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a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o every_o humane_a law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o no_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o affirm_v this_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o manamong_n we_o upon_o these_o term_n will_v be_v innocent_a thus_o much_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o where_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n
disobedience_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o little_a absurd_a to_o say_v that_o those_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o separate_v from_o it_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v just_a what_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o such_o person_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n cease_v to_o be_v sound_a member_n you_o add_v nay_o possible_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v several_a religious_a assembly_n live_v by_o different_a custom_n and_o rule_n and_o yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v not_o more_o inconsistent_a than_o that_o particular_a place_n shall_v have_v their_o particular_a custom_n and_o by-law_n differ_v from_o the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o land_n without_o make_v a_o distinct_a government_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o variety_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o worship_n in_o several_a congregation_n be_v consistent_a with_o one_o communion_n may_v be_v grant_v when_o the_o prudence_n of_o 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very_o convenient_a to_o lengthen_v a_o sermon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o art_n to_o lengthen_v this_o answer_n which_o be_v too_o long_o already_o your_o first_o charge_n upon_o i_o be_v that_o i_o only_o amuse_v people_n with_o equivocal_a word_n and_o term_n that_o i_o play_v 16._o letter_n 3._o p._n 16._o with_o the_o word_n church_n and_o schism_n which_o have_v be_v no_o fault_n have_v i_o play_v the_o right_a way_n with_o they_o that_o be_v have_v i_o ridicule_v they_o as_o you_o do_v who_o think_v they_o word_n only_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v with_o who_o have_v find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o any_o government_n which_o be_v only_o a_o intrigue_n 12._o p._n 12._o between_o clergyman_n on_o all_o side_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n 17._o p._n 17._o church_n to_o be_v schism_n but_o place_n schism_n whole_o in_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o division_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n who_o still_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o a_o true_a independent_a notion_n to_o justify_v causeless_a separation_n division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v certain_o very_o sinful_a and_o a_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o unnatural_a as_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n shall_v fight_v with_o each_o other_o while_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o same_o body_n but_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o same_o body_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o schism_n unless_o a_o quarrel_n be_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n but_o separation_n be_v none_o you_o desire_v i_o to_o define_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o church_n when_o consider_v as_o catholic_n and_o universal_a and_o when_o take_v in_o a_o more_o restrain_a sense_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v already_o if_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o you_o may_v find_v it_o do_v more_o large_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o but_o will_v 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 on_o earth_n be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o church_n not_o that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o member_n also_o of_o the_o invisible_a that_o be_v every_o profess_a christian_a be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o whoever_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o do_v not_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o what_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v know_v do_v not_o concern_v we_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o with_o he_o it_o become_v we_o to_o leave_v they_o but_o this_o also_o you_o may_v find_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n you_o urge_v the_o case_n of_o pope_n victor_n who_o as_o you_o say_v in_o a_o council_n or_o 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
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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office_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v unlawful_a mere_o because_o it_o be_v not_o command_v be_v a_o doctrine_n i_o think_v that_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o among_o jew_n or_o christian_n till_o very_o late_o god_n have_v command_v the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o tabernacle_n and_o most_o punctual_o describe_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v we_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v one_o pin_n about_o it_o for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o some_o special_a direction_n and_o god_n never_o speak_v a_o word_n concern_v building_n of_o a_o house_n 17._o see_v 2_o sam._n 17._o yet_o this_o notwithstanding_o david_n without_o any_o command_n 17._o 1_o chron._n 17._o have_v it_o in_o his_o thought_n to_o build_v one_o and_o nathan_n in_o his_o private_a judgement_n approve_v of_o the_o design_n and_o god_n himself_o though_o he_o suspend_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o for_o some_o time_n commend_v he_o for_o it_o and_o reward_v his_o pious_a intention_n 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 observe_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n then_o to_o conceive_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o they_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v conclude_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a under_o the_o law_n where_o the_o external_a form_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v particular_o specify_v to_o admit_v of_o certain_a usage_n that_o be_v not_o command_v then_o much_o less_o be_v it_o sinful_a to_o do_v so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o external_a form_n be_v not_o so_o specify_v where_o we_o have_v little_o more_o than_o such_o general_a rule_n as_o these_o to_o be_v respective_o apply_v by_o superior_n and_o inferior_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 15._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o heb._n 13._o 17._o rom._n 4._o 15._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n i_o have_v be_v something_o the_o long_o in_o consider_v this_o argument_n because_o the_o whole_a debate_n must_v issue_v here_o which_o way_n soever_o this_o be_v decide_v the_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n if_o our_o church_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o that_o be_v unlawful_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_a from_o she_o if_o she_o do_v not_o we_o be_v strict_o engage_v to_o communicate_v with_o she_o they_o therefore_o that_o divide_v shall_v first_o show_v that_o she_o enjoin_v something_o unlawful_a but_o that_o never_o be_v and_o i_o very_o believe_v never_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o person_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o 10._o 23._o of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o then_o since_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n that_o she_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v forbid_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o she_o command_v 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we_o which_o those_o that_o withdraw_v will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o to_o think_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v their_o departure_n to_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o give_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o can_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n therefore_o be_v wont_a to_o plead_v that_o there_o be_v a_o liturgy_n or_o set_a form_n of_o public_a worship_n prescribe_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a ceremony_n enjoin_v that_o the_o use_n of_o these_o controvert_v thing_n give_v great_a scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o can_v safe_o join_v in_o our_o mix_a communion_n that_o they_o leave_v our_o assembly_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o great_a edification_n which_o they_o can_v find_v elsewhere_o and_o for_o these_o reason_n they_o think_v
