action_n be_v lawful_a to_o i_o and_o not_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o forbid_v by_o some_o law_n unknown_a to_o i_o i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o doubt_n the_o principle_n will_v be_v true_a and_o the_o resolution_n upon_o it_o certain_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o this_o hypothesis_n these_o caution_n premise_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o the_o case_n 1._o some_o divine_n have_v assert_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o ceremony_n not_o express_o command_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o divine_a worship_n suppose_v this_o assertion_n shall_v be_v true_a can_v it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o oblige_v my_o belief_n or_o to_o convict_v i_o of_o any_o culpable_a ignorance_n whilst_o i_o understand_v it_o not_o be_v no_o otherwise_o declare_v than_o in_o the_o term_n of_o that_o commandment_n forbid_v nothing_o express_o beside_o the_o make_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n and_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o this_o comprehension_n of_o uncommanded_a ceremony_n other_o than_o from_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o divine_n contradict_v by_o most_o other_o divine_n of_o equal_a judgement_n at_o least_n whether_o now_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o divine_n that_o affirm_v the_o prohibition_n of_o un-instituted_n ceremony_n from_o that_o commandment_n a_o sufficient_a promulgation_n of_o that_o law_n to_o i_o if_o it_o be_v it_o must_v certain_o be_v such_o as_o oblige_v my_o belief_n for_o i_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v a_o law_n which_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o law_n because_o than_o my_o obedience_n can_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o my_o faith_n as_o all_o obedience_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o how_o can_v i_o in_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v this_o interpretation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o assertion_n whilst_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o other_o of_o equal_a credit_n and_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o that_o interpretation_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a promulgation_n of_o this_o suppose_a law_n how_o be_o i_o that_o have_v either_o no_o other_o or_o no_o better_a evidence_n for_o it_o oblige_v by_o it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o law_n and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o why_o may_v i_o not_o act_v in_o faith_n especial_o when_o i_o be_o command_v by_o just_a authority_n to_o the_o act_n notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n whether_o that_o interpretation_n may_v not_o possible_o be_v true_a why_o may_v i_o not_o persuade_v myself_o that_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o commandment_n i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_v by_o it_o till_o i_o have_v some_o better_a evidence_n thereof_o or_o 2._o let_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v any_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v no_o where_o express_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n but_o some_o divine_n have_v judge_v it_o unlawful_a and_o give_v some_o reason_n for_o their_o opinion_n depend_v upon_o uncertain_a principle_n or_o unnecessary_a consequence_n suppose_v now_o a_o weak_a judgement_n be_v induce_v to_o doubt_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o form_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o divine_n opinion_n and_o argument_n against_o they_o this_o doubt_n must_v necessary_o suppose_v ignorance_n because_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v the_o doubt_n can_v not_o remain_v be_v then_o this_o ignorance_n culpable_a or_o inculpable_a if_o it_o be_v culpable_a than_o the_o doubt_n be_v so_o too_o and_o then_o the_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o opinion_n without_o any_o doubt_n notwithstanding_o whatever_o reason_n he_o may_v have_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v inculpable_a whilst_o he_o have_v no_o better_a evidence_n to_o determine_v his_o belief_n how_o can_v he_o be_v hound_n to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o form_n by_o any_o law_n whereof_o he_o be_v thus_o ignorant_a notwistand_v his_o doubt_n which_o do_v not_o take_v away_o but_o necessary_o infer_v the_o ignorance_n which_o will_v be_v impossible_a without_o it_o may_v be_v not_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o doubt_n make_v use_n of_o form_n with_o persuasion_n that_o to_o he_o it_o be_v yet_o lawful_a to_o do_v whatever_o be_v true_a concern_v the_o question_n in_o general_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o much_o these_o discourse_n â—_o want_v of_o those_o enlargement_n of_o illustration_n and_o conâ—imation_n which_o they_o may_v and_o perhaps_o ought_v to_o hauâ—_n if_o the_o occasion_n will_v bear_v it_o but_o i_o must_v not_o forgâ—_n that_o i_o be_o write_v a_o preface_n to_o a_o small_a book_n where_o i_o have_v already_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o just_a proportion_n and_o therefore_o be_o to_o leave_n the_o modest_a proposal_n of_o thâ—_n problem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v best_a able_a to_o consider_v aâ—_n judge_n of_o they_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o these_o pre_o minary_a discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v finish_v with_o the_o addtion_n of_o a_o few_o thing_n concern_v the_o second_o tract_n tâ—_n ward_v the_o further_o clear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n there_o deliver_v from_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n to_o that_o st._n paul_n concern_v justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o the_o business_n of_o that_o discourse_n upon_o â—_o propose_v text_n be_v not_o to_o determine_v what_o particule_n act_n it_o be_v which_o god_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n do_v prinâ—_n pal_o require_v as_o the_o special_a condition_n of_o justification_n but_o to_o inquire_v what_o that_o entire_a work_n be_v whereby_o aâ—_n according_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n the_o salvation_n 〈◊〉_d a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v wrought_v out_o 2._o yet_o in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o same_o discourse_n a_o prâ—critie_n be_v give_v to_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o give_v the_o first_o rigâ—_n to_o justification_n or_o a_o right_n to_o the_o first_o justification_n beforâ—_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o such_o work_n as_o be_v consequâ—_n to_o that_o faith_n undoubted_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n of_o â—_o such_o work_v as_o be_v true_o goâ—d_v in_o a_o theological_a sense_n that_o be_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v do_v upon_o any_o account_n of_o â—_o ligion_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a faith_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o reâ—_n gion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n he_o that_o comâ—_n to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v thâ—_n rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n 11.6_o whatever_o good_a work_n can_v be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n without_o faith_n or_o not_o proceed_v from_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o respect_v by_o he_o st._n paul_n therefore_o in_o that_o chapter_n by_o many_o example_n prove_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o good_a work_n verse_n 5._o by_o faith_n say_v he_o enoch_n be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n and_o be_v not_o find_v because_o god_n have_v translate_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o before_o his_o translation_n he_o please_v god_n so_o the_o word_n i_o be_o sure_a may_v and_o i_o think_v shall_v be_v read_v