which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_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 write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
p._n 1._o etc._n etc._n p._n 57_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o do_v the_o 27._o the_o jerubbaal_n or_o the_o pleader_n implead_v p._n 18._o &_o 27._o author_n of_o jerubbaal_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o particular_n i_o may_v fill_v a_o volume_n with_o 37._o with_o concern_v her_o doctrine_n see_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la in_o corbet_n discourse_n §._o 21._o p._n 43._o baxter_n 5_o disp_n pref_o p._n 6._o of_o the_o independent_o in_o the_o peace_n offer_v p._n 12._o see_v also_o baxter'_v def._n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 64._o part_n 2._o p._n 3._o wadsworth_n separ_fw-la yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 60_o 62._o throughton_n apology_n c._n 3._o p._n 106._o and_o of_o the_o brownist_n in_o their_o apol._n p._n 7._o anno_fw-la 1604._o see_v also_o bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 20_o 33._o stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separ_fw-la part_n 1._o §._o 9_o p._n 31._o for_o opinion_n concern_v her_o worship_n see_v hildersham_n lect._n 26._o on_o joh._n p._n 121._o contin_n of_o morn_n exercise_n serm._n 4._o p._n 91._o throughton_n apology_n p._n 104._o peace_n offer_v p._n 17._o for_o opinion_n concern_v the_o truth_n sufficiency_n and_o ability_n of_o her_o ministry_n see_v bradshaw_n unreasonableness_n of_o separ_fw-la p._n 16_o 27_o 37._o grave_a and_o mod._n confut._n p._n 28._o apologet._n narrat_fw-la p._n 6._o cotton_n infant_n baptism_n p._n 181._o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o our_o ministry_n see_v jus_n divi._n minist_n evangel_n part_n 2._o p._n 12_o 16_o 17_o 25_o etc._n etc._n jus_fw-la diu._n regim_fw-la eccles_n p._n 264_o etc._n etc._n cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n p._n 116._o and_o his_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 35_o 37._o testimony_n it_o be_v true_a they_o own_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n upon_o different_a ground_n because_o some_o of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n be_v for_o a_o national_a and_o other_o for_o a_o congregational_a church_n but_o they_o 449._o they_o jus_fw-la div_o min._n evangel_n p._n 12_o etc._n etc._n brinsly_n church-remedy_n p._n 41_o 42._o cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n p._n 60_o 89_o 132_o 172._o tombes's_fw-fr theodulia_n §._o 15_o 16._o pref_o etc._n etc._n 9_o §._o 3._o crofton_n reformation_n not_o separation_n p._n 10._o and_o bethshemesh_n cloud_v p._n 101_o etc._n etc._n church_n refor_o p._n 42._o corbet_n account_n of_o the_o principle_n &c_n &c_n p._n 26._o throughton_n apology_n p._n 103._o baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 178._o cotton_n way_n clear_v p._n 8._o his_o letter_n p._n 3._o hooker_n survey_n pref_o &_o part_v 1._o p._n 47._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 447_o 448_o 449._o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o they_o say_v she_o be_v a_o corrupt_a one_o nay_o our_o 97._o our_o grave_a and_o mod._n confut._n p._n 6._o goodwin_n zion_n coll._n visit_v bradshaw_n unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 97._o brethren_n do_v not_o only_o grant_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o valuable_a if_o not_o the_o very_o best_a in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o matter_n only_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o mr._n baxter_n cure_n of_o ch._n divis_fw-la dir_fw-mi 56._o p._n 263._o that_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v also_o a_o sound_n as_o well_o as_o a_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v easy_o appear_v by_o a_o examination_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o so_o large_a a_o work_n because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o i_o conceive_v that_o our_o dissenter_n will_v be_v not_o only_o will_v but_o forward_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v have_v answer_v those_o objection_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o make_v against_o our_o communion_n and_o show_v that_o those_o plea_n which_o they_o raise_v from_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o make_v separation_n lawful_a i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o several_a plea_n and_o design_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o natural_a order_n chap._n ii_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n our_o adversary_n say_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v therefore_o unlawful_a because_o we_o require_v man_n to_o use_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n now_o that_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v full_o answer_v i_o shall_v do_v four_o thing_n viz._n first_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o indifferent_a thing_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n three_o i_o shall_v 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 four_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o indifferent_a thing_n all_o action_n be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n duty_n or_o sin_n be_v so_o either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o divine_a law_n that_o which_o be_v command_v be_v a_o duty_n that_o which_o be_v forbid_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o that_o which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n and_o we_o may_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4.15_o duty_n be_v duty_n because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o sin_n be_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v and_o indifferent_a be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v 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 for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o or_o against_o the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a 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 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 now_o if_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o revelation_n say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o day_n than_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v they_o ii_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v use_v in_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gospel-rule_n of_o worship_n which_o except_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v order_n decency_n and_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 40._o so_o that_o we_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v than_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o since_o other_o have_v always_o determine_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v also_o the_o same_o liberty_n the_o rule_n themselves_o be_v general_a and_o the_o apostle_n rare_o descend_v to_o particular_n but_o whenever_o they_o do_v they_o show_v how_o far_o custom_n 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 a_o man_n be_v uncover_v in_o god_n worship_n 1_o cor._n 11.4_o 7._o for_o they_o think_v it_o impossible_a or_o not_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o tie_v all_o nation_n to_o the_o same_o mode_n since_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v by_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o thing_n be_v determine_v in_o general_a the_o particular_n be_v therein_o virtual_o determine_v and_o so_o be_v not_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v that_o then_o nothing_o be_v indifferent_a since_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n about_o every_o thing_n as_o for_o example_n all_o meat_n be_v now_o lawful_a to_o christian_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o such_o as_o our_o own_o constitution_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o rule_n do_v not_o make_v the_o meat_n to_o be_v other_o than_o indifferent_a so_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n for_o god_n worship_n but_o yet_o the_o particular_n be_v indifferent_a and_o prudence_n be_v to_o regulate_v they_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n depend_v upon_o variable_a
