we_o be_v he_o be_v ensnare_v and_o entrap_v in_o those_o sin_n to_o the_o occasion_n of_o which_o we_o lead_v he_o by_o our_o example_n second_o it_o prove_v also_o a_o scandal_n of_o sorrow_n to_o the_o strong_a christian_n they_o see_v such_o probable_a sign_n and_o presumption_n of_o sin_n by_o we_o that_o they_o just_o conclude_v that_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n and_o thereby_o their_o heart_n also_o be_v sadn_v and_o grieve_v and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v forbear_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o strong_a presumption_n that_o we_o have_v indeed_o commit_v the_o evil._n second_o another_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o such_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o appearance_n of_o sin_n have_v guilt_n in_o they_o also_o as_o be_v against_o the_o same_o commandment_n that_o that_o sin_n violate_v and_o tend_v unto_o for_o the_o same_o commandment_n that_o forbid_v the_o sin_n itself_o forbid_v all_o occasion_n and_o all_o appearance_n of_o that_o sin_n that_o commandment_n that_o forbid_v theft_n forbid_v also_o whatever_o may_v induce_v though_o but_o remote_o thereunto_o and_o that_o commandment_n that_o forbid_v adultery_n forbid_v also_o all_o remote_a occasion_n thereof_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n give_v the_o young_a man_n that_o scrupulous_a caution_n against_o a_o strange_a woman_n in_o prov._n 5.8_o come_v not_o near_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n why_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o yet_o when_o this_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v to_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n or_o when_o by_o go_v near_o a_o house_n it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v by_o other_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n than_o it_o must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v and_o abstain_v from_o so_o again_o when_o the_o wine_n look_v red_a in_o the_o cup_n solomon_n bid_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o it_o why_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n in_o the_o cup_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a but_o because_o this_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a therefore_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o this_o very_a appearance_n and_o occasion_n of_o evil._n so_o then_o in_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o evil_n of_o scandal_n give_v to_o other_o but_o there_o be_v also_o the_o evil_a of_o guilt_n in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o all_o examine_v ourselves_o what_o at_o any_o time_n have_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o and_o what_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v have_v you_o not_o often_o say_v it_o and_o resolve_v it_o that_o you_o will_v venture_v but_o so_o far_o and_o no_o far_o and_o though_o you_o do_v approach_v near_o to_o sin_n yet_o you_o will_v keep_v yourselves_o within_o your_o duty_n and_o have_v you_o not_o find_v it_o that_o when_o you_o have_v venture_v thus_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n you_o have_v stop_v no_o where_o short_a of_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o put_v yourselves_o out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o to_o put_v yourselves_o from_o under_o his_o protection_n for_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n who_o do_v not_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o position_n but_o if_o in_o case_n a_o action_n appear_v evil_a to_o a_o man_n self_n though_o this_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o groundless_a than_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o second_o position_n and_o that_o be_v though_o a_o action_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a yet_o if_o it_o appear_v evil_a and_o sinful_a to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o any_o case_n while_o that_o misperswasion_n continue_v to_o venture_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o it_o no_o though_o by_o do_v of_o it_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n yea_o we_o be_v rather_o if_o providence_n bring_v we_o to_o that_o sad_a choice_n to_o lose_v our_o very_a life_n than_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o evil_a or_o sinful_a the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v clear_a because_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o choose_v the_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffer_v than_o to_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n but_o now_o to_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v and_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n that_o be_v whatever_o a_o man_n do_v if_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o he_o that_o venture_v upon_o it_o while_o he_o be_v unsatisfied_a though_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o he_o that_o doubt_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v that_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o one_o kind_n of_o meat_n and_o another_o but_o all_o be_v alike_o lawful_a yet_o if_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o it_o account_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v of_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n if_o after_o this_o a_o man_n venture_v to_o eat_v they_o hereby_o he_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o incur_v damnation_n by_o do_v that_o against_o his_o conscience_n that_o yet_o be_v his_o conscience_n otherwise_o inform_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o so_o in_o rom._n 14.20_o for_o meat_n destroy_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o it_o be_v evil_a for_o he_o who_o eat_v with_o offence_n these_o and_o many_o other_o place_n clear_o prove_v that_o what_o be_v do_v against_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n that_o be_v sinful_a to_o that_o man._n conscience_n have_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o