because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o enoch_n please_v god_n before_o his_o translation_n but_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o he_o have_v not_o before_o but_o long_o after_o his_o translation_n be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v he_o by_o moses_n above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o in_o the_o word_n of_o that_o text_n gen._n 5.24_o which_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o use_v the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v there_o use_v by_o the_o septuagint_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o enoch_n please_v god_n and_o be_v not_o find_v etc._n etc._n the_o same_o translation_n be_v quote_v by_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n ecclus_n 44.16_o we_o read_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o walk_v with_o god_n which_o import_v the_o same_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n who_o life_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n or_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n amos_n 3.3_o but_o so_o can_v no_o man_n life_n be_v without_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o which_o make_v any_o man_n work_n please_v to_o god_n be_v his_o faith_n without_o which_o as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v do_v to_o any_o such_o end_n so_o neither_o will_v they_o have_v any_o such_o effect_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v at_o least_o so_o much_o that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o be_v the_o short_a creed_n that_o can_v be_v and_o
doubt_n make_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o he_o or_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o lend_v money_n to_o usury_n or_o to_o play_v at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o to_o drink_v a_o health_n upon_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o those_o thing_n as_o not_o agreeable_a to_o christian_a sobriety_n or_o as_o thing_n scandalous_a and_o of_o no_o good_a report_n he_o that_o doubt_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o thing_n though_o whilst_o he_o do_v no_o more_o he_o can_v condemn_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o other_o that_o be_v free_a from_o that_o doubt_n yet_o be_v bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o they_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v perfect_o free_a so_o to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o doubt_n in_o the_o second_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o the_o action_n in_o question_n be_v command_v or_o not_o command_v the_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n because_o the_o only_a doubt_n suppose_v in_o this_o case_n be_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v command_v or_o not_o and_o not_o at_o all_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o that_o it_o be_v suppose_v out_o of_o doubt_n to_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v it_o and_o doubt_v only_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o action_n because_o if_o he_o do_v it_o he_o suppose_v himself_o not_o to_o sin_v because_o he_o doubt_v not_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o but_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o he_o must_v needs_o sin_v by_o the_o 2._o principle_n either_o double_o by_o omit_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o so_o oblige_v he_o before_o and_o without_o his_o doubt_n and_o also_o by_o omit_v the_o same_o duty_n doubt_o or_o at_o least_o he_o must_v needs_o sin_v single_o by_o act_v doubtful_o without_o necessity_n and_o where_o a_o safe_a course_n be_v in_o his_o choice_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o the_o canon_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o lent-fast_a or_o other_o fast-day_n appoint_v by_o law_n do_v bind_v his_o conscience_n or_o not_o have_v no_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o the_o omit_v those_o observance_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v they_o whether_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n or_o upon_o other_o account_n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v plain_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o fast_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o this_o case_n because_o they_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o sin_n whereas_o it_o be_v suppose_v they_o may_v be_v keep_v without_o any_o doubt_n of_o sin_n in_o these_o two_o case_n the_o resolution_n be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n the_o only_a difficulty_n be_v in_o the_o three_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v double_a viz._n whether_o the_o action_n in_o question_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o this_o case_n the_o doubt_n remain_v it_o seem_v impossible_a to_o avoid_v the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v because_o the_o action_n in_o itself_o must_v either_o be_v forbid_v or_o command_v or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_a now_o if_o it_o be_v forbid_v and_o i_o do_v it_o with_o this_o doubt_n i_o sin_v double_o as_o before_o be_v show_v if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o and_o it_o be_v command_v i_o sin_v likewise_o double_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o sin_n whether_o i_o do_v it_o or_o no_o because_o i_o either_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v a_o thing_n which_o i_o doubt_v whether_o i_o may_v lawful_o omit_v or_o do_v for_o if_o a_o man_n must_v not_o choose_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o may_v do_v or_o not_o for_o that_o only_a reason_n because_o he_o doubt_v then_o neither_o may_v be_v omit_v a_o action_n which_o he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o may_v omit_v or_o no._n if_o then_o the_o case_n be_v as_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v either_o direct_o and_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n or_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o indirect_o and_o mediate_o by_o his_o authority_n vest_v in_o lawful_a governor_n not_o exceed_v their_o commission_n the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o do_v it_o viz._n the_o doubt_n whether_o he_o may_v do_v it_o or_o no_o will_v make_v it_o equal_o unlawful_a to_o omit_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o man_n doubt_n of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n command_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o this_o case_n the_o doubt_n must_v needs_o fall_v in_o both_o way_n for_o first_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n be_v reason_n enough_o to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o command_v of_o god_n because_o that_o authority_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o all_o thing_n not_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o the_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o no_o suppose_v he_o not_o to_o know_v or_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o leave_v he_o in_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o command_v because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v it_o be_v command_v 2._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n may_v be_v various_a take_v from_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n or_o ground_v upon_o some_o dubious_a interpretation_n of_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o upon_o some_o mistake_a principle_n or_o seem_a consequence_n from_o a_o true_a one_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o three_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v it_o neither_o of_o which_o election_n can_v be_v make_v without_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o doubt_n both_o way_n as_o be_v suppose_v the_o common_a answer_n to_o this_o straight_a be_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o depose_v his_o doubt_n which_o answer_n be_v perfect_o unreasonable_a in_o