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
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
first_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o superior_a must_v determine_v in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n the_o inferior_a must_v often_o commit_v most_o grievous_a sin_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n doubt_v whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o ruler_n command_v that_o baal_n shall_v be_v worship_v the_o man_n must_v renounce_v the_o true_a god_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o for_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o neither_o doubtfulness_n nor_o ignorance_n will_v excuse_v a_o action_n that_o be_v plain_o sinful_a though_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o i_o only_o assert_v that_o the_o superior_a be_v to_o over-rule_v when_o we_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o a_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o nay_o this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o for_o if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o ruler_n command_v that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n will_v they_o give_v the_o doubt_a man_n if_o they_o say_v he_o must_v obey_v the_o ruler_n they_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o he_o must_v not_o obey_v the_o ruler_n he_o must_v worship_v baal_n and_o so_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n second_o they_o say_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n not_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o when_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a we_o be_v also_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v already_o give_v many_o weighty_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v rather_o obey_v than_o disobey_v when_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n but_o three_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o st._n paul_n word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o from_o whence_o they_o argue_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o ruler_n command_n will_v not_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a answer_n only_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o premise_v a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o before_o i_o take_v of_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o now_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v moses_n law_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o difference_n of_o meat_n whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o second_o verse_n intimate_v their_o total_a abstinence_n from_o flesh_n and_o eat_v only_a herb_n which_o moses_n law_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o i_o answer_v with_o some_o father_n that_o they_o think_v the_o law_n still_o in_o force_n choose_v to_o eat_v only_a herb_n that_o their_o way_n of_o live_v may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o a_o legal_a observance_n and_o so_o the_o other_o christian_n may_v not_o reproach_v they_o for_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v he_o that_o doubt_v it_o do_v as_o proper_o signify_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o it_o be_v so_o use_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o other_o writer_n and_o therefore_o the_o text_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unclean_a because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n this_o render_v be_v put_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o most_o latin_a expositor_n the_o word_n faith_n also_o in_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n verse_n do_v not_o signify_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n a_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o a_o man_n assent_n to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n so_o that_o to_o have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o to_o do_v a_o action_n not_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v be_v unlawful_a and_o whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v we_o must_v observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a damnation_n in_o hell_n but_o the_o condemnation_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n and_o yet_o eat_v be_v condemn_v for_o it_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v sinful_a that_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o interpretation_n who_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v persuade_v the_o strong_a christian_n who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o sort_n of_o food_n not_o to_o give_v scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a christian_n who_o think_v otherwise_o and_o he_o thus_o conclude_v his_o advice_n have_v thou_o faith_n be_v thou_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o sort_n of_o food_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n enjoy_v thy_o persuasion_n but_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n make_v use_n of_o it_o lest_o thy_o weak_a brother_n be_v embolden_v by_o thy_o example_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v true_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v happy_a be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o he_o that_o doubt_v that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v in_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o eat_v what_o he_o think_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n whatsoever_o a_o man_n think_v unlawful_a be_v sin_n to_o he_o that_o think_v it_o so_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o text_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n only_o for_o the_o person_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o waver_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o meat_n be_v unclean_a because_o they_o think_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n still_o in_o force_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o 2_o 5_o and_o 14_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n and_o be_o persuade_v '_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n doubt_v be_v use_v and_o that_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n as_o he_o that_o doubt_v but_o though_o the_o word_n doubt_v be_v retain_v yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o doubt_n strengthen_v with_o so_o many_o probability_n that_o it_o want_v but_o very_o little_a of_o a_o persuasion_n or_o
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
3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_n if_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n hold_v separate_a assembly_n under_o distinct_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o different_a governor_n and_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o church_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o distinct_a governor_n distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o congregation_n be_v but_o one_o church_n iii_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n by_o fix_a communion_n the_o dissenter_n understand_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o by_o occasional_a communion_n they_o mean_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o fix_v communion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a notion_n of_o communion_n for_o occasional_a communion_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n can_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o a_o occasional_a membership_n since_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_a and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o one_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v we_o may_v live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n in_o a_o particular_a national_a church_n but_o yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abode_n be_v may_v be_v call_v fix_o communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o we_o be_v accidental_o present_a may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o all_o these_o church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v sometime_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o separate_a congregation_n because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a for_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n congregation_n be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o but_z separate_z church_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o three_o forego_v particular_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a business_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o english_a