Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
authority_n	affirm_v	church_n	scripture_n	3,734	5	6.5982	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A54203	The reasonableness of toleration, and the unreasonableness of penal laws and tests wherein is prov'd by Scripture, reason and antiquity, that liberty of conscience is the undoubted right of every man, and tends to the flourishing of kingdoms and commonwealths, and that persecution for meer religion is unwarrantable, unjust, and destructive to humane society, with examples of both kinds.	Penn, William, 1644-1718.	1687 (1687)	Wing P1352; ESTC R23116	25,930	41

ambassador_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n in_o both_o kind_n have_v so_o much_o kindness_n for_o toleration_n that_o he_o give_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o ambassador_n that_o he_o have_v always_o think_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o kind_n and_o liberty_n for_o the_o priesthood_n to_o marry_v be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o as_o depend_v rather_o upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o father_n then_o upon_o divine_a authority_n may_v be_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o time_n and_o alteration_n of_o custom_n and_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n several_a of_o the_o wise_a and_o chief_a of_o the_o prelate_n stiff_o argue_v against_o the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cup_n affirm_v those_o to_o be_v void_a of_o christian_a charity_n who_o stand_v so_o strict_o and_o so_o nice_o upon_o a_o particular_a ceremony_n the_o grant_n of_o which_o may_v prevent_v the_o effusion_n of_o much_o blood_n and_o recover_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n many_o that_o be_v fall_v from_o her._n and_o thus_o what_o scripture_n and_o humane_a authority_n justify_v common_a reason_n be_v no_o less_o ready_a to_o uphold_v for_o first_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o humane_a authority_n be_v so_o high_o empower_v as_o to_o bind_v up_o our_o assent_n to_o whatever_o interpretation_n shall_v be_v propose_v then_o of_o necessity_n it_o follow_v that_o every_o christian_n indifferent_o have_v a_o equal_a interest_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o creator_n so_o that_o no_o particular_a person_n have_v a_o right_a to_o impose_v a_o force_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brother_n thus_o one_o hold_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v necessary_a another_o deem_v it_o lawful_a a_o three_o deny_v both_o these_o opinion_n yet_o admit_v that_o it_o may_v but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v therefore_o they_o confer_v text_n and_o examine_v the_o original_a yet_o after_o all_o diligence_n use_v they_o still_o be_v but_o where_o they_o be_v now_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o advise_v persecution_n for_o such_o a_o difference_n as_o this_o beside_o there_o be_v several_a dispute_n upon_o various_a point_n of_o christianity_n that_o can_v be_v clear_v to_o any_o man_n by_o argument_n mere_o natural_a as_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n such_o be_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o real_a presence_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o need_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v so_o and_o see_v moreov_a that_o it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n believe_v and_o other_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n it_o can_v fall_v under_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n that_o either_o the_o defect_n or_o surplusage_n of_o belief_n which_o may_v perhaps_o glide_v into_o superstition_n which_o of_o the_o two_o soever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o human_a law_n for_o though_o both_o have_v the_o same_o outward_a help_n and_o mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o yet_o the_o potent_a cause_n be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o therefore_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o tertullian_n aver_v that_o the_o new_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o call_v for_o the_o sword_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v it_o and_o sisibutus_fw-la king_n of_o spain_n be_v just_o tax_v for_o compel_v the_o jew_n to_o christianity_n by_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o sword_n when_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v win_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n by_o meek_a and_o gentle_a persuasion_n in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o violent_a and_o rigorous_a proceed_v and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n who_o make_v and_o ordain_v all_o mankind_n free_a from_o bondage_n and_o never_o advance_v he_o over_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n to_o be_v a_o contemptible_a slave_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o fellow_n creature_n even_o in_o thing_n temporal_a much_o less_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o relate_v to_o eternity_n so_o that_o this_o same_o actual_a