evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n however_o he_o may_v act_v doubt_o in_o that_o case_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v we_o be_v clear_a beyond_o exception_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o our_o point_n but_o will_v be_v put_v a_o far_a question_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o several_a rule_n about_o a_o man_n act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v viz._n that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v the_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o follow_v this_o rule_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n whether_o a_o man_n in_o a_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v only_o a_o pure_a doubt_n may_v not_o without_o sin_n indifferent_o choose_v either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o one_o side_n do_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o reasonable_a or_o more_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o more_o curious_a than_o useful_a but_o however_o since_o it_o proper_o fall_v under_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o and_o tend_v somewhat_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o only_o i_o declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o assert_v any_o thing_n dogmatical_o but_o only_o to_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o further_a examination_n and_o withal_o that_o whether_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n we_o have_v undertake_v that_o now_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o natural_a and_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v in_o all_o case_n and_o especial_o in_o doubtful_a case_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v and_o certain_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o steady_o will_v he_o pursue_v this_o rule_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v oblige_v we_o in_o all_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v best_a be_v always_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a much_o less_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a because_o that_o which_o be_v safe_a be_v not_o always_o either_o best_a or_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o we_o act_n otherwise_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n now_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v viz._n the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o determine_v and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o likewise_o because_o they_o follow_v from_o it_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n take_v now_o this_o for_o grant_v i_o ask_v what_o law_n do_v a_o man_n transgress_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n choose_v either_o side_n indifferent_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v safe_a or_o most_o reasonable_a always_o suppose_v that_o the_o side_n he_o choose_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n i_o say_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o transgress_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o sin_n at_o all_o if_o the_o man_n be_v at_o all_o guilty_a it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n either_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v less_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a for_o his_o
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
to_o lay_v down_o our_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o block_v up_o the_o way_n aga_v any_o by_o scandalous_a live_n invite_v and_o allure_v they_o all_o in_o by_o exemplary_a holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a how_o short_a soever_o my_o discourse_n come_v of_o will_v be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o and_o a_o perfect_a confutation_n of_o this_o objection_n finis_fw-la the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n qu._n i._n whether_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n qu._n ii_o whether_o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o london_n print_v by_o t._n moor_n &_o j._n ashburne_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr_n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n &c_n &c_n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n etc._n etc._n 15._o the_o case_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o second_o part_n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak-bretheren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n question_n q._n whether_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n itself_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o question_n more_o immediate_o respect_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o which_o be_v either_o by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n so_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o age_n necessary_a in_o natural_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a such_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n due_a and_o peculiar_a to_o those_o object_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o thing_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o variable_a and_o determine_v according_a to_o circumstance_n as_o gesture_n place_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v by_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o they_o be_v all_o already_o prescribe_v and_o that_o nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v add_v to_o what_o be_v already_o prescribe_v nor_o can_v any_o thing_n so_o prescribe_v be_v alter_v or_o abolish_v nothing_o now_o can_v be_v make_v necessary_a and_o bind_v to_o all_o person_n place_n and_o age_n that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v once_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a authority_n can_v be_v render_v void_a or_o unnecessary_a by_o any_o other_o therefore_o the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o then_o be_v no_o other_o than_o whether_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 2._o show_v that_o thing_n indifferent_a may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n 3._o consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 4._o how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o apply_v 5._o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o church_n but_o what_o be_v either_o necessary_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o bind_v to_o all_o christian_n or_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o so_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o they_o 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o all_o thing_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o duty_n second_o sin_n three_o neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n duty_n be_v either_o so_o moral_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a command_n sin_n be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a prohibition_n neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o no_o law_n either_o of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n have_v determine_v and_o be_v usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o indifferent_a that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n partake_v in_o itself_o of_o neither_o extreme_n and_o may_v be_v indifferent_o use_v or_o forbear_v as_o in_o reason_n and_o prudence_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o apostle_n call_v lawfal_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o law_n and_o what_o be_v therefore_o lawful_a to_o we_o and_o which_o without_o sin_n we_o may_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v rom._n 4._o 15._o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n to_o omit_v that_o which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_a nor_o to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v for_o else_o that_o will_v be_v a_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_a and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o law_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o that_o duty_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o without_o respect_n to_o any_o law_n but_o now_o if_o duty_n be_v duty_n because_o its_o enjoined_n and_o
sin_n be_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v fordidden_v then_o indifferent_a be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o neither_o enjoy_v nor_o forbid_v for_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n there_o need_v a_o command_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n there_o need_v a_o prohibition_n so_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o command_n nor_o prohibition_n it_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n and_o must_v be_v therefore_o indifferent_a lawful_a and_o free_n so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o we_o may_v know_v by_o its_o authority_n what_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o since_o all_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o law_n than_o that_o not_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o lawful_a thing_n be_v as_o much_o determine_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o necessary_a be_v determine_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o so_o make_v and_o declare_v by_o any_o law_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o be_v no_o duty_n or_o sin_n which_o there_o be_v a_o law_n about_o to_o conclude_v there_o must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o make_v it_o a_o transgression_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o law_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v none_o and_o what_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o or_o against_o remain_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o lawful_a to_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v day_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n how_o must_v this_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o case_n but_o by_o consider_v what_o the_o law_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v in_o it_o if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o enjoin_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o duty_n if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o forbid_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o sin_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o in_o what_o we_o neither_o sin_n by_o omit_v nor_o observe_v so_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v rom._n 14._o 6._o he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o law_n require_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o necessary_a and_o no_o law_n forbid_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o in_o both_o they_o do_v well_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o thing_n though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o it_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o be_v expect_v about_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o which_o the_o service_n can_v be_v celebrate_v without_o such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o that_o these_o be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v but_o what_o those_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v be_v not_o so_o universal_o agree_v to_o and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o aforesaid_a that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o than_o it_o will_v very_o much_o serve_v to_o justify_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n and_o defend_v our_o church_n in_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o what_o be_v there_o almost_o in_o that_o kind_n among_o we_o which_o be_v not_o natural_o or_o moral_o necessary_a to_o the_o action_n and_o if_o time_n and_o place_n fall_v under_o humane_a determination_n because_o they_o be_v natural_o necessary_a then_o why_o not_o also_o gesture_n and_o habit_n which_o worship_n can_v no_o more_o natural_o be_v celebrate_v without_o than_o the_o former_a and_o consequent_o a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v and_o stand_v may_v be_v alike_o lawful_o determine_v and_o use_v as_o time_n for_o assemble_v together_o and_o a_o church_n to_o assemble_v and_o officiate_v in_o and_o what_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v to_o a_o natural_a action_n that_o be_v moral_a circumstance_n to_o a_o moral_a action_n and_o there_o be_v moral_a as_o necessary_a to_o a_o moral_a action_n as_o there_o be_v natural_a necessary_a to_o a_o natural_a action_n as_o for_o example_n what_o time_n and_o place_n be_v to_o natural_a that_o be_v method_n and_o order_n to_o moral_a and_o religious_a act_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v separate_v from_o these_o than_o the_o other_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o administration_n in_o divine_a worship_n where_o not_o otherwise_o determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n may_v as_o well_o be_v determine_v by_o man_n as_o time_n and_o place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o service_n so_o that_o the_o exception_n make_v against_o humane_a appointment_n in_o divine_a worship_n viz._n that_o all_o but_o natural_a circumstance_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a command_n to_o legitimate_a their_o use_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v not_o prescribe_v be_v therefore_o prohibit_v be_v of_o no_o service_n to_o they_o that_o plead_v it_o and_o it_o remain_v good_a so_o far_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o christian_a prudence_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o except_o what_o refer_v to_o the_o element_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o always_o be_v oblige_v to_o all_o age_n under_o the_o several_a variation_n and_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o will_v be_v always_o so_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v order_n decency_n and_o edification_n insist_v upon_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 26_o 40._o so_o that_o we_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v than_o as_o bind_v by_o these_o measure_n and_o where_o not_o bind_v by_o they_o we_o be_v free_a for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n where_o revelation_n do_v not_o interpose_v as_o it_o do_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n all_o person_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o those_o natural_a rule_n may_v choose_v what_o way_n they_o please_v for_o the_o regulation_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o when_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o those_o natural_a rule_n except_o as_o above_o except_v the_o particular_a circumstrnce_n be_v as_o much_o now_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o free_a choice_n as_o they_o be_v then_o and_o this_o or_o that_o may_v be_v use_v and_o observe_v as_o the_o case_n require_v and_o occasion_n serve_v so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o prudence_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v so_o still_o since_o the_o gospel_n keep_v to_o those_o eternal_a rule_n which_o even_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v invariable_o establish_v and_o which_o if_o it_o ever_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o particular_n be_v certain_o so_o when_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v improve_v by_o new_a help_n and_o so_o he_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o judge_v what_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o essential_a worship_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o he_o who_o that_o worship_n be_v direct_v to_o but_o then_o that_o which_o confirm_v this_o be_v that_o those_o rule_n be_v also_o general_a and_o such_o as_o will_v in_o their_o use_n and_o end_n respect_v all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n rare_o do_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o in_o what_o they_o do_v show_v how_o far_o custom_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n be_v uncover_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v argue_v not_o from_o institution_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o decency_n
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o gild_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o
not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o not_o practise_v it_o if_o indeed_o god_n law_n have_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v very_o well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n schism_n undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n a_o sin_n against_o which_o there_o be_v as_o many_o hard_a thing_n say_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n as_o against_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o let_v those_o that_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o or_o join_v with_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o i_o say_v let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o their_o separation_n proceed_v upon_o good_a ground_n if_o they_o will_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o always_o enough_o to_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v sinful_a condition_n impose_v in_o our_o communion_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v for_o unless_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o their_o believe_v so_o will_v not_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n to_o our_o church_n communion_n or_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o this_o may_v perhaps_o at_o the_o first_o hear_n seem_v very_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o many_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o roman-catholick_n persuasion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o popery_n and_o hearty_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a one_o wherein_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n do_v pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o image_n do_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o real_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o his_o soul_n and_o deity_n be_v personal_o unite_v be_v now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o practice_n or_o be_v he_o not_o he_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o he_o will_v abhor_v these_o practice_n if_o he_o do_v in_o the_o least_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o as_o idolatrous_a nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forbid_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a catholic_n unless_o he_o thus_o worship_n image_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o host_n well_o now_o the_o point_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o he_o do_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n we_o all_o grant_v that_o if_o he_o have_v such_o clear_a information_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o protestant_n have_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o idolater_n if_o he_o shall_v contitinue_v in_o these_o practice_n but_o whether_o his_o belief_n and_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v these_o thing_n do_v not_o excuse_v he_o and_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v idolatry_n that_o will_v otherwise_o be_v so_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n but_o yet_o none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o great_a question_n of_o it_o for_o we_o do_v charge_v the_o papist_n indiscriminate_o with_o idolatry_n in_o their_o worship_n notwithstanding_o their_o disclaim_n it_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n to_o worship_n god_n no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v real_o take_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o consecrate_a element_n and_o those_o other_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v they_o let_v his_o opinion_n about_o they_o be_v what_o it_o will._n a_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v or_o false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v neither_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v all_o that_o it_o will_v do_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o may_v more_o or_o less_o extenuate_v the_o transgression_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o the_o case_n be_v just_a the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o any_o man_n to_o withdraw_v his_o communion_n from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v that_o be_v as_o proper_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n for_o any_o man_n therefore_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o that_o church_n without_o sin_n yet_o if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o schismatic_a for_o all_o this_o than_o the_o other_o man_n be_v a_o idolater_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o adore_v image_n and_o those_o other_o undue_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o romanist_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o misperswasion_n will_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o more_o or_o less_o excuse_v the_o man_n person_n before_o god_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o case_n it_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o god_n word_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v idolatry_n well_o now_o admit_v all_o this_o here_o come_v the_o pinch_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o transgressor_n if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o comply_v against_o his_o conscience_n you_o grant_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o comply_v than_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n why_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v often_o true_a and_o here_o be_v that_o dilemma_n which_o man_n by_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v abuse_v with_o evil_a principle_n and_o persuasion_n do_v frequent_o run_v themselves_o into_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o act_n nor_o forbear_v act_v they_o can_v neither_o obey_v nor_o disobey_v without_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o error_n and_o false_a principle_n which_o mislead_v the_o man_n be_v depose_v and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v and_o then_o he_o may_v both_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o god_n law_n require_v of_o he_o and_o avoid_v sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v why_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o use_v conscientious_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o common_a prudence_n will_v recommend_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o gain_v instruction_n and_o information_n to_o himself_o about_o any_o point_n that_o he_o desire_v thorough_o to_o understand_v that_o be_v to_o say_v free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o apply_v himself_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o the_o get_v right_a notion_n and_o sentiment_n about_o his_o duty_n in_o these_o matter_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n call_v in_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o practise_v all_o that_o he_o be_v undoubted_o convince_v to_o
for_o fear_n of_o offence_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o place_n hic_fw-la charitatis_fw-la rationem_fw-la haberi_fw-la decet_fw-la sed_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la arras_n our_o charity_n to_o our_o brother_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n displease_v god_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n and_o action_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o man_n of_o ill-disposed_a or_o weak_a mind_n false_a consequence_n and_o unjust_a inference_n may_v be_v strain_v from_o they_o as_o we_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v abuse_v into_o a_o argument_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o st._n luke_n 2._o 24._o but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n nor_o can_v it_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n duty_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o such_o uncertain_a contingent_a thing_n as_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o construction_n other_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o action_n or_o the_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v draw_v from_o they_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o law_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o accidental_a event_n that_o may_v happen_v either_o through_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o command_n without_o any_o allowance_n from_o he_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o foresee_v those_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o our_o do_v our_o duty_n it_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v that_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v give_v any_o real_a scandal_n and_o whatever_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o my_o do_v of_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v it_o imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v one_o to_o disobey_v god_n in_o obey_v he_o but_o they_o alone_o be_v chargeable_a who_o be_v offend_v by_o it_o now_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a injunction_n of_o our_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o another_o bible_n out_o of_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n will_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n more_o plain_o command_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n that_o the_o conformity_n require_v by_o our_o church_n contain_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unlawful_a must_v be_v grant_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n from_o all_o which_o the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v since_o we_o may_v not_o redeem_v a_o scandal_n by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n since_o god_n have_v plain_o require_v our_o submission_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o now_o discourse_v with_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n and_o be_v lawful_a i_o say_v the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n refuse_v to_o conform_v only_o for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o argument_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o brother_n safety_n by_o wound_v his_o own_o soul_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o lawful_a authority_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a but_o then_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o load_v the_o conclusion_n with_o some_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o pretend_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o it_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o brief_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o those_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o do_v respect_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v neglect_v or_o violate_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a that_o this_o be_v true_a even_o of_o some_o command_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n do_v produce_v that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n under_o moses_n law_n yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o positive_a injunction_n of_o man_n that_o concern_v only_o the_o external_o and_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o royal_a and_o indispensable_a law_n of_o charity_n of_o which_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a part_n thus_o say_v mr._n jean_n in_o his_o second_o part_n of_o scholastical_a divinity_n what_o law_n of_o any_o earthly_a wight_n whatsoever_o concern_v ceremony_n can_v be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o command_v of_o god_n touch_v the_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o these_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a work_n of_o mercy_n if_o therefore_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o work_n of_o mercy_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o man_n sure_o then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o trash_n of_o human_a invention_n to_o yield_v unto_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o there_o do_v happen_v any_o such_o interfering_n between_o two_o command_n of_o god_n the_o one_o positive_a the_o other_o moral_a the_o positive_a aught_o always_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n ought_v certain_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o moral_a command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a obligation_n they_o cease_v to_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v our_o performance_n of_o any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o church_n be_v presume_v to_o dispense_v with_o its_o order_n as_o god_n almighty_n do_v allow_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n in_o such_o circumstance_n but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o where_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a the_o sin_n we_o must_v otherwise_o commit_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o at_o last_o our_o obedience_n be_v dispense_v withal_o only_o for_o that_o one_o time_n thus_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n our_o saviour_n st._n matth._n 12._o 5._o acquit_v david_n and_o his_o follower_n of_o all_o blame_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o hunger_n do_v eat_v of_o the_o shewbread_n which_o otherwise_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v but_o have_v they_o take_v a_o particular_a fancy_n to_o that_o bread_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v eat_v of_o any_o other_o because_o that_o best_a agree_v with_o their_o stomach_n and_o be_v most_o please_a to_o their_o palate_n can_v we_o think_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v so_o easy_o excuse_v they_o or_o which_o be_v near_o to_o our_o case_n because_o god_n do_v prefer_v act_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n where_o both_o can_v not_o be_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v any_o man_n whole_o leave_v off_o sacrifice_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n invent_v another_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o more_o expedient_a than_o sacrifice_a or_o choose_v another_o place_n to_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a for_o all_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o city_n be_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o prayer_n forsake_v the_o church_n to_o save_v
