rod_n or_o in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n i._o e._n consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o see_v i_o have_v determine_v to_o visit_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o when_o i_o come_v you_o have_v rather_o i_o shall_v chastise_v you_o with_o the_o apostolical_a rod_n by_o exercise_v my_o power_n of_o inflict_a punishment_n and_o by_o consign_v the_o refractory_a to_o those_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a disease_n that_o be_v wont_n immediate_o to_o follow_v apostolical_a censure_n or_o whether_o i_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o more_o gentle_a and_o merciful_a design_n without_o be_v force_v by_o your_o stubborness_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o use_v this_o severity_n among_o you_o as_o you_o behave_v yourselves_o so_o may_v you_o expect_v to_o find_v i_o at_o my_o come_n and_o thus_o again_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 6._o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o his_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n if_o he_o shall_v come_v among_o they_o to_o revenge_v all_o their_o disobedience_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o immediate_o profess_v himself_o not_o ashamed_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o again_o shake_v the_o same_o rod_n over_o they_o threaten_v that_o if_o their_o refractoriness_n force_v he_o to_o strike_v they_o with_o some_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a one_o if_o i_o come_v again_o i_o will_v not_o spare_v since_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o these_o extraordinary_a infliction_n be_v sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o he_o will_v make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o be_v commissioned_n by_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o make_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n if_o nothing_o else_o will_v satisfy_v they_o about_o the_o right_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o same_o apostle_n command_v to_o the_o same_o church_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o that_o they_o shall_v deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o they_o shall_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o small_a a_o punishment_n than_o his_o be_v resign_v up_o to_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o some_o evil_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost._n in_o 1._o ad_fw-la cor._n hom._n 15._o to_o be_v torment_v with_o ulcer_n or_o some_o other_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infliction_n which_o be_v then_o the_o usual_a consequent_a of_o excommunication_n the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v as_o immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i._n e._n that_o be_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o sadness_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o this_o cruel_a executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n this_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o work_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n do_v the_o same_o apostle_n deliver_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v vex_v and_o torment_v by_o some_o evil_a spirit_n this_o may_v take_v down_o their_o proud_a and_o haughty_a stomach_n and_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o traduce_v and_o disparage_v his_o apostolical_a authority_n when_o they_o have_v smart_v so_o severe_o for_o contradict_v it_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o divine_a providence_n please_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o his_o own_o almighty_a power_n so_o necessary_a be_v a_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n to_o the_o due_a government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v fain_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o primitive_a discipline_n maintain_v by_o miracle_n of_o severity_n as_o long_o as_o it_o want_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n but_o when_o christianity_n have_v once_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o have_v gain_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n into_o its_o own_o possession_n and_o be_v become_v the_o imperial_a religion_n than_o begin_v its_o government_n to_o re-settle_a where_o nature_n have_v place_v it_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n thought_n themselves_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o its_o government_n and_o protection_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o abet_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o their_o secular_a authority_n then_o begin_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o withdraw_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v by_o degree_n all_o the_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n as_o their_o necessity_n cease_v as_o be_v now_o as_o well_o supply_v by_o the_o natural_a &_o ordinary_a power_n of_o the_o prince_n so_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o person_n that_o be_v thereunto_o original_o commissioned_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o exercise_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o imperial_a diadem_n and_o the_o bishop_n become_v then_o as_o they_o be_v now_o minister_n of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o challenge_v not_o any_o secular_a power_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o prince_n who_o suppose_v they_o best_a able_a to_o understand_v and_o manage_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n grant_v they_o commission_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o himself_o and_o vest_v they_o with_o as_o much_o coercive_a power_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o judge_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o inflict_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o delinquent_n so_o that_o bishop_n neither_o have_v nor_o ever_o have_v any_o temporal_a authority_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a judge_n appoint_v by_o he_o to_o govern_v affair_n of_o religion_n as_o civil_a or_o secular_a judge_n be_v to_o govern_v affair_n of_o justice_n §_o 17._o and_o now_o that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n devolve_v upon_o the_o royal_a authority_n assoon_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o all_o the_o law_n and_o record_n of_o the_o empire_n praes_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_a the_o disposal_n and_o government_n of_o church_n affair_n depend_v entire_o on_o their_o authority_n constantine_n be_v no_o soon_o settle_v in_o his_o imperial_a throne_n but_o he_o take_v the_o settlement_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n into_o his_o own_o cognizance_n he_o call_v synod_n and_o council_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ratify_v their_o canon_n into_o law_n he_o prohibit_v the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o demolish_v their_o meeting-house_n he_o make_v edict_n concern_v festival_n the_o rite_n of_o sepulture_n the_o immunity_n of_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o divers_a other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o jurisdiction_n he_o be_v careful_o follow_v by_o all_o his_o successor_n which_o can_v but_o be_v know_v to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v not_o as_o utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o he_o in_o the_o comedy_n who_o suppose_v corpus_fw-la juris_fw-la civilis_fw-la to_o be_v a_o dutchman_n the_o code_n the_o authentic_o the_o french_a capitular_o be_v full_a of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o constitution_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o code_n treat_v of_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o privilege_n of_o ecclesiastical_a man_n and_o thing_n the_o distinct_a office_n and_o function_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n and_o infinite_a other_o thing_n that_o immediate_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o authentic_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v every_o where_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o through_o the_o whole_a volume_n which_o be_v divide_v into_o nine_o collation_n have_v not_o
vain_a and_o frivolous_a as_o all_o their_o other_o cavil_n and_o shuffle_a pretence_n sect._n 2._o scandal_n then_o be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a and_o ambiguous_a signification_n and_o the_o thing_n it_o import_v be_v not_o determinate_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v sometime_o innocent_a and_o sometime_o criminal_a according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o those_o thing_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v or_o of_o those_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o be_v attend_v for_o in_o the_o full_a and_o proper_a extent_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v any_o thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a that_o occasion_n the_o fall_n or_o sin_n of_o another_o now_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scandal_n or_o that_o which_o occasion_n another_o sin_n be_v in_o itself_o good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o casual_a event_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o reflect_v any_o charge_n or_o disparagement_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o attribute_v to_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n to_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o criminal_a though_o it_o be_v chief_o unblamable_a upon_o its_o own_o account_n yet_o this_o usual_o aggravate_v and_o enhance_v the_o original_a guilt_n of_o the_o action_n but_o last_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o a_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n then_o be_v it_o either_o faultless_a or_o chargeable_a according_a to_o its_o different_a case_n and_o circumstance_n as_o christian_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n shall_v determine_v so_o various_a and_o contingent_a a_o thing_n not_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o fix_a and_o settle_a measure_n some_o be_v scandalize_v out_o of_o weakness_n and_o some_o out_o of_o peevishness_n some_o before_o due_a information_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o some_o after_o it_o some_o because_o they_o do_v not_o and_o some_o because_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v all_o which_o with_o infinite_a other_o circumstance_n man_n ought_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o suitable_o to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n that_o determine_v they_o in_o all_o the_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o the_o action_n it_o self_n be_v only_o the_o remote_a occasion_n and_o not_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o scandal_n in_o that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o by_o consequence_n innocent_a it_o can_v be_v direct_o and_o from_o itself_o productive_a of_o any_o criminal_a effect_n and_o therefore_o its_o be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v to_o purpose_n and_o opportunity_n of_o sin_n be_v pure_o accidental_a and_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o every_o man_n fall_v be_v something_o within_o himself_o it_o be_v either_o folly_n or_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n or_o wilfulness_n too_o little_a understanding_n or_o too_o much_o passion_n that_o betray_v some_o man_n into_o sin_n by_o occasion_n of_o other_o man_n action_n so_o that_o the_o school_n distinction_n of_o scandal_n into_o passive_a or_o that_o which_o be_v take_v and_o active_a or_o that_o which_o be_v give_v be_v apparent_o false_a and_o impertinent_a and_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o have_v perplex_v and_o intricate_v all_o discourse_n of_o this_o article_n because_o scandal_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v never_o give_v but_o when_o it_o be_v take_v as_o be_v only_o a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n take_v by_o one_o manfrom_o the_o action_n of_o another_o now_o if_o his_o take_a offence_n where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v proceed_v from_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n then_o be_v his_o case_n pitiable_a and_o a_o good-natured_a man_n will_v out_o of_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o seize_v on_o to_o abuse_v to_o his_o own_o destruction_n for_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n proceed_v pure_o from_o that_o extraordinary_a height_n of_o charity_n and_o tenderness_n of_o good_a nature_n that_o be_v so_o signal_o recommend_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n that_o we_o may_v lawful_o omit_v when_o we_o know_v it_o will_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o mischief_n to_o some_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o know_a christian_n but_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o humour_n or_o pride_n or_o wilfulness_n or_o any_o other_o vicious_a principle_n then_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o peevish_a and_o stubborn_a person_n and_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o part_n with_o his_o own_o freedom_n because_o his_o neighbour_n be_v froward_a and_o humorous_a and_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o fall_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n i_o shall_v forego_v the_o use_n of_o my_o liberty_n because_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v that_o his_o stumbling-block_n so_o that_o we_o see_v all_o scandal_n be_v equal_o take_v but_o not_o equal_o criminal_a in_o that_o some_o take_v it_o only_o because_o they_o be_v weak_a and_o some_o because_o they_o be_v peevish_a according_a to_o which_o different_a case_n we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o a_o different_a demeanour_n in_o this_o affair_n §_o 3._o and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v variety_n of_o example_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o action_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o opposite_a scandal_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n if_o they_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o rigorous_a observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a rite_n this_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o false_a and_o mischievous_a opinion_n of_o their_o necessity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o comply_v then_o that_o prove_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o right_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o so_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o fall_v back_o from_o that_o religion_n that_o incline_v man_n to_o a_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o between_o these_o two_o extreme_n they_o be_v force_v to_o walk_v with_o great_a prudence_n and_o wariness_n incline_v sometime_o to_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o the_o other_o as_o they_o apprehend_v most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o end_n &_o interest_n of_o christianity_n thus_o though_o st._n paul_n condescend_v to_o the_o circumcision_n of_o timothy_n to_o humour_n and_o gratify_v the_o jew_n who_o can_v not_o be_v so_o sudden_o wrought_v off_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o strong_a impression_n of_o their_o education_n and_o therefore_o be_v for_o a_o time_n indulge_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ancient_a rite_n and_o custom_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o yield_v so_o far_o to_o the_o jewish_a obstinacy_n as_o to_o suffer_v the_o circumcision_n of_o titus_n but_o oppose_v it_o with_o his_o utmost_a zeal_n and_o vehemence_n because_o this_o will_v in_o probability_n have_v frustrate_v the_o success_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n in_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n among_o foreign_a nation_n if_o he_o who_o have_v before_o so_o vehement_o assert_v their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o particular_o from_o this_o ceremony_n shall_v now_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o by_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o former_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v man_n into_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n after_o himself_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v its_o be_v reverse_v and_o superannuated_a for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v probable_o expect_v than_o that_o his_o gentile_a proselyte_n be_v discourage_v partly_o by_o his_o prevarication_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o noke_n to_o which_o they_o foresee_v or_o at_o least_o suspect_v they_o must_v submit_v shall_v be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o a_o utter_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o wise_o weigh_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o scandal_n be_v less_o dangerous_a in_o anger_v the_o jew_n than_o in_o hazard_v the_o gentile_n he_o choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o peevishness_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o revolt_n of_o these_o gal._n 2._o 4_o 5._o §_o 4._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n as_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v of_o this_o great_a apostle_n different_a deportment_n in_o this_o particular_a towards_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n because_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n there_o live_v no_o small_a number_n of_o natural_a jew_n who_o when_o they_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n the_o method_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n invite_v they_o at_o first_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v bare_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o its_o evidence_n and_o divine_a authority_n
