lawful_a after_o their_o own_o will_n though_o god_n be_v provoke_v or_o their_o brethren_n damnify_v wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o i_o mean_v of_o scandal_n both_o active_a and_o passive_a and_o therefore_o this_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v as_o pertain_v both_o to_o they_o that_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o they_o that_o may_v be_v offend_v with_o it_o 1._o those_o that_o be_v to_o use_v their_o liberty_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o mar_v not_o their_o good_a by_o evill-handling_a to_o wit_n by_o use_v it_o to_o destruction_n and_o not_o to_o edification_n of_o their_o brethren_n our_o liberty_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o small_a benefit_n that_o we_o may_v have_v his_o creature_n to_o use_v that_o he_o have_v make_v we_o under_o himself_o lord_n over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o though_o he_o require_v obedience_n of_o we_o yet_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a scope_n in_o thing_n after_o our_o own_o will_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o if_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n we_o may_v eat_v this_o or_o that_o wear_v this_o or_o that_o dwell_v here_o or_o there_o and_o a_o thousand_o more_o such_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n but_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o grow_v petulant_a and_o wanton_a shall_v we_o be_v like_o a_o ungracious_a son_n who_o when_o his_o father_n have_v put_v a_o estate_n in_o his_o hand_n follow_v his_o own_o pleasure_n regard_v neither_o parent_n nor_o brethren_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n nay_o rather_o it_o become_v we_o as_o we_o have_v all_o our_o privilege_n from_o god_n so_o to_o do_v as_o a_o good_a child_n to_o a_o kind_a father_n a_o generous_a favourite_n to_o a_o munificent_a prince_n even_o to_o lay_v all_o our_o gift_n at_o the_o donours_n foot_n to_o devote_v they_o all_o to_o his_o honour_n that_o give_v they_o free_o to_o spend_v that_o for_o his_o service_n which_o he_o have_v so_o frank_o endow_v we_o with_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v not_o proprietary_n but_o usufructuary_n of_o god_n creature_n they_o be_v his_o good_n still_o though_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n to_o occupy_v the_o earth_n be_v still_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o we_o may_v not_o say_v of_o it_o we_o may_v do_v with_o our_o own_o as_o we_o list_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v which_o the_o apostle_n infer_v hereupon_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 10._o 31._o not_o forget_v our_o brethren_n but_o as_o it_o be_v add_v v._n 32._o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o as_o we_o be_v admonish_v gal._n 5._o 13._o though_o we_o be_v call_v to_o liberty_n yet_o not_o to_o use_v our_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n to_o serve_v one_o another_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o miserable_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o use_v our_o liberty_n so_o as_o to_o spurn_v at_o god_n honour_n and_o to_o trample_v our_o brethren_n good_a under_o our_o foot_n to_o obscure_v the_o lustre_n of_o god_n glory_n or_o to_o make_v gash_n in_o our_o brother_n conscience_n shall_v a_o man_n because_o he_o be_v strong_a kick_v the_o weak_a under_o his_o foot_n shall_v a_o man_n use_v his_o own_o happiness_n no_o better_o but_o to_o make_v other_o miserable_a no_o no_o brethren_n mercy_n justice_n charity_n our_o call_v christ_n example_n all_o these_o and_o more_o than_o these_o shall_v teach_v we_o better_o to_o seek_v not_o our_o own_o but_o one_o another_o wealth_n to_o use_v our_o own_o good_a so_o as_o not_o to_o spoil_v another_o peace_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v we_o shall_v have_v the_o poor_a always_o with_o we_o so_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n always_o with_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a duty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 20._o 35._o to_o support_v not_o to_o supplant_v the_o weak_a to_o this_o end_n 1._o get_v a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a love_n of_o thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n but_o thy_o christian_n brother_n chief_o let_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o thou_o and_o he_o be_v thy_o pattern_n he_o will_v not_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v smoke_v flax_n isai._n 42._o 3._o he_o feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o gather_v the_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a isai._n 40._o 11._o oh_o get_v such_o a_o tender_a love_n that_o you_o may_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 12._o 10._o incline_v to_o tender_a affectionate_a kindness_n one_o to_o another_o in_o brotherly_a love_n that_o thou_o may_v communicate_v to_o they_o the_o warmth_n of_o thy_o bosom_n that_o they_o may_v have_v heat_n by_o thou_o and_o the_o kiss_n of_o thy_o mouth_n that_o they_o may_v have_v delight_n by_o thou_o and_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o arm_n that_o they_o may_v have_v safety_n by_o thou_o not_o be_v expose_v by_o thou_o to_o danger_n much_o less_o bite_a and_o devour_v by_o thou_o you_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o yourselves_o you_o have_v not_o your_o good_n only_a to_o serve_v your_o own_o turn_n they_o be_v thy_o bone_n and_o thy_o flesh_n yea_o thy_o spirit_n too_o if_o a_o christian_n if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n in_o thou_o yet_o both_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n if_o thou_o differe_v from_o he_o yet_o who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o he_o or_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v love_v he_o therefore_o and_o despise_v he_o not_o be_v tender_a over_o he_o and_o not_o contemn_v he_o 2._o get_v much_o prudence_n also_o to_o know_v the_o condition_n inclination_n mind_n of_o thy_o brother_n much_o charity_n may_v make_v we_o willing_a but_o there_o must_v be_v much_o prudence_n also_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o avoid_v scandalize_a there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o disposition_n opinion_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n to_o avoid_v scandalize_a of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o nevertheless_o if_o we_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o the_o almighty_a will_v accept_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o not_o impute_v to_o we_o our_o defect_n of_o imprudence_n and_o here_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o christian_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v heed_n of_o one_o evil_a to_o which_o in_o these_o time_n man_n be_v very_o prone_a i_o mean_v the_o