wealth_n because_o the_o law_n be_v the_o public_a conscience_n which_o â—eems_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o if_o noâ—_n point_v blank_a contradictory_n unto_o what_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o rom._n 14._o v._n 5_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o conscience_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o to_o what_o he_o assert_n v_o 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n or_o from_o this_o full_a persuasion_n of_o its_o warrantableness_n be_v sin_n he_o do_v not_o sure_o write_v this_o to_o christian_n â—n_n outopia_n or_o in_o the_o fancied_a new_a world_n in_o the_o moon_n â—ut_v to_o those_o who_o be_v realy_a present_a memoer_n of_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n or_o subject_n of_o that_o impire_n neither_o can_v it_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v especial_o by_o he_o who_o in_o the_o strain_n of_o his_o book_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n make_v very_o little_a or_o rather_o no_o difference_n at_o all_o betwixt_o a_o heathen_a and_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n be_v pagan_a mahometan_n jewish_a christian_n popish_a or_o pâ—otestant_n heretical_a or_o orthodox_n seem_v to_o â—e_v all_o onâ—_n to_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n in_o this_o debate_n that_o if_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v be_v christian_a he_o will_v have_v write_v otherways_o or_o that_o his_o become_v such_o will_v enervat_fw-la yea_o quite_o evacuat_a the_o strength_n and_o obligation_n of_o what_o he_o writ_n for_o â—e_n deliver_v it_o as_o a_o eternal_a and_o un-alterable_a verity_n rule_v who_o will_v and_o be_v the_o civil_a law_n what_o they_o may_v be_v and_o while_o in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o that_o same_o epistle_n he_o tell_v christian_n v_o 5._o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n he_o seem_v very_o clear_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o mr._n hobbs_n call_v the_o public_a conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o private_a christian_a subject_n and_o to_o presâ—e_v upon_o they_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n sake_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v to_o they_o some_o exercise_n and_o judgement_n of_o that_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n otherways_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n can_v not_o well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n for_o he_o raight_o short_o have_v say_v obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o public_a conscience_n aâ—_n the_o law_n of_o the_o superior_a power_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o private_a subject_n in_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v one_o divine_a such_o as_o he_o be_v who_o in_o his_o ecclesiastic_a polity_n more_o late_o deliver_v the_o same_o doctrine_n wherein_o he_o not_o only_o plain_o hobbize_v but_o also_o palpable_o play_v the_o plagiâ—y_n borrow_v not_o to_o say_v steal_v much_o of_o what_o he_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n through_o his_o book_n from_o mr_n hobbs_n though_o in_o some_o few_o thing_n he_o oppoâ—eth_v he_o and_o deliver_v his_o sentiment_n in_o a_o fine_a dress_n of_o language_n it_o may_v be_v that_o none_o may_v think_v that_o he_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o other_o for_o that_o which_o he_o will_v surprise_v the_o world_n with_o as_o his_o own_o new_a and_o profound_o witty_a invention_n vain_o as_o it_o be_v cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v they_o for_o i_o share_n betwixt_o they_o this_o glory_v in_o their_o own_o shame_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v roll_v away_o he_o say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n subject_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o authority_n and_o the_o public_a conscience_n and_o that_o in_o these_o matter_n private_a man_n have_v not_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o by_o the_o command_n à nd_v determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n only_o with_o these_o sorry_a restriction_n if_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o either_o countenance_n vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n or_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o absolute_o and_o essential_o evil_a who_o nature_n no_o case_n can_v alter_v no_o circumstance_n can_v extenuat_fw-la and_o no_o end_n can_v sanctify_v mr._n hobbs_n have_v only_o this_o limitation_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o effect_n both_o come_v near_o to_o the_o same_o if_o not_o to_o the_o very_a same_o amount_v and_o by_o both_o a_o obligation_n be_v plead_v to_o lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o private_a christian_a subject_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o to_o many_o at_o least_o of_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n do_v contrary_a to_o which_o will_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o very_a narrow_a limitation_n which_o either_o