therefore_o since_o 1._o god_n never_o give_v 2._o christ_n never_o exercise_v 3._o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a prince_n nor_o scripture_n prophecy_n do_v warrant_v such_o a_o impose_v power_n especial_o in_o thing_n doubtful_a as_o some_o contend_v for_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o such_o power_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v it_o upon_o he_o which_o be_v my_o first_o assertion_n the_o second_o assertion_n be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v impose_v thing_n doubtful_a we_o can_v lawful_o obey_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a from_o what_o be_v already_o argue_v for_o no_o man_n can_v lawful_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o man_n command_v or_o not_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n for_o his_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n when_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o command_v he_o must_v needs_o sin_n in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o that_o 1._o because_o thereby_o he_o visible_o disow_v and_o detract_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n who_o be_v sole_a lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n who_o honour_n be_v then_o give_v to_o another_o when_o by_o our_o submit_v to_o they_o we_o seem_v in_o fact_n at_o least_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o overt_a act_n to_o own_o and_o countenance_v the_o jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n of_o another_o this_o be_v to_o lessen_v christ_n legislative_a power_n and_o to_o make_v two_o head_n of_o the_o church_n a_o visible_a and_o invisible_a or_o a_o political_a and_o spiritual_a one_o which_o be_v a_o distinction_n that_o the_o scripture_n know_v not_o and_o only_o the_o popish_a that_o be_v the_o antichristian_a church_n make_v use_v of_o 2._o because_o by_o obey_v what_o be_v in_o itself_o doubtful_a and_o in_o the_o imposer_n unlawful_a we_o shall_v consent_v to_o and_o approve_v the_o magistrate_n sin_n and_o so_o harden_v he_o to_o continue_v more_o fierce_a and_o peremptory_a in_o it_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o general_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o reprove_v our_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o much_o less_o to_o consent_v 19_o leu._n 19_o and_o to_o partake_v with_o he_o in_o it_o how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v any_o sin_n in_o our_o magistrate_n who_o happiness_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o especial_a manner_n to_o procure_v and_o pray_v for_o and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o our_o modest_a and_o humble_a but_o yet_o resolute_a and_o constant_a refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o imposition_n wherein_o we_o be_v so_o to_o proceed_v as_o to_o evidence_n both_o by_o our_o language_n and_o action_n that_o it_o be_v not_o peevishness_n or_o petulancy_n much_o less_o a_o disobedient_a and_o contradict_a humour_n which_o put_v we_o upon_o it_o but_o mere_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o he_o namely_o because_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v not_o in_o god_n stead_n god_n not_o have_v commit_v unto_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o unto_o his_o son_n the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o outward_a policy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o inward_a purity_n of_o it_o for_o where_o the_o inward_a purity_n be_v not_o wrought_v there_o outward_a conformity_n be_v not_o a_o serve_a god_n but_o man_n and_o prove_v a_o service_n which_o as_o god_n require_v not_o so_o neither_o will_v he_o at_o all_o accept_v and_o therefore_o since_o even_o the_o high_a magistrate_n on_o earth_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n who_o hate_v oppression_n under_o pretence_n of_o advance_v piety_n this_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o make_v all_o magistrate_n afraid_a how_o they_o meddle_v with_o impose_v without_o any_o warrant_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o wary_a too_o lest_o by_o active_a submit_v we_o do_v abet_v and_o own_v their_o sin_n and_o so_o become_v party_n in_o the_o transgression_n there_o be_v but_o little_a difference_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n between_o he_o that_o command_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o he_o that_o do_v it_o upon_o no_o better_a argument_n then_o because_o another_o who_o have_v no_o power_n command_v it_o for_o in_o that_o or_o in_o no_o case_n god_n call_v for_o suffer_v and_o not_o for_o submit_v 3._o he_o that_o obey_v in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v needs_o sin_v because_o he_o can_v act_v in_o faith_n i._n e._n in_o a_o sound_n and_o thorough_a persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o obey_v for_o since_o no_o conclusion_n can_v have_v in_o it_o great_a certainty_n than_o the_o premise_n which_o infer_v it_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v any_o clear_a satisfaction_n who_o thus_o argue_v 1._o the_o thing_n command_v as_o for_o example_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n very_o disputable_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o 2._o the_o magistrate_n who_o