiate_v child_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v always_o be_v initiate_v under_o the_o old_a be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o complain_v so_o much_o mere_o because_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o jew_n which_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o circumcise_v their_o child_n will_v not_o have_v complain_v much_o more_o if_o they_o have_v not_o baptise_a they_o but_o quite_o exclude_v they_o like_o the_o infant_n of_o unbeliever_n from_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v gall_v they_o very_o much_o to_o see_v their_o child_n treat_v like_o the_o child_n of_o mere_a stranger_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o visible_a difference_n put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o those_o that_o resist_v the_o faith_n for_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o pagan_a child_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a but_o upon_o their_o own_o as_o separate_a and_o holy_a and_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o same_o distinction_n between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o but_o have_v the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v no_o more_o right_a unto_o baptismal_a initiation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o idolater_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o will_v have_v offend_v they_o more_o than_o all_o they_o preach_v against_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherefore_o since_o we_o never_o read_v among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jew_n custom_n that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n not_o be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o they_o baptise_a they_o not_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n second_o that_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v very_o convince_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o of_o grow_v person_n be_v intend_v by_o he_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n upon_o the_o three_o question_n quest_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o this_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a question_n must_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a whether_o we_o consider_v infant-baptism_n only_o as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o allowable_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n high_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o my_o adversary_n in_o this_o controversy_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o deny_v this_o distinction_n betwixt_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a as_o acknowledge_v nothing_o in_o religious_a matter_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o that_o common_a principle_n imbibe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o direct_v unto_o by_o some_o special_a example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o ordinary_o say_v can_v you_o show_v we_o any_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o you_o can_v we_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o be_v lawful_a but_o if_o you_o can_v we_o disallow_v it_o as_o unlawful_a nay_o as_o a_o usurpation_n and_o will_v never_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o so_o usurp_v it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v plausible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o will_v be_v very_o good_a be_v there_o such_o a_o principle_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o from_o whence_o they_o argue_v viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o as_o the_o man_n with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o this_o controversy_n be_v general_o person_n of_o good_a natural_a understanding_n so_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o beg_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o for_o a_o scripture-rule_a or_o precept_n do_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o man_n conscience_n as_o bad_a as_o papist_n and_o like_o they_o and_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a teach_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o doctrine_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o according_a to_o this_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n though_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o the_o church_n will_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o appoint_v it_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v second_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o pretend_a scripture-rule_a in_o that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bare_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a and_o necessary_a and_o leave_v no_o negative_a mean_n betwixt_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a but_o make_v thing_n forbid_v and_o thing_n not_o command_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o three_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o slavish_a principle_n this_o be_v and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o free_a and_o manly_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o servile_a and_o childish_a condition_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n which_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o from_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n among_o the_o jew_n allow_v private_a person_n to_o practice_n and_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v thing_n of_o a_o religious_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v to_o be_v do_v last_o i_o entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o utter_o impracticable_a this_o pretend_a principle_n be_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o who_o advance_v it_o against_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o particular_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n in_o baptise_v grow_v person_n who_o be_v breed_v up_o from_o infant_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o lords-supper_n who_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o passover_n nor_o paschal-cup_n of_o blessing_n without_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o so_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o little_a well_o consider_v be_v enough_o to_o obviate_v all_o objection_n against_o my_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o supposition_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v bare_o lawful_a and_o