most_o case_n because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a impossible_a it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o cease_v his_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n immediate_o and_o arbitrary_o without_o remove_v or_o solve_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o doubt_n so_o that_o this_o advise_v to_o a_o distract_a conscience_n be_v no_o better_o than_o if_o a_o physician_n call_v to_o a_o sick_a patient_n shall_v prescribe_v for_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o his_o distemper_n a_o exhortation_n to_o shake_v off_o his_o sickness_n or_o not_o to_o entertain_v it_o any_o long_o which_o will_v be_v take_v for_o no_o better_a than_o a_o plain_a mock_v the_o patient_n the_o only_a reasonable_a meaning_n that_o this_o advice_n can_v have_v be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o resolve_v his_o own_o doubt_n by_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n on_o either_o part_n but_o this_o advice_n may_v be_v impracticabe_n in_o many_o case_n and_o be_v in_o all_o extempore_o where_o neither_o mean_n nor_o time_n be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o the_o question_n than_o be_v what_o other_o advice_n may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o present_a and_o what_o resolution_n be_v to_o be_v make_v thereupon_o this_o question_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o principle_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o apply_v in_o all_o action_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n i_o be_o to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o i_o can_v and_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o whether_o i_o do_v this_o action_n or_o omit_v it_o at_o this_o time_n i_o must_v necessary_o sin_n because_o i_o can_v depose_v my_o doubt_n nor_o avoid_v sin_n if_o i_o act_n or_o not_o act_v with_o it_o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v what_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o adventure_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o sin_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o other_o and_o if_o i_o can_v find_v any_o sufficient_a to_o turn_v the_o scale_n that_o must_v determine_v my_o choice_n by_o the_o last_o principle_n and_o in_o this_o disquisition_n the_o most_o considerable_a reason_n of_o the_o election_n to_o be_v make_v on_o either_o part_n will_v consist_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n if_o any_o such_o may_v appear_v or_o be_v just_o suspect_v for_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o abstain_v from_o any_o action_n be_v the_o avoidance_n of_o sin_n the_o dehree_a of_o the_o sin_n do_v proportionable_o augment_v the_o reason_n if_o then_o the_o action_n whereof_o
i_o doubt_v whether_o i_o shall_v do_v it_o or_o not_o have_v to_o i_o a_o appearance_n of_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o do_v it_o than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o omission_n that_o reason_n be_v very_o sufficient_a to_o restrain_v i_o from_o the_o action_n and_o oblige_v i_o to_o the_o forbearance_n till_o i_o can_v be_v otherwise_o inform_v to_o the_o better_a satisfaction_n of_o my_o conscience_n for_o 5.22_o 2_o thess_n 5.22_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n do_v most_o strong_o oblige_v my_o abstinence_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v the_o action_n whereof_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n have_v a_o appearance_n of_o idolatry_n as_o in_o the_o corinthian_n case_n the_o eat_a thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n have_v and_o as_o the_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o bread_n or_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n depart_v may_v just_o have_v in_o such_o case_n i_o say_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o abstain_v from_o the_o action_n because_o it_o be_v most_o safe_a so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o do_n of_o this_o action_n i_o do_v at_o least_o suspect_v i_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a sin_n than_o a_o bare_a omission_n of_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o any_o humane_a authority_n can_v be_v the_o same_o resolution_n upon_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v make_v where_o the_o omission_n upon_o due_a consideration_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o action_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o authority_n cause_v disorder_n and_o have_v at_o least_o a_o appearance_n of_o schism_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n of_o their_o want_n of_o allowance_n from_o god_n or_o be_v some_o way_n forbid_v i_o say_v that_o the_o disobedience_n in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o action_n shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o action_n will_v be_v in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n though_o it_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v forbid_v whilst_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o for_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v conceive_v that_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n so_o obscure_o reveal_v as_o have_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o many_o age_n nor_o yet_o be_v by_o the_o ruler_n and_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a doctor_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o present_a church_n can_v be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o precept_n as_o that_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n especial_o when_o that_o disobedience_n produce_v the_o effect_n of_o disorder_n schism_n scandal_n with_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o privation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o grace_n these_o thing_n consider_v i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n able_a to_o think_v but_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n in_o case_n the_o thing_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v not_o forbid_v as_o by_o this_o doubt_n be_v suppose_v possible_a be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o do_n of_o the_o act_n though_o it_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n the_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v notwithstanding_o the_o doubt_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n against_o a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o disobey_v doubt_o than_o to_o obey_v doubt_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n but_o if_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o i_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o omit_v thâ—_n action_n as_o to_o do_v it_o consider_v my_o doubt_n as_o well_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o command_v as_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v i_o be_o then_o to_o consider_v what_o other_o reason_n may_v incline_v i_o either_o to_o the_o action_n or_o to_o the_o omission_n in_o respect_n of_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o myself_o or_o other_o on_o either_o side_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v on_o the_o on-side_n if_o i_o forbear_v the_o action_n i_o do_v not_o only_a sin_n against_o god_n upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o the_o forementioned_a account_n that_o be_v as_o do_v that_o which_o be_v forbid_v in_o itself_o 〈◊〉_d forbid_a to_o i_o because_o i_o doubt_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o but_o i_o also_o deprive_v myself_o of_o many_o advantage_n which_o may_v have_v by_o the_o do_v it_o and_o incur_v considerable_a damage_n in_o my_o liberty_n estate_n reputation_n with_o other_o incommodation_n to_o my_o friend_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o do_v the_o action_n i_o do_v only_a sin_n against_o god_n by_o act_v doubtful_o or_o it_o may_v be_v by_o transgress_v some_o unknown_a command_n abstract_v from_o that_o doubt_n which_o inconvenience_n be_v equal_o suppose_v