man_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v first_o that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n second_o that_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v three_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i._o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o communion_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n to_o communicate_v in_o religious_a office_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v offer_v five_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 1._o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o since_o all_o society_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n therefore_o some_o duty_n and_o office_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n as_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.11_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ministry_n authorise_a for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 2.42_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a prayer_n of_o church-member_n be_v acceptable_a yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n offer_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n nay_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v celebrate_v but_o in_o actual_a communion_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n which_o consist_v in_o admit_v man_n to_o or_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n suppose_v that_o church-member_n be_v oblige_v to_o visible_a communion_n 5._o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n according_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n before_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v yet_o we_o can_v preserve_v our_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n which_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n be_v worth_a nothing_o because_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o but_o then_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n now_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n as_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o division_n excuse_v from_o actual_a
to_o be_v baptise_a but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o case_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o harmonious_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o undivided_a consent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n be_v not_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o they_o let_v any_o modest_a person_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o famous_a saint_n and_o martyr_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v conspire_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mock-baptism_n and_o of_o make_v so_o many_o million_o of_o mock-christians_a or_o that_o a_o little_a sect_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o cassander_n and_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptism_n disp_n 14._o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n as_o our_o adversary_n think_v infant-baptism_n to_o be_v which_o will_v in_o time_n unchurch_n it_o and_o that_o even_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o those_o day_n do_v assure_v rigalt_n assure_v see_v irenaeus_n adu._n haer._n l._n 2._o c._n 56_o 57_o tertull._n apol._n and_o ad_fw-la scapul_n origen_n adv_o celsum_fw-la camb._n p._n 34_o 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 334_o 376._o cyprian_a ad_fw-la donat._n and_o ad_fw-la magn._n and_o ad_fw-la demetrian_n p._n 202._o edit_fw-la rigalt_n we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n lib._n 2._o p._n 2._o id._n de_fw-fr baptis_n disp_n 13._o thes_n 18._o and_o disp_a 14._o â—hes_n 4._o cassand_n praef._n ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o and_o teâ—â—im_n vet_z de_fw-fr bapt._n parv_v p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n when_o the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_a it_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n 3._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v all_o church_n bapt._n church_n see_v brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 20.23_o cassand_n expos_fw-la de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt_n inf._n p._n 692._o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman._n cit_fw-la a_o voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-fr bapt._n whatsoever_o though_o they_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n but_o be_v original_a plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o practice_v it_o one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o harmless_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 4._o will_v not_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v exclude_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o refuse_v to_o initiate_v they_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o have_v always_o be_v under_o the_o old_a wherefore_o since_o among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jewish_a custom_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n being_n exclude_v from_o baptism_n we_o may_v better_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v they_o iii_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant-baptism_n now_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o command_v it_o because_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a also_o for_o purgation_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n seem_v equal_o necessary_a because_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.5_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v declare_v capable_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o nay_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o child_n be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a whole_a household_n act_n 16.15_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o believer_n child_n make_v they_o candidate_n for_o baptism_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o it_o because_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v other_o text_n psal_n 5.5_o rom._n 3.23_o 24._o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 15.21_o 22._o and_o 5.14_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o ancient_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n necessary_a to_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a sin_n which_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a death_n see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n p._n 1._o thes_n 6._o p._n 2._o l._n 2._o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o these_o text_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v requisite_a but_o then_o these_o text_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v requisite_a because_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n practise_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v infallible_o damn_v but_o i_o affirm_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o so_o high_o requisite_a as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o injoin_v it_o iv_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v proceed_v as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_a since_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n nay_o since_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n therefore_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v high_o expedient_a also_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o infant_n who_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n the_o church_n beside_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n be_v by_o baptism_n make_v the_o child_n
this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o edify_v by_o the_o most_o fluent_a and_o popular_a tongue_n or_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o pathetical_a expression_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v have_v answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o our_o communion_n i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n as_o separate_v from_o we_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o we_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o these_o excuse_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n who_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o by_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_o these_o five_o head_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o 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 it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o never_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