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
a_o table_n for_o we_o and_o set_v before_o we_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n we_o will_v not_o come_v and_o feed_v upon_o it_o with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n the_o end_n a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n and_o sermon_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n tillotson_n dean_n of_o canterbury_n viz._n 1_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 3._o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 5_o of_o november_n 1678._o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n before_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o upon_o st._n luke_n 9_o 55_o 56._o but_o he_o turn_v and_o rebuke_v they_o and_o say_v you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o 4._o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o first_o general_n meet_v of_o the_o gentleman_n and_o other_o in_o and_o near_a london_n who_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o county_n of_o york_n upon_o john_n 13._o 34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n 5._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n april_n four_o 1679_o upon_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 6._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n april_n 2d_o 1680_o upon_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v 7._o the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681_o upon_o heb._n 6._o 16._o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 8._o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_n mr._n thomas_n gouge_n november_n four_o 1681_o with_o a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n upon_o luke_n 20._o 37_o 38._o now_o that_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v even_o moses_n show_v at_o the_o bush_n etc._n etc._n 9_o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n preach_v in_o two_o sermon_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26_o 27_o 28._o for_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v etc._n etc._n 10._o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a benjamin_n whichcot_n d._n d._n and_o minister_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n london_n may_v 24_o 1683_o upon_o 2_o cor._n v._o 6._o wherefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n sell_v by_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n advertisement_n of_o book_n the_o work_n of_o the_o learned_a dr._n isaac_n barrow_n late_a master_n of_o trinity_n college_n in_o cambridge_n publish_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n tillotson_n dean_n of_o canterbury_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o folio_n the_o first_o contain_v thirty_o two_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n a_o exposition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o decalogue_n a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n also_o some_o account_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o author_n with_o alphabetical_a table_n the_o second_o volume_n contain_v sermon_n and_o exposition_n upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n creed_n with_o a_o alphabetical_a table_n and_o to_o which_o may_v be_v also_o add_v the_o life_n of_o the_o author_n sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n wilkins_n d._n d._n and_o late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o chester_n never_o print_v before_o print_a for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o s._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v &_o resolve_v part_n i._n wherein_o these_o query_n be_v consider_v i._o whether_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a gesture_n ii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n iii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n and_o freeman_n collins_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n kneel_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a doubt_n which_o may_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n arise_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v at_o present_a much_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a dissenter_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o resolution_n of_o these_o follow_a query_n 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a posture_n 2._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n 3._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o altogether_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 4._o whether_o kneel_v command_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n 5._o whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v because_o this_o gesture_n be_v first_o introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o a_o transgression_n against_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v another_o gesture_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n our_o only_a recourse_n must_v be_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n deliver_v and_o enact_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v collect_v and_o record_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o command_n there_o extant_a concern_v the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n we_o shall_v upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o but_o before_o i_o give_v in_o my_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n whatsoever_o be_v enjoin_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v prepetual_o use_v by_o all_o christian_n throughout_o all_o age_n without_o any_o alteration_n that_o can_v never_o be_v nullify_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o earthly_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o when_o once_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v any_o way_n signify_v and_o declare_v that_o such_o and_o such_o positive_a law_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o and_o unalterable_o observe_v than_o those_o law_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v changeable_a must_v remain_v in_o full_a force_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n from_o the_o law_n of_o men._n it_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o the_o most_o dare_a presumption_n for_o any_o earthly_a prince_n any_o council_n any_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o oppose_v the_o know_a will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o this_o case_n nothing_o can_v take_v off_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n which_o first_o pass_v they_o into_o law_n thus_o much_o be_v grant_v and_o premise_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o question_v propose_v god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o establish_v the_o unalterable_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v that_o among_o all_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v not_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o be_v leave_v perfect_o at_o our_o