suppose_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o proof_n that_o the_o public_a conscience_n be_v always_o infallible_a as_o to_o these_o and_o it_o be_v worthy_a notice_v what_o the_o learned_a monsieur_fw-fr claude_n have_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o his_o deâ—ence_n of_o the_o reformation_n where_o he_o say_v in_o effect_n a_o absolute_a obedience_n and_o entire_a resign_v of_o one_o self_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o â—nother_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o regard_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o conscience_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o we_o can_v lawful_o tender_a to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o justice_n to_o which_o none_o can_v pretend_v without_o usurp_v the_o just_a right_n of_o god_n as_o be_v also_o what_o say_v amesius_n page_n 6._o of_o his_o case_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o will_n and_o can_v subject_v itself_o to_o any_o creature_n without_o idolatry_n or_o it_o be_v the_o short_a cut_n and_o compendious_a way_n to_o debauch_v man_n conscience_n and_o to_o drive_v all_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v obvious_o liable_a to_o these_o follow_v beside_o other_o great_a and_o gross_a absurdity_n 1._o that_o private_a christian_a subject_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o or_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o the_o information_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o bring_v themselves_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o conscience_n which_o they_o be_v express_o command_v to_o do_v john_n 5._o 39_o and_o rom._n 14._o 5._o of_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o what_o they_o do_v or_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v for_o say_v mr._n hobbs_n it_o be_v bear_v with_o every_o man_n and_o engrave_v on_o every_o man_n heart_n he_o be_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n to_o acquiesce_v without_o debate_n or_o demure_a in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v his_o conscience_n inform_v the_o more_o he_o do_v to_o he_o but_o put_v his_o own_o conscience_n the_o more_o upon_o the_o rack_n and_o to_o the_o torture_n if_o he_o must_v notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a information_n and_o best_a ground_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n stand_v to_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o resolve_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n as_o he_o must_v do_v according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n if_o he_o sin_v not_o as_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v doubt_v by_o any_o man_n of_o conscience_n in_o counteracting_a his_o own_o light_n and_o well-informed_n conscience_n at_o leaâ—_n he_o can_v but_o be_v more_o disquert_v that_o he_o be_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n at_o so_o much_o pain_n in_o the_o â—utit_fw-la of_o seek_v to_o have_v his_o conscience_n so_o well_o inform_v which_o god_n never_o make_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o disquiet_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o people_n and_o his_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n must_v be_v as_o to_o many_o or_o most_o if_o not_o all_o divine_a positives_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o say_v mr._n hobbs_n page_n 249._o they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o speak_v immediate_o be_v to_o receive_v command_n from_o the_o sovereign_n and_o consequent_o in_o every_o commonwealth_n they_o who_o have_v no_o supernatural_a revelation_n to_o the_o contrary_a aught_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o sovereign_n in_o the_o external_a act_n and_o
profession_n of_o religion_n which_o draw_v dreadful_o deep_a as_o wilâ—â—ther_o appear_v from_o some_o of_o his_o instance_n if_o say_v he_o page_v 271._o it_o be_v ask_v what_o if_o we_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a prince_n to_o say_v with_o our_o tongue_n we_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n he_o may_v as_o well_o add_v we_o believe_v not_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n must_v we_o obey_v such_o a_o command_n profession_n with_o the_o tongue_n say_v he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o gesture_n whereby_o we_o signify_v our_o obedience_n and_o wherein_o a_o christian_a hold_v firm_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o elisha_n allow_v to_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a a_o great_a and_o gross_a mistake_n the_o prophet_n allow_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o without_o give_v any_o particular_a answer_n to_o his_o demand_n since_o by_o what_o mr._n hobbs_n confess_v he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o what_o he_o desire_v if_o indeed_o he_o desire_v it_o some_o learned_a man_n assert_v that_o the_o word_n contain_v a_o reflection_n upon_o a_o past_a unlawful_a practice_n and_o a_o beg_a forgiveness_n of_o it_o and_o not_o a_o desire_n of_o a_o permission_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n