violence_n of_o impose_v by_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n of_o one_o man_n upon_o another_o or_o of_o some_o person_n over_o all_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a presumption_n imaginable_a that_o go_v about_o to_o subdue_v to_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n those_o that_o be_v create_v by_o god_n to_o equal_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o themselves_o subject_v they_o by_o oppression_n not_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n of_o the_o creator_n but_o to_o the_o will_n ambition_n and_o interest_n of_o mortal_a creature_n no_o less_o frail_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n than_o they_o over_o who_o they_o affect_v illegal_a dominion_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a order_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o be_v altogether_o bless_v from_o which_o whatever_o be_v degenerate_v by_o corruption_n or_o have_v deviate_v by_o temptation_n from_o that_o pure_a and_o regular_a order_n either_o in_o thing_n temporal_a or_o divine_a must_v be_v include_v within_o the_o curse_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o oppose_a the_o creator_n himself_o and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v compulsion_n exercise_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n as_o be_v the_o high_a product_n of_o degenerate_a usurpation_n and_o the_o grande_v swerve_v imaginable_a from_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o without_o all_o question_n the_o creator_n himself_o reserve_v and_o retain_v in_o his_o own_o power_n alone_o the_o privilege_n of_o supremacy_n over_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o all_o matter_n touch_v immortality_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o only_a lord_n in_o that_o case_n to_o give_v spiritual_a law_n and_o to_o command_v the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o himself_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o creator_n rightful_a dominion_n a_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o prerogative_n a_o act_n of_o violence_n against_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o a_o bold_a intrude_a into_o his_o proper_a right_n for_o any_o person_n to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o by_o command_v and_o impose_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n upon_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god._n add_v to_o this_o that_o force_n be_v punishment_n and_o consequent_o unjust_a unless_o the_o offence_n be_v voluntary_a but_o he_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n be_v necessitate_v to_o that_o belief_n and_o to_o compel_v he_o against_o it_o be_v to_o compel_v he_o to_o renounce_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n his_o reason_n and_o that_o same_o injunction_n will_v be_v altogether_o vain_a to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o w●_n find_v to_o be_v best_a if_o after_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a election_n we_o must_v be_v whip_v out_o of_o our_o conscience_n by_o penalty_n it_o be_v but_o odd_o do_v to_o preach_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a soul_n into_o just_a so_o much_o liberty_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v suffice_v to_o beget_v their_o torture_n and_o not_o permit_v they_o to_o rest_v where_o they_o find_v their_o satisfaction_n either_o utter_o prohibit_v the_o search_n or_o let_v they_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o believe_v what_o appear_v untrue_a be_v somewhat_o impossible_a but_o to_o profess_v what_o we_o believe_v untrue_a be_v absolute_o damnable_a nor_o be_v it_o one_o of_o the_o least_o argument_n against_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n that_o it_o break_v the_o band_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o annihilate_v all_o manner_n of_o love_n unity_n fellowship_n and_o concord_n among_o man_n neighbour_n be_v at_o enmity_n among_o neighbour_n brethren_n with_o brethren_n and_o family_n be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o prince_n and_o their_o subject_n ruler_n and_o their_o people_n be_v at_o discord_n and_o debate_n that_o many_o time_n turn_v to_o absolute_a disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n while_o the_o one_o labour_n to_o impose_v the_o other_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o oppression_n man_n say_v zenophon_n resist_v none_o with_o great_a animosity_n than_o those_o that_o affect_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o their_o body_n more_o especial_o such_o as_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o illegal_a dominion_n over_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n they_o contend_v pro_fw-la aris_n in_o the_o