will_v not_o wash_v out_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v trample_v upon_o and_o vilify_a of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o save_v we_o blindly_n therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o run_v into_o error_n and_o mischief_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o safe_o seek_v out_o for_o a_o plain_a rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o either_o way_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o a_o bare_a example_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o sit_v be_v somewhat_o ware_a of_o this_o namely_o that_o his_o example_n and_o those_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o lie_v down_o this_o 339._o gillesp_n against_o cer._n p._n 339._o for_o their_o maxim_n and_o guide_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n without_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n to_o bring_v their_o own_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o our_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o special_a reason_n draw_v from_o that_o time_n and_o place_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o which_o that_o gesture_n be_v peculiar_a how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v use_v another_o gesture_n if_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v institute_v apart_o from_o the_o passover_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o jew_n eat_v the_o passover_n after_o one_o fashion_n in_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o cease_v give_v occasion_n to_o alter_v it_o in_o canaan_n and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n comply_v with_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o that_o his_o example_n if_o he_o do_v sit_v be_v only_o temporary_a and_o not_o design_v for_o a_o stand_a law_n perpetual_o oblige_v to_o a_o like_a practice_n if_o christ_n act_v upon_o special_a reason_n than_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v they_o produce_v the_o reason_n if_o they_o can_v which_o make_v this_o example_n of_o christ_n of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a use_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o follow_v it_o when_o ever_o they_o do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v expose_v their_o own_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v build_v so_o much_o upon_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a ceremo_n gillesp_n 338._o disp_n against_o ceremo_n man_n in_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n and_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o a_o christian_n duty_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n flow_v pure_o from_o example_n record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o talk_v of_o christ_n example_n apart_o from_o all_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o to_o make_v that_o alone_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o while_n the_o world_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o example_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o man_n like_v unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v he_o be_v bear_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o natural_a law_n as_o a_o jew_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n as_o the_o messiah_n send_v of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o compass_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o he_o have_v free_o undertake_v he_o still_o act_v by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o be_v under_o the_o gospel-law_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o exemplify_v to_o we_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o deliver_v that_o which_o make_v that_o bitter_a and_o deadly_a cup_n which_o end_v his_o day_n relish_v with_o he_o be_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cup_n give_v he_o by_o 11._o john_n 18._o 11._o his_o father_n and_o the_o drink_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o soul_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n that_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n that_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o he_o frequent_o profess_v 15._o joh._n 17._o 4._o v._n mat._n 11._o 27._o luke_n 2._o 49._o joh._n 4._o 34._o joh._n 5._o 30._o 8_o c._n 28_o 29._o joh._n 10._o 25._o joh._n 14._o 24_o 31._o joh._n 15._o 10_o 15._o in_o his_o life-time_n that_o he_o do_v as_o his_o father_n give_v he_o commandment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o great_a business_n and_o delight_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o many_o such_o expression_n he_o use_v which_o may_v be_v consult_v at_o leisure_n if_o therefore_o we_o only_o look_v to_o his_o example_n without_o consider_v the_o various_a capacity_n and_o relation_n he_o bear_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o we_o and_o the_o several_a law_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v bind_v which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n we_o shall_v miserable_o mistake_v our_o way_n and_o bewilder_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v act_n like_o fool_n when_o we_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v pursuant_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n if_o we_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o he_o do_v for_o he_o fulfil_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o he_o come_v to_o abolish_v we_o shall_v thereby_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v if_o his_o example_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n i_o have_v stay_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o head_n because_o so_o ill_a a_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture-example_n and_o to_o show_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o may_v safe_o steer_v by_o they_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o one_o doctrine_n so_o teem_a