for_o the_o future_a be_v a_o sin_n and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v only_o bid_v he_o go_v in_o peace_n wish_v he_o well_o and_o god_n blessing_n to_o he_o though_o not_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a â—ere_z say_v he_o naaman_n believe_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o by_o bow_v before_o the_o idol_n rimmon_n he_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n in_o effect_n as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o with_o his_o lip_n how_o dare_v he_o then_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n allow_v and_o approve_v of_o his_o practice_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n whoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o this_o say_v he_o we_o may_v say_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o subject_a as_o naaman_n be_v be_v compel_v to_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n that_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n but_o his_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n o_o what_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v here_o for_o grofâ—est_a distimulation_n and_o jugllng_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o most_o palpable_a inconsistancy_n betwixt_o the_o heart_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o action_n the_o one_o manifest_o contradict_v and_o â—elying_v the_o other_o which_o ought_v especial_o in_o such_o case_n fâ—thfully_o to_o correspond_v and_o exact_o to_o agree_v what_o security_n i_o pray_v can_v man_n have_v upon_o earth_n one_o from_o another_o in_o their_o oath_n covenant_n act_n and_o coâ—acts_n in_o their_o mutual_a bâ—rgainings_n and_o deal_n if_o such_o a_o curse_a latitude_n be_v allow_v they_o to_o say_v promise_n and_o sweat_v one_o thing_n and_o resolve_v another_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o shaâ—_n that_o be_v allow_v in_o matter_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o near_o concern_v which_o be_v so_o abominable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o man_n all_o which_o comparative_o be_v but_o trifle_n may_v not_o all_o christian_a martyr_n of_o old_a and_o protestant_n one_o of_o late_a by_o such_o obedience_n to_o their_o respective_a lawful_a sovereign_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v escape_v &_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o be_v burn_v alive_a &_o from_o other_o bloody_a violent_a and_o cruel_a death_n and_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o shall_v they_o not_o according_a to_o this_o detestable_a doctrine_n be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o company_n of_o silly_a fool_n who_o needlesse_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n which_o they_o may_v thus_o have_v very_o easy_o preserve_v â—or_a none_o of_o they_o we_o know_v of_o be_v ever_o by_o their_o popish_a lawful_a sovereign_n enjoin_v to_o say_v with_o their_o tongue_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n which_o yet_o say_v he_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v do_v keep_v their_o mind_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o god_n and_o much_o more_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v command_v further_n page_n 239_o 240_o 241._o he_o refer_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o sovereign_n all_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n in_o effect_n and_o more_o particular_o and_o express_o whether_o the_o subject_n shall_v profess_v that_o life_n eternal_a and_o happiness_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o earth_n only_o whether_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o live_a creature_n independent_a on_o the_o body_n or_o do_v subsist_v separat_o from_o the_o body_n whether_o any_o mere_a man_n be_v immortal_a otherways_o then_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o last_o day_n whether_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v torment_v eternal_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v destroy_v to_o die_v and_o be_v annihitate_v at_o length_n to_o all_o which_o himself_o seem_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o own_o opinion_n o_o wicked_a and_o wretched_a o_o atheistical_a detestable_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n whether_o i_o say_v the_o subject_n shall_v profess_v these_o thing_n or_o not_o he_o refer_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o sovereign_n by_o which_o we_o may_v very_o easy_o judge_v in_o how_o many_o and_o in_o how_o very_o momentuous_a thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n he_o 〈◊〉_d subject_n as_o to_o their_o outward_a profession_n and_o carriage_n to_o â—stand_v to_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o lawful_a sovereign_n in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o public_a conscience_n or_o law_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v all_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d subject_n and_o private_a person_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n be_v obvious_a at_o first_o 〈◊〉_d it_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o