pray_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n cheerful_o when_o their_o stomach_n be_v empty_a these_o person_n may_v eat_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o solemn_a fast_o so_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o caveat_n before_o remember_v it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o in_o these_o country_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v fast_v one_o two_o or_o three_o day_n together_o without_o any_o inconvenience_n we_o can_v do_v the_o like_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o hot_a country_n have_v cold_a stomach_n and_o so_o may_v fast_v the_o long_o but_o in_o cold_a climate_n such_o as_o we_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o man_n be_v of_o hot_a stomach_n be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v fast_v so_o long_o as_o they_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o right_a fast_v end_n of_o a_o religious_a fast_o and_o they_o be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o so_o the_o bodily_a lust_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n be_v make_v heavy_a the_o heart_n oppress_v the_o sense_n dull_a and_o the_o whole_a man_n unfit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n prayer_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n luk._n 21._o 24._o that_o therefore_o this_o unfitnesse_n may_v be_v take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o body_n itself_o but_o the_o unruely_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v by_o this_o exercise_n of_o fast_v the_o second_o end_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o our_o devotion_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o hear_v and_o in_o prayer_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o always_o join_v together_o because_o when_o the_o stomach_n be_v full_a the_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v less_o able_a to_o do_v any_o good_a duty_n and_o contrariwise_o when_o abstinence_n be_v use_v the_o heart_n be_v light_a the_o affection_n in_o better_a order_n the_o whole_a man_n more_o quick_a and_o lively_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n anna_n be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n night_n and_o day_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n luk._n 2._o 37._o and_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v to_o commend_v she_o for_o the_o fervency_n of_o her_o prayer_n which_o she_o testify_v in_o that_o by_o such_o exercise_n she_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v the_o attention_n of_o her_o mind_n the_o three_o end_n be_v to_o testify_v the_o humility_n and_o contrition_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o inward_a sorrow_n and_o grief_n for_o sin_n and_o our_o repentance_n and_o effectual_a turn_n unto_o god_n without_o this_o end_n the_o fast_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n joel_n call_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o fast_v weep_a and_o mourn_a to_o rend_v their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n joel_n 2._o 12_o 13._o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o like_a manner_n reprove_v the_o jew_n because_o when_o they_o fast_v they_o will_v afflict_v their_o soul_n for_o a_o day_n and_o how_o down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o bulrush_n and_o lie_v down_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n isaiah_n 58._o 5_o 6._o therefore_o their_o outward_a humiliation_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n the_o four_o end_n of_o a_o fast_o be_v to_o admonish_v we_o of_o our_o guiltiness_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n whereby_o we_o become_v unworthy_a of_o any_o blessing_n gift_n or_o mercy_n yea_o unworthy_a to_o go_v upon_o the_o ground_n to_o breath_n in_o the_o air_n to_o eat_v drink_n sleep_n or_o enjoy_v any_o other_o benefit_n in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o have_v deserve_v by_o our_o sin_n all_o the_o plague_n and_o punishment_n threatue_v in_o the_o law_n against_o sinner_n the_o malefactor_n in_o the_o day_n of_o assize_n can_v give_v great_a testimony_n of_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n then_o by_o come_v before_o the_o judge_n with_o the_o rope_n about_o his_o neck_n neither_o can_v we_o bring_v a_o more_o notable_a sign_n of_o our_o true_a humiliation_n before_o god_n then_o by_o come_v before_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o solemn_a fast_o with_o open_a confession_n and_o proclamation_n of_o our_o guiltiness_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o fast_o of_o nineveh_n not_o only_o man_n but_o even_o the_o beast_n be_v forbid_v to_o feed_v or_o drink_v water_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o nivevite_n may_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o heinous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o in_o regard_n thereof_o not_o only_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n themselves_o but_o also_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n for_o their_o sake_n be_v unworthy_a of_o life_n and_o nourishment_n iii_o question_n whether_o popish_a fast_n be_v lawful_a and_o approve_v of_o god_n ans._n they_o be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o neither_o approve_v of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o man_n and_o that_o for_o three_o special_a cause_n first_o the_o patron_n &_o maintainer_n of_o they_o do_v appoint_v set_v time_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v keep_v upon_o pain_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o abstinence_n from_o flesh_n with_o they_o be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o prescribe_v set_v time_n necessary_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o governor_n thereof_o have_v for_o this_o purpose_n only_o upon_o special_a occasion_n when_o the_o question_n be_v move_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o johns_n disciple_n why_o they_o and_o the_o pharisee_n fast_v often_o whereas_o his_o fast_v not_o answer_n be_v give_v in_o this_o manner_n can_v the_o child_n of_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_o the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o the_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o then_o shall_v they_o fast_v mat._n 9_o 15._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o time_n of_o fast_v must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o mourning_n for_o christ_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o fast_o as_o occasion_n of_o mourning_n be_v offer_v as_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v appoint_v no_o set_a time_n for_o mourning_n no_o more_o can_v there_o be_v enjoin_v a_o set_a time_n for_o fast_v but_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v prescribe_v as_o god_n shall_v give_v occasion_n again_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n for_o observe_v set_v day_n and_o month_n &_o time_n and_o year_n in_o way_n of_o religion_n gal._n 4._o 10._o montanus_n the_o heretic_n be_v think_v in_o 17._o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v law_n for_o set-fasting_a and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o ancient_a time_n fast_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n free_o not_o enforce_v by_o law_n or_o commandment_n but_o as_o time_n and_o occasion_n serve_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o challenge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o heresy_n for_o it_o appoint_v and_o observe_v set_v time_n of_o fast_o ans._n nothing_o less_o for_o our_o church_n injoin_v and_o approve_v these_o time_n not_o upon_o necessity_n or_o for_o religion_n sake_n but_o for_o civil_a and_o politic_a respect_n whereas_o the_o romish_a church_n hold_v it_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o put_v off_o a_o set_v fast_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o till_o the_o next_o day_n follow_v the_o second_o reason_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v a_o distinction_n of_o meat_n for_o they_o whole_o forbid_v flesh_n to_o be_v eat_v upon_o day_n of_o fast_n and_o allow_v whitmeate_n only_o then_o to_o be_v use_v and_o that_o of_o necessity_n now_o this_o difference_n of_o meat_n be_v partly_o impious_a partly_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a impious_a it_o be_v because_o they_o make_v it_o for_o religion_n sake_n for_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o eat_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o meat_n without_o any_o distinction_n command_v abstinence_n from_o nothing_o which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o hold_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n and_o meat_n but_o how_o not_o in_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o temperance_n &_o health_n for_o civil_a and_o politic_a