command_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o sin_n in_o enjoin_v must_v not_o then_o the_o inference_n be_v therefore_o i_o shall_v sin_v in_o obey_v he_o since_o his_o command_n when_o he_o want_v power_n can_v never_o make_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n warrantable_a or_o safe_a to_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o command_v a_o thing_n doubtful_a in_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v equal_o unlawful_a to_o obey_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n my_o second_o reason_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o nature_n of_o christian_a liberty_n arg._n 2_o which_o as_o it_o consist_v especial_o in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o indifferent_a or_o forbearance_n of_o doubtful_a thing_n so_o be_v we_o bind_v entire_o to_o preserve_v it_o to_o clear_v up_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o outward_a thing_n do_v run_v in_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o if_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o saviour_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n etc._n john_n 8.31_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v set_v you_o free_a and_o again_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o 2.12_o gal._n 3.1_o v._o 13._o james_n 1.25_o &_o 2.12_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a and_o again_o brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n so_o james_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o speak_v say_v he_o and_o so_o do_v as_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n of_o liberty_n all_o which_o place_n with_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v evince_n thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n mere_o arbitrary_a and_o at_o our_o pleasure_n whether_o we_o will_v preserve_v our_o christian_a liberty_n or_o not_o but_o we_o be_v strict_o command_v to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o same_o obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o other_o divine_a precept_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v unto_o this_o because_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n now_o since_o this_o liberty_n as_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o thing_n of_o religious_a concernment_n for_o as_o to_o civil_a matter_n no_o doubt_n the_o strict_a obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n command_v be_v our_o duty_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o when_o once_o thing_n otherwise_o perhaps_o indifferent_a yet_o indeed_o doubtful_a come_v to_o be_v make_v necessary_a and_o force_v upon_o our_o practice_n we_o be_v then_o bind_v by_o a_o meek_a and_o christian_n but_o yet_o magnanimous_a refusal_n to_o assert_v our_o freedom_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v entangle_v by_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o heavy_a and_o gall_a because_o it_o be_v confess_o needless_a and_o have_v no_o holy_a end_n to_o ratify_v it_o then_o mere_o a_o undue_a will_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o if_o we_o obey_v 7.23_o 1_o cor._n 7.23_o we_o then_o become_v servant_n of_o man_n and_o cowardly_a desert_n that_o freedom_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o purchase_v for_o we_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o command_n &_o practise_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o though_o he_o hold_v circumcision_n in_o some_o case_n to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o according_o use_v it_o yet_o when_o once_o false_a brethren_n come_v to_o spy_v out_o their_o liberty_n 2._o gal._n 2._o and_o by_o their_o subtle_a discourse_n
the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o great_a question_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o religious_a worship_n brief_o state_v and_o tender_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o conscientious_a and_o sober_a man_n by_o the_o same_o author_n mr._n hales_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o schism_n when_o either_o false_a or_o uncertain_a conclusion_n be_v obtrude_v for_o truth_n and_o act_n either_o unlawful_a or_o minister_a just_a scruple_n be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o case_n consent_n be_v conspiracy_n and_o open_a contestation_n be_v not_o faction_n or_o schism_n but_o due_a christian_a animosity_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1661._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o candid_a reader_n in_o the_o business_n not_o of_o decent_a or_o natural_a but_o of_o devise_a and_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v christian_a reader_n two_o question_n at_o this_o day_n more_o hot_o dispute_v then_o ever_o the_o one_o be_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v impose_v the_o other_o be_v whether_o when_o they_o be_v impose_v they_o may_v lawful_o be_v observe_v the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o handle_v with_o what_o success_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o other_o become_v not_o i_o to_o determine_v the_o second_o be_v now_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o present_a discourse_n upon_o which_o indeed_o the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o