be_v report_v of_o a_o great_a man_n smell_v strong_a of_o this_o conscience-destroying-doctrine_n who_o expostulate_v with_o some_o country_n man_n live_v under_o he_o for_o their_o nor_o do_v somewhat_o require_v of_o they_o by_o he_o for_o which_o nonperformance_n when_o they_o plead_v conscience_n he_o in_o a_o great_a â—uffe_n not_o without_o some_o execration_n reply_v what_o have_v the_o like_a of_o you_o to_o do_v with_o a_o conscience_n which_o be_v plain_o on_o the_o matter_n to_o say_v with_o hobbs_n that_o they_o and_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o conscience_n but_o what_o be_v ductile_a and_o governable_a by_o the_o conscience_n of_o lawful_a ruler_n and_o superior_n and_o that_o their_o command_n and_o prohibition_n make_v thing_n just_a and_o adjust_a which_o be_v â—ayeth_v mr._n liâ—h_o in_o his_o body_n of_o divinity_n page_z 378_o to_o make_v subject_n beast_n and_o the_o magistrate_n god_n 2_o all_o priâ—at_a person_n live_v in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n must_v hence_o forth_o according_a to_o these_o doctor_n allown_a and_o not_o in_o the_o feast_n regard_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o those_o not_o of_o little_a moment_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n their_o own_o conscience_n as_o his_o deputy_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o public_a conscience_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o the_o universal_a depute_v set_v over_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o private_a person_n live_v therein_o nay_o to_o it_o as_o take_v god_n own_o room_n to_o make_v law_n direct_o immediate_o and_o of_o themselves_o obligatory_a of_o all_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o they_o as_o so_o oblige_v they_o and_o must_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n no_o more_o notice_n the_o accuse_n or_o excusing_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o those_o only_o of_o the_o public_a conscience_n 3_o the_o indispensible_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o child_n to_o their_o parent_n ephes._n 6._o v_o 1._o viz._n in_o the_o lord_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n do_v undeniable_o lay_v it_o on_o the_o child_n to_o consider_v and_o judge_v by_o their_o judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n whether_o the_o command_n and_o injunction_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o in_o obedience_n whereto_o they_o may_v expect_v the_o lord_n approbation_n must_v be_v cashier_v and_o abandon_v for_o certain_o there_o lie_v no_o great_a obligation_n on_o subject_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n then_o lie_v on_o child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n who_o be_v sovereign_n in_o family_n before_o ever_o there_o be_v
any_o kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n erect_v as_o himself_o every_o where_o assert_n 4_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v have_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o lawful_a sovereign_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o baptise_v they_o shall_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o have_v forbear_v which_o mr._n hobbs_n plain_o without_o a_o blush_n insinuate_v when_o he_o say_v page_n 311._o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o apostle_n power_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o their_o own_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v they_o not_o their_o commission_n from_o their_o master_n in_o most_o ample_a form_n without_o any_o the_o least_o either_o direct_a or_o indirect_a intimation_n of_o such_o a_o exceptation_n or_o imitation_n math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o therefore_o say_v he_o to_o they_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o that_o be_v of_o whatsoever_o nature_n they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o be_v divine_a positives_n whoever_o forbid_v or_o command_v you_o â—o_o the_o contrary_a and_o mark_v 16_o v._n 15._o go_v you_o say_v he_o to_o they_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n which_o accordingy_a they_o do_v v_o 20._o and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o not_o only_a where_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v do_v they_o not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n at_o jerusalem_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v several_o not_o without_o threaten_n forbid_v by_o their_o own_o sovereign_n the_o council_n and_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n wherein_o they_o can_v not_o obey_v both_o allege_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v without_o any_o such_o regard_n as_o might_n imp_v they_o in_o their_o work_n to_o the_o strait_a threaten_n and_o prohibition_n to_o speak_v at_o all_o or_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v or_o think_v that_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v after_o the_o inhibition_n to_o preach_v and_o after_o their_o imprisonment_n for_o contrauâ—ning_n from_o which_o they_o be_v miraculous_o set_v free_a