that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o keep_v of_o true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n this_o rule_n be_v practise_v by_o paul_n act._n 28._o 11._o who_o living_n among_o the_o heathen_a be_v constrame_v to_o speak_v as_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o he_o depart_v in_o a_o ship_n to_o rome_n who_o badge_n be_v castor_n and_o pollux_n act._n 19_o 10._o again_o he_o be_v three_o year_n in_o ephesus_n a_o idolatrous_a place_n where_o the_o great_a goddess_n diana_n be_v worship_v yet_o in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o contain_v himself_o and_o speak_v nothing_o in_o particular_a against_o diana_n but_o only_o in_o general_a against_o false_a god_n say_v that_o they_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n v_o 26._o nay_o alexander_n can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o that_o he_o have_v in_o all_o that_o while_n blaspheme_v their_o goddess_n diana_n paul_n therefore_o be_v fain_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o sway_n of_o those_o time_n that_o so_o he_o may_v do_v some_o good_a in_o ephesus_n by_o his_o ministry_n whereas_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v against_o diana_n direct_o it_o have_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v do_v that_o good_a by_o preach_v which_o otherwise_o he_o do_v again_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o apostle_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v yield_v to_o the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n and_o permit_v abstinence_n from_o blood_n and_o that_o which_o be_v strangle_v etc._n etc._n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o stand_v with_o pure_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v win_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v ix_o rule_n if_o we_o can_v do_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o desire_v in_o that_o exquisite_a manner_n that_o we_o will_v we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o mean_a and_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v the_o safe_a course_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o do_v the_o less_o lest_o in_o venture_v to_o do_v the_o more_o which_o can_v be_v we_o grow_v to_o the_o extremity_n and_o so_o fail_v or_o offend_v in_o our_o action_n it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o wise_a counsel_n of_o the_o preacher_n to_o this_o purpose_n eccl._n 7._o 16._o be_v not_o just_a overmuch_o and_o his_o meaning_n may_v be_v this_o be_v not_o too_o strict_a or_o curious_a in_o effect_v that_o which_o thou_o intend_v exact_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o rest_v content_v in_o this_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v thy_o endeavour_n and_o take_v to_o the_o less_o when_o the_o great_a can_v be_v effect_v in_o some_o country_n popish_a image_n erect_v in_o church_n do_v stand_v undefaced_a the_o good_a desire_n of_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pull_v down_o but_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v what_o then_o be_v they_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n they_o must_v not_o grow_v to_o extremity_n and_o pull_v they_o down_o themselves_o but_o they_o must_v entreat_v the_o lawful_a magistrate_n for_o their_o remooveall_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v move_v so_o to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n rest_v content_a with_o that_o they_o have_v do_v and_o wait_v the_o magistrate_n pleasure_n in_o the_o judicial_a law_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o jew_n heart_n sundry_a sin_n can_v not_o utter_o be_v take_v away_o as_o divorcement_n polygamy_n usury_n hereupon_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o law_n of_o toleration_n without_o approbation_n and_o do_v not_o remove_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o that_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o regard_n of_o man_n for_o the_o time_n but_o restrain_v the_o evil_a that_o can_v not_o be_v quite_o off_o and_o abolish_v otherwise_o and_o herein_o appear_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o make_v a_o law_n not_o to_o allow_v of_o nor_o yet_o utter_o to_o take_v away_o but_o to_o moderate_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o sin_n in_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o like_a manner_n in_o this_o our_o land_n there_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o usury_n a_o sin_n that_o can_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v root_v out_o utter_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v out_o of_o their_o wisdom_n provide_v a_o law_n for_o the_o toleration_n thereof_o after_o a_o sort_n and_o that_o upon_o special_a cause_n for_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v enact_v a_o law_n utter_o to_o abolish_v it_o it_o will_v before_o this_o in_o likelihood_n have_v grow_v to_o great_a extremity_n the_o same_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n who_o yield_v to_o bear_v with_o the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n for_o a_o time_n when_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o utter_o cut_v it_o off_o ii_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o and_o with_o good_a conscience_n use_v policy_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n ans._n there_o be_v four_o principal_a caveat_n which_o be_v observe_v policy_n may_v be_v use_v and_o be_v not_o against_o christian_a religion_n 1._o nothing_o must_v in_o policy_n be_v say_v do_v or_o intend_v to_o prejudice_n the_o truth_n special_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n ii_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v say_v do_v or_o intend_v against_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n either_o in_o word_n in_o deed_n or_o in_o show_n iii_o nothing_o must_v be_v wrought_v or_o contrive_v against_o justice_n that_o be_v due_a to_o man_n iv._n all_o action_n of_o policy_n must_v be_v such_o as_o pertain_v to_o our_o call_n and_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n and_o bond_n thereof_o for_o if_o any_o action_n whatsoever_o be_v do_v out_o of_o that_o call_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v we_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o answerable_a thereunto_o though_o it_o be_v plot_v and_o attempt_v in_o never_o so_o great_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o not_o warrantable_a these_o caveat_n observe_v it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o use_v that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v policy_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o when_o any_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v we_o must_v make_v a_o twofold_a inquiry_n first_o into_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a command_v or_o forbid_v second_o into_o ourselves_o whether_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o doer_n or_o answerable_a to_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n now_o because_o both_o these_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o