'128 Of Chrißian Liberty. S ER M. man governors muff determine all contro., V. verfes that may arife on filch an occafion, and every .chriftian is to do or forbear jutt as they require, without having leave to judge for himfelf whether the part he a6teth be prudent or imprudent, whether it of- fondeth a weak brother or not ; which, how agreeable it is to the praftice of the apoftles, and to the fpirit and Brain of their writings, let any one judge. I would fain know what liberty from ceremonies is fe- cured to chriftians upon this principle ? The truth of the gofpel, if they fincerely receive and obey it, will indeed make them free from prejudices, paffions, and whatever in themfelves might obftrudt the practice of piety and virtue, which is a glorious privi lege ; and they may follow their own judg ment in doing what is in itfelf good, and avoiding what is in itfelf evil. But with re- fpe ± to indifferent things their liberty feen:- eth to be precarious, being put under the power of their rulers, who may reftrain and limit it as they pleafe; if they ufe their authority with moderation, the fubjeds are obliged to them ; if not, the condition of chriftians may be extremely fervile, as it aaually hath been in fome churches. But furely our Lord Jefus Chrift hath not put it
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