lawful_a and_o since_o conformity_n be_v enjoin_v and_o since_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o scripture_n than_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o must_v not_o omit_v the_o duty_n of_o conform_v for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n but_o it_o be_v object_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 concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v break_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o must_v give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n much_o more_o must_v human_a invention_n yield_v to_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o a_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o be_v only_o when_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a and_o 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 we_o may_v be_v absent_a from_o church_n to_o save_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o his_o house_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pitiful_a pretence_n for_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o our_o public_a prayer_n because_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o neighbour_n house_n may_v be_v fire_v or_o his_o life_n invade_v and_o so_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n though_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o omission_n of_o something_o command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o very_o rare_o happen_v yet_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o help_v those_o who_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n only_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o be_v appoint_v but_o say_v they_o scandal_n be_v spiritual_a murder_n and_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v authority_n though_o scandal_n follow_v then_o when_o authority_n command_v we_o may_v murder_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o destroy_v he_o by_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o wear_v a_o surplice_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o make_v man_n forsake_v christianity_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a scandalize_a our_o brother_n which_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o soul-murther_n nay_o this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o obedience_n to_o any_o other_o command_n of_o god_n if_o a_o brother_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o as_o it_o do_v against_o submission_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n also_o that_o be_v break_v by_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v chance_v to_o happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n 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 of_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_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 nay_o as_o bishop_n sanderson_n say_v 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 if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v 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 scandalous_a i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n 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 it_o but_o than_o it_o free_v i_o from_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o my_o duty_n which_o if_o i_o have_v otherwise_o do_v may_v have_v be_v uncharitable_a if_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 and_o that_o if_o superior_n may_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n than_o a_o earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n i_o answer_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 we_o shall_v exercise_v our_o charity_n towards_o our_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 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 but_o far_o duty_n of_o justice_n be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n and_o we_o injure_v they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o pay_v it_o but_o avoid_v scandal_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a it_o be_v therefore_o say_v bishop_n sanderson_n no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o 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_v 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 if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o though_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 require_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 i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v require_v both_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o superior_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o our_o brother_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 what_o be_v none_o of_o my_o own_o a_o servant_n must_v be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n but_o he_o must_v not_o rob_v his_o master_n to_o relieve_v they_o our_o superior_n only_o must_v consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v 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 thus_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a 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 but_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 to_o avoid_v if_o possible_a give_v any_o offence_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o christian_a charity_n to_o endeavour_v 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 we_o foresee_v our_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n 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 gain_v dissenter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o
also_o upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n 4._o since_o this_o gift_n of_o express_v our_o mind_n be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v as_o lawful_o omit_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o any_o other_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v design_v for_o for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o elocution_n than_o he_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n may_v not_o lawful_o use_v a_o form_n in_o petition_v his_o prince_n or_o in_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o man_n see_v occasion_n than_o it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o prayer_n in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n have_v two_o gift_n he_o may_v use_v which_o he_o please_v and_o since_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n of_o prayer_n none_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v his_o ability_n to_o pray_v extempore_o 5._o use_v a_o form_n be_v as_o much_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a devotion_n as_o pray_v extempore_o because_o the_o end_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v at_o least_o as_o effectual_o serve_v by_o a_o form_n as_o by_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n now_o since_o there_o be_v two_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o both_o can_v be_v use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o one_o may_v be_v lawful_o omit_v and_o consequent_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n which_o be_v one_o mean_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o the_o last_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o want_n of_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o well_o express_v in_o one_o constant_a form_n as_o in_o conceive_v prayer_n because_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n be_v infinite_o variable_a and_o require_v suitable_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o the_o minister_n can_v otherwise_o provide_v than_o by_o pray_v extempore_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v more_o full_o comprehend_v in_o a_o form_n than_o in_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n ought_v not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o to_o the_o common_a case_n of_o all_o and_o what_o every_o one_o may_v true_o and_o sincere_o join_v with_o now_o a_o form_n will_v express_v they_o much_o better_a than_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o omission_n 2._o form_n can_v make_v as_o good_a provision_n for_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v be_v foresee_v such_o as_o the_o want_n of_o rain_n fair_a weather_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v form_n compose_v for_o they_o aforehand_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o can_v be_v fore-seen_a form_n may_v be_v provide_v when_o they_o happen_v and_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v do_v in_o our_o church_n 3._o if_o form_n must_v not_o be_v use_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o reach_v extraordinary_a case_n certain_o extempore_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o omission_n they_o will_v not_o always_o reach_v even_o ordinary_a case_n in_o a_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o extraordinary_a case_n may_v be_v very_o well_o provide_v for_o by_o form_n but_o suppose_v it_o otherwise_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v upon_o sundry_a account_n of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o public_a devotion_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o spoil_v the_o church_n of_o they_o and_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o extempore_o 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 