from_o divine_a providence_n 2._o a_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o humane_a law_n which_o forbid_v it_o 3._o a_o necessity_n from_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o public_a and_o 4._o when_o it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o great_a hindrance_n than_o help_n as_o when_o we_o must_v use_v none_o or_o do_v worse_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a be_v thereby_o make_v necessary_a and_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o what_o be_v public_o establish_v without_o the_o breach_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o the_o bring_n danger_n upon_o himself_o be_v as_o much_o where_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v restrain_v from_o so_o do_v as_o if_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o natural_a or_o providential_a necessity_n that_o be_v the_o one_o he_o can_v do_v physical_o and_o natural_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v moral_o honest_o and_o prudent_o have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o communion_n in_o a_o worship_n not_o essential_o defective_a and_o corrupt_a be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o where_o better_a be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o that_o better_o be_v not_o to_o have_v where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v lawful_o i_o may_v free_o pass_v on_o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v take_v from_o malac._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n etc._n etc._n that_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o return_v their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n reply_n 1._o no_o argument_n can_v be_v 14._o letter_n of_o the_o the_o minist_n of_o old-england_n to_o those_o in_o new-engl_n p._n 14._o bring_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o by_o analogy_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o argue_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o liable_a to_o most_o exception_n and_o apt_a to_o draw_v aside_o if_o care_n be_v not_o have_v which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v not_o to_o take_v the_o proportion_n in_o every_o material_a point_n just_a and_o true_a 2._o the_o corrupt_a 74._o ball_n be_v trial_n of_o the_o ground_n p._n 74._o sacrifice_n be_v that_o which_o the_o deceiver_n bring_v voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o neglect_n have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n but_o the_o faithful_a bring_v himself_o and_o his_o goodly_a desire_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o corruption_n whether_o respect_v matter_n or_o form_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o they_o cleave_v not_o to_o his_o sacrifice_n to_o stain_v or_o pollute_v it_o etc._n etc._n 3._o he_o offer_v not_o a_o corrupt_a thing_n who_o offer_v the_o best_a he_o have_v 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v mr._n ball_n that_o what_o be_v 78._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n c._n 4._o p._n 78._o simple_o best_a be_v not_o best_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n or_o end_n what_o be_v best_a in_o a_o time_n free_a be_v not_o best_o in_o a_o time_n not_o free_a it_o be_v grant_v say_v mr._n baxter_n that_o 85._o def._n of_o cure_n p._n 85._o we_o must_v offer_v god_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v do_v but_o not_o the_o best_a which_o we_o can_v do_v and_o many_o thing_n must_v concur_v and_o especial_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a good_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a so_o that_o before_o this_o text_n can_v be_v 86._o v._o burrough_n iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 86._o oppose_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v corruption_n as_o much_o prohibit_v as_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a under_o the_o law_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o a_o person_n do_v choose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o offer_v it_o when_o he_o have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n 3._o that_o such_o a_o corruption_n as_o affect_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n do_v yet_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o abominable_a to_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o objection_n reach_v not_o the_o case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o that_o place_n for_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o a_o remarkable_a say_v 5._o platform_n of_o discipline_n c._n 13._o §_o 5._o of_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a when_o it_o be_v for_o better_a edification_n and_o that_o we_o may_v choose_v what_o be_v for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v more_o for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v less_o for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o case_n i_o shall_v show_v from_o they_o p._n 2._o that_o as_o defect_n and_o fault_n in_o worship_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n sometime_o they_o say_v it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imaginary_a a_o seem_a contentment_n of_o mind_n as_o one_o 58._o methermenent_fw-la p._n 71._o on_o john_n 4._o lect._n 58._o call_v it_o this_o mr._n hildersham_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o prefer_v other_o before_o their_o own_o pastor_n only_o because_o they_o show_v more_o zeal_n in_o their_o voice_n and_o gesture_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n though_o haply_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v nothing_o so_o wholesome_a or_o powerful_a or_o fit_a to_o edify_v their_o conscience_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n be_v of_o such_o he_o say_v we_o may_v wish_v they_o more_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n mr._n baxter_n observe_v the_o 359._o cure_v of_o diâ—is_n p._n 359._o same_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o another_o that_o the_o other_o be_v best_a and_o common_o appearance_n and_o a_o take_a tone_n and_o voice_n do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o solid_a evidence_n of_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o edification_n which_o say_v a_o reverend_a person_n of_o late_a lie_v more_o in_o 95._o conâ—inuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 4_o p._n 95._o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n than_o in_o the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o affection_n these_o as_o he_o say_v be_v indeed_o of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o other_o but_o without_o they_o be_v far_o from_o make_v a_o person_n better_o and_o leave_v he_o true_o edify_v again_o it_o may_v be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o that_o complain_v they_o do_v not_o edify_v mr._n hildersham_n charge_v it_o upon_o such_o thou_o 58._o lect._n 28._o p_o 129._o and_o lect._n 58._o may_v receive_v profit_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o thyself_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o that_o preach_v and_o he_o thus_o free_o again_o declare_v himself_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v never_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n if_o he_o have_v a_o godly_a heart_n but_o he_o can_v true_o say_v he_o never_o hear_v any_o faithful_a minister_n in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v so_o mean_a but_o he_o can_v discern_v some_o gift_n in_o he_o that_o be_v want_v in_o himself_o and_o can_v receive_v some_o profit_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o advise_v to_o cure_v the_o fault_n before_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n so_o the_o pious_a person_n abovesaid_a argue_v how_o shall_v thou_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o thou_o come_v with_o prejudice_n without_o any_o reverence_n or_o delight_n unto_o it_o nor_o do_v scarce_o acknowledge_v god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o so_o mr._n jenkin_n direct_v labour_v for_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o judas_n v._o 19_o experimental_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n man_n