religion_n as_o in_o affair_n of_o state_n they_o alone_o restrain_v and_o punish_v whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o public_a and_o establish_a religion_n they_o suppress_v innovation_n reform_a corruption_n order_v the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n institute_v new_a law_n and_o ceremony_n and_o conduct_v all_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o may_v not_o with_o as_o great_a a_o show_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o these_o jewish_a king_n §_o 13._o and_o thus_o be_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o nation_n govern_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n till_o our_o bless_a saviour_n birth_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o establish_v new_a law_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o any_o new_a model_n of_o polity_n he_o come_v not_o to_o unsettle_v the_o foundation_n of_o government_n or_o to_o diminish_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o prince_n and_o settle_v the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a affair_n upon_o new_a principle_n but_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n he_o find_v it_o all_o his_o discourse_n be_v direct_v to_o private_a person_n and_o such_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o not_o command_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o find_v he_o every_o where_o high_o solicitous_a to_o press_v man_n to_o obedience_n in_o general_n and_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o find_v out_o any_o professor_n of_o the_o art_n of_o policy_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a that_o have_v carry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n so_o high_a as_o the_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o apostle_n yet_o no_z where_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o settle_v much_o less_o to_o limit_v the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n and_o therefore_o the_o government_n of_o religion_n be_v vest_v in_o they_o by_o a_o antecedent_n and_o natural_a right_n must_v without_o all_o controversy_n belong_v to_o they_o till_o it_o be_v derogate_a from_o they_o by_o some_o superior_a authority_n so_o that_o unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o disrobe_v the_o royal_a power_n of_o its_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n nothing_o else_o can_v alienate_v it_o from_o their_o prerogative_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o leave_v no_o command_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o right_a government_n of_o religion_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o give_v they_o a_o new_a commission_n to_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v already_o so_o firm_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o unalterable_a dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n and_o universal_a practice_n and_o consent_v of_o nation_n it_o be_v so_o clear_o inseparable_a from_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n that_o it_o lose_v both_o its_o supremacy_n and_o its_o usefulness_n unless_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o unlimited_a in_o that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o government_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v power_n to_o manage_v and_o order_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o that_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o nothing_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n than_o the_o well_o or_o ill_a management_n of_o religion_n its_o conduct_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o inseparable_a a_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o legislative_a authority_n itself_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o government_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n seem_v rather_o to_o suppose_v than_o assert_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o prince_n what_o else_o mean_v that_o promise_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n unless_o by_o their_o power_n they_o may_v cherish_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o protect_v it_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n what_o do_v the_o scripture_n mean_v when_o it_o style_v our_o saviour_n king_n of_o king_n and_o make_v prince_n his_o vicegerent_n here_o on_o earth_n what_o mean_v the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v king_n be_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n that_o under_o they_o we_o may_v live_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n not_o only_o in_o all_o honesty_n but_o in_o all_o godliness_n too_o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o propagation_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n as_o the_o preservation_n of_o justice_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v a_o prince_n as_o such_o effectual_o promote_v but_o by_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n law_n and_o penalty_n beside_o all_o which_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n our_o saviour_n live_v in_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o man_n hand_n that_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o defence_n protection_n and_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n that_o he_o know_v they_o will_v exert_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o force_n to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o entrust_v they_o with_o a_o commission_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n when_o he_o know_v they_o will_v labour_v its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o hence_o be_v there_o no_o other_o peaceable_a method_n to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n to_o secure_v his_o religion_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o be_v factious_a and_o seditious_a against_o the_o state_n be_v solicitous_a above_o all_o thing_n to_o arm_v they_o with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o give_v they_o glorious_a promise_n to_o encourage_v their_o submission_n to_o their_o unhappy_a fate_n and_o severe_a injunction_n to_o secure_v their_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n except_o when_o they_o run_v direct_o cross_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o as_o the_o posture_n of_o affair_n than_o stand_v be_v incomparable_o the_o most_o effectual_a as_o well_o as_o most_o innocent_a way_n of_o its_o propagation_n §_o 14._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a and_o impertinent_a plea_n that_o some_o man_n make_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n when_o they_o will_v restrain_v the_o magistrate_n power_n so_o as_o to_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v to_o convince_v and_o convert_v man_n a_o argument_n that_o much_o resemble_v that_o which_o they_o urge_v with_o so_o much_o popular_a noise_n and_o confidence_n against_o that_o little_a grandeur_n &_o authority_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n because_o forsooth_o the_o apostle_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unhappy_a juncture_n of_o affair_n in_o their_o time_n live_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o persecute_a condition_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v their_o calamity_n these_o man_n will_v make_v our_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v they_o will_v pursue_v their_o argument_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o may_v as_o rational_o serve_v and_o so_o they_o must_v sell_v their_o land_n and_o bring_v the_o money_n and_o lay_v it_o at_o the_o bishop_n foot_n they_o must_v pass_v away_o all_o their_o propriety_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o at_o so_o prodigious_a a_o rate_n of_o impertinency_n do_v man_n talk_v when_o their_o passion_n dictate_v their_o discourse_n and_o to_o so_o fine_a a_o pass_n will_v the_o affair_n of_o christendom_n be_v bring_v by_o this_o trifle_a pretence_n of_o reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o its_o primitive_a practice_n in_o all_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n but_o yet_o i_o suppose_v these_o man_n themselves_o will_v scarce_o imitate_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v now_o in_o be_v i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o the_o liberty_n open_o to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o persecute_v all_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o a_o impostor_n which_o though_o they_o do_v familiar_o in_o his_o own_o time_n yet_o he_o never_o go_v about_o to_o restrain_v their_o blasphemy_n by_o law_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o i_o only_o demand_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v make_v penal_a law_n against_o swear_v and_o blasphemy_n
without_o take_v any_o notice_n whether_o their_o old_a religion_n be_v thereby_o abrogate_a or_o continue_v for_o have_v they_o at_o the_o first_o attempt_v deal_v roundly_o with_o they_o in_o that_o particular_a that_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o win_v their_o assent_n that_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o affright_v they_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v disperse_v among_o they_o so_o many_o judaize_v christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n yet_o not_o be_v so_o thorough_o inform_v as_o to_o the_o superannuate_a of_o those_o legal_a observance_n they_o be_v as_o firm_o wed_v to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n advise_v that_o these_o weak_a and_o uninstruct_v convert_v shall_v be_v tender_o treat_v and_o exhort_v the_o more_o know_v christian_n for_o a_o while_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n till_o time_n and_o better_a information_n shall_v wear_v off_o their_o old_a prejudices_fw-la and_o at_o length_n bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o then_o as_o for_o the_o galatian_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n he_o think_v not_o fit_a to_o treat_v they_o with_o the_o same_o tenderness_n and_o civility_n but_o rather_o chide_v and_o lash_v they_o out_o of_o their_o childish_a folly_n because_o as_o st._n chrysostome_n observe_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n they_o have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o have_v already_o disclaim_v all_o their_o jewish_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o for_o they_o to_o relapse_n into_o the_o error_n of_o judaism_n can_v not_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n and_o want_v of_o instruction_n but_o from_o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n a_o vanity_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v upbraid_v with_o as_o much_o briskness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o satyr_n as_o st._n paul_n have_v use_v in_o that_o epistle_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n arise_v the_o quarrel_n between_o he_o and_o st._n peter_n in_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v not_o carry_v himself_o so_o prudent_o in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v their_o controversy_n be_v not_o about_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o prescribe_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o pure_o about_o a_o occasional_a and_o changeable_a matter_n of_o prudence_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o this_o and_o divers_a other_o particular_a case_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o practice_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v the_o best_a comment_n upon_o his_o doctrine_n the_o result_n of_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v from_o he_o evident_o amount_v to_o these_o two_o consequence_n 1._o that_o the_o proper_a obligation_n of_o scandal_n be_v extend_v only_o to_o matter_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a nature_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v whether_o they_o offend_v any_o man_n or_o no_o and_o those_o that_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o strong_a obligation_n than_o those_o of_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o its_o proper_a scene_n must_v lie_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o determinate_o good_a or_o evil_n 2._o that_o the_o case_n in_o which_o it_o be_v concern_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v determine_v by_o any_o unalterable_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o action_n in_o reference_n to_o it_o but_o those_o of_o common_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n and_o now_o from_o this_o more_o general_a account_n may_v we_o proceed_v with_o more_o clearness_n and_o security_n to_o some_o more_o close_a and_o particular_a consideration_n that_o immediate_o relate_v to_o this_o affair_n as_o it_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o man_n in_o justification_n of_o their_o present_a schism_n §_o 5._o first_o and_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o manifest_o &_o scandalous_o they_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o world_n in_o their_o management_n of_o this_o apology_n in_o that_o the_o pretence_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o cover_v for_o their_o practice_n for_o however_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v their_o refusal_n of_o conformity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o public_a and_o ministerial_a function_n which_o they_o must_v renounce_v though_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o family_n to_o please_v the_o brethren_n yet_o how_o will_v this_o account_n for_o all_o the_o other_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o their_o separation_n what_o have_v this_o to_o do_v with_o their_o private_a meeting_n and_o conventicle_n against_o the_o command_n of_o public_a authority_n they_o plead_v it_o only_o to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o lay_v down_o their_o ministry_n and_o not_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v present_a at_o our_o assembly_n in_o a_o private_a capacity_n as_o they_o sometime_o be_v why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o keep_v up_o such_o a_o apparent_a separation_n by_o gather_v people_n into_o distinct_a meeting_n of_o their_o own_o when_o they_o may_v without_o any_o criminal_a scandal_n to_o their_o brethren_n or_o violence_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v constant_a at_o our_o congregation_n when_o themselves_o be_v or_o at_o least_o thought_n they_o be_v in_o power_n they_o do_v not_o think_v so_o slight_o of_o unnecessary_a separation_n but_o provide_v against_o their_o very_a appearance_n and_o possibility_n why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o now_o make_v so_o light_a of_o expose_v the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o distemper_n that_o natural_o follow_v upon_o make_v party_n and_o division_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o scandal_n in_o the_o case_n they_o will_v live_v quiet_o and_o conformable_o in_o a_o private_a condition_n though_o this_o may_v possible_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v so_o in_o a_o public_a office_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o such_o nice_a and_o tender-natured_a people_n that_o will_v undo_v themselves_o to_o please_v their_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v wonderful_o tender_a of_o give_v needless_a offence_n to_o their_o governor_n and_o whatever_o other_o pretence_n they_o make_v to_o excuse_v their_o nonconformity_n nothing_o can_v justify_v their_o separation_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o be_v present_a at_o our_o congregation_n for_o what_o if_o they_o scruple_n to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n be_v this_o any_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v gather_v people_n into_o conventicle_n keep_v their_o private_a meeting_n in_o time_n of_o public_a service_n affront_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o encourage_v their_o follower_n in_o a_o downright_a schism_n and_o separation_n it_o will_v be_v a_o pretty_a way_n of_o argue_v to_o hear_v one_o of_o they_o plead_v i_o can_v renounce_v the_o covenant_n therefore_o i_o must_v keep_v a_o conventicle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v their_o method_n of_o act_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o clear_v themselves_o of_o some_o odd_a suspicion_n unless_o they_o will_v frank_o and_o open_o declare_v their_o opinion_n of_o our_o service_n if_o they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a then_o let_v they_o own_o and_o profess_v and_o plead_v it_o if_o lawful_a then_o let_v they_o justify_v themselves_o in_o that_o when_o lawful_a authority_n require_v they_o and_o the_o people_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o just_a and_o lawful_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o keep_v up_o so_o wide_a a_o schism_n by_o gather_v people_n out_o of_o public_a congregation_n into_o private_a meeting_n and_o can_v their_o credulous_a disciple_n be_v but_o make_v sensible_a how_o coarse_o they_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o their_o leader_n and_o how_o lamentable_o they_o juggle_v and_o dissemble_v with_o the_o world_n they_o will_v then_o more_o abhor_v they_o for_o their_o hypocrisy_n than_o they_o now_o admire_v they_o for_o their_o saintlike_a and_o demure_a pretence_n for_o if_o they_o will_v persuade_v they_o to_o do_v what_o themselves_o will_v not_o scruple_n in_o their_o circumstance_n i._n e._n to_o be_v of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o schism_n will_v quick_o be_v end_v and_o the_o church_n settle_v the_o only_a reason_n say_v most_o of_o they_o why_o they_o forsake_v their_o ministry_n be_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o abjure_v the_o covenant_n dispense_v with_o they_o for_o this_o and_o they_o be_v conformist_n but_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n they_o scruple_n then_o why_o be_v they_o not_o regular_a and_o conformable_a in_o all_o other_o particular_n against_o which_o they_o can_v pretend_v no_o such_o exception_n and_o what_o do_v renounce_v the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v that_o
ineffectual_a instrument_n of_o uniformity_n because_o they_o have_v either_o be_v weaken_v through_o want_n of_o execution_n or_o in_o a_o manner_n cancel_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o civil_a constitution_n for_o when_o law_n be_v bind_v under_o severe_a penalty_n and_o when_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o crime_n have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o punish_v it_o or_o be_v perpetual_o check_v and_o control_v by_o a_o strong_a power_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o law_n be_v affront_v and_o despise_v and_o if_o instead_o of_o bring_v man_n mind_n to_o compliance_n and_o subjection_n they_o exasperate_v they_o into_o open_a contumacy_n restraint_n provoke_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o yet_o redress_n not_o the_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o grant_v a_o uncontrolled_a liberty_n by_o declare_v for_o it_o than_o after_o have_v declare_v against_o it_o to_o grant_v it_o by_o silence_n and_o impunity_n the_o prohibition_n disoblige_v dissenter_n and_o that_o be_v one_o evil_a and_o the_o impunity_n allow_v they_o toleration_n and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a and_o where_o governor_n permit_v what_o their_o law_n forbid_v there_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v at_o once_o lose_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o restraint_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o as_o they_o will_v expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a at_o first_o to_o bind_v on_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n with_o the_o straight_a knot_n and_o afterward_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o force_n and_o countenance_n by_o the_o severe_a execution_n in_o that_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a conscience_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v curb_v with_o a_o ordinary_a severity_n &_o therefore_o their_o restraint_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o unruliness_n and_o they_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o a_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n than_o all_o other_o principle_n of_o public_a disturbance_n by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o unruly_a §_o 8._o for_o if_o conscience_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o break_v down_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n and_o all_o man_n have_v licence_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o persuasion_n the_o mischief_n be_v infinite_a and_o the_o folly_n endless_a and_o they_o seldom_o cease_v to_o wander_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o all_o the_o whimsy_n and_o enormity_n that_o can_v debauch_v religion_n or_o annoy_v the_o public_a peace_n the_o giddy_a multitude_n be_v of_o a_o restless_a and_o straggle_a humour_n and_o yet_o withalso_fw-la ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o yet_o be_v any_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v a_o real_a liberty_n to_o man_n imagination_n that_o be_v not_o sudden_o overrun_v with_o numberless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o sect_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o the_o late_a confusion_n when_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o settlement_n how_o be_v sect_n build_v upon_o sect_n and_o church_n upon_o church_n till_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o folly_n that_o the_o usurper_n themselves_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o work_v their_o subversion_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagancy_n but_o by_o overturning_a their_o own_o foundation_n and_o check_v