A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

Secondly, This would abridge, yea, utterly destroy all Christian Liberty in things indifferent; because, if nothing should be lawful that another scruples, then almost every thing would become sinful, since almost every thing is scrupled by some or other. In vain therefore ⟨p. 129⟩is it to reckon it as our Privilege, that we are freed from the Old Ceremonial Law, and that heavy Yoke of Ordinances that none were able to bear, if yet Christian Religion brings our Consciences under the most imperious Laws of mens Humours, Censures, and Opinions; it were far easier to observe all the Levitical Law from one end of it to the other, than to be bound to those worldly Rudiments, as the Apostle calls them in Col. 2. Touch not, taste not, handle not, wear not, speak not, if such a Person be offended at it, and count it unlawful.

Secondly, This would abridge, yea, utterly destroy all Christian Liberty in things indifferent; because, if nothing should be lawful that another scruples, then almost every thing would become sinful, since almost every thing is scrupled by some or other. In vain therefore ⟨p. 129⟩is it to reckon it as our Priviledge, that we are freed from the Old Ceremonial Law, and that heavy Yoke of Ordinances that none were able to bear, if yet Christian Religion brings our Consciences under the most imperious Laws of mens Humours, Censures, and Opinions; it were far easier to abserve all the Levitical Law from one end of it to the other, than to be bound to those worldly Rudiments, as the Apostle calls them in Col. 2. Touch not, taste not, handle not, wear not, speak not, if such a Person be offended at it, and count it unlawful.

Now, from the consideration of these Two Particulars, I shall lay down this Fourth Position, concerning Abstinence from the Appearance of Evil, in respect of others; and that is, if the Appearance of Evil is to others, and not to our selves, then in some Cases we are bound in Duty and Conscience to abstain from it, and in others not: Whatever hath the Show or Appearance of Evil in it, it must either be commanded, and so it is necessary; or else it is left indifferent and arbitrary; and accordingly we may take these following Rules.