the_o reasonableness_n of_o toleration_n and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o penal_a law_n and_o test_n wherein_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n reason_n and_o antiquity_n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o undoubted_a right_n of_o every_o man_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o flourish_a of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n be_v unwarrantable_a unjust_a and_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n with_o example_n of_o both_o kind_n offer_a to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v for_o john_n harris_n at_o the_o harrow_n against_o the_o church_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1687._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o toleration_n and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o penal_a law_n and_o test_n etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o most_o opinion_n to_o grasp_v into_o their_o clutch_n the_o exercise_n of_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n &_o as_o in_o former_a time_n so_o now_o of_o late_a our_o church_n of_o england_n man_n have_v not_o be_v the_o least_o ambitious_a of_o that_o authority_n it_o be_v true_a the_o clergy_n of_o england_n can_v never_o fix_v such_o jurisdiction_n in_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o can_v not_o perform_v by_o their_o spiritual_a authority_n they_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o least_o title_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n nor_o have_v leave_v they_o any_o weapon_n to_o combat_v dissenter_n in_o opinion_n nay_o even_o error_n itself_o only_a christian_a admonition_n and_o at_o last_o when_o that_o will_v not_o prevail_v public_a separation_n from_o communion_n with_o such_o as_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o defiance_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o never_o cease_v to_o amuse_v and_o alarm_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n with_o continual_a suspicion_n and_o fear_n to_o render_v he_o jealous_a of_o all_o other_o man_n that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o ceremony_n a_o passionate_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n above_o other_o which_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o and_o a_o convince_a argument_n that_o those_o person_n must_v have_v but_o little_a or_o no_o conscience_n themselves_o who_o with_o so_o much_o vigour_n and_o obstinacy_n labour_v to_o uphold_v a_o civil_a persecution_n so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n reason_n and_o conscience_n as_o for_o scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a to_o the_o contrary_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o where_o it_o instruct_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gentle_a to_o all_o man_n sorbid_v christian_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n that_o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o and_o another_o esteem_v all_o day_n alike_o yet_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o conscience_n do_v not_o inward_o accuse_v his_o outward_a profession_n the_o same_o great_a and_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o unbelieving_a wise_a and_o husband_n give_v such_o a_o mild_a and_o condescend_v answer_n as_o if_o he_o have_v take_v his_o pen_n from_o a_o dove_n wing_n let_v neither_o she_o nor_o he_o that_o unbelieve_v depart_v if_o please_v to_o stay_v for_o that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o peace_n add_v withal_o that_o as_o god_n have_v call_v every_o one_o so_o let_v he_o walk_v and_o so_o he_o ordain_v to_o all_o the_o church_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o divine_o utter_v to_o oblige_v the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o charity_n and_o meekness_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o than_o such_o a_o express_a injunction_n of_o so_o authentic_a a_o apostle_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o a_o infidel_n nay_o write_v to_o the_o christian_n he_o absolute_o deny_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v any_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o conscience_n but_o only_a commission_n to_o aid_n and_o assist_v their_o conscience_n not_o say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n altogether_o conformable_a to_o that_o doctrine_n of_o meekness_n wherein_o christ_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o aspire_v to_o the_o title_n of_o rabbi_n or_o master_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n beside_o that_o we_o be_v admonish_v to_o let_v the_o tare_n grow_v among_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n nor_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o suggest_v that_o this_o mild_a and_o moderate_a temper_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o those_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o persecution_n without_o any_o temporal_a power_n to_o defend_v themselves_o for_o let_v the_o choice_a champion_n but_o grant_n that_o those_o be_v the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n and_o then_o it_o will_v behoove_v they_o to_o show_v a_o dormant_n warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o christ_n ever_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o all_o dissenter_n or_o to_o despoil_v they_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o send_v they_o to_o perpetual_a banishment_n