former_a caution_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o whatsoever_o business_n be_v take_v in_o hand_n and_o not_o suit_v unto_o they_o it_o have_v not_o good_a warrant_n and_o so_o can_v be_v do_v with_o good_a conscience_n yet_o for_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o answer_n let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n there_o record_v touch_v this_o policy_n in_o josh._n 8._o 5._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o joshua_n use_v martial_a policy_n in_o the_o besiege_n of_o ai_fw-fr placing_z one_o part_n of_o his_o army_n in_o a_o ambush_n and_o cause_v the_o other_o part_n to_o fly_v for_o by_o that_o mean_n the_o man_n of_o ai_fw-fr come_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o pursue_v those_o that_o flee_v the_o soldier_n that_o lay_v in_o ambush_n take_v the_o city_n and_o destroy_v it_o in_o 2._o sam._n 5._o 23._o david_n be_v to_o make_v war_n against_o the_o philistines_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n and_o god_n teach_v he_o policy_n he_o therefore_o in_o his_o own_o example_n allow_v policy_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o wise_a and_o prudent_a shift_n in_o war_n which_o we_o call_v stratagem_n or_o policy_n of_o the_o field_n we_o have_v also_o the_o example_n of_o paul_n for_o this_o purpose_n who_o act._n 21._o 26._o feign_v himself_o to_o have_v make_v a_o vow_n to_o be_v a_o nazarite_n that_o he_o may_v yield_v somewhat_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v not_o sufficient_o inform_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n this_o practice_n be_v warrantable_a neither_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n in_o paul_n for_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n v_o 20_o 24._o and_o paul_n himself_o never_o make_v mention_n of_o this_o as_o of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o will_v undoubted_o have_v do_v have_v it_o be_v sin_n again_o act._n 23._o 6._o when_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o ananias_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o some_o danger_n he_o use_v policy_n for_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o be_v a_o pharisie_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v raise_v a_o dissension_n between_o the_o pharisy_n and_o the_o sadducee_n and_o this_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o paul_n for_o
and_o erroneous_a ground_n of_o doctrine_n much_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o direction_n or_o resolution_n of_o the_o 7._o conscience_n in_o time_n of_o need_n as_o namely_o i._n that_o a_o man_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n may_v build_v himself_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o for_o his_o salvation_n rest_n content_v with_o a_o implicit_a and_o un-expressed_a faith_n which_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v a_o only_a mean_a to_o keep_v man_n in_o perpetual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n so_o it_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n but_o to_o plunge_v the_o hart_n of_o man_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o despair_n it_o be_v uncapable_a of_o comfort_n for_o want_v of_o particular_a knowledge_n &_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n &_o promise_n of_o god_n iâ—_n that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o stand_v in_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o 9_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n either_o of_o the_o present_a favour_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o unworthines_n and_o indisposition_n we_o have_v just_a cause_n not_o only_o to_o doubt_v and_o fear_n but_o to_o despair_v and_o be_v confound_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v certain_o resolve_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o and_o for_o the_o merir_fw-fr of_o christ_n be_v a_o comfortless_a doctrine_n to_o a_o distress_a soul_n and_o contrary_a unto_o the_o save_a 20._o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v that_o certainty_n flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o doubt_v iii_o that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o make_v special_a confession_n of_o 7._o his_o mortal_a sin_n with_o all_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n thereof_o once_o every_o year_n to_o his_o priest_n this_o position_n &_o practice_n beside_o that_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n of_o sacred_a write_v nor_o yet_o any_o ground_n of_o orthodox_n antiquity_n for_o 800._o year_n more_o or_o less_o after_o christ_n it_o make_v notable_o to_o the_o disturb_v of_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o time_n of_o extremity_n consider_v that_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o understand_v or_o remember_v all_o many_o be_v hide_v and_o 12._o unknown_a and_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o this_o case_n inform_v that_o forgiveness_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o enumeration_n may_v thus_o be_v bring_v into_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n and_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o rest_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o sole_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o only_a sovereign_a medicine_n of_o the_o soul_n again_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o always_o arise_v from_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n have_v commit_v neither_o do_v the_o lord_n set_v before_o the_o sinner_n eye_n whatsoever_o evil_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o but_o some_o one_o or_o more_o particular_n and_o these_o be_v they_o that_o do_v lie_v heavy_a upon_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v ease_v of_o they_o will_v be_v work_n enough_o though_o he_o do_v not_o exhibit_v unto_o the_o confessor_n a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n iv._o that_o some_o sin_n be_v venial_a because_o they_o be_v only_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o against_o it_o and_o because_o 6._o they_o bind_v over_o the_o sinner_n only_o to_o temporal_a and_o not_o to_o eternal_a punishment_n this_o conclusion_n first_o be_v false_a for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o offence_n be_v great_a some_o lesser_a some_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n other_o in_o a_o low_a again_o that_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o event_n be_v repent_v of_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n sin_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o account_v just_a be_v pardonable_a because_o they_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o condemnation_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o which_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o of_o itself_o mortal_a whether_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n or_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o divine_a justice_n for_o in_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o anomy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o aberration_n from_o the_o perfect_a 4._o rule_n of_o righteousness_n &_o therefore_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o curse_n both_o of_o temporary_a and_o eternal_a death_n it_o be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o man_n stand_v by_o it_o engage_v to_o everlasting_a torment_n second_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a ground_n of_o resolution_n to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n for_o whereas_o true_a and_o save_a joy_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o the_o apprehension_n and_o conceit_n of_o heavenly_a comfort_n unless_o it_o be_v first_o abase_v and_o by_o true_a humiliation_n bring_v to_o nothing_o in_o itself_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o that_o the_o offence_n commit_v be_v venial_a may_v in_o some_o case_n too_o