A Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practically resolvedA Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practicaly resolved

Especially if that be considered (which is common to these two last mentioned sorts of men) that they sensibly find other means more edifying to them, or expect them only to be so, if the other be thought unlawful. If they be thought merely lawful, and such as may therefore be used upon weighty reasons at some times, but are found less edifying, who can doubt but I ought to use for my Soul (at least in an ordinary course) the aptest means that I can ordinarily have for the promoting its edification and salvation? Do we not reckon our selves to owe so much even to our bodies? And what is another mans opinion to signify against my sense and constant experience? Is there not such a thing as a mental idiosyncrasy (or peculiarity of temper) as well as a bodily? and whereto what is most agreeable, any man that is not destitute of ordinary understanding is the fittest judge himself. As every one, that is not a mere fool, is so much a Physician as to know what diet suits him best.

Especially if that be considered (which is common to these two last mentioned sorts of men) that they sensibly find other means more edifying to them, or expect them only to be so, if the other be thought unlawful. If they be thought meerly lawful, and such as may therefore be used upon weighty reasons at some times, but are found less edifying, who can doubt but I ought to use for my Soul (at least in an ordinary course) the aptest means that I can ordinarily have for the promoting its edification and salvation? Do we not reckon our selves to owe so much even to our bodies? And what is another mans opinion to signifie against my sense and constant experience? Is there not such a thing as a mental idiosynerasie (or peculiarity of temper) as well as a bodily? and whereto what is most agreeable, any man that is not destitute of ordinary understanding is the fittest judge himself. As every one, that is not a meer fool, is so much a Physician as to know what diet sutes him best.

And if it be said against the former of these two sorts, Are they n•t at all times obliged to use the means which are most edifying? They may say at all times when they have nothing to outweigh their own present edification. But it is not impossible that a conscientious judgement may esteem all the forementioned considerations concurring, to be of more weight than the greater advantage hoped to be gained in that one hour. Nor need any man be ashamed professedly to avow that which may seem the least of them, the saving of himself from temporal ruin. For he is to be accountable to God for what portion he hath entrusted him with of the good things of this life,