iii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o and_o for_o this_o a_o very_a few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o since_o the_o use_n of_o public_a form_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a also_o chap._n iu_o objection_n against_o our_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o litany_n answer_v have_v justify_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n my_o duty_n and_o method_n oblige_v i_o to_o justify_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v always_o think_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v rather_o have_v invite_v protestant_n to_o our_o communion_n than_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v if_o the_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o read_v over_o dr._n beverege_n sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n they_o will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o alas_o this_o very_a liturgy_n be_v that_o which_o many_o person_n be_v incense_v against_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v down_o as_o idolatrous_a popish_a superstitious_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_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 for_o the_o common-prayer_n be_v not_o now_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 but_o yet_o some_o objection_n be_v still_o insist_v upon_o to_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o return_v a_o fair_a answer_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v too_o general_a 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 but_o i_o desire_v the_o objector_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 be_v hard_a to_o prevent_v its_o being_n either_o too_o general_a or_o too_o particular_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o different_a person_n must_v join_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o so_o that_o all_o person_n can_v possible_o make_v the_o same_o particular_a confession_n but_o i_o think_v our_o confession_n viz._n the_o daily_a one_o and_o that_o in_o the_o communion-office_n be_v so_o judicious_o frame_v as_o to_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v all_o person_n may_v profitable_o use_v they_o however_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 as_o particular_a as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v confess_v all_o his_o know_a offence_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n if_o a_o man_n must_v not_o use_v a_o confession_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v mend_v he_o must_v never_o confess_v at_o all_o and_o if_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o wise_a dissenter_n i_o suppose_v no_o more_o will_v be_v pretend_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_o use_v now_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o form_n and_o aught_o to_o end_v the_o dispute_n indeed_o there_o be_v example_n of_o jeremiah_n nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n confess_v such_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o but_o this_o be_v do_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 a_o part_n of_o the_o community_n which_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o they_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o calamity_n and_o in_o the_o confession_n as_o if_o they_o have_v offend_v as_o great_o as_o their_o countryman_n 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 upon_o such_o public_a humiliation_n and_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o particular_a confession_n be_v more_o proper_o the_o matter_n of_o private_a devotion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o practice_v strict_a examination_n and_o secret_a contrition_n in_o our_o closet_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v our_o affection_n prepare_v to_o comply_v with_o those_o
god_n own_o law_n in_o the_o other_o we_o only_o obey_v man_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o in_o general_a to_o obey_v our_o superior_n god_n command_v every_o subject_a to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a but_o human_a authority_n determine_v out_o of_o what_o good_n and_o in_o what_o proportion_n he_o must_v pay_v now_o because_o human_a authority_n interpose_v if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n detain_v the_o king_n be_v right_a do_v he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n than_o break_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o penalty_n if_o he_o be_v detect_v yes_o certain_o for_o tribute_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n the_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o break_v god_n law_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n do_v not_o lessen_v his_o guilt_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o church-vnity_n for_o though_o human_a law_n prescribe_v particular_a circumstance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n yet_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o king_n his_o due_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n by_o such_o a_o method_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n declare_v to_o be_v unjust_a may_v as_o well_o acquit_v himself_o from_o knavery_n before_o god_n as_o that_o man_n that_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church-law_n can_v acquit_v himself_o of_o schism_n before_o god_n nay_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v human_a law_n grant_v a_o toleration_n and_o call_v no_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n yet_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o human_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v v._o it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n that_o be_v how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_n or_o not_o act_v when_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o the_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n if_o right_a we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a conscience_n if_o wrong_n we_o have_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n when_o we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o another_o place_n now_o if_o our_o conscience_n or_o judgement_n be_v right_a that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n without_o doubt_n we_o be_v forever_o bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v we_o sin_v in_o do_v so_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n be_v but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o we_o must_v do_v when_o our_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v and_o to_o answer_v this_o i_o lay_v down_o three_o rule_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v any_o man_n satisfaction_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_v against_o it_o though_o we_o take_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o duty_n for_o a_o sin_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o act_v against_o this_o persuasion_n because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v at_o present_a and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v as_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o act_v against_o a_o true_a light_n nothing_o but_o conscience_n can_v guide_v our_o action_n and_o though_o a_o eroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n we_o have_v 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 a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o act_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o that_o man_n think_v sincere_a that_o act_n as_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n that_o act_n otherwise_o whether_o his_o judgement_n be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_v 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 shall_v a_o jew_n turn_n christian_n or_o a_o papist_n turn_v protestant_n while_o yet_o they_o believe_v their_o former_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v all_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o do_v it_o upon_o base_a principle_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o judgement_n nay_o we_o shall_v all_o think_v more_o favourable_o of_o a_o protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o a_o cunning_a papist_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n than_o of_o such_o person_n all_o this_o put_v together_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 but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v second_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_v against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o for_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v it_o be_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o his_o law_n that_o make_v thing_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v