and_o they_o have_v do_v their_o work_n but_o if_o they_o can_v bring_v no_o such_o authority_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o lording_n over_o the_o conscience_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a piece_n of_o tyranny_n over_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o christian_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o successor_n of_o constantine_n be_v teach_v by_o their_o eclesiastic_o that_o there_o be_v two_o duty_n require_v from_o they_o one_o as_o christian_n the_o other_o as_o sovereign_n that_o as_o christian_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v divine_a precept_n as_o every_o private_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v but_o as_o prince_n to_o make_v good_a law_n and_o keep_v their_o subject_n steady_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n honesty_n and_o justice_n chastize_v the_o transgressor_n of_o his_o sacred_a law_n espeaclal_o the_o deacalogue_n and_o because_o they_o who_o transgress_v against_o the_o first_o table_n which_o relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n be_v worse_o than_o they_o who_o transgress_v against_o the_o second_o which_o relate_v only_o to_o justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n therefore_o prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o punish_v blasphemy_n perjury_n and_o heresy_n more_o severe_o than_o murder_n or_o theft_n as_o for_o blasphemy_n and_o perjury_n there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v by_o civil_a penalty_n for_o blasphemer_n and_o perjure_a person_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v man_n of_o conscience_n nor_o be_v they_o that_o take_v that_o liberty_n to_o be_v endure_v for_o that_o blasphemy_n and_o perjury_n be_v criminal_a in_o all_o religion_n and_o differ_v opinion_n whatever_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a manner_n and_o contamination_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o every_o man_n must_v be_v punish_v as_o a_o heretic_n who_o differ_v in_o his_o judgement_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v first_o agree_v upon_o what_o a_o heretic_n be_v and_o who_o be_v that_o heretic_n and_o which_o be_v that_o law_n that_o reach_v his_o offence_n before_o they_o can_v punish_v he_o by_o any_o law._n now_o those_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o heretic_n be_v error_n in_o fundamental_o or_o about_o fundamental_o conviction_n and_o contumacy_n and_o they_o be_v heretic_n who_o obstinate_o and_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a light_n of_o truth_n defend_v some_o doctrine_n direct_o or_o of_o necessary_a consequence_n tear_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith._n the_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o shall_v have_v make_v it_o out_o that_o the_o dissenter_n and_o roman_a catholic_n be_v heretic_n of_o this_o sort_n convict_a and_o contumacious_a and_o then_o all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o put_v they_o under_o excommunication_n not_o to_o torment_v their_o person_n and_o estate_n with_o mulct_n imprisonment_n fine_n and_o sequestration_n which_o how_o dissonant_n it_o be_v from_o the_o golden_a rule_n of_o god_n himself_o still_o prefer_v mercy_n above_o sacrifice_n be_v evident_o apparent_a the_o character_n of_o menelaus_n in_o the_o second_o of_o maccabee_n be_v that_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o one_o that_o have_v the_o fury_n of_o a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o a_o savage_a beast_n conformable_a to_o which_o be_v that_o of_o cicero_n quote_v by_o lactantius_n it_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n say_v he_o to_o carry_v a_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n under_o the_o shape_n of_o

a_o man._n it_o be_v say_v that_o diana_n of_o the_o scythian_n have_v a_o temple_n and_o a_o altar_n near_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o lake_n meotis_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o body_n of_o live_a man_n a_o cruelty_n little_o differ_v from_o the_o severity_n of_o those_o people_n that_o seem_v to_o make_v their_o interest_n their_o scythian_a diana_n and_o live_a man_n the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o ambition_n and_o the_o support_n of_o their_o spiritual_a grandeur_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o those_o that_o study_v thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o other_o mortal_n but_o themselves_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o spiritual_a arbitrary_a government_n so_o be_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o sign_n of_o no_o less_o presumption_n for_o a_o particular_a number_n of_o man_n enclose_v within_o the_o narrow_a circle_n of_o episcopacy_n compare_v with_o those_o vast_a multitude_n of_o dissenter_n and_o roman-catholic_n that_o under_o various_a name_n of_o distinction_n invent_v by_o their_o adversary_n spread_v themselves_o over_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a pastor_n who_o have_v power_n to_o drive_v man_n to_o heaven_n for_o this_o be_v to_o