conscientious_a and_o sober_a man_n etc._n man_n b._n morton_n d._n burges_n m._n sp._n in_o etc._n etc._n who_o though_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o clog_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o uncommanded_a tradition_n and_o invention_n of_o his_o own_o yet_o they_o conceive_v that_o when_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o express_o forbid_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v impose_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v rather_o than_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o they_o man_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o quit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o good_a that_o they_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v though_o with_o the_o undergo_n of_o some_o inconvenient_a observance_n to_o those_o who_o either_o in_o their_o write_n do_v affirm_v or_o by_o their_o practice_n do_v own_o this_o persuasion_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a but_o withal_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n to_o profess_v that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o yet_o satisfy_v either_o with_o the_o assertion_n or_o with_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o back_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a but_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawfulto_fw-la comply_v or_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v first_o be_v inquire_v quo_fw-la jure_fw-la before_o we_o ask_v cvi_fw-la bono_fw-mi that_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o practice_n we_o shall_v first_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v lawful_a before_o we_o state_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a end_n in_o do_v it_o for_o since_o the_o least_o evil_a may_v not_o be_v do_v to_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_a and_o since_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o propagate_v his_o gospel_n without_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o will_v not_o accept_v this_o as_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n that_o we_o mingle_v his_o worship_n with_o the_o otherwise_o unlawful_a command_v of_o man_n mere_o to_o maintain_v our_o liberty_n of_o preach_v since_o he_o can_v make_v our_o suffering_n for_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v as_o effectual_a a_o mean_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o as_o our_o open_a and_o free_a declaringit_fw-la as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n confess_v that_o his_o bond_n do_v beget_v many_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n i_o wish_v therefore_o that_o too_o many_o do_v not_o indulge_v themselves_o a_o dangerous_a latitude_n not_o so_o much_o to_o preserve_v their_o ministry_n as_o to_o retain_v their_o maintenance_n and_o so_o to_o their_o sin_n of_o compliance_n and_o a_o secret_a distrust_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o what_o other_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o do_v concern_v not_o i_o at_o all_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v another_o conscience_n but_o have_v myself_o be_v frequent_o importune_v to_o conform_v and_o that_o by_o person_n who_o i_o very_o much_o respect_n and_o honour_n i_o have_v adventure_v to_o publish_v my_o reason_n why_o for_o the_o present_a i_o can_v think_v it_o lawful_a which_o be_v a_o work_n so_o liable_a to_o censure_v and_o misconstruction_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v undertake_v it_o but_o that_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o humour_n but_o conscience_n that_o have_v guide_v i_o unto_o this_o resolution_n and_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v be_v suspect_v to_o favour_v the_o irregular_a fancy_n of_o some_o with_o who_o every_o slight_a and_o trivial_a difference_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n yet_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o christian_a reader_n i_o do_v so_o much_o abhor_v the_o practice_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n that_o though_o i_o may_v forbear_v the_o usage_n of_o our_o ceremony_n yet_o no_o occasion_n shall_v make_v i_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n who_o doctrine_n in_o the_o most_o material_a and_o disputable_a point_n of_o it_o i_o have_v already_o assert_v and_o if_o i_o do_v not_o in_o all_o particular_n comply_v with_o her_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o because_o i_o will_v eclipse_v her_o splendour_n or_o lessen_v her_o authority_n but_o because_o i_o take_v some_o of_o the_o thing_n impose_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o no_o power_n how_o great_a and_o lawful_a soever_o can_v justify_v and_o warrant_v the_o use_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v therefore_o with_o what_o i_o find_v in_o the_o oxford_n reason_n excellent_o argue_v against_o impose_v the_o covevant_n thus_o have_v we_o say_v they_o clear_o and_o free_o represent_v our_o present_a judgement_n which_o upon_o better_a information_n in_o any_o particular_a we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o rectify_v only_o we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o if_o any_o one_o fingle_a reason_n