much_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o presume_v when_o haply_o there_o will_v be_v reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o not_o that_o yet_o in_o case_n of_o fall_v by_o infirmity_n after_o grace_n receive_v the_o mind_n be_v forestall_v with_o this_o erroneous_a conceit_n that_o the_o sin_n be_v less_o than_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o venial_a may_v in_o the_o issue_n be_v less_o quiet_v and_o more_o perplex_v v._o that_o a_o man_n may_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n 13._o of_o his_o sin_n commit_v to_o omit_v the_o untruth_n of_o â—â—is_n position_n how_o it_o make_v to_o the_o case_a of_o the_o heart_n or_o the_o asswage_n of_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n in_o temptation_n i_o appeal_v to_o common_a experience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n shall_v yet_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o behind_o to_o be_v do_v on_o his_o part_n how_o can_v he_o in_o probability_n rely_v himself_o whole_o upon_o christ_n satisfaction_n how_o can_v he_o reap_v unto_o himself_o from_o thence_o any_o assurance_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n who_o he_o former_o offend_v if_o we_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o in_o our_o own_o person_n whereby_o to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n why_o have_v our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o for_o our_o heart_n relief_n whole_o and_o only_o to_o make_v the_o plea_n of_o pardon_n for_o our_o sin_n true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o popish_a confessor_n do_v teach_v their_o penitent_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o sin_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n by_o performance_n of_o a_o formal_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n yea_o to_o offer_n unto_o god_n some_o ceremonial_a duty_n in_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o when_o sorrow_n seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o man_n fall_v into_o temptation_n than_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o these_o direction_n be_v not_o currant_n for_o notwithstanding_o they_o he_o may_v want_v sound_a comfort_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o run_v into_o despair_n without_o recovery_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n upon_o experience_n it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o even_a papist_n themselves_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n have_v be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o work_n yea_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o humane_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o cleave_v only_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n by_o these_o instance_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v apparent_a upon_o how_o weak_a and_o unstable_a ground_n the_o case-divinitie_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n stand_v and_o how_o indirect_a a_o course_n they_o take_v for_o the_o resolution_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o trouble_a conscience_n now_o by_o the_o benefit_n and_o abuse_v of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o in_o church_n which_o profess_v christian_a religion_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o teach_v and_o further_o enlarge_v than_o it_o be_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o ministry_n that_o have_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n attain_v unto_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a will_v employ_v their_o pain_n this_o way_n not_o only_o in_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o such_o point_n as_o stand_v in_o bare_a speculation_n but_o in_o annex_v thereunto_o the_o ground_n and_o conclusion_n of_o practice_n whereby_o they_o may_v both_o inform_v the_o judgement_n &_o rectify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o poor_a distress_a soul_n may_v
have_v release_n from_o any_o creature_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n commandment_n be_v thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v thy_o oath_n to_o who_o to_o the_o lord_n math._n 5._o 33._o and_o the_o oath_n that_o pass_v between_o david_n and_o jonathan_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n oath_n 2._o sam._n 21._o 7_o and_o 1._o sam._n 20._o 8._o god_n will_v have_v the_o oath_n to_o bind_v as_o long_o as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o yea_o and_o cease_v bind_v when_o it_o please_v he_o and_o that_o which_o himself_o bind_v or_o will_v have_v to_o be_v bind_v no_o creature_n can_v loose_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v couple_v let_v no_o man_n separate_v math._n 19_o 6._o and_o herein_o the_o pope_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v antichrist_n in_o that_o he_o challenge_v power_n to_o dispense_v with_o a_o lawful_a oath_n make_v without_o error_n or_o deceit_n of_o thing_n honest_a and_o possible_a out_o of_o this_o answer_n another_o question_n may_v be_v resolve_v namely_o when_o do_v a_o man_n commit_v perjury_n ans._n 1._o when_o a_o man_n swear_v that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a 2._o when_o he_o swear_v that_o which_o he_o mean_v not_o to_o do_v 3._o when_o he_o swear_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o he_o also_o mean_v to_o do_v yet_o afterward_o do_v it_o not_o in_o these_o three_o the_o not_o perform_v of_o a_o oath_n make_v it_o flat_a perjury_n that_o we_o may_v yet_o be_v inform_v concern_v the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n one_o question_n of_o moment_n be_v to_o be_v skan_v in_o society_n &_o corporation_n there_o be_v law_n and_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n whereof_o every_o one_o admit_v to_o a_o office_n take_v a_o corporal_a oath_n afterwards_o it_o fall_v out_o upon_o occasion_n that_o he_o break_v some_o of_o the_o say_a statute_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n perjure_a ans._n statue_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v principal_a or_o fundamental_a which_o serve_v to_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o that_o body_n or_o corporation_n other_o less_o principal_a or_o mix_v that_o serve_v for_o order_n or_o decency_n in_o the_o statute_n principal_a the_o lawmaker_n intend_v obedience_n simple_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v keep_v but_o in_o the_o less_o principal_a he_o exact_v not_o obedience_n simple_o but_o either_o obedience_n or_o the_o penalty_n because_o the_o penalty_n be_v as_o much_o beneficial_a to_o the_o state_n of_o that_o body_n as_o the_o other_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o former_a make_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o perjury_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o latter_a so_o be_v it_o the_o delinquent_a party_n be_v content_a to_o bear_v the_o mulct_n if_o it_o be_v impose_v thus_o student_n and_o other_o belong_v to_o such_o society_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n though_o not_o from_o all_o fault_n in_o break_v some_o of_o the_o lesser_a local_a statute_n else_o few_o can_v live_v in_o any_o society_n without_o perjury_n yet_o one_o more_o question_n be_v propound_v touch_v perjury_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v exact_v a_o oath_n of_o he_o who_o he_o fear_v or_o know_v will_v forswear_v himself_o ans._n a_o private_a man_n must_v not_o but_o a_o magistrate_n may_v if_o the_o party_n offer_v to_o take_v his_o oath_n not_o be_v urge_v thereto_o and_o be_v first_o admonish_v of_o the_o greivousnesse_n of_o the_o say_a sin_n of_o perjury_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o civil_a justice_n magistrate_n must_v not_o stay_v upon_o man_n sin_n moses_n expect_v not_o the_o israelite_n repentance_n for_o their_o idolatry_n but_o present_o proceed_v unto_o punishment_n neither_o must_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o common_a wealth_n be_v hinder_v