negative_a vote_n in_o the_o soul_n nothing_o can_v lawful_o be_v do_v by_o we_o but_o what_o have_v the_o full_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o though_o every_o thing_n we_o think_v be_v lawful_a do_v not_o thereupon_o present_o become_v lawful_a to_o we_o yet_o what_o we_o think_v be_v unlawful_a do_v thereupon_o become_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o we_o ought_v whatever_o the_o case_n be_v whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o do_n of_o it_o three_o if_o the_o action_n that_o we_o judge_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o we_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o so_o become_v necessary_a to_o we_o then_o be_v we_o under_o a_o most_o sad_a entanglement_n we_o sin_v if_o we_o do_v it_o and_o we_o sin_v also_o unless_o we_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o many_o that_o through_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n they_o very_o believe_v they_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o do_v that_o wherein_o they_o sin_v indeed_o if_o they_o do_v it_o and_o so_o christ_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o think_v very_o they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o persecute_v and_o murder_v his_o saint_n in_o john_n 16.2_o if_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o think_v be_v good_a service_n to_o god_n they_o sin_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o kill_v the_o saint_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v good_a service_n they_o sin_v on_o that_o hand_n also_o so_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v on_o both_o hand_n so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o day_n also_o we_o have_v see_v and_o know_v many_o that_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o ordinance_n yea_o who_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o perform_v no_o duty_n at_o all_o to_o god_n now_o if_o these_o man_n abstain_v from_o they_o they_o sin_n in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o god_n command_v if_o they_o use_v they_o they_o sin_v too_o because_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o conscience_n command_v so_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o a_o erroneous_a and_o misguide_v conscience_n now_o it_o appear_v that_o whatever_o a_o man_n do_v against_o his_o conscience_n be_v the_o action_n indifferent_a or_o be_v the_o action_n his_o duty_n and_o so_o be_v necessary_a yet_o he_o sin_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o two_o thing_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v his_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v no_o man_n think_v his_o conscience_n erroneous_a every_o one_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v now_o if_o he_o thus_o judge_v and_o act_n contrary_o he_o sin_n because_o
adultery_n atheism_n or_o any_o of_o the_o vile_a abomination_n but_o it_o be_v thy_o free_a grace_n only_o that_o have_v restrain_v we_o five_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v so_o use_v 5_o great_a evil_a and_o danger_n in_o little_a sin_n this_o than_o shall_v teach_v we_o sin_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o make_v light_n of_o any_o sin_n not_o to_o make_v light_n of_o any_o sin_n load_v every_o sin_n with_o its_o due_a weight_n give_v every_o sin_n its_o proper_a aggravation_n and_o then_o certain_o you_o will_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o account_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v small_a or_o little_a to_o help_v you_o in_o this_o take_v brief_o these_o direction_n first_o pray_v earnest_o for_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o understand_a heart_n and_o for_o a_o soft_a and_o tender_a conscience_n some_o sin_n so_o counterfeit_v a_o harmless_a appearance_n and_o look_v so_o innocent_o that_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o thing_n that_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n do_v now_o this_o arise_v from_o that_o great_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n whereby_o they_o can_v discern_v that_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n that_o lurk_v under_o small_a sin_n but_o be_v apt_a to_o account_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o scandalous_a and_o gross_o wicked_a to_o be_v but_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o as_o their_o mind_n be_v thus_o blind_v so_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v that_o what_o they_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v sinful_a yet_o they_o will_v dare_v to_o venture_v upon_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o else_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n live_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o that_o they_o call_v little_a sin_n but_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v that_o those_o sin_n that_o be_v great_a enough_o to_o damn_v they_o yet_o be_v not_o great_a enough_o to_o trouble_v they_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v like_o the_o apple_n of_o a_o man_n eye_n the_o least_o dust_n that_o get_v into_o it_o afflict_v it_o no_o sure_a and_o better_a way_n to_o know_v whether_o our_o conscience_n begin_v to_o grow_v dead_a and_o stupid_a then_o to_o observe_v what_o impression_n small_a sin_n make_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o be_v not_o very_o careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o to_o shun_v whatsoever_o look_v like_o sin_n if_o we_o be_v not_o as_o much_o trouble_v at_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n at_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o sinful_a motion_n and_o desire_n in_o we_o as_o we_o have_v be_v former_o we_o may_v then_o conclude_v our_o heart_n be_v harden_v and_o our_o conscience_n be_v stupify_a for_o a_o tender_a conscience_n will_v no_o more_o allow_v of_o small_a than_o of_o great_a sin_n second_o labour_v always_o to_o keep_v alive_a upon_o your_o heart_n awful_a and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n