kind_n that_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n among_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o a_o separation_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v as_o well_o wound_v themselves_o as_o those_o they_o bend_v it_o against_o and_o they_o that_o do_v so_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n so_o mr._n baxter_n many_o that_o observe_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o holy_a discipline_n avoid_v this_o 231._o cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o error_n by_o turn_v to_o a_o sinful_a separation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o that_o grave_a advice_n of_o dr._n owen_n when_o 77._o evangel_n loâ—e_a c_o 3_o p._n 77._o any_o church_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v by_o his_o own_o consent_n antecedent_o a_o member_n do_v fall_v in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a from_o any_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v profess_v or_o when_o it_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n or_o irregulatity_n in_o its_o administration_n such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v place_v in_o his_o present_a state_n by_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o may_v orderly_o therein_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o such_o defection_n and_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o they_o who_o miscarriage_n at_o present_a he_o can_v remedy_n in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v a_o large_a and_o spacious_a field_n for_o wisdom_n patience_n love_n and_o prudent_a zeal_n to_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a imagination_n that_o separation_n be_v the_o only_a cure_n for_o church-disorder_n if_o this_o advice_n be_v good_a in_o one_o case_n it_o be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o it_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o faithful_o follow_v this_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o force_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o little_a this_o plea_n of_o the_o defective_a discipline_n reach_v the_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o law_n take_v order_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o dr._n bryan_n say_v 28._o say_v say_v say_v dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p_o 301._o v._o grave_a confut_o part_n 1._o p._n 17._o â—ermin_n separation_n examine_v p._n 28._o and_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n put_v thereby_o into_o the_o minister_n hand_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o after_o dr._n collins_n have_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o rubric_n canon_n etc._n etc._n he_o conclude_v 122._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 151_o &_o 154._o v._o vine_n on_o sacrament_n c._n 19_o p._n 233._o brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church_n reformat_fw-la p_o 122._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o time_n ever_o since_o it_o be_v a_o church_n have_v be_v to_o suspend_v some_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v defect_n through_o some_o past_a and_o present_a obstruction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yet_o can_v the_o church_n proper_o stand_v charge_v with_o they_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v 236._o acknowledge_v acknowledge_v acknowledge_v brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 48._o jenk_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o blake'_v vindiciae_fw-la c._n 31._o p._n 236._o or_o whatever_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a cause_n from_o a_o defect_n remissness_n or_o corruption_n therein_o for_o a_o separation_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v from_o a_o grave_a author_n those_o say_v he_o that_o for_o many_o year_n together_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o three_o last_o prince_n deny_v to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o this_o church_n have_v a_o low_a opinion_n of_o the_o discipline_n then_o exercise_v of_o which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o large_a evidence_n yet_o how_o tender_a be_v they_o of_o the_o church_n honour_n to_o keep_v christian_n in_o communion_n how_o zealous_a be_v they_o against_o separation_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o mr._n parker_n mr._n paget_n mr._n ball._n mr._n brightman_n lay_v we_o low_a enough_o when_o he_o do_v not_o only_o parallel_v we_o with_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n but_o make_v that_o church_n the_o type_n and_o we_o the_o antitype_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o discipline_n yet_o how_o zealous_a be_v he_o against_o separation_n from_o these_o assembler_n and_o break_v out_o in_o these_o word_n therefore_o their_o error_n be_v wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a who_o so_o forsake_v the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v altogether_o banish_v thence_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o grave_a sort_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n and_o what_o rule_v they_o do_v lay_v down_o about_o it_o and_o show_v that_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o the_o last_o advice_n give_v by_o a_o reverend_a person_n to_o his_o parishioner_n in_o a_o farewell_n sermon_n in_o 454._o england_n remembranc_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o these_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o extreme_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a temptation_n in_o a_o time_n of_o difference_n to_o think_v we_o can_v run_v too_o far_o from_o they_o we_o differ_v from_o and_o so_o whilst_o we_o decline_v one_o rock_n we_o split_v upon_o another_o remember_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o superstition_n and_o separation_n maintain_v i_o beseech_v you_o sober_a principle_n such_o as_o these_o be_v that_o every_o defective_a ministry_n be_v not_o a_o false_a ministry_n that_o sinful_a super-addition_n do_v not_o nullify_v divine_a institution_n that_o sinful_a defect_n in_o ordinance_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o direct_v a_o worship_n prescribe_v thing_n simple_o evil_a and_o manifest_o idolatrous_a and_o direct_v about_o worship_n thing_n doubtful_o good_a be_v enjoin_v but_o the_o unquestionable_a substance_n of_o worship_n be_v maintain_v this_o latter_a ter_z do_v not_o justify_v separation_n and_o that_o the_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o do_v not_o affect_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v such_o but_o what_o may_v be_v safe_o communicate_v in_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v from_o they_o 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o eminent_a nonconformist_n general_n 3._o general_n have_v have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v enjoin_v upon_o those_o that_o hold_v lay-communion_n with_o it_o which_o respect_v form_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n tolerable_a and_o what_o no_o church_n be_v without_o more_o or_o less_o 68_o less_o less_o less_o letter_n of_o the_o miâ—ist_n of_o old-engl_n p._n 12_o 13._o bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n p._n 311._o troughton_n apol_n c._n 7_o p._n 68_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v communion_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o dedic_n few_o few_o few_o owen_n peace-off_a p._n 17._o mischief_n of_o imposition_n epist_n dedic_n first_o form_n and_o so_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v what_o their_o opinion_n be_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o public_a form_n of_o form_n prescribe_v and_o of_o that_o particular_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n use_v in_o this_o church_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v declare_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o what_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v as_o we_o see_v occasion_n so_o mr._n ball_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v 131._o trial_n c._n 2._o p._n 36_o etc._n etc._n 8._o p._n 131._o any_o particular_a form_n stint_v or_o not_o stint_v as_o necessary_a but_o do_v warrant_n both_o as_o allowable_a for_o where_o nothing_o be_v in_o particular_a command_v touch_v the_o external_a form_n of_o word_n and_o order_n in_o which_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o to_o put_v religion_n in_o read_v or_o utter_v word_n in_o a_o stint_a or_o conceive_a form_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o superstition_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o 137._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