upon_o the_o likelihood_n or_o suspicion_n of_o a_o man_n perjury_n chap._n xiiii_o of_o vow_n the_o seven_o head_n of_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v a_o vow_n all_o the_o question_n whereof_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o i._o question_n what_o be_v a_o vow_n ans._n a_o vow_n be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o god_n of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o possible_a i_o call_v it_o a_o promise_n to_o distinguish_v a_o vow_n from_o a_o single_a purpose_n for_o a_o purpose_n may_v be_v change_v but_o a_o vow_n lawful_o make_v can_v again_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o in_o a_o vow_n there_o be_v first_o a_o purpose_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n second_o a_o bind_n of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v that_o we_o pupose_v for_o this_o cause_n i_o term_v it_o a_o promise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o purpose_n with_o a_o bond_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o vow_n make_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o add_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o god_n not_o to_o saint_n angel_n or_o man._n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o a_o vow_n be_v proper_o the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o a_o purpose_n now_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v of_o the_o purpose_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o same_o which_o no_o angel_n saint_n or_o other_o creature_n can_v possible_o do_v second_o when_o the_o vow_n be_v make_v none_o can_v punish_v and_o take_v revenge_n of_o the_o breach_n thereof_o but_o god_n three_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o jew_n never_o vow_v but_o to_o god_n because_o the_o vow_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n deut._n 23._o 21._o when_o thou_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o bestack_v to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v sin_n unto_o thou_o where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n that_o make_v vow_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v they_o god_n &_o to_o worship_v they_o as_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n ii_o question_n whether_o a_o vow_n be_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n any_o part_n of_o religion_n or_o god_n worship_n the_o answer_n be_v threefold_a first_o if_o a_o vow_n be_v take_v for_o a_o promise_n of_o moral_a obedience_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o a_o vow_n be_v indeed_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o god_n for_o his_o part_n promise_v mercy_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o we_o in_o baptism_n do_v make_v a_o vow_n and_o promise_v of_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o peter_n call_v baptism_n a_o stipulation_n that_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o good_a conscience_n to_o god_n this_o promise_n once_o make_v in_o baptism_n be_v renew_v so_o oft_o as_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o further_o continue_v in_o the_o daily_a spiritual_a exercise_n of_o invocation_n and_o repentance_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o be_v already_o bind_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n by_o order_n of_o divine_a justice_n therefore_o we_o can_v further_o bind_v ourselves_o ans._n he_o that_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n may_v also_o bind_v himself_o david_n though_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n in_o conscience_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n yet_o he_o bind_v himself_o free_o by_o oath_n to_o help_v his_o own_o weakness_n &_o to_o keep_v himself_o from_o fall_v when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v swear_v and_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n psal._n 119._o 106._o and_o the_o same_o bond_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a and_o behooffefull_a for_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o prone_a and_o ready_o we_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o second_o answer_n if_o a_o vow_n be_v take_v for_o a_o promise_n of_o some_o ceremonial_a duty_n as_o of_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n or_o of_o give_v house_n land_n and_o good_n to_o the_o temple_n then_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o vow_n of_o such_o duty_n be_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v not_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o to_o we_o gentile_n they_o be_v not_o consider_v they_o be_v all_o in_o christ_n abolish_v and_o none_o of_o they_o do_v now_o stand_v in_o force_n by_o god_n law_n to_o us._n thus_o the_o passeover_n be_v a_o ceremony_n or_o service_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o israelite_n and_o their_o posterity_n exod._n 12._o 24._o 25._o and_o therefore_o stand_v as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o they_o
for_o a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n but_o to_o we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o it_o and_o other_o legal_a ceremony_n be_v abrogate_a and_o we_o have_v only_o two_o sacrament_n to_o be_v administer_v and_o receive_v as_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n second_o that_o which_o be_v not_o commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o worship_n to_o us._n now_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o where_o commend_v unto_o we_o in_o that_o name_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o vow_v the_o observation_n thereof_o three_o vow_n of_o ceremonial_a duty_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o upon_o special_a respect_n pertain_v to_o the_o jew_n hereupon_o when_o they_o vow_v house_n land_n good_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n this_o they_o do_v as_o be_v the_o lord_n tenant_n of_o who_o alone_o they_o hold_v their_o possession_n and_o hereby_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o also_o testify_v their_o homage_n and_o service_n due_a unto_o he_o and_o this_o particular_a respect_n concern_v not_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n to_o perform_v worship_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o vow_n of_o ceremony_n gift_n oblation_n and_o sacrifice_n the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n if_o a_o vow_n be_v take_v for_o a_o promise_n of_o some_o bodily_a and_o outward_a work_n or_o exercise_v as_o fast_v give_v of_o alm_n abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n and_o drink_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o only_o a_o help_n stay_v and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o same_o for_o first_o we_o have_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o christ_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v all_o indifferent_a thing_n now_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o absolute_o necessary_a second_o paul_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 8._o affirm_v that_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a but_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a for_o all_o thing_n in_o which_o word_n he_o oppose_v godliness_n to_o bodily_a exercise_n and_o therefore_o godliness_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o they_o but_o the_o word_n of_o david_n be_v allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a psal._n 76._o 11._o vow_n and_o perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n where_o we_o have_v a_o double_a command_n one_o to_o make_v vow_n another_o to_o pay_v they_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o vow_n of_o all_o moral_a duty_n than_o the_o commandment_n concern_v every_o man_n because_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v vow_v thankful_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o perform_v it_o again_o if_o the_o place_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o vow_n of_o