teach_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v evil_a who_o abuse_n only_o be_v evil_a not_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o cause_n whether_o it_o be_v facility_n of_o slide_v into_o extreme_n or_o unskilfullnesse_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o the_o debility_n that_o be_v in_o many_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o gather_v right_a consequence_n or_o the_o preoccupate_v of_o man_n mind_n with_o erroneous_a principle_n or_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o saint_n t_o basill_n call_v it_o the_o immoderate_a draw_v thing_n to_o a_o contrary_a way_n as_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v most_o right_o which_o seem_v most_o contrary_a to_o popery_n profaneness_n or_o the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o time_n or_o the_o addictednesse_n that_o be_v in_o man_n to_o hold_v that_o which_o their_o affect_a teacher_n do_v vent_v or_o studium_fw-la partium_fw-la a_o desire_n to_o promote_v some_o party_n or_o to_o have_v and_o to_o entertain_v opinion_n peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o party_n as_o a_o cognizance_n for_o they_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o from_o other_o or_o a_o affectation_n of_o singular_a opinion_n i_o say_v what_o ever_o be_v the_o cause_n the_o great_a charter_n of_o christian_n liberty_n be_v too_o much_o enlarge_v by_o the_o licentious_a who_o make_v that_o indifferent_a which_o be_v evil_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o confirm_v of_o themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v too_o much_o straighten_a by_o other_o in_o make_v thing_n evil_a which_o be_v not_o so_o expunge_v that_o out_o of_o this_o gracious_a charter_n which_o god_n have_v indulgent_o grant_v we_o therein_o both_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n precept_n which_o require_v we_o neither_o to_o call_v good_a evil_n nor_o evil_a good_a isai._n
tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n abide_v in_o the_o light_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o a_o scandal_n be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o make_v his_o neighbour_n prosperity_n his_o brother_n preferment_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o he_o to_o make_v he_o covetous_a envious_a etc._n etc._n for_o the_o antithesis_fw-la v_o 11._o and_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n show_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o scandal_n whereby_o through_o defect_n of_o love_n a_o man_n cause_v another_o to_o stumble_v but_o of_o scandal_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v cause_v himself_o to_o fall_v for_o want_v of_o light_n in_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o parallel_n place_n psal._n 119._o 165._o great_a peace_n have_v they_o which_o love_v thy_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o there_o be_v no_o stumble_a block_n to_o they_o that_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o adhere_n to_o god_n law_n outward_a object_n become_v not_o scandal_n to_o they_o 2_o sometime_o the_o hurt_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o action_n of_o another_o scandal_n which_o i_o therefore_o call_v effective_a scandal_n as_o jeroboam_n set_v up_o the_o golden_a calf_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o israel_n david_n sin_n a_o scandal_n in_o cause_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_v now_o such_o action_n may_v be_v scandal_n three_o way_n 1._o in_o potentia_fw-la in_o possibility_n only_o when_o the_o action_n be_v in_o its_o nature_n scandalous_a or_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o agent_n but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o event_n because_o of_o the_o steadfastness_n and_o uprightnes_n of_o the_o person_n tempt_v so_o be_v the_o action_n of_o josephs_n mistress_n to_o joseph_n peter_n persuasion_n to_o our_o lord_n christ_n mat._n 16._o 23._o and_o this_o be_v term_v scandalum_fw-la datum_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la acceptum_fw-la give_v but_o not_o take_v 2._o in_o actu_fw-la actual_o in_o the_o event_n but_o not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n or_o intent_n of_o the_o agent_n but_o by_o accident_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o erroneous_a judgement_n or_o evil_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n scandalize_v as_o christ_n preach_v of_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n be_v a_o scandal_n john_n 6._o 60._o 61._o and_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o carnal_a man_n 1._o cor._n 1._o 23._o and_o be_v term_v scandalum_fw-la acceptum_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la datum_fw-la a_o scandal_n take_v though_o not_o give_v 3._o in_o actu_fw-la &_o per_fw-la se_fw-la actual_o in_o the_o event_n and_o of_o itself_o that_o be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n as_o in_o david_n sin_n 1._o sam._n 12._o 14._o or_o intent_n of_o the_o agent_n as_o in_o balaams_n fact_n rev._n 2._o 14._o in_o ieroboam_n fact_n 1._o king_n 12._o 29._o 30._o and_o this_o be_v term_v scandalum_fw-la datum_fw-la &_o acceptum_fw-la a_o scandal_n both_o take_v and_o give_v now_o although_o i_o conceive_v our_o saviour_n intend_v special_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o sandal_n in_o this_o place_n scandal_n they_o be_v the_o scandal_n by_o which_o a_o woe_n come_v to_o the_o world_n and_o a_o woe_n belong_v to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o yet_o i_o know_v no_o absurdity_n in_o it_o to_o extend_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o to_o all_o those_o sort_n of_o scandal_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v hurt_v according_a to_o which_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o it_o be_v impossible_a or_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o man_n mind_n or_o soul_n will_v be_v hurt_v with_o displicency_n grief_n anger_n enmity_n sin_n occasion_v by_o outward_a object_n &_o action_n of_o man_n which_o either_o by_o accident_n or_o of_o themselves_o become_v scandal_n to_o they_o so_o that_o our_o saviour_n assertion_n be_v in_o brief_a this_o that_o while_n man_n live_v on_o earth_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o harm_n of_o man_n soul_n when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o mat._n 13._o 41._o that_o in_o the_o consummation_n or_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scandal_n he_o do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o till_o than_o there_o will_v be_v scandal_n even_o in_o his_o church_n that_o the_o church_n in_o its_o present_a condition_n on_o earth_n be_v but_o as_o a_o field_n in_o which_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v together_o scandal_n and_o good_a example_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a