or_o scruple_n remain_v unsatisfied_a though_o we_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o conscience_n also_o will_v remain_v still_o unsatisfied_a and_o in_o that_o case_n it_o can_v neither_o be_v reasonable_a for_o they_o to_o press_v we_o who_o can_v satisfy_v we_o nor_o lawful_a for_o we_o that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o submit_v unto_o the_o say_a covenant_n this_o passage_n if_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n covenant_n we_o read_v ceremony_n contain_v as_o much_o as_o i_o have_v to_o say_v and_o i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o then_o will_v be_v as_o tender_v of_o impose_v now_o since_o the_o ceremony_n in_o question_n be_v by_o many_o thought_n to_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o covenant_n be_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n ch._n ch._n sept._n 10._o 1661._o edward_n bagshaw_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o great_a question_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n etc._n etc._n quest_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o submit_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o practise_v of_o thing_n common_o suppose_v to_o be_v indifferent_a when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v impose_v and_o make_v necessary_a in_o religious_a worship_n for_o the_o right_a state_v be_v clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o question_n i_o suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o by_o thing_n common_o suppose_v to_o be_v indifferent_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v pure_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a such_o be_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o religious_a worship_n nor_o 2._o such_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n though_o indifferent_a yet_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a aspect_n and_o tendency_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a decency_n and_o order_n than_o otherwise_o as_o to_o stand_v or_o kneel_v at_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o the_o like_a in_o both_o these_o case_n though_o perhaps_o the_o magistrate_n do_v ill_a to_o interpose_v his_o command_n because_o thing_n of_o a_o religious_a concernment_n belong_v not_o proper_o and_o immediate_o to_o his_o jurisdiction_n yet_o i_o see_v not_o why_o his_o command_n shall_v make_v we_o scruple_n or_o forbear_v the_o do_v of_o they_o for_o whatever_o either_o in_o itself_o or_o in_o common_a estimation_n among_o sober_a man_n be_v more_o decent_a and_o comely_a though_o it_o gain_v no_o strength_n from_o the_o command_n impose_v it_o yet_o there_o can_v no_o
do_v it_o again_o when_o hezekiah_n restore_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o his_o father_n ahaz_n have_v pollute_v it_o be_v say_v 29.25_o 2_o chron._n 29.25_o that_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psaltery_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o say_v the_o text_n so_o be_v god_n commandment_n by_o the_o prophet_n whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o david_n do_v no_o more_o in_o these_o particular_n than_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v by_o his_o prophet_n command_v and_o therefore_o when_o david_n give_v to_o solomon_n his_o son_n the_o pattern_n of_o god_n house_n and_o of_o all_o the_o room_n and_o apartment_n in_o it_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v by_o the_o spirit_n among_o which_o thing_n be_v reckon_v 19_o 1_o chron._n 28.12_o v._o 19_o the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o the_o levite_n and_o for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o the_o text_n say_v all_o this_o say_v david_n the_o lord_n make_v i_o understand_v in_o write_v by_o his_o hand_n upon_o i_o even_o all_o the_o work_n of_o this_o pattern_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o not_o the_o least_o circumstance_n which_o david_n then_o order_v come_v from_o his_o own_o motion_n or_o be_v establish_v bare_o by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n but_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o magistrate_n can_v urge_v his_o example_n unless_o they_o will_v pretend_v at_o least_o to_o his_o divine_a assistance_n and_o not_o regal_a but_o prophetical_a authority_n last_o since_o the_o objecter_n allow_v that_o over_o substantial_o as_o for_o example_n to_o make_v or_o command_v article_n of_o faith_n magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n methinks_v it_o demonstrable_o follow_v from_o their_o own_o concession_n that_o over_o circumstantial_o they_o have_v much_o less_o since_o substantial_o concern_v the_o essence_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o imposition_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n find_v the_o equity_n of_o their_o canon_n about_o forbid_v thing_n strangle_v blood_n and_o fornication_n 15.28_o act_n 15.28_o because_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n very_o necessary_a but_o circumstantial_n may_v very_o well_o be_v omit_v without_o any_o prejudice_n either_o to_o god_n worship_n or_o to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o very_a needlesseness_n and_o superfluousness_n of_o they_o may_v seem_v just_o enough_o