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
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
in_o great_a danger_n to_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o he_o now_o have_v upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v most_o principal_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o maintain_v it_o now_o i_o say_v suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n equal_a this_o very_a consideration_n alone_o will_v prevail_v with_o a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o forbear_v it_o even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v unworthy_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o large_a exemplification_n of_o all_o our_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v thus_o prepare_v our_o way_n by_o settle_v the_o notion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o main_a business_n that_o be_v before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o share_n humane_a law_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a have_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o what_o power_n they_o have_v to_o over-rule_v a_o man_n doubt_n in_o any_o case_n which_o according_a to_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v be_v the_o three_o general_n enquiry_n i_o be_o to_o resolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a point_n that_o be_v dispute_v between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o point_n upon_o which_o that_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v so_o far_o as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discuss_v it_o as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o general_a way_n as_o that_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v may_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o doubtful_a case_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o this_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o their_o assertion_n general_o be_v this_o general_o i_o say_v for_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o those_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a as_o any_o who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o of_o another_o opinion_n viz._n that_o wherever_o a_o man_n doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o very_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o forbear_v that_o action_n though_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assertion_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o chief_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n i._o what_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o right_n apprehend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o what_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o first_o we_o do_v ready_o own_v with_o they_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v its_o subject_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v second_o we_o agree_v likewise_o with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o wherever_o any_o subject_n have_v take_v up_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o such_o a_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o will_v so_o far_o bind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v in_o that_o instance_n obey_v their_o law_n without_o offend_a god_n but_o then_o we_o say_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o though_o he_o can_v obey_v without_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v yet_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n three_o we_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o particular_a action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v a_o sinful_a action_n but_o only_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o yet_o if_o the_o man_n have_v a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o no_o public_a law_n will_v warrant_v he_o to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v no_o more_o do_v the_o action_n enjoin_v without_o sin_n than_o he_o can_v in_o the_o former_a case_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o disobey_v his_o superior_n unless_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n of_o inculpable_a ignorance_n four_o we_o say_v this_o far_o that_o a_o culpable_a doubt_n do_v no_o more_o excuse_v the_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o a_o culpable_a ignorance_n i._n e._n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v it_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o so_o plain_o i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o know_v this_o and_o he_o must_v be_v most_o criminal_o ignorant_a that_o can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o his_o superior_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v that_o a_o man_n 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 for_o it_o and_o not_o he_o that_o obey_v for_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o matter_n where_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o action_n which_o their_o superior_a god_n almighty_a have_v forbid_v we_o be_v offender_n if_o we_o do_v that_o action_n as_o well_o as_o they_o in_o command_v it_o and_o that_o whether_o we_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n but_o then_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o as_o i_o say_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v that_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n do_v command_v and_o it_o be_v either_o through_o his_o gross_a carelessness_n or_o some_o other_o worse_a principle_n in_o he_o that_o he_o know_v it_o not_o or_o be_v doubtful_a of_o it_o for_o wherever_o a_o man_n be_v innocent_o and_o inculpable_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a matter_n which_o authority_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_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
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
form_n other_o doubt_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ceremony_n or_o our_o way_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o it_o may_v be_v about_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v indeed_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v undetermined_a and_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v under_o this_o suspense_n of_o judgement_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o will_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v now_o of_o those_o that_o thus_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o that_o have_v only_o a_o single_a doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o 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adviseable_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v do_v in_o each_o of_o these_o case_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o but_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o separate_a to_o this_o i_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o safe_a for_o he_o to_o separate_a than_o if_o he_o have_v doubt_v on_o both_o side_n because_o indeed_o if_o he_o must_v doubt_v at_o all_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o his_o doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o resolution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o we_o have_v allow_v it_o as_o such_o that_o in_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v