their_o growth_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n the_o humour_n of_o fanaticise_v be_v a_o boundless_a folly_n it_o know_v no_o restraint_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o governor_n it_o grow_v and_o increase_v without_o end_n or_o limit_n and_o never_o cease_v to_o swell_v itself_o till_o it_o have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o restraint_n of_o government_n thus_o when_o the_o disciplinarian_o have_v in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o peevish_a and_o unreasonable_a principle_n divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o upon_o a_o far_a improvement_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n subdivide_v from_o they_o every_o new_a opinion_n be_v enough_o to_o find_v a_o new_a church_n and_o sect_n be_v spawn_v out_o of_o sect_n till_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o family_n for_o when_o they_o be_v once_o part_v from_o the_o order_n &_o sobriety_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o nothing_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o wild_a and_o violent_a imagination_n §_o 9_o schismatic_n always_o run_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n in_o the_o church_n as_o rebel_n and_o seditious_a person_n do_v in_o the_o state_n who_o out_o of_o a_o hatred_n to_o tyranny_n be_v restless_a till_o they_o have_v dissolve_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o anarchy_n &_o confusion_n and_o because_o some_o kingly_a government_n have_v prove_v tyrannical_a will_v allow_v no_o free_a state_n but_o under_o republic_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o all_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o late_a usurper_n who_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o general_a that_o all_o government_n under_o a_o single_a person_n be_v slavish_a and_o oppressive_a without_o respect_n to_o its_o particular_a constitution_n and_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o sufficient_a preservation_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n notwithstanding_o that_o those_o who_o manage_v it_o be_v never_o so_o imperious_a and_o arbitrary_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o church_n dissenter_n out_o of_o abhorrency_n to_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o man_n understanding_n never_o think_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n sufficient_o secure_v till_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o her_o unreasonable_a imposition_n have_v invade_v the_o fundamental_a liberty_n of_o mankind_n they_o present_o conclude_v all_o restraint_n upon_o licentious_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n under_o the_o hate_a name_n of_o popery_n and_o some_o theological_a empiric_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o people_n head_n with_o this_o fond_a conceit_n that_o they_o will_v see_v no_o middle_a way_n between_o spiritual_a tyranny_n and_o spiritual_a anarchy_n and_o so_o brand_v all_o restraint_n of_o government_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v antichristian_a and_o never_o think_v themselves_o far_o enough_o from_o rome_n till_o they_o be_v wander_v as_o far_o as_o munster_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n be_v not_o so_o wild_a as_o to_o abolish_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o only_o remove_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v unjust_o usurp_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a seat_n and_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v clog_v christianity_n with_o too_o many_o garish_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o immediate_o strip_v her_o naked_a of_o all_o modest_a and_o decent_a ornament_n out_o of_o a_o overhot_a opposition_n to_o their_o too_o flaunt_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o only_o clothe_v she_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o church_n to_o preserve_v we_o sober_a between_o two_o such_o unreasonable_a extreme_n §_o 10._o but_o not_o to_o run_v too_o hasty_o into_o particular_a dispute_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a to_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o affair_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o government_n and_o than_o if_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n i_o shall_v demand_v whether_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o former_a than_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o supreme_a but_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o superior_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o rather_o what_o be_v equal_o absurd_a there_o will_v be_v two_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n for_o it_o the_o prince_n jurisdiction_n be_v limit_v to_o civil_a affair_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o government_n then_o may_v subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v impossible_a contradictory_n command_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n require_v he_o to_o defend_v his_o country_n against_o a_o invasion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n may_v command_v he_o to_o abandon_v its_o defence_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o a_o holy_a war_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n from_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n but_o see_v no_o man_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o contradictory_n obligation_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o
what_o a_o cross-grained_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o restrain_v thing_n only_o because_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o first_o to_o forbid_v prince_n to_o command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o then_o subject_n to_o do_v they_o only_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o to_o expose_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n by_o some_o more_o particular_a consideration_n §2_n first_o the_o folly_n and_o mischief_n that_o issue_n from_o it_o be_v so_o infinite_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v not_o overturn_v and_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o disturbance_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v any_o form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o all_o circumstance_n prescribe_v in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o exception_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v one_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o it_o may_v as_o occasion_n require_v serve_v as_o well_o to_o cashier_v all_o and_o by_o consequence_n take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n thus_o when_o upon_o this_o principle_n the_o disciplinarian_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o independent_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n separate_v from_o they_o the_o anabaptist_n from_o the_o independent_o the_o familist_n from_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o quaker_n from_o the_o familist_n and_o every_o faction_n divide_v and_o subdivide_v among_o themselves_o into_o innumerable_a sect_n and_o undersect_v and_o as_o long_o as_o man_n act_v up_o to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o innovation_n must_v be_v endless_a if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o lord-bishop_n it_o be_v as_o severe_a against_o lay-presbyter_n if_o against_o music_n in_o church_n than_o farewell_n sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o rhyme_n if_o against_o the_o cross_n why_o not_o against_o sprinkle_v in_o baptism_n and_o if_o against_o cathedral_n church_n than_o down_o go_v all_o steeple-house_n if_o against_o one_o thing_n then_o against_o every_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o two_o sacrament_n that_o can_v possible_o escape_v its_o impeachment_n all_o the_o pious_a villainy_n that_o have_v ever_o disturb_v the_o christian_a world_n have_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o this_o grand_a maxim_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawmaker_n to_o his_o church_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n invade_v his_o kingly_a office_n the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a so_o abuse_v this_o pretence_n to_o justify_v any_o seditious_a and_o licentious_a practice_n that_o they_o make_v heathen_a prince_n look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o government_n and_o the_o fanatic_n of_o late_a have_v so_o vex_v and_o embroil_v christendom_n with_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o christian_a prince_n themselves_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n it_o be_v become_v the_o only_a patron_n and_o pretext_n of_o sedition_n and_o when_o any_o subject_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o set_v themselves_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o can_v never_o want_v this_o pretence_n to_o warrant_v their_o disobedience_n see_v there_o be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o divers_a law_n that_o be_v not_o record_v by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o humane_a institution_n entrench_v upon_o our_o saviour_n kingly_a prerogative_n they_o be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v provide_v with_o matter_n of_o quarrel_n to_o disturb_v government_n and_o justify_v rebellion_n §_o 3._o second_o nay_o further_a this_o fond_a pretence_n if_o make_v use_v of_o to_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o may_v as_o wise_o serve_v will_v cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a which_o have_v only_o describe_v the_o general_a line_n of_o duty_n but_o leave_v their_o particular_a determination_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o humane_a law_n now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o in_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n these_o can_v be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n therefore_o if_o he_o can_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n to_o see_v the_o divine_a law_n put_v in_o execution_n for_o where_o be_v describe_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n where_o be_v determine_v all_o doubt_n and_o question_n of_o conscience_n where_o be_v decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n where_o be_v record_v all_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n why_o therefore_o shall_v humane_a authority_n be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v in_o these_o great_a affair_n and_o yet_o be_v deny_v it_o in_o the_o custom_n of_o church_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a reason_n to_o be_v assign_v but_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o fond_a opinion_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o be_v argument_n enough_o for_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a how_o come_v this_o proposition_n to_o be_v now_o limit_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o only_o because_o this_o serve_v their_o turn_n for_o otherwise_o why_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o perfect_v a_o rule_n of_o civil_a as_o of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n as_o they_o be_v a_o canon_n of_o worship_n why_o do_v not_o these_o man_n require_v from_o the_o scripture_n express_v command_n for_o every_o action_n they_o do_v in_o common_a life_n how_o dare_v they_o take_v any_o physic_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o dare_v they_o commence_v a_o suit_n at_o law_n without_o warranty_n from_o scripture_n how_o dare_v they_o do_v any_o natural_a action_n without_o particular_a advice_n and_o direction_n of_o holy_a writ_n §_o 4._o three_o but_o as_o foolish_a as_o this_o opinion_n be_v its_o mischief_n equal_v its_o folly_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o these_o son_n of_o strife_n and_o singularity_n must_v have_v be_v troublesome_a and_o seditious_a in_o all_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v they_o live_v under_o the_o jewish_a church_n why_o then_o where_o have_v moses_n command_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n the_o fast_n of_o the_o four_o the_o five_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o ten_o month_n what_o warrant_v for_o the_o build_n of_o synagogue_n and_o what_o command_v for_o that_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o wear_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n in_o token_n of_o humiliation_n if_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n why_o then_o where_o do_v our_o saviour_n appoint_v the_o love-feast_n where_o have_v he_o institute_v the_o kiss_n of_o charity_n where_o have_v he_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n and_o easter_n where_o the_o lordsday_n sabbath_n and_o where_o all_o their_o other_o commemorative_a festival_n vide_fw-la tertull_n de_fw-fr coronâ_fw-la c._n 3._o will_v they_o retreat_v to_o the_o lutheran_n church_n they_o will_v there_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o all_o the_o same_o but_o many_o more_o antichristian_a and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n to_o offend_v their_o tender_a conscience_n and_o will_v find_v themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o government_n save_v that_o their_o superintendent_o want_v the_o antichristian_a honour_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o english_a bishop_n partly_o through_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o country_n partly_o through_o the_o injury_n of_o sacrilege_n but_o main_o because_o the_o church_n revenue_n be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o romish_a bishop_n will_v they_o to_o france_n there_o notwithstanding_o the_o unsettle_a state_n of_o the_o protestant_n of_o that_o nation_n through_o want_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o their_o liturgy_n and_o establish_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o change_v of_o apparel_n for_o divine_a service_n as_o well_o as_o at_o home_n if_o they_o will_v to_o geneva_n there_o mr._n calvin_n common-prayer-book_n be_v as_o much_o impose_v as_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o they_o be_v enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o wafercake_n the_o custom_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n bid_v of_o prayer_n proper_a psalm_n not_o only_o for_o day_n but_o for_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n with_o divers_a other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v no_o where_o record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n what_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v affirm_v these_o be_v the_o only_a custom_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n never_o use_v more_o or_o less_o than_o these_o so_o that_o these_o man_n
of_o scruple_n that_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v do_v the_o same_o with_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o church_n in_o christendom_n who_o law_n and_o custom_n be_v not_o apparent_o liable_a either_o to_o the_o same_o or_o as_o great_a exception_n now_o magistrate_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o deal_v wonderful_a gentle_o with_o such_o tender_a conscience_n as_o these_o that_o be_v act_v by_o such_o nice_a and_o unhappy_a principle_n as_o must_v force_v they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a and_o unpeaceable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o notorious_a than_o all_o this_o these_o man_n have_v all_o along_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o principle_n run_v direct_o counter_a to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o persuasion_n for_o not_o to_o puzzle_v they_o to_o discover_v in_o which_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enjoin_v the_o form_n of_o public_a penance_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n or_o to_o find_v out_o the_o stool_n of_o repentance_n either_o among_o the_o work_n of_o bezaleel_n or_o the_o furniture_n of_o the_o temple_n we_o read_v indeed_o of_o beesom_n and_o flesh-fork_n and_o pot_n and_o shovel_n and_o candlestick_n but_o not_o one_o syllable_n of_o joynt-stool_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o precept_n or_o example_n they_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o sing_a psalm_n in_o meeter_n where_o have_v our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n enjoin_v a_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o that_o which_o themselves_o impose_v what_o divine_a authority_n can_v it_o challenge_v beside_o that_o of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o what_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v they_o produce_v for_o the_o significant_a form_n of_o swear_v by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o scruple_v what_o scripture_n command_v have_v they_o for_o the_o three_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v take_v it_o 1._o uncover_v 2._o stand_v 3._o with_o their_o right_a hand_n lift_v up_o bare_a now_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o impudence_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o have_v not_o only_o write_v so_o many_o book_n with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o three_o innocent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v significant_a but_o have_v also_o involve_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o civil_a war_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o their_o removal_n and_o have_v arm_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n against_o their_o sovereign_n with_o this_o holy_a league_n of_o rebellion_n that_o even_o then_o they_o shall_v impose_v three_o other_o so_o gross_o and_o so_o apparent_o liable_a to_o all_o their_o own_o objection_n what_o clear_a evidence_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n that_o dictate_v their_o scruple_n and_o what_o instance_n have_v we_o in_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o any_o schism_n and_o faction_n so_o unreasonable_o begin_v and_o continue_v the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n indeed_o may_v resemble_v but_o nothing_o can_v equal_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v proposal_n and_o condescension_n to_o such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o demand_n and_o suppose_v we_o shall_v yield_v and_o deliver_v up_o to_o their_o zeal_n those_o harmless_a ceremony_n they_o have_v so_o long_o worry_v with_o so_o much_o fury_n and_o impatience_n it_o will_v only_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o restless_a and_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n for_o whilst_o their_o peevish_a temper_n be_v act_v by_o this_o exorbitant_a principle_n the_o affair_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o settle_v as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n of_o quarrel_n in_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n against_o which_o this_o principle_n may_v not_o as_o rational_o be_v urge_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v religious_a worship_n without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o man_n make_v not_o use_v of_o it_o against_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v humoursom_a as_o well_o as_o seditious_a and_o so_o allow_v one_o thing_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n they_o disavow_v another_o for_o certain_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v when_o they_o pray_v refuse_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o swear_v which_o be_v but_o another_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n never_o scruple_n to_o kiss_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o whoever_o serious_o imbibe_v this_o persuasion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o understand_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o opinion_n if_o it_o do_v not_o lead_v he_o down_o to_o the_o low_a folly_n of_o quakerism_n which_o after_o