A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

These Three Positions now respect those things that appear evil to our selves; but then there are other Things that have a good Appearance unto us, that yet may have an evil Appearance to others; they may scruple, and be offended at what we do, though for our own parts, we our selves are sufficiently satisfied in the Lawfulness of it. And indeed our Times (what through different Customs and Interests) have brought ⟨p. 127⟩Men's Consciences also to such different sizes, that it is utterly impossible but some will condemn what others allow as lawful; yea, what others not only allow, but stiffly maintain to be necessary, and our Duty. How then should we behave our selves in this Case? What Rules must we walk by, so as to keep Consciences void of offence, not only to God, but as far as is possible towards Men also? In this, if any thing that belongs to Christianity, there lies a great deal of difficulty to state the Case aright, or aright to practise it; and the Difficulty is increased from these two Considerations, which I shall lay down as general Premises to the following Discourse.

First, If we give no power to the scrupulous Judgments of weak and tender Consciences to oblige us to Duty, to abstain from what appears evil to them, then we shall sin evidently against the Law of Charity, and against many Apostolical Injunctions and Commands, that we should have respect to their Opinions and Censures; especially in Rom. 14. and in 1 Cor. chap. 8, & 10. almost ⟨p. 128⟩throughout. Indeed there is scarce any one thing belonging to Christianity that hath more Rules and Prescripts oftener prescribed by the Apostle to us, than this of abstaining from offending the weak Consciences of others.

First, If we give no power to the scrupulous Judgments of weak and tender Consciences to oblige us to Duty, to abstain from what appears evil to them, then we shall sin evidently against the Law of Charity, and against many Apostolical Injunctions and Commands, that we should have respect to their Opinions and Censures; especially in