forever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n be_v because_o we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_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 then_o duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o day_n will_v be_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n as_o any_o man_n opinion_n alter_v but_o such_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n do_v follow_v his_o judgement_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o too_o if_o his_o judgement_n lead_v he_o to_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o action_n according_a to_o a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v sinful_a but_o that_o a_o man_n mistake_n may_v be_v such_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n either_o against_o it_o or_o according_a to_o it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v often_o mistake_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n provide_v his_o mistake_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o first_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v seven_o or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v because_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o up_o to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v not_o command_v the_o contrary_a he_o may_v safe_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o his_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o second_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o play_v at_o card_n in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o false_a opinion_n without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o since_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o follow_v his_o mistake_a conscience_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n when_o a_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o indifferent_a which_o god_n command_v or_o that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n forbid_v here_o the_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n or_o
according_a to_o it_o three_o therefore_o for_o the_o untie_n this_o great_a difficulty_n i_o say_v 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_v judgement_n be_v the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o guilt_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 if_o the_o mistake_v be_v such_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v make_v if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a to_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o know_v it_o better_o then_o we_o think_v he_o innocent_a and_o not_o proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n though_o the_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o no_o man_n 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 whatever_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 since_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v better_o his_o mistake_n and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n be_v not_o sinful_a the_o only_a point_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o no._n if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n he_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o yet_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n then_o the_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n under_o the_o mistake_n and_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o negligence_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o god_n enable_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o none_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o those_o who_o wilful_o embrace_v false_a principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o intend_a business_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v 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 and_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v separate_v those_o who_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n from_o those_o that_o can_v for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o another_o principle_n second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v distinguish_v the_o true_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n from_o the_o false_a one_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v whether_o a_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n of_o a_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a by_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o join_v with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n direct_o sinful_a may_v notwithstanding_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v constant_o with_o other_o for_o his_o great_a edification_n or_o the_o like_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o my_o proposition_n still_o hold_v because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o join_v with_o other_o which_o law_n he_o must_v not_o break_v by_o leave_v they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a but_o only_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o he_o think_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o it_o can_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o that_o my_o proposition_n remain_v true_a that_o none_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n now_o since_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o certain_o true_a how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o for_o first_o those_o that_o separate_v either_o because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v by_o some_o churchman_n or_o to_o please_v a_o relation_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n or_o procure_v or_o regain_v a_o reputation_n or_o for_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n nor_o second_o can_v those_o lay-people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hear_v their_o belove_a teacher_n in_o conventicle_n since_o they_o can_v hear_v they_o in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v those_o godly_a man_n to_o preach_v nor_o three_o those_o who_o dislike_v form_n of_o prayer_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n think_v they_o not_o convenient_a though_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a nor_o four_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o edification_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n or_o because_o many_o godly_a person_n condemn_v our_o way_n all_o these_o i_o say_v can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n because_o neither_o fancy_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o man_n conscience_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n nor_o five_o can_v those_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v encroach_v too_o much_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o suppose_v the_o governor_n be_v be_v faulty_a in_o it_o yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o sixthly_a can_v those_o just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o can_v join_v with_o we_o sometime_o both_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o dare_v to_o join_v in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a once_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n always_o but_o leave_v these_o false_a pretender_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o who_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o plead_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a and_o sure_o say_v they_o you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o join_v in_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o