be_v horrible_o and_o inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v through_o such_o mistake_n as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a be_v very_o unblamable_a and_o be_v bind_v as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v more_o care_n of_o inform_v their_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v their_o sin_n but_o when_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o a_o man_n do_v his_o best_a and_o have_v not_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o understanding_n better_o then_o though_o the_o man_n commit_v schism_n yet_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n will_v impute_v it_o to_o his_o ignorance_n and_o forgive_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n be_v careful_a in_o the_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o ready_a to_o receive_v conviction_n second_o that_o he_o separate_v no_o more_o than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o comply_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n three_o that_o where_o he_o can_v comply_v he_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o exclaim_n at_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o use_v illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v more_o liberty_n but_o live_v as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n four_o that_o he_o do_v not_o censure_v those_o of_o another_o persuasion_n but_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n and_o friendly_a to_o they_o whoe're_o observe_v these_o thing_n though_o he_o dissent_v from_o we_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o ill_a man_n ill_o subject_a or_o ill_a christian_a but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v no_o more_o justify_v or_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v a_o delude_a dissenter_n or_o a_o delude_a papist_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o innocence_n or_o excusableness_n of_o some_o man_n mistake_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o infinite_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o he_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v show_v how_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o before_o he_o disobey_v his_o governor_n or_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o though_o something_o in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n yet_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n and_o therefore_o every_o dissenter_n ought_v present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n for_o fear_v he_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n let_v he_o not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o frivolous_a pretence_n for_o though_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o certain_o as_o for_o heresy_n or_o drunkenness_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a father_n think_v so_o what_o if_o the_o point_n of_o conformity_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n who_o make_v they_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v have_v be_v well_o please_v if_o these_o controversy_n have_v never_o be_v we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_a and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v our_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o to_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n above_o their_o capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o since_o they_o have_v understanding_n enough_o to_o find_v fault_n and_o separate_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v honesty_n enough_o to_o seek_v satisfaction_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n we_o be_v bind_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v disobey_v his_o superior_n without_o sin_n unless_o after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n he_o find_v their_o command_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n answer_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o who_o fear_n they_o shall_v sin_v in_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v a_o duty_n no_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n settle_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n command_v it_o much_o less_o will_v his_o bare_a doubt_n excuse_v he_o but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o give_v a_o account_n first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n second_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o power_n that_o human_a law_n have_v over_o it_o four_o of_o its_o authority_n i._n e._n 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 in_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o shall_v treat_v 1._o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n 2._o of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n first_o then_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o doubt_n when_o he_o can_v determine_v whether_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v consider_v be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o he_o think_v the_o question_n probable_a on_o both_o side_n but_o can_v fix_v upon_o either_o so_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o balance_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o equal_a weight_n in_o both_o scale_n neither_o scale_n come_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v lean_v more_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a still_o just_o as_o one_o scale_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o other_o while_o yet_o that_o weight_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v it_o perfect_o down_o but_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o evidence_n on_o one_o side_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v determine_v itself_o than_o the_o man_n doubt_v no_o long_o but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o the_o balance_n be_v say_v to_o be_v fix_v when_o there_o be_v weight_n enough_o to_o carry_v it_o down_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n sometime_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o entire_o assent_v without_o the_o least_o doubtfulness_n this_o be_v assurance_n or_o full_a persuasion_n at_o other_o time_n the_o evidence_n may_v gain_v a_o assent_n but_o not_o such_o as_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_n this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v call_v opinion_n or_o probable_a persuasion_n so_o a_o great_a or_o less_o weight_n carry_v down_o the_o scale_n with_o great_a or_o less_o force_v and_o briskness_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o mind_n be_v determine_v the_o balance_n be_v turn_v and_o the_o doubt_n be_v end_v though_o perhaps_o the_o man_n be_v not_o perfect_o free_a from_o all_o scruple_n about_o that_o thing_n second_o then_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v to_o consider_v but_o every_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o conscience_n as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v affect_v with_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o action_n so_o his_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v his_o conscience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o concern_v his_o own_o action_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o his_o own_o action_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o
case_n wave_v the_o safe_a for_o the_o more_o prudent_a side_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o rule_n to_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n or_o the_o side_n which_o be_v more_o free_a from_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o second_o if_o by_o safe_a side_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o all_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o all_o kind_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v best_a serve_v all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a interest_n that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v propose_v i_o free_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n for_o then_o the_o safe_a side_n be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a side_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v choose_v 2._o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n now_o all_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n be_v either_o single_a or_o double_a it_o be_v a_o single_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o one_o side_n but_o be_v satisfy_v on_o the_o other_o for_o instance_n he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v the_o action_n but_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v lawful_o omit_v it_o or_o he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o omit_v it_o but_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v