and_o big_a with_o error_n so_o fatal_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o private_a person_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o public_a society_n both_o 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remark_n the_o pretence_n of_o their_o convenient_a usefulness_n will_v be_v no_o better_a excuse_n on_o their_o behalf_n than_o be_v that_o plea_n for_o spare_v the_o best_a of_o the_o antalekite_n cattle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o sacrifice_n when_o god_n have_v devote_v they_o to_o destruction_n for_o if_o god_n as_o they_o say_v have_v command_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n and_o rite_n shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v as_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o the_o convenient_a usefulness_n of_o such_o place_n and_o thing_n will_v never_o bear_v they_o out_o 4_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n because_o that_o cesture_n have_v be_v and_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n so_o also_o be_v sit_v which_o be_v contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o show_v of_o zeal_n for_o the_o pope_n himself_o sit_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o if_o any_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o any_o inquire_v why_o the_o 4._o si_fw-mi quaeratur_fw-la quare_fw-la dominus_fw-la papa_n sedendo_fw-la communicate_v potest_fw-la dici_fw-la quod_fw-la hoc_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o recordationem_fw-la quod_fw-la beatus_fw-la petrus_n &_o alii_fw-la apostoli_fw-la sedendo_fw-la corpus_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o coena_fw-la ultima_fw-la acceperunt_fw-la alex._n hales_n tract_n de_fw-fr missa_fw-la par_fw-fr 2._o quest_n 10._o par_fw-fr 4._o pope_n receive_v sit_v it_o may_v be_v rereply_v that_o he_o use_v that_o gesture_n in_o remembrance_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o ooth_a apostle_n who_o receive_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o last_o supper_n sit_v to_o conclude_v if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v 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any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n shall_v receive_v thus_o much_o satisfaction_n from_o what_o i_o have_v write_v that_o by_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v they_o transgress_v no_o know_a law_n of_o god_n nor_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n example_n that_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o become_v they_o and_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n i_o do_v see_v what_o other_o scruple_n about_o kneel_v shall_v block_n up_o their_o way_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o communicate_v with_o we_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o confess_v who_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n upon_o who_o i_o despair_v of_o do_v good_a by_o any_o attempt_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o they_o be_v such_o who_o scruple_n arise_v from_o a_o vicious_a principle_n not_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o understanding_n but_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n not_o from_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n which_o keep_v pace_n with_o all_o their_o action_n for_o such_o i_o have_v as_o tender_v a_o compassion_n as_o any_o man_n but_o from_o humour_n self-conceit_n affectation_n of_o popular_a applause_n and_o the_o be_v think_v the_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o every_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o nor_o upon_o man_n who_o scruple_n against_o government_n by_o bishop_n the_o liturgy_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v not_o from_o their_o conscience_n but_o their_o stomach_n from_o pride_n and_o ambition_n from_o private_a pique_n &_o disappointment_n in_o the_o state_n from_o hypocrisy_n and_o interest_n when_o the_o more_o they_o rail_v and_o except_v against_o ceremony_n the_o better_a trade_n they_o drive_v in_o the_o world_n from_o such_o as_o these_o i_o expect_v nothing_o but_o contempt_n and_o derision_n and_o that_o the_o medicine_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o poison_n for_o as_o a_o great_a man_n observe_v on_o prov._n 14._o 6._o he_o 230._o lord_n bacon_n advan_n of_o learn_v fol._n p_o 230._o that_o come_v to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n with_o a_o mind_n to_o scorn_v and_o censure_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v matter_n enough_o for_o his_o humour_n but_o no_o matter_n for_o his_o instruction_n finis_fw-la for_o kneel_v i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday-night_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_a pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n mr._n baxter_n be_v christian_a directory_n par_fw-fr 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o §._o 40._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n because_o he_o can_v better_o edify_v there_o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n and_o freeman_n collins_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n because_o he_o can_v better_o edify_v there_o answer_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v this_o plain_a two_o thing_n must_v be_v consider_v first_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n this_o be_v who_o ask_v this_o question_n second_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o edification_n as_o to_o the_o person_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o term_n of_o communion_n put_v upon_o he_o but_o which_o he_o can_v comply_v withal_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n natural_a reason_n or_o plain_a consequence_n fetch_v from_o both_o or_o either_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o question_n for_o he_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o unlawfulness_n and_o not_o edification_n only_o as_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o question_n second_o by_o edification_n be_v mean_v a_o improvement_n of_o his_o spiritual_a condition_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n whereinsoever_o it_o may_v true_o consist_v whether_o in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o in_o the_o separate_a congregation_n be_v better_o teach_v more_o clear_o prove_v more_o fit_o apply_v to_o his_o practice_n and_o to_o support_v his_o hope_n of_o heaven_n or_o whether_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v there_o more_o exact_o lay_v down_o and_o more_o