in_o the_o forbearance_n but_o i_o avoid_v the_o forementioned_a disadvantage_n without_o incur_v any_o other_o of_o equal_a concern_v in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v perfect_o unreasonable_a to_o choose_v the_o more_o hazzardable_a resolution_n with_o rejection_n of_o the_o less_o and_o therefore_o the_o resolution_n will_v be_v as_o clear_v what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n as_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o former_a with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o the_o practice_n under_o this_o duplicitie_n of_o doubt_n can_v be_v without_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_n what_o then_o can_v i_o or_o shall_v i_o do_v more_o in_o this_o case_n than_o this_o commit_v myself_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o a_o cautionary_a profession_n of_o my_o desire_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o that_o if_o i_o can_v any_o way_n possible_o avoid_v the_o hazard_n of_o transgress_v his_o will_n i_o will_v do_v it_o notwithstanding_o any_o motive_n whatever_o respect_v myself_o or_o my_o own_o interest_n but_o because_o i_o can_v so_o do_v at_o this_o time_n for_o want_v of_o present_a mean_n to_o understand_v his_o will_n i_o act_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o my_o nature_n that_o be_v my_o reason_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v afford_v i_o any_o direction_n beg_v his_o pardon_n of_o my_o present_a ignorance_n and_o the_o inevitable_a effect_n thereof_o against_o this_o resolution_n if_o it_o be_v object_v as_o be_v before_o intimate_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n whilst_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o depose_v his_o doubt_n and_o embrace_v his_o duty_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o this_o destroy_v the_o supposition_n of_o the_o cousin_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o just_a objection_n to_o the_o answer_n which_o be_v give_v upon_o the_o admission_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o sin_v or_o that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v immediate_o to_o depose_v his_o doubt_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o god_n do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o himself_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v by_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o by_o his_o culpable_a ignorance_n bring_v himself_o into_o this_o straight_a but_o here_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o entire_a resolution_n be_v ground_v upon_o that_o principle_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v doubt_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o principle_n i_o take_v up_o in_o this_o discourse_n only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o common_a reception_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v and_o therefore_o the_o resolution_n that_o suppose_v this_o principle_n can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o such_o only_a as_o receive_v it_o but_o whether_o this_o maxim_n be_v universal_o true_a or_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o apostle_n word_n by_o the_o necessary_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o action_n as_o fall_v under_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o such_o action_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o that_o chapter_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o wherein_o a_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la not_o suppose_v to_o be_v under_o command_n of_o authority_n either_o way_n be_v a_o just_a problem_n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o that_o chapter_n wherein_o he_o deliver_v that_o conclusion_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n speak_v only_o of_o such_o action_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la at_o
perfect_a liberty_n on_o one_o side_n at_o least_o that_o be_v either_o to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v for_o though_o he_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o eat_v such_o meat_n yet_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v clear_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o forbear_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o premise_a resolution_n of_o the_o first_o question_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o eat_v with_o this_o doubt_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translate_v discernit_fw-la that_o be_v maker_n difference_n or_o distinction_n of_o meat_n think_v it_o not_o indifferent_a to_o eat_v of_o that_o meat_n this_o variation_n of_o sense_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o english_a bibles_n by_o the_o last_o translator_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a he_o must_v needs_o sin_v and_o that_o presumptuous_o against_o his_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o eat_v but_o from_o hence_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o conclusion_n make_v as_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o sin_v if_o he_o only_a doubt_n that_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n by_o this_o translation_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o use_v in_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o act._n 15.9_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o &_o judas_n 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n but_o because_o the_o same_o word_n do_v elsewhere_o as_o oft_o signify_v to_o doubt_v and_o be_v so_o render_v in_o this_o text_n by_o the_o syriack_n and_o most_o other_o translator_n i_o adhere_v to_o that_o translation_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v most_o consonant_a to_o this_o sense_n see_v he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o that_o make_v difference_n of_o meat_n and_o eat_v that_o which_o by_o such_o difference_n he_o esteem_v to_o be_v unlawful_a can_v cat_n of_o faith_n because_o he_o eat_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o yet_o be_v this_o a_o more_o jeune_fw-fr sense_n and_o not_o so_o proper_a as_o to_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v eat_v not_o of_o faith_n omit_v therefore_o this_o objection_n from_o the_o variety_n of_o translation_n i_o advance_v another_o more_o considerable_a that_o be_v whether_o because_o he_o that_o eat_v when_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o eat_v but_o be_v at_o perfect_a liberty_n not_o to_o eat_v be_v damn_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o whosoever_o do_v any_o action_n wherein_o he_o have_v no_o such_o liberty_n of_o forbearance_n with_o any_o doubt_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n condemn_v as_o for_o example_n he_o that_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n to_o do_v a_o action_n whereof_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o no_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a this_o person_n if_o he_o be_v free_a ought_v not_o to_o do_v this_o action_n because_o of_o his_o doubt_n whilst_o he_o may_v forbear_v it_o without_o any_o doubt_n but_o under_o this_o command_n he_o have_v no_o more_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v this_o action_n than_o he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o case_n be_v so_o different_a that_o he_o must_v necessary_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v it_o more_o than_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o although_o from_o the_o first_o word_n of_o that_o text_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v this_o universal_a conclusion_n can_v be_v infer_v yet_o from_o the_o next_o word_n which_o be_v add_v as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o it_o may_v see_v he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n for_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v doubt_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n ergo_fw-la whatsoever_o be_v do_v doubt_o be_v sin_n the_o 1._o of_o these_o