i_o do_v ready_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o intend_a and_o do_v only_o obtain_v in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v forbear_v that_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v though_o he_o can_v without_o danger_n of_o sin_v do_v the_o action_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v about_o it_o but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n here_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v conform_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o danger_n of_o sin_v nay_o and_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o conform_v so_o that_o that_o rule_n have_v here_o no_o place_n at_o all_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o case_n if_o it_o be_v right_o put_v be_v this_o a_o man_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o that_o i_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_n cut_v myself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o i_o may_v likewise_o lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a disobedience_n and_o refractariness_n to_o all_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o i_o too_o which_o yet_o by_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a i_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v both_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o be_o very_o unsatisfied_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n thus_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o what_o now_o will_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v to_o this_o case_n why_o certain_o he_o will_v say_v this_o that_o he_o who_o can_v doubt_v after_o this_o fashion_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o a_o very_a ignorant_a one_o and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o good_a advice_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n about_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o christianity_n than_o of_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n because_o indeed_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o his_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v thus_o ignorant_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v observe_v they_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v his_o act_n if_o it_o shall_v indeed_o prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o a_o man_n right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o be_v entangle_v by_o a_o wilful_o eroneous_a one_o will_v no_o more_o discharge_v he_o from_o sin_n as_o to_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o the_o second_o concoction_n though_o never_o so_o regular_a can_v rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o as_o to_o his_o body_n but_o second_o though_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o offer_v be_v the_o proper_a answer_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o further_a to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o viz._n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n at_o all_o in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o so_o that_o the_o doubt_v about_o conformity_n shall_v have_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n as_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o case_n i_o say_v now_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o just_a dispute_n whether_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n be_v the_o more_o eligible_a side_n nay_o i_o say_v further_o that_o if_o the_o rule_n i_o lay_v down_o about_o a_o single_a doubt_n be_v true_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v only_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o disobey_v and_o separate_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_v the_o rule_n be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v that_o side_n of_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n that_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o very_a great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o very_a great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o very_a consideration_n
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o it_o he_o have_v some_o little_a reason_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o will_v never_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o at_o liberty_n have_v no_o very_a weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o any_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-play_n or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischief_n 1._o when_o our_o superior_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a who_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n our_o scruple_n will_v not_o excuse_v or_o justify_v our_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o we_o judge_v what_o be_v command_v to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a erroneous_a judgement_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o such_o persuasion_n we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o upon_o any_o inducement_n whatever_o if_o i_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n wherein_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n i_o be_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o do_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o be_o certain_o innocent_a when_o i_o forbear_v i_o may_v commit_v a_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v it_o wisdom_n will_v therefore_o that_o the_o safe_a part_n be_v choose_v but_o now_o if_o i_o be_o by_o the_o command_n of_o my_o superior_n oblige_v to_o it_o my_o choice_n be_v then_o determine_v it_o than_o become_v my_o duty_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v safe_a or_o advisable_v to_o neglect_v a_o plain_a duty_n for_o a_o uncertain_a offence_n thus_o most_o and_o best_a casuist_n do_v determine_v about_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n particular_o the_o 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communion_n with_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v far_o great_a corruption_n both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o practice_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o we_o at_o this_o day_n yet_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o mankind_n he_o forsake_v not_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o assemble_v with_o they_o in_o their_o public_a synagogue_n which_o answer_n to_o our_o parish-church_n preach_v in_o the_o temple_n though_o they_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n observe_v their_o festival_n though_o some_o of_o they_o of_o humane_a institution_n nay_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o continue_v to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o wretched_a generation_n of_o men._n great_a be_v the_o pollution_n and_o misdemeanour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n
one_o in_o this_o question_n a_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v by_o chance_n happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o prove_v it_o by_o this_o reason_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n must_v own_v for_o true_a and_o good_a because_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o own_o than_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o rather_o to_o avoid_v sin_n in_o himself_o than_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o his_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o whether_o any_o human_a authority_n can_v make_v that_o action_n cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a which_o if_o do_v without_o any_o such_o command_n have_v be_v criminal_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scandal_n that_o follow_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a can_v secure_v that_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v by_o what_o i_o do_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o 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be_v that_o the_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n cancel_v the_o public_a law_n or_o that_o every_o ignorant_a and_o froward_a brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n especial_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o duty_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n