their_o separation_n upon_o these_o account_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n they_o except_v against_o be_v real_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o then_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v which_o be_v not_o real_o forbid_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v so_o they_o can_v act_v against_o their_o mistake_a conscience_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v require_v nothing_o that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o particular_a objection_n against_o our_o establishment_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o several_a forego_v chapter_n the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o justify_v his_o break_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o my_o false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o just_a cause_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o ask_v this_o question_n when_o st._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o persecute_v christian_n be_v his_o persecution_n sinful_a or_o no_o yes_o sure_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o lawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n for_o do_v that_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o before_z they_o separate_z for_o schism_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n and_o as_o vehement_o speak_v against_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o father_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o let_v dissenter_n look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o their_o false_a persuasion_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o make_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n this_o matter_n 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 suppose_v a_o papist_n that_o hearty_o believe_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o worship_v image_n and_o the_o host_n this_o person_n will_v certain_o abhor_v these_o practice_n do_v he_o think_v they_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v all_o charge_n such_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n though_o they_o disclaim_v it_o and_o profess_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o such_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 so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_n for_o a_o man_n be_v false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o causeless_a separation_n be_v as_o proper_o schism_n as_o worship_v a_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o schismatic_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v as_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n a_o man_n mistake_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o will_v more_o or_o less_o excuse_v he_o before_o god_n in_o both_o instance_n but_o it_o can_v change_v the_o nature_n either_o of_o schism_n or_o idolatry_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o answer_v he_o be_v to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n and_o then_o he_o may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n now_o the_o only_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o lay_v aside_o pride_n passion_n interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o endeavour_v serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o understand_v his_o duty_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n advise_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n 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 practise_v all_o undoubted_a duty_n and_o beg_v god_n assistance_n for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o first_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v our_o scandalous_a division_n will_v present_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o alas_o we_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v sure_o they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o for_o the_o text_n they_o produce_v be_v such_o as_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v they_o can_v scarce_o have_v be_v wrest_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n nay_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v think_v better_o of_o our_o way_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a yet_o a_o lay-person_n may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n in_o short_a most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o scarce_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n show_v we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o end_n to_o serve_v by_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o way_n be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v he_o thither_o that_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o church-division_n be_v modest_a humble_a and_o docible_a and_o believe_v that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v that_o think_v his_o governor_n may_v be_v wise_a than_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o authority_n a_o man_n that_o where_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o thwart_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v and_o to_o that_o end_n beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o use_v the_o best_a help_n and_o guide_v he_o can_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_v bias_v neither_o way_n i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n and_o we_o ready_o grant_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o but_o then_o we_o must_v add_v that_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o man_n will_v soon_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o conform_v second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v real_o do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v though_o his_o separation_n be_v material_o a_o schism_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o all_o those_o that_o commit_v schism_n be_v not_o equal_o guilty_a of_o it_o those_o that_o separate_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n
receive_n as_o much_o as_o abstain_v but_o since_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o since_o he_o be_v mistake_v while_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a certain_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n by_o absent_v himself_o than_o by_o come_v with_o his_o doubt_n about_o he_o because_o his_o doubt_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n be_v only_a surmise_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n by_o habitual_o abstain_v which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n second_o though_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n if_o he_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o he_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o question_n than_o be_v which_o be_v the_o least_o sin_n to_o receive_v unworthy_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o for_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v when_o he_o can_v avoid_v both_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o obey_v one_o know_v law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v another_o law_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n i_o say_v i_o think_v that_o that_o man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o innocent_a yet_o be_v far_o less_o guilty_a than_o he_o who_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n suppose_v two_o man_n who_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v unfit_a so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n one_o of_o these_o man_n do_v upon_o this_o account_n forbear_v all_o prayer_n the_o other_o dare_v not_o to_o forbear_v his_o usual_a office_n though_o he_o believe_v he_o perform_v they_o sinful_o now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v think_v he_o the_o better_a man_n who_o say_v his_o prayer_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v very_o faulty_a because_o whatever_o a_o man_n indisposition_n be_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o perform_v a_o duty_n after_o a_o ill_a manner_n than_o whole_o to_o omit_v it_o since_o therefore_o the_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o commit_v one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n doubt_v of_o his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v habitual_o abstain_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_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 1_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o will_v actual_o damn_v a_o man_n i_o answer_v that_o let_v the_o sin_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o be_v as_o damnable_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n and_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n to_o neglect_v it_o but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o three_o suppose_v the_o man_n take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o since_o his_o last_o receive_v he_o find_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n so_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o unfit_a to_o receive_v at_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n for_o he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o sin_n if_o he_o receive_v in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o god_n forbid_v he_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n command_v he_o to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n on_o one_o side_n he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v on_o the_o other_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v forbear_v receive_v once_o or_o twice_o for_o his_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o better_a preparation_n against_o another_o opportunity_n because_o since_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v so_o many_o time_n a_o year_n any_o more_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n a_o day_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o a_o express_a law_n to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o do_v so_o