ceremonial_a duty_n than_o it_o be_v a_o commandment_n peculiar_a to_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o so_o bind_v the_o jew_n only_o howbeit_o not_o all_o of_o they_o but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o make_v a_o vow_n for_o otherwise_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o abstain_v from_o vow_v deut._n 23._o 22._o when_o thou_o abstain_v from_o vow_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n unto_o thou_o of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o kind_n must_v the_o place_n allege_v necessary_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o of_o the_o three_o which_o be_v of_o bodily_a exercise_n for_o than_o it_o shall_v reverse_v christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a which_o no_o commandment_n can_v do_v by_o light_n of_o this_o answer_n we_o may_v discern_v the_o error_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o make_v vow_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o it_o teach_v that_o some_o vow_n as_o namely_o those_o of_o poverty_n continency_n regular_a obedience_n to_o this_o or_o that_o order_n be_v work_n of_o merit_n and_o supererogation_n tend_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n even_o in_o this_o life_n and_o deserve_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n than_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n iii_o question_n when_o a_o vow_v make_v do_v bind_v and_o when_o not_o before_o i_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o this_o ground_n in_o make_v of_o a_o lawful_a vow_n four_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o he_o that_o vow_v that_o he_o be_v a_o fit_a person_n his_o fitness_n may_v be_v discern_v by_o two_o thing_n first_o if_o he_o be_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n as_o touch_v the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o make_v his_o vow_n and_o not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o superior_a thus_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n if_o a_o daughter_n have_v make_v a_o vow_n without_o the_o consent_n or_o allowance_n of_o her_o father_n it_o may_v not_o stand_v in_o effect_n numb_a 30._o 4_o 5._o second_o if_o the_o party_n keep_v himself_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n general_a and_o particular_a hence_o it_o follow_v that_o vow_n of_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n to_o worship_v this_o or_o that_o idol_n in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n for_o example_n s._n james_n of_o compostella_n and_o the_o lady_n of_o loretto_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o unlawful_a because_o such_o person_n by_o this_o practice_n do_v leave_v their_o call_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o a_o calling_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o second_o condition_n be_v concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n it_o must_v be_v lawful_a possible_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n the_o first_o be_v sinne._n thus_o the_o jew_n bind_v themselves_o with_o a_o vow_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n act._n 23._o 12_o 14._o this_o their_o vow_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o threaten_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o utter_o unlawful_a second_o trifle_n and_o light_a matter_n as_o when_o a_o man_n vow_v not_o to_o take_v up_o a_o straw_n or_o such_o like_a and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a mock_n of_o god_n three_o thing_n impossible_a as_o to_o fly_v or_o to_o go_v on_o foot_n to_o jerusalem_n four_o thing_n mere_o necessary_a as_o to_o die_v which_o can_v be_v avoid_v the_o three_o be_v touch_v the_o form_n of_o a_o vow_n it_o must_v be_v voluntary_a and_o free_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o three_o thing_n be_v necessary_o require_v first_o that_o it_o be_v make_v in_o judgement_n that_o be_v with_o reason_n and_o deliberation_n next_o that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o consent_n of_o will_n and_o three_o with_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o vow_n of_o child_n madman_n and_o fool_n or_o such_o as_o be_v take_v upon_o rashness_n or_o constraint_n also_o the_o vow_n of_o perpetual_a abstinence_n from_o thing_n simple_o indifferent_a be_v all_o utter_o unlawful_a for_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v not_o do_v upon_o judgement_n the_o next_o without_o due_a consideration_n and_o the_o last_o be_v great_o prejudicial_a to_o christian_a liberty_n the_o four_o concern_v the_o end_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o only_o a_o stay_n and_o prop_v to_o further_o and_o help_v we_o in_o the_o same_o now_o there_o be_v three_o particular_a end_n of_o a_o vow_n first_o to_o show_v ourselves_o thankful_a to_o god_n for_o blessing_n receive_v second_o to_o prevent_v sin_n to_o come_v by_o keep_v so_o brietie_n and_o moderation_n three_o to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n prayer_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n this_o ground_n be_v lay_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v be_v this_o when_o in_o vow_v we_o observe_v the_o condition_n praerequired_n the_o vow_n be_v lawful_a and_o consequent_o bind_v the_o party_n vow_v so_o as_o if_o he_o keep_v it_o not_o he_o dishonour_v god_n but_o when_o the_o say_a condition_n do_v not_o concur_v in_o the_o action_n of_o vow_v it_o become_v unlawful_a and_o the_o party_n remain_v free_a and_o not_o bind_v to_o performance_n here_o by_o the_o way_n a_o question_n of_o some_o moment_n be_v make_v whether_o jephte_n upon_o his_o vow_n do_v offer_v his_o daughter_n in_o sacrifice_n or_o no_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o also_o by_o the_o doctrine_n before_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o vow_n which_o he_o make_v this_o question_n admit_v sundry_a answer_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a opinion_n
be_v chargeable_a to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a alm_n to_o they_o that_o be_v true_o poor_a v._o the_o five_o reason_n they_o bring_v in_o again_o judaism_n for_o jewish_a religion_n by_o god_n appointment_n stand_v in_o bodily_a rite_n and_o outward_a ceremony_n action_n and_o gesture_n yea_o in_o outward_a thing_n as_o garment_n meat_n drink_n and_o their_o rule_n be_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o from_o all_o which_o we_o be_v whole_o free_v by_o christ._n vi_o six_o these_o vow_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a for_o they_o be_v make_v and_o observe_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o god_n worship_n of_o merit_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v god_n worship_n but_o that_o which_o himself_o command_v and_o bodily_a exercise_n be_v unprofitable_a as_o paul_n say_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v meritorious_a and_o further_o to_o dream_v of_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n beyond_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v to_o make_v the_o law_n itself_o imperfect_a whereas_o contrariwise_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a righteous_a and_o pure_a psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o vii_o last_o these_o vow_n be_v against_o the_o preservation_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o they_o special_o that_o of_o perpetual_a chastity_n man_n be_v bring_v to_o destroy_v even_o their_o own_o body_n and_o life_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v ephes._n 5._o 29._o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o the_o apostle_n even_o in_o his_o day_n note_v it_o as_o a_o fault_n in_o the_o voluntary_a religion_n that_o be_v then_o take_v up_o by_o some_o that_o for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o they_o spare_v not_o their_o own_o body_n coloss._n 2._o 23._o and_o like_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o popish_a votary_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o