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
sin_n be_v not_o thus_o deadly_a for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o as_o for_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o regenerate_v commit_v through_o humane_a frailty_n only_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o though_o all_o sin_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n deadly_a or_o damnable_a yet_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sin_n of_o mere_a infirmity_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o true_a believer_n and_o therefore_o not_o deadly_a to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n so_o heinous_a that_o he_o who_o commit_v they_o be_v thereby_o put_v into_o a_o damnable_a state_n and_o till_o he_o recover_v himself_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o actual_a reformation_n he_o can_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n promise_n to_o himself_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v not_o abide_v upon_o he_o and_o it_o be_v of_o such_o sin_n as_o these_o that_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o appear_v by_o deadly_a sin_n be_v add_v to_o fornication_n from_o fornication_n and_o all_o other_o deadly_a sin_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o so_o that_o this_o petition_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n also_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n let_v not_o they_o have_v dominion_n over_o i_o then_o shall_v i_o be_v upright_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v innocent_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n psal_n 19_o 13._o whereas_o therefore_o these_o word_n of_o the_o litany_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o some_o sin_n be_v not_o deadly_a we_o shall_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o make_v such_o a_o construction_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o employ_v that_o some_o sin_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n venial_a and_o so_o slight_a that_o they_o will_v be_v forgive_v without_o any_o consideration_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o may_v hold_v that_o distinction_n which_o the_o word_n suppose_v and_o yet_o retain_v that_o protestant_a doctrine_n that_o no_o sin_n be_v forgive_v but_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n again_o some_o be_v offend_v with_o our_o pray_n against_o sudden_a death_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o by_o sudden_a death_n understand_v our_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o world_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v for_o sometime_o a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sudden_a to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n can_v any_o good_a christian_a find_v fault_n with_o the_o petition_n but_o suppose_v that_o by_o sudden_a death_n we_o mean_v what_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o death_n of_o which_o a_o man_n have_v not_o the_o least_o warning_n by_o sickness_n be_v there_o not_o reason_n why_o even_o good_a man_n may_v desire_v not_o to_o die_v sudden_o may_v they_o not_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o draw_v towards_o their_o end_n by_o their_o good_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n make_v impression_n upon_o their_o friend_n companion_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o better_n of_o they_o may_v not_o their_o counsel_n be_v more_o effectual_a with_o they_o than_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v so_o as_o for_o themselves_o may_v not_o the_o warning_n they_o have_v of_o approach_v death_n be_v improve_v to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a to_o die_v than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o perfect_a health_n in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o think_v himself_o to_o have_v sufficient_o perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o those_o act_n of_o self-examination_n humiliation_n and_o devotion_n by_o which_o good_a man_n improve_v the_o warning_n of_o death_n which_o mortal_a sickness_n or_o extreme_a age_n give_v they_o let_v he_o suspend_v his_o act_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o when_o we_o pray_v god_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sudden_a death_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o objection_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v name_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o seem_v to_o understand_v very_o little_a of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o have_v it_o often_o in_o their_o mouth_n that_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n holy_a incarnation_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o say_v some_o of_o they_o that_o this_o be_v swear_v some_o that_o it_o be_v conjure_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o for_o which_o saying_n favour_v of_o great_a profaneness_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o answer_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v it_o not_o that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o petition_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o they_o may_v easy_o suppose_v if_o they_o will_v give_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o that_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v through_o the_o save_v efficacy_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o principal_a meaning_n or_o that_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o i_o conceive_v that_o to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o say_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o thy_o holy_a incarnation_n and_o by_o thy_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o we_o implore_v christ_n who_o have_v already_o show_v such_o inestimable_a goodness_n towards_o we_o by_o take_v our_o nature_n to_o his_o divinity_n to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v bury_v to_o rise_v again_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o we_o and_o by_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o qualify_v the_o apostle_n for_o their_o great_a work_n of_o carry_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n into_o the_o world_n i_o say_v we_o implore_v he_o who_o have_v already_o do_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o we_o plead_v with_o he_o by_o that_o goodness_n which_o he_o have_v already_o give_v we_o such_o great_a demonstration_n of_o by_o those_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o deliver_v we_o by_o his_o powerful_a grace_n from_o these_o evil_n which_o we_o pray_v against_o and_o this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a so_o devout_a and_o affectionate_a so_o humble_a and_o thankful_a a_o way_n of_o pray_v that_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o any_o who_o call_v themselves_o believer_n shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v it_o or_o so_o profane_a and_o unlike_a what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v as_o to_o deride_v it_o though_o god_n do_v not_o need_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o his_o former_a benefit_n towards_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o to_o he_o but_o likewise_o because_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o encourage_v ourselves_o to_o ask_v in_o faith_n since_o he_o who_o unasked_a have_v do_v such_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o will_v not_o fail_v upon_o our_o earnest_n and_o humble_a prayer_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v require_v to_o give_v we_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o need_v and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o real_a evil_n of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n i_o proceed_v next_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n in_o our_o church_n and_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o allow_v the_o usefulness_n of_o sermon_n and_o catechise_n in_o the_o church_n that_o those_o chapter_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v write_n since_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v pretend_v that_o the_o minister_n preach_v or_o catechise_n by_o inspiration_n but_o if_o other_o good_a instruction_n may_v be_v read_v or_o recite_v in_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o why_o may_v not_o some_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v read_v which_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n and_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n especial_o since_o those_o writing_n be_v great_o esteem_v by_o the_o church_n in_o its_o pure_a age_n when_o they_o and_o other_o humane_a write_n be_v also_o public_o read_v as_o well_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o chapter_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o calendar_n will_v be_v more_o profitable_o read_v instead_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a chapter_n it_o ought_v
that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n be_v according_a to_o his_o definition_n the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a but_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o the_o israelite_n of_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanite_n in_o those_o word_n leu._n 18._o 2._o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n this_o place_n divers_a of_o the_o defender_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o i_o choose_v to_o forbear_v the_o name_v of_o any_o who_o arguing_n i_o purpose_v to_o inquire_v into_o because_o i_o will_v prevent_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o least_o suspicion_n in_o the_o reader_n that_o i_o design_n in_o this_o performance_n to_o expose_v any_o man_n weakness_n in_o particular_a or_o that_o i_o be_o therein_o act_v by_o any_o personal_a pique_n now_o then_o as_o to_o the_o text_n now_o cite_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o argue_v without_o mighty_a caution_n from_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n so_o as_o to_o infer_v the_o obligation_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v under_o a_o dispensation_n so_o different_a from_o they_o and_o in_o circumstance_n so_o vast_o differ_v from_o those_o they_o be_v in_o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o fallaciousness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o all_o consider_a person_n must_v needs_o be_v aware_a of_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v limit_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o israelite_n may_v have_v no_o usage_n whatsoever_o in_o common_a with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanite_n and_o therefore_o in_o as_o general_a term_n as_o the_o prohibition_n run_v our_o brethren_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o restriction_n therein_o intend_v it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o unlikeness_n to_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v never_o to_o company_n with_o wicked_a man_n they_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n of_o they_o they_o then_o must_v needs_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n after_o their_o do_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v what_o way_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o confine_v the_o restriction_n to_o those_o particular_n prohibit_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o i_o need_v not_o show_v that_o the_o particular_n forbid_v in_o all_o these_o viz._n from_o v._n 5_o to_o the_o 24_o be_v not_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o thus_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n in_o the_o 24_o v._o in_o these_o word_n defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o but_o those_o that_o allege_v this_o text_n to_o the_o foresay_a purpose_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a proposition_n be_v thus_o limit_v by_o the_o context_n as_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o necessary_o must_v because_o say_v they_o we_o find_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n in_o other_o place_n to_o imitate_v heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o second_o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14._o 1._o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o kickshaw_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n much_o disbecoming_a the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n insist_v upon_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v leu._n 19_o 19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle-gender_n with_o a_o divers_a kind_n thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o now_o these_o three_o it_o be_v say_v be_v thing_n of_o so_o indifferent_a a_o nature_n that_o none_o can_v be_v more_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v ready_o grant_v but_o where_o be_v it_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v forbid_v because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o maimonides_n indeed_o as_o i_o learn_v from_o grotius_n say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n use_v these_o mixture_n of_o seed_n and_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a in_o many_o of_o their_o magical_a exploit_n but_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n i_o have_v find_v no_o other_o text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v mere_a indifferent_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v forbid_v the_o israelite_n only_o in_o regard_n of_o heathen_n use_v they_o which_o make_v more_o for_o this_o purpose_n than_o these_o two_o do_v nor_o hardly_o another_o that_o make_v so_o much_o but_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o concern_v ourselves_o now_o with_o they_o because_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o great_a number_n of_o instance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v those_o people_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanites_n use_v they_o yet_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o prove_v our_o church_n symbolise_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n why_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v not_o symbolize_v with_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o symbolize_v in_o such_o with_o those_o heathen_n for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v too_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o unlikeness_n between_o those_o people_n and_o these_o in_o their_o usage_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o strange_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o their_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o distance_n be_v make_v wide_o as_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v acknowledge_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o pagan_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o
they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o church_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o best_a model_n that_o every_o one_o be_v able_a to_o draw_v this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a dangerous_a adventure_n and_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v by_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v produce_v which_o may_v be_v all_o easy_o answer_v upon_o the_o general_a principle_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v that_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n against_o which_o the_o exception_n be_v make_v be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o they_o can_v make_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o unlawful_a it_o must_v be_v unlawful_a to_o divide_v from_o it_o this_o may_v be_v reply_n enough_o to_o the_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v bring_v but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v think_v more_o satisfactory_a by_o some_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a though_o very_o short_a answer_n to_o those_o i_o have_v now_o propose_v the_o first_o and_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v object_v against_o our_o church_n be_v prescribe_v a_o liturgy_n or_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v constant_o use_v in_o public_a worship_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v raise_v a_o great_a many_o clamour_n people_n mind_n have_v be_v extreme_o incense_v and_o exasperate_v against_o it_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v out_o upon_o as_o idolatrous_a popish_a superstitious_a and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o hard_a name_n it_o have_v be_v call_v but_o i_o be_o glad_a to_o find_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n alter_v so_o much_o for_o the_o better_a we_o do_v not_o now_o so_o often_o hear_v those_o bitter_a exclamation_n of_o rome_n and_o babylon_n baal_n and_o dagon_n the_o common_a prayer_n be_v not_o esteem_v such_o a_o abominable_a thing_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o heady_a zealot_n be_v wont_a to_o count_v it_o among_o those_o that_o have_v but_o too_o open_o favour_v the_o separation_n the_o more_o considerable_a part_n both_o for_o number_n and_o sobriety_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v that_o a_o form_n be_v lawful_a but_o will_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o occasional_a and_o if_o so_o i_o can_v see_v what_o can_v withhold_v they_o from_o a_o full_a and_o constant_a communion_n with_o we_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a once_o or_o twice_o must_v be_v lawful_a always_o however_o we_o may_v take_v some_o delight_n to_o see_v the_o old_a heat_n in_o any_o measure_n abate_v and_o that_o the_o least_o advance_n be_v make_v towards_o peace_n god_n grant_v that_o this_o concession_n may_v prove_v a_o step_n to_o a_o happy_a and_o perfect_a reconcilement_n and_o so_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o our_o brethren_n can_v be_v any_o long_o offend_v with_o those_o form_n in_o which_o they_o do_v sometime_o join_v themselves_o nay_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o proceed_v so_o far_o but_o be_v still_o afraid_a of_o be_v defile_v in_o our_o way_n of_o worship_n can_v have_v any_o colour_n to_o condemn_v it_o for_o be_v a_o form_n the_o jew_n have_v form_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n which_o this_o notwithstanding_o be_v due_o frequent_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o deliver_v a_o form_n himself_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o etc._n matth._n 6._o 9_o etc._n etc._n mount_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o again_o to_o his_o disciple_n afterward_o 2._o luke_n 11._o 2._o and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o some_o form_n be_v receive_v very_o early_o among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o have_v be_v follow_v in_o this_o by_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n but_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v never_o call_v in_o question_n heretofore_o for_o how_o can_v it_o since_o they_o be_v no_o be_v forbid_v or_o if_o a_o command_n be_v think_v requisite_a to_o make_v they_o lawful_a the_o other_o way_n be_v no_o more_o command_v than_o this_o and_o therefore_o upon_o that_o principle_n they_o must_v be_v both_o equal_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a so_o that_o if_o any_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a a_o form_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v so_o the_o argument_n in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v few_o now_o but_o that_o will_v ready_o agree_v that_o a_o form_n may_v be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o then_o they_o think_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v because_o of_o some_o inconvenience_n which_o they_o conceive_v do_v attend_v it_o and_o they_o be_v principal_o these_o two_o the_o one_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o particular_a emergency_n which_o can_v be_v provide_v for_o by_o a_o set_v form_n the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v very_o little_a difficulty_n in_o it_o the_o ordinary_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o we_o may_v petition_v to_o have_v they_o supply_v in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o for_o other_o thing_n it_o may_v general_o be_v foresee_v that_o they_o may_v happen_v sometime_o and_o suitable_a form_n may_v be_v compose_v to_o be_v use_v upon_o such_o occasion_n where_o these_o can_v be_v fit_o apply_v peculiar_a office_n may_v be_v set_v forth_o as_o have_v be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o exigency_n be_v great_a and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o so_o much_o delay_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v his_o own_o conception_n but_o this_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o the_o exclusion_n of_o a_o liturgy_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o know_a and_o approve_a form_n and_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o extemporary_a effusion_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o contingency_n which_o may_v happen_v but_o very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o in_o a_o whole_a age._n the_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v allege_v will_v be_v more_o considerable_a if_o it_o be_v real_o true_a that_o form_n do_v indeed_o hinder_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o for_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o carnal_a mistake_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n can_v consist_v in_o a_o readiness_n of_o expression_n and_o a_o natural_a or_o acquire_v volubility_n of_o tongue_n art_n and_o accomplishment_n whereof_o many_o wicked_a man_n have_v be_v great_a master_n and_o wherein_o as_o many_o good_a one_o may_v be_v very_o deficient_a the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o inward_a good_a and_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o unfeigned_a humility_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o beg_v for_o pardon_n a_o affectionate_a sense_n of_o our_o want_n when_o we_o ask_v for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o this_o and_o the_o other_o life_n a_o holy_a exultation_n of_o mind_n when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o praise_n and_o thanks_o for_o the_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v a_o full_a resignation_n of_o our_o concern_v to_o god_n disposal_n and_o a_o dependence_n upon_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o grant_v our_o request_n when_o we_o have_v make_v our_o address_n unto_o he_o these_o be_v the_o great_a indication_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hinder_v that_o they_o may_v be_v very_o much_o help_v and_o advantage_v by_o a_o form_n a_o man_n questionless_a may_v be_v more_o serious_o affect_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o say_v amen_o more_o hearty_o to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o he_o have_v know_v and_o consider_v before_o than_o he_o can_v to_o some_o uncertain_a expression_n which_o he_o never_o hear_v nor_o think_v on_o and_o possible_o may_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v nor_o be_v satisfy_v in_o when_o he_o hear_v they_o the_o perplexity_n and_o doubtfulness_n of_o thought_n which_o must_v often_o arise_v when_o we_o will_v join_v in_o prayer_n we_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o that_o faith_n and_o assurance_n with_o which_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o can_v scarce_o be_v prevent_v but_o by_o a_o well_o digest_v and_o study_v form_n that_o may_v be_v weigh_v and_o sober_o assent_v to_o by_o those_o that_o be_v require_v to_o join_v in_o it_o but_o some_o think_v that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_a from_o experience_n that_o form_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o very_a inward_a spirit_n of_o devotion_n they_o have_v find_v their_o affection_n very_o cold_a and_o flat_a at_o our_o usual_a state_v form_n of_o prayer_n but_o when_o they_o hear_v a_o man_n pray_v without_o a_o form_n they_o be_v mighty_o ravish_v and_o almost_o transport_v and_o this_o difference_n of_o temper_n they_o observe_v in_o themselves_o have_v