disclaim_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o usurp_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o preach_v down_o one_o antichrist_n and_o set_v up_o six_o and_o twenty_o for_o if_o meekness_n mildness_n unity_n peace_n and_o concord_n be_v the_o virtue_n that_o embellish_v christian_a jurisdiction_n cruelty_n rigour_n persecution_n and_o violence_n must_v be_v the_o mark_n of_o antichristian_a tyranny_n they_o therefore_o that_o so_o vehement_o persecute_v the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o either_o doubt_n or_o happy_o err_v in_o some_o particular_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o ambiguity_n and_o which_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v in_o former_a age_n be_v most_o unjust_a for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o ancient_a jew_n do_v never_o punish_v the_o sadducee_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o that_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o than_o it_o be_v but_o only_o glance_v at_o in_o their_o law_n and_o not_o teach_v at_o all_o but_o covert_o under_o type_n and_o figure_n but_o suppose_v the_o error_n to_o be_v such_o as_o among_o equal_a judge_n may_v be_v easy_o confute_v both_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n nevertheless_o the_o great_a strength_n of_o a_o overgrow_a opinion_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o how_o the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o defend_v their_o own_o sect_n diminish_v the_o strength_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n a_o man_n will_v soon_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n than_o his_o opinion_n a_o opinion_n say_v chrysostom_n that_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n through_o custom_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v remove_v for_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o alter_v with_o more_o unwillingness_n than_o our_o custom_n in_o religion_n but_o whether_o this_o different_a opinion_n be_v a_o error_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v he_o only_o can_v without_o danger_n judge_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a judge_n who_o alone_o know_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith._n let_v they_o rage_n against_o you_o say_v st._n austin_n concern_v the_o manichee_n who_o can_v presume_v to_o be_v without_o error_n themselves_o for_o my_o part_n i_o neither_o can_v nor_o dare_v for_o i_o ought_v to_o bear_v with_o you_o as_o other_o do_v former_o with_o i_o and_o to_o treat_v you_o with_o as_o much_o patience_n meekness_n and_o gentleness_n as_o they_o do_v i_o when_o i_o be_v blind_o carry_v away_o with_o your_o error_n religionis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la religionem_fw-la cogere_fw-la say_v tertullian_n and_o athanasius_n also_o high_o blame_v the_o arrian_n because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o call_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o their_o assistance_n against_o their_o antagonist_n and_o that_o endeavour_v by_o force_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o draw_v such_o to_o themselves_o who_o they_o can_v not_o win_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n gregory_n bishop_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o manner_n of_o preach_v to_o enforce_v faith_n by_o stripe_n and_o punishment_n history_n also_o afford_v we_o the_o example_n of_o several_a french_a bishop_n who_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o call_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n against_o the_o priscillianist_n and_o of_o a_o whole_a council_n in_o the_o east_n that_o be_v condemn_v for_o consent_v to_o the_o burn_v of_o bogomilus_n conformable_a to_o the_o say_n of_o plato_n the_o punishment_n of_o he_o that_o err_v be_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o of_o seneca_n that_o no_o wise_a man_n ever_o hate_v those_o that_o err_v for_o if_o so_o he_o must_v necessary_o sometime_o hate_v himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o emperor_n valentinian_n be_v high_o commend_v because_o he_o never_o persecute_v any_o man_n for_o his_o religion_n nor_o ever_o command_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v adore_v nor_o force_v his_o subject_n to_o embrace_v his_o own_o manner_n of_o worship_n infinite_a be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o man_n of_o learning_n their_o successor_n who_o have_v all_o along_o condemn_v the_o force_n of_o conscience_n or_o compel_a man_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o exercise_n as_o they_o in_o conscience_n esteem_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o their_o salvation_n all_o centre_v in_o the_o utter_a detestation_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o violence_n and_o imposition_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o maxim_n which_o not_o all_o the_o usurpation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n have_v be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o montluc_n a_o roman_n catholic_n and_o bishop_n of_o valence_n that_o the_o rigour_n of_o torment_n