own_v it_o at_o his_o condemnation_n that_o perhaps_o he_o think_v 349._o colemans_n trial_n p._n 101._o def._n of_o his_o answ_n to_o the_o admonit_a p._n 349._o that_o popery_n may_v come_v in_o if_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n have_v be_v grant_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o wise_a archbishop_n whitgift_n long_o ago_o foresee_v will_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o dissenter_n of_o those_o day_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o antichrist_n work_v effectual_o at_o this_o day_n by_o our_o stir_v and_o contention_n whereby_o he_o have_v and_o will_v more_o prevail_v against_o this_o church_n of_o england_n then_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o and_o now_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o orderly_a and_o true_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o innovation_n schism_n and_o separation_n be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o keep_v out_o popery_n and_o do_v therefore_o conjure_v they_o by_o all_o the_o kindness_n which_o they_o pretend_v for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n hearty_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o as_o which_o i_o believe_v humane_o speak_v to_o be_v if_o not_o the_o only_a at_o least_o the_o only_a safe_a and_o durable_a mean_n of_o shut_v popery_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o door_n ix_o nine_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o that_o if_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o advice_n and_o consideration_n can_v prevail_v with_o they_o they_o will_v at_o least_o cease_v to_o reproach_n the_o government_n for_o revive_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n about_o these_o matter_n i_o know_v it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o man_n to_o complain_v when_o any_o thing_n pinch_v they_o but_o then_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o consider_v who_o fault_n it_o be_v that_o have_v bring_v it_o upon_o they_o the_o law_n in_o this_o case_n be_v frame_v with_o great_a advice_n and_o upon_o dear_a buy_v experience_n and_o every_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n think_v itself_o oblige_v when_o no_o other_o way_n will_v do_v it_o by_o penalty_n to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n safety_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o state_n though_o it_o may_v sometime_o press_v hard_a in_o some_o particular_a case_n when_o man_n through_o fancy_n humour_n mistake_v or_o design_n especial_o about_o little_a and_o as_o themselves_o confess_v indifferent_a matter_n shall_v endanger_v the_o public_a welfare_n and_o by_o a_o ill_a example_n expose_v the_o reverence_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v we_o find_v they_o at_o every_o turn_n charge_v the_o government_n for_o use_v they_o cruel_o and_o with_o the_o hard_a measure_n censure_v their_o superior_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o this_o not_o only_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o common_a sort_n but_o of_o their_o chief_a leader_n even_o to_o this_o hour_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n but_o that_o i_o love_v not_o to_o exasperate_v to_o instance_n in_o several_a thing_n that_o be_v no_o very_o good_a argument_n of_o that_o obedient_a patience_n which_o some_o of_o they_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o temper_n to_o delight_v in_o cruelty_n much_o more_o to_o plead_v for_o severity_n to_o be_v use_v towards_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o therefore_o shall_v have_v say_v nothing_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o vindicate_v the_o government_n which_o upon_o these_o occasion_n i_o have_v so_o often_o hear_v blame_v and_o censure_v i_o will_v these_o person_n who_o complain_v so_o much_o will_v consider_v a_o while_n how_o their_o predecessor_n be_v deal_v with_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o good_a queen_n elizabeth_n which_o will_v appear_v either_o from_o the_o law_n then_o make_v or_o from_o the_o proceed_n then_o have_v against_o they_o the_o law_n then_o make_v against_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o queen_n a_o act_n for_o the_o uniformity_n of_o common-prayer_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o among_o other_o clause_n and_o penalty_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v in_o any_o play_n song_n rhime_n or_o by_o other_o open_a word_n declare_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o derogation_n deprave_v or_o despise_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n or_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v thereof_o lawful_o convict_v he_o shall_v forfeit_v for_o the_o first_o offence_n a_o hundred_o for_o the_o second_o four_o hundred_o mark_n for_o the_o three_o all_o his_o good_n and_o chattel_n and_o shall_v suffer_v imprisonment_n during_o life_n a_o clause_n which_o have_v it_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o its_o due_a life_n and_o power_n our_o liturgy_n and_o divine_a office_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o much_o more_o respect_n and_o reverence_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v meet_v with_o especial_o of_o late_a in_o her_o five_o year_n a_o act_n be_v pass_v for_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o the_o writ_n de_fw-fr excommunicato_fw-la capiendo_fw-la among_o other_o particular_o level_v against_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o to_o come_v to_o divine_a service_n as_o now_o common_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o severe_a penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o shall_v not_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o same_o writ_n anno._n 13._o pass_v a_o act_n of_o general_a pardon_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o exception_n of_o all_o those_o that_o have_v commit_v any_o offence_n against_o the_o act_n for_o the_o uniformity_n of_o common-prayer_n or_o be_v publisher_n of_o seditious_a book_n or_o disturber_n of_o divine_a service_n anno_fw-la 23._o by_o a_o act_n to_o retain_v the_o queen_n majesty_n subject_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o every_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n which_o shall_v not_o repair_v to_o some_o church_n or_o 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