divers_a gradual_a exorbitance_n of_o other_o less_o extravagant_a sect_n be_v but_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o untoward_a persuasion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o vain_a than_o to_o talk_v of_o accommodation_n or_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o possibility_n of_o quiet_a and_o setlement_n till_o authority_n shall_v see_v it_o necessary_a as_o it_o will_v first_o or_o last_o to_o scourge_v they_o into_o better_a manner_n and_o wise_a opinion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v manage_v and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unalterable_a yet_o we_o deem_v it_o apparent_o absurd_a to_o forego_v any_o of_o her_o establish_a ceremony_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o these_o man_n unreasonable_a demand_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v coarse_o impolitic_a upon_o divers_a other_o account_n so_o main_o by_o yield_v up_o her_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n submit_v her_o authority_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o must_v be_v eternal_a and_o invincible_a hindrance_n of_o peace_n and_o setlement_n this_o let_v they_o consider_v who_o it_o most_o concern_v §_o 5._o four_o as_o for_o their_o principle_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_o certain_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o when_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o thing_n necessary_a be_v as_o confident_o apply_v to_o thing_n accessary_a it_o lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n impregnable_a principle_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n for_o confound_v they_o in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n between_o the_o substantial_a duty_n and_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a value_n and_o necessity_n it_o make_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o place_n a_o religion_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o religious_a and_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o false_a and_o groundless_a fear_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o formality_n of_o superstition_n whereas_o be_v they_o due_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a and_o thing_n mere_o decent_a and_o circumstantial_a this_o will_v not_o only_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o also_o keep_v up_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n decency_n of_o worship_n and_o due_a reverence_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o these_o man_n will_v punctual_o tie_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o meaning_n be_v of_o new_a article_n of_o belief_n it_o be_v notorious_o impertinent_a because_o to_o this_o no_o civil_a magistrate_n pretend_v but_o if_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o divine_a law_n it_o be_v then_o indeed_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o as_o notorious_o false_a in_o that_o we_o be_v certain_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o every_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a by_o some_o prohibition_n for_o thing_n become_v evil_a not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o being_n not_o command_v but_o upon_o that_o of_o their_o be_v forbid_v and_o what_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v not_o it_o
necessary_a that_o either_o the_o same_o or_o some_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v establish_v that_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o the_o end_n of_o government_n to_o punish_v enormity_n as_o to_o prevent_v disturbance_n and_o when_o they_o bring_v malefactor_n to_o justice_n as_o we_o term_v it_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o the_o crime_n for_o that_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o another_o tribunal_n as_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o cut_v off_o such_o person_n as_o be_v pest_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o punishment_n deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a practice_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o which_o governor_n take_v not_o so_o much_o notice_n that_o be_v more_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n than_o other_o that_o they_o punish_v with_o capital_a infliction_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n so_o that_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o of_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v otherwise_o even_o innocent_a be_v in_o this_o regard_n injurious_a it_o as_o much_o concern_v authority_n to_o give_v it_o check_v by_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o punishment_n as_o any_o the_o foul_a immorality_n temporal_a punishment_n than_o be_v inflict_v upon_o such_o person_n that_o be_v turbulent_a against_o prescribe_a rule_n of_o public_a worship_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o they_o be_v against_o those_o that_o offend_v against_o all_o other_o public_a edict_n of_o government_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o intend_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o society_n and_o when_o either_o of_o they_o be_v violate_v they_o equal_o tend_v to_o its_o disturbance_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n act_n against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o its_o governor_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v all_o their_o offence_n against_o its_o ecclesiastical_a law_n liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o its_o last_o result_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o question_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o policy_n not_o so_o much_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o preservation_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a and_o yet_o his_o opinion_n be_v intolerable_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o its_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n for_o it_o be_v easy_o imaginable_a how_o a_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n may_v through_o mere_a ignorance_n fall_v into_o such_o error_n which_o though_o god_n will_v pardon_v yet_o governor_n must_v punish_v his_o integrity_n may_v expiate_v the_o crime_n but_o can_v prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o his_o error_n nay_o so_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o be_v government_n right_o understand_v and_o due_o manage_v mistake_v and_o abuse_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o supply_v the_o galley_n with_o vast_o great_a number_n than_o villainy_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n and_o of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o pretend_v it_o against_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n the_o content_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o silliness_n of_o the_o principle_n with_o which_o they_o abuse_v the_o people_n think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o by_o fly_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n scandal_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o occasion_n the_o sin_n of_o another_o and_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o determinate_o good_a or_o evil._n all_o scandal_n be_v equal_o take_v but_o not_o equal_o criminal_a man_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o in_o this_o affair_n by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o st._n paul_n contrary_a behaviour_n towards_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o avoid_v their_o contrary_a scandal_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o this_o point_n between_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o proper_a obligation_n of_o scandal_n be_v extend_v only_o to_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o case_n in_o which_o it_o be_v concern_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v determine_v by_o settle_a law_n and_o constitution_n how_o scandalous_o these_o man_n prevaricate_v with_o the_o world_n in_o their_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n that_o may_v excuse_v their_o refusal_n of_o conformity_n but_o give_v no_o account_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o their_o scruple_v to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o divine_a service_n into_o conventicle_n how_o shameful_o these_o man_n juggle_v with_o the_o world_n and_o impose_v upon_o their_o follower_n if_o they_o will_v but_o persuade_v their_o proselyte_n to_o be_v of_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o will_v end_v all_o our_o difference_n they_o first_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o the_o scandal_n and_o then_o make_v this_o the_o formal_a reason_n why_o they_o must_v follow_v they_o if_o the_o people_n scruple_n be_v groundless_a then_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a disobedience_n a_o further_a account_n of_o their_o shameful_a prevarication_n the_o ridiculousness_n of_o the_o people_n pretend_v it_o concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v scandalize_v by_o their_o avoid_v private_a offence_n they_o run_v into_o public_a scandal_n they_o scandalize_v their_o own_o weak_a brethren_n most_o of_o all_o by_o comply_v with_o they_o old_a and_o inveterate_a scandal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o but_o oppose_v and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n infinite_o outweigh_v and_o utter_o evacuate_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n sect._n 1_o though_o the_o former_a principle_n viz._n that_o no_o man_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v rivet_v into_o the_o people_n mind_n as_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o puritan_n separation_n yet_o their_o leader_n seem_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o be_v drive_v from_o this_o and_o all_o their_o other_o little_a hold_n and_o shelter_n they_o have_v at_o length_n think_v it_o the_o safe_a and_o the_o wise_a course_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n this_o be_v their_o fort_n royal_a in_o which_o they_o have_v at_o last_o secure_v and_o entrench_v themselves_o as_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a and_o that_o themselves_o may_v lawful_o use_v they_o be_v it_o not_o that_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o sincere_a but_o weak_a christian_n that_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o dare_v not_o conform_v to_o our_o ceremonial_a constitution_n for_o fear_v of_o ensnare_a and_o scandalize_a weak_a conscience_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n account_v of_o it_o no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n and_o whatever_o be_v due_a to_o authority_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v too_o high_a a_o tribute_n none_o can_v be_v more_o ready_a than_o themselves_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o lawful_a command_n but_o here_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v when_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o at_o the_o price_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a doom_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o offend_v any_o of_o his_o little_a one_o i._n e._n babe_n and_o weakling_n in_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o hazard_v their_o own_o life_n in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n yet_o nothing_o can_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v so_o cruel_a and_o so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o destroy_v any_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v which_o be_v certain_o do_v by_o cast_v snare_n and_o scandal_n before_o their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o examine_v its_o strength_n and_o reasonableness_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o
excuse_n or_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o separation_n this_o thing_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o however_o it_o may_v restrain_v man_n from_o something_o else_o it_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o that_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o that_o these_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o comply_v with_o and_o encourage_v the_o people_n in_o a_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a schism_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o unwarrantable_a by_o herd_v they_o into_o conventicle_n for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n and_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o authority_n whereas_o have_v they_o any_o true_a sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o dispossess_v the_o people_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o fair_a and_o candid_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o she_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o they_o themselves_o be_v convince_v in_o conscience_n be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a for_o if_o they_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o setlement_n of_o the_o nation_n before_o their_o own_o selfish_a end_n instead_o of_o keep_v up_o division_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v by_o their_o conventicle_n they_o will_v be_v as_o zealous_a as_o he_o that_o be_v most_o so_o to_o remove_v the_o ground_n of_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o to_o reunite_v their_o party_n to_o the_o church_n by_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o orderly_a and_o peaceable_a conformity_n which_o if_o it_o be_v innocent_a as_o themselves_o believe_v it_o be_v it_o must_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v any_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o church_n and_o obedient_a to_o lawful_a authority_n sect._n 6._o second_o how_o come_v the_o people_n to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o who_o be_v they_o betray_v and_o affright_v into_o their_o mistake_n who_o buzz_v their_o scruple_n and_o jealousy_n into_o their_o head_n and_o who_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o ceremony_n popish_a superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a what_o other_o inducement_n have_v they_o to_o dislike_v the_o church_n constitution_n but_o mere_o the_o example_n of_o their_o leader_n their_o practice_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o people_n opinion_n and_o when_o their_o flock_n straggle_v from_o our_o church_n it_o be_v only_a to_o follow_v their_o pastor_n they_o first_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o a_o error_n and_o then_o this_o must_v be_v a_o apology_n for_o themselves_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o thus_o whilst_o they_o dance_v in_o a_o circle_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o preacher_n follow_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n follow_v their_o preacher_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o godly_a minister_n who_o dare_v not_o conform_v for_o fear_n of_o scandalize_a the_o weak_a brethren_n will_v but_o venture_v to_o do_v it_o the_o weak_a brethren_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v scandalize_v so_o that_o these_o man_n first_o lie_v the_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o people_n way_n and_o then_o because_o it_o scare_n silly_a and_o timorous_a soul_n this_o serve_v for_o a_o pretence_n to_o startle_v &_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o themselves_o and_o withal_o to_o increase_v the_o childish_a fear_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o their_o own_o seem_n &_o counterfeit_a horror_n now_o with_o what_o a_o shameless_a brow_n do_v these_o man_n prevaricate_v with_o public_a authority_n they_o have_v deceive_v the_o people_n into_o a_o public_a error_n and_o then_o will_v not_o undeceive_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o their_o displeasure_n and_o when_o they_o have_v possess_v their_o mind_n with_o unworthy_a scruple_n and_o jealousy_n against_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n then_o must_v this_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n be_v make_v the_o formal_a excuse_n of_o their_o own_o disobedience_n and_o by_o this_o artifice_n they_o prostitute_v the_o reverence_n of_o all_o government_n to_o the_o fortuitous_a humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o their_o own_o disciple_n and_o so_o by_o make_v the_o public_a law_n submit_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o who_o they_o govern_v they_o put_v it_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o enact_v or_o repeal_v they_o as_o they_o please_v and_o no_o law_n shall_v have_v any_o force_n to_o bind_v the_o subject_a without_o their_o approbation_n because_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o power_n when_o they_o please_v to_o work_v prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o people_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o their_o be_v offend_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o their_o obligation_n it_o be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o law_n only_o as_o themselves_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o thus_o they_o first_o govern_v the_o common_a people_n &_o then_o sooth_n and_o flatter_v their_o pride_n by_o inveigle_v they_o into_o a_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o by_o this_o stratagem_n they_o govern_v all_o but_o however_o from_o whosoever_o these_o good_a people_n learn_v their_o idle_a &_o imaginary_a scruple_n the_o offence_n they_o have_v take_v against_o the_o custom_n and_o prescription_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o just_a and_o reasonable_a or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o the_o former_a than_o they_o have_v rational_a ground_n for_o their_o dislike_n &_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o have_v than_o these_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o comply_v with_o they_o even_o against_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n aught_o to_o plead_v those_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_o scandal_n to_o justify_v their_o disobedience_n because_o they_o must_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o of_o scandal_n in_o that_o they_o be_v suppose_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v and_o patronize_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o that_o but_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o their_o dislike_n be_v found_v that_o be_v to_o be_v plead_v in_o their_o defence_n and_o justification_n but_o if_o the_o latter_a then_o be_v their_o dislike_n groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o undeceive_v they_o by_o discover_v their_o mistake_n than_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o sinful_a disobedience_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v groundless_a by_o compliance_n with_o they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v fair_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o all_o danger_n of_o any_o criminal_a offence_n for_o however_o scandal_n groundless_o take_v and_o so_o it_o be_v always_o because_o there_o be_v never_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v possible_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o my_o liberty_n till_o i_o have_v inform_v the_o person_n of_o his_o error_n and_o disavow_v those_o ill_a consequence_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o my_o example_n and_o when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v i_o have_v prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n which_o always_o suppose_v error_n weakness_n or_o mistake_v of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o error_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o weakness_n remove_v so_o be_v the_o scandal_n too_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v still_o pretend_v to_o be_v scandalize_v it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v weak_a but_o peevish_a and_o if_o after_o this_o i_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o that_o against_o the_o command_n of_o my_o lawful_a superior_n i_o shall_v disobey_v authority_n only_o because_o my_o neighbour_n be_v unreasonable_a i._n e._n for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o this_o further_a discover_v how_o shameless_o these_o man_n shuffle_v and_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o world_n in_o that_o when_o most_o of_o they_o have_v declare_v in_o their_o private_a discourse_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o imagine_v our_o ceremony_n unlawful_a or_o antichristian_a and_o when_o their_o grandee_n and_o representative_n have_v profess_v to_o public_a authority_n in_o solemn_a conference_n that_o they_o scruple_n not_o these_o thing_n upon_o their_o own_o account_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n to_o some_o well-meaning_a people_n that_o be_v unhappy_o possess_v with_o some_o odd_a and_o groundless_a jealousy_n against_o they_o for_o if_o so_o then_o why_o be_v not_o these_o good_a people_n that_o follow_v they_o better_o inform_v why_o do_v they_o not_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o disabuse_v they_o out_o of_o their_o false_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n why_o do_v they_o connive_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o presumption_n or_o at_o least_o why_o do_v they_o not_o more_o smart_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o rashness_n to_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o their_o neighbour_n to_o condemn_v and_o revile_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o scorn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n why_o do_v they_o not_o chide_v they_o out_o of_o their_o malapert_v peevish_a and_o impatient_a confidence_n and_o by_o
