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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
law_n good_a sin_n transgression_n 4,384 5 10.5404 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59546 A discourse of conscience. The second part Concerning a doubting conscience.; Discourse concerning conscience. Part 2. Sharp, John, 1645-1714. 1688 (1688) Wing S2974; ESTC R221827 66,391 76

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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 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 i_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
do_v well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o such_o a_o instance_n where_o their_o command_n do_v so_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o affirm_v the_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o such_o action_n that_o he_o do_v though_o they_o be_v do_v pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o principle_n we_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_n far_o be_v we_o therefore_o from_o assert_v that_o whatever_o our_o governor_n do_v command_v the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o only_o doubt_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o action_n he_o that_o command_v it_o be_v to_o answer_v 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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 superious_a 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
with_o the_o few_o absurdity_n and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v best_a serve_v all_o the_o interest_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a take_v both_o together_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n can_v propose_v to_o himself_o i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n do_v mean_a this_o by_o the_o safe_a side_n i_o do_v ready_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o it_o will_v for_o ever_o and_o in_o all_o case_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a rule_n nay_o i_o add_v the_o only_a one_o to_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n but_o then_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o safety_n the_o safe_a side_n and_o the_o more_o reasonable_a be_v all_o one_o thing_n and_o consequent_o this_o rule_n of_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n and_o that_o i_o before_o lay_v down_o of_o follow_v the_o more_o reasonable_a be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n though_o different_o express_v only_o i_o think_v this_o latter_a way_n of_o expression_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v it_o but_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o how_o man_n word_n thing_n so_o long_o as_o we_o agree_v in_o our_o sense_n ii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o determine_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a head_n or_o sort_n of_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o this_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o this_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v admit_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o will_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n it_o be_v either_o a_o single_a doubt_n or_o a_o double_a one_o we_o call_v that_o a_o single_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o doubt_v concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_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_n 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
law_n of_o god_n than_o of_o observe_v that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v though_o with_o much_o unworthiness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o further_a with_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o encourage_v any_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o due_a qualification_n or_o from_o extenuate_v any_o man_n sin_n that_o come_v unworthy_o unworthy_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o melancholy_a scrupulous_a person_n yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o live_v in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o a_o renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n and_o withal_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o even_o the_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n voluntary_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o partake_n in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v for_o all_o that_o think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n from_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o too_o much_o consider_v how_o often_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o with_o our_o case_n in_o the_o three_o place_n therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v give_v to_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o 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 a_o count_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
pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_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 over_o balance_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 consessor_fw-la 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 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 bazard_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