company_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a wise_a and_o foolish_a weak_a &_o strong_a and_o therefore_o scandal_n will_v arise_v scandaliser_n this_o necessity_n of_o scandal_n be_v 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o cause_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o &_o supreme_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v 1._o the_o person_n scandalize_a 2._o scandalize_v 3._o satan_n who_o have_v ever_o a_o finger_n in_o all_o mischievous_a thing_n 1._o a_o necessity_n of_o scandal_n be_v from_o scandaliser_n first_o in_o general_a from_o viciousness_n of_o life_n which_o every_o where_o abound_v make_v scandal_n to_o abound_v all_o sin_n against_o god_n be_v venomous_a it_o be_v the_o very_a poison_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n and_o all_o open_a sin_n be_v like_o the_o basilisk_n infect_v those_o that_o come_v within_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o unless_o well_o fence_v with_o antidote_n it_o be_v so_o connatural_a to_o man_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o take_v but_o even_o to_o suck_v in_o the_o infection_n faciles_fw-la imitandis_fw-la turpibus_fw-la ac_fw-la pravis_fw-la omnes_fw-la sumus_fw-la in_o open_a sin_n scarce_o any_o man_n sin_n alone_o special_o if_o their_o person_n be_v eminent_a either_o in_o authority_n dignity_n or_o any_o other_o repute_v excellency_n one_o jeroboam_fw-la be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o whole_a kingdom_n to_o sin_n the_o profaneness_n of_o one_o hophni_n be_v enough_o to_o cause_v a_o whole_a church_n to_o abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o person_n be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o infectiou_n of_o open_a sin_n yet_o doubtless_o they_o will_v be_v with_o grief_n of_o mind_n so_o that_o one_o way_n or_o another_o all_o open_a sin_n sin_n will_v beget_v scandal_n and_o therefore_o such_o sin_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o certain_a it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o innumerous_a brood_n of_o scandal_n 2._o but_o beside_o viciousness_n of_o life_n in_o general_a there_o be_v some_o special_a evil_n by_o which_o scandal_n be_v multiply_v as_o 1._o by_o malice_n there_o be_v that_o do_v data_fw-la opera_fw-la of_o set_a purpose_n lay_v snare_n for_o their_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o delight_n of_o some_o to_o be_v satan_n agent_n to_o harm_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n they_o sleep_v not_o except_o they_o have_v do_v mischief_n and_o their_o sleep_n be_v take_v away_o unless_o they_o cause_v some_o to_o fall_v prov._n 4._o 16._o balak_n hire_v balaam_n balaam_n devise_v and_o teach_v balak_n to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rev._n 2._o 14._o jonadab_n the_o son_n of_o shimeah_n direct_v ammon_n how_o to_o commit_v incest_n with_o his_o sister_n 2._o sam._n 13_o 5._o and_o these_o promoter_n of_o scandal_n be_v likely_a none_o of_o the_o dull_a but_o the_o most_o active_a and_o subtle_a satan_n have_v wit_n enough_o to_o choose_v the_o able_a instrument_n for_o his_o purpose_n they_o use_v craft_n eloquence_n diligence_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la virium_fw-la to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o further_a evil_n so_o devote_v they_o be_v to_o the_o devil_n service_n that_o he_o can_v have_v they_o ready_a to_o serve_v his_o turn_n at_o small_a wage_n magna_fw-la merces_fw-la quieta_fw-la movere_fw-la it_o be_v wage_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o do_v hurt_v their_o own_o disposition_n make_v they_o active_a of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o this_o cause_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o fruitful_a mother_n of_o scandal_n second_o proud_a contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n cause_v many_o scandal_n while_o man_n sleight_v the_o harm_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o own_o will_n as_o those_o rom._n 14._o 3._o that_o despise_v they_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v as_o themselves_o &_o those_o who_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v cor._n 8._o 1._o three_o imprudence_n in_o many_o cause_v scandal_n for_o so_o it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n may_v by_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n scandalize_v through_o ignorance_n as_o s._n peter_n do_v mat._n 16._o 23._o 2_o nor_o be_v scandal_n more_o avoidable_a scandalize_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o person_n
our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o scandal_n of_o elies_n son_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o foul_a nature_n of_o their_o fact_n be_v worse_a than_o than_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o strong_a in_o faith_n by_o the_o eat_n of_o meat_n with_o offence_n mention_v rom._n 14._o 2._o some_o scandal_n be_v worse_o than_o other_o ratione_fw-la causae_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o they_o arise_v as_o scandal_n from_o malice_n and_o subdolous_a intent_n be_v worse_o than_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o imprudence_n balaams_n scandal_n by_o devise_v and_o counsel_v balak_n how_o to_o entrap_v the_o israelite_n be_v worse_o than_o peter_n advise_v of_o christ_n to_o desist_v from_o his_o purpose_n of_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o suffer_v 3._o some_o scandal_n be_v worse_o than_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v because_o they_o bring_v a_o great_a stain_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o become_v a_o great_a danger_n to_o man_n apt_a to_o stumble_v thus_o david_n sin_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o hittite_n be_v great_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o adulteress_n mention_v io._n 8._o the_o scandalous_a fact_n of_o a_o clergyman_n worse_o than_o of_o the_o people_n of_o a_o magistrate_n than_o a_o subject_n of_o a_o noble_a person_n than_o one_o of_o the_o commons_o vbi_fw-la sublimior_fw-la praerogativa_fw-la ibi_fw-la major_a culpa_fw-la dei_fw-la say_v salvian_n where_o the_o dignity_n be_v high_a the_o fault_n be_v the_o great_a 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o the_o scandal_n some_o scandal_n be_v worse_o than_o other_o as_o when_o the_o event_n with_o a_o little_a heed_n may_v have_v be_v foresee_v when_o the_o issue_n be_v not_o only_o the_o alienation_n or_o grieve_v of_o another_o but_o also_o apostasy_n of_o some_o harden_v of_o other_o occasion_v other_o to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o truth_n gospel_n religion_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_n fact_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o that_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o their_o brethren_n thing_n offer_v to_o the_o idol_n 