convince_a they_o at_o least_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o be_v deceive_v reduce_v they_o to_o a_o more_o humble_a and_o governable_a temper_n why_o do_v they_o not_o teach_v they_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n if_o they_o will_v but_o make_v it_o part_n of_o their_o business_n to_o undeceive_v the_o people_n how_o easy_o will_v all_o their_o straggle_a follower_n return_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o let_v they_o know_v their_o error_n lest_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v both_o their_o party_n and_o their_o reputation_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o mistake_n and_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n be_v force_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v scandalize_v insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o hear_v the_o foolish_a people_n pretend_v it_o concern_v themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o your_o action_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o by_o which_o they_o mean_v either_o that_o it_o lead_v they_o into_o sin_n or_o that_o it_o make_v they_o angry_a if_o the_o former_a that_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a contradiction_n for_o if_o they_o know_v how_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o know_v how_o to_o escape_v it_o my_o action_n do_v not_o force_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n but_o only_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o through_o their_o own_o mistake_n and_o folly_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v by_o what_o mistake_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v betray_v they_o know_v how_o to_o provide_v against_o the_o danger_n for_o if_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n how_o can_v they_o plead_v scandal_n when_o that_o suppose_v ignorance_n and_o however_o i_o behave_v myself_o they_o know_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v themselves_o if_o they_o do_v not_o how_o can_v they_o say_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v scandalize_v when_o by_o so_o say_v they_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o imply_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o avoid_v the_o danger_n if_o the_o latter_a i._n e._n that_o they_o be_v angry_a than_o all_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o i_o must_v part_v with_o my_o liberty_n and_o disobey_v my_o superior_n to_o please_v they_o that_o their_o saucy_a humour_n must_v give_v i_o law_n that_o i_o must_v be_v their_o slave_n because_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o insolent_a and_o that_o they_o must_v gain_v a_o power_n over_o i_o because_o they_o be_v forward_o to_o censure_v my_o action_n §_o 7._o three_o we_o encounter_v scandal_n with_o scandal_n and_o let_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o be_v discharge_v upon_o that_o side_n that_o occasion_n the_o most_o and_o the_o great_a offence_n now_o all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o ensue_v in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o affair_n upon_o their_o compliance_n with_o authority_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o weak_a brethren_n of_o their_o own_o party_n whereas_o by_o their_o refractory_a disobedience_n they_o give_v offence_n not_o only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o all_o both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_a and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o advantage_n they_o give_v to_o atheism_n and_o popery_n let_v i_o only_o mind_v they_o that_o if_o the_o accidental_a offence_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o know_a christian_n of_o a_o private_a capacity_n pass_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o restrain_v it_o from_o any_o practice_n in_o itself_o lawful_a of_o how_o much_o more_o force_n must_v that_o scandal_n be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o public_a authority_n by_o deny_v obedience_n to_o its_o lawful_a command_n and_o by_o consequence_n infringe_v its_o just_a power_n in_o thing_n not_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n now_o if_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o themselves_o apparent_o evil_a than_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a objection_n both_o against_o their_o practice_n and_o their_o imposition_n and_o their_o scandal_n to_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n be_v of_o small_a force_n in_o comparison_n to_o their_o intrinsic_a and_o unalterable_a unlawfulness_n but_o because_o this_o be_v not_o pretend_v in_o our_o present_a case_n what_o a_o shameful_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o religion_n be_v it_o to_o neglect_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o lawful_a authority_n under_o pretence_n of_o compliance_n with_o the_o weak_a and_o groundless_a scruple_n of_o some_o private_a man_n it_o be_v certain_o pass_v dispute_n that_o the_o reasonable_a offence_n of_o some_o weak_a brethren_n can_v so_o strong_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n as_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o demand_v whether_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n have_v not_o more_o force_n and_o power_n over_o conscience_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a if_o not_o then_o may_v the_o law_n of_o authority_n be_v cancel_v and_o control_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o for_o mere_a scandal_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o just_a and_o wise_a occasion_n of_o dislike_n the_o action_n become_v primary_o unlawful_a not_o because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a but_o because_o it_o be_v antecedent_o evil_a whereas_o mere_a and_o proper_a scandal_n be_v only_o concern_v in_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a scandal_n to_o do_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o a_o private_a christian_a dislike_n it_o or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o when_o public_a authority_n enjoin_v it_o and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o controversy_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a reproach_n to_o religion_n to_o disobey_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a than_o to_o offend_v a_o private_a christian._n and_o i_o may_v safe_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n whether_o the_o intolerable_a waywardness_n of_o some_o nice_a and_o squeamish_a conscience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o just_a authority_n be_v not_o a_o foul_a and_o more_o notorious_a scandal_n to_o religion_n than_o a_o modest_a and_o humble_a compliance_n with_o they_o though_o in_o thing_n not_o so_o apparent_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o own_o weak_a brethren_n of_o who_o they_o seem_v so_o exceed_o tender_a they_o can_v no_o way_n more_o scandalize_v they_o than_o by_o comply_v with_o they_o by_o which_o they_o be_v tempt_v and_o betray_v into_o the_o great_a and_o most_o mischievous_a enormity_n for_o thereby_o they_o encourage_v their_o folly_n feed_v and_o cherish_v their_o ungrounded_a fancy_n confirm_v they_o in_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o superior_n command_n and_o so_o lead_v they_o direct_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o unwarrantable_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n how_o many_o feeble_a and_o delude_a soul_n be_v entice_v by_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o example_n to_o violate_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o that_o when_o themselves_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o their_o unlawfulness_n and_o so_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o a_o complicate_v sin_n by_o disobey_v their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o that_o with_o a_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o zealous_a disciple_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o they_o see_v their_o godly_a minister_n to_o slight_v they_o and_o therefore_o unless_o their_o example_n be_v sufficient_a to_o rescind_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o give_v they_o the_o most_o criminal_a scandal_n by_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o most_o criminal_a disobedience_n so_o that_o all_o circumstance_n fair_o consider_v the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a inducement_n to_o conformity_n for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o scandal_n remove_v all_o our_o difference_n prevent_v much_o trouble_n and_o more_o sin_n cure_v all_o our_o schism_n quarrel_n and_o division_n banish_v our_o mutual_a jealousy_n censure_n and_o animosity_n and_o establish_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n in_o brief_a the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n be_v the_o inflexible_a perverseness_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o
proud_a ignorant_a and_o seditious_a preacher_n against_o who_o if_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n be_v particular_o level_v how_o easy_a will_v it_o be_v in_o some_o competent_a time_n to_o reduce_v the_o people_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n and_o to_o make_v all_o our_o present_a schism_n that_o may_v otherwise_o prove_v eternal_a expire_v with_o or_o before_o the_o present_a age_n the_o want_n or_o neglect_v of_o which_o method_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o have_v give_v they_o so_o much_o strength_n &_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n §_o 8._o four_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o give_v place_n to_o old_a and_o inveterate_a scandal_n but_o rather_o aught_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n to_o oppose_v they_o with_o a_o public_a defiance_n and_o to_o shame_v those_o that_o pretend_v they_o out_o of_o their_o confidence_n for_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n in_o these_o case_n be_v tenderness_n and_o compassion_n to_o some_o man_n infirmity_n and_o as_o long_o as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v this_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v scandalize_v so_o long_o be_o i_o bind_v by_o charity_n and_o good_a nature_n to_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o no_o long_o for_o after_o they_o have_v have_v a_o competent_a time_n and_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n i_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v not_o ignorance_n that_o be_v the_o gound_z of_o their_o take_a offence_n but_o pride_n or_o peevishness_n or_o something_o worse_o so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o disabuse_v the_o weak_a by_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n remove_v his_o scruple_n declare_v the_o innocence_n of_o my_o action_n clear_v it_o of_o all_o sinister_a suspicion_n and_o protest_v against_o all_o those_o abuse_n he_o will_v put_v upon_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n and_o when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v i_o have_v clear_v myself_o from_o all_o his_o ill-natured_a jealousy_n and_o surmise_n and_o discharge_v all_o the_o office_n and_o obligation_n of_o charity_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o my_o offend_a neighbour_n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o his_o perverse_a misinterpretation_n of_o my_o action_n and_o pretend_v that_o they_o still_o gall_n and_o ensnare_v his_o tender_a conscience_n the_o man_n be_v peevish_a and_o refractory_a and_o only_o make_v use_v of_o this_o precarious_a pretence_n to_o justify_v his_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o my_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o then_o be_o i_o so_o far_o from_o be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o peevishness_n and_o insolence_n of_o his_o humour_n that_o i_o be_o strong_o bind_v to_o thwart_v and_o oppose_v it_o for_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v but_o betray_v my_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o his_o wilful_a and_o imperious_a ignorance_n and_o give_v superstitious_a folly_n the_o advantage_n and_o authority_n of_o prescription_n for_o if_o that_o prevail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v yield_v and_o condescend_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a it_o must_v in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o it_o can_v plead_v that_o than_o it_o become_v necessary_a inveterate_a error_n be_v ever_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o what_o prescription_n warrant_v it_o always_o impose_v custom_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v rule_v and_o preside_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n because_o it_o be_v popular_a and_o be_v ever_o attend_v with_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o follower_n it_o grow_v proud_a and_o confident_a and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o upbraid_v free_a reason_n with_o singularity_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o all_o i_o can_v gain_v by_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o my_o own_o liberty_n to_o another_o man_n folly_n will_v be_v only_o to_o give_v he_o a_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o claim_v a_o right_n of_o command_n and_o dominion_n over_o i_o and_o to_o make_v myself_o subject_a to_o his_o humour_n by_o my_o own_o civility_n and_o thus_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o a_o time_n permit_v the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v or_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v it_o owe_v they_o so_o much_o civility_n and_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v not_o give_v check_n to_o their_o stubborn_a persuasion_n they_o have_v give_v they_o authority_n and_o by_o too_o long_a a_o compliance_n will_v have_v vouch_v and_o abet_v their_o error_n and_o adopt_a judaisme_n into_o christianity_n and_o circumcision_n not_o only_a might_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o as_o firm_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o baptism_n and_o this_o show_v we_o how_o wayward_a and_o unreasonable_a those_o man_n be_v who_o still_o persevere_v to_o object_v scandal_n against_o the_o church_n constitution_n after_o she_o have_v so_o often_o protest_v against_o this_o exception_n by_o so_o many_o solemn_a declaration_n when_o at_o first_o it_o be_v pretend_v it_o may_v perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n excuse_n or_o alleviate_v their_o disobedience_n but_o after_o authority_n have_v so_o sufficient_o satisfy_v their_o scruple_n and_o remove_v their_o suspicion_n and_o so_o ample_o clear_v the_o innocence_n of_o its_o own_o intention_n if_o man_n will_v still_o continue_v jealous_a and_o quarrelsome_a they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o if_o they_o smart_v for_o their_o own_o presumption_n and_o folly_n and_o prince_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o lawful_a power_n only_o because_o some_o of_o their_o subject_n will_v not_o learn_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v think_v good_a to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o these_o man_n peevishness_n as_o to_o reverse_v his_o law_n against_o they_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o they_o this_o will_v but_o feed_v and_o cherish_v their_o insolence_n and_o only_o encourage_v they_o to_o proceed_v if_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o more_o unreasonable_a demand_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o insist_v upon_o these_o they_o may_v when_o they_o be_v grant_v they_o go_v on_o to_o make_v new_a remonstrance_n i._n e._n upon_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o beside_o this_o will_v but_o give_v the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n to_o their_o scruple_n and_o superstitious_a pretence_n and_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o all_o those_o calumny_n to_o posterity_n with_o which_o themselves_o or_o their_o follower_n labour_v to_o charge_v it_o and_o oblige_v future_a age_n to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v these_o peevish_a and_o seditious_a person_n as_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o more_o godly_a and_o thorough_a reformation_n not_o to_o mention_v how_o much_o prince_n have_v ever_o gain_v by_o their_o concession_n to_o the_o demand_n of_o fanatic_a zealot_n they_o may_v easy_o embolden_v but_o hardly_o satisfy_v they_o and_o if_o they_o yield_v up_o but_o one_o jewel_n of_o their_o imperial_a diadem_n to_o their_o importunity_n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o they_o to_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v gain_v crown_n and_o all_o and_o perhaps_o the_o head_n that_o wear_v it_o too_o for_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n how_o happy_a will_v the_o world_n be_v if_o wise_a man_n be_v but_o wise_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n but_o every_o age_n live_v as_o much_o at_o all_o adventure_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o first_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o warning_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o former_a age_n sect._n 9_o five_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n infinite_o outweigh_v and_o utter_o evacuate_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n for_o the_o matter_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v concern_v be_v only_a thing_n indifferent_a but_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o antecedent_o sinful_a remain_v so_o after_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v superinduce_v upon_o it_o these_o change_n thing_n indifferent_a as_o to_o their_o nature_n into_o necessary_a duty_n as_o to_o their_o use_n and_o therefore_o place_v they_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n that_o may_v in_o many_o case_n extend_v to_o the_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o never_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hindrance_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o no_o obedience_n how_o offensive_a soever_o unless_o it_o be_v upon_o some_o other_o account_v faulty_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v criminal_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o scandal_n the_o obligation_n whereof_o be_v but_o accidental_a