that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v open_v their_o prison_n door_n charge_v they_o thus_o go_v and_o stand_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o temple_n to_o the_o people_n whatsoever_o the_o ruler_n think_v oâ—_n it_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v inâ—bited_v and_o imprison_v you_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o life_n of_o all_o which_o the_o divine_a historian_n give_v we_o a_o account_n in_o the_o 4._o and_o 5._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o why_o i_o pray_v do_v he_o not_o as_o well_o make_v the_o supposition_n of_o their_o not_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o lawful_a sovereign_n as_o by_o their_o own_o since_o he_o will_v not_o neither_o do_v deny_v that_o lawful_a sovereign_a power_n may_v prohibit_v stranger_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n to_o preach_v or_o practise_v against_o the_o law_n oâ—_n public_a conscience_n and_o chastise_v they_o for_o controvention_n and_o disobedience_n except_v always_o the_o person_n of_o ambassador_n and_o herald_n send_v from_o other_o civil_a sovereign_n which_o use_v to_o be_v account_v in_o a_o manner_n sacred_a and_o inviolabe_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o native_a subject_n and_o if_o so_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v by_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o every_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n whether_o they_o come_v as_o they_o can_v not_o ready_o nor_o reasonable_o expect_v but_o they_o will_v all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n be_v then_o pagan_a except_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n where_o will_v they_o or_o can_v they_o have_v preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o what_o will_v have_v become_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o gospel_n church_n do_v not_o paul_n and_o silas_n after_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o philippi_n have_v it_o seem_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n debase_v themselves_o in_o their_o â—ury_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o office_n rend_v off_o their_o clothes_n lay_v many_o stripe_n on_o they_o and_o casten_z they_o into_o prison_n for_o their_o preach_n and_o teach_v custom_n as_o be_v allege_v by_o their_o accuser_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v receive_v or_o observe_v by_o they_o be_v roman_n do_v they_o not_o i_o say_v go_v in_o and_o exhort_v or_o preach_v to_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lydia_n &_o that_o after_o they_o be_v by_o the_o magistrate_n desire_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o city_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_v 16._o 5ly_n that_o private_a person_n live_v in_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o shall_v be_v keep_v harmless_a in_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n though_o cross_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o it_o may_v be_v cross_a to_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n the_o first_o of_o these_o new_a teacher_n mr._n hobbs_n tell_v we_o as_o we_o show_v before_o in_o the_o first_o absurdity_n in_o the_o caâ—e_n of_o deny_v christ_n before_o man_n most_o dreadful_o threaten_v by_o he_o with_o deny_v they_o before_o his_o father_n that_o whatever_o a_o subject_a as_o naaman_n be_v be_v compel_v eo_fw-la in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o own_o country_n that_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n but_o his_o sovereign_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o page_n 309._o the_o civil_a sovereign_n may_v make_v law_n suitable_a to_o his_o doctrine_n for_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sovereign_a teacher_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o he_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la which_o quite_o â—ulls_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o may_v oblige_v man_n to_o such_o action_n as_o they_o will_v not_o otherways_o do_v and_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o command_v and_o when_o they_o be_v command_v they_o be_v law_n and_o the_o external_a action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o without_o the_o inward_a approbation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o not_o of_o the_o subject_a who_o in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o instrument_n without_o any_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o at_o all_o because_o god_n have_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o alas_o the_o poor_a subject_n be_v here_o by_o he_o not_o only_o rob_v of_o his_o judgement_n of_o private_a discreet_a on_o and_o conscience_n as_o to_o his_o own_o act_n which_o be_v hard_a enough_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n of_o a_o humane_a rational_a soul_n if_o not_o also_o of_o a_o sensitive_a one_o and_o so_o degrade_v and_o detrude_v below_o the_o very_a beast_n that_o perish_v for_o he_o make_v he_o a_o mere_a instrument_n without_o any_o motion_n at_o all_o only_a he_o