5._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n and_o quality_n of_o person_n scandalize_v the_o scandal_n of_o some_o be_v worse_o than_o of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v worse_a to_o scandalize_v many_o than_o few_o weak_a christian_n than_o strong_a etc._n etc._n so_o that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n vary_v much_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o scandalize_a and_o consequent_o of_o the_o woe_n due_a it_o yet_o so_o that_o none_o but_o have_v its_o woe_n allot_v to_o it_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o question_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o woe_n award_v to_o scandaliser_n be_v take_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n for_o all_o scandalize_a though_o but_o by_o abuse_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v against_o charity_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 14._o 15._o for_o true_a charity_n shall_v move_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o help_v and_o sustain_v one_o another_o gal._n 5._o 13._o not_o to_o harm_v deject_a and_o grieve_v one_o another_o now_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n be_v a_o fundamental_a law_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6._o 2._o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n scandalize_a be_v a_o sin_n against_o our_o brother_n and_o against_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 8._o 12._o wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n he_o that_o regard_v not_o to_o show_v love_n to_o other_o deserve_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o favour_n and_o love_v himself_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n more_o equal_a than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 7._o 2._o with_o what_o measure_n you_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o but_o when_o the_o scandalize_a be_v not_o by_o ignorance_n but_o witting_o and_o willing_o than_o it_o be_v much_o more_o against_o charity_n and_o therefore_o just_o deserve_v a_o great_a woe_n as_o when_o man_n scandalize_v of_o set_a purpose_n either_o as_o the_o pharisee_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o long_a prayer_n and_o fast_a devour_v widdowâ—s_n house_n by_o their_o show_n of_o devotion_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_v they_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o mat._n 23._o 14._o 15._o or_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o false_a prophet_n that_o put_v on_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o be_v raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o 15._o or_o fox_n in_o the_o desert_n ezek._n 13._o 4._o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n in_o that_o not_o only_o virtual_o but_o formal_o not_o only_o privative_o but_o also_o positive_o they_o sin_n against_o charity_n add_v hereunto_o that_o if_o the_o scandalous_a fact_n be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n a_o enormous_a sin_n which_o though_o it_o be_v do_v never_o so_o secret_o yet_o it_o will_v high_o provoke_v god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v with_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d excessive_o sinful_a 13._o in_o that_o it_o be_v both_o a_o grievous_a transgression_n and_o a_o grievous_a scandal_n and_o consequent_o compound_v iniquity_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o sin_n of_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n in_o their_o violent_a profanation_n &_o their_o outrageous_a abuse_n of_o woman_n even_o before_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v very_o great_a before_o the_o lord_n for_o man_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n 1._o sam._n 2._o 17._o and_o david_n deed_n in_o defile_v bathsheba_n and_o murder_v her_o husband_n be_v exceed_v grievous_a in_o that_o he_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_v 2._o sam._n 12._o 14._o 2._o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 7._o the_o immediate_a and_o principal_a effect_n of_o scandal_n be_v the_o harm_n of_o our_o brother_n soul_n by_o wound_v their_o conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 8._o 12._o and_o quantum_fw-la ad_fw-la scandalizantem_fw-la as_o much_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o scandalizer_n the_o destruction_n of_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 8._o 11._o rom._n 14._o 15._o i_o say_v not_o that_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v scandalize_v do_v eventual_o perish_v nor_o do_v i_o meddle_v with_o the_o dispute_n concern_v christ_n intention_n in_o die_v for_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o he_o that_o scandalize_v a_o soul_n for_o w_n ch_n for_o aught_o he_o know_v christ_n die_v and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v to_o conceive_v christ_n die_v and_o thereby_o move_v he_o to_o turn_v into_o the_o way_n of_o perdition_n do_v for_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v his_o action_n cause_n his_o brother_n to_o perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v although_o he_o neither_o in_o the_o event_n perish_v not_o nor_o christ_n in_o his_o intention_n offer_v up_o himself_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o father_n to_o appease_v his_o wrath_n for_o he_o for_o it_o be_v mere_o ex_fw-la accidenti_fw-la by_o accident_n to_o the_o scandaliser_n action_n that_o either_o his_o brother_n perish_v not_o or_o christ_n die_v not_o for_o he_o even_o as_o he_o that_o malicious_o intend_v to_o wound_n jason_n phaeraeus_fw-la do_v by_o accident_n cure_v he_o of_o a_o apostem_fw-la his_o fortune_n be_v admirable_a but_o his_o malice_n nothing_o less_o in_o his_o wound_n by_o that_o accident_n sure_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v tender_a of_o his_o brother_n soul_n that_o it_o perish_v not_o by_o his_o action_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o his_o scandalous_a fact_n yet_o he_o perish_v not_o this_o commend_v god_n goodness_n but_o lessen_v not_o his_o naughtiness_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v tender_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o if_o he_o be_v certain_a christ_n die_v for_o he_o when_o in_o appearance_n to_o he_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o so_o be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n whether_o christ_n intend_v to_o die_v for_o the_o person_n scandalize_v or_o no_o even_o as_o he_o that_o do_v a_o thing_n lawful_a which_o his_o own_o conscience_n judge_v unlawful_a sin_n damnable_o as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a rom._n 14._o 23._o now_o do_v not_o he_o that_o care_v not_o to_o destroy_v another_o soul_n deserve_v to_o have_v his_o own_o soul_n lose_v shall_v his_o soul_n be_v regard_v by_o god_n that_o make_v no_o account_n of_o his_o brother_n if_o a_o cain_n or_o judas_n betray_v or_o destroy_v another_o life_n who_o be_v aggrieve_v that_o they_o lose_v they_o if_o a_o monstrous_a caligula_n be_v so_o mind_v that_o he_o he_o care_v not_o though_o all_o man_n head_n be_v off_o so_o that_o his_o might_n stay_v on_o who_o can_v except_v against_o god_n for_o let_v vengeance_n loose_a upon_o he_o add_v hereunto_o