lawful_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_n on_o both_o side_n when_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v because_o he_o fear_v he_o may_v sin_v whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o first_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n we_o may_v thus_o apply_v the_o general_n rule_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a if_o all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n of_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v not_o do_v what_o we_o doubt_v of_o for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o run_v the_o risk_a of_o sin_v when_o a_o man_n can_v without_o any_o inconveniency_n avoid_v it_o if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o go_v to_o law_n and_o can_v positive_o determine_v with_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o suchlike_a case_n the_o rule_n be_v plain_a that_o while_o he_o doubt_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o forbear_v because_o he_o run_v a_o hazard_n in_o venture_v upon_o what_o he_o doubt_v of_o but_o he_o run_v no_o hazard_n in_o forbear_v but_o then_o if_o there_o be_v other_o consideration_n to_o overbalance_n this_o consideration_n of_o uncertainty_n it_o will_v be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o i_o do_v before_o doubt_v of_o nay_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v for_o if_o i_o doubt_v i_o do_v by_o doubt_v own_o that_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a and_o sure_o then_o the_o weight_n of_o press_a consideration_n ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n otherwise_o i_o can_v answer_v to_o myself_o or_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v thus_o if_o i_o be_o guardian_n to_o a_o orphan_n who_o estate_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o a_o lawsuit_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clear_n it_o i_o be_o oblige_v notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n to_o secure_v his_o right_n by_o go_v to_o law_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o advisable_v to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o doubt_v of_o if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o second_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n fear_v he_o may_v sin_v whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n or_o do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o say_v he_o must_v get_v his_o doubt_n remove_v for_o perhaps_o that_o may_v be_v impossible_a through_o want_n of_o time_n or_o good_a counsel_n he_o be_v therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o same_o rule_n as_o in_o other_o doubtful_a case_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v and_o if_o he_o do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o incur_v no_o blame_n but_o because_o the_o application_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n be_v various_a according_a to_o many_o circumstance_n that_o may_v happen_v therefore_o i_o shall_v comprise_v all_o the_o variety_n in_o these_o four_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o if_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v afraid_a of_o appear_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o we_o doubt_v the_o least_o of_o that_o be_v we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n 2._o if_o we_o think_v there_o be_v equal_a danger_n on_o both_o side_n we_o must_v do_v that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o less_o sin_n 3._o if_o we_o think_v the_o one_o side_n more_o probable_a and_o the_o other_o less_o sinful_a we_o must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o probability_n or_o the_o sin_n if_o there_o be_v much_o more_o probability_n on_o the_o one_o side_n than_o on_o the_o other_o and_o but_o small_a difference_n between_o the_o sin_n then_o we_o must_v act_v that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a but_o then_o if_o the_o consequence_n on_o one_o side_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v be_v so_o terrible_a that_o they_o overbalance_n all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v act_v that_o which_o set_v he_o free_a from_o these_o consequence_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n be_v try_v for_o his_o life_n and_o the_o evidence_n against_o he_o be_v not_o so_o full_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n in_o the_o jury_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o case_n they_o shall_v rather_o acquit_v he_o notwithstanding_o some_o probability_n of_o his_o gild_n than_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o do_v murder_n by_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a 4._o if_o a_o man_n doubt_v equal_o on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o sin_n appear_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n then_o his_o own_o ease_n or_o advantage_n or_o reputation_n or_o any_o other_o prudential_a inducement_n must_v determine_v he_o to_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o have_v he_o be_v not_o culpable_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o measure_n but_o to_o render_v these_o rule_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n more_o intelligible_a and_o more_o useful_a i_o shall_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o instance_n of_o a_o case_n in_o which_o they_o be_v all_o apply_v the_o case_n be_v this_o here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n constant_o or_o at_o least_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o no_o grievous_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o disposition_n that_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o he_o be_v under_o great_a fear_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o now_o the_o question_n be_v what_o this_o man_n who_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n aught_o to_o do_v for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n he_o doubt_v he_o sin_n on_o that_o account_n if_o he_o do_v come_v he_o doubt_v he_o approach_v unworthy_o and_o so_o sin_n upon_o that_o account_n shall_v he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n doubt_v as_o he_o do_v or_o shall_v he_o forbear_v it_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v now_o a_o man_n can_v resolve_v this_o question_n but_o by_o apply_v the_o forego_n rule_n after_o this_o manner_n first_o since_o the_o man_n doubt_v that_o he_o sin_n whether_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o forbear_v it_o must_v be_v consider_v which_o side_n appear_v most_o likely_a to_o free_v he_o from_o sin_n now_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v think_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o come_v mean_o prepare_v than_o customary_o to_o abstain_v because_o he_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o frequent_v it_o than_o that_o he_o be_v unprepared_a for_o it_o indeed_o be_v he_o a_o debauch_a person_n or_o have_v he_o be_v late_o guilty_a of_o some_o notorious_a sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o that_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o dread_v unworthy_a
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
by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n and_o not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v 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 a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_v this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o