before_o we_o give_v a_o alm_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o exact_v of_o we_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accuse_v we_o of_o injury_n if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o but_o a_o great_a care_n to_o hinder_v sin_n in_o other_o or_o not_o to_o scandalize_v they_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o after_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v his_o due_a and_o right_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o forenamed_a most_o judicious_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_a to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la dicat_fw-la ut_fw-la habeamus_fw-la quod_fw-la demus_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la faciamus_fw-la furta_fw-la divitibus_fw-la who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o steal_v from_o the_o rich_a what_o we_o may_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tax_n on_o pretence_n that_o you_o know_v those_o who_o have_v more_o need_n of_o your_o money_n to_o this_o mr._n jean_n reply_v suppose_v say_v he_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o here_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o both_o be_v require_v by_o god_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v to_o those_o in_o want_n what_o be_v none_o of_o i_o own_o this_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n or_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n to_o do_v he_o good_a by_o wrong_v our_o superior_n god_n have_v oblige_v servant_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o power_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o master_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o to_o give_v away_o their_o master_n good_n without_o his_o leave_n though_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o relief_n god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n or_o fall_v but_o then_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o management_n in_o all_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o be_v bind_v charitable_o to_o regard_v our_o brother_n but_o in_o instance_n where_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n our_o superior_n only_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n it_o remain_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o great_a bishop_n in_o what_o case_n soever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n of_o circumstance_n we_o have_v nothing_o permit_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o remit_v of_o the_o right_n of_o god_n or_o our_o superior_a and_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o neighbour_n in_o such_o
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
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
this_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v only_o respect_v sit_v as_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o that_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o these_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n in_o a_o private_a house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n 20._o supper_n supper_n supper_n mat._n 26._o 20._o in_o the_o company_n of_o 11_o or_o 12_o at_o most_o 14._o mar._n 14._o 17._o luke_n 22._o 14._o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o as_o there_o do_v to_o sit._n so_o that_o this_o argument_n violent_o recoil_v upon_o those_o that_o urge_v it_o and_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o it_o conclude_v strong_o against_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o liberty_n they_o take_v in_o omit_v some_o thing_n and_o press_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o other_o upon_o a_o reason_n which_o equal_o oblige_v to_o all_o but_o i_o desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o may_v be_v answ_n two_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o these_o scotchman_n to_o take_v this_o further_a consideration_n along_o with_o they_o which_o i_o think_v will_v turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o tender_a conscience_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o observe_v most_o of_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o they_o omit_v rather_o than_o this_o of_o sit_v which_o they_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o contend_v for_o all_o those_o forementioned_a circumstance_n except_o the_o two_o last_o which_o too_o be_v general_o allow_v among_o learned_a man_n on_o all_o side_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v without_o dispute_n observe_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o he_o at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a and_o dubious_a as_o i_o shall_v evince_v by_o and_o by_o under_o the_o second_o query_n how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o where_o express_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v he_o real_o do_v why_o that_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o dubious_a shall_v be_v make_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o and_o evident_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n shall_v have_v no_o force_n nor_o be_v esteem_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o these_o be_v question_n i_o confess_v beyond_o my_o capacity_n and_o surpass_v my_o skill_n to_o resolve_v it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n that_o answ_n iii_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v this_o do_v respect_n only_o the_o verse_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 27_o 28._o verse_n bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o other_o action_n there_o specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_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 it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a after_o all_o as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v and_o then_o i_o leave_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n how_o they_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v before_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o will_v ever_o answer_v to_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n their_o live_n and_o die_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o express_a command_n of_o his_o give_v a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o mere_o because_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o authority_n be_v cross_v to_o their_o private_a will_n and_o fancy_n but_o not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o serious_a and_o sincere-hearted_n person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o not_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o law_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n use_v that_o gesture_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o provide_v we_o will_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o either_o sit_v or_o stand_v that_o be_v any_o way_n but_o that_o which_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o conduct_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a which_o be_v not_o where_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o limit_v by_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v without_o sin_n become_v sinful_a to_o we_o when_o impose_v by_o humane_a authority_n it_o be_v remote_a from_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o false_a a_o principle_n this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o tenent_n to_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o who_o hold_v and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v receive_v kneel_v which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v safe_o do_v plain_o own_o that_o as_o to_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o principle_n this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n it_o can_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v as_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v if_o