time_n it_o last_v nor_o that_o which_o be_v extrinsecal_o evil_a as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o governor_n commandment_n or_o to_o the_o restrain_a party_n vow_v or_o the_o verdict_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n or_o be_v scandalous_a and_o hurtful_a to_o his_o neighbour_n be_v extrinsecal_o evil_a to_o all_o but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v under_o that_o government_n that_o vow_n that_o opinion_n to_o who_o it_o happen_v that_o their_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n may_v become_v the_o harm_n of_o their_o neighbour_n that_o which_o be_v evil_a for_o a_o subject_n of_o the_o king_n of_o england_n to_o do_v may_v not_o be_v evil_a to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n who_o have_v make_v no_o such_o law_n as_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o that_o vow_v that_o bind_v he_o that_o make_v it_o bind_v not_o another_o which_o have_v make_v no_o such_o vow_n and_o that_o opinion_n which_o one_o man_n have_v and_o that_o harm_n of_o our_o brother_n which_o restrain_v one_o man_n from_o the_o use_n of_o his_o liberty_n restrain_v not_o another_o who_o action_n will_v cause_v no_o such_o harm_n in_o who_o mind_n be_v no_o such_o opinion_n have_v premise_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o next_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o apostle_n resolution_n deliver_v 14._o rom._n 14._o 1._o cor._n 8._o 9_o 10._o chapter_n concern_v the_o forbear_n of_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o be_v then_o in_o agitation_n and_o determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o chapter_n which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o as_o appear_v by_o s._n luke_n history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o likewise_o by_o other_o history_n of_o josephus_n suetonius_n tacitus_n and_o other_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o those_o day_n wherein_o s._n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n disperse_v over_o many_o country_n of_o the_o world_n in_o asia_n egypt_n greece_n italy_n and_o particular_o that_o many_o of_o that_o nation_n dwell_v in_o rome_n in_o which_o city_n at_o that_o time_n the_o great_a city_n which_o have_v dominion_n over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o jew_n retain_v the_o religion_n and_o rite_n of_o their_o nation_n prescribe_v by_o moses_n and_o be_v for_o their_o sabbath_n circumcision_n abstain_v from_o swine_n flesh_n and_o such_o like_a rite_n deride_v by_o the_o satirist_n of_o those_o time_n famous_a at_o rome_n horace_n juvenall_n persius_n and_o the_o rest_n now_o of_o these_o jew_n at_o rome_n it_o please_v god_n to_o convert_v some_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n we_o be_v likewise_o to_o remember_v that_o while_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o force_n the_o jew_n conceive_v themselves_o as_o strict_o bind_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o meat_n and_o day_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o moses_n as_o of_o the_o decalogue_n unless_o in_o such_o case_n as_o wherein_o the_o observe_n of_o they_o be_v against_o a_o moral_a duty_n for_o then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n take_v place_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n as_o our_o saviour_n determine_v mat._n 12._o 7._o whereupon_o the_o godly_a jew_n make_v conscience_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o to_o other_o moral_a precept_n when_o in_o a_o vision_n all_o manner_n of_o four_o footed_a beast_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o wild_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v present_v to_o peter_n to_o kill_v and_o eat_v he_o reply_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a or_o unclean_a acts._n 10._o 14._o hence_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v rather_o to_o suffer_v any_o torment_n than_o to_o eat_v so_o much_o as_o a_o bit_n of_o swine_n flesh_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o eleazar_n and_o the_o mother_n and_o her_o seven_o son_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n 2._o maccab._n ch_n 6._o &_o 7._o wherefore_o when_o the_o gospel_n begin_v to_o be_v preach_v and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n to_o be_v disclaim_v and_o neglect_v much_o contention_n arise_v between_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v moses_n law_n in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o call_v a_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o decide_v this_o difference_n acts._n 15._o so_o that_o although_o by_o christ_n death_n the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v they_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v promulgate_v their_o observation_n become_v dangerous_a as_o we_o read_v gal._n 5._o yet_o such_o esteem_n have_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n get_v partly_o by_o their_o original_a institution_n and_o partly_o tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la by_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o force_n that_o many_o christian_n not_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o their_o liberty_n fear_v to_o neglect_v or_o break_v they_o after_o their_o initiation_n into_o christianity_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o that_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o their_o liberty_n do_v neglect_v they_o secure_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v meat_n of_o neglect_v new_a moon_n and_o the_o like_a festival_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o among_o the_o roman_n when_o s._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v not_o eat_v meat_n prohibit_v by_o moses_n law_n but_o rather_o eat_v herb_n nor_o will_v they_o omit_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n as_o not_o know_v their_o liberty_n therein_o so_o that_o if_o it_o happen_v they_o do_v eat_v such_o meat_n or_o neglect_v such_o day_n it_o be_v with_o doubt_v and_o regrete_a of_o conscience_n these_o the_o apostle_n call_v weak_a brethren_n weak_a in_o the_o faith_n other_o there_o be_v among_o the_o roman_n who_o make_v no_o question_n of_o eat_v any_o sort_n of_o meat_n nor_o regard_v day_n as_o know_v they_o have_v lawful_a liberty_n therein_o and_o these_o be_v call_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n now_o if_o this_o diversity_n have_v be_v only_o in_o practice_n or_o opinion_n it_o have_v be_v somewhat_o tolerable_a but_o