'iz6 Of ChrJian LiÍerty. E R M. church, they are not intended to eftablifli V. that particular order, if any fuch there wasj but chiefly to Thew that widows, or what- ever perfons profefiìng chriftianity, were entrufted with that function, fhould execute it fo as to avoid offence. The true inference, therefore, from the example of the apofiles, and their declaraá tions on this fubjea is, that things indiffer- ent, that is, in themfelves neither morally good nor evil, and neither enjoined nor pro- hibited by any law of God, fhould Rill re. main indifferent, and not be particularly de. termined by human authority to the pur- pofes of religion. Since the apoflles, direhed as they were by the fpirit of God in found- ing the churches, &c. leaving them rules fufficient in all ages to their anfwering the ends for which they were founded, nevet interpofed by authoritative decifions in in- different things, it followeth, indeed, that they are left to human prudence ; but what prudence ? not the prudence of fome judg- ing for others, not the public prudence of churches reprefentative, or affemblies of their guides, but the prudence of every par- ticular chriftian judging for himfelf. Every one, I think, who diligently and without prejudice attendeth to the epiflles of St. Paul,
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