proposit_v once_o be_v express_o assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o second_o seem_v to_o be_v right_o collect_v from_o the_o connection_n of_o those_o word_n quia_fw-la 〈◊〉_d quoniam_fw-la ac_fw-la quia_fw-la he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v see_v or_o because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n which_o reason_n will_v not_o be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a notwithstanding_o the_o doubt_n to_o eat_v of_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o this_o instance_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o whence_o the_o universal_a conclusion_n will_v be_v infer_v right_o to_o this_o argument_n a_o rejoynder_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o this_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a consequence_n in_o the_o deduction_n of_o the_o universal_a proposition_n from_o the_o particular_a case_n admit_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o universal_a proposition_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n without_o any_o limitation_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o understand_v faith_n as_o in_o that_o text_n it_o can_v only_o be_v mean_v to_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o although_o in_o that_o case_n he_o that_o doubt_v only_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v and_o not_o at_o all_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o forbear_v can_v eat_v of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v at_o his_o free_a choice_n to_o forbear_v the_o action_n that_o he_o doubt_v and_o to_o determine_v himself_o to_o that_o wherein_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n yet_o in_o another_o case_n where_o the_o action_n be_v doubful_a both_o way_n it_o may_v be_v possible_a notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n to_o act_v in_o faith_n for_o as_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v whilst_o they_o be_v leave_v free_a be_v not_o forbid_v by_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a when_o they_o be_v forbid_v though_o but_o by_o man_n so_o may_v some_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v not_o command_v that_o yet_o may_v be_v lawful_a when_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o disobey_v a_o unlawful_a command_n as_o to_o give_v it_o if_o he_o that_o disobey_v know_v no_o better_a for_o his_o disobedience_n than_o he_o that_o give_v the_o command_n do_v for_o his_o give_v it_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v doubtful_a action_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v when_o a_o man_n be_v free_a for_o that_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v doubtful_a the_o doubt_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o bar_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n as_o before_o have_v be_v say_v but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o free_a but_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o authority_n every_o doubt_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n unlawful_a so_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n may_v notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n ofhis_a action_n unless_o that_o doubt_n be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n more_o credible_a than_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o that_o action_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o as_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a but_o further_a that_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n in_o itself_o to_o have_v a_o just_a persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o in_o a_o present_a case_n i_o offer_v these_o ground_n of_o reason_n 1._o that_o all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n do_v proceed_v from_o ignorance_n 2._o that_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a as_o well_o as_o culpable_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a faith_n but_o also_o in_o practical_a matter_n for_o as_o there_o be_v many_o divine_a verity_n contain_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n thereof_o which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o learned_a much_o less_o by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o yet_o that_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a in_o the_o learned_a and_o much_o more_o in_o the_o unlearned_a so_o may_v there_o be_v divers_a practical_a conclusion_n infer_v the_o obligation_n of_o just_a precept_n to_o they_o that_o do_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o understand_v they_o which_o person_n unlearned_a may_v be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o for_o want_v of_o that_o understanding_n of_o the_o original_a text_n or_o that_o faculty_n of_o deduce_a consecuence_n by_o
art_n of_o logic_n or_o extraordinary_a perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o practicab_n precept_n so_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v inculpable_a as_o i_o suppose_v 3._o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a the_o doubt_n be_v so_o too_o 4._o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o concomitant_a as_o causal_n do_v excuse_v the_o act_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o though_o contrary_a to_o a_o precept_n from_o sin_n not_o only_o a_o tanto_fw-la but_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la i_o use_v the_o term_n inculpable_a rather_o than_o invincible_a because_o it_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v nor_o be_v those_o term_n equivalent_a for_o both_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v invincible_a in_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v not_o inculpable_a and_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a which_o be_v not_o simple_o invincible_a for_o to_o render_v ignorance_n inculpable_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o possible_a industry_n but_o it_o suffice_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o mean_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v use_v or_o from_o any_o other_o fault_n of_o the_o ignorant_a person_n inculpable_a ignorance_n i_o say_v excuse_v any_o action_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o from_o sin_n as_o well_o à _fw-la tanto_fw-la as_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la and_o as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v bare_o concomitant_a as_o when_o it_o be_v causal_n this_o conclusion_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o ordinary_a resolution_n of_o the_o school_n and_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o this_o reason_n because_o inculpable_a ignorance_n bar_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n which_o can_v oblige_v till_o it_o be_v so_o promulge_v as_o oblige_v all_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o though_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o yet_o promulgation_n be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o all_o excuse_n of_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o to_o render_v it_o not_o inculpable_a and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n actual_o oblige_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n therefore_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o of_o the_o law_n as_o of_o the_o fact_n excuse_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o cause_n sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o know_v of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o when_o the_o ignorance_n do_v only_o accompany_v the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v have_v do_v though_o he_o have_v know_v the_o law_n the_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o do_v such_o a_o evil_a action_n though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o action_n itself_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n whilst_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o the_o agent_n by_o any_o