his_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o small_a but_o he_o know_v it_o though_o but_o a_o sin_n in_o our_o thought_n yet_o every_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v altogether_o know_v unto_o he_o call_v to_o remembrance_n his_o infinite_a purity_n and_o holiness_n whereby_o he_o hate_v every_o little_a sin_n even_o with_o a_o infinite_a hatred_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a think_v of_o his_o power_n whereby_o he_o can_v and_o of_o his_o truth_n justice_n and_o severity_n whereby_o he_o will_v punish_v every_o little_a sin_n with_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a destruction_n and_o while_o you_o thus_o think_v of_o god_n indulge_v yourselves_o in_o little_a sin_n if_o you_o can_v the_o psalmist_n give_v this_o very_a direction_n ps_n 4.4_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o that_o be_v of_o the_o infinite_a glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n have_v awful_a thought_n and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o will_v keep_v you_o from_o sin_v stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o to_o look_v upon_o sin_n through_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o through_o a_o magnify_v glass_n and_o thus_o you_o may_v best_o see_v its_o ugly_a deform_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o represent_v the_o infinite_a guilt_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o contrariety_n that_o it_o bear_v to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o while_o you_o thus_o see_v sin_n compare_v it_o with_o god_n even_o the_o least_o sin_n must_v appear_v heinous_a and_o when_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n while_o you_o thus_o think_v you_o may_v repel_v a_o temptation_n as_o joseph_n do_v his_o mistress_n 39.9_o gen._n 39.9_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n the_o world_n indeed_o count_v it_o but_o a_o little_a sin_n but_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n we_o must_v cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o commit_v this_o sin_n though_o account_v little_a by_o other_o and_o so_o provoke_v a_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n three_o get_v a_o more_o thorough_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi do_v so_o slight_a the_o commission_n of_o small_a sin_n because_o he_o keep_v himself_o to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o because_o there_o he_o be_v command_v not_o to_o kill_v not_o to_o commit_v adultery_n and_o the_o like_a thought_n if_o he_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o those_o sin_n he_o observe_v the_o law_n yea_o and_o observe_v it_o sufficient_o but_o now_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n that_o forbid_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a act_n but_o it_o forbid_v whatever_o tend_v â—_o the_o outward_a act_n inward_a though_o â—_o motion_n desire_n complacency_n in_o â—_o that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o fancy_n â—_o whatever_o tend_v to_o or_o belong_v unto_o sâ—_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n forbid_v all_o these_o why_o now_o grow_v more_o in_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o you_o will_v thinâ—_n small_a sin_n such_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o desire_n and_o of_o the_o fancy_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v no_o less_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n than_o murder_n or_o adultery_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n the_o law_n have_v as_o strict_o forbid_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o four_o and_o last_o beware_v you_o compare_v not_o sin_n among_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o 2_o cor._n 10.12_o who_o measure_v themselves_o by_o themselves_o and_o compare_v themselves_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o wise_a true_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o folly_n for_o we_o to_o measure_v sin_n by_o sin_n or_o to_o compare_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o for_o as_o when_o we_o measure_v ourselves_o with_o other_o our_o pride_n be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o such_o and_o such_o be_v inconsiderable_a person_n in_o comparison_n of_o we_o so_o when_o we_o measure_v one_o sin_n by_o another_o corruption_n be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o a_o sin_n be_v a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o another_o sin_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v venture_v upon_o it_o certain_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sad_a event_n usual_o follow_v upon_o our_o compare_v sin_n among_o themselves_o either_o first_o we_o make_v little_a sin_n less_o than_o they_o be_v or_o if_o we_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o such_o false_a opinion_n by_o be_v show_v how_o great_a a_o evil_a there_o be_v in_o they_o then_o second_o we_o make_v it_o as_o good_a to_o commit_v the_o great_a sin_n as_o the_o least_o these_o two_o sad_a event_n always_o happen_v if_o we_o compare_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o compare_v not_o therefore_o sin_n with_o itself_o but_o compare_v sin_n with_o thy_o duty_n compare_v the_o least_o sin_n with_o the_o holiness_n of_o that_o god_n against_o who_o thou_o commit_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o account_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v small_a or_o little_a of_o abstain_v from_z the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o two_o sermon_n on_o 1_o thessaly_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n by_o ezekiel_n hopkins_n late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o london-derry_n london_n print_v by_o e._n h._n for_o nathanael_n ranew_v at_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1693._o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil._n from_z 1_o thess_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n my_o last_o subject_n as_o you_o may_v remember_v