indispensable_a duty_n of_o mankind_n because_o most_o necessary_a to_o their_o well-being_n to_o act_v against_o our_o own_o scruple_n out_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o virtue_n in_o case_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v man_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o by_o their_o own_o private_a but_o by_o the_o public_a judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o command_n of_o public_a authority_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o conscience_n the_o puritan_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o rank_a sort_n of_o heresy_n wherefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o authority_n to_o command_v thing_n indifferent_a the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o sect._n 1_o the_o last_o refuge_n for_o godly_a disobedience_n be_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o poubtful_a scrupulous_a &_o unsatisfy_a conscience_n for_o say_v they_o though_o we_o can_v positive_o condemn_v the_o ceremonial_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o thing_n in_o themselves_o unlawful_a yet_o unlawful_a they_o be_v to_o we_o who_o conscience_n be_v not_o sufficient_o satisfy_v concern_v they_o because_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i._n e._n without_o faith_n or_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n be_v do_v against_o it_o according_a to_o that_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a maxim_n of_o st._n paul_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o this_o precarious_a pretence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o scandal_n be_v but_o a_o aftergame_n of_o conscience_n they_o first_o resolve_v to_o quarrel_v our_o constitution_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o want_v satisfaction_n about_o they_o and_o when_o man_n argument_n depend_v upon_o their_o will_n it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o power_n only_o to_o repeal_v they_o and_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o cure_v wilful_a and_o artificial_a scruple_n however_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n must_v yield_v to_o that_o of_o a_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n how_o impregnable_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disobey_v arm_v against_o all_o the_o command_v of_o his_o superior_n no_o authority_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o govern_v he_o far_o than_o himself_o please_v and_o if_o he_o dislike_v the_o law_n he_o be_v sufficient_o excuse_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o no_o law_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o oblige_v any_o man_n that_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o weak_a conscience_n for_o see_v no_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o reality_n of_o man_n pretension_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o government_n whether_o the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n that_o man_n plead_v to_o excuse_v their_o disobedience_n be_v serious_a or_o counterfeit_a for_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o so_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v for_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o disobey_v it_o be_v a_o effectual_a and_o incurable_a dissolution_n of_o all_o the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o make_v they_o obligatory_a then_o only_o when_o every_o man_n please_v and_o he_o that_o will_n may_v obey_v and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o may_v choose_v see_v it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o the_o law_n to_o claim_v the_o inviolable_a privilege_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n so_o that_o to_o make_v proviso_n for_o tender_a conscience_n be_v to_o abate_v the_o whole_a law_n see_v it_o give_v every_o man_n liberty_n to_o exempt_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o dislike_v the_o law_n he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o suppose_v this_o pretence_n to_o be_v serious_a without_o design_n or_o disguise_n be_v it_o fit_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v ask_v leave_n of_o every_o ignorant_a and_o well-meaning_n man_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v law_n or_o no_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a subtle_a man_n that_o can_v find_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o tender_a head_n and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o if_o prince_n must_v consult_v their_o subject_n conscience_n in_o all_o their_o law_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n and_o when_o any_o person_n plead_v weakness_n or_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n against_o the_o obligation_n of_o any_o law_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n with_o his_o governor_n and_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o handsome_a and_o become_v the_o grandeur_n or_o authority_n in_o all_o its_o law_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o learned_a apprehension_n of_o every_o honest_a and_o illiterate_a peasant_n who_o if_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o their_o determination_n may_v cancel_v their_o obligation_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o force_v this_o honest_a man_n to_o submission_n they_o invade_v the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a liberty_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n so_o full_a of_o anarchy_n be_v all_o these_o man_n pretence_n and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v look_v to_o the_o public_a and_o let_v tender_a conscience_n look_v to_o themselves_o law_n must_v be_v of_o a_o unyielding_n and_o inflexible_a temper_n and_o not_o such_o soft_a and_o easy_a thing_n as_o to_o bend_v to_o every_o man_n humour_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o command_v and_o unless_o government_n be_v manage_v by_o some_o settle_a principle_n it_o must_v for_o ever_o remain_v weak_a and_o unfixed_a prince_n must_v not_o be_v diffident_a in_o their_o rule_n and_o maxim_n of_o policy_n but_o as_o they_o must_v set_v down_o some_o to_o themselves_o so_o they_o must_v act_v up_o roundly_o to_o they_o for_o all_o change_n of_o the_o public_a law_n and_o method_n of_o policy_n sad_o weaken_v if_o they_o do_v not_o utter_o unsettle_v the_o commonwealth_n in_o that_o prescription_n be_v at_o least_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o security_n of_o government_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o fountain_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o ve_v prince_n with_o their_o prerogative_n and_o no_o power_n what_o right_a or_o title_n soever_o it_o may_v plead_v can_v ever_o be_v firm_o establish_v till_o it_o can_v plead_v the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o if_o prince_n will_v be_v resolute_a and_o if_o they_o will_v govern_v so_o they_o must_v be_v they_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o most_o stubborn_a conscience_n bend_v to_o their_o command_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o power_n to_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o passion_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o there_o be_v no_o conceit_n so_o extravagant_a or_o so_o pernicious_a that_o may_v not_o pass_v for_o principle_n of_o conscience_n in_o brief_a there_o be_v nothing_o so_o ungovernable_a as_o a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o so_o restive_a and_o inflexible_a as_o folly_n or_o wickedness_n when_o harden_v with_o religion_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o be_v comply_v with_o they_o must_v be_v restrain_v with_o a_o more_o peremptory_a and_o unyield_a rigour_n than_o naked_a and_o unsanctified_a villainy_n else_o will_v they_o quick_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v pregnant_a with_o great_a and_o more_o fatal_a danger_n sect._n 2._o this_o stale_a pretence_n come_v now_o too_o late_o and_o be_v so_o ancient_a that_o it_o be_v long_a since_o superannuated_a old_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v like_o old_a scandal_n wear_v out_o of_o date_n by_o time_n and_o experience_n they_o be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o ignorance_n weakness_n be_v their_o parent_n and_o folly_n their_o nurse_n and_o if_o they_o improve_v not_o into_o confidence_n they_o never_o survive_v their_o infancy_n but_o of_o themselves_o vanish_v and_o dissolve_v into_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n have_v outlive_v itself_o be_v become_v its_o own_o answer_n and_o confutation_n because_o man_n ought_v not_o nay_o they_o can_v remain_v so_o long_o under_o uncertainty_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o shall_v before_o this_o time_n be_v competent_o determine_v as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o if_o in_o so_o long_a a_o time_n they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v that_o sinfulness_n in_o they_o they_o suspect_v that_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v innocent_a because_o their_o scruple_n have_v occasion_v they_o to_o be_v so_o thorough_o sift_v and_o examine_v and_o if_o after_o all_o that_o hot_a and_o vehement_a contention_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v about_o they_o it_o appear_v not_o yet_o wherein_o they_o be_v criminal_a and_o chargeable_a for_o if_o it_o do_v than_o the_o doubt_n cease_v
and_o the_o certainty_n not_o the_o suspicion_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v object_v that_o be_v presumption_n enough_o for_o any_o modest_a and_o sober_a man_n to_o conclude_v their_o innocence_n and_o still_o to_o retain_v the_o scruple_n be_v folly_n and_o peevishness_n and_o then_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o doubtful_a but_o obstinate_a and_o peremptory_a the_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o cherish_v his_o scruple_n and_o persist_v in_o his_o folly_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o timorous_a but_o because_o he_o be_v stubborn_a and_o disingenuous_a and_o then_o he_o pretend_v conscience_n only_o to_o vouch_v his_o humour_n and_o his_o insolence_n i._n e._n he_o be_v a_o villain_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_a pity_n especial_o from_o authority_n that_o no_o offender_n can_v more_o need_v or_o provoke_v their_o severity_n in_o that_o such_o man_n resolve_v to_o tire_v out_o their_o governor_n by_o their_o inflexible_a stubbornness_n and_o to_o affront_v their_o law_n with_o trifle_n and_o contemptuous_a exception_n at_o the_o first_o setlement_n of_o a_o church_n or_o new_a religion_n than_o indeed_o man_n old_a folly_n prejudices_fw-la and_o weakness_n aught_o to_o be_v charitable_o consider_v and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v into_o new_a custom_n and_o usage_n by_o too_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v gentle_o and_o tender_o treat_v till_o time_n and_o better_a information_n may_v wear_v off_o their_o scruple_n and_o little_a exception_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v at_o first_o indulge_v in_o their_o weak_a and_o trifle_a conceit_n because_o than_o they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o arise_v from_o a_o pitiable_a ignorance_n and_o dissetlement_n of_o conscience_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n be_v full_o declare_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o common_a yoke_n of_o discipline_n and_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o plead_v their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n against_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o this_o too_o be_v our_o present_a case_n man_n labour_v to_o support_v a_o old_a schism_n by_o outwear_v scruple_n and_o jealousy_n and_o will_v persevere_v in_o their_o doubt_n because_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o after_o so_o much_o time_n and_o so_o much_o satisfaction_n they_o can_v still_o remain_v unresolved_a and_o if_o whole_a army_n of_o reason_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o chase_v away_o all_o their_o little_a and_o imaginary_a fear_n yet_o methinks_v so_o long_a time_n and_o so_o much_o experience_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o own_o melancholy_a fancy_n for_o have_v they_o be_v real_a and_o substantial_a thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v escape_v the_o discovery_n of_o so_o long_a and_o so_o severe_a a_o scrutiny_n but_o if_o nor_o time_n nor_o reason_n can_v disabuse_v they_o it_o be_v not_o their_o ignorance_n but_o their_o obstinacy_n that_o be_v invincible_a thus_o v._n g._n when_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o handsome_a and_o decent_a action_n in_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v the_o most_o solemn_a piece_n of_o gratitude_n or_o worship_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o peculiar_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o vast_a and_o unspeakable_a obligation_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n and_o humility_n and_o when_o these_o man_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o observe_v but_o also_o to_o enjoin_v the_o same_o posture_n in_o their_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o other_o less_o solemn_a expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n have_v actual_o determine_v and_o require_v this_o reverend_a posture_n to_o stamp_v a_o peculiar_a sacredness_n and_o solemnity_n upon_o this_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o now_o scruple_n its_o practice_n without_o affect_a contempt_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n because_o they_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v unless_o they_o be_v resolve_v against_o it_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o dis-ingenuity_n of_o their_o old_a pretence_n namely_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v interpret_v to_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o the_o element_n and_o by_o lie_v prostrate_a before_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n they_o shall_v become_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o senseless_a piece_n of_o matter_n for_o when_o they_o plead_v this_o excuse_n for_o their_o disobedience_n they_o can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o by_o it_o they_o do_v not_o only_o despise_v but_o slander_n and_o reproach_v the_o law_n that_o they_o outface_v and_o traduce_v authority_n and_o will_v force_v their_o governor_n to_o believe_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o favour_n what_o they_o express_o abhor_v see_v the_o very_a same_o law_n that_o enjoin_v this_o ceremony_n provide_v so_o express_o against_o this_o abuse_n and_o declare_v so_o industrious_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o design_v any_o reverence_n to_o the_o creature_n themselves_o that_o it_o abhor_v it_o but_o only_o require_v it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o all_o other_o religious_a address_n to_o heaven_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o man_n will_v dread_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o idolatry_n because_o forsooth_o it_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o if_o such_o thin_a and_o frivolous_a scruple_n may_v outweigh_v the_o law_n and_o evacuate_v our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o as_o apparent_o liable_a to_o as_o disingenuous_a surmise_n and_o they_o may_v as_o rational_o forbear_v look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n in_o their_o prayer_n lest_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o cloud_n or_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v some_o man_n study_v for_o impertinent_a scruple_n to_o ensnare_v themselves_o and_o labour_n to_o raise_v great_a doubt_n from_o little_a reason_n and_o can_v be_v satisfy_v because_o they_o will_v not_o they_o have_v enslave_v themselves_o to_o their_o folly_n and_o bore_v their_o ear_n to_o their_o scruple_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o grow_v old_a in_o a_o voluntary_a bondage_n to_o trifle_n and_o foolery_n now_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o people_n of_o this_o humour_n to_o straighten_v the_o law_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o too_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a to_o be_v obey_v to_o draw_v their_o knot_n till_o it_o become_v troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o wrack_n and_o stretch_v they_o beyond_o or_o beside_o their_o own_o intention_n by_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n by_o harsh_a and_o unkind_a interpretation_n and_o by_o far-fetched_a and_o disingenuous_a suspicion_n and_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o such_o precarious_a pretence_n as_o no_o law_n can_v possible_o avoid_v they_o refuse_v the_o liberty_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n only_o that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o licence_n to_o disobey_v they_o in_o brief_a the_o main_a mystery_n of_o all_o this_o niceness_n though_o themselves_o have_v not_o wit_n enough_o to_o observe_v its_o first_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n nothing_o but_o a_o little_a pride_n and_o vainglory_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o natural_a for_o some_o people_n to_o affect_v some_o little_a scruple_n against_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n thereby_o to_o make_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o some_o little_a penalty_n and_o than_o what_o godly_a man_n be_v they_o that_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o be_v punish_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n how_o do_v such_o man_n hug_v and_o nurse_v their_o dear_a scruple_n all_o the_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o wrest_v it_o from_o they_o it_o be_v their_o ephod_n and_o their_o teraphim_n the_o only_a mark_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o symbol_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o if_o you_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o you_o take_v away_o their_o god_n and_o what_o have_v they_o more_o sect._n 3_o if_o my_o conscience_n be_v real_o weak_a and_o tender_a what_o can_v become_v it_o more_o than_o humble_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o authority_n weakness_n of_o conscience_n always_o proceed_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o want_n of_o wit_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o the_o pretence_n of_o disobedience_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v i_o will_v control_v the_o wisdom_n of_o my_o superior_n because_o i_o have_v little_a or_o none_o myself_o certain_o where_o