so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n ought_v to_o over_o balance_n that_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o man_n ought_v rather_o to_o defer_v his_o receive_n than_o to_o receive_v in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o second_o a_o man_n must_v not_o habitual_o absent_v himself_o upon_o the_o the_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v than_o in_o come_v with_o never_o so_o great_a fear_n of_o be_v unfit_a and_o therefore_o he_o must_v receive_v frequent_o though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o four_o if_o the_o person_n think_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v equal_a whether_o he_o receive_v or_o no_o then_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o inducement_n of_o prudence_n and_o interest_n and_o they_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o forbear_v upon_o those_o account_n for_o beside_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o receive_v he_o reap_v this_o spiritual_a profit_n by_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n of_o grow_v more_o worthy_a and_o cure_v his_o doubt_n whereas_o by_o absent_v himself_o his_o doubt_n increase_v and_o he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o now_o have_v thus_o have_v i_o show_v how_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_n i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v settle_v the_o notion_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n over_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o my_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_v whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v 1._o premise_v some_o thing_n 2._o show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n 3._o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o it_o 1._o i_o premise_v five_o thing_n first_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o do_v what_o god_n forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v what_o god_n command_v second_o if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o thing_n which_o his_o governor_n oblige_v he_o to_o be_v sinful_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o sin_v but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o also_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n three_o
if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o the_o action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v sinful_a or_o no_o yet_o if_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n he_o can_v do_v that_o action_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o be_v he_o sin_v also_o in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n four_o if_o a_o man_n have_v be_v so_o extreme_o careless_a in_o learn_v his_o duty_n that_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o plain_a matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a for_o do_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v it_o pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o true_a principle_n that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o our_o superior_n for_o certain_o if_o a_o sinful_a thing_n be_v command_v not_o only_o he_o that_o command_v but_o he_o that_o obey_v also_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o man_n may_v have_v know_v his_o duty_n have_v he_o not_o be_v careless_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a because_o he_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n though_o he_o break_v god_n law_n second_o that_o when_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o in_o his_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v sinful_a if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sin_n five_o i_o premise_v that_o whatever_o the_o power_n of_o superior_n be_v for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o must_v not_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n because_o the_o case_n of_o obey_v superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o command_n be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v it_o by_o the_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o such_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v as_o will_v outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o make_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o obey_v however_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a a_o man_n false_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v sinfiul_a will_v not_o excuse_v he_o unless_o his_o mistake_n be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o rectify_v these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o plain_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n pretty_a equal_a and_o where_o likewise_o the_o man_n concern_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o satisfy_n himself_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a do_v not_o oblige_v the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v i_o affirm_v it_o do_v oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o first_o modesty_n oblige_v we_o to_o pay_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o if_o a_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o civil_a practice_n we_o shall_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o few_o learned_a prudent_a and_o honest_a person_n who_o we_o think_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n than_o ourselves_o and_o do_v it_o not_o argue_v much_o self-conceit_n and_o great_a contempt_n of_o our_o superior_n to_o refuse_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o their_o judgement_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o command_v for_o the_o best_a second_o bishop_n sanderson_n and_o other_o casuist_n agree_v that_o in_o all_o dispute_v case_n he_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o that_o contend_v with_o he_o suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a thus_o if_o i_o be_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o another_o claim_n i_o can_v just_o be_v dispossess_v till_o the_o other_o man_n title_n appear_v to_o be_v better_a than_o i_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o superior_a assert_v his_o right_n and_o command_v the_o subject_n question_v his_o right_n because_o he_o doubt_n whether_o the_o command_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o since_o the_o superior_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o subject_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n by_o his_o disobedience_n dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o authority_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o disobey_v than_o to_o obey_v but_o this_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v suppose_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n three_o since_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n that_o the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n for_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a the_o only_a hazard_n we_o run_v be_v of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o perhaps_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v or_o have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v but_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a than_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n which_o we_o can_v but_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o mankind_n four_o since_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o our_o own_o inferior_n to_o contradict_v our_o rule_n upon_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o be_v lawful_a if_o a_o parent_n shall_v command_v his_o son_n to_o sit_v uncover_v before_o he_o or_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o dress_v a_o dinner_n on_o the_o lord's-day_n and_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a will_v not_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o master_n say_v i_o be_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v by_o your_o foolish_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o control_v my_o command_n i_o dare_v say_v most_o man_n will_v think_v this_o a_o very_a just_a reply_n and_o if_o so_o than_o our_o superior_a also_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n notwithstanding_o our_o doubt_n and_o if_o we_o think_v otherwise_o it_o be_v because_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o we_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o five_o if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v in_o mere_o doubtful_a case_n their_o authority_n signify_v nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o public_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o some_o person_n or_o other_o will_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o such_o a_o doubt_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v obedience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n but_o perpetual_a confusion_n for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n make_v war_n and_o every_o ignorant_a and_o unexperienced_a subject_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n in_o case_n he_o doubt_n whether_o that_o war_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o but_o these_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v must_v needs_o be_v think_v intolerable_a also_o 3._o have_v thus_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n
