Monthly preparations for the Holy Communion by R.B

Answ: The Apostle there speaketh not of eating in the Sacrament, but of eating meats, which he doubteth of whether they are lawful, but is sure, that it is lawful to forbear them. And in case of doubting about things indifferent, the surer side is to forbear them, because there may be sin in doing; but there can be none on the other side in forbearing. But in case of Duties, your doubting will not disoblige you; else men might give over praying, and hearing Gods Word, and believing, and obeying their Rulers, and maintaining their Families, when they are but blind enough to doubt of it. 2. Your erring Conscience is not a Lawmaker, and cannot make it your duty to obey it. For God is your King, and the Office of your Conscience is to discern his Law; and urge you to obedience, and not to make you Laws of its own: So that if it speak falsely, it doth not oblige you, but deceive you. It doth only ligate, or ensnare you, but not obligare, or make ⟨p. 37⟩a sin a duty. It casteth you into necessity of sinning more or less till you relinquish the error: But in case of such duties as these, it is a sin to do them with a doubting Conscience, but (ordinarily) it is a greater sin to forbear.

Answ: The Apostle there speaketh not of eating in the Sacrament, but of eating meats, which he doubteth of whether they are lawful, but is sure, that it is lawful to forbear them. And in case of doubting about things indifferent, the surer side is to forbear them, because there may be sin in doing; but there can be none on the other side in forbearing. But in case of Duties, your doubting will not disoblige you; else men might give over praying, and hearing Gods Word, and believing, and obeying their Rulers, and maintaining their Families, when they are but blind enough to doubt of it. 2. Your erring Conscience is not a Lawmaker, and cannot make it your duty to obey it. For God is your King, and the Office of your Conscience is to discern his Law; and urge you to obedience, and not to make you Laws of its own: So that if it speak falsly, it doth not oblige you, but deceive you. It doth only ligate, or insnare you, but not obligare, or make ⟨p. 37⟩a sin a duty. It casteth you into necessity of sinning more or less till you relinquish the error: But in case of such duties as these, it is a sin to do them with a doubting Conscience, but (ordinarily) it is a greater sin to forbear.