nature_n and_o life_n itself_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o allegation_n that_o be_v common_o make_v in_o the_o favour_n and_o defence_n of_o popish_a vow_n and_o first_o it_o be_v object_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n vow_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n therefore_o they_o be_v so_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o new_a ans._n there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o they_o for_o first_o they_o have_v their_o warrant_n out_o of_o god_n word_n these_o have_v not_o so_o nay_o there_o be_v express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n against_o these_o vow_n second_o in_o their_o vow_n there_o be_v always_o right_o reserve_v to_o superior_n to_o reverse_v they_o if_o they_o like_v they_o not_o but_o in_o monastical_a vow_n all_o right_n be_v take_v from_o superior_n for_o child_n be_v permit_v to_o vow_n and_o their_o promise_n must_v stand_v against_o parent_n consent_n and_o wife_n according_a to_o popish_a doctrine_n may_v vow_v against_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o their_o husband_n three_o they_o be_v not_o perpetual_a but_o cease_v with_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o perpetual_a equity_n that_o must_v continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o allege_v that_o which_o be_v write_v matth._n 19_o 12._o some_o have_v make_v themselves_o chaste_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ans._n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o that_o some_o have_v vow_v single_a life_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continency_n upon_o that_o gift_n do_v endeavour_v to_o maintain_v their_o present_a estate_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o serve_v god_n and_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o three_o they_o object_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 12._o where_o paul_n speak_v of_o certain_a young_a woman_n which_o have_v damnation_n because_o they_o have_v break_v their_o first_o faith_n that_o be_v as_o they_o interpret_v it_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n ans._n the_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o vow_n but_o either_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o god_n in_o their_o baptism_n or_o the_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o service_n and_o relief_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o either_o of_o these_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o incur_v damnation_n four_o they_o say_v christ_n himself_o be_v a_o beggar_n and_o therefore_o why_o may_v not_o we_o also_o be_v beggar_n ans._n though_o christ_n be_v poor_a yet_o be_v he_o no_o beggar_n for_o he_o keep_v a_o family_n and_o have_v a_o treasure_n judas_n be_v the_o steward_n of_o his_o family_n and_o bear_v the_o bag_n joh._n 13._o 29._o again_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o 200_o penny_n joh._n 6._o 7._o which_o in_o likelihood_n be_v in_o the_o bag_n that_o judas_n keep_v yea_o of_o the_o money_n which_o he_o have_v the_o disciple_n be_v say_v to_o buy_v meat_n joh._n 4._o 8._o and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o beggar_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o his_o poverty_n be_v expiatory_a and_o part_n of_o his_o suffering_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a 2._o cor._n 8._o 9_o five_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o disciple_n forsake_v all_o and_o live_v in_o poverty_n and_o their_o example_n be_v propound_v for_o our_o imitation_n ans._n they_o forsake_v all_o indeed_o yet_o how_o not_o for_o ever_o but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o not_o by_o vow_n but_o only_o in_o affection_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o after_o they_o have_v forsake_v all_o we_o read_v that_o they_o come_v to_o their_o net_n and_o boat_n again_o joh._n 21._o 3._o again_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n when_o he_o say_v have_v we_o not_o power_n to_o lead_v about_o a_o wife_n be_v a_o sister_n 1._o cor._n 9_o 5._o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o put_v not_o away_o their_o wife_n six_o mat._n 19_o 21._o if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a say_v christ_n to_o the_o young_a man_n go_v sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o follow_v i_o here_o say_v the_o papist_n our_o saviour_n prescribe_v perpetual_a poverty_n by_o express_a counsel_n ans._n the_o word_n be_v no_o counsel_n but_o a_o special_a commandment_n of_o trial_n direct_v to_o this_o young_a man_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v unto_o he_o his_o secret_a pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o that_o he_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n when_o as_o indeed_o he_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v last_o they_o object_n the_o example_n of_o the_o recabite_n who_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o their_o father_n jon_n adab_n will_v drink_v no_o wine_n nor_o dwell_v in_o house_n nor_o build_v nor_o plant_v nor_o sow_v jerem._n 35._o and_o the_o lord_n approve_v their_o practice_n ans._n they_o do_v obey_v their_o father_n command_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a but_o not_o as_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o do_v where_o of_o they_o place_v religion_n and_o they_o obey_v it_o careful_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v inure_v themselves_o unto_o hardshippe_n second_o this_o their_o obedience_n touch_v these_o thing_n stand_v not_o by_o any_o vow_n much_o less_o be_v it_o perpetual_a for_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o vow_v equal_o which_o they_o do_v not_o for_o they_o dispense_v with_o their_o father_n voluntary_a injunction_n for_o dwell_v in_o tent_n and_o as_o we_o read_v vers_fw-la 11._o they_o come_v up_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o chaldean_n that_o be_v in_o the_o land_n and_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o much_o touch_v popish_a vow_n whereof_o to_o conclude_v this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o a_o mere_a will-worship_n stand_v upon_o no_o ground_n or_o warrant_v of_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o force_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n wicked_a and_o abominable_a chap._n xv._n of_o fast_v the_o eight_o head_n of_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v fast_v by_o fast_v i_o understand_v the_o religious_a fast_o which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o namely_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n touch_v it_o there_o be_v three_o principal_a question_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o their_o order_n i._o question_n what_o be_v a_o
