clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
consequent_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o make_v up_o a_o particular_a sovereignty_n wherefore_o if_o both_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o person_n he_o become_v thereby_o at_o once_o master_n over_o our_o life_n and_o conscience_n but_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v lodge_v in_o another_o person_n he_o must_v either_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o power_n of_o execute_v his_o decree_n by_o his_o own_o prerogative_n or_o else_o to_o have_v only_o a_o authority_n of_o give_v sentence_n leave_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n if_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o double_a head_a sovereignty_n must_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o distraction_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a those_o that_o exercise_v the_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o state_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o executioner_n only_o to_o this_o holy_a judge_n all_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o occasion_v great_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o beyond_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o christ_n intend_v to_o introduce_v by_o his_o doctrine_n such_o pernicious_a disease_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o no_o controversy_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n like_o christ_n himself_o have_v foretell_v it_o in_o the_o parable_n by_o matthew_n c._n 13._o 24._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 19_o nevertheless_o if_o any_o controversy_n do_v arise_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o colour_n at_o least_o of_o its_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v pretend_v to_o introduce_v a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v call_v to_o his_o aid_n all_o the_o sophistication_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n without_o the_o scripture_n this_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o disclose_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o foundation_n whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v a_o attempt_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n receive_v already_o as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v scarce_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o unless_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v at_o least_o some_o specious_a reason_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o his_o opinion_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n especial_o if_o his_o endeavour_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o real_a love_n to_o truth_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o slight_v without_o be_v hear_v and_o his_o reason_n examine_v so_o that_o then_o the_o whole_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n must_v depend_v from_o a_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o interpretation_n i_o see_v not_o any_o necessity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o sovereign_a power_n or_o any_o infallible_a authority_n but_o only_o to_o such_o mâ—ans_n as_o â—â—_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o search_n into_o and_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o other_o author_n viz._n by_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o whole_a sâ—ame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o by_o due_o compare_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o observe_v their_o annology_n and_o connexion_n whosoever_o beside_o this_o have_v a_o natural_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v not_o propossess_v with_o prejudice_n private_a interest_n or_o passion_n it_o will_v oâ—_n no_o such_o difficult_a task_n for_o he_o to_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o so_o plain_o that_o such_o as_o oppose_v he_o will_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o understanding_n people_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n so_o do_v our_o saviour_n at_o several_a time_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saduceans_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o further_a reply_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o each_o christian_a church_n there_o may_v be_v find_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n capable_a of_o disprove_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o introduce_v among_o they_o innovation_n and_o false_a doctrine_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o alone_a shall_v prove_v insufficient_a they_o may_v call_v to_o their_o aid_n those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a most_o famous_a church_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v a_o judge_n general_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o have_v spread_v their_o doctrine_n all_o over_o the_o state_n this_o judge_n will_v prove_v useless_a in_o his_o office_n for_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o violent_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n oppose_v force_n to_o force_v but_o if_o he_o take_v the_o other_o way_n and_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o earor_n by_o argument_n take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o by_o other_o teacher_n sit_o qualify_v for_o their_o office_n than_o by_o such_o a_o judge_n general_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o over_o timorous_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o error_n shall_v in_o so_o much_o prevail_v over_o truth_n as_o to_o domineer_v always_o and_o every_o where_n over_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o by_o help_n of_o the_o most_o clear-sighted_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n these_o cloud_n may_v be_v soon_o disperse_v and_o truth_n again_o appear_v in_o its_o splendour_n i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n whether_o not_o a_o great_a many_o heresy_n by_o the_o only_a help_n of_o prevail_a truth_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n or_o any_o human_a force_n have_v by_o degree_n dwindle_v away_o and_o at_o last_o quite_o disappear_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v by_o a_o temporal_a interest_n and_o certain_a reason_n of_o state_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v suppress_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o controversy_n wherein_o the_o protestant_n differ_v with_o the_o papish_n all_o which_o if_o due_o consider_v be_v so_o deep_o entangle_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o popish_a monarchy_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o roman_a catholic_n to_o recede_v a_o inch_n from_o the_o point_n of_o the_o controvert_v article_n without_o diminution_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o endanger_v their_o great_a revenue_n so_o that_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o union_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protestant_n be_v in_o vain_a unless_o the_o latter_a can_v resolve_v to_o submit_v themselves_o under_o the_o same_o popish_a yoke_n which_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o so_o long_o ago_o i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v that_o gross_a way_n of_o argue_v make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o papish_n when_o they_o talk_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o once_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o question_n concern_v the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n will_v fall_v a-course_n make_v themselves_o both_o party_n and_o judge_n and_o pretend_v to_o give_v sentence_n in_o their_o own_o case_n according_a to_o their_o own_o testimony_n they_o always_o make_v use_n of_o this_o sophism_n that_o they_o attribute_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n exclude_v all_o orhe_a christian_n from_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o back_o this_o pretence_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o demonstrative_a argument_n found_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o lien_n thereof_o to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n unknown_a to_o the_o apostle_n of_o convert_v people_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o authority_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o violence_n against_o those_o that_o dare_v to_o maintain_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n for_o which_o