christian_n have_v need_n of_o much_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o sobriety_n that_o while_o they_o desire_v and_o be_v take_v with_o luscious_a and_o sweet_a word_n and_o expression_n they_o do_v not_o withal_o suck_v in_o poisonous_a and_o destructive_a error_n this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o word_n forego_v prove_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o it_o though_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o that_o be_v deliver_v be_v in_o some_o sense_n sound_n and_o savoury_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o sense_n and_o expression_n that_o may_v be_v wrest_v aside_o to_o undue_a and_o erroneous_a interpretation_n abstain_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o such_o expression_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o word_n under_o a_o more_o general_a latitude_n as_o they_o relate_v unto_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o so_o here_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o unerring_a rule_n that_o we_o must_v not_o embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o a_o appearance_n and_o no_o more_o whether_o that_o appearance_n be_v of_o good_a or_o of_o evil_n we_o must_v not_o hold_v fast_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o good_a only_a and_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o only_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o therefore_o when_o licentious_a person_n be_v reprove_v for_o the_o vanity_n looseness_n strangeness_n and_o immodesty_n of_o their_o garb_n and_o attire_n that_o possible_o more_o disguise_v than_o adorn_v they_o and_o other_o symptom_n of_o a_o vain_a and_o frothy_a mind_n they_o think_v present_o to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n with_o such_o figleaf_n as_o these_o what_o evil_a be_v there_o in_o these_o thing_n can_v you_o prove_v they_o sinful_a if_o you_o can_v we_o will_v forbear_v the_o use_n of_o they_o if_o you_o can_v forbear_v you_o to_o reprove_v they_o what_o if_o they_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a yet_o have_v they_o not_o the_o show_n the_o face_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a so_o judge_v all_o serious_a and_o sober_a christian_n and_o yourselves_o also_o possible_o may_v so_o judge_v sometime_o therefore_o dispute_v not_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v but_o the_o show_n and_o the_o likeness_n of_o evil_a in_o they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v abstain_v absolute_o from_o and_o true_o consider_v that_o great_a carelessness_n and_o want_n of_o circumspection_n that_o be_v even_o among_o professor_n themselves_o who_o if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v themselves_o from_o that_o which_o be_v intrinsical_o in_o itself_o sinful_a make_v no_o scruple_n of_o venture_v upon_o the_o border_n and_o edge_n of_o sin_n i_o think_v it_o therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o open_v this_o phrase_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o plain_a proposition_n doctrine_n that_o a_o true_o conscientious_a christian_n ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v not_o only_o the_o commission_n but_o also_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n this_o point_n be_v indeed_o full_a of_o niceness_n &_o difficulty_n and_o true_o when_o the_o most_o be_v say_v of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v we_o must_v stand_v very_o much_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a prudence_n and_o christian_a charity_n for_o our_o chief_a resolution_n in_o it_o of_o christian_a prudence_n to_o know_v when_o a_o action_n have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o and_o when_o not_o and_o of_o christian_a charity_n to_o shun_v whatever_o may_v scandalize_v other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o defile_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o point_n hardly_o limit_v to_o such_o bound_n but_o in_o some_o place_n there_o will_v be_v a_o fail_v yet_o that_o i_o may_v afford_v you_o some_o light_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a as_o this_o be_v i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o some_o distinction_n concern_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o they_o second_o lay_v down_o some_o position_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v clear_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o avoid_v even_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n three_o some_o demonstration_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o necessary_a and_o requisite_a this_o duty_n of_o avoid_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n be_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o some_o distinction_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o first_o a_o appearance_n of_o evil_n may_v be_v either_o altogether_o groundless_a or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v build_v upon_o good_a ground_n and_o upon_o probable_a presumption_n second_o that_o which_o have_v only_o a_o groundless_a appearance_n of_o evil_a it_o may_v so_o appear_v either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o three_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v whether_o this_o action_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v evil_a be_v a_o necessary_a action_n and_o duty_n in_o itself_o or_o only_o free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o lest_o to_o our_o own_o free_a choice_n now_o from_o these_o distinction_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o several_a position_n concern_v the_o limitation_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n first_o we_o ought_v in_o no_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o do_v that_o which_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o if_o that_o appearance_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o probable_a presumption_n now_o to_o explain_v this_o a_o action_n than_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o