be_v never_o to_o be_v practise_v towards_o people_n who_o have_v no_o other_o crime_n but_o only_o a_o persuasion_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o pious_a peter_n martyr_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v her_o duty_n say_v he_o to_o correct_v sinner_n not_o with_o the_o sword_n not_o with_o penal-law_n or_o fine_n not_o with_o imprisonment_n or_o exilement_n but_o after_o her_o own_o method_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o maximilian_n the_o second_o emperor_n of_o germany_n that_o though_o he_o persevere_v to_o his_o death_n a_o roman_n catholic_n yet_o he_o be_v never_o the_o less_o disesteem_v by_o the_o protestant_n for_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o observe_v a_o exact_a moderation_n between_o both_o party_n and_o never_o cease_v till_o he_o have_v obtain_v the_o use_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o eucharist_n for_o those_o of_o his_o subject_n that_o desire_v it_o the_o same_o emperor_n also_o give_v this_o advice_n to_o henry_n the_o three_o of_o france_n then_o return_v out_o of_o poland_n to_o quiet_a all_o disturbance_n in_o his_o kingdom_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o his_o father_n ferdinand_n who_o after_o he_o have_v long_o toil_v and_o labour_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o charles_n the_o v._o to_o appease_v the_o trouble_n in_o germany_n and_o settle_v the_o difference_n about_o religion_n when_o he_o find_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n more_o provoke_v than_o any_o remedy_n obtain_v by_o force_n and_o violence_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o applause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o empire_n make_v those_o favourable_a concession_n which_o when_o nothing_o also_o will_v do_v restore_v tranquillity_n to_o the_o empire_n more_o remarkable_a be_v that_o say_n of_o henry_n the_o three_o of_o france_n himself_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n after_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o death_n wound_n from_o clement_n the_o monk_n nor_o let_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n deter_v you_o this_o error_n long_o possess_v i_o and_o draw_v i_o into_o inextricable_a mistake_v the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n hurry_v we_o into_o faction_n leave_v that_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o keep_v this_o in_o your_o mind_n as_o a_o fix_a and_o constant_a maxim_n that_o religion_n which_o be_v inspire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o god_n can_v be_v command_v by_o men._n nay_o pius_n the_o four_o the_o none_o of_o the_o best_a of_o pope_n yet_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o french_a

impose_v the_o oath_n for_o certain_o transubstantiation_n be_v no_o point_n of_o state_n nor_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o good_a work_n make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a subject_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o papist_n to_o be_v loyal_a to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o yet_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n all_o these_o be_v no_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o infer_v from_o passage_n and_o glance_n of_o the_o text_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v believe_v as_o probable_a by_o the_o papist_n as_o the_o objection_n against_o they_o by_o we_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o cruel_o test_a for_o doctrine_n that_o be_v but_o either_o obscure_o reveal_v or_o not_o necessary_o enjoin_v as_o little_a reason_n be_v there_o to_o enforce_v this_o test_n upon_o the_o papist_n when_o we_o know_v that_o many_o of_o our_o own_o persuasion_n will_v scruple_n to_o take_v it_o and_o some_o so_o nice_a as_o absolute_o to_o refuse_v it_o at_o least_o it_o be_v very_o severe_a to_o compel_v such_o as_o be_v young_a and_o unlearned_a for_o all_o be_v not_o casuist_n that_o enter_v the_o parliament_n house_n or_o have_v preferment_n in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o swear_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n be_v not_o true_a which_o they_o have_v be_v always_o breed_v up_o to_o from_o their_o infancy_n especial_o to_o come_v blunt_o upon_o they_o without_o any_o precede_a instruction_n or_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v their_o understanding_n only_o swear_v or_o else_o depart_v the_o king_n presence_n and_o quit_v your_o employment_n but_o all_o this_o be_v do_v they_o say_v to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o popery_n and_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n as_o if_o the_o take_v the_o test_n will_v avail_v to_o make_v a_o man_n either_o a_o better_a neighbour_n or_o a_o better_a subject_n for_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o impose_v this_o test_n conside_fw-la never_a the_o more_o in_o those_o who_o they_o have_v fright_v to_o take_v it_o and_o though_o by_o take_v it_o they_o may_v preserve_v what_o place_n they_o have_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o in_o itself_o any_o step_n to_o