oblige_a law_n to_o apply_v these_o proposition_n to_o the_o question_v premise_v see_v all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o that_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a and_o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a so_o be_v the_o doubt_n and_o inculpable_a igrance_n of_o a_o law_n take_v away_o the_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o excuse_v from_o sin_n it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o any_o such_o law_n as_o forbid_v the_o action_n which_o he_o deliberate_v about_o he_o may_v act_v with_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o to_o he_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o law_n may_v not_o be_v for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o it_o it_o oblige_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o act_v or_o forbear_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o may_v do_v either_o of_o faith_n that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v upon_o some_o uncertain_a account_n not_o oblige_v his_o belief_n whether_o the_o action_n to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o and_o therefore_o leave_v he_o free_a till_o he_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v as_o he_o can_v plead_v no_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v the_o law_n forbid_v a_o action_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o express_o and_o the_o only_a evidence_n thereof_o depend_v upon_o doubtful_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o subtle_a consequence_n dispute_v and_o deny_v by_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o equal_a credit_n and_o not_o declare_v or_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n i_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n may_v suppose_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o i_o be_o of_o other_o verity_n and_o point_n of_o belief_n that_o have_v no_o other_o or_o no_o better_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o yet_o pretension_n of_o reason_n not_o cogent_a together_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o doubt_v as_o well_o of_o the_o uncertain_a precept_n as_o of_o other_o verity_n i_o inquire_v now_o whether_o notwithstanding_o this_o doubt_n i_o may_v not_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v believe_v it_o still_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o forbid_v because_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v forbid_v if_o it_o be_v so_o under_o this_o inculpable_a ignorance_n do_v not_o yet_o oblige_v i_o and_o if_o i_o believe_v myself_o not_o oblige_v by_o a_o law_n i_o may_v act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o free_a whether_o my_o ignorance_n be_v in_o truth_n inculpable_a or_o not_o yet_o if_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o its_o certain_a i_o may_v have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n that_o i_o do_v against_o no_o other_o law_n than_o that_o whereof_o i_o think_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a it_o be_v true_a if_o my_o ignorance_n be_v not_o inculpable_a i_o shall_v sin_v in_o this_o action_n but_o shall_v notwithstanding_o act_v in_o faith_n notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n whilst_o that_o doubt_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n in_o this_o case_n of_o ignorance_n for_o that_o will_v impart_v a_o contradiction_n to_o my_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v but_o only_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o law_n forbid_v the_o action_n in_o general_n and_o oblige_v all_o that_o know_v it_o or_o shall_v know_v it_o but_o not_o oblige_v i_o as_o i_o suppose_v because_o i_o be_o as_o yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o and_o that_o as_o i_o believe_v inculpable_o but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o then_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o sin_v whilst_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o he_o say_v i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 26.9_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v may_v act_v in_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o sin_v not_o except_o his_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a and_o if_o he_o only_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o may_v likewise_o for_o that_o reason_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o certain_o of_o the_o innocence_n of_o his_o act_n than_o he_o have_v of_o the_o inculpableness_n of_o his_o ignorance_n if_o this_o hypothesis_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o second_o principle_n before_o deliver_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n make_v upon_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v that_o that_o principle_n in_o those_o indefinite_a term_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o lay_v down_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o the_o common_a presumption_n of_o the_o universal_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o respective_a resolution_n suppose_v it_o be_v according_o frame_v but_o 2._o if_o that_o principle_n be_v restrain_v as_o i_o understand_v it_o to_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o be_v make_v not_o only_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a law_n but_o concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o i_o that_o be_v if_o i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o
thou_o that_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n through_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_v thou_o god_n more_o particular_o first_o by_o all_o such_o action_n as_o be_v evil_a in_o themselves_o or_o second_o by_o such_o as_o be_v good_a or_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o be_v evil_o perform_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n circumstance_n or_o end_n of_o they_o or_o three_o by_o such_o as_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1._o by_o such_o action_n as_o be_v clear_o evil_a in_o themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o by_o all_o such_o action_n god_n be_v dishonour_v aswell_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v against_o our_o neighbour_n as_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v immediate_o against_o god_n himself_o whether_o the_o eidence_n of_o that_o evil_n proceed_v from_o any_o write_a word_n of_o god_n or_o only_o from_o the_o common_a law_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a understanding_n for_o that_o same_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n wittten_v in_o the_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d rom._n 2.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o saint_n paul_n attribute_n to_o the_o heathen_a be_v equal_o common_a to_o christian_n do_v equal_o bind_v they_o and_o can_v be_v supersede_v or_o make_v void_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o write_a law_n which_o serve_v to_o perfect_v it_o so_o that_o while_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v only_o supply_v by_o the_o word_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v and_o if_o a_o heathen_a shall_v be_v judge_v for_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n his_o own_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v though_o he_o know_v of_o no_o write_a law_n of_o god_n against_o it_o then_o doubtless_o so_o shall_v a_o christian_a be_v for_o all_o such_o action_n as_o he_o shall_v do_v against_o the_o same_o law_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o he_o either_o know_v not_o or_o can_v remember_v any_o write_a word_n against_o it_o for_o this_o ignorance_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o for_o although_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o thereupon_o be_v suppose_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o latitude_n of_o its_o sense_n and_o the_o just_a consequence_n thereof_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o