the_o word_n be_v these_o i_o believe_v our_o saviour_n ever_o since_o his_o ascension_n have_v have_v in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o a_o visible_a true_a church_n on_o earth_n i_o mean_v a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v at_o least_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o will_v be_v some_o where_o or_o other_o such_o a_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o be_v his_o answer_n to_o that_o popish_a question_n about_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o company_n of_o man_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o single_a and_o scatter_a individual_n which_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o he_o mean_v a_o form_v and_o visible_a church-society_n and_o his_o answer_n be_v true_a though_o there_o be_v never_o a_o sound_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o corrupt_a church_n which_o retain_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o mr._n chillingworth_n answer_n but_o how_o this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o visible_a church_n at_o all_o or_o that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v past_o my_o understanding_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n you_o defend_v yourself_o against_o i_o in_o your_o preface_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o two_o excellent_a person_n the_o dean_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o dean_n of_o saint_n paul_n dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v assert_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v they_o hence_o s._n c._n infer_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o teach_v truth_n or_o to_o condemn_v error_n and_o all_o the_o people_n be_v become_v prophet_n and_o all_o their_o article_n etc._n answer_v to_o several_a treatise_n p._n 272._o etc._n etc._n constitution_n and_o ordinance_n have_v be_v compose_v and_o enjoin_v by_o a_o usurp_a authority_n and_o if_o he_o have_v add_v as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o all_o church-communion_n be_v needless_a it_o have_v be_v exact_o what_o you_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o citation_n the_o dr._n vindicate_v his_o doctrine_n from_o such_o a_o wild_a fanatical_a inference_n 1._o by_o show_v the_o intention_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a faith_n live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o design_n as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_o he_o can_v neither_o before_o nor_o after_o say_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-communion_n and_o then_o he_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o i_o nor_o for_o you_o 2._o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n and_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o christian_a consider_v in_o 275._o p._n 275._o a_o private_a capacity_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o what_o care_v the_o church_n must_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n to_o direct_v the_o unskilful_a and_o to_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o not_o bare_o to_o provide_v for_o necessity_n but_o safety_n and_o not_o bare_o the_o safety_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o itself_o which_o can_v 276._o p._n 276._o be_v do_v without_o prudent_a order_n set_v the_o bound_n of_o man_n employment_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o private_a christian_a who_o live_v alone_o and_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v by_o diligent_a and_o honest_a inquiry_n to_o find_v out_o so_o much_o truth_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 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tillotson_n who_o say_v i_o have_v much_o rather_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n than_o preface_n preface_n to_o be_v of_o any_o party_n and_o denomination_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n provide_v we_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o together_o with_o a_o good_a life_n will_v certain_o save_v a_o man_n and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v have_v reasonable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n no_o not_o in_o a_o infallible_a church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n how_o do_v this_o oppose_v i_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-communion_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n then_o and_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n no_o part_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o be_v not_o schism_n destructive_a to_o these_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o be_v the_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n aught_o to_o have_v for_o each_o other_o and_o consist_v in_o unity_n and_o communion_n consistent_a with_o a_o good_a life_n if_o by_o that_o we_o understand_v a_o universal_a goodness_n of_o which_o charity_n be_v the_o most_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n but_o do_v you_o indeed_o think_v sir_n that_o the_o dean_n believe_v a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o sin_n when_o in_o the_o very_a next_o paragraph_n he_o so_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o can_v easy_o forgive_v your_o usage_n of_o i_o since_o i_o find_v you_o can_v read_v the_o best_a book_n without_o pervert_v they_o and_o that_o you_o never_o spare_v any_o man_n reputation_n to_o serve_v your_o design_n for_o your_o reproach_n and_o your_o commendation_n be_v but_o different_a way_n of_o abuse_n 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to_o warn_v man_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v by_o their_o perverseness_n no_o charity_n to_o they_o it_o be_v charity_n to_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o deliver_v i_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o blood_n whether_o such_o doctrine_n preach_v man_n into_o or_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o now_o for_o your_o part_a blow_n certain_o if_o our_o church_n require_v conformity_n to_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o can_v not_o blame_v man_n for_o divide_v from_o it_o yes_o certain_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n the_o church_n can_v and_o will_v blame_v man_n for_o their_o separation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o no_o doubt_n the_o more_o necessary_a the_o church_n judge_v her_o constitution_n the_o more_o she_o will_v blame_v dissenter_n but_o he_o who_o tell_v we_o or_o he_o
be_v p._n 4._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n this_o be_v a_o 235._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235._o plea_n say_v mr._n vine_n that_o be_v plausible_a to_o easy_a capacity_n because_o it_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o holiness_n of_o ordinance_n and_o people_n but_o what_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donatistical_n and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsley_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a 97._o brinsley_n arraignment_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenk_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacril_n desert_n p._n 97._o plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n do_v advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o that_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o 131._o unjust_o unjust_o unjust_o cawâ—rey's_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n 496._o separation_n separation_n separation_n manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o 2._o out_o out_o out_o vine_n on_o sacrament_n p._n 242_o platform_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o v._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scanlous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n 242._o burrough_n burrough_n burrough_n gospel-worship_n 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cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 71._o a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n from_o which_o consideration_n mr._n tomb_n conclude_v 74._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v theodulia_n p._n 74._o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o any_o person_n to_o join_v in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n with_o any_o if_o he_o have_v no_o command_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o that_o service_n because_o of_o their_o presence_n nor_o power_n to_o exclude_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o perform_v nay_o they_o do_v not_o only_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v not_o command_v but_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v and_o unlawful_a so_o mr._n hooker_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n because_o of_o the_o 9_o survey_v of_o discipline_n pres_n a._n 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 9_o sin_n of_o some_o worshipper_n be_v unlawful_a so_o the_o new-england_n minister_n do_v declare_v as_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n be_v tolerate_v be_v not_o present_o necessary_a so_o for_o the_o member_n thereof_o otherwise_o worthy_a hereupon_o to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v unlawful_a second_o they_o plead_v that_o the_o communicate_v in_o arg._n 2_o god_n service_n with_o open_a sinner_n who_o the_o godly_a in_o some_o of_o our_o assembly_n be_v enforce_v to_o communicate_v with_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o profane_a 53._o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53._o or_o to_o pollute_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n so_o mr._n vine_n the_o presence_n 32._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 242._o &_o p._n 31_o 32._o of_o wicked_a man_n at_o god_n ordinance_n pollute_v not_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n nor_o yet_o to_o their_o presence_n there_o this_o mr._n burrough_n disclaim_v 237._o gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o you_o be_v not_o defile_v by_o the_o mere_a presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o be_v a_o mere_a deceit_n and_o gull_n that_o some_o will_v put_v upon_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o thus_o be_v you_o defile_v if_o you_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n and_o the_o uttermost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o purge_v they_o out_o but_o if_o this_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n person_n be_v in_o it_o be_v universal_o grant_v that_o the_o innocent_a shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o the_o nocent_a so_o mr._n ball_n the_o precept_n of_o debar_v scandalous_a offender_n 205._o trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 205._o bind_v they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v this_o power_n and_o they_o only_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o presbyt_fw-la v._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la their_o power_n but_o god_n regular_o do_v not_o leave_v that_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a steward_n or_o some_o few_o private_a christian_n and_o if_o the_o steward_n or_o one_o or_o few_o private_a christian_n can_v debar_v the_o unworthy_a from_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v not_o defile_v to_o they_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o they_o desire_v to_o reform_v or_o expel_v but_o can_v because_o power_n be_v not_o in_o their_o hand_n to_o do_v it_o lawful_o this_o they_o confirm_v 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o good_a man_n who_o of_o old_a join_v with_o 235._o grave_a confut_o part_n 3._o p._n 53_o &_o 55._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 211._o platform_n c_o 14._o §_o 8._o blake_n vindic._n p._n 235._o many_o that_o be_v notorious_o stain_v with_o gross_a sin_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n in_o apostolical_a time_n all_o which_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v insist_v upon_o this_o be_v also_o plead_v by_o those_o of_o new-england_n and_o other_o this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o congregation_n 16._o christian_n directory_n p._n 747._o v._n nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 16._o to_o be_v we_o so_o mr._n baxter_n if_o you_o be_v want_v in_o your_o duty_n to_o reform_v it_o it_o be_v your_o sin_n but_o if_o bare_a presence_n make_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v we_o it_o will_v also_o make_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o assembly_n we_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o sense_n be_v that_o scandalous_a member_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n for_o that_o must_v be_v either_o because_o it_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n or_o that_o those_o that_o do_v communicate_v with_o such_o be_v in_o so_o do_v corrupt_v also_o but_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v than_o we_o may_v
and_o vilify_v the_o person_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a jesus_n his_o person_n as_o one_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v obey_v and_o follow_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o merit_n and_o what_o can_v such_o person_n expect_v but_o that_o god_n will_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o the_o infinite_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o great_a undertake_n in_o some_o remarkable_a way_n upon_o they_o either_o in_o this_o world_n by_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n or_o in_o the_o next_o without_o repentance_n by_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 30._o their_o eternal_a damnation_n obj._n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o come_v to_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n and_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o a_o confirm_a ordinance_n answ_n conversion_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n 1._o for_o turn_v man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o open_a infidelity_n to_o the_o poofession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o indeed_o till_o man_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n convert_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n neither_o jew_n nor_o turk_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o a_o state_n of_o gentilism_n till_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o christ_n church_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n can_v come_v to_o it_o 2._o take_v conversion_n for_o the_o turn_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o baptize_v and_o do_v profess_v christ_n religion_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n to_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o more_o 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member_n may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o by_o its_o just_a censure_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n commun_n matth._n 18._o 17._o rubr._n before_o the_o commun_n our_o church_n have_v give_v every_o minister_n of_o a_o parish_n power_n to_o refuse_v all_o scandalous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o as_o slack_v and_o as_o much_o disuse_v as_o discipline_n be_v among_o we_o be_v such_o person_n more_o general_o inform_v against_o and_o complain_v of_o they_o will_v not_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o offence_n and_o the_o church_n together_o you_o see_v by_o what_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v either_o be_v clear_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o public_a offender_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n secure_v from_o infection_n by_o their_o fellowship_n by_o this_o do_v the_o primitive_a christian_n 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spiritual_a thing_n be_v not_o pollute_v because_o evil_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o union_n in_o common_a one_o with_o another_o but_o the_o error_n of_o man_n by_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n which_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o only_o that_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o he_o in_o it_o shall_v answer_v for_o obj._n but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v a_o little_a leaven_n 6._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n and_o show_v only_o that_o sin_n like_o leaven_n be_v of_o a_o very_a spread_a and_o diffusive_a nature_n not_o that_o it_o actual_o defile_v where_o it_o be_v not_o admmit_v a_o people_n in_o one_o assembly_n be_v as_o a_o lump_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n among_o they_o be_v as_o leaven_n but_o now_o although_o the_o leaven_n be_v apt_a to_o convey_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a lump_n yet_o only_o be_v those_o part_n actual_o leaven_v with_o it_o that_o take_v the_o leaven_n so_o it_o be_v 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touch_v viz._n the_o unclean_a and_o abominable_a practice_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n the_o unfruitful_a 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o again_o thus_o describe_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o but_o rather_o to_o reprove_v they_o that_o be_v in_o judgement_n to_o condemn_v they_o by_o word_n to_o reprove_v they_o in_o conversation_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o 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sure_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v the_o 20._o ezek._n 18._o 20._o second_o be_v that_o text_n obj._n 2._o in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v 4._o 18._o c._n 4._o not_o of_o her_o plague_n answ_n this_o place_n be_v most_o certain_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n of_o the_o roman_a idolatrous_a polity_n and_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n lest_o they_o endanger_v their_o own_o salvation_n by_o communicate_v with_o she_o in_o mass_n and_o other_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n it_o abundant_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o afford_v not_o the_o least_o plea_n for_o dissenter_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o unless_o 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religion_n here_o be_v no_o half-communions_a no_o more_o sacrament_n thrust_v upon_o we_o than_o our_o lord_n himself_o institute_v and_o yet_o those_o left_a whole_a and_o entire_a for_o our_o use_n and_o comfort_n that_o he_o do_v no_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o the_o votary_n neither_o mind_n nor_o understand_v no_o pray_v to_o saint_n or_o angel_n no_o adore_a image_n picture_n and_o relic_n no_o worship_v the_o creature_n beside_o or_o more_o than_o the_o creator_n which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v who_o in_o all_o their_o public_a office_n of_o devotion_n for_o one_o prayer_n to_o god_n have_v order_v ten_o to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n here_o be_v no_o doctrine_n obtrude_v on_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n nay_o to_o sense_n to_o all_o our_o sense_n no_o practice_n allow_v that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n no_o pardon_n to_o be_v buy_v no_o indulgence_n to_o be_v purchase_v no_o expunge_v any_o one_o commandment_n out_o of_o the_o decalogue_n or_o contrive_v art_n and_o device_n to_o make_v void_a the_o rest_n but_o as_o her_o devotion_n be_v pure_a and_o spiritual_a have_v god_n and_o he_o only_o for_o their_o object_n so_o her_o doctrine_n be_v find_v and_o orthodox_n have_v christ_n for_o its_o cornerstone_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o its_o foundation_n a_o church_n that_o need_v no_o counterfeit_a legend_n no_o incredible_a miracle_n no_o ridiculous_a fable_n to_o promote_v her_o veneration_n who_o security_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n but_o in_o their_o enlighten_v understanding_n that_o can_v defend_v itself_o without_o the_o help_n of_o spurious_a author_n or_o corrupt_v the_o word_n and_o sense_n of_o authentic_a one_o a_o church_n that_o dare_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o she_o be_v look_v into_o the_o more_o to_o be_v embrace_v and_o admire_v and_o i_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o clear_v every_o one_o of_o her_o member_n from_o vice_n as_o it_o be_v her_o constitution_n from_o corruption_n but_o let_v those_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o fall_v and_o be_v sure_a to_o sweep_v their_o own_o door_n clean_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a st._n paul_n advice_n be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v examine_v himself_o and_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o rash_a and_o censorious_a judge_v of_o our_o brother_n be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o some_o of_o those_o that_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v of_o so_o pollute_v and_o infectious_a a_o nature_n in_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o direct_o oposite_a this_o pharisaical_a humour_n be_v to_o that_o humility_n meekness_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v how_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o all_o good_a man_n who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v 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same_o bitter_a fountain_n pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o excuse_v ourselves_o or_o to_o recriminate_a they_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n be_v that_o all_o isarel_n may_v be_v save_v that_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o we_o will_v now_o at_o last_o lay_z aside_o all_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n all_o groundless_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n and_o come_v in_o and_o join_v their_o force_n with_o our_o church_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n and_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v extreme_o careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o stray_a brother_n for_o who_o sake_n in_o some_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n
if_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_n of_o in_o all_o sacred_a matter_n where_o eire_n be_v to_o be_v use_v yet_o it_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o when_o atonement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o incense_n the_o coal_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o thence_o 46._o thence_o thence_o thence_o leu._n 16._o 12_o 46._o and_o therefore_o sure_o be_v as_o peculiar_a to_o those_o office_n as_o the_o incense_n and_o to_o be_v as_o constant_o use_v in_o they_o as_o never_o to_o be_v use_v in_o any_o other_o and_o it_o will_v yet_o make_v it_o more_o evident_a if_o it_o be_v consider_v 4._o that_o just_a before_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o this_o fire_n be_v light_v for_o the_o text_n say_v there_o come_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o consume_v upon_o the_o altar_n the_o burnt-offering_a etc._n etc._n and_o immediate_o 24._o leu._n 9_o 24._o follow_v the_o relation_n of_o nadab_n miscarriage_n now_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v these_o thing_n so_o close_o connect_v but_o to_o show_v wherein_o they_o offend_v for_o before_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o aaron_n son_n to_o put_v fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o through_o inadvertency_n or_o presumption_n attempt_v 7._o leu._n 1._o 7._o to_o do_v as_o former_o when_o there_o have_v be_v this_o declaration_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o contrary_a they_o suffer_v for_o it_o 5._o it_o appear_v further_a from_o the_o conformity_n betwixt_o the_o punishment_n and_o the_o sin_n as_o there_o come_v fire_n from_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o consume_v the_o burnt-offering_a to_o teach_v they_o what_o fire_n for_o the_o future_a to_o make_v use_n of_o so_o upon_o their_o transgression_n there_o come_v out_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o to_o teach_v other_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v command_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v like_o the_o case_n of_o vzzah_n when_o 2._o 1_o chron._n 13._o 7._o 10._o ch_z 15._o 2._o they_o carry_v the_o ark_n in_o a_o cart_n which_o the_o levite_n be_v to_o have_v bear_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o offer_n without_o a_o command_n but_o otherwise_o than_o command_v that_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o without_o doubt_n they_o may_v with_o no_o more_o offence_n have_v take_v what_o fire_n they_o will_v for_o their_o incense_n than_o what_o wood_n they_o please_v for_o their_o fire_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o direction_n about_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o this_o phrase_n of_o not_o command_v be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v also_o so_o apply_v to_o thing_n forbid_v as_o to_o what_o be_v call_v abomination_n which_o be_v the_o worship_v of_o strange_a god_n the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o 35._o deut._n 17_o 34._o jer._n 7._o 31._o ch._n 19_o 5._o ch._n 32._o 35._o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o build_n the_o high_a place_n of_o topheth_n and_o the_o burn_a their_o son_n and_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n to_o baal_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n unto_o molech_n of_o such_o and_o the_o like_o its_o say_a which_o i_o command_v they_o not_o neither_o come_v it_o into_o my_o mind_n and_o last_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o false_a prophet_n who_o speak_v lie_n 23._o jer._n 29._o 22_o 23._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o which_o case_n the_o mere_a being_n not_o command_v nor_o send_v by_o he_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n no_o less_o than_o a_o prohibition_n it_o be_v a_o belie_n god_n though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o place_n as_o deut._n 18._o 20._o to_o forbid_v it_o now_o if_o so_o much_o stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o phrase_n as_o the_o objection_n do_v suppose_v and_o that_o we_o must_v take_v a_o non-commanding_a for_o a_o prohibition_n we_o may_v reasonabl_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o phrase_n otherwhere_o apply_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o otherwise_o unlawful_a than_o because_o not_o command_v but_o when_o it_o be_v always_o speak_v of_o thing_n plain_o prohibit_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o god_n forbid_v that_o make_v they_o unlawful_a than_o his_o not_o command_v but_o it_o may_v still_o be_v say_v why_o shall_v then_o the_o phrase_n be_v use_v at_o all_o in_o such_o matter_n and_o why_o shall_v the_o case_n be_v thus_o represent_v if_o not_o command_v be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o prohibit_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o all_o thing_n prohibit_v be_v by_o consequence_n not_o command_v but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o all_o thing_n not_o command_v be_v prohibit_v if_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o offer_v strange_a fire_n than_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o command_v for_o otherwise_o the_o same_o thing_n will_v be_v forbid_v and_o command_v but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o command_v only_o it_o will_v not_o by_o be_v so_o have_v be_v any_o more_o prohibit_v than_o the_o wood_n that_o be_v to_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n now_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o former_a that_o thing_n prohibit_v be_v call_v thing_n not_o command_v and_o not_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o latter_a 2._o indeed_o the_o phrase_n not_o command_v be_v only_o a_o meiosis_n or_o soft_a way_n of_o speak_v when_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o express_v a_o figure_n usual_a in_o all_o author_n and_o language_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o what_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n thus_o it_o be_v give_v as_o a_o character_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a people_n they_o choose_v that_o in_o which_o i_o delight_v not_o 12._o isai_n 66_o 3._o 4_o ch._n 65._o 3_o 12._o which_o be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n or_o idolatry_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n will_v describe_v the_o evil_a state_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n by_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n such_o as_o fornication_n covetousness_n 29._o rom._n 1._o 28._o 29._o laciviousness_n envy_n murder_n and_o what_o not_o he_o say_v of_o these_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n not_o convenient_a and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o phrase_n not_o command_v be_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n when_o the_o thing_n its_o apply_v to_o be_v alike_o notorous_a and_o abominable_a but_o it_o be_v further_a object_v that_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n object_n two_o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o 2._o deut._n 4._o 2._o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o scribe_n in_o this_o kind_n conclude_v in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o 9_o matth._n 15._o 9_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v 1._o that_o all_o thing_n not_o command_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v addition_n to_o it_o 2._o that_o such_o addition_n be_v altogether_o unlawful_a to_o this_o i_o reply_v answer_v 1._o if_o they_o mean_v by_o add_v to_o the_o word_n the_o do_v what_o that_o forbid_v and_o by_o diminish_v the_o neglect_v of_o what_o that_o require_v as_o the_o next_o word_n do_v intimate_v and_o be_v plain_o the_o sense_n otherwise_o 32._o otherwise_o otherwise_o otherwise_o deut_n 12._o 32._o when_o it_o be_v no_o 6._o deut._n 4._o 4_o 6._o soon_o say_v what_o thing_n soever_o i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o but_o it_o immediate_o follow_v thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o it_o be_v what_o we_o willing_o condemn_v according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v 19_o matth._n 5._o 19_o man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o if_o they_o mean_v by_o add_v the_o appoint_v somewhat_o else_o instead_o of_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o jeroboam_n do_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o eight_o month_n and_o by_o diminish_v the_o take_n away_o what_o god_n have_v command_v as_o ahaz_n do_v the_o altar_n and_o laver_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v what_o we_o condemn_v 17._o 2_o king_n 16._o 14_o 17._o also_o and_o do_v blame_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o legend_n instead_o of_o scripture_n and_o take_v away_o both_o that_o and_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o laity_n 3._o if_o they_o mean_v by_o add_v the_o add_v insolent_a exposition_n to_o the_o command_n by_o which_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v frustrate_v this_o our_o saviour_n condemn_v in_o the_o pharisee_n why_o