to_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v they_o for_o if_o in_o general_a the_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v whether_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n or_o not_o since_o as_o a_o man_n i_o have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o protection_n then_o sure_a when_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o a_o christian_n in_o what_o kind_n of_o habit_n posture_n or_o word_n i_o will_v worship_v god_n the_o magistrate_n have_v much_o less_o to_o do_v because_o charity_n forbearance_n do_v as_o he_o will_v be_v do_v by_o not_o to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o brother_n and_o the_o like_a be_v as_o much_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n duty_n as_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o all_o lawful_a and_o therefore_o not_o disputable_a thing_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a subject_n 2._o obj._n 2_o it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n that_o magistrate_n shall_v own_v and_o defend_v christian_a religion_n 49.23_o isa_n 49.23_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o certain_o they_o may_v employ_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o in_o all_o such_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o mere_o appertain_v to_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o i_o answer_v answ_n 1._o there_o be_v indeed_o many_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n that_o king_n and_o inferior_a magistrate_n shall_v submit_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o model_n and_o regulate_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n 7.18_o c._n 7.18_o for_o as_o in_o the_o opinion_n about_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n that_o a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o the_o saint_n shall_v rule_v the_o world_n as_o in_o daniel_n the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v take_v the_o kingdom_n and_o possess_v the_o kingdom_n for_o ever_o even_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v arm_n and_o by_o violence_n possess_v themselves_o of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n because_o this_o contradict_v so_o many_o other_o place_n wherein_o patience_n self-denial_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n be_v enjoin_v they_o so_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o a_o magistrate_n become_v christian_a and_o his_o meddle_v with_o prescribe_v form_n of_o christian_a worship_n which_o no_o prophecy_n do_v ever_o mention_v nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o stead_n of_o foretell_v any_o such_o imperious_a and_o authoritative_a rule_n of_o prince_n in_o religious_a matter_n the_o scripture_n mention_n their_o lowly_a and_o humble_a deportment_n as_o in_o david_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o in_o isaiah_n king_n shall_v see_v and_o arise_v prince_n also_o shall_v worship_v 7._o psal_n 72.11_o isa_n 49_o 7._o nay_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o king_n be_v nurse_n father_n it_o be_v add_v they_o shall_v lie_v down_o to_o thou_o with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o earth_n they_o shall_v lick_v the_o dust_n of_o thy_o foot_n which_o place_n do_v rather_o argue_v the_o magistrate_n awful_a reverence_n of_o and_o respectful_a submission_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o their_o exercise_v authority_n over_o it_o at_o least_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v evince_v that_o though_o magistrate_n lose_v no_o power_n by_o become_a christian_n yet_o they_o gain_v none_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o act_v as_o servant_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n from_o which_o as_o nothing_o may_v be_v take_v so_o to_o it_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v add_v no_o though_o it_o may_v be_v patronise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o if_o we_o make_v to_o signify_v not_o natural_a but_o devise_v and_o fancy_v order_n it_o be_v that_o which_o all_o superstition_n plead_v to_o defend_v their_o unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o invention_n by_o and_o therefore_o to_o pursue_v the_o simile_n a_o little_a far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o king_n will_v so_o far_o prove_v nursing-fathers_n as_o to_o use_v their_o christian_a subject_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o nurse_n do_v their_o child_n i._n e._n only_o to_o put_v into_o their_o mouth_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2.2_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o reasonable_a and_o sincere_a or_o unmingled_a milk_n i._n e._n only_a god_n word_n in_o its_o native_a purity_n without_o be_v sour_v by_o the_o harshness_n of_o imposition_n or_o corrupt_v rather_o than_o sweeten_v by_o the_o undue_a mixture_n of_o humane_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n 2._o the_o best_a way_n for_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o advance_v and_o beautify_v religion_n be_v not_o by_o the_o prodigality_n of_o their_o purse_n in_o stately_a structure_n choice_n music_n curious_a picture_n and_o the_o like_a wherein_o superstition_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o outdo_v they_o or_o