For, although a Scandal cannot make duty to be no duty for ever, yet it may for a time suspend one from the exercise of a lawful duty, although not always: Thus to give alms, is a commanded duty, yet if there be hazard that an indigent person may abuse it, or others may take offence by that example either ostentatively in a selfie way to give, or to account so of him that doth give, or such like, in that case giving of alms is for that time to be forborne, except the persons strait make it necessary, or some other circumstance, and a private way afterward is to be taken: So, preaching to a Minister, and hearing to a professor, are commanded duties, Yet supposing that a particular mans preaching at such a time, would stumble more than edify, it is to be forborne. So in giving of admonitions, or in correcting of children, we are not to do these when we, or others, are in passion, although they be duties, but to take a fit time, l•st more hurt follow than advantage: That being a rule anent affirmative precepts, that they bind continually (or semper) but not alway to the actual performing of them, (or ad semper) Thus a servant, or wife, or any other person are bound to pray always, yet to do it then when the master, husband, or family calleth-for some other thing necessary, would be an offence. Fourthly, In necessary things, offence ought to have weight according to the circumstantiate case, to sway one in the manner and circumstances of that necessary duty; Thus, supposing it necessary to pray, a man is to choose the place and posture of praying accordingly; Thus it is offensive in some cases to pray so as we may be observed, because that looketh hypocritical like, and is condemned, Matth. 6. Sometimes ⟨p. 28⟩again, it is offensive not to be known to pray, as was in Daniel's case, Dan. 6. because his not evidencing of it by opening of his windows, had looked like his receding from his former piety, &c. And in this respect, what is offensive at one time, may be edifying at another, And what is edifying now, may become offensive afterward upon another occasion, As by Paul's circumcising of Timothy, and refusing to circumcise Titus, doth appear. So sometimes (suppose it when Nehemiah is standing before the King) to kneel down to pray, would have been offensive; at other times for a man to pray and not to kneel in his chamber, (as in Daniels case) may be offensive also.
For, although a Scandal cannot make duty to be no duty for ever, yet it may for a time suspend one from the exercise of a lawfull duty, although not alwayes: Thus to give alms, is a commanded duty, yet if there be hazard that an indigent person may abuse it, or others may take offence by that example either ostentatively in a selfie way to give, or to account so of him that doth give, or such like, in that case giving of alms is for that time to be forborn, except the persons strait make it necessary, or some other circumstance, and a privat way afterward is to be taken: So, preaching to a Minister, and hearing to a professour, are commanded duties, Yet supposing that a particular mans preaching at such a time, would stumble more than edifie, it is to be forborn. So in giving of admonitions, or in correcting of children, we are not to do these when we, or others, are in passion, although they be duties, but to take a fit time, l•st more hurt follow than advantage: That being a rule anent affirmative precepts, that they bind continually (or semper) but not alway to the actual performing of them, (or ad semper) Thus a servant, or wife, or any other person are bound to pray alwayes, yet to do it then when the master, husband, or family calleth-for some other thing necessary, would be an offence. Fourthly, In necessary things, offence ought to have weight according to the circumstantiat case, to sway one in the manner and circumstances of that necessary duty; Thus, supposing it necessary to pray, a man is to choose the place and posture of praying accordingly; Thus it is offensive in some cases to pray so as we may be observed, because that looketh hypocritical like, and is condemned, Matth. 6. Sometimes ⟨p. 28⟩again, it is offensive not to be known to pray, as was in Daniel's case, Dan. 6. because his not evidencing of it by opening of his windows, had looked like his receding from his former piety, &c. And in this respect, what is ofensive at one time, may be edifying at another, And what is edifying now, may become offensive afterward upon another occasion, As by Paul's circumcising of Timothy, and refusing to circumcise Titus, doth appear. So sometimes (suppose it when Nehemiah is standing before the King) to kneel down to pray, would have been offensive; at other times for a man to pray and not to kneel in his chamber, (as in Daniels case) may be offensive also.