somewhat_o recover_v he_o from_o his_o brutâ—_n yea_o infrabrutal_a state_n by_o make_v he_o capable_a to_o obey_v command_n though_o against_o his_o conscience_n the_o other_o hobbist_n doctor_n who_o will_v not_o be_v outstripe_v by_o his_o master_n according_a to_o his_o manner_n dictate_v very_o magisteria_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o command_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n he_o that_o impose_v it_o shall_v answer_v it_o and_o not_o 1_n who_o whole_a duty_n be_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n will_v warrant_v â—y_a obedience_n my_o obedience_n will_v hallow_v at_o least_o excuse_v my_o action_n and_o so_o secure_v i_o from_o sin_n if_o not_o from_o error_n very_o easy_a soâ—t_n and_o smooth_a doctrine_n indeed_o for_o private_a person_n and_o subject_n if_o its_o teacher_n can_v assure_v we_o of_o its_o certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n and_o of_o its_o consonancy_n and_o agreeablenesse_n with_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o subject_n must_v not_o cast_v their_o soul_n at_o haphazard_n on_o the_o bare_a and_o unproved_a assert_n of_o these_o gentleman_n who_o give_v we_o no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o their_o truth_n or_o tenderness_n in_o other_o great_a concern_v of_o religion_n especial_o since_o the_o divine_o inspire_a apostle_n reach_v we_o quite_o other_o doctrine_n while_o he_o tell_v we_o more_o general_o 2._o cor._n 5._o v._n 10._o that_o
their_o religion_n in_o that_o be_v much_o darken_v and_o insensible_o prejudicate_v as_o to_o their_o light_n when_o they_o come_v up_o the_o length_n or_o near_o the_o length_n of_o that_o light_n conscience_n speak_v and_o give_v its_o testimony_n according_o and_o they_o have_v thence_o a_o sort_n of_o peace_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n 4._o a_o natural_a man_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o may_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o he_o may_v pray_v and_o have_v some_o moral_a sincerity_n in_o it_o and_o â—o_o as_o he_o will_v â—ain_o have_v a_o hear_n and_o will_v some_o way_n have_v his_o heart_n pray_v â—ay_v he_o may_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o delight_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o hypocrite_n isa._n 58._o 2._o he_o will_v â—ain_o know_v what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deliberate_o thwart_v with_o his_o light_n in_o this_o respect_n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o before_o his_o conversion_n that_o as_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a and_o rom._n 10._o 1._o he_o bear_v the_o jew_n record_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v this_o but_o conscience_n un-informed_n in_o and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o which_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o come_v to_o he_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n so_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o hypocrite_n when_o he_o have_v come_v the_o length_n of_o some_o honest_a meaning_n be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v do_v very_o well_o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o though_o he_o may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o some_o respect_n or_o in_o these_o respect_v mention_v and_o the_o like_a yet_o to_o have_v it_o simple_o and_o positive_o from_o solid_a and_o good_a ground_n give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n be_v impossible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o word_n go_v along_o with_o his_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o whole_a carriage_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o principle_n motive_n end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o action_n testify_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v he_o have_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n for_o the_o next_o question_n wherein_o be_v this_o conscience_n defective_a and_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o a_o believer_n good_a conscience_n or_o how_o may_v it_o be_v know_v as_o differ_v from_o a_o honest_a gospel_n conscience_n answer_v 1_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o rise_n there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o judgement_n for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v blind_a if_o the_o understanding_n be_v dark_a the_o conscience_n must_v be_v so_o too_o they_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n however_o zealous_a they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o other_o such_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o be_v ignorant_a in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n suppose_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o six_o command_n when_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a act_n of_o murder_n and_o the_o seven_o when_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o commit_v adultery_n or_o fornication_n not_o know_v or_o consider_v that_o a_o look_v arise_v from_o the_o flame_n of_o lust_n within_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o