person_n have_v any_o serious_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n they_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o confident_a in_o any_o action_n as_o when_o they_o obey_v because_o than_o they_o have_v the_o public_a wisdom_n to_o warrant_v they_o and_o their_o own_o folly_n to_o excuse_v they_o that_o be_v they_o follow_v the_o best_a guide_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n when_o he_o resign_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o superior_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a be_v in_o effect_n govern_v by_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n which_o unless_o it_o be_v harden_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n can_v but_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o presume_v they_o more_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o expediency_n of_o public_a law_n who_o work_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o than_o himself_o who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o management_n and_o transaction_n of_o public_a affair_n this_o be_v the_o most_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o all_o man_n practice_v by_o it_o in_o all_o their_o concern_v but_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v debauch_v with_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o frenzy_n because_o silly_a people_n will_v not_o submit_v their_o conscience_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o giddy_a imagination_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v but_o condescend_v to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o their_o other_o affair_n obedience_n to_o authority_n may_v be_v secure_v without_o any_o violence_n to_o conscience_n see_v no_o conscience_n that_o be_v act_v by_o wise_a and_o sober_a persuasion_n will_v ever_o be_v stiff_a in_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a case_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a wisdom_n because_o such_o man_n be_v sensible_a how_o unable_a they_o be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o they_o know_v they_o can_v never_o act_v more_o safe_o than_o when_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o superior_n and_o be_v they_o can_v pretend_v to_o trust_v confident_o enough_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n how_o can_v they_o proceed_v upon_o wise_a and_o more_o reasonable_a ground_n than_o by_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n in_o which_o though_o possible_o they_o may_v be_v misguide_v yet_o they_o may_v secure_v themselves_o that_o god_n who_o value_v integrity_n more_o than_o subtlety_n will_v pardon_v their_o weakness_n and_o reward_v their_o meekness_n and_o humility_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n for_o disobedience_n to_o government_n be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o child_n in_o minority_n shall_v reject_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o guardian_n because_o he_o have_v not_o wit_n enough_o to_o know_v when_o he_o be_v well_o advise_v or_o as_o if_o a_o fool_n shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v because_o he_o have_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o discern_v when_o he_o be_v well_o manage_v or_o as_o if_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o guide_n because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v when_o he_o be_v mislead_v humility_n and_o condescension_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a duty_n of_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n the_o only_a ornament_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n who_o confidence_n exceed_v not_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v strange_o wary_a of_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a odd_a pretence_n to_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o appear_v in_o nothing_o but_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o government_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o serious_o believe_v himself_o if_o he_o presume_v he_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o govern_v his_o governor_n and_o so_o do_v every_o one_o that_o think_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o command_n it_o be_v a_o handsome_a piece_n of_o modesty_n for_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n when_o his_o prince_n require_v his_o obedience_n to_o give_v he_o counsel_n to_o advise_v he_o how_o to_o govern_v the_o kingdom_n to_o blame_v and_o correct_v the_o law_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o this_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v mend_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o to_o see_v man_n under_o pretence_n of_o great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n of_o conscience_n to_o cherish_v stubbornness_n and_o vanity_n and_o to_o endure_v neither_o law_n nor_o superior_n because_o they_o be_v proud_a enough_o to_o think_v themselves_o more_o holy_a than_o their_o neighbour_n what_o a_o malapert_a and_o insolent_a piece_n of_o pride_n be_v it_o for_o every_o prate_a gossip_n and_o illiterate_a mechanic_n that_o can_v mark_v themselves_o with_o some_o distinctive_a name_n and_o character_n of_o godliness_n to_o scoff_n and_o jibe_v at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o public_a authority_n to_o affront_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n to_o pity_v and_o disdain_v the_o lamentable_a ignorance_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o to_o libel_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o rendezvous_fw-fr especial_o their_o superior_n with_o slander_n and_o idle_a story_n what_o strange_a effect_n be_v these_o of_o a_o diffident_a and_o timorous_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o know_v itself_o to_o be_v act_v by_o certain_a and_o infallible_a principle_n how_o can_v it_o be_v more_o headstrong_a and_o confident_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o man_n practice_n with_o their_o pretence_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n that_o embolden_v they_o to_o fall_v out_o with_o all_o the_o world_n but_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o insolence_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v possible_o drive_v they_o on_o with_o so_o peremptory_a a_o sail_n against_o so_o strong_a and_o so_o unite_v a_o torrent_n for_o a_o conscience_n that_o be_v only_o weak_a and_o tender_a be_v of_o a_o yield_a and_o pliable_a temper_n it_o be_v soft_a and_o innocent_a modest_a and_o teachable_a apt_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_v of_o its_o superior_n and_o easy_o capable_a of_o all_o impression_n tend_v to_o peace_n and_o charity_n but_o when_o it_o be_v stubborn_a and_o confident_a in_o its_o own_o apprehension_n than_o it_o be_v not_o tender_a but_o hardy_a and_o humoursom_a and_o as_o queasy_a as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o its_o superior_n command_n it_o be_v usual_o strong_a enough_o to_o digest_v rebellion_n and_o villainy_n and_o whilst_o it_o rise_v against_o a_o poor_a innocent_a ceremony_n it_o be_v scarce_o ever_o stir_v with_o schism_n faction_n and_o cruelty_n now_o to_o permit_v these_o man_n their_o liberty_n who_o mistake_v insolence_n for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o easy_a or_o more_o natural_a for_o people_n that_o be_v both_o proud_a and_o simple_a be_v to_o suffer_v ignorance_n to_o ride_v in_o triumph_n because_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o confident_a and_o to_o indulge_v zealous_a idiot_n in_o their_o folly_n because_o they_o threaten_v authority_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o scrupulous_a to_o their_o law_n and_o to_o infest_v their_o government_n with_o a_o sullen_a and_o cross-grained_a godliness_n a_o artifice_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o trick_n of_o some_o froward_a child_n and_o therefore_o such_o untoward_a and_o humoursom_a saint_n must_v be_v lash_v out_o of_o their_o sullenness_n as_o child_n be_v into_o compliance_n and_o better_a manner_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v a_o eternal_a annoyance_n to_o all_o government_n with_o the_o childish_a and_o whine_a pretence_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o crazy_a conscience_n in_o brief_a i_o appeal_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o have_v but_o any_o tolerable_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o become_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n that_o be_v not_o apparent_o sinful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o setlement_n of_o the_o church_n than_o to_o disturb_v its_o quiet_a by_o a_o stubborn_a and_o peremptory_a adherence_n to_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o christianity_n of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n and_o in_o what_o can_v these_o great_a duty_n more_o discover_v themselves_o than_o in_o the_o office_n and_o civility_n of_o humble_a obedience_n that_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v most_o amiable_a and_o most_o useful_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o
be_v modesty_n it_o be_v meekness_n it_o be_v humility_n it_o be_v love_n it_o be_v peacebleness_n it_o be_v ingenuity_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o pregnant_a with_o virtue_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o anything_o can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o who_o obligation_n it_o will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n utter_o cancel_v and_o evacuate_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o ensue_a proposition_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o tender_a conscience_n if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n they_o will_v not_o desire_v liberty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o will_v not_o deserve_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a they_o will_v choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n rather_o than_o by_o thwart_v they_o do_v what_o in_o themselves_o lie_v to_o discompose_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v rather_o venture_v to_o embroil_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o contradict_v authority_n than_o forego_v their_o own_o peremptory_a determination_n and_o make_v their_o superior_n comply_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o confidence_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v criminal_o bold_a and_o imperious_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n too_o stubborn_a insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o society_n of_o man_n sect._n 4._o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a warranty_n of_o disobedience_n that_o they_o be_v outweigh_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o if_o i_o doubt_v concern_v the_o injustice_n of_o my_o action_n i_o must_v also_o of_o necessity_n doubt_v of_o the_o injustice_n of_o my_o disobedience_n and_o unless_o i_o be_o absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v evil_a i_o be_o sure_a disobedience_n to_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o always_o as_o forcible_o bind_v to_o obey_v a_o scruple_v law_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n as_o to_o disobey_v it_o for_o fear_v it_o command_v a_o essential_a evil_n so_o that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n must_v always_o at_o least_o as_o much_o fright_v we_o from_o disobey_v as_o from_o obey_v any_o humane_a law_n though_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v proper_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n perfect_o determine_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubtfulness_n and_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o it_o before_o hang_v in_o suspense_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o unresolved_a whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o not_o have_v competent_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o authority_n cast_v its_o command_n into_o the_o scale_n if_o in_o some_o man_n conscience_n they_o weigh_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v but_o add_v weight_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o incline_v the_o balance_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a before_o than_o thet_o side_n that_o gain_v this_o accession_n have_v most_o reason_n now_o so_o that_o law_n do_v not_o force_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o remove_v our_o doubt_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o require_v our_o obedience_n because_o they_o destroy_v the_o equal_a probability_n of_o the_o two_o opinion_n and_o determine_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o confidence_n of_o act_v by_o direct_v it_o to_o follow_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o that_o no_o practice_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n or_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v of_o equal_a importance_n with_o the_o prime_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v ever_o of_o too_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o consequence_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a mischief_n of_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n enjoin_v any_o thing_n absolute_o and_o apparent_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o great_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o exigent_n dam_fw-ge veniam_fw-la imperator_fw-la will_v be_v a_o fair_a and_o civil_a excuse_n but_o matter_n of_o a_o less_o importance_n will_v not_o pay_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o suffer_v for_o little_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n have_v but_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n that_o will_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o metaphysical_a notion_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o optatus_n to_o the_o donatist_n who_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o little_a schism_n be_v smart_a and_o severe_a 3._o nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la nega_fw-la deum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la incende_fw-la testamentum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la thus_o pone_fw-la aut_fw-la basilicas_fw-la dirue_fw-la istae_fw-la enim_fw-la res_fw-la solent_fw-la martyria_fw-la generare_fw-la matter_n wherein_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v direct_o concern_v be_v worth_a the_o die_n for_o and_o will_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o no_o indifferent_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n be_v of_o value_n enough_o to_o pay_v for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o zealot_n of_o the_o parson_n donati_n who_o be_v so_o ambitious_a to_o suffer_v imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n banishment_n and_o death_n itself_o out_o of_o a_o pertinacious_a resolution_n against_o some_o establish_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v reward_v in_o any_o other_o heaven_n but_o the_o paradise_n of_o fool_n thing_n that_o be_v essential_o evil_a no_o change_n or_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v make_v good_a and_o therefore_o no_o command_n of_o any_o superior_a can_v ever_o warrant_v or_o legitimate_a their_o practice_n but_o then_o these_o be_v always_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o weighty_a importance_n and_o of_o a_o apparent_a and_o palpable_a obliquity_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n murder_n injustice_n cruelty_n ingratitude_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o clear_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a that_o no_o end_n how_o good_a or_o great_a soever_o can_v ever_o carry_v with_o it_o goodness_n enough_o to_o abate_v or_o evacuate_v their_o malice_n but_o as_o for_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o so_o apparent_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n their_o morality_n be_v of_o so_o small_a importance_n that_o it_o can_v never_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o obligation_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n to_o preach_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 5._o 29._o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o of_o a_o express_a command_n from_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o apparent_a necessity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o commission_n from_o its_o supreme_a governor_n to_o make_v law_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n from_o his_o great_a manifest_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a credential_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o his_o message_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o out_o of_o duty_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o who_o unquestionable_a law_n no_o other_o authority_n can_v ever_o derogate_v because_o it_o be_v all_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o case_n of_o certain_a absolute_a and_o notorious_a injustice_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o small_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o quiet_a of_o government_n and_o infinite_o distant_a from_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o plea_n be_v in_o a_o case_n of_o great_a evident_a and_o unquestionable_a necessity_n but_o what_o warrant_n be_v that_o for_o my_o disobedience_n when_o i_o only_o fear_v or_o fancy_v the_o law_n to_o be_v unjust_a which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n that_o follow_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o less_o considerable_a case_n that_o side_n on_o which_o obedience_n stand_v must_v ever_o carry_v it_o and_o no_o man_n that_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o good_a will_v ever_o trouble_v
his_o governor_n with_o nice_a and_o curious_a dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n stifle_v all_o scruple_n and_o trifle_a objection_n and_o thus_o where_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o find_v none_o more_o compliant_a and_o conformable_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o apostle_n free_o use_v any_o custom_n of_o the_o synagogue_n or_o jewish_a church_n that_o be_v not_o express_o cancel_v by_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n but_o further_a this_o their_o apology_n be_v as_o forcible_a a_o plea_n in_o concern_v of_o civil_a justice_n and_o common_a honesty_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o hold_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o case_n of_o a_o certain_a and_o essential_a injustice_n and_o fail_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a case_n and_o be_v as_o fair_o urge_v by_o that_o famous_a lawyer_n papinian_n who_o upon_o this_o account_n when_o the_o emperor_n command_v he_o to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o parricide_n choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o patronize_v so_o monstrous_a a_o villainy_n here_o the_o wickedness_n be_v great_a and_o palpable_a but_o in_o matter_n more_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a where_o the_o case_n be_v nice_a and_o curious_a and_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o great_a interest_n or_o great_a reason_n there_o obedience_n outweigh_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n and_o what_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n will_v offend_v or_o provoke_v his_o superior_n upon_o thin_a pretence_n and_o for_o little_a regard_n and_o if_o every_o man_n that_o can_v raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o nice_a exception_n against_o a_o law_n shall_v therefore_o set_v himself_o free_a from_o its_o obligation_n then_o farewell_n all_o peace_n and_o all_o government_n for_o what_o more_o easy_a to_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o fundamental_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o moral_a equity_n than_o to_o pick_v more_o material_a quarrel_n against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n than_o our_o adversary_n can_v pretend_v to_o against_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o now_o shall_v a_o philosopher_n be_v excuse_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n because_o he_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o make_v exception_n to_o their_o prudence_n and_o convenience_n and_o to_o prove_v they_o not_o so_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n as_o himself_o can_v have_v contrive_v what_o if_o i_o be_o real_o persuade_v that_o i_o can_v raise_v much_o more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o littleton_n tenor_n than_o ever_o these_o man_n have_v or_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v against_o our_o ceremonial_a constitution_n though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o my_o conceit_n yet_o whether_o i_o be_o or_o be_o not_o