3 Many scruples when they cannot well be taken away by some contrary reason, ought to be laid down as it were by violence, refusing to think or consider of them. For so long as scruples are not actually applied, they are not troublesome: And some be so troublesome that the weaker and more unskilful sort, can by no other means be rid of them. The bending of the mind attentively to remove a scruple by reason, doth often either engender or increase a scruple: as for example, All people know that the name of God ought to be called upon daily: yet one may be so vexed with impious thoughts, that this scruple may arise in a man, whether he ought to pray or not? Here it is not always a safe way to examine th•se thoughts, no• yet to dispute about this question long, but to throw away this fear, as it were with violence, and to fall upon the duty of prayer so well as one can. 4 If they cannot be so removed, but that they do still molest, it is lawful, and the best course, to do a thing ⟨p. 21⟩against such scruples. As for example, If there be any man that is so molested through the consideration of his unworthiness, that he dare scarce be so bold as to come to the Lords Table, though he find in himself true Faith and Repentance; he may and ought notwithstanding this scruple come to the Lords Supper. Neither is this to do against Conscience, but according to Conscience. For a scruple is a rash fear and without any ground, and so cannot bind to do according to it; yea through custom of doing against such like scruples, Conscience it self is made more strong and settled.
3 Many scruples when they cannot well be taken away by some contrary reason, ought to be laid downe as it were by violence, refusing to thinke or consider of them. For so long as scruples are not actually applyed, they are not troublesome: And some be so troublesome that the weaker and more unskilfull sort, can by no other meanes be ridd of them. The bending of the mind attentiuely to remooue a scruple by reason, doth often either ingender or encrease a scruple: as for example, All people know that the name of God ought to be called upon dayly: yet one may bee so vexed with impious thoughts, that this scruple may arise in a man, whether he ought to pray or not? Here it is not alwayes a safe way to examine th•se thoughts, no• yet to dispute about this question long, but to throw away this feare, as it were with violence, and to fall upon the duty of prayer so well as one can. 4 If they cannot be so remooved, but that they doe still molest, it is lawfull, and the best course, to do a thing ⟨p. 21⟩against such scruples. As for example, If there be any man that is so molested through the consideration of his unworthinesse, that he dare scarce be so bold as to come to the Lords Table, though he finde in himselfe true Faith and Repentance; he may and ought notwithstanding this scruple come to the Lords Supper. Neither is this to doe against Conscience, but according to Conscience. For a scruple is a rash feare and without any ground, and so cannot binde to doe according to it; yea through custome of doing against such like scruples, Conscience it selfe is made more strong and setled.