be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o can_v touch_v or_o affect_v our_o action_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o we_o or_o as_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o remember_v it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o our_o conscience_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o we_o be_v mistake_v our_o conscience_n prove_v but_o a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n because_o it_o have_v itself_o lose_v its_o way_n in_o not_o follow_v its_o rule_n as_o it_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o however_o our_o guide_n still_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n but_o that_o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v the_o notion_n that_o any_o of_o we_o have_v of_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o do_v so_o and_o what_o other_o measure_n have_v we_o of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n according_a to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o all_o action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o persuasion_n no_o we_o measure_v virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o act_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o man_n intention_n in_o act_v but_o however_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o knave_n that_o in_o any_o instance_n act_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o pass_v this_o sentence_n we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v right_o or_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o be_v his_o judgement_n right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o honesty_n in_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o that_o persuasion_n continue_v be_v often_o as_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o if_o his_o persuasion_n be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o confident_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_n contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n for_o instance_n shall_v of_o a_o jew_n become_v a_o christian_a while_o yet_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o believe_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n or_o if_o a_o papist_n shall_v too_o serve_v some_o private_a end_n renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o our_o reform_a church_n be_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o now_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o both_o these_o case_n have_v make_v a_o good_a change_n as_o have_v change_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o a_o true_a one_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o agree_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o make_v that_o change_n because_o they_o make_v it_o not_o upon_o honest_a principle_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o both_o nay_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o think_v better_o of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o a_o cunning_a popish_a factor_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n abandon_v our_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n as_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o such_o a_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o real_o here_o the_o change_n be_v make_v from_o a_o true_a keligion_n to_o a_o false_a one_o than_o we_o shall_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o man_n i_o have_v before_o name_v all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o then_o our_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_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 sin_n to_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v over_o he_o it_o can_v never_o bear_v he_o out_o if_o he_o do_v a_o
it_o in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v prejudice_v or_o bias_v any_o way_n it_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n be_v rather_o deâ—â—rous_a to_o find_v himself_o mistake_v and_o his_o governor_n in_o the_o right_n than_o himself_o in_o the_o right_n and_o his_o governor_n mistake_v i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o and_o we_o ready_o grant_v you_o have_v produce_v a_o person_n that_o do_v sincere_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o we_o must_v say_v this_o also_o that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n we_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o man_n will_v long_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n gain_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o see_v not_o only_o that_o he_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o let_v we_o admit_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o worship_n that_o he_o be_v still_o of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o separate_a from_o we_o what_o will_v we_o say_v of_o such_o a_o man_n will_v we_o still_o brand_v he_o for_o a_o schismatic_a notwithstanding_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o bring_v himself_o over_o to_o we_o but_o can_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o that_o if_o such_o a_o case_n do_v ever_o happen_v though_o the_o man_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o schism_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o because_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v there_o be_v a_o actual_a schism_n commence_v let_v the_o pretence_n for_o the_o separation_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o i_o trust_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v before_o god_n with_o the_o formal_a guilt_n of_o the_o schism_n any_o far_a than_o the_o error_n that_o lead_v he_o into_o it_o be_v contract_v by_o his_o own_o fault_n though_o schism_n in_o itself_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o same_o schism_n be_v equal_o guilty_a before_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n to_o serve_v any_o private_a secular_a turn_n these_o be_v most_o horrible_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v in_o their_o excuse_n in_o the_o second_o place_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n through_o misperswasion_n and_o mistake_v of_o judgement_n which_o they_o groundless_o and_o foolish_o take_v up_o and_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o will_v yet_o still_o certain_o correct_v in_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v but_o so_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a about_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v these_o man_n have_v indeed_o far_o more_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o than_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o they_o be_v very_o unblamable_a and_o be_v bind_v as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v more_o care_n of_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v that_o sin_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o but_o three_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o nor_o never_o have_v mean_n to_o know_v better_o or_o those_o that_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v their_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o in_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n light_n into_o wrong_a path_n in_o a_o word_n those_o that_o be_v unhappy_o engage_v in_o a_o schism_n but_o god_n almighty_a who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n but_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o circumstance_n i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n among_o we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n though_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a material_o yet_o he_o be_v innocent_o at_o least_o pittiable_o so_o and_o if_o he_o be_v as_o free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o life_n be_v may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_n for_o all_o that_o and_o god_n almighty_a we_o hope_v who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n and_o not_o by_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n will_v impute_v that_o schism_n which_o in_o other_o perhaps_o be_v a_o wilful_a crime_n to_o this_o man_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o a_o pure_a sin_n of_o ignorance_n which_o shall_v not_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n know_v and_o unknown_a be_v account_v for_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v to_o the_o other_o regularity_n of_o his_o life_n add_v a_o diligent_a care_n in_o these_o four_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o his_o way_n but_o that_o he_o keep_v his_o mind_n ready_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v any_o conviction_n which_o god_n by_o any_o mean_n or_o instrument_n shall_v offer_v to_o he_o second_o that_o he_o separate_a no_o far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o member_n than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o do_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o the_o public_a law_n and_o establishment_n in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n three_o that_o where_o he_o can_v give_v active_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n he_o do_v in_o those_o instance_n patient_o and_o christianly_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n which_o those_o law_n inflict_v neither_o exclaim_n against_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n as_o persecutor_n for_o enact_v or_o execute_v those_o law_n nor_o use_v any_o undue_a illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v himself_o more_o ease_n and_o liberty_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n behave_v himself_o as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n to_o the_o government_n he_o live_v under_o and_o four_o and_o last_o that_o he_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o a_o good_a subject_n in_o avoid_v all_o peevish_a and_o bitter_a censure_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v in_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n from_o he_o and_o exercise_v humanity_n and_o friendliness_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n christian_n whosoever_o i_o say_v of_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n make_v good_a these_o point_n that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n very_o sincere_a in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o they_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o our_o way_n do_v yet_o in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o observe_v the_o four_o particular_n i_o have_v now_o name_v i_o shall_v be_v loath_a for_o my_o part_n to_o censure_v they_o either_o as_o ill_a man_n or_o ill_a subject_n or_o ill_a christian_n but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n do_v no_o more_o justify_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n or_o extenuate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n than_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o justify_v or_o extenuate_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n devout_a papist_n for_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n for_o a_o innocent_a mistake_a separatist_n will_v hold_v true_a mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o delude_a romanist_n who_o be_v invincible_o and_o without_o any_o fault_n of_o he_o entangle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o idolatry_n but_o i_o believe_v for_o all_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o innocence_n or_o excuseableness_n of_o some_o man_n mistake_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o infinite_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o he_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n that_o which_o i_o will_v most_o serious_o press_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v this_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n how_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v
endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o offend_v his_o conscience_n before_o he_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o his_o lawful_a governor_n and_o his_o communion_n from_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o public_a under_o they_o it_o appear_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o justify_v a_o man_n separation_n that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sinner_n notwithstanding_o that_o for_o leave_v our_o assembly_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v at_o last_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n what_o therefore_o shall_v every_o dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o say_v what_o be_v there_o that_o more_o concern_v he_o to_o do_v than_o present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o point_n where_o he_o be_v now_o dissatisfy_v for_o â—ear_v he_o be_v find_v to_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n all_o the_o time_n he_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n that_o live_v out_o of_o our_o communion_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o these_o that_o as_o for_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n they_o do_v agree_v with_o we_o and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o be_v nice_a controvert_v point_n point_n dispute_v pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la among_o the_o divine_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v they_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o they_o nay_o perhaps_o if_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o ability_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o something_o of_o this_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v happy_a if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v so_o too_o but_o still_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o certain_o without_o repentance_n be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o for_o be_v a_o heretic_n in_o his_o opinion_n or_o a_o drunkard_n for_o instance_n in_o his_o manner_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n think_v so_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o that_o the_o business_n of_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a conformity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o who_o be_v it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v be_v very_o well_o please_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o dust_n raise_v no_o dispute_n or_o contention_n move_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o that_o every_o member_n will_v have_v do_v his_o duty_n peaceable_o and_o quiet_o in_o his_o station_n or_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n have_v arise_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v debate_v among_o learned_a man_n and_o never_o have_v proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n about_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n salvation_n we_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o never_o understand_v how_o to_o justify_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o to_o defend_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n against_o all_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o all_o that_o we_o say_v be_v that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v scruple_n and_o except_v against_o the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o lie_v upon_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v bind_v as_o he_o will_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o possible_o can_v to_o get_v satisfaction_n about_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o nay_o even_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o communion_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n and_o above_o their_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o they_o have_v not_o understanding_n and_o wit_n enough_o to_o dive_v into_o they_o why_o in_o god_n name_n who_o desire_v they_o we_o say_v that_o they_o may_v innocent_o enough_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o their_o governor_n in_o these_o point_n as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o hundred_o other_o without_o ever_o dive_v into_o they_o but_o since_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v wit_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o cavil_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o deny_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o lawful_a power_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v so_o much_o honesty_n as_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v themselves_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n too_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o we_o desire_v it_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o horrible_a inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n that_o arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n which_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o to_o conclude_v if_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o famous_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v oblige_v christian_n it_o do_v especial_o in_o this_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o goodness_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o case_n where_o his_o superior_n have_v lay_v their_o command_n upon_o he_o for_o there_o he_o can_v disobey_v without_o sin_n unless_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reconcile_v their_o command_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n but_o upon_o the_o best_a mean_n he_o have_v use_v he_o find_v they_o irreconcilable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n that_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n the_o second_o part_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o dissenter_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_v church_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v lawful_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n i_o now_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o a_o less_o reason_n viz._n because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o we_o because_o they_o fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v do_v any_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o indeed_o a_o short_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o let_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v as_o great_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v be_v real_o a_o duty_n than_o a_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o or_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o manssetled_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o ordinary_o acquit_v he_o from_o sin_n if_o he_o omit_v that_o action_n suppose_v god_n law_n have_v command_v it_o as_o i_o there_o show_v much_o less_o will_v a_o man_n bare_a doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o it_o be_v my_o meaning_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n particular_o to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o conformity_n that_o will_v otherwise_o conform_v hope_v that_o some_o reader_n who_o case_n this_o
do_v in_o that_o case_n a_o double_a doubt_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o when_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 have_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v command_v it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o do_v the_o action_n come_v circumstantiate_v to_o he_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o by_o some_o other_o law_n of_o god_n bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o it_o be_v now_o offer_v 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 that_o which_o be_v common_o say_v in_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o the_o man_n that_o be_v entangle_v must_v get_v his_o doubt_n remove_v and_o then_o he_o may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n act_n or_o not_o act_v according_a as_o he_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o very_o often_o impertinent_a for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o leave_v off_o doubt_v when_o he_o will_v than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v well_o when_o he_o will_n and_o beside_o though_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o man_n with_o time_n and_o good_a counsel_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o extricate_v himself_o out_o of_o this_o perplexity_n yet_o in_o our_o case_n that_o benefit_n be_v not_o always_o allow_v for_o perhaps_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o the_o man_n be_v under_o a_o present_a necessity_n either_o of_o act_v or_o not_o act_v and_o whether_o he_o do_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o he_o doubt_v he_o offend_v god_n but_o what_o then_o be_v a_o man_n to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n why_o he_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o do_v in_o all_o other_o doubtful_a case_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n insist_v on_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v and_o if_o he_o do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o incur_v no_o blame_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o action_n it_o come_v upon_o some_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o now_o the_o application_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n to_o our_o present_a case_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o man_n doubtfulness_n compare_v with_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o by_o act_v on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o and_o likewise_o according_a as_o other_o consideration_n do_v happen_v about_o the_o action_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v some_o influence_n in_o determine_v the_o man_n however_o i_o think_v all_o those_o variety_n may_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o four_o follow_a proposition_n first_o if_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v afraid_a of_o in_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o action_n do_v on_o both_o side_n appear_v equal_a there_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o that_o side_n where_o we_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o offend_a god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o that_o side_n which_o to_o our_o reason_n appear_v more_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dnager_n of_o sin_n rather_o than_o that_o other_o which_o be_v less_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o that_o danger_n for_o certain_o this_o will_n always_o be_v reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v a_o great_a probability_n before_o a_o less_o suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n equal_a but_o second_o if_o we_o doubt_v equal_o on_o both_o side_n so_o that_o we_o apprehend_v that_o we_o be_v in_o like_a danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o we_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o sin_n for_o certain_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o sin_v â—n_v at_o all_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o choose_v a_o less_o sin_n rather_o than_o a_o great_a where_o we_o annot_v cavoid_v sin_v three_o if_o the_o doubt_v be_v unequal_a and_o the_o sin_n likeways_o unequal_a that_o be_v if_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o one_o side_n of_o the_o case_n be_v more_o probable_a but_o the_o other_o side_n less_o sinful_a as_o not_o involve_v a_o man_n in_o so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n as_o the_o other_o will_v if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n may_v choose_v either_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o according_a as_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o probability_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n compare_v with_o one_o another_o do_v preponderate_a the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o probability_n on_o the_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o and_o likewise_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o difference_n and_o disproportion_n between_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o on_o each_o side_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v determine_v to_o the_o more_o probable_a side_n and_o venture_v all_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o case_n may_v likewise_o be_v such_o that_o the_o consequence_n on_o one_o side_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v be_v so_o terrible_a that_o they_o will_v overbalance_n all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a suppose_v they_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o so_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o doubt_v now_o here_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o act_n on_o the_o more_o probable_a side_n but_o on_o that_o which_o set_v he_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o these_o consequence_n thus_o if_o a_o prisoner_n be_v try_v for_o a_o capital_a offence_n and_o the_o evidence_n against_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o full_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n in_o the_o judge_n or_o jury_n that_o the_o man_n be_v guilty_a though_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v than_o that_o he_o be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n i_o believe_v all_o man_n will_v say_v that_o consider_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o disproportion_n between_o the_o evil_a of_o condemn_v a_o innocent_a person_n and_o acquit_v a_o guilty_a one_o it_o be_v murder_n in_o the_o one_o case_n the_o judge_n or_o jury_n shall_v rather_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n than_o the_o more_o probable_a and_o so_o clear_a the_o man_n rather_o than_o find_v he_o guilty_a four_o if_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v equal_o on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v afraid_a of_o appear_v likewise_o to_o he_o to_o be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n here_o other_o consideration_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o prudential_n inducement_n he_o have_v to_o do_v the_o action_n or_o forbear_v it_o as_o how_o far_o his_o ease_n and_o quiet_v his_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n his_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n his_o friend_n or_o his_o family_n be_v concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o since_o all_o other_o consideration_n that_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n those_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a must_v add_v so_o much_o weight_n to_o the_o scale_n as_o to_o determine_v the_o man_n either_o to_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o these_o consideration_n will_v often_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n even_o upon_o a_o good_a man_n not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n i_o have_v now_o put_v where_o the_o direct_o moral_a argument_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n but_o in_o all_o the_o other_o doubtful_a case_n i_o before_o mention_v we_o may_v talk_v very_o rational_o about_o the_o degree_n of_o probability_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o weight_n each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v with_o we_o and_o all_o this_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o lie_v down_o in_o thesi_fw-la but_o yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o act_n we_o find_v that_o scarce_o any_o man_n do_v exact_o proceed_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n but_o mix_v some_o of_o these_o prudential_n consideration_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v with_o his_o deliberation_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o