command_n and_o so_o proportionable_o in_o other_o command_v even_o as_o the_o pharisee_n conform_v the_o law_n in_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o not_o their_o practice_n to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o of_o that_o which_o give_v the_o conscience_n solid_a ground_n to_o speak_v peace_n many_o if_o they_o have_v a_o honest_a meaning_n in_o their_o pray_n read_v of_o the_o scripture_n wait_v on_o public_a ordinance_n if_o they_o put_v their_o body_n to_o some_o sort_n of_o penance_n or_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v if_o it_o be_v the_o half_a of_o their_o estate_n to_o have_v their_o soul_n safe_a and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o seriousness_n in_o all_o this_o think_v that_o all_o be_v well_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o very_a good_a conscience_n if_o this_o piece_n of_o ignorance_n be_v well_o discern_v never_o one_o soul_n out_o of_o christ_n will_v have_v peace_n because_o none_o out_o of_o christ_n have_v solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n for_o none_o have_v their_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n but_o these_o that_o be_v in_o he_o 3._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o particular_a case_n they_o know_v not_o what_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o nor_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o they_o they_o think_v it_o speak_v better_a thing_n to_o they_o then_o indeed_o it_o do_v some_o guess_n at_o it_o some_o misinterpret_v it_o and_o some_o repeal_v it_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v sober_o reflect_v on_o and_o impartial_o look_v to_o their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o every_o thing_n they_o will_v see_v that_o they_o mistake_v their_o conscience_n exceed_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n viz._n a_o defect_n in_o the_o judgement_n the_o second_o be_v a_o defect_n as_o to_o singleness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n best_a condition_n such_o be_v never_o single_a when_o at_o their_o very_a best_a even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o serious_a in_o prayer_n they_o be_v but_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n when_o they_o fast_o and_o give_v alm_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o ground_n for_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o or_o that_o other_o may_v have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v always_o act_v from_o selfy_a motive_n and_o for_o self-end_n a_o 3d._a defect_n be_v the_o want_n of_o unbiased_a affection_n these_o be_v partial_a and_o bias_v will_v put_v the_o man_n to_o reason_n and_o dispute_v for_o the_o silence_v of_o his_o conscience_n and_o this_o eye_n not_o be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n affection_n be_v incline_v or_o swey_v to_o this_o or_o that_o side_n they_o will_v seek_v to_o â—way_n conscience_n to_o that_o side_n they_o incline_v to_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v some_o to_o follow_v after_o and_o to_o haunt_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n lay_v before_o they_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o reject_v and_o that_o without_o challenge_n be_v quite_o bias_v and_o prejudge_v in_o their_o affection_n thus_o many_o natural_a man_n lay_v this_o for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o so_o much_o only_o be_v holiness_n and_o that_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a and_o what_o be_v more_o be_v but_o superfluous_a niceness_n and_o so_o they_o prejudge_v their_o conscience_n by_o that_o 4._o it_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o that_o it_o maintain_v not_o its_o peace_n nor_o answer_v its_o challenge_n from_o christ_n blood_n it_o be_v not_o sprinkle_v with_o clean_a but_o with_o foul_a water_n to_o say_v so_o it_o may_v be_v it_o put_v the_o man_n to_o take_v on_o some_o resolution_n or_o to_o come_v under_o some_o vow_n as_o to_o somewhat_o that_o it_o may_v be_v be_v no_o command_v duty_n of_o religion_n not_o have_v any_o valuable_a influence_n upon_o it_o or_o he_o will_v as_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v his_o conscience_n with_o his_o tear_n thus_o many_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v sin_v but_o withal_o they_o think_v and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n or_o a_o good_a meaning_n or_o that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n well_o esteem_v of_o have_v such_o a_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o guilty_a as_o they_o be_v or_o that_o many_o have_v have_v such_o siâ—s_n who_o yet_o have_v go_v to_o heaven_n on_o such_o and_o other_o the_o like_a pitiful_a ground_n they_o find_v their_o peace_n and_o by_o such_o silly_a shift_n they_o seek_v to_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n yea_o sometime_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n many_o conclude_v confident_o that_o they_o be_v actual_o pardon_v we_o shall_v forbear_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n further_o at_o this_o time_n god_n