stranger_n i_o mean_v who_o have_v see_v the_o world_n and_o have_v learn_v our_o language_n and_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o sermon_n that_o be_v common_o preach_v and_o print_v in_o this_o great_a city_n affirm_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o god_n grant_v we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o such_o singular_a help_n by_o our_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o candlestick_n be_v not_o remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n because_o we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o light_n which_o it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n if_o not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n we_o make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n but_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o do_v not_o pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o object_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o unprofitable_a ministry_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o city_n to_o who_o inhabitant_n i_o principal_o write_v be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o to_o judge_n of_o themselves_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n i_o suppose_v we_o be_v all_o agree_v or_o may_v easy_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n for_o we_o agree_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v right_o open_v and_o due_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n so_o that_o the_o hearer_n improve_v either_o in_o christian_a knowledge_n or_o in_o faith_n or_o in_o well-doing_n than_o they_o profit_v by_o that_o 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god_n do_v not_o bless_v his_o ministry_n but_o the_o fault_n must_v lie_v if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o sermon_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o delivery_n i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v that_o any_o dissenter_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v will_v except_v against_o our_o sermon_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o such_o care_n to_o find_v out_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o proper_a meaning_n that_o perhaps_o they_o be_v never_o more_o clear_o open_v and_o right_o apply_v than_o they_o be_v now_o adays_o in_o our_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o that_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o be_v about_o to_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o god_n repeat_v in_o his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o he_o shadow_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n illustrate_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o final_o fulfil_v in_o the_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o diffuse_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o over_o the_o world_n be_v there_o so_o full_o and_o distinct_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n will_n be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o faithful_o declare_v among_o we_o and_o as_o that_o be_v declare_v complete_o so_o little_a else_o be_v meddle_v withal_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v as_o rare_o handle_v in_o our_o pulpit_n i_o believe_v as_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o which_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n sometime_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fortify_v the_o people_n against_o popery_n and_o against_o separation_n yet_o even_o these_o be_v not_o so_o often_o treat_v of_o as_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n to_o all_o party_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o great_a drift_n of_o our_o preacher_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v they_o good_a particular_o to_o give_v they_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n know_v that_o error_n and_o superstition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o without_o a_o particular_a confutation_n for_o they_o be_v support_v by_o nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o naughty_a affection_n which_o will_v uphold_v they_o against_o all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v assault_v unless_o man_n mind_n be_v inform_v and_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o thing_n as_o alter_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o our_o minister_n and_o which_o be_v so_o well_o perform_v that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a either_o to_o make_v man_n true_o know_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o to_o work_v belief_n in_o they_o or_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v those_o direction_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o satisfy_v material_a scruple_n to_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o comfort_v disconsolate_a penitent_n and_o awaken_v drowsy_a sinner_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o our_o church_n so_o full_o solid_o and_o judicious_o handle_v that_o man_n need_v go_v no_o whither_o else_o for_o edification_n if_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o true_o desire_v and_o sincere_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o what_o truth_n can_v they_o learn_v any_o where_o else_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v if_o they_o will_v attend_v upon_o god_n service_n there_o in_o our_o church_n what_o motive_n to_o believe_v or_o what_o argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o there_o represent_v and_o press_v what_o vice_n be_v there_o which_o do_v not_o there_o receive_v just_a correction_n what_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o there_o most_o strong_o recommend_v which_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o there_o apply_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o where_o can_v man_n have_v better_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v against_o all_o the_o impenitent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o if_o man_n can_v profit_v where_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v constant_o manage_v to_o as_o much_o advantage_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o preacher_n will_v enable_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o fault_n must_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o than_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n ii_o yes_o will_v some_o say_v we_o allow_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o to_o be_v good_a enough_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v reap_v the_o like_a benefit_n by_o they_o that_o we_o do_v by_o other_o man_n preach_v who_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n the_o fault_n must_v lie_v either_o in_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o or_o in_o their_o delivery_n after_o they_o be_v compose_v 1._o now_o if_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o be_v faulty_a it_o be_v because_o their_o method_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a or_o the_o language_n not_o plain_a enough_o to_o convey_v the_o
find_v almost_o only_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o here_o be_v something_o of_o it_o to_o be_v discern_v i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o all_o church_n see_v i_o well_o understand_v the_o good_a be_v of_o our_o own_o which_o suffer_v bonner_n himself_o to_o live_v yet_o in_o all_o faction_n and_o party_n though_o the_o inequality_n of_o power_n make_v it_o not_o seem_v to_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o of_o they_o the_o cat_n have_v the_o same_o inward_a part_n with_o the_o lion_n though_o they_o differ_v much_o in_o size_n and_o some_o such_o likewise_o they_o will_v find_v who_o dissect_v humane_a nature_n and_o body_n civil_a there_o be_v this_o disposition_n in_o man_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o politic_a or_o the_o conscientious_a the_o external_n practice_n of_o all_o party_n be_v answerable_a to_o this_o inward_a disposition_n there_o be_v this_o inward_a disposition_n in_o man_n who_o espouse_v any_o faction_n whether_o their_o end_n be_v design_n of_o state_n or_o of_o religion_n party_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o show_n concern_v for_o religion_n will_v perpetual_o covet_v power_n after_o power_n and_o party_n who_o be_v serious_a and_o conscientious_a in_o their_o way_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v will_v not_o remain_v in_o a_o indifference_n of_o term_n towards_o those_o who_o tread_v in_o contrary_a