have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o that_o side_n and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o abstract_o consider_v be_v a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a when_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o i_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o usury_n and_o law_n suit_v and_o twenty_o more_o may_v be_v add_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n if_o this_o now_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a advantage_n both_o to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n and_o likewise_o so_o many_o both_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o separation_n that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n these_o consideration_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n a_o simple_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v sufficient_a weight_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o they_o do_v not_o act_n so_o reasonable_o as_o he_o may_v do_v for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o foolish_o do_v of_o any_o man_n that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v utter_o uncertain_a whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n as_o every_o one_o that_o doubt_v be_v shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o his_o point_n as_o to_o venture_v upon_o it_o no_o less_o a_o stake_n than_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o he_o live_v and_o the_o security_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v and_o withal_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o last_o the_o fortune_n also_o of_o his_o posterity_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o wise_a venture_n as_o this_o do_v every_o one_o among_o we_o make_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfuless_a of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o our_o communion_n do_v persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o government_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_v dissenter_n they_o be_v wise_a enough_o as_o to_o the_o world_n in_o other_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o wise_a in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o be_v i_o dare_v say_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n their_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n it_o will_v be_v but_o little_a either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o their_o reputation_n at_o the_o long_o run_v to_o have_v it_o say_v of_o they_o that_o beside_o the_o disturbance_n they_o have_v all_o along_o occasion_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v also_o bring_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n into_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o just_a prosecution_n of_o law_n they_o have_v draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o themselves_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a about_o but_o this_o will_v appear_v much_o clear_a when_o we_o have_v set_v the_o doubt_n about_o conformity_n upon_o the_o right_a foot_n viz._n considere_v it_o as_o a_o double_a doubt_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o i_o come_v now_o to_o do_v in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v other_o dissenter_n who_o as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n do_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o this_o question_n as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v to_o our_o worship_n because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o they_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o land_n do_v require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o of_o these_o as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v likewise_o two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o consequent_o must_v doubt_v equal_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o conform_v or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o two_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n the_o answer_n be_v very_o short_a and_o it_o be_v this_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n on_o both_o side_n be_v pretty_a equal_a in_o that_o case_n the_o command_n of_o authority_n do_v always_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o its_o own_o side_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o three_o general_n head_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o be_v in_o the_o other_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v unequal_a and_o here_o the_o case_n be_v this_o as_o the_o man_n apprehend_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n so_o he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v because_o it_o do_v appear_v more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o great_a probobility_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o but_o to_o this_o likewise_o we_o be_v ready_o provide_v of_o a_o answer_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n viz._n that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o the_o balance_n be_v so_o far_o incline_v one_o way_n the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o have_v weight_n enough_o to_o cast_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o church_n communion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o argument_n to_o be_v 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 the_o law_n than_o of_o obey_v they_o as_o will_n with_o any_o impartial_a conscientious_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 he_o rather_o to_o conform_v how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o doubt_n then_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n vide_fw-la three_o proposition_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n pag._n 27._o this_o be_v the_o issue_n upon_o which_o we_o will_v try_v the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o i_o refuse_v no_o indifferent_a man_n that_o will_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o be_v umpire_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o to_o this_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o suppose_v and_o admit_v that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v these_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o establish_v worship_n do_v real_o doubt_v on_o the_o true_a side_n and_o that_o he_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v conform_v to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v admit_v likewise_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v wonderful_o obscure_o declare_v there_o be_v no_o direct_a prohibition_n either_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o book_n of_o god_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o contest_v so_o that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o consequence_n and_o those_o consequence_n likewise_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o christ_n time_n till_o our_o reformation_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o though_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o either_o these_o or_o the_o like_a usage_n have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o all_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n either_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n ever_o condemn_v they_o as_o sinful_a or_o indeed_o that_o any_o particular_a christian_a do_v ever_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n these_o consequence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v unlawful_a
of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 27._o l._n 7._o for_o annot_v cavoid_v r._n can_v avoid_v p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o this_o last_o r._n the_o least_o p._n 43._o l._n 28._o after_o spiritual_a add_v by_o do_v the_o former_a p._n 61._o l._n 1._o r._n because_o p._n 62._o l._n penult_n r._n chrysostome_n p._n 66._o l._n 9_o r._n no_o wise_a p._n 94._o l._n 19_o r._n probability_n advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n tojoyn_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_n conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_v of_o it_o london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well-instructed_n conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well-grounded_n or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o action_n no_o further_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o mat_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbea_n do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o something_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o to_o make_v we_o suspect_v every_o thing_n for_o such_o or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o displease_v god_n by_o the_o most_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a action_n by_o these_o mean_n ensnare_a and_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n and_o render_v religion_n a_o most_o troublesome_a burden_n to_o they_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n therefore_o start_v and_o boggle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a evil_a or_o mischief_n be_v afraid_a of_o omit_v or_o do_v what_o may_v be_v omit_v or_o do_v without_o sin_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o illustrate_v than_o by_o those_o unaccountable_a antipathy_n or_o prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o man_n have_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o live_a creature_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n or_o hurt_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v so_o offensive_a and_o dreadful_a to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o tiger_n or_o bear_n and_o avoid_v they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o plague_n or_o poison_n just_o thus_o do_v some_o man_n run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o
do_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n but_o what_o be_v so_o determine_v it_o follow_v that_o god_n can_v be_v worship_v at_o all_o unless_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o in_o no_o time_n place_n habit_n or_o gesture_n nor_o indeed_o can_v i_o learn_v how_o a_o christian_a can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o this_o principle_n be_v admit_v for_o true_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o command_v be_v forbid_v since_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v be_v not_o prescribe_v or_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o he_o must_v commit_v a_o sin_n every_o time_n he_o pray_v or_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n beside_o this_o reason_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o constitute_v church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o some_o order_n and_o injunction_n for_o the_o 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gesture_n habit_n or_o form_n use_v in_o our_o church_n 2._o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o sinful_a purpose_n to_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v retain_v in_o our_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v use_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n hence_o the_o ordinary_a objection_n against_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o purge_v from_o popery_n that_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v indeed_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v very_o commendable_a and_o a_o good_a beginning_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o complete_a reformation_n they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o popish_a trash_n in_o the_o church_n hope_v by_o degree_n to_o reconcile_v the_o papist_n to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n too_o wide_o and_o too_o much_o prejudice_n or_o estrange_v they_o from_o it_o but_o we_o now_o live_v under_o better_a mean_n have_v great_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o a_o further_o and_o more_o perfect_a amendment_n be_v now_o necessary_a thus_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n be_v decry_v as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a our_o liturgy_n as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n and_o our_o ceremony_n as_o relic_n of_o idolatry_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v hold_v and_o maintain_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n but_o then_o by_o degree_n as_o they_o find_v opportunity_n they_o have_v add_v a_o number_n of_o impious_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o which_o they_o equal_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o their_o communion_n beside_o this_o they_o have_v introduce_v several_a idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n into_o the_o service_n of_o their_o church_n never_o hear_v of_o for_o the_o first_o four_o hundred_o year_n by_o which_o they_o have_v miserable_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o all_o those_o that_o love_v their_o own_o salvation_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o now_o our_o first_o reformer_n here_o in_o england_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o invent_v a_o new_a species_n of_o government_n to_o devise_v new_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o a_o new_a form_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v least_o except_v against_o and_o then_o obtrude_v it_o upon_o this_o nation_n as_o be_v do_v at_o geneva_n and_o some_o other_o place_n but_o they_o wise_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o reject_v what_o the_o romanist_n have_v add_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n lay_v aside_o their_o novel_a invention_n usurpation_n and_o unwritten_a tradition_n there_o will_v remain_v the_o pure_a simple_a primitive_a christianity_n such_o as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v thus_o degenerate_v nor_o have_v we_o any_o thing_n of_o popery_n leave_v among_o we_o but_o what_o the_o papist_n have_v leave_v among_o they_o of_o primitive_a religion_n and_o worship_n as_o we_o must_v not_o receive_v the_o evil_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a so_o neither_o must_v we_o reject_v the_o good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o evil_n in_o our_o church_n we_o pray_v neither_o to_o saint_n nor_o angel_n nor_o the_o virgin_n mary_n our_o liturgy_n be_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n we_o deny_v the_o laity_n no_o part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o offer_v no_o mass_n sacrifice_n nor_o worship_n image_n or_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n we_o have_v not_o one_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o we_o that_o be_v pure_o popish_a but_o we_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o sacred_a venerable_a and_o useful_a thing_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o our_o forbear_v any_o thing_n because_o the_o papist_n abuse_v it_o this_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o plain_a rule_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o our_o conscience_n not_o wilful_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o avoid_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n what_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o what_o ever_o else_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a divine_a law_n about_o to_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n peace_n and_o charity_n this_o one_o rule_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v a_o very_a reasonable_a one_o will_v soon_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o squabble_n and_o jangle_n about_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n 5._o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n we_o must_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o public_a constitution_n that_o will_v be_v every_o way_n unexceptionable_a the_o best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o man_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o if_o man_n will_v scruple_n and_o reform_v as_o long_o as_o any_o thing_n remain_v which_o they_o can_v object_v against_o they_o must_v even_o come_v at_o last_o as_o a_o reverend_a person_n of_o our_o church_n have_v observe_v to_o the_o state_n of_o that_o miserable_a man_n who_o leave_v all_o humane_a society_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v defile_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o at_o last_o cut_v out_o the_o content_n of_o chapter_n and_o title_n of_o book_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n because_o they_o be_v humane_a invention_n add_v to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o
prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o our_o saviour_n own_o countryman_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o kindred_n who_o know_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n mark_v 6._o 3._o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o speak_v and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o have_v they_o not_o know_v his_o mean_a original_a and_o employment_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o our_o lord_n st._n john_n 6._o 61._o have_v discourse_v of_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o take_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a carnal_a sense_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n or_o the_o messiah_n who_o will_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o turn_v cannibal_n thus_o again_o our_o saviour_n before_o the_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v tell_v his_o disciple_n st._n matt._n 26._o 31._o all_o of_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n that_o be_v shall_v fly_v away_o and_o shameful_o forsake_v i_o when_o you_o behold_v my_o hard_a usage_n and_o dismal_a suffering_n so_o christ_n crucify_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v they_o have_v set_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o a_o temporal_a earthly_a king_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a dominion_n and_o greatness_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o come_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o prince_n and_o saviour_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v put_v to_o such_o a_o curse_a and_o ignominious_a death_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n they_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mark_v 4._o 17._o and_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n be_v present_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o leave_v and_o renounce_v that_o profession_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a after_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o most_o stumble_v the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v the_o danger_n moses_n law_n and_o their_o temple_n worship_n and_o the_o singular_a preeminence_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o of_o be_v undermine_v by_o christianity_n they_o be_v strange_o wed_v to_o their_o legal_a observance_n fond_a of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o peculiarity_n which_o distinguish_v their_o nation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v jealous_a of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o encroach_v upon_o their_o privilege_n or_o tend_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o uncircumcised_a world_n this_o mighty_o offend_v they_o and_o harden_v they_o against_o christianity_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o gentile_a convert_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v afraid_a of_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n or_o be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o scare_v they_o from_o christianity_n as_o when_o it_o come_v attend_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o that_o be_v do_v discourage_v they_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o continue_v in_o his_o faith_n now_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o these_o different_a apprehension_n among_o the_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o that_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 15._o and_o of_o those_o direction_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v rom._n 14._o concern_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o weak_a brethren_n another_o case_n there_o be_v concern_v eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n discourse_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 8._o and_o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n though_o as_o ordinary_a meat_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o who_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n do_v eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n for_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o weak_a as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v quite_o leave_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o christian_n eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o such_o a_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o error_n who_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v of_o who_o soul_n st._n paul_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a regard_n that_o he_o will_v eat_v no_o such_o meat_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v rather_o than_o lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o or_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n in_o all_o these_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o interpreter_n and_o those_o that_o have_v write_v large_o on_o this_o subject_n no_o less_o than_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o sin_n into_o which_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v and_o by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o another_o forsake_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n lose_v a_o disciple_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n perish_v be_v the_o proper_a sin_n of_o offend_a or_o give_v scandal_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o which_o be_v revel_v 2._o 14._o where_o balaam_n be_v say_v to_o have_v teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o scandal_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o relate_v othis_fw-la entice_v they_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v god_n against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v reckon_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o upon_o every_o occasion_n draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o tell_v the_o separatist_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n usual_o say_v he_o man_n talk_v most_o against_o scandalize_a those_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o best_a be_v least_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o they_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o suppose_v a_o separatist_n shall_v say_v if_o you_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o parish_n minister_n or_o church_n in_o england_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o many_o good_a people_n i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o one_o why_o call_v you_o those_o good_a people_n that_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n nay_o that_o will_v sin_n because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n therefore_o if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v you_o make_v the_o separatist_n almost_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o will_v sin_n against_o god_n because_o another_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o great_a thing_n our_o nonconformist_n pretend_v unto_o above_o other_o man_n be_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o must_v mean_v if_o they_o mean_v any_o virtue_n by_o it_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a security_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v by_o what_o other_o man_n do_v that_o be_v against_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o do_v real_o disparage_v and_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v thus_o afraid_a of_o give_v they_o offence_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v with_o sense_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o