the_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o deformity_n in_o practice_n breed_v among_o they_o as_o usual_o it_o do_v discord_n and_o division_n for_o whereas_o christian_a charity_n and_o holy_a wisdom_n shall_v have_v prevent_v all_o quarrel_n between_o they_o all_o harm_a each_o other_o contrariwise_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o strong_a despise_v the_o weak_a as_o more_o scrupulous_a than_o need_v and_o the_o weak_a with_o a_o aggrieve_a mind_n judge_v the_o strong_a as_o licentious_a and_o unholy_a and_o whereas_o sometime_o the_o weak_a by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o strong_a may_v be_v induce_v to_o do_v that_o w_n ch_n though_o lawful_a they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o their_o conscience_n be_v thereby_o wound_v to_o ease_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o grievance_n the_o apostle_n as_o a_o equal_a arbitrator_n thus_o decide_v the_o controversy_n in_o this_o case_n the_o strong_a shall_v take_v to_o they_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n show_v kindness_n &_o love_n to_o they_o but_o not_o imprudent_o entangle_v they_o with_o dispute_n which_o breed_v more_o doubt_n in_o they_o while_o they_o seek_v to_o cure_v their_o error_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o despise_v or_o sleight_v they_o for_o their_o weakness_n but_o show_v they_o all_o respect_n as_o believer_n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v their_o knowledge_n to_o themselves_o but_o not_o use_v their_o liberty_n to_o the_o grievance_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o look_v to_o their_o own_o much_o content_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o privilege_n as_o to_o damnify_v their_o brethren_n and_o to_o wound_v their_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o apostle_n admonish_v the_o weak_a that_o they_o neither_o censure_n nor_o judge_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n nor_o yet_o venture_v upon_o the_o use_n of_o their_o lawful_a liberty_n with_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v well_o resove_v in_o their_o judgement_n afore_o they_o enter_v on_o the_o practice_n concern_v the_o other_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o his_o resolution_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n the_o case_n be_v thus_o chapter_n corinth_n be_v a_o eminent_a beautiful_a city_n call_v by_o tully_n lumen_fw-la graeciae_fw-la the_o eye_n of_o greece_n but_o a_o pagan_a city_n in_o which_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o worship_v idol_n of_o jupiter_n mars_n minerva_n etc._n etc._n to_o these_o they_o build_v temple_n
they_o if_o they_o look_v for_o great_a thing_n hereafter_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v they_o heaven_n be_v their_o country_n there_o be_v their_o preferment_n on_o it_o they_o must_v fix_v their_o hope_n by_o it_o they_o must_v sustain_v their_o soul_n last_o this_o consideration_n that_o scandalize_a of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o offend_n of_o little_a one_o aggravate_v much_o the_o sin_n of_o scandaliser_n beleiver_n to_o trample_v little_a one_o under_o foot_n to_o injure_v and_o harm_v little_a child_n argue_v much_o pride_n and_o much_o unmercifullnesse_n smallnesse_n shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o mercy_n not_o of_o insolency_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o sin_n of_o persecutor_n be_v great_a who_o scandalize_v christ_n little_a one_o and_o according_o their_o woe_n be_v great_a which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o this_o verse_n and_o be_v now_o to_o be_v handle_v the_o second_o observation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n in_o these_o word_n death_n be_v this_o that_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o that_o scandalize_v believer_n in_o christ_n be_v great_a than_o any_o temporal_a death_n though_o never_o so_o grievous_a this_o assertion_n need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n right_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o explication_n before_o make_v to_o which_o nevertheless_o may_v be_v add_v this_o argument_n the_o punishment_n due_a to_o scandaliser_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n be_v eternal_a punishment_n in_o hell_n for_o that_o such_o be_v due_a to_o this_o sin_n have_v be_v prove_v before_o in_o declare_v the_o woe_n due_a to_o scandalize_a in_o general_a and_o to_o each_o particular_a branch_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o temporal_a death_n be_v or_o can_v be_v so_o grievous_a as_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o hell_n none_o so_o sharp_a and_o torment_v none_o so_o constant_a and_o last_a the_o bitter_a pain_n of_o the_o most_o linger_a temporal_a death_n be_v sufferable_a and_o finite_a the_o other_o be_v intolerable_a eternal_a and_o so_o in_o a_o sort_n infinite_a now_z finiti_fw-la ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la nulla_fw-la proportio_fw-la there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o a_o thing_n finite_a and_o a_o thing_n infinite_a therefore_o no_o temporal_a death_n can_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o scandaliser_n of_o beleiver_n in_o christ._n but_o that_o i_o may_v distinct_o handle_v the_o conclusion_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o consider_v 1._o who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v beleiver_n in_o christ._n 2._o why_o to_o the_o scandalize_a of_o they_o there_o be_v so_o great_a vengeance_n allot_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v in_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n christ._n to_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o publish_v and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n from_o hence_o man_n be_v denominate_v beleiver_n in_o christ._n so_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o beleiver_n in_o christ_n who_o do_v acknowledge_v in_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n the_o live_a god_n that_o assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o righteousness_n &_o salvation_n my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v exact_o the_o nature_n and_o sort_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n nor_o the_o sign_n whereby_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a be_v distinguish_v from_o counterfeit_n imperfect_a or_o defective_a for_o at_o this_o time_n we_o be_v only_o to_o consider_v who_o another_o man_n be_v to_o take_v for_o a_o beleiver_n in_o christ_n who_o he_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o scandalize_a only_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o beleiver_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v so_o call_v either_o according_a to_o god_n estimation_n as_o they_o be_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o