reverse_a afterward_o luk._n 22._o 36._o consider_v then_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o their_o first_o embassage_n when_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o give_v they_o for_o all_o time_n iv._o rule_n we_o must_v so_o use_v and_o possess_v the_o good_n we_o have_v that_o the_o use_n and_o possession_n of_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n rich_a man_n must_v be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o together_o with_o their_o riches_n lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n in_o conscience_n against_o the_o evil_a day_n 1._o tim._n 6._o 18._o for_o the_o better_a pactize_v of_o this_o rule_n take_v these_o three_o caution_n i._o we_o must_v seek_v to_o have_v christ_n and_o to_o be_v in_o he_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o be_v in_o he_o then_o shall_v we_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o have_v the_o holy_a use_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v some_o will_v say_v infidel_n have_v the_o use_n of_o riches_n ans._n they_o have_v indeed_o and_o they_o be_v to_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o so_o enjoy_v they_o as_o that_o before_o god_n they_o be_v but_o usurper_n they_o be_v gift_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n give_v but_o they_o be_v abuse_n and_o theft_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o receive_n because_o they_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v a_o father_n give_v a_o gift_n unto_o his_o child_n upon_o condition_n that_o he_o shall_v thus_o and_o thus_o receive_v it_o now_o the_o child_n steal_v the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v he_o and_o therefore_o have_v it_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n that_o his_o father_n will_v he_o shall_v have_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v infidel_n steal_v and_o usurp_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o just_a title_n themselves_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n neither_o do_v they_o use_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o god_n require_v sanctify_v they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 5._o ii_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o grace_n right_o to_o use_v our_o riches_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n for_o riches_n and_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o sinful_a man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n to_o use_v they_o well_o be_v dangerous_a even_o as_o a_o knife_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o child_n they_o be_v thorn_n and_o choke_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o keep_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yea_o they_o be_v the_o devil_n snare_n whereby_o he_o catch_v the_o wicked_a &_o hold_v they_o in_o it_o at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n iii_o our_o riches_n must_v be_v employ_v to_o necessary_a use_n these_o be_v first_o the_o maintenance_n of_o our_o own_o good_a estate_n and_o condition_n second_o the_o good_a of_o other_o special_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o family_n or_o kindred_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 8._o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o and_o namely_o for_o they_o of_o his_o household_n he_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n three_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o man_n four_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n prov._n 3._o 9_o honour_n god_n with_o thy_o riches_n five_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n give_v tribute_n say_v paul_n to_o who_o tribute_n belong_v rom._n 13._o 7._o and_o give_v unto_o god_n say_v christ_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n matt._n 22._o 21._o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o moderation_n of_o the_o appetite_n in_o the_o use_n of_o riches_n sect._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n follow_v those_o question_n that_o concern_v the_o moderation_n of_o our_o appetite_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v concern_v which_o there_o be_v principal_o two_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o second_o i._o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n &_o drink_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ans._n there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o sundry_a respect_n i._o in_o respect_n of_o man_n for_o health_n suk_n paul_n counsel_v timothy_n drink_v no_o more_o water_n drink_v a_o little_a wine_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 23._o in_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n of_o meat_n approve_v and_o commend_v for_o man_n for_o every_o kind_n of_o food_n fit_v not_o every_o body_n meat_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o difference_n man_n be_v not_o make_v for_o meat_n but_o meat_n for_o man_n ii_o in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n some_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v at_o some_o time_n and_o some_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v eat_v thus_o paul_n profess_v that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v offend_v his_o brother_n he_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n endure_v 1._o cor._n 8._o 13._o and_o in_o rom._n 14._o he_o dispute_v the_o point_n at_o large_a touch_v the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n that_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o regard_n of_o offend_v they_o that_o be_v weak_a iii_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n to_o be_v make_v in_o respect_n of_o civil_a and_o politic_a order_n when_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n certain_a kind_n of_o meat_n for_o certain_a season_n of_o the_o year_n be_v forbid_v thus_o in_o our_o common_a wealth_n there_o be_v appoint_v day_n of_o flesh_n &_o day_n of_o fish_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o conscience_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o country_n iv._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n of_o meat_n which_o arise_v upon_o the_o bond_n of_o conscience_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v this_o or_o that_o meat_n touch_v this_o difference_n before_o the_o flood_n the_o patriarch_n in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v not_o allow_v flesh_n but_o only_a herb_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n gen._n 1._o 29._o after_o the_o flood_n flesh_n be_v permit_v but_o blood_n forbid_v gen._n 9_o 3._o 4._o from_o that_o time_n there_o be_v command_v a_o dististinction_n of_o meat_n whereof_o some_o be_v clean_o some_o unclean_a which_o distinction_n stand_v in_o force_n till_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a law_n but_o in_o the_o last_o day_n all_o difference_n of_o meat_n in_o respect_n of_o obligation_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v take_v away_o and_o a_o free_a use_n of_o all_o be_v give_v in_o that_o regard_n this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v in_o many_o place_n act._n 10._o 15._o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v purify_v pollute_v thou_o not_o peter_n in_o these_o word_n teach_v that_o all_o meat_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o regard_n of_o use_n be_v make_v clean_o by_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n by_o refusal_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o meat_n shall_v think_v or_o make_v they_o unclean_a again_o rom._n 14._o 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n or_o drink_v but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o whosoever_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o he_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n meat_n and_o drink_n do_v not_o make_v any_o man_n accept_v of_o god_n whether_o he_o use_v or_o use_v it_o not_o but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v it_o that_o make_v man_n approve_v of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 8._o 8._o meat_n do_v not_o commend_v we_o unto_o god_n again_o col._n 2._o 16._o let_v no_o man_n condemn_v you_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 20._o if_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n why_o as_o if_o you_o live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v you_o burden_v with_o tradition_n as_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o all_o which_o perish_v with_o the_o use_n here_o paul_n will_v not_o have_v the_o collossian_o burden_v with_o rite_n and_o tradition_n concern_v meat_n so_o as_o if_o they_o use_v they_o not_o they_o shall_v in_o cur_n the_o blame_n and_o condemnation_n of_o man_n but_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o use_v they_o free_o and_o indifferent_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v double_a first_o because_o they_o be_v now_o free_v in_o conscience_n from_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n touch_v meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o conscience_n much_o more_o free_v from_o man_n law_n second_o because_o these_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o