by_o the_o severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o their_o law_n in_o small_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o piety_n of_o their_o life_n and_o strictness_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n for_o let_v magistrate_n once_o cleanse_v the_o soil_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o make_v sharp_a and_o wholesome_a law_n against_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o then_o weed_v it_o by_o impartial_a punish_v of_o drunkenness_n and_o other_o disorder_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n then_o religion_n will_v make_v its_o own_o way_n into_o man_n heart_n and_o produce_v a_o outward_a composure_n in_o service_n suitable_a to_o its_o own_o inward_a worth_n and_o excellence_n whereas_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o outward_a form_n beget_v only_o a_o face_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o loathsome_a in_o that_o it_o be_v use_v common_o as_o a_o cover_n to_o hide_v many_o foul_a enormity_n which_o without_o that_o mask_n no_o sober_a magistrate_n can_v have_v the_o heart_n to_o tolerate_v i_o conclude_v
seek_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n paul_n will_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o in_o the_o least_o but_o constant_o oppose_v the_o insinuation_n of_o those_o crafty_a man_n with_o who_o no_o doubt_n argument_n from_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v not_o want_v that_o so_o he_o may_v transmit_v the_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o his_o follower_n and_o for_o his_o own_o both_o judgement_n and_o practice_n he_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n all_o thing_n i._n e._n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n i_o will_v not_o be_v domineer_v over_o by_o any_o 6.12_o 1_o cor._n 6.12_o or_o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o exercise_v authority_n over_o i_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v upon_o his_o imperious_a and_o unlawful_a command_n forbear_v the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v free_a unto_o i_o against_o this_o it_o be_v object_v obj._n 1_o 1._o that_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n speak_v only_o of_o circumcision_n and_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o the_o liberty_n he_o mention_n must_v only_o be_v understand_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v abolish_v and_o without_o sin_n can_v be_v revive_v but_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v other_o christian_a rite_n which_o be_v introduce_v as_o by_o another_o power_n so_o upon_o another_o score_n sc_n not_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o circumstance_n of_o mere_a decency_n and_o order_n but_o i_o answer_v 1._o answ_n the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o so_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o circumcision_n but_o that_o in_o other_o place_n he_o extend_v it_o to_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v much_o more_o indifferent_a than_o those_o now_o contest_v about_o concern_v which_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o any_o but_o be_v leave_v as_o free_v in_o the_o use_n or_o forbearance_n of_o they_o as_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n will_v permit_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n say_v though_o proper_o and_o immediate_o it_o relate_v only_o to_o jewish_a custom_n yet_o since_o his_o word_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a they_o must_v be_v understand_v equal_o to_o concern_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o like_a and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o doubtful_a nature_n 2._o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v only_o of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o legal_a rite_n yet_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n which_o serve_v to_o take_v they_o away_o may_v easy_o be_v improve_v to_o keep_v back_o any_o other_o from_o be_v either_o impose_v or_o observe_v in_o their_o room_n for_o 1._o since_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o all_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n and_o 2._o since_o they_o be_v afterward_o abolish_v not_o because_o they_o be_v sinful_a but_o because_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a not_o because_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o promote_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_n there_o be_v 19_o heb._n 7.18_o 19_o say_v he_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n go_v before_o for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitablenesse_n thereof_o for_o the_o law_n i._n e._n of_o ceremony_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a then_o it_o follow_v that_o thing_n 1._o which_o have_v not_o the_o same_o divine_a warrant_n and_o prescription_n and_o 2._o which_o be_v equal_o if_o not_o more_o unprofitable_a as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o conscience_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v introduce_v or_o practise_v for_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o little_a gainer_n if_o be_v set_v free_a from_o god_n we_o may_v be_v make_v subject_n to_o man_n