path_n and_o with_o who_o they_o do_v not_o maintain_v communion_n for_o therefore_o they_o withdraw_v from_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a otherwise_o they_o have_v no_o judgement_n in_o the_o price_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o they_o willing_o part_v with_o it_o when_o they_o may_v without_o sin_n enjoy_v it_o and_o if_o they_o esteem_v their_o way_n sinful_a and_o believe_v those_o person_n who_o remain_v without_o their_o pale_a to_o be_v so_o go_v astray_o as_o without_o repentance_n to_o be_v eternal_o lose_v charity_n itself_o will_v urge_v they_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n probable_a towards_o the_o reduce_n of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o in_o their_o wander_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o condition_n external_n practice_n of_o all_o party_n do_v show_v plain_o what_o be_v their_o inward_a disposition_n all_o will_v do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n but_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o any_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v other_o do_v so_o where_o there_o be_v power_n their_o be_v little_a forbearance_n and_o the_o same_o man_n as_o their_o condition_n alter_v speak_v of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n among_o those_o of_o the_o party_n of_o donatus_n who_o schism_n open_v so_o dangerous_a a_o wound_n in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n all_o plead_v earnest_o for_o forbearance_n whilst_o their_o power_n be_v in_o its_o minority_n yet_o s._n austin_n remind_v one_o of_o they_o etc._n they_o they_o they_o petil._n ap_fw-mi s._n aug._n count_v petil._n l._n 2._o absit_fw-la absit_fw-la à _fw-la nostra_fw-la conscientia_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la nostram_fw-la fidem_fw-la aliquem_fw-la compellamus_fw-la etc._n etc._n of_o a_o practice_n contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n whilst_o they_o turn_v against_o the_o maximianist_n the_o edge_n of_o the_o theodosian_a law_n and_o abuse_v the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v get_v under_o julian_n in_o oppress_v as_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v the_o catholic_n christian_n among_o those_o of_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n the_o head_n of_o the_o discipline_n be_v plain_o unwilling_a that_o any_o shall_v have_v leave_n to_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n and_o one_o of_o they_o 3._o they_o they_o they_o mr._n calamy_n in_o ser._n call_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o covenant_n refuse_v a._n 46._o p_o 3._o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o grief_n and_o expostulation_n thus_o discourse_v before_o the_o commons_o the_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n be_v become_v a_o amsterdam_n separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v countenance_v toleration_n be_v cry_v up_o authority_n lie_v asleep_a every_o one_o will_v have_v power_n to_o rouse_v up_o itself_o and_o maintain_v his_o cause_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o have_v be_v too_o often_o in_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v and_o be_v in_o philosophy_n where_o the_o divers_a sect_n do_v not_o contend_v mere_o for_o the_o enlarge_n the_o bound_n of_o philosophical_a art_n in_o a_o sincere_a and_o solid_a inquiry_n learn_v inquiry_n inquiry_n inquiry_n lord_n bacon_n pref._n to_o adu._n of_o learn_v but_o for_o the_o translate_n the_o empire_n of_o opinion_n and_o settle_v it_o upon_o themselves_o the_o same_o man_n who_o plead_v for_o forbearance_n in_o this_o church_n and_o remove_v themselves_o into_o new-england_n as_o by_o themselves_o be_v say_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o persuasion_n when_o once_o they_o arrive_v there_o and_o make_v a_o figure_n in_o that_o government_n they_o refuse_v indulgence_n to_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o use_v they_o as_o to_o this_o day_n they_o do_v with_o great_a severity_n those_o commons_o who_o in_o the_o year_n 47_o 276._o 47_o 47_o 47_o whitlock_n memoires_n p._n 276._o make_v a_o order_n for_o the_o give_n of_o indulgence_n to_o tender_a conscience_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v another_o order_n that_o this_o indulgence_n shall_v not_o extend_v to_o tolerate_v such_o who_o use_v the_o common-prayer_n some_o who_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o dutch_a do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o those_o netherlands_o but_o by_o their_o constitution_n none_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v against_o any_o public_a error_n or_o corruption_n on_o which_o the_o state_n shall_v stamp_v their_o authority_n and_o episcopius_n 185._o episcopius_n episcopius_n episcopius_n episc_n exam._n thes_n cap._n op._n vol._n 1_o par_fw-fr 2._o p._n 185._o complain_v that_o the_o calvinist_n will_v tolerate_v none_o who_o they_o have_v power_n to_o punish_v there_o be_v now_o great_a number_n of_o his_o own_o remonstrant_a party_n who_o when_o any_o juncture_n of_o affair_n give_v they_o encouragement_n be_v apt_a to_o contend_v for_o superiority_n the_o party_n in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n speak_v with_o bitter_a zeal_n against_o each_o other_o and_o where_o the_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o man_n of_o different_a judgement_n be_v peaceable_a among_o they_o divers_z who_o mind_n traffic_n more_o than_o religion_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o heterogeneous_a body_n freeze_v together_o by_o a_o cold_a indifference_n than_o a_o society_n unite_v by_o christian_a love_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o several_a order_n who_o at_o present_a mortal_o hate_v one_o another_o if_o they_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o common_a polity_n they_o will_v soon_o devour_v one_o another_o we_o be_v not_o without_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o this_o kind_n publish_v by_o a_o dominican_n bishop_n and_o a_o capuchin_n friar_n certain_a dominican_n 111._o dominican_n dominican_n dominican_n see_v lettres_n sinceres_fw-la trois_fw-fr party_n sixieme_n lettre_n p._n 111._o have_v seat_v themselves_o nigh_o the_o river_n of_o plate_n in_o paraguay_n where_o there_o be_v gold_n mine_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o gold_n sands_n in_o the_o river_n of_o this_o the_o jesuit_n who_o have_v long_a ear_n have_v good_a intelligence_n they_o desire_v to_o go_v thither_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a instruction_n of_o the_o american-people_n and_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n they_o obtain_v leave_v procure_v letter_n of_o credence_n be_v furnish_v with_o money_n for_o the_o voyage_n after_o have_v get_v sure_a foot_n they_o soon_o remove_v the_o dominican_n and_o spanish_a laity_n and_o establish_v themselves_o among_o the_o socinian_o the_o great_a asserter_n of_o liberty_n in_o religion_n both_o in_o think_v and_o speak_v though_o they_o can_v impose_v because_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v anywhere_o that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o prevail_a party_n yet_o they_o show_v sometime_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o gittichius_n be_v beyond_o all_o good_a manner_n troublesome_a to_o a_o socinian_n of_o better_a temper_n i_o mean_v ruarus_n *_o because_o 416._o ruari_fw-la epist_n par_fw-fr 1._o p_o 415_o 416._o he_o have_v choose_v to_o fast_v one_o day_n in_o a_o week_n and_o have_v take_v friday_n for_o the_o day_n though_o without_o any_o fix_a purpose_n among_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o who_o principle_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o guidance_n of_o each_o man_n by_o his_o personal_a persuasion_n there_o want_v not_o sign_n of_o that_o fierce_a heat_n with_o which_o their_o light_n be_v accompany_v when_o some_o have_v form_v they_o into_o a_o society_n and_o get_v the_o governance_n into_o their_o hand_n they_o excommunicate_v other_o they_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o marry_o or_o bury_v in_o their_o manner_n who_o will_v not_o be_v guide_v by_o what_o they_o call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o light_n