preceptive_a will_n in_o whatsoever_o he_o require_v or_o forbid_v man_n to_o do_v yet_o because_o this_o perfection_n of_o sense_n with_o the_o consequence_n be_v not_o perfect_o understand_v by_o any_o man_n much_o less_o by_o all_o therefore_o may_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n therein_o require_v and_o forbid_v which_o will_v not_o from_o thence_o be_v particular_o understand_v much_o less_o remember_v at_o all_o time_n if_o therefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n from_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n shall_v condemn_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v any_o way_n tempt_v to_o do_v although_o he_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o it_o be_v forbid_v he_o be_v nevertheless_o bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o by_o that_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cite_v by_o the_o conscience_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n dishonour_n in_o that_o which_o be_v do_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n be_v dishonour_v only_o by_o such_o action_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o will_n because_o no_o act_n which_o be_v either_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n by_o way_n of_o command_n or_o approbation_n or_o allow_v by_o his_o will_n by_o way_n of_o permission_n can_v be_v dishonourable_a to_o he_o unless_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o command_v approve_v or_o allow_v of_o his_o own_o dishonour_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v not_o dishonour_v by_o any_o such_o act_n as_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a in_o their_o individual_a existence_n because_o that_o dishonour_n import_v a_o contradiction_n to_o such_o a_o indifferency_n and_o so_o destroy_v it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v indifferent_a to_o dishonour_v god_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o individual_a act_n as_o be_v absolute_o indifferent_a be_v a_o disputable_a point_n which_o i_o may_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o examine_v but_o in_o general_a every_o act_n of_o transgression_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o manifest_a derogation_n to_o his_o glory_n especial_o that_o of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o especial_o every_o presumptuous_a i._n e._n wilful_a transgression_n for_o that_o import_v a_o plain_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n therefore_o by_o this_o rule_n christian_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o abstain_v from_o all_o presumptuous_a transgression_n of_o god_n will_n which_o way_n soever_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o whether_o by_o the_o write_a word_n or_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o before_o be_v say_v now_o those_o action_n be_v most_o apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o 2._o but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a that_o some_o action_n both_o which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o which_o be_v good_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o may_v be_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n circumstance_n and_o end_v of_o their_o do_v as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o need_v any_o proof_n only_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o action_n which_o can_v be_v make_v good_a or_o indifferent_a by_o any_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o as_o to_o hate_n god_n to_o blaspheme_v or_o curse_v he_o to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a by_o false_a swear_v etc._n etc._n which_o action_n certain_o be_v evil_a not_o by_o any_o arbitrary_a law_n or_o will_v of_o god_n but_o by_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o this_o evil_a such_o as_o no_o possible_a determination_n of_o god_n will_n can_v or_o can_v have_v acquit_v they_o from_o so_o be_v there_o some_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n especial_o which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o good_a as_o that_o they_o can_v become_v evil_a by_o any_o circumstance_n or_o end_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o be_v as_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o to_o reverence_v he_o to_o desire_n his_o glory_n above_o all_o thing_n &c_n &c_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o even_o in_o such_o action_n as_o they_o be_v now_o perform_v by_o man_n in_o the_o flesh_n there_o be_v some_o imperfection_n and_o that_o be_v a_o evil_a but_o not_o such_o as_o denominate_v the_o act_n to_o be_v so_o except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o can_v be_v to_o do_v any_o such_o good_a act_n as_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o vain_a question_n to_o dispute_v whether_o any_o single_a act_n can_v be_v indifferent_a for_o if_o all_o such_o act_n as_o have_v any_o or_o the_o most_o goodness_n in_o they_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o great_a absurdity_n to_o imagine_v that_o those_o which_o be_v suppose_v indifferent_a have_v no_o goodness_n in_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o evil_a for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v apparent_a that_o one_o evidence_n at_o least_o of_o their_o not_o be_v evil_a shall_v be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a because_o by_o this_o conclusion_n if_o they_o be_v good_a they_o will_v be_v evil._n 3._o god_n be_v dishonour_v by_o such_o action_n as_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o therefore_o by_o this_o rule_n also_o christian_n be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o precept_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5.22_o as_o it_o be_v render_v in_o our_o own_o and_o most_o other_o translation_n for_o there_o be_v another_o possible_a translation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v favour_v by_o the_o syriack_n translator_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o some_o interpreter_n viz._n from_o all_o kind_n or_o sort_n of_o evil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ab_fw-la omni_fw-la specie_fw-la mali_fw-la but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a abatement_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n i_o doubt_v much_o whether_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o example_n else_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o septuagint_n may_v be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o philosophical_a sense_n certain_o christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v real_o evil_a but_o also_o from_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v a_o suspicion_n or_o carry_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n from_o covetousness_n deceit_n intemperance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o unchastness_n