of_o what_o he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v true_o observe_v by_o some_o that_o consider_v the_o know_a temper_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a any_o such_o mischief_n shall_v ensue_v viz._n that_o by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o or_o more_o leave_v their_o separate_a assembly_n other_o shall_v be_v move_v to_o follow_v they_o against_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v abundant_o notorious_a how_o they_o have_v use_v to_o treat_v those_o that_o have_v desert_v they_o with_o what_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n they_o have_v prosecute_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o worst_a enemy_n pass_v more_o grievous_a censure_n upon_o they_o than_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n long_o continue_v in_o our_o communion_n 4._o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o observe_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v concern_v give_v offence_n that_o if_o to_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n than_o we_o may_v scandalize_v and_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o as_o soon_o by_o please_v they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o by_o diplease_v they_o and_o go_v contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n and_o humour_n st._n paul_n who_o circumcise_a timothy_n act_v 16._o 3._o in_o favour_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n that_o he_o may_v insinuate_v and_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o they_o refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n galat._n 2._o 3._o though_o he_o make_v the_o jew_n angry_a by_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n or_o submission_n and_o condescension_n to_o they_o no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n he_o consider_v the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o he_o comply_v to_o circumcise_v timothy_n lest_o all_o the_o jew_n with_o he_o shall_v have_v forsake_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o deny_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n lest_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n shall_v think_v he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jewish_a law_n hold_v still_o in_o force_n and_o so_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v become_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o they_o he_o please_v indeed_o the_o former_a for_o fear_n of_o drive_v they_o from_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o displease_v the_o latter_a lest_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n always_o necessary_a he_o have_v true_o scandalize_v they_o if_o he_o have_v do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v have_v he_o he_o have_v offend_v they_o in_o the_o true_a scripture_n sense_n if_o he_o have_v please_v and_o humour_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a way_n of_o scandalize_a christian_n among_o we_o by_o not_o plain_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o mistake_n by_o not_o speak_v free_o and_o round_o to_o they_o nor_o act_v courageous_o whereby_o they_o become_v harden_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v but_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o the_o book_n i_o have_v so_o often_o cite_v many_o a_o time_n say_v he_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o go_v to_o the_o common-prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o same_o man_n that_o call_v the_o go_n to_o they_o a_o scandal_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a separation_n and_o error_n because_o i_o know_v that_o be_v not_o scandal_n which_o they_o call_v scandal_n that_o be_v displease_v they_o and_o cross_v their_o opinion_n but_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o error_n or_o other_o sin_n be_v true_a scandalize_a understand_v this_o or_o you_o will_v displease_v god_n under_o pretence_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n p._n 135._o thus_o by_o comply_v with_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o real_o do_v they_o that_o mischief_n which_o we_o will_v avoid_v and_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o give_v scandal_n while_o we_o be_v run_v from_o it_o we_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v their_o sinful_a separation_n and_o division_n we_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v we_o by_o our_o practice_n condemn_v those_o thing_n which_o yet_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o allow_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o by_o our_o authority_n and_o influence_n harden_v other_o in_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opposition_n against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n they_o think_v we_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o themselves_o whilst_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o judge_v as_o ill_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o long_o as_o we_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o themselves_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o those_o infinite_a mischief_n which_o have_v happen_v both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o religious_a dispute_n and_o division_n which_o sure_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v by_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o shall_v go_v to_o church_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o a_o conventicle_n in_o the_o afternoon_n who_o halt_v between_o both_o and_o will_v fain_o displease_v neither_o side_n but_o indeed_o give_v real_a offence_n to_o both_o from_o all_o this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n but_o be_v afraid_a of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o this_o principle_n aught_o to_o hasten_v the_o fast_o to_o his_o parish-church_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v those_o very_a dissenter_n of_o who_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a 3._o it_o remain_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v now_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v true_o weak_a person_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o danger_n of_o their_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n offend_v by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v i_o shall_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o come_v to_o his_o parish-church_n and_o use_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v do_v the_o same_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v such_o offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brethren_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n beside_o this_o matter_n of_o private_a scandal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v great_a evil_n in_o and_o great_a mischief_n to_o other_o and_o a_o more_o public_a scandal_n do_v follow_v our_o forbear_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o withdraw_n into_o private_a assembly_n than_o can_v happen_v by_o our_o leave_v they_o and_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v then_o to_o conform_v notwithstanding_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o for_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n one_o be_v that_o nothing_o which_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v scandalize_a other_o the_o other_o be_v that_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a scandal_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o by_o these_o two_o rule_n i_o shall_v now_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n at_o first_o propound_v 1._o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v other_o be_v scandalize_v which_o be_v direct_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rom._n 3._o 8._o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o be_v any_o necessary_a duty_n to_o be_v omit_v out_o of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o other_o lest_o they_o through_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v hurt_v by_o it_o we_o must_v not_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a sin_n in_o another_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n ourselves_o nor_o disobey_v god_n law_n and_o so_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o our_o own_o damnation_n though_o it_o be_v to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n thus_o calvin_n tell_v we_o instit_fw-la lib._n 3._o c._n 19_o quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la factu_fw-la nullius_fw-la offendiculi_fw-la timore_fw-la omittenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v
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 their_o command_n but_o than_o it_o do_v free_v i_o from_o all_o guilt_n and_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o to_o become_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v which_o if_o i_o have_v do_v needless_o without_o any_o great_a reason_n and_o my_o brother_n have_v be_v hurt_v and_o his_o conscience_n wound_v by_o it_o may_v have_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o uncharitableness_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o scandal_n be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a to_o follow_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n otherwise_o obligatory_a do_v not_o lose_v their_o bind_a force_n because_o of_o some_o scandal_n that_o may_v possible_o happen_v from_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o or_o else_o all_o authority_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o insignificant_a and_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v for_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o allow_v man_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v thereat_o to_o disobey_v law_n and_o constitution_n make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o bring_v both_o magistrate_n and_o law_n into_o contempt_n for_o what_o law_n ever_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o some_o man_n or_o other_o either_o do_v or_o may_v take_v offence_n thereat_o whether_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v scandalous_a or_o no_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o hurtfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v he_o be_v free_a to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o which_o be_v direct_o to_o dissolve_v all_o government_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o certain_a disorder_n and_o everlasting_a confusion_n every_o one_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o charity_n may_v superior_n therefore_o at_o their_o pleasure_n appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n then_o sure_o a_o inferior_a earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o heaven_n this_o mr._n jean_n urge_v also_o out_o of_o amesius_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o here_o be_v no_o cross_v the_o determination_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o express_a will_n that_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n we_o shall_v obey_v our_o governor_n and_o he_o who_o have_v make_v this_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o mischief_n that_o may_v sometime_o without_o our_o fault_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n follow_v from_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o superior_n shall_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v exercise_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brethren_n as_o it_o 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
communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o these_o indifference_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v where_o by_o flesh_n and_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o though_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o common_a meal_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v whole_o abstain_v from_o rather_o than_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o a_o brother_n if_o i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n taylour_n say_v great_a exemp_n p._n 420_o must_v rather_o quit_v my_o own_o good_n than_o suffer_v my_o brother_n to_o perish_v much_o rather_o must_v i_o quit_v my_o privilege_n and_o we_o shall_v ill_o die_v for_o our_o brother_n who_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o meal_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n or_o change_v a_o dish_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o our_o brother_n live_v or_o die_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o win_v and_o gain_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o conform_v be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n of_o charity_n not_o needless_o to_o vex_v and_o exasperate_v our_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o may_v estrange_v they_o more_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n and_o the_o law_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o their_o brethren_n we_o dare_v not_o indeed_o omit_v any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o our_o superior_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o apostolical_a government_n excellent_a liturgy_n orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n use_v in_o our_o church_n shall_v all_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o some_o weak_a man_n take_v offence_n at_o they_o but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o disposal_n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o please_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o good_a unto_o edification_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n jean_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v as_o first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forbear_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o possibility_n of_o scandal_n but_o where_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a be_v probable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o never_o know_v what_o to_o do_v second_o our_o weak_a brethren_n must_v have_v some_o probable_a ground_n for_o their_o imagination_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a or_o else_o we_o must_v wear_v no_o ribbon_n nor_o put_v off_o our_o hat_n but_o come_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o for_o this_o exception_n he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n that_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o another_o without_o probable_a ground_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a administration_n three_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o yield_v i_o some_o great_a profit_n i_o must_v only_o for_o a_o while_o forbear_v it_o until_o my_o brother_n be_v better_a inform_v last_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o please_v peevish_a and_o froward_a people_n or_o to_o humour_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a opinion_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v mr._n calvin_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o tell_v of_o some_o foolish_a interpreter_n that_o leave_v to_o christian_n almost_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n of_o superstitious_a
shall_v endeavour_v through_o god_n assistance_n to_o lay_v some_o thing_n together_o of_o which_o people_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v make_v a_o judgement_n and_o which_o may_v afford_v reasonable_a satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o doubt_v it_o be_v by_o some_o pretend_a that_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v too_o general_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a sin_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v distinct_o confess_v of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n now_o i_o desire_v those_o that_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o require_v more_o caution_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o order_n of_o it_o than_o that_o confession_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n it_o may_v be_v too_o loose_a and_o general_n on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o it_o may_v be_v too_o particular_a and_o distinct_a on_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o easy_a to_o avoid_v both_o inconvenience_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v frame_v as_o all_o may_v in_o good_a earnest_n use_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a difference_n among_o those_o that_o be_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sin_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n and_o great_a in_o kind_n and_o more_o heinous_o aggravate_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o there_o may_v be_v this_o inconvenience_n in_o a_o confession_n very_o short_a and_o general_n that_o take_v in_o all_o that_o it_o do_v not_o so_o well_o serve_v to_o excite_v or_o to_o express_v that_o due_a sense_n of_o sin_n nor_o to_o exercise_v that_o humility_n and_o self_n abasement_n wherewith_o we_o shall_v always_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o very_a particular_a and_o distinct_a confession_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v this_o that_o some_o sin_n with_o their_o aggravation_n may_v be_v confess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o which_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o be_v guilty_a and_o then_o they_o who_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v be_v keep_v from_o they_o can_v in_o good_a earnest_n make_v such_o confession_n now_o i_o take_v it_o that_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o daily_a and_o in_o the_o communion_n service_n be_v so_o judicious_o frame_v as_o to_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n since_o the_o expression_n have_v that_o large_a meaning_n as_o to_o take_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o congregation_n who_o may_v in_o good_a earnest_n use_v they_o and_o thereby_o join_v their_o confession_n with_o the_o rest_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o they_o be_v general_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o affectionate_o amplify_v that_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o express_v that_o contrition_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o feel_v who_o labour_n under_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o hemous_a sin_n and_o if_o they_o come_v due_o prepare_v to_o excite_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o that_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n serious_o to_o read_v over_o those_o two_o confession_n in_o our_o lyturgie_n the_o one_o that_o which_o our_o daily_a worship_n almost_o begin_v with_o the_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n office_n before_o the_o absolution_n and_o then_o let_v they_o judge_v impartial_o as_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n if_o i_o have_v not_o say_v the_o truth_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n after_o the_o minister_n have_v recite_v each_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v not_o only_a general_n enough_o to_o take_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o it_o seem_v also_o to_o be_v as_o particular_a as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v in_o a_o congregation_n because_o it_o go_v particular_o through_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v usual_a to_o reduce_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n and_o this_o method_n of_o confession_n make_v it_o easy_a for_o all_o that_o consider_v their_o own_o way_n and_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v their_o own_o state_n to_o confess_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o god_n yet_o more_o particular_o his_o know_a offence_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n against_o each_o commandment_n these_o thing_n be_v well_o provide_v for_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o this_o part_n of_o our_o service_n seem_v to_o argue_v want_n of_o modesty_n or_o judgement_n in_o those_o that_o do_v so_o they_o seem_v to_o believe_v we_o to_o be_v amiss_o because_o they_o believe_v themselves_o can_v make_v a_o better_a but_o if_o for_o this_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n they_o think_v fit_a to_o break_v communion_n with_o we_o where_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n i_o hope_v none_o of_o our_o brethren_n will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o a_o way_n of_o expression_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v mend_v lest_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o confession_n of_o sin_n at_o all_o since_o it_o may_v still_o remain_v a_o question_n whether_o this_o have_v not_o be_v better_o leave_v out_o or_o that_o add_v after_o the_o best_a care_n be_v take_v if_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o wife_a of_o they_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v pretend_v no_o more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v so_o compose_v that_o god_n people_n may_v safe_o and_o profitable_o use_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o may_v confident_o say_v of_o the_o confession_n in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_o say_v it_o ought_v to_o end_v the_o dispute_n and_o yet_o they_o who_o object_n the_o generalness_n of_o our_o confession_n against_o we_o will_v not_o find_v it_o a_o easy_a task_n to_o give_v we_o better_o and_o more_o unexceptionable_a i_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o will_v not_o mend_v the_o matter_n if_o they_o can_v prevail_v to_o have_v they_o as_o particular_a as_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o some_o that_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o beside_o that_o they_o confess_v against_o themselves_o so_o many_o particular_a sin_n as_o many_o sincere_a christian_n can_v in_o good_a earnest_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v or_o ever_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o there_o be_v this_o other_o great_a inconvenience_n in_o such_o confession_n that_o gross_a hypocrite_n and_o other_o carnal_a professor_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o go_v away_o with_o a_o opinion_n that_o their_o case_n be_v as_o good_a as_o that_o of_o the_o best_a since_o by_o these_o confession_n of_o sin_n which_o describe_v their_o own_o case_n perhaps_o true_o enough_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o better_o than_o themselves_o we_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o warn_v those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n against_o such_o like_a mistake_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o so_o much_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o they_o we_o be_v afraid_a lest_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o wilful_a sin_n shall_v think_v the_o better_a of_o themselves_o because_o we_o do_v all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v err_v and_o stray_v from_o god_n way_n like_v lose_v sheep_n and_o have_v follow_v too_o much_o the_o device_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v offend_v against_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o have_v leave_v undo_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o have_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v and_o that_o manifold_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n have_v most_o grievous_o be_v commit_v by_o we_o against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v most_o just_o his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o we_o but_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a for_o we_o to_o show_v these_o man_n that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v true_o confess_v by_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a as_o well_o as_o by_o hypocrite_n that_o though_o the_o confession_n do_v not_o mention_v a_o difference_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o after_o all_o that_o these_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o impenitence_n &_o damnation_n while_o those_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n who_o yet_o true_o confess_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o same_o general_a word_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o this_o self-flattery_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o where_o the_o common_a confession_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o very_o particular_a as_o some_o
will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v and_o though_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o caution_n against_o it_o in_o such_o place_n yet_o the_o way_n of_o their_o confession_n make_v the_o mistake_n more_o difficult_a to_o be_v prevent_v indeed_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n example_n of_o holy_a man_n confess_v such_o sin_n as_o themselves_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o thus_o do_v jeremiah_n nehemiah_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v upon_o solemn_a humiliation_n for_o those_o know_v and_o public_a idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o have_v bring_v god_n heavy_a judgement_n upon_o they_o or_o for_o common_a and_o scandalous_a transgression_n afterward_o they_o consider_v themselves_o as_o part_v of_o that_o community_n which_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o send_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o therefore_o they_o bear_v their_o part_n in_o the_o common_a calamity_n with_o such_o meekness_n and_o confess_v the_o common_a sin_n with_o such_o humility_n as_o if_o themselves_o have_v offend_v as_o great_o in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o their_o countryman_n have_v do_v but_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o those_o confession_n of_o sin_n that_o such_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o public_a humiliation_n require_v and_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o state_v assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o those_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n which_o some_o man_n want_v in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v not_o proper_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o public_a service_n we_o be_v to_o offer_v daily_o unto_o god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n but_o of_o that_o private_a devotion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v in_o our_o closet_n and_o if_o we_o can_v be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o work_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o impartial_o concern_v those_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v more_o open_o or_o secret_o commit_v and_o then_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o they_o with_o particular_a confession_n and_o suitable_a prayer_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o pardon_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v our_o affection_n prepare_v to_o comply_v with_o those_o more_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n which_o we_o make_v with_o the_o whole_a congregation_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o those_o confession_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o move_v we_o because_o this_o way_n will_v cure_v the_o deadness_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o common_o be_v most_o to_o blame_v when_o we_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n in_o religious_a assembly_n but_o that_o of_o another_o sort_n than_o what_o i_o have_v yet_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a and_o humble_a confession_n which_o every_o scandalous_a sinner_n ought_v to_o make_v in_o the_o congregation_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o discipline_n but_o alas_o almost_o lose_v in_o this_o miserable_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n a_o loss_n never_o enough_o to_o be_v lament_v for_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o that_o by_o quarrel_v for_o a_o reformation_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v break_v and_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n which_o christ_n leave_v in_o his_o church_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o concern_v than_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n put_v together_o though_o they_o be_v as_o considerable_a as_o our_o adversary_n seem_v to_o believe_v they_o be_v the_o second_o objection_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o against_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o collect_v by_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o prayer_n be_v often_o sudden_o break_v off_o and_o then_o begin_v again_o and_o this_o be_v think_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gravity_n wherewith_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v nor_o so_o likely_a a_o mean_n of_o exciting_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o people_n as_o one_o continue_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v as_o long_o as_o all_o those_o put_v together_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o mere_a shortness_n of_o a_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o by_o any_o understanding_n christian_n since_o this_o will_v be_v to_o disparage_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n teach_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o much_o long_a than_o most_o of_o our_o collect_v and_o not_o so_o long_o as_o some_o of_o they_o 2._o that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o many_o of_o these_o short_a prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n one_o immediate_o after_o another_o be_v either_o not_o so_o grave_a or_o not_o so_o edify_v as_o one_o continue_v form_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o it_o be_v make_v by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v our_o way_n for_o the_o work_n of_o pray_v be_v as_o much_o continue_v all_o the_o while_n as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o continue_v form_n indeed_o in_o the_o book_n the_o print_a prayer_n break_v off_o somewhat_o often_o and_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n make_v between_o the_o several_a collect_v by_o a_o new_a title_n show_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o by_o begin_v a_o new_a line_n but_o i_o hope_v our_o brethren_n do_v not_o mean_v that_o in_o this_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o gravity_n or_o any_o hindrance_n of_o devotion_n and_o edification_n for_o the_o abruption_n of_o the_o print_a form_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o interruption_n of_o our_o prayer_n since_o we_o still_o go_v on_o in_o pray_v or_o in_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o without_o break_v off_o pass_v from_o one_o petition_n or_o matter_n of_o invocation_n to_o another_o as_o immediate_o as_o if_o the_o distinct_a form_n we_o use_v together_o be_v all_o bring_v into_o the_o compass_n of_o one._n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o interruption_n of_o our_o pray_v cause_v by_o the_o frequent_a beginning_n and_o end_v of_o the_o collect_v so_o neither_o can_v this_o cause_n a_o interruption_n of_o attention_n in_o the_o people_n which_o be_v rather_o help_v by_o that_o frequency_n of_o say_v amen_o which_o this_o way_n require_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o tendency_n to_o interrupt_v that_o devout_a affection_n and_o godly_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o prayer_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n this_o may_v be_v keep_v alive_a and_o more_o effectual_o secure_v by_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n so_o often_o as_o we_o do_v i_o know_v some_o have_v say_v this_o be_v do_v more_o frequent_o than_o be_v meet_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o difference_n about_o this_o matter_n when_o the_o decence_n and_o convenience_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v consider_v we_o shall_v attribute_v much_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n and_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudent_a and_o holy_a man_n such_o as_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v and_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a person_n since_o their_o time_n be_v also_o who_o think_v this_o manner_n of_o pray_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o edify_v and_o i_o believe_v other_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n if_o they_o will_v not_o altogether_o dwell_v upon_o their_o prejudice_n against_o our_o way_n but_o attend_v a_o little_a to_o those_o consideration_n that_o favour_v it_o and_o which_o discover_v the_o advantage_n and_o usefulness_n of_o it_o which_o sort_n of_o equity_n they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o humble_a will_v show_v to_o all_o man_n much_o more_o to_o their_o governor_n now_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n somewhat_o often_o by_o his_o attribute_n do_v of_o itself_o tend_v to_o maintain_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o reverend_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o presence_n which_o we_o all_o know_v be_v of_o necessary_a use_n to_o make_v we_o pray_v unto_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o those_o that_o have_v be_v blame_v for_o repeat_v lord_n lord_n so_o very_o often_o in_o their_o extempore_o prayer_n will_v think_v themselves_o somewhat_o hardly_o use_v if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o matter_n but_o for_o the_o exciting_a of_o a_o reverend_a sense_n of_o god_n authority_n in_o