in_o this_o acception_n they_o only_o be_v beleiver_n in_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o most_o excellent_a grace_n of_o faith_n plant_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o god_n spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o live_v by_o and_o to_o he_o which_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o or_o that_o yield_v to_o it_o in_o mind_n a_o light_n and_o uneffectual_a credulity_n to_o it_o do_v not_o but_o these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o god_n who_o alone_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n or_o else_o beleiver_n in_o christ_n be_v call_v such_o according_a to_o that_o estimation_n man_n may_v make_v and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o account_v all_o those_o as_o beleiver_n in_o christ_n who_o know_v what_o they_o profess_v do_v without_o compulsion_n profess_v themselves_o beleiver_n in_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o open_o renounce_v either_o by_o speech_n or_o practice_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n though_o they_o have_v much_o weakness_n of_o knowledge_n many_o error_n in_o opinion_n and_o many_o sin_n in_o their_o practice_n in_o general_a the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v free_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n that_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o profess_v subjection_n to_o his_o precept_n be_v to_o be_v account_v by_o man_n as_o beleiver_n in_o christ_n the_o scandalize_a of_o who_o be_v so_o woeful_a the_o reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o punishment_n belong_v to_o such_o as_o scandalize_v beleiver_n in_o christ_n christ._n be_v 1._o because_o christ_n do_v love_v they_o dear_o and_o they_o be_v of_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a in_o that_o superlative_a expression_n of_o it_o his_o die_a for_o they_o he_o love_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 5._o 2._o and_o have_v give_v himself_o for_o we_o a_o offering_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n be_v they_o most_o tender_o belove_v of_o his_o father_n who_o so_o love_v they_o that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o beleive_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3._o 16._o and_o for_o their_o relation_n there_o be_v no_o relation_n of_o dearness_n by_o which_o their_o indearednesse_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o express_v they_o be_v his_o little_a flock_n luke_n 12._o 32._o and_o a_o good_a shepherd_n be_v tender_a over_o his_o flock_n they_o be_v his_o servant_n john_n 12._o 26._o and_o of_o these_o good_a master_n be_v careful_a they_o be_v his_o friend_n john_n 16._o 15._o and_o true_a friend_n be_v very_o mindful_a of_o their_o friend_n they_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n tit._n 2._o 14._o 1._o pet._n 2._o 9_o and_o a_o good_a prince_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o his_o people_n safety_n they_o be_v his_o brethren_n heb._n 2._o 11._o and_o true-hearted_a brethren_n be_v very_o regardful_a of_o their_o brethren_n good_n they_o be_v his_o child_n v_o 13._o the_o son_n of_o god_n 1._o john_n 3._o 1._o heir_n of_o god_n joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8._o 17._o and_o strong_a be_v the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n to_o his_o child_n his_o son_n his_o heir_n they_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n eph._n 5._o 23._o 25._o and_o what_o be_v a_o man_n more_o zealous_o affect_v to_o then_o to_o his_o belove_a spouse_n they_o be_v his_o member_n v_o 30._o and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o give_v or_o do_v to_o save_v his_o member_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o that_o show_v kindness_n to_o they_o do_v it_o to_o christ_n math._n 25._o 40._o the_o neglect_v of_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o be_v a_o denial_n of_o it_o to_o christ_n v_o 45._o and_o a_o offence_n to_o they_o a_o sinnne_n aga_v christ_n 1._o cor._n 8._o 12._o their_o suffering_n christ_n suffering_n coloss._n 1._o 24._o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o saul_n from_o heaven_n go_v about_o the_o persecute_v of_o beleiver_n at_o damascus_n say_v thus_o to_o he_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o act_v 9_o 4_o 5._o saul_n think_v that_o he_o have_v bend_v himself_o only_o against_o a_o company_n of_o peevish_a refractory_a people_n who_o he_o think_v worthy_a of_o all_o punishment_n for_o their_o obstinate_a adhere_n to_o their_o profession_n by_o he_o conceive_v impious_a superstition_n and_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v persecute_v and_o strike_v at_o in_o their_o persecution_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o persecution_n of_o beleiver_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n now_o than_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v provoke_v great_o by_o the_o scandalize_a of_o
they_o who_o he_o love_v so_o dear_o account_v so_o near_o to_o he_o doubtless_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n zech._n 2._o 8._o he_o that_o touch_v you_o touch_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n be_v true_o verify_v of_o all_o true_a beleiver_n he_o that_o touch_v they_o touch_v the_o apple_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o god_n eye_n which_o he_o will_v not_o let_v pass_v unrevenged_a 2._o the_o sin_n of_o scandalize_a beleiver_n in_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v against_o those_o who_o christ_n love_v and_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a to_o he_o so_o it_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n for_o to_o what_o end_n be_v they_o persecute_v for_o the_o faith_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n to_o what_o end_n be_v they_o tempt_v to_o sin_n harm_v in_o their_o conscience_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v alienate_v from_o christ_n withdraw_v from_o subjection_n to_o he_o hinder_v in_o his_o service_n saul_n persecute_v of_o david_n be_v construe_v as_o if_o he_o have_v bid_v he_o go_v serve_v other_o god_n they_o have_v drive_v i_o say_v david_n out_o this_o day_n from_o abide_v in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v go_v serve_v other_o go_n 1._o sam._n 26._o 19_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o that_o they_o which_o scandalize_v little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n sake_n do_v as_o good_a as_o say_v believe_v not_o obey_v not_o christ._n now_o all_o such_o can_v but_o fall_v heavy_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o universal_a judge_n what_o he_o say_v luk._n 19_o 27._o will_v be_v verify_v of_o they_o as_o for_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v they_o hither_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o for_o lo_o thy_o enemy_n o_o lord_n