best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o men._n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n and_o not_o strain_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o 6._o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v not_o conquer_v a_o man_n scruple_n then_o let_v he_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o act_n against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-goverment_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n any_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n belong_v to_o superior_n and_o if_o they_o appoint_v what_o be_v indecent_a or_o inconvenient_a they_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o inferior_n who_o join_v with_o such_o worship_n or_o yield_v to_o such_o injunction_n not_o plain_o sinful_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o encourage_v man_n to_o venture_v blindfold_a on_o sin_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o reasonable_a care_n of_o their_o action_n but_o if_o people_n raise_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n they_o can_v start_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o manifest_a impiety_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v plain_o nor_o by_o any_o easy_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o can_v but_o occasion_v infinite_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_v to_o man_n mind_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a conscience_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v that_o what_o be_v require_v be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o doubtful_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o full_o satisfy_v about_o our_o conformity_n to_o all_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n we_o may_v presume_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a unless_o they_o plain_o appear_v to_o we_o otherwise_o if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o principle_n will_v introduce_v popery_n and_o make_v people_n without_o any_o examination_n submit_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o their_o superior_n please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o popery_n which_o god_n have_v manifest_o forbid_v which_o render_v our_o separation_n from_o it_o necessary_a whereas_o we_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a only_a doubtful_a or_o rather_o not_o so_o good_a as_o may_v be_v devise_v and_o this_o sure_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.14_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a it_o be_v unclean_a do_v he_o not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v v._o 23._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o answer_v yes_o but_o then_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n i_o suppose_v the_o person_n tolerable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o little_a exception_n against_o it_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o which_o case_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o very_o weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n of_o though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-plays_a or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischieâ—_n 1._o all_o fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o except_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a
communion_n with_o the_o church_n than_o church-communion_n never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o establish_v church_n if_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n and_o schism_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n these_o man_n will_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a assembly_n during_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v and_o that_o whoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o not_o a_o occasional_a member_n and_o that_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o fix_a communion_n so_o that_o when_o man_n communicate_v occasional_o as_o they_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o divide_a church_n they_o either_o communicate_v with_o none_o or_o with_o all_o of_o they_o if_o with_o none_o than_o they_o maintain_v communion_n with_o no_o church_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o if_o they_o communicate_v with_o all_o than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o separate_a and_o opposite_a party_n that_o be_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v schismatic_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n that_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o be_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v constant_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v so_o that_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n communicate_v only_o occasional_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o communicate_v constant_o as_o be_v constant_o present_a there_o there_o can_v be_v two_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n one_o for_o constant_a and_o another_o for_o occasional_a communion_n without_o schism_n and_o therefore_o where_o my_o constant_a abode_n be_v there_o my_o constant_a communion_n must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o that_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sometime_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o because_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o church-communion_n for_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a and_o opposite_a church_n be_v to_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o ourselves_o as_o those_o separate_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_o whoever_o communicate_v with_o both_o those_o church_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n so_o that_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o will_v damn_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o adultery_n or_o murder_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v unlawful_a and_o dangerous_a to_o communicate_v with_o schismatic_n nothing_o less_o than_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n but_o man_n may_v new_a model_n church_n as_o often_o as_o their_o fancy_n alter_v that_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o communion_n otherwise_o no_o church_n can_v be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n now_o that_o man_n that_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o since_o therefore_o those_o who_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n do_v thereby_o own_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o since_o he_o who_o separate_v from_o that_o establish_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n therefore_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o iii_o now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v so_o plain_o prove_v than_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n for_o since_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o join_v occasional_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o english_a man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o it_o occasional_o but_o if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n that_o he_o be_v great_o mistake_v it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o dissent_v congregation_n ought_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o article_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o that_o matter_n may_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o yet_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o my_o purpose_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o satisfy_v lay-dissenters_a and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o our_o church_n because_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o constant_o and_o certain_o if_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n be_v true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o averse_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o parish-church_n than_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n who_o have_v often_o join_v with_o we_o and_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o bring_v their_o case_n to_o the_o people_n may_v see_v communion_n then_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n so_o the_o people_n by_o perceive_v their_o case_n not_o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o minister_n but_o wide_o different_a from_o it_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v therefore_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o that_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n even_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v full_o prove_v for_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o with_o who_o i_o be_o to_o treat_v have_v join_v in_o our_o solemn_a office_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o can_v not_o lawful_o do_v if_o our_o church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o personal_a argument_n because_o i_o design_v to_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o to_o show_v first_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o second_o that_o those_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a first_o then_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n appear_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a 24._o sober_a bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 21._o corbet_n discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n p._n 33._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 13._o see_v ball_n be_v friendly_a trial_n c._n 13._o p._n 306._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n to_o minister_n in_o new_a england_n p._n 24._o nonconformist_n nay_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o 57_o to_o a_o grave_a and_o sober_a confut._n