probable_a presumption_n of_o be_v evil_a either_o first_o when_o ordinary_o it_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o evil_a such_o action_n there_o be_v that_o be_v in_o themselves_o possible_o lawful_a but_o yet_o they_o prove_v occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o most_o that_o venture_v upon_o they_o because_o hereby_o many_o time_n they_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o a_o temptation_n which_o temptation_n overcome_v they_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o achan_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o babylonish_n garment_n and_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n but_o yet_o hereby_o the_o devil_n get_v a_o advantage_n upon_o he_o and_o make_v that_o a_o occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o his_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v probable_o to_o be_v fear_v and_o presume_v that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o he_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v refrain_v even_o his_o very_a eye_n from_o look_v upon_o they_o second_o when_o a_o action_n be_v ordinary_o do_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n than_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a ground_v upon_o a_o probable_a presumption_n thus_o to_o enter_v silent_o into_o another_o man_n house_n in_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o night_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o presumption_n of_o theft_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o idol_n at_o the_o time_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o presumption_n of_o idolatry_n and_o so_o our_o intimacy_n familiarity_n and_o friendship_n with_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a be_v a_o ground_a presumption_n that_o we_o be_v like_o they_o and_o that_o we_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o when_o we_o do_v those_o action_n that_o common_o tend_v to_o a_o bad_a and_o sinful_a end_n it_o be_v a_o ill_a sign_n that_o we_o intend_v the_o end_n itself_o to_o which_o those_o action_n lead_v now_o from_o every_o such_o appearance_n of_o evil_a we_o ought_v in_o all_o case_n to_o abstain_v and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o follow_a reason_n first_o because_o all_o such_o appearance_n of_o evil_a always_o prove_v scandal_n unto_o other_o a_o scandal_n be_v twofold_a either_o the_o scandal_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o scandal_n of_o sorrow_n now_o this_o venture_n upon_o the_o presume_a appearance_n of_o evil_a prove_v a_o scandal_n in_o both_o respect_n it_o prove_v a_o scandal_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o it_o prove_v a_o scandal_n of_o sorrow_n to_o the_o strong_a first_o it_o prove_v a_o scandal_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o weak_a then_o be_v we_o say_v to_o give_v a_o a_o scandal_n of_o sin_n when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o tend_v natural_o to_o bring_v other_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o may_v lead_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n when_o a_o weak_a christian_a see_v we_o run_v into_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v occasion_n of_o sin_n he_o also_o think_v he_o may_v lawful_o venture_v as_o far_o as_o we_o do_v and_o he_o venture_v because_o possible_o he_o be_v weak_a than_o
to_o pray_v or_o be_v you_o call_v to_o any_o other_o duty_n though_o you_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o that_o hear_v you_o will_v scoff_n at_o you_o yet_o you_o ought_v not_o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o it_o to_o forbear_v that_o duty_n or_o to_o lessen_v your_o fervency_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o here_o indeed_o be_v require_v much_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n to_o discern_v the_o season_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o several_a circumstance_n and_o among_o those_o offence_n that_o wicked_a man_n may_v take_v it_o may_v make_v that_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o at_o other_o time_n be_v our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o prov._n 26.4_o bid_v we_o not_o to_o answer_v a_o fool_n according_a to_o his_o folly_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o bid_v we_o answer_v a_o fool_n according_a to_o his_o folly_n two_o command_n quite_o contrary_a in_o two_o verse_n follow_v one_o another_o now_o this_o be_v to_o note_v to_o we_o that_o according_a to_o several_a circumstance_n and_o several_a opportunity_n it_o may_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o abstain_v at_o one_o time_n from_o that_o that_o at_o another_o time_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n sometime_o not_o to_o reprove_v a_o fool_n but_o to_o answer_v he_o according_a to_o his_o folly_n and_o according_a to_o divers_a circumstance_n at_o another_o time_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o reprove_v he_o and_o not_o to_o answer_v he_o according_a to_o his_o folly_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o its_o particular_a season_n and_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v so_o we_o ought_v to_o perform_v it_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o yea_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o it_o shall_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n unto_o all_o the_o world_n for_o as_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a out_o of_o hope_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o good_a so_o neither_o must_v we_o forbear_v the_o do_n of_o good_a that_o evil_a may_v occasional_o ensue_v thereupon_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o to_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n almost_o all_o be_v scandalize_v at_o he_o some_o at_o his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o despiser_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n other_o at_o his_o conversation_n as_o be_v a_o glutton_n a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o