loe_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v perish_v and_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v scatter_v psal._n 92._o 9_o 3._o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n so_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o scandalize_a it_o arise_v out_o of_o hatred_n of_o christ_n his_o people_n kingdom_n and_o gospel_n which_o show_v a_o most_o wicked_a heart_n and_o cause_v intolerable_a provocation_n to_o anger_n 4._o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o sin_n especial_o by_o persecution_n what_o be_v scandaliser_n but_o as_o satan_n hand_n to_o execute_v what_o he_o instigate_v they_o to_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n revel_v 2._o 10._o tell_v that_o church_n that_o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o they_o into_o prison_n that_o they_o may_v be_v try_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n lay_v hand_n on_o any_o of_o the_o beleiver_n of_o that_o church_n and_o by_o may_v hale_v they_o to_o prison_n as_o saul_n intend_v to_o do_v at_o damascus_n nay_o we_o find_v no_o record_n for_o any_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n whereby_o he_o rule_v the_o world_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n because_o he_o excite_v the_o infidel_n ruler_n of_o those_o time_n to_o do_v it_o who_o therein_o take_v on_o they_o the_o person_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o judas_n do_v when_o he_o betray_v christ_n and_o peter_n though_o in_o another_o manner_n when_o he_o dissuade_v christ_n from_o his_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v now_o that_o which_o be_v promote_v by_o satan_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o christ_n can_v but_o be_v most_o odious_a to_o he_o and_o procure_v his_o wrath_n special_o when_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v make_v satan_n profess_a agent_n and_o servant_n to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o application_n of_o this_o truth_n people_n 1._o we_o may_v hereby_o perceive_v the_o tender_a care_n which_o christ_n have_v over_o his_o people_n he_o take_v their_o scandal_n as_o if_o he_o himself_o be_v scandalize_v their_o injury_n as_o his_o own_o injury_n the_o persecute_v of_o they_o as_o the_o persecute_v of_o himself_o which_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v to_o escape_v unpunished_a precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 116._o 15._o their_o life_n be_v precious_a and_o their_o death_n be_v precious_a i_o may_v add_v even_o their_o reproach_n their_o injury_n their_o false_a accusation_n their_o scandal_n be_v precious_a not_o sell_v for_o nought_o nor_o value_v as_o no_o loss_n albeit_o sometime_o it_o may_v seem_v so_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n so_o as_o the_o psalmist_n complain_v psal._n 44._o 12._o thou_o selle_v thy_o people_n for_o nought_o and_o do_v not_o increase_v by_o their_o price_n nay_o rather_o their_o hair_n be_v number_v luke_n 12._o 7._o he_o that_o value_v sparrow_n do_v not_o account_v his_o child_n as_o nought_o worth_a doubtless_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o saint_n have_v his_o tear_n bottle_a and_o his_o flitting_n number_v and_o all_o his_o injury_n book_v psal._n 56._o 8._o and_o that_o to_o some_o end_n even_o that_o they_o may_v be_v recompense_v in_o they_o revenge_v on_o their_o adversary_n a_o great_a cordial_n this_o shall_v be_v to_o christ_n little_a one_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o faith_n notwithstanding_o their_o scandal_n since_o this_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o they_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_o &_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o cor._n 4._o 17._o and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v some_o content_n to_o some_o spirit_n die_v that_o they_o know_v their_o death_n shall_v not_o be_v unrevenged_a so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o comfort_n to_o beleiver_n that_o their_o persecution_n shall_v be_v require_v he_o will_v do_v right_a to_o they_o justice_n on_o their_o enemy_n 2._o it_o shall_v further_o direct_v we_o when_o we_o be_v scandalize_v to_o commit_v our_o cause_n to_o god_n he_o to_o our_o lord_n christ._n thus_o do_v zechariah_n when_o they_o stone_v he_o with_o stone_n he_o say_v the_o lord_n look_v upon_o it_o and_o require_v it_o 2._o chr_n 24._o 22._o and_o thus_o do_v our_o lord_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 23._o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o so_o shall_v we_o else_o we_o intrence_v on_o god_n prerogative_n who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o and_o i_o will_v repay_v rome_n 12._o 19_o we_o disadvantage_n ourselves_o by_o hinder_v the_o recompense_n of_o our_o patience_n we_o mar_v our_o cause_n by_o make_v it_o evil_a which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v good_a we_o harm_v ourselves_o by_o move_a god_n to_o anger_n for_o our_o miscarriage_n it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o forbear_v avenge_a our_o selus_fw-la else_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o we_o remember_v not_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o nor_o trust_v his_o care_n over_o we_o 3._o from_o hence_o scandaliser_n may_v take_v the_o right_a measure_n of_o their_o sin_n punishment_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o punishment_n they_o think_v common_o when_o they_o persecute_v beleiver_n godly_a preacher_n faithful_a christian_n they_o do_v but_o speak_v against_o and_o vex_v and_o oppose_v a_o company_n of_o peevish_a precise_a silly_a weak_a folk_n thus_o do_v paul_n imagine_v when_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o christ_n tell_v he_o otherwise_o i_o be_o jesus_n who_o thou_o persecute_v acts._n 9_o 5._o and_o so_o do_v all_o that_o be_v move_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o walk_v the_o same_o way_n for_o wherefore_o be_v beleiver_n hate_v be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n their_o zeal_n to_o christ_n kingdom_n their_o obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n the_o scandalize_a of_o they_o then_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o offence_n of_o christ._n there_o may_v be_v some_o that_o may_v think_v they_o love_v christ_n and_o yet_o scandalize_v his_o little_a one_o but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o brethren_n go_v together_o as_o s._n john_n strong_o prove_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n know_v then_o that_o scandalize_a of_o christ_n member_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o offend_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v punish_v as_o if_o his_o person_n be_v direct_o strike_v at_o behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a among_o they_o of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a