56 4 tr'eatif'e ofConfcience, this libertie may be confidered in a double refpec9 : T. In regard of it lilt; the libertie it fell; z. In regard of the exercife or ufe of this libertie. Now there is a very great difference between these two confederations; as there is a great dif}è- rence between a mans having a (word and a mans wearing a a lvaord. The Magifrate may reí{rain a man from wearinga fword at fuch or !itch a time, though he do not take his sword from him : fo there is difference between-0 the having our libertie and the tiling our libertie. There is a libertie purchalèci for Gods children, whereby all things are become lawful! unto them : All things are lawfull unto me, faith Paul r, Cor. 6. 1z. Rom,r4. and there is nothing evil in it felf : (he ipeaketh of indiffe- 14 rent things.) 'o:is children are freed from the oblervation of meats, and drinks, and times, and garments. Nowwhatfoever commandment is made by the MagiPrate contrarie to this li- bertie doth not bind contcience : for nothing can bind coníci-, ence when Chrif}Both doofe it : Yet there maybe a rei{raint ofthe ufeof this libertie : as for example, theMagi!}rate may command us to forbear fame kinds of meats at ibme certain times ; and fo alto. for garments, and the like : namely, when the do&}ririe abolit meats and drink and garments is pure. And therefore in fuch a cafe the command of the Magiflrate bindeth the confcience ; otherwise nor. 4. When they command things indifferent tobe abíólutely neceffary, to make them IdolArrous or funeríiitious, then in this cafe they are unlawful! and bind not the conference to o- bey them. But when are they idolatrous ? J anfwer ; a .When they are conmanded eyther as abíolutelyncceffary to Chriltia- nity, to the very being ofreligion and theworship ofGad, and. with as muchneceflìty as holineffe it felf, then they are made fuperairious and id,latrous : .And in this cafe the caveat ofet. E. Aohnai. John is ftrongly tobe kept, Rages, keep your felves from fdls. 2. When they are commanded is things meritorious, as plea- ting to God for themfelves, and to merit of him,. then they are idolatrous. 3. . When they are commanded for the fribff tntiall perfeaion ofReligion, as though religion were imperfcet with- out
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