prejudicial_a to_o man_n soul_n and_o contribute_v unspeakable_o more_o to_o the_o impurity_n both_o of_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n than_o the_o impure_a ordinance_n you_o so_o complain_v of_o and_o therefore_o all_o good_a and_o pious_a church_n of_o england_n man_n can_v but_o say_v how_o happy_a shall_v we_o not_o only_o think_v ourselves_o but_o indeed_o be_v will_v our_o brethren_n but_o leave_n dispute_v with_o such_o mighty_a concern_v about_o little_a thing_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v perfect_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a will_v make_v no_o more_o sin_n than_o god_n and_o their_o bless_a saviour_n have_v make_v will_v be_v as_o fearful_a of_o culpable_o disobey_v authority_n as_o of_o culpable_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v as_o thankful_a that_o they_o be_v in_o no_o worse_a circumstance_n as_o they_o be_v full_a of_o complaint_n that_o they_o be_v in_o no_o better_a will_v take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o how_o far_o they_o may_v lawful_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n as_o how_o far_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_a from_o it_o will_v be_v as_o willing_a to_o read_v those_o book_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n as_o to_o read_v those_o which_o be_v write_v in_o opposition_n to_o they_o will_v as_o impartial_o consider_v the_o vast_a distance_n between_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n as_o thus_o dwell_v upon_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a agreement_n that_o be_v between_o they_o which_o our_o author_n have_v convince_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n prove_v to_o be_v no_o justifiable_a pretence_n for_o separation_n and_o if_o we_o will_v well_o digest_v those_o excellent_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 14._o 17_o 18._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o man_n and_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o 19_o v._o 19_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherein_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o last_o if_o we_o will_v at_o length_n be_v persuade_v to_o let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n and_o anger_n and_o 32._o eph._n 4._o 31_o 32._o clamour_n and_o evil_a speak_n against_o one_o another_o be_v put_v away_o from_o we_o with_o all_o malice_n and_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o affectionate_a one_o to_o another_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n tender_v heart_v forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o i_o say_v if_o we_o can_v once_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o temper_n we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o more_o happy_a than_o those_o thing_n you_o express_v so_o passionate_a a_o desire_n of_o can_v possible_o make_v we_o and_o without_o this_o bless_a temper_n we_o shall_v be_v miserable_a wretch_n though_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n in_o any_o one_o rite_n between_o rome_n and_o we_o and_o though_o our_o ordinance_n be_v as_o pure_a as_o it_o be_v your_o wish_n to_o have_v they_o nor_o will_v our_o bid_n the_o great_a defiance_n to_o the_o antichrist_n in_o the_o roman_a chair_n one_o whit_n avail_v we_o while_o the_o spiritual_a antichrist_n which_o be_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o two_o continue_v possess_v of_o his_o seat_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o sir_n i_o hearty_o bid_v you_o farewell_o errata_fw-la page_n 19_o lin._n 12._o read_v in_o their_o great_a p._n 27._o l._n 30._o deal_n p._n 32._o l._n 1._o read_v be_v so_o contrive_v finis_fw-la book_n sell_v by_o r._n horn_n t._n basset_n r._n chiswell_n b._n tooke_n brabazon_n aylmer_n w._n rogers_n and_o f._n gardiner_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v symbolise_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n in_o two_o part_n 11._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 12._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 13._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 14._o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v 15._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a brethren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 18._o the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n etc._n etc._n 19_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o modest_a examination_n of_o that_o resolution_n the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n i._o whether_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o baptism_n ii_o whether_o infant_n be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n by_o christ_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 baptize_v iv_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n v._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o believer_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n london_n print_v by_o t._n hodgkin_n for_o tho._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n benj._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n the_o previous_a discourse_n the_o better_a to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o my_o reader_n for_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v in_o this_o discourse_n about_o infant-baptism_n i_o think_v it_o requisite_a to_o premise_v a_o short_a introduction_n first_o concern_v the_o original_a and_o second_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n three_o concern_v the_o initiatory_a sacrament_n into_o it_o and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o initiation_n and_o last_o concern_v the_o alteration_n of_o it_o from_o the_o mosaic_a into_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n or_o to_o express_v myself_o more_o plain_o in_o the_o 6._o the_o the_o the_o heb._n 2._o 5_o 6._o scripture-phrase_n concern_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o house_n of_o moses_n into_o the_o house_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o abraham_n the_o 11._o the_o the_o the_o rom._n 4._o 11._o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a pure_o consider_v as_o a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o as_o a_o church_n under_o such_o a_o political_a regulation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o moses_n who_o be_v call_v even_o by_o heathen_a writer_n the_o 7._o the_o the_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sect._n 7._o legislator_n of_o the_o jew_n these_o two_o consideration_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n pure_o as_o a_o church_n and_o as_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o as_o a_o church_n under_o such_o a_o mixture_n with_o a_o commonwealth_n ought_v heedful_o to_o be_v distinguish_v 1._o because_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o such_o a_o distinction_n in_o the_o nature_n
our_o saviour_n the_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n a_o command_n so_o reasonable_a so_o easy_a so_o full_a of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o faithful_a observer_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v so_o plain_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v of_o those_o great_a and_o manifold_a blessing_n which_o all_o christian_n believe_v to_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o frequent_a and_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o this_o sacrament_n where_o then_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o backwardness_n which_o we_o see_v in_o man_n to_o so_o plain_a so_o necessary_a and_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n the_o truth_n be_v man_n have_v be_v great_o discourage_v from_o this_o sacrament_n by_o the_o unwary_a press_v and_o inculcate_v of_o two_o great_a truth_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o iii_o third_z particular_a i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o these_o objection_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o the_o 27_o verse_n wherefore_o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 29._o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o upon_o the_o mistake_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o text_n have_v be_v ground_v two_o objection_n of_o great_a force_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o this_o sacrament_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v to_o remove_v first_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o second_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o devout_a christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n 1._o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o obj._n 1_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n whole_o to_o refrain_v from_o this_o sacrament_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a danger_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v avoid_v by_o not_o receive_v yet_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v a_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o thereby_o avoid_v sure_o they_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o make_v light_n of_o that_o gracious_a invitation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o faulty_a as_o he_o who_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o as_o he_o be_v severe_o punish_v for_o his_o disrespect_n so_o they_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o disobedience_n nay_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o contempt_n whole_o to_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o without_o some_o due_a qualification_n the_o great_a indisposition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v one_o being_n a_o bad_a man_n and_o he_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a and_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o continue_v so_o who_o wilful_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n than_o he_o that_o come_v to_o it_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n and_o preparation_n though_o much_o less_o than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o man_n to_o come_v to_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n without_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a awe_n upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o without_o some_o good_a thought_n and_o resolution_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v before_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n set_v himself_o serious_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n against_o they_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o these_o good_a resolution_n though_o after_o a_o while_o he_o may_v possible_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o this_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n to_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o good_a mood_n and_o fit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v much_o better_a than_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o sin_n even_o this_o righteousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o so_o soon_o pass_v away_o be_v better_a than_o none_o and_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o man_n can_v think_v of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o will_v by_o this_o consideration_n be_v excite_v to_o some_o good_a purpose_n and_o put_v upon_o some_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v his_o life_n and_o though_o he_o be_v very_o much_o under_o the_o bondage_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n if_o he_o do_v with_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o excellent_a mean_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n so_o to_o abate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o to_o imprint_v such_o consideration_n upon_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o break_v off_o his_o wicked_a course_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o to_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o the_o great_a enormity_n of_o life_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n nothing_o but_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o man_n may_v avoid_v and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a enough_o heretofore_o man_n use_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o great_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n by_o shame_n and_o fear_n of_o disgrace_n and_o will_v abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o man_n but_o man_n have_v harden_v their_o face_n in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o those_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o modesty_n which_o govern_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o order_n heretofore_o signify_v nothing_o now_o adays_o blush_v be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o shame_n be_v cease_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacrament_n do_v always_o use_v to_o lay_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o reform_v they_o it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v man_n good_a yet_o it_o will_v make_v they_o resolve_v to_o be_v so_o and_o leave_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o discourage_v man_n so_o much_o from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o way_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n and_o that_o many_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o kind_n of_o check_n before_o since_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v quite_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o and_o prostitute_a themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n and_o among_o the_o many_o ill_a effect_n of_o our_o past_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o in_o many_o congregation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n christian_n be_v general_o disuse_v and_o deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o they_o must_v necessary_o incur_v the_o
not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v and_o perpetual_o imitate_v by_o we_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n thus_o in_o our_o present_a case_n though_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o his_o example_n alone_o do_v not_o become_v a_o everlasting_a rule_n for_o all_o age_n to_o observe_v because_o he_o have_v no_o where_o discover_v his_o bind_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o consequent_o since_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o may_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o will_n and_o intention_n when_o we_o so_o zealous_o press_v and_o follow_v his_o example_n especial_o in_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o gesture_n for_o even_o under_o the_o law_n where_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n habit_n and_o the_o ceremony_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n be_v with_o great_a particularity_n describe_v this_o of_o gesture_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o undetermined_a god_n never_o oblige_v they_o to_o use_v any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o to_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n and_o body_n or_o fall_v prostrate_a on_o the_o earth_n to_o use_v all_o or_o any_o one_o of_o these_o as_o custom_n and_o their_o own_o pious_a prudence_n shall_v prompt_v and_o direct_v they_o see_v then_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v never_o determine_v under_o the_o law_n since_o it_o be_v and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o mutable_a ceremony_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v so_o unto_o this_o day_n our_o lord_n leave_v it_o as_o he_o find_v it_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v by_o some_o command_n or_o note_n of_o immutability_n fix_v and_o determine_v it_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n but_o because_o no_o such_o command_n or_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v therefore_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o his_o example_n a_o few_o instance_n will_v clear_v this_o point_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o baptise_a till_o 23._o luke_n 3._o 23._o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n but_o this_o example_n be_v not_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n a_o law_n or_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n so_o long_o so_o he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n but_o be_v there_o no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o but_o when_o we_o be_v near_o our_o grave_n and_o under_o a_o prospect_n of_o death_n he_o also_o institute_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n after_o a_o full_a meal_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o man_n only_o do_v his_o bare_a example_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v punctual_o all_o these_o circumstance_n or_o no_o if_o it_o do_v why_o do_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o example_n in_o these_o thing_n if_o his_o example_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o we_o to_o follow_v it_o in_o these_o particular_n how_o do_v sit_v become_v necessary_a bare_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o example_n i_o desire_v they_o therefore_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o examine_v this_o matter_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v assign_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o liberty_n they_o take_v of_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o not_o in_o other_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o guide_v they_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v constrain_v to_o do_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o to_o withdraw_v their_o suit_n against_o kneel_v and_o quit_v their_o own_o principle_n or_o condemn_v their_o own_o practice_n as_o shameful_o repugnant_a to_o it_o 2._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o act_v by_o because_o the_o great_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o that_o glorious_a example_n he_o leave_v we_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o it_o show_v the_o possibility_n and_o clear_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o law_n and_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o it_o put_v the_o rule_n into_o activity_n and_o set_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o life_n it_o be_v to_o our_o life_n as_o exhortation_n be_v to_o doctrine_n it_o thrust_v we_o forward_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v before_o whatsoever_o our_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v in_o that_o only_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o imitate_v he_o but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n we_o may_v do_v it_o if_o we_o will_v and_o if_o we_o can_v innocent_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a life_n but_o we_o be_v not_o under_o constraint_n and_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a to_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a to_o be_v patient_n under_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o be_v ever_o content_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o the_o life_n and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o become_v a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n he_o command_v we_o to_o do_v what_o he_o perform_v himself_o and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o if_o we_o will_v walk_v sure_o be_v first_o to_o look_v for_o our_o rule_n and_o then_o for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v make_v the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v all_o other_o by_o but_o than_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o be_v out_o duty_n we_o must_v bring_v his_o example_n to_o the_o rule_n for_o as_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o obey_v christ_n and_o obey_v the_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o act_n 5._o 42._o act_n 11._o 20._o marc._n 16._o 15._o heb._n 5._o 9_o 2_o thess_n 1._o 8._o col._n 2._o 6._o gospel_n be_v phrase_n of_o alike_a import_n it_o scripture_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o follow_v christ_n be_v all_o one_o with_o follow_v the_o gospel-rule_n or_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n and_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o divine_a authority_n by_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n he_o be_v a_o prophetical_a priest_n by_o which_o office_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o we_o shall_v quick_o experiment_n will_v be_v more_o vain_a and_o foolish_a than_o attempt_n of_o a_o imitation_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o nothing_o more_o wicked_a than_o to_o think_v and_o believe_v we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o other_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n be_v a_o good_a way_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o warrant_v of_o imitate_v our_o lord_n death_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n so_o to_o die_v rather_o than_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o dishonour_v our_o saviour_n be_v great_a and_o praiseworthy_a but_o to_o die_v for_o sin_n either_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n to_o propose_v a_o meritorious_a death_n to_o ourselves_o and_o by_o way_n of_o expiation_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o stain_n that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n