it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o i_o be_o confident_a and_o now_o it_o will_v be_v mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o justice_n and_o public_a peace_n for_o i_o and_o all_o other_o of_o my_o fond_a persuasion_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o make_v remonstrance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o petition_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n to_o leave_v we_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o discretion_n to_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o setlement_n of_o our_o own_o estate_n because_o we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v it_o more_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a justice_n than_o if_o we_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o land_n thus_o that_o groundless_a and_o arbitrary_a maxim_n of_o the_o law_n that_o inheritance_n may_v lineal_o descend_v but_o not_o lineal_o ascend_v whereby_o the_o father_n be_v make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v immediate_a heir_n to_o the_o son_n will_v be_v think_v by_o a_o philosopher_n prejudicial_a to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o equal_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a law_n of_o nature_n viz._n the_o gratitude_n of_o child_n to_o parent_n which_o this_o law_n seem_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o hinder_v by_o alienate_v those_o thing_n from_o they_o whereby_o we_o be_v best_a able_a to_o express_v it_o what_o if_o i_o have_v be_v happy_a in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a father_n that_o have_v be_v strange_o solicitous_a to_o leave_v i_o furnish_v with_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n that_o decline_v not_o to_o forego_v any_o share_n of_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o happiness_n to_o procure_v i_o that_o have_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o care_n and_o industry_n to_o bless_v i_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o ability_n with_o a_o good_a fortune_n and_o a_o good_a education_n and_o have_v perhaps_o out_o of_o a_o overtend_a solicitude_n for_o my_o welfare_n reduce_v himself_o to_o great_a straits_n and_o exigence_n how_o monstrous_a &_o unnatural_a must_v the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o law_n appear_v to_o i_o that_o when_o the_o bounty_n of_o providence_n have_v blessed_v i_o with_o a_o fortune_n answerable_a to_o the_o good_a old_a man_n desire_n and_o endeavour_n if_o i_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o he_o by_o a_o untimely_a death_n all_o that_o whereby_o i_o be_o able_a to_o recompense_v his_o fatherly_a tenderness_n shall_v in_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o another_o person_n the_o stream_n of_o who_o affection_n be_v confine_v to_o another_o channel_n and_o who_o be_v much_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o family_n can_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v but_o little_a concern_v for_o i_o what_o a_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a law_n be_v this_o that_o design_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o natural_a affection_n and_o dispose_v of_o our_o possession_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a first_o tendency_n and_o obligation_n of_o nature_n so_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o talk_v little_a plausibility_n against_o any_o law_n who_o obligation_n be_v positive_a and_o not_o of_o a_o prime_n and_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o yet_o downright_a rebellion_n it_o will_v be_v if_o i_o or_o any_o man_n else_o shall_v refuse_v subjection_n to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a law_n upon_o these_o &_o the_o like_a pretence_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v be_v the_o case_n all_o the_o way_n equal_a between_o law_n civil_a and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a in_o all_o matter_n great_o and_o notorious_o wicked_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n outweigh_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o in_o all_o case_n less_o certain_a and_o less_o material_a the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n outweigh_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v from_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o consideration_n great_a enough_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n to_o consider_v its_o authority_n and_o therefore_o sect._n 5._o as_o the_o object_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v of_o too_o mean_a importance_n to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n so_o be_v its_o obligation_n too_o weak_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o command_n of_o public_a authority_n for_o when_o two_o contradictory_n obligation_n happen_v to_o encounter_v the_o great_a ever_o cancel_v the_o less_o because_o if_o all_o good_a be_v eligible_a then_o so_o be_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n too_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o great_a good_a stand_v our_o duty_n must_v ever_o incline_v otherwise_o we_o despise_v all_o those_o degree_n of_o goodness_n it_o contain_v in_o it_o above_o the_o other_o for_o in_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o goodness_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n and_o variety_n of_o degree_n some_o be_v prescribe_v for_o their_o own_o native_a excellency_n &_o usefulness_n and_o other_o pure_o for_o their_o subserviency_n to_o these_o now_o when_o a_o great_a &_o a_o lesser_a virtue_n happen_v to_o clash_v as_o it_o frequent_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o transaction_n of_o humane_a affair_n there_o the_o less_o always_o give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a because_o it_o be_v good_a only_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o where_o its_o subordination_n cease_v there_o its_o goodness_n cease_v and_o by_o consequence_n its_o obligation_n for_o no_o subordinate_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n be_v absolute_o command_v or_o commend_v but_o become_v good_a or_o evil_n by_o their_o accidental_a relation_n their_o goodness_n be_v not_o intrinsic_a but_o depend_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o end_n and_o their_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o good_a end_n if_o they_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a make_v they_o virtuous_a because_o their_o morality_n be_v entire_o relative_a and_o
any_o war_n be_v commence_v upon_o just_a and_o warrantable_a ground_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v their_o lawfulness_n all_o man_n here_o think_v their_o prince_n command_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o in_o case_n the_o cause_n prove_v to_o be_v unjust_a the_o fault_n liesentire_o upon_o he_o that_o command_v and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o obey_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o that_o no_o subject_a be_v bind_v to_o take_v up_o arm_n till_o himself_o have_v approve_v the_o justness_n of_o the_o cause_n commonwealth_n must_v be_v brave_o secure_v and_o their_o safety_n must_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o humoursome_a and_o pragmatical_a fellow_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n do_v man_n tempt_v themselves_o when_o they_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v more_o godly_a than_o their_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o gallant_a thing_n to_o understand_v religion_n better_o than_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o pity_v their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o seem_v to_o compassionate_v their_o weakness_n to_o despise_v their_o authority_n but_o if_o prince_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v control_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o these_o contentious_a zealot_n they_o do_v but_o tempt_v they_o to_o slight_v both_o their_o person_n and_o their_o government_n and_o if_o they_o will_v endure_v to_o be_v check_v in_o their_o law_n spiritual_a and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o every_o systematical_a theologue_n and_o most_o not_o to_o say_v the_o best_a of_o our_o adversary_n be_v little_o better_o they_o may_v as_o well_o bear_v to_o see_v themselves_o affront_v in_o their_o law_n civil_a and_o government_n of_o the_o state_n by_o every_o village-attorney_n and_o solicitor_n well_o then_o all_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o government_n be_v bind_v in_o all_o matter_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a to_o submit_v the_o dictate_v of_o private_a conscience_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o public_a authority_n nor_o do_v this_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o only_o by_o alter_v the_o case_n alter_v his_o persuasion_n i.e._n though_o every_o man_n consider_v absolute_o and_o by_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n then_o must_v be_v govern_v than_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o own_o private_a thought_n to_o public_a determination_n and_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v not_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a that_o it_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o great_a &_o apparent_a necessity_n whatever_o be_v own_o private_a judgement_n of_o they_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o its_o governor_n in_o order_n to_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n for_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o eternal_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o passion_n of_o mankind_n as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o pursue_v their_o difference_n and_o controversy_n with_o too_o much_o heat_n &_o vehemence_n and_o therefore_o unless_o whatever_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o order_n to_o its_o peace_n and_o setlement_n there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o avoid_v endless_a squabble_n and_o confusion_n and_o unless_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a rule_n &_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o follow_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o best_a result_n of_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n where_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v any_o other_o guide_n or_o rule_v of_o his_o action_n so_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forego_v they_o all_o provide_v his_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v secure_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a government_n of_o the_o society_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o peace_n or_o setlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o persuade_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v reckon_v as_o seditious_a and_o unpeaceable_a and_o so_o to_o be_v treat_v according_o sect._n 7._o he_o that_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o confidence_n resign_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n to_o any_o superior_a on_o earth_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o he_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fool_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o will_v do_v it_o in_o nothing_o for_o as_o all_o man_n be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o god_n alone_o in_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a dispute_n so_o be_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o put_v man_n upon_o that_o supreme_a folly_n of_o renounce_v the_o use_n and_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n out_o of_o obedience_n to_o any_o man_n infallibility_n for_o by_o reason_n we_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v use_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudential_a method_n to_o guide_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o maxim_n and_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o any_o knowledge_n that_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o prudence_n experience_n and_o observation_n and_o hence_o right_a reason_n when_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o prudent_a discreet_a and_o reasonable_a to_o forego_v his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o lawful_a superior_n because_o without_o this_o the_o world_n can_v never_o be_v govern_v and_o suppose_v man_n judgement_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o command_v of_o god_n yet_o every_o man_n owe_v at_o least_o so_o much_o civility_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o country_n as_o to_o bring_v himself_o to_o a_o compliance_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n rather_o than_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n which_o be_v no_o enslave_v of_o his_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n usurpation_n over_o his_o faith_n and_o conscience_n but_o only_o a_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o modest_a compliance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n of_o subjection_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o peaceableness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o authority_n itself_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o clear_o derive_v from_o a_o high_a obligation_n that_o all_o man_n be_v under_o to_o advance_v the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o particular_o of_o that_o society_n they_o live_v in_o that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o government_n which_o be_v institute_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o therefore_o though_o our_o duty_n in_o such_o case_n can_v not_o be_v deduce_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o any_o humane_a authority_n yet_o it_o clear_o arise_v from_o that_o duty_n of_o charity_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o submit_v our_o understand_n to_o any_o humane_a power_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o forego_v all_o more_o private_a and_o inferior_a obligation_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n notwithstanding_o he_o declaim_v with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o judaical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n never_o scruple_v to_o use_v they_o as_o oft_o as_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
affect_a and_o new-fangled_a singularity_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o governor_n enjoin_v matter_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n in_o themselves_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v the_o evil_n that_o will_v natural_o attend_v upon_o their_o being_n not_o enjoin_v so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a use_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v at_o least_o this_o considerable_a usefulness_n as_o to_o prevent_v many_o great_a mischief_n that_o will_v probable_o follow_v from_o their_o being_n not_o determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o all_o such_o law_n be_v to_o be_v value_v not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o law_n command_v as_o by_o the_o mischief_n and_o evil_a effect_n that_o it_o prevent_v or_o redress_n and_o thus_o the_o main_a decency_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n lie_v not_o so_o proper_o in_o the_o positive_a use_n of_o the_o rite_n themselves_o as_o in_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o the_o indecency_n of_o confusion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v avoid_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o peculiar_a rite_n positive_o determine_v so_o that_o the_o law_n we_o see_v may_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o the_o thing_n it_o command_v be_v but_o mere_o indifferent_a because_o some_o thing_n necessary_a can_v be_v obtain_v but_o by_o some_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o in_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n but_o order_n and_o decency_n there_o can_v be_v without_o the_o determination_n of_o some_o indifferent_a &_o particular_a circumstance_n because_o if_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o humour_n there_o can_v be_v no_o remedy_n against_o eternal_a folly_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o general_a necessary_a that_o some_o circumstance_n be_v determine_v though_o perhaps_o no_o one_o particular_a circumstance_n can_v be_v necessary_a yet_o when_o any_o one_o be_v single_v out_o by_o authority_n it_o gain_v as_o absolute_a a_o necessity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o antecedent_o because_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v indifferent_a yet_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v not_o which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v provide_v for_o but_o by_o determine_v either_o this_o or_o some_o other_o ceremony_n as_o perfect_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o now_o upon_o the_o result_n of_o these_o particular_n i_o leave_v it_o first_o to_o public_a authority_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wonderful_o wise_a piece_n of_o good_a nature_n to_o be_v tender_a &_o indulgent_a to_o these_o poor_a tender_a conscience_n and_o then_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v whether_o ever_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o woeful_o disturb_v upon_o such_o slender_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o we_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o design_v and_o undertake_v i._n e._n i_o have_v prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o govern_v man_n conscience_n and_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n &_o the_o unavoidable_a danger_n of_o tolerate_v or_o keep_v up_o religious_a difference_n have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o possibility_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n but_o by_o uniformity_n in_o religious_a worship_n that_o religion_n may_v and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o all_o other_o affair_n &_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v do_v it_o but_o severe_a law_n nor_o they_o neither_o unless_o severe_o execute_v and_o so_o i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o be_o but_o little_a doubtful_a of_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n to_o peace_n and_o government_n but_o whatever_o the_o event_n may_v prove_v to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a satisfaction_n that_o i_o reap_v to_o myself_o in_o reflect_v upon_o that_o candour_n and_o integrity_n i_o have_v use_v through_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o that_o as_o i_o have_v free_o and_o impartial_o represent_v the_o most_o serious_a result_v of_o my_o own_o thought_n so_o withal_o have_v i_o be_v not_o a_o little_a solicitous_a not_o to_o balk_v any_o thing_n material_a in_o the_o controversy_n have_v encounter_v all_o their_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a objection_n have_v prevent_v all_o manner_n of_o escape_n and_o subterfuge_n and_o have_v not_o wave_v any_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o to_o be_v answer_v though_o some_o thing_n i_o have_v because_o too_o easy_a and_o upon_o review_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o have_v confidence_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v boldness_n enough_o to_o challenge_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o will_v but_o be_v as_o ingenuous_a as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o he_o will_v and_o in_o defiance_n to_o all_o enemy_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o what_o name_n or_o sect_n soever_o to_o conclude_v all_o in_o the_o word_n of_o pilate_n to_o the_o turbulent_a jew_n what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la vide_fw-la continuation_n of_o the_o friendly_a debate_n pag._n 120_o etc._n etc._n socr._n l._n 5._o praes_n lib._n 3._o