rather_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o he_o think_v it_o much_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v of_o it_o well_o but_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o the_o former_a text_n direct_v we_o to_o interpret_v this_o latter_a in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n without_o censure_v one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v render_v let_v every_o one_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n this_o indeed_o differ_v from_o our_o english_a translation_n but_o grotius_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a as_o well_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theodoret_n do_v thus_o interpret_v it_o and_o moreover_o the_o matter_n require_v it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o precept_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o possible_a since_o if_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v then_o as_o much_o his_o duty_n to_o doubt_v as_o in_o other_o case_n to_o believe_v thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v do_v not_o overthrow_v my_o assertion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o true_a and_o substantial_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v give_v another_o which_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o dissenter_n own_o principle_n suppose_v therefore_o what_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o real_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o the_o man_n do_v sin_n in_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o obey_v authority_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n since_o the_o man_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v and_o sin_v in_o choose_v to_o run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n but_o when_o the_o superior_a command_n a_o man_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o man_n may_v forbear_v without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o forbear_v than_o in_o act_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sin_n to_o act_v in_o the_o former_a but_o further_a the_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v be_v this_o because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o sinful_a to_o act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n because_o there_o be_v some_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_v with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n for_o he_o that_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n do_v act_n with_o faith_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v a_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v sinful_a in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o act_v otherwise_o that_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v though_o he_o act_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_n in_o faith_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n be_v not_o sinful_a because_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v faith_n that_o be_v be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n often_o happen_v a_o man_n have_v often_o very_o great_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v all_o doubt_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o doubt_n be_v overbalanced_a though_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v hard_a and_o troublesome_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v more_o advisable_a to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o he_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n because_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o best_a judgement_n and_o more_o than_o this_o a_o man_n can_v do_v iv_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o in_o general_n that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n do_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o for_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n about_o a_o particular_a action_n he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o now_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n while_o he_o be_v dispute_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o contradiction_n a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n but_o as_o he_o think_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v can_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n which_o 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 the_o general_a law_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v can_v oblige_v we_o to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o do_v thus_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o he_o act_v doubtful_o have_v thus_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfy_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n some_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o ceremony_n other_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v of_o these_o person_n some_o have_v a_o single_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o they_o be_v satisfy_v they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o other_o have_v a_o double_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o doubt_v
whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sort_n though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o a_o man_n have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n hold_v only_o in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v forbear_v the_o action_n without_o danger_n of_o sin_v though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v sin_v in_o conform_v so_o there_o be_v certain_o danger_n of_o sin_v in_o not_o conform_v nor_o be_v it_o more_o safe_a to_o separate_v in_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n than_o of_o a_o double_a one_o for_o the_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o constant_a disobedience_n to_o his_o superior_n which_o thing_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n must_v needs_o be_v gross_o and_o criminal_o ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o his_o be_v satisfy_v about_o such_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o because_o he_o be_v able_a and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o nay_o further_o though_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obey_v our_o superior_n or_o no_o though_o the_o case_n be_v real_o that_o of_o a_o single_a doubt_n though_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o conform_v than_o to_o separate_a notwithstanding_o for_o though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v not_o hold_v unless_o all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o therefore_o if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v obtain_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o consideration_n ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o over-rule_v the_o doubt_n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o law_n and_o certain_o if_o weighty_a consideration_n ought_v to_o overbalance_n a_o single_a doubt_n in_o any_o case_n then_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o many_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n that_o attend_v separation_n aught_o to_o prevail_v in_o this_o of_o we_o and_o oblige_v man_n to_o conform_v and_o i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_a dissenter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n who_o doubt_v both_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conform_v and_o also_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separate_n from_o we_o i_o say_v first_o if_o the_o probability_n appear_v pretty_a equal_a on_o both_o side_n than_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v authority_n as_o i_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n second_o if_o they_o think_v it_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o conform_v than_o that_o they_o ought_v then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o have_v not_o weight_n enough_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_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 separation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o conform_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o