law_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o divine_a we_o may_v own_v and_o practice_v humane_a imposition_n this_o will_v not_o ease_v our_o yoke_n but_o only_o alter_v it_o nay_o make_v it_o much_o more_o insupportable_a than_o the_o jewish_a burden_n be_v for_o they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v obey_v a_o righteous_a and_o infallible_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o we_o must_v obey_v the_o arbitrary_a fancy_n of_o unrighteous_a and_o fallible_a man_n concern_v who_o authority_n in_o impose_v or_o the_o usefulnesse_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o impose_v we_o can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v since_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n but_o likewise_o by_o enjoin_v such_o poor_a thing_n to_o play_v with_o rather_o than_o to_o adorn_v religion_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o consult_v god_n honour_n to_o provide_v only_a trap_n and_o snare_n for_o their_o conscientious_a and_o sober_o dissent_v brethren_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n time_n obj._n 2_o that_o now_o it_o be_v in_o for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o do_v so_o far_o countenance_n christian_n religion_n as_o to_o interpose_v and_o meddle_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o none_o can_v enjoin_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o use_n whereof_o paul_n bid_v they_o be_v free_a but_o now_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v alter_v for_o magistrate_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n unto_o who_o injunction_n we_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n i_o answer_v answ_n 1._o it_o be_v assume_v gratis_o and_o without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o proof_n that_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o i_o may_v bring_v many_o sentence_n out_o of_o tertullian_n and_o especial_o lactantius_n who_o affirm_v the_o same_o but_o the_o thing_n be_v clear_a for_o civil_a government_n be_v proper_o and_o adequate_o concern_v only_o in_o civil_a thing_n but_o religious_a matter_n belong_v only_o to_o he_o that_o be_v inspector_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o that_o text_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n be_v in_o this_o debate_n impertinent_o allege_v since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n write_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o nero_n who_o be_v then_o emperor_n and_o certain_o do_v very_o little_a trouble_n himself_o with_o thing_n of_o religion_n except_o it_o be_v to_o persecute_v it_o and_o even_o then_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v so_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o i._n e._n not_o to_o resist_v he_o nay_o further_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o text_n that_o shall_v our_o magistrate_n become_v what_o they_o then_o be_v heathen_a and_o infidel_n yet_o in_o all_o civil_a matter_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o which_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o assert_v against_o all_o whether_o papal_a or_o other_o encroachment_n but_o that_o the_o magistrate_n either_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v religious_a rite_n or_o that_o if_o he_o do_v prescribe_v we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o neither_o that_o nor_o any_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n do_v evince_v as_o i_o have_v already_o demonstrate_v 2._o i_o deny_v that_o any_o upon_o earth_n now_o have_v great_a power_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o church_n than_o those_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n time_n for_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o peter_n be_v if_o not_o the_o great_a yet_o one_o of_o the_o great_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o by_o his_o suspicious_a and_o inconstant_a carriage_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o gentile_n to_o think_v 2._o gal._n 2._o that_o the_o jewish_a rite_n ought_v still_o to_o be_v continue_v paul_n open_o reprove_v he_o in_o these_o word_n why_o compelle_v thou_o the_o gentile_n to_o live_v as_o do_v the_o jew_n i._o e._n why_o do_v thou_o seem_v to_o lay_v a_o constraint_n upon_o they_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o thy_o example_n induce_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o ceremony_n be_v still_o to_o be_v practise_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o if_o in_o one_o who_o be_v so_o great_a a_o apostle_n paul_n will_v not_o brook_v the_o least_o scruple_n of_o carriage_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o abate_v and_o lessen_v the_o extent_n of_o christian_a liberty_n than_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o no_o magistrate_n can_v lawful_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o power_n since_o the_o great_a magistrate_n on_o earth_n in_o thing_n appertain_v to_o divine_a worship_n be_v much_o inferior_a to_o peter_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o authority_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v take_v upon_o himself_o that_o power_n we_o be_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o comply_v as_o rather_o by_o paul_n example_n open_o