preferment_n rather_o indeed_o be_v there_o less_o reason_n to_o conside_fw-la in_o those_o that_o be_v unwilling_o draw_v to_o a_o outward_a compliance_n then_o in_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v oblige_v since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a cause_n of_o hatred_n and_o resentment_n than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o be_v compel_v public_o to_o swear_v against_o their_o conscience_n unless_o their_o judgement_n be_v real_o change_v and_o then_o all_o penalty_n to_o enforce_v they_o be_v superfluous_a whence_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o test_n and_o all_o oath_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v always_o either_o absolute_o pernicious_a or_o altogether_o unnecessary_a if_o against_o the_o inward_a judgement_n damnable_a as_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o perjury_n and_o spiritual_a murder_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o according_a to_o the_o internal_a sentiment_n useless_a more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o isidore_n that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o break_v a_o oath_n that_o will_v bind_v he_o to_o a_o dishonest_a and_o unjust_a action_n for_o that_o the_o promise_n must_v needs_o be_v wicked_a that_o can_v be_v fulfil_v but_o by_o make_v a_o man_n wicked_a and_o what_o can_v make_v a_o man_n more_o wicked_a then_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n for_o private_a gain_n so_o that_o if_o the_o test_n as_o it_o be_v a_o oath_n that_o will_v bind_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o unjust_a action_n as_o the_o renounce_v his_o religion_n for_o worldly_a honour_n or_o preferment_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o break_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o keep_v on_o foot_n since_o it_o have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o bind_v the_o person_n that_o take_v it_o and_o indeed_o if_o the_o power_n of_o a_o unjust_a oath_n be_v so_o great_a as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v how_o deep_o be_v they_o perjure_a that_n take_v the_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n yet_o after_o that_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o restore_a of_o his_o late_a majesty_n of_o bless_a memory_n who_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o have_v so_o solemn_o abjure_v but_o they_o have_v their_o absolution_n from_o st._n ambrose_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o promise_n can_v be_v perform_v nor_o some_o other_o keep_v without_o the_o violation_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v that_o our_o supreme_a legislator_n and_o sovereign_a prince_n set_v forth_o his_o most_o gracious_a act_n of_o indulgence_n thereby_o to_o free_v from_o spiritual_a bondage_n the_o enflaved_a conscience_n of_o his_o suffer_a subject_n groan_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n therein_o true_o resemble_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o vicegerent_n upon_o earth_n he_o be_v while_o he_o shed_v down_o down_o upon_o all_o in_o general_n the_o ray_n of_o his_o christian_a compassion_n and_o spread_v the_o cherubin_n wing_n of_o his_o mercy_n over_o multitude_n so_o latety_n torment_v with_o the_o unsanctified_a vexation_n he_o have_v public_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v his_o aim_n to_o fix_v his_o government_n on_o such_o a_o foundation_n as_o may_v make_v his_o subject_n happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o religion_n with_o freedom_n of_o exercise_n and_o their_o property_n without_o invasion_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o such_o a_o prince_n who_o god_n preserve_v what_o cause_n or_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n it_o be_v a_o ill_a sign_n of_o obedience_n in_o subject_n when_o they_o distrust_v the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o deny_v he_o so_o small_a a_o recompense_n for_o his_o excess_n of_o benignity_n in_o his_o royal_a toleration_n as_o the_o repeal_n of_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n cruelty_n in_o the_o penal_a law_n and_o injustice_n in_o the_o test_n be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n in_o the_o world._n certain_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o a_o monarch_n so_o tender_a of_o the_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o subject_n must_v be_v ill_a at_o ease_n till_o he_o have_v remove_v those_o scourge_v of_o imposition_n that_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n in_o such_o a_o threaten_v posture_n and_o therefore_o since_o sovereign_a consideration_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o have_v they_o take_v away_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rude_a piece_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a in_o opposition_n to_o sovereign_a reason_n finis_fw-la this_o be_v finish_v before_o the_o translation_n of_o lactantius_n and_o therefore_o as_o not_o be_v borrow_v from_o he_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v it_o pass_v with_o this_o advertisement_n