but_o also_o from_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v any_o suspicion_n or_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o these_o vice_n for_o this_o reason_n especial_o because_o god_n be_v thereby_o liable_a to_o be_v dishonour_v now_o that_o god_n may_v be_v dishonour_v by_o such_o action_n as_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o they_o be_v evident_a because_o look_v how_o much_o appearance_n of_o evil_a there_o be_v in_o a_o action_n so_o much_o appearance_n there_o be_v of_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o so_o much_o appearance_n of_o contempt_n or_o neglect_v of_o that_o will_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o voluntary_o do_v it_o now_o this_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o any_o action_n may_v be_v either_o to_o a_o man_n self_n only_o or_o to_o other_o also_o or_o to_o other_o only_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n willing_o which_o have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n of_o be_v evil_a though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o its_o self_n be_v therefore_o a_o sin_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n wherefore_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o he_o also_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v here_o of_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o distinction_n of_o meat_n give_v this_o general_a rule_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v viz._n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o also_o by_o st._n john_n rule_n 1_o john_n 5.21_o by_o god_n also_o if_o he_o eat_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i.e._n whatsoever_o be_v do_v without_o a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o be_v sin_n faith_n here_o be_v put_v for_o such_o a_o persuasion_n be_v call_v knowledge_n in_o the_o same_o matter_n 1_o cor._n 8.7_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o jealous_a or_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n as_o not_o willing_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o doubt_v to_o be_v offensive_a to_o he_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o therefore_o forbid_v the_o jew_n as_o be_v conceive_v the_o make_n of_o any_o manner_n of_o image_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n to_o a_o sacred_a use_n and_o especial_o all_o manner_n of_o outward_a appearance_n of_o worship_v they_o and_o when_o we_o thus_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o own_o glory_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v as_o jealous_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o reasonable_a appearance_n of_o prejudice_n or_o opposition_n thereto_o he_o that_o much_o honour_n or_o love_v any_o person_n will_v be_v fearful_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n willing_o which_o he_o suspect_v may_v disparage_v or_o displease_v he_o or_o that_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o dishonour_n or_o disrespect_n to_o he_o and_o this_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o be_v a_o special_a importance_n of_o that_o general_a duty_n of_o fear_v god_n that_o be_v a_o reverend_a and_o awful_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v dishonourable_a or_o offensive_a to_o god_n 2._o but_o if_o this_o appearance_n or_o suspicion_n of_o evil_a in_o a_o action_n be_v not_o only_o such_o to_o the_o actor_n himself_o but_o to_o other_o also_o before_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o do_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o more_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a he_o be_v double_o guilty_a that_o sin_n be_v open_o because_o he_o do_v not_o only_a act_n but_o teach_v a_o sin_n for_o all_o visible_a or_o know_v action_n be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o intention_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v a_o contrary_a desire_n in_o the_o actor_n that_o be_v that_o his_o do_v shall_v not_o be_v imitate_v but_o the_o main_a question_n be_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n this_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o a_o action_n be_v only_o to_o other_o and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o do_v it_o but_o be_v to_o his_o certain_a knowledge_n or_o persuasion_n a_o lawful_a action_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v know_v such_o action_n be_v ordinary_o for_o that_o time_n and_o that_o reason_n to_o be_v abstain_v from_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o text._n for_o such_o be_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o instance_n with_o the_o corinthian_n to_o who_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v do_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o apostle_n only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n but_o also_o by_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n give_v none_o offence_n i.e._n scandal_n or_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i.e._n neither_o to_o christian_n the_o same_o reason_n be_v urge_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n more_o full_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 8._o chap._n 8._o v._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n god_n be_v dishonour_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o scandal_n whether_o it_o be_v take_v only_o and_o not_o give_v or_o give_v and_o not_o take_v but_o especial_o by_o such_o as_o be_v give_v and_o take_v or_o by_o such_o as_o be_v so_o give_v as_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v take_v and_o because_o by_o this_o text_n we_o be_v require_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o prevent_v all_o manner_n of_o dishonour_n to_o god_n which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o our_o action_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o scandal_n that_o may_v be_v take_v thereby_o that_o be_v to_o prevent_v it_o as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v now_o scandal_n in_o the_o ordinary_a sense_n that_o be_v insist_v upon_o by_o practical_a divine_n be_v something_o do_v by_o any_o man_n that_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n in_o another_o i_o say_v something_o because_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n in_o another_o be_v not_o a_o scandal_n in_o their_o sense_n though_o in_o scripture-phrase_n the_o word_n be_v sometime_o so_o use_v but_o scandal_n be_v give_v either_o by_o some_o know_a sin_n which_o a_o man_n do_v or_o seem_v to_o do_v before_o other_o or_o by_o such_o indifferent_a action_n as_o a_o man_n do_v before_o other_o by_o who_o he_o know_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o be_v repute_v evil._n to_o encourage_v other_o by_o example_n as_o well_o as_o otherwise_o to_o the_o omit_v of_o any_o duty_n or_o commit_v any_o sin_n be_v scandal_n from_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o abstain_v in_o or_o upon_o a_o double_a respect_n first_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n oâ—_n the_o text_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v dishonour_v by_o the_o siâ—_n of_o his_o neighbour_n second_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v thereby_o induce_v tâ—â—_n sin_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o the_o two_o greaâ—_n commandment_n of_o love_a god_n above_o all_o and_o 〈◊〉_d neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o do_v joint_o concur_v to_o in_o hiâ—_n bite_v a_o christian_a from_o all_o such_o action_n such_o i_o say_v as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o noâ—_n yet_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o he_o that_o do_v they_o yet_o will_v occasion_v another_o man_n sin_n by_o do_v that_o by_o the_o encouragement_n of_o his_o example_n which_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o because_o he_o judge_v iâ—_n to_o be_v so_o for_o he_o that_o do_v a_o act_n which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n do_v therefore_o sin_n because_o he_o intend_v to_o sin_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o will_n to_o that_o action_n notwithstanding_o the_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n q._n 1._o but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n the_o action_n that_o have_v this_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o other_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o command_v either_o immediate_o by_o god_n or_o by_o such_o as_o have_v authority_n under_o god_n over_o a_o man_n whether_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o omit_v that_o action_n to_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o his_o brother_n i_o answer_v no_o sure_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o such_o a_o omission_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o so_o a_o direct_a dishonour_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o but_o one_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prevent_v by_o another_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o so_o neither_o may_v he_o omit_v the_o do_n of_o that_o good_a which_o be_v command_v to_o