outcry_n he_o alter_v nothing_o either_o in_o his_o teach_v or_o his_o live_n but_o whilst_o they_o be_v clamour_v against_o he_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o he_o still_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o true_o those_o that_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n be_v general_o decry_v and_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o carp_v at_o as_o needless_a peevishness_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v a_o know_a duty_n they_o must_v not_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o put_v other_o out_o of_o their_o groundless_a offence_n only_o let_v i_o add_v a_o necessary_a caution_n to_o this_o particular_a also_o for_o we_o can_v be_v too_o exact_a in_o state_v this_o case_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o and_o that_o be_v this_o if_o that_o appear_v a_o duty_n to_o we_o that_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o serious_a christian_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o why_o now_o though_o this_o shall_v not_o present_o sway_v our_o conscience_n yet_o it_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o make_v a_o strict_a search_n and_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o holy_a and_o pious_a christian_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o authority_n with_o we_o to_o put_v we_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o to_o make_v we_o to_o examine_v whether_o that_o which_o we_o account_v a_o duty_n be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n or_o not_o as_o for_o instance_n some_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o and_o what_o appear_v a_o duty_n to_o one_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o to_o another_o why_o now_o follow_v neither_o of_o these_o because_o it_o be_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n but_o yet_o if_o thy_o persuasion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o most_o sober_a christian_n this_o aught_o so_o far_o to_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v man_n suspect_v lest_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o a_o impartial_a search_n into_o their_o ground_n and_o argument_n but_o after_o all_o still_o follow_v that_o which_o you_o be_v convince_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n be_v your_o duty_n how_o evil_a soever_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o other_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o particular_a if_o those_o thing_n appear_v evil_a to_o other_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o necessary_a or_o that_o appear_v so_o to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o regard_v the_o censure_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v it_o second_o if_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o appear_v to_o we_o so_o to_o be_v have_v yet_o a_o evil_a appearance_n unto_o other_o if_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v at_o they_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o they_o i_o call_v those_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o be_v neither_o in_o themselves_o forbid_v nor_o yet_o command_v but_o only_o permit_v and_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a government_n of_o every_o private_a christian_n prudence_n and_o discretion_n as_o for_o instance_n under_o the_o levitical_a law_n some_o kind_n of_o meat_n be_v unlawful_a as_o in_o leu._n 11._o and_o some_o kind_n of_o garment_n be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v wear_v as_o in_o leu._n 19.19_o but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o abolish_n of_o those_o carnal_a ordinance_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o heb._n 9.4_o both_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n become_v lawful_a whilst_o we_o use_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o garment_n may_v be_v lawful_o wear_v while_o we_o use_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o decency_n these_o thing_n be_v leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o use_v they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o without_o sin_n according_a to_o our_o own_o conveniency_n and_o discretion_n these_o thing_n i_o call_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o these_o indifferent_a lawful_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v at_o random_n neither_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o paradox_n that_o we_o never_o sin_v in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a in_o these_o thing_n we_o usual_o offend_v either_o by_o use_v they_o immoderate_o or_o with_o a_o neglect_n yea_o with_o a_o contempt_n of_o those_o conscience_n that_o be_v weak_a the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o uncontrollable_a but_o god_n have_v subject_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a if_o it_o give_v offence_n unto_o other_o how_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v limit_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n see_v it_o clear_o prove_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n 10._o from_o v._o 25._o to_o the_o end_n where_o the_o apostle_n decide_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o you_o must_v know_v it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o heathen_n to_o offer_v cattle_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol-god_n part_v whereof_o they_o do_v eat_v in_o their_o religious_a feast_n in_o the_o temple_n sell_v the_o remainder_n in_o the_o common_a market_n now_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o the_o heathen_n in_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n before_o their_o idol_n for_o this_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o there_o be_v some_o more_o scrupulous_a christian_n among_o they_o that_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n when_o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n or_o common_a market_n the_o apostle_n now_o there_o determine_v this_o matter_n to_o be_v