prop._n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n p._n 256_o 257._o now_o let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v between_o we_o and_o our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o thing_n they_o doubt_v of_o be_v not_o direct_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o consequence_n those_o consequence_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o though_o such_o usage_n have_v ever_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o condemn_v as_o sinful_a till_o our_o day_n and_o even_o now_o these_o consequence_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o superior_n no_o not_o by_o as_o great_a and_o good_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o far_o great_a number_n and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o able_a as_o any_o do_v plain_o own_v our_o injunction_n to_o be_v innocent_a at_o least_o if_o not_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o governor_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o our_o communion_n lawful_a then_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n be_v they_o guilty_a of_o in_o break_v the_o law_n of_o church-vnity_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n of_o old_a and_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o the_o consequence_n also_o of_o their_o separation_n be_v most_o dreadful_a for_o by_o it_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o keep_v up_o those_o discord_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v tear_v the_o bowel_n of_o it_o and_o cause_v atheism_n and_o profaneness_n to_o overspread_v it_o they_o affront_v their_o governor_n give_v scandal_n to_o all_o peaceable_a person_n and_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a pretence_n to_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_v against_o the_o best_a of_o goverment_n so_o they_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o all_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o doubt_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n certain_o a_o unconcern_v person_n will_v pronounce_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o conform_v rather_o than_o to_o separate_a and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o chap._n xiii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o it_o 2._o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o 3._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 then_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o evil_n or_o his_o action_n and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v a_o scrupulous_a judgement_n concern_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o consist_v either_o 1._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 meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o observe_v such_o usage_n as_o religious_o as_o the_o most_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n or_o 2._o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n unlawful_a doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o god_n be_v as_o much_o offend_v by_o our_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o wear_v some_o garment_n as_o by_o adultery_n or_o murder_n and_o be_v more_o precise_a about_o little_a matter_n than_o other_o good_a christian_n be_v or_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o be_v second_o concern_v this_o scrupulous_a conscience_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o sickly_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o state_n of_o infirmity_n arise_v from_o a_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n our_o religion_n from_o timerousness_n melancholy_a and_o prejudice_n now_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o virtue_n or_o commendable_a quality_n in_o we_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sickly_a and_o often_o indispose_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a well_o settle_v and_o resolve_v but_o such_o needless_a scruple_n be_v at_o the_o best_a a_o sign_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a fancy_n and_o a_o weak_a judgement_n just_a as_o the_o niceness_n and_o squeamishness_n of_o a_o man_n stomach_n that_o distaste_v wholesome_a food_n be_v a_o symptom_n of_o a_o unsound_a and_o unhealthy_a body_n 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n and_o hope_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o their_o gross_a transgression_n in_o other_o case_n of_o far_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n
we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o duty_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n this_o whole_a matter_n say_v dr._n hammond_n disc_n of_o scan_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n second_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 offence_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 if_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o consider_v we_o shall_v soon_o fâ—â—d_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v upon_o this_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n than_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o 1._o our_o separation_n harden_v other_o dissenter_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o conformity_n for_o they_o will_v think_v we_o separate_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v true_a scandalize_a they_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a cause_n 2._o whatever_o sect_n we_o join_v with_o we_o offend_v all_o the_o other_o party_n who_o sometime_o speak_v as_o hardly_o of_o one_o another_o as_o of_o the_o conformist_n 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o conformist_n for_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n distaste_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o well-meaning_a but_o least-knowing_a member_n of_o it_o 4._o scandal_n be_v thereby_o give_v to_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sinful_a to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o offend_a a_o prince_n a_o parliament_n &_o c_o no_o scandal_n take_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n 5._o hereby_o scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n because_o they_o only_o have_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n the_o papist_n always_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o our_o division_n whereas_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v this_o weapon_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n 6._o separation_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudices_fw-la men_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n they_o have_v cause_v shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o answer_v those_o plea_n by_o which_o the_o dissenter_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o nothing_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o add_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n &_o due_o consider_v what_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o nothing_o but_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v charge_v our_o church_n with_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o defend_v your_o practice_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v better_o yet_o every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o warrant_n enough_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v but_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a &_o whether_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o she_o have_v corrupt_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o require_v her_o member_n to_o join_v in_o these_o corruption_n but_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a mr._n caâ—â—â—â—_n 12._o caâ—â—â—â—_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect_n 10_o 11_o 12._o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o your_o own_o practice_n nay_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n tell_v you_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o yourself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o you_o by_o forbear_v what_o you_o dislike_v as_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o case_n will_v bear_v this_o wantonness_n and_o whether_o such_o expression_n be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o confess_v to_o make_v out_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o i_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o a_o public_a rule_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v reason_n enough_o to_o justify_v thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o compliance_n without_o more_o ado_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o union_n till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o our_o case_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o change_n though_o in_o