we_o to_o observe_v only_o a_o feast-gesture_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v be_v very_o comely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o no_o table-gesture_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o every_o honest_a and_o unbiased_a mind_n which_o impartial_o seek_v after_o truth_n by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o kneel_v be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o suitable_a gesture_n for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o very_o apt_a to_o express_v our_o reverence_n humility_n and_o gratitude_n by_o and_o consequent_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o agreeable_a to_o its_o nature_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o at_o the_o sacrament_n we_o express_v that_o by_o action_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o do_v by_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n of_o christian_a worship_n which_o imply_v prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o include_v all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o blood_n shed_v for_o our_o sin_n we_o do_v commemorate_v represent_v and_o show_v forth_o to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o sacrifice_n which_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n make_v upon_o the_o cross_n we_o feast_v upon_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o great_a sin-offering_a and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o god_n and_o we_o plead_v with_o he_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o son_n blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o for_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n we_o further_a humble_o entreat_v he_o to_o be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o we_o and_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n purchase_v with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n we_o intercede_v with_o he_o too_o at_o the_o communion_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o all_o our_o fellow-christians_a and_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n may_v receive_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n be_v a_o visible_a and_o powerful_a prayer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a act_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o we_o let_v our_o heavenly_a father_n see_v that_o we_o retain_v a_o deep_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o unexpressible_a love_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o and_o that_o which_o enlivens_fw-la our_o faith_n and_o embolden_v our_o hope_n of_o find_v favour_n and_o acceptance_n at_o his_o hand_n at_o this_o time_n above_o other_o be_v this_o viz._n our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v not_o only_o put_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o present_v and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n over_o the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n all_o this_o our_o action_n signify_v and_o speak_v when_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n who_o understand_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n will_v gainsay_v it_o then_o kneel_v must_v be_v judge_v as_o fit_v and_o convenient_a to_o be_v use_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o signify_v our_o desire_n and_o affection_n by_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o god_n appointment_n as_o when_o we_o do_v it_o by_o word_n that_o be_v when_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n 2._o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o good_a christian_n will_v grant_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n inward_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o tender_a and_o exceed_o great_a love_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o be_v very_o apt_a and_o meet_a to_o express_v the_o inward_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o can_v be_v think_v unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o be_v a_o religious_a feast_n institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o solemn_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n perform_v to_o our_o crucify_a saviour_n our_o meeting_n together_o at_o thâ—s_n holy_a feast_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o tell_v of_o all_o his_o wondrous_a work_n perpetuate_v the_o fame_n of_o our_o great_a benefactor_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v throughout_o all_o age_n be_v a_o external_n mark_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o respect_n we_o bear_v towards_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v proper_o speak_v that_o which_o we_o call_v public_a worship_n since_o to_o bow_v our_o knee_n then_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o proper_a mode_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o a_o external_n sign_n of_o reverence_n why_o shall_v a_o adore_a posture_n be_v think_v unmeet_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o in_o its_o nature_n import_v worship_n and_o adoration_n 3._o no_o good_a christian_n of_o what_o party_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o to_o lift_v our_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o employ_v our_o tongue_n in_o utter_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n even_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n why_o then_o shall_v kneeling_z be_v think_v unsuitable_a which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o only_o glorify_v god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o another_o part_n of_o our_o body_n why_o shall_v the_o gesture_n be_v scruple_v at_o more_o than_o the_o voice_n or_o the_o bow_v of_o my_o knee_n be_v esteem_v incongruous_a and_o unfitting_a any_o more_o than_o move_v my_o tongue_n or_o raise_v my_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v advance_v in_o the_o heaven_n by_o god_n the_o father_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o humble_a and_o submissive_a obedience_n here_o on_o earth_n challenge_v from_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n 11._o phil._n 2._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n 4._o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o i_o request_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consult_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v our_o saviour_n bodily_a gesture_n or_o deportment_n in_o the_o heat_n and_o extremity_n of_o his_o passion_n wherein_o he_o present_v himself_o before_o his_o father_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n in_o the_o garden_n be_v in_o a_o agony_n he_o offer_v up_o this_o prayer_n to_o his_o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o 44._o luke_n 22._o 42_o 44._o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v but_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o in_o what_o gesture_n of_o body_n do_v his_o perplex_a soul_n utter_v these_o earnest_a supplication_n why_o kneel_v or_o fix_v his_o knee_n upon_o the_o earth_n now_o though_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver._n 41._o we_o may_v remember_v and_o meditate_v on_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n in_o the_o garden_n when_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o exceed_o sorrowful_a when_o he_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o weak_a and_o low_a estate_n as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v from_o a_o angel_n though_o i_o say_v this_o may_v be_v do_v sit_v 43._o ver._n 43._o yet_o sure_a no_o sober_a and_o consider_v mind_n will_v say_v that_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o these_o suffering_n with_o bend_a knee_n as_o he_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o improper_a and_o unsuitable_a behaviour_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o sacrament_n where_o our_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o particular_o these_o among_o
council_n or_o 1662._o mr._n prynne_n apol._n for_o lib._n to_o tender_a con._n p._n 75._o print_v 1662._o synod_n from_o christ_n institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o above_o 1460_o year_n after_o his_o ascension_n nor_o any_o one_o rubric_n in_o all_o the_o liturgy_n write_n of_o the_o father_n or_o missal_n breviaries_n office_n pontifical_n ceremonial_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o that_o i_o can_v either_o find_v upon_o my_o best_a search_n or_o any_o other_o yet_o produce_v enjoin_v communicant_n to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v thus_o that_o inquisitive_a gentleman_n assure_v we_o and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n back_v his_o report_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n burgess_n who_o he_o style_v the_o best_a and_o eminent_a champion_n for_o this_o gesture_n of_o bneel_v of_o all_o other_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o dr._n burgess_n deliver_v concern_v this_o matter_n be_v 478_o dr._n burg._n ans_fw-fr rejoy_v to_o the_o reply_n to_o dr._n mort._n gen_fw-la defence_n p._n 478_o 478_o this_o that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v never_o any_o institute_v ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o this_o he_o cite_v bellarmine_n and_o durantus_n who_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v though_o they_o treat_v particular_o of_o the_o mass_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n instead_o of_o this_o durantus_n affirm_v that_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v stand_v and_o prove_v it_o also_o and_o so_o do_v the_o pope_n himself_o receive_v it_o v._n missal_n rom._n in_o the_o rubr._n set_v out_o by_o pius_n v._n when_o he_o celebrate_v and_o every_o priest_n by_o order_n of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o partake_v stand_v reverent_o at_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o kneel_v there_o the_o people_n which_o receive_v not_o as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v be_v reverent_o to_o bow_v themselves_o to_o the_o sacrament_n not_o when_o they_o receive_v it_o but_o when_o the_o priest_n do_v elevate_v the_o patin_n or_o chalice_n for_o adoration_n or_o when_o the_o host_n be_v carry_v to_o any_o sick_a person_n or_o in_o procession_n and_o this_o be_v that_o adoration_n which_o be_v first_o bring_v in_o by_o pope_n honorius_n the_o three_o and_o not_o any_o kneel_v or_o adoration_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v for_o these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o decree_n that_o the_o priest_n shall_v frequent_o instruct_v their_o people_n to_o bow_v themselves_o reverent_o at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n when_o mass_n be_v celebrate_v and_o 10._o ut_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la frequenter_a doceant_fw-la plebem_fw-la svam_fw-la ut_fw-la cum_fw-la elevatur_fw-la hostia_fw-la salutaris_n cuique_fw-la se_fw-la reverenter_fw-la inclinet_fw-la idem_fw-la faciens_fw-la quum_fw-la eam_fw-la deferat_fw-la praesbyter_n ad_fw-la infirmum_fw-la decret_n greg._n l._n 3._o tit_n 41._o c._n 10._o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o priest_n carry_v it_o abroad_o to_o the_o sick_a at_o the_o last_o the_o doctor_n thus_o resolve_v upon_o the_o question_n that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v never_o any_o institute_v ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o ever_o use_v when_o it_o be_v use_v by_o they_o for_o adoration_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o be_v false_o believe_v and_o talk_v of_o by_o many_o and_o with_o he_o a_o learned_a papist_n agree_v who_o in_o a_o book_n purposely_o write_v for_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n declare_v 16._o espencaeus_fw-la de_fw-la adorat_fw-la euch._n lib._n 2._o c._n 16._o that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a in_o what_o gesture_n it_o be_v perform_v whether_o sit_v stand_v lie_v or_o kneel_v and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n further_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o kneel_v gesture_n have_v not_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o lion_n in_o the_o year_n 1555_o and_o when_o some_o endeavour_v to_o obtrude_v it_o upon_o that_o metropolis_n a_o stop_n be_v put_v to_o their_o proceed_n by_o the_o royal_a authority_n nothing_o need_v more_o be_v say_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o fix_v we_o when_o we_o have_v add_v what_o a_o very_a great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o church_n now_o live_v have_v deliver_v in_o writing_n viz._n although_o 15._o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 15._o kneel_v at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n be_v strict_o require_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o as_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o pope_n manner_n of_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o kneel_v but_o either_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v in_o bonaventure_n be_v time_n or_o after_o the_o fashion_n of_o sit_v or_o a_o little_a lean_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o he_o do_v ot_fw-mi this_o day_n and_o now_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o fine_a pass_n how_o outrageous_a have_v the_o adversary_n of_o kneel_v be_v in_o their_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o appoint_v a_o gesture_n that_o be_v first_o introduce_v and_o use_v by_o antichrist_n and_o idolater_n and_o when_o the_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v sift_v not_o the_o least_o proof_n be_v produce_v to_o make_v good_a the_o accusation_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o appear_v that_o those_o two_o posture_n which_o be_v so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v the_o very_a posture_n which_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n use_v at_o this_o day_n himself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n when_o he_o celebrate_v mass_n himself_o and_o upon_o some_o other_o 485._o vid._n dr._n falk_n lib._n ecles_n p._n 484_o 485._o particular_a and_o solemn_a occasion_n he_o stand_v but_o general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o receive_v sit_v or_o in_o a_o posture_n very_o like_o it_o and_o this_o 67._o dr._n burg._n lawful_a of_o kneel_v p._n 67._o i_o desire_v may_v be_v remember_v against_o we_o come_v to_o discourse_v on_o the_o second_o head_n viz._n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o sinful_a because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o idolater_n if_o any_o shall_v after_o all_o put_v the_o question_n thus_o to_o i_o when_o be_v it_o say_v you_o that_o kneel_v first_o commence_v in_o the_o world_n by_o who_o mean_n and_o upon_o what_o reason_n my_o plain_a answer_n be_v i_o can_v cerntain_o tell_v nor_o can_v i_o find_v any_o account_n thereof_o among_o the_o ancient_a record_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o ancient_a and_o universal_a use_n of_o this_o gesture_n novel_a custom_n be_v easy_o trace_v to_o their_o original_n but_o general_o the_o most_o ancient_a usage_n of_o every_o country_n be_v without_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o we_o can_v tell_v from_o what_o source_n they_o be_v derive_v 2._o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v as_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v that_o kneel_v owe_v its_o birth_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n that_o i_o very_o believe_v the_o contrary_a viz._n kneel_v or_o a_o adore_a posture_n use_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v do_v very_o much_o among_o other_o thing_n conduce_v to_o beget_v and_o nurse_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o superstitious_a and_o phanciful_a man_n a_o conceit_n that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o corporal_o present_a at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o notion_n by_o subtle_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n improve_v and_o explain_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o after_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v consecrate_v they_o be_v thereby_o change_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n natural_a body_n and_o blood_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o the_o patron_n of_o transubstantiation_n do_v very_o early_o make_v use_n of_o this_o very_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o christian_n do_v for_o what_o else_o can_v they_o intend_v or_o mean_v say_v they_o by_o that_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o they_o manifest_v when_o they_o receive_v the_o dreadful_a mystery_n as_o they_o call_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n if_o they_o be_v bare_a and_o empty_a sign_n only_o and_o not_o change_v into_o the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o very_a argument_n use_v by_o 3._o cassa_fw-mi enim_fw-la videtur_fw-la tot_fw-la hominum_fw-la huic_fw-la sacramento_n ministrantium_fw-la vel_fw-la adorantium_fw-la veneranda_fw-la sedulitas_fw-la nisi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la long_a major_n crederetur_fw-la quam_fw-la videretur_fw-la veritas_fw-la &_o utilitas_fw-la cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la exterius_fw-la quasi_fw-la nulla_fw-la sint_fw-la quibus_fw-la tanta_fw-la impenduntur_fw-la venerationis_fw-la obsequia_fw-la aut_fw-la insensati_fw-la sumus_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la intima_fw-la mittimus_fw-la magna_fw-la salutis_fw-la mysteria_fw-la alger_n
strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n for_o edification_n the_o first_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o induction_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n reducible_a to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o her_o creed_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o allow_v which_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a contain_v all_o necessary_n and_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n nothing_o defective_a in_o vital_n or_o integral_n to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n christ_n that_o found_v his_o church_n best_o know_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v contain_v in_o her_o creed_n whatever_o be_v fundamental_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o by_o easy_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o will_v we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n upon_o earth_n the_o constitution_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o government_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o law_n the_o time_n of_o account_n and_o retribution_n the_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o confirm_v these_o we_o may_v read_v they_o at_o large_a in_o holy_a writ_n and_o find_v wise_o sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n who_o article_n to_o help_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v short_a and_o few_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o dulness_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v manifest_a and_o plain_a they_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o suppose_v before_o or_o include_v in_o or_o follow_v from_o that_o brief_a creed_n the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o 1_o john_n 4._o 15._o 5._o 5._o whatever_o be_v any_o way_n reveal_v by_o god_n as_o necessary_a be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o highpriest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lead_v unto_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o no_o man_n can_v firm_o believe_v they_o but_o they_o must_v ordinary_o influence_n his_o manner_n and_o better_a his_o conversation_n and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creed_n his_o life_n be_v not_o mend_v he_o either_o ignorant_o and_o gross_o mistake_v their_o consequence_n or_o be_v wilful_o desperate_a our_o church_n public_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n no_o act_n of_o devotion_n however_o set_v off_o with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o if_o obedience_n be_v want_v afterward_o be_v but_o scene_n and_o show_n such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n which_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o story_n in_o magnify_v and_o praise_v in_o sigh_v and_o repeat_v but_o in_o the_o production_n of_o mercy_n charity_n and_o justice_n and_o such_o excellent_a virtue_n she_o make_v no_o debate_n between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o argue_v nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_o in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o
25._o be_v many_o time_n say_v viz._n that_o by_o thing_n not_o command_v be_v mean_v thing_n forbid_v and_o have_v nothing_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o but_o only_o that_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o which_o that_o phrase_n be_v apply_v be_v thing_n forbid_v as_o idolatry_n etc._n etc._n though_o what_o he_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o case_n be_v sufficient_a 20._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n p._n 20._o yet_o he_o extreme_o forget_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v nothing_o but_o only_o since_o in_o the_o page_n he_o quote_v there_o be_v two_o argument_n that_o be_v soon_o flipe_v than_o answer_v but_o however_o what_o have_v he_o to_o reply_v to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v many_o time_n say_v he_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a and_o be_v this_o nothing_o towards_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o what_o fit_a way_n have_v we_o to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o phrase_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o several_a place_n where_o it_o be_v use_v or_o to_o ascertain_v the_o 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such_o perfective_a be_v corruptive_a addition_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o both_o rule_n and_o worship_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o servant_n when_o bid_v to_o go_v a_o mile_n he_o go_v two_o possible_o hope_v to_o do_v service_n in_o it_o for_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n no_o supererogation_n be_v allowable_a thus_o far_o his_o comparison_n hold_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o design_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o esteem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n as_o the_o go_n of_o two_o mile_n for_o one_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o do_v as_o good_a service_n and_o be_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o approve_v for_o so_o do_v but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v
understand_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v adjunct_n to_o divine_a worship_n that_o be_v not_o use_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o any_o of_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a than_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v a_o command_n nor_o do_v we_o sin_n if_o we_o act_v without_o it_o as_o for_o example_n a_o servant_n be_v require_v to_o go_v a_o mile_n upon_o some_o service_n and_o he_o use_v a_o coat_n or_o a_o cloak_n take_v a_o horse_n or_o go_v on_o foot_n put_v a_o string_n about_o his_o finger_n to_o remember_v he_o of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v or_o if_o to_o carry_v a_o message_n consider_v what_o to_o say_v and_o write_v it_o down_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o fit_v to_o deliver_v it_o in_o such_o case_n his_o master_n will_v think_v he_o impertinent_a to_o ask_v direction_n and_o it_o be_v no_o disobedience_n nor_o supererogation_n to_o act_v as_o he_o see_v fit_a without_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o we_o as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v this_o say_v there_o be_v way_n make_v for_o the_o next_o inference_n conclus_fw-la 3._o if_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v neither_o command_v conclus_fw-la 3_o nor_o forbid_v and_o thing_n be_v not_o unlawful_a because_o not_o command_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n to_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v such_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v not_o therein_o command_v it_o be_v somewhat_o a_o specious_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o this_o author_n use_v the_o scripture_n have_v determine_v whatsoever_o may_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n perfect_a 2d_o p._n 2d_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n now_o if_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o the_o right_n do_v of_o it_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o make_v we_o perfect_a they_o must_v have_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o that_o and_o he_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n 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humane_a action_n or_o evident_o convenient_a for_o a_o action_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o weighty_a nature_n for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o it_o or_o appear_v to_o any_o common_a judgement_n to_o be_v so_o decent_a that_o without_o they_o the_o performance_n will_v be_v sordid_a scripture_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shine_v out_o in_o every_o reasonable_a soul_n etc._n etc._n scripture_n with_o the_o exception_n before_o except_v in_o his_o book_n 21_o pag._n 21_o suppose_v then_o we_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n be_v scripture_n alone_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o matter_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o ready_o answer_v yes_o if_o you_o take_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o light_n shine_v in_o every_o reasonable_a soul_n if_o you_o take_v in_o common_a judgement_n convenience_n and_o decency_n last_o if_o you_o take_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v not_o now_o how_o he_o have_v all_o this_o while_n plead_v for_o that_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v so_o loud_o exclaim_v against_o all_o supplement_n and_o addition_n to_o that_o and_o against_o 38._o pag._n 38._o reason_n and_o authority_n as_o a_o supply_n or_o what_o difference_n he_o have_v conceive_v betwixt_o authority_n &_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shine_v out_o in_o every_o reasonable_a soul_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v to_o 29._o pag._n 29._o the_o one_o what_o he_o grant_v to_o the_o other_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o must_v be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o and_o somewhat_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o make_v it_o out_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a great_a argument_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a 28._o pag._n 28._o argument_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v easy_o part_v with_o but_o yet_o what_o to_o give_v and_o what_o to_o take_v and_o wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o what_o we_o hold_v and_o he_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v he_o know_v not_o or_o have_v not_o be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o discover_v but_o however_o when_o all_o this_o be_v pastover_n he_o conclude_v as_o to_o one_o part_n we_o can_v possible_o agree_v with_o our_o r._n brother_n in_o this_o thing_n viz._n that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o particular_a direction_n for_o worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v under_o the_o law_n this_o indeed_o i_o touch_v upon_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 30._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n pag._n 30._o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n consist_v not_o in_o give_v as_o particular_a direction_n for_o worship_n as_o they_o have_v under_o the_o law_n and_o in_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o set_v baptism_n against_o circumcision_n the_o lord_n supper_n against_o the_o passover_n and_o prayer_n against_o sacrifice_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v possible_o agree_v certain_o if_o ever_o controversy_n be_v like_a to_o be_v end_v we_o may_v now_o expect_v it_o because_o it_o be_v about_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n but_o in_o this_o case_n he_o strange_o fail_v of_o performance_n for_o whereas_o the_o decide_n the_o case_n depend_v upon_o the_o comparison_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v any_o thing_n about_o the_o latter_a but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o former_a and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v make_v up_o his_o defect_n in_o the_o latter_a first_o he_o say_v as_o to_o circumcision_n what_o particular_a 31._o pag._n 31._o direction_n have_v the_o jew_n their_o rule_n extend_v no_o further_o than_o to_o the_o act_n and_o the_o time_n here_o i_o must_v confess_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o time_n that_o be_v determine_v but_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n in_o baptism_n prescribe_v the_o law_n be_v herein_o more_o particular_a than_o the_o gospel_n 2_o as_o to_o the_o passover_n he_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v a_o rule_n but_o then_o he_o add_v what_o rule_n have_v they_o to_o determine_v they_o to_o a_o kid_n or_o a_o lamb_n but_o be_v not_o that_o a_o rule_n to_o determine_v they_o when_o it_o must_v be_v a_o kid_n or_o a_o lamb_n and_o no_o other_o creature_n and_o be_v not_o two_o to_o all_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o world_n a_o determination_n as_o well_o as_o one_o to_o two_o but_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o determine_v as_o his_o cautious_a way_n of_o express_v it_o will_v imply_v let_v he_o consult_v the_o text_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o to_o be_v one_o etc._n exod._n 12._o etc._n etc._n out_o of_o two_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o male_a keep_v the_o 14_o day_n and_o to_o be_v kill_v at_o even_o without_o a_o bone_n break_v to_o be_v roast_v to_o be_v eat_v in_o the_o house_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n with_o bitter_a herb_n and_o none_o leave_v to_o the_o morning_n and_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v it_o stand_v as_o our_o author_n acknowledge_v p._n 32._o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v etc._n etc._n and_o with_o several_a other_o rite_n too_o long_o to_o enumerate_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v nothing_o specify_v or_o require_v but_o the_o element_n and_o the_o break_n and_o pour_v out_o nothing_o say_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o the_o bread_n or_o wine_n nothing_o require_v of_o the_o time_n or_o posture_n or_o number_n etc._n etc._n