propagate_a of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o destroy_v the_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o belief_n found_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v transmute_v into_o a_o outward_a confession_n where_o the_o tongue_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o however_o admit_v again_o of_o a_o limitation_n for_o herein_o be_v not_o comprehend_v these_o point_n which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a religion_n be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o all_o of_o they_o imply_v a_o profound_a reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v for_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o those_o that_o act_n against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a punishment_n since_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a society_n such_o be_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n where_o nevertheless_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o a_o due_a difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o that_o precept_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o prince_n therefore_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o destroy_v the_o image_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o grove_n and_o other_o meeting-place_n dedicate_v to_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o christian_a sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o revile_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o ridicule_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o may_v banish_v they_o the_o country_n but_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o inward_a consent_n to_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o surpass_v our_o understanding_n can_v be_v procure_v by_o violent_a mean_n or_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o suppose_v you_o force_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v his_o thought_n to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o own_o opinion_n let_v his_o confession_n be_v never_o so_o formal_a and_o his_o gesture_n never_o so_o well_o compose_v and_o conformable_a to_o certain_a prescribe_a rule_n this_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o true_a religion_n unless_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v feel_v a_o inward_a motion_n and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o what_o he_o profess_v neither_o ought_v people_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v entice_v to_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o temporal_a interest_n honour_n or_o other_o such_o like_a advantage_n for_o christ_n do_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o shall_v receive_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o foretold_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o embrace_v any_o religion_n out_o of_o a_o motive_n of_o temporal_a advantage_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o their_o own_o â—erest_n than_o religion_n and_o certain_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v please_v to_o god_n almighty_a sovereign_n being_n not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n they_o can_v under_o that_o colour_n exact_a from_o their_o subject_n a_o blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o if_o subject_n shall_v blindfold_o follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o sovereign_n they_o can_v by_o all_o his_o authority_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o case_n any_o subject_a be_v full_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n discover_v any_o error_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n even_o that_o by_o law_n establish_v especial_o concern_v any_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o his_o design_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n before_o his_o reason_n be_v hear_v and_o well_o debate_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o best_a and_o able_a judge_n and_o if_o by_o they_o he_o be_v legal_o and_o plain_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n then_o and_o 〈◊〉_d before_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v silence_v to_o force_v people_n into_o the_o church_n â—y_a the_o bare_a civil_a authority_n must_v needs_o fill_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o hypocrite_n who_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o since_o in_o religion_n matter_n a_o absolute_a uniformity_n betwixt_o the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v require_v how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v a_o religion_n disagreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n when_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o impose_v upon_o god_n almighty_a §_o 49._o the_o care_n of_o preserve_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n what_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n as_o be_v protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n peace_n belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o sovereign_n have_v furnish_v some_o with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n to_o affirm_v that_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n cause_n frequent_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o a_o government_n if_o its_o subject_n in_o general_a be_v of_o one_o religion_n all_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o violent_a may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o extirpate_v these_o difference_n in_o religion_n they_o allege_v that_o as_o much_o more_o precious_a our_o soul_n be_v before_o our_o body_n the_o more_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v watchful_a over_o they_o and_o that_o the_o true_a love_n which_o a_o sovereign_n bear_v to_o his_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o when_o he_o take_v effectual_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n these_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v very_o specious_a pretence_n and_o have_v sometime_o have_v such_o powerful_a influence_n over_o prince_n who_o be_v else_o natural_o not_o incline_v to_o severity_n that_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o by_o these_o plausible_a argument_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o assist_v with_o their_o authority_n the_o cruel_a design_n of_o priest_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v beyond_o our_o scope_n to_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n what_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o so_o specious_a reason_n in_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n weed_n among_o the_o wheat_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a doctrine_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n but_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o sovereign_n that_o take_v to_o such_o violent_a course_n may_v make_v a_o havoc_n among_o his_o subject_n which_o common_o prove_v equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o innocent_a and_o guilty_a nevertheless_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impracticable_a quite_o to_o abolish_v all_o error_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n never_o do_v any_o body_n show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o our_o saviour_n who_o sacrifice_v himself_o for_o our_o salvation_n yet_o he_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o way_n to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n than_o teach_v when_o he_o may_v have_v command_v twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o force_v mankind_n to_o obedience_n how_o can_v a_o prince_n be_v esteem_v to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v such_o profligate_v wretch_n as_o the_o dragoon_n his_o apostle_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o subject_n that_o pretence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o sovereign_n towards_o their_o subject_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o specious_a he_o ought_v not_o under_o that_o colour_n endeavour_n to_o subvert_v or_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n the_o difference_n about_o some_o point_n in_o religion_n consider_v bare_o as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o disturbance_n in_o a_o state_n but_o the_o heat_n and_o animosity_n ambition_n
§_o lxv_o he_o entire_o and_o without_o limitation_n ascribe_v to_o the_o prince_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o state_n but_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n regulate_v according_a to_o god_n own_o institution_n no_o such_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o their_o king_n neither_o have_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o the_o most_o general_a teacher_n that_o ever_o be_v as_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o any_o temporal_a sovereign_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n at_o the_o time_n when_o sovereign_n first_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v transferr_v this_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o limitation_n to_o those_o prince_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o it_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o care_n parent_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v for_o say_v he_o prince_n be_v the_o public_a father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o belong_v to_o their_o princely_a office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n the_o fatherly_a and_o the_o regal_a office_n depend_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a principle_n and_o the_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o child_n of_o a_o tender_a age_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n neither_o be_v sovereign_n invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o procure_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o subject_n god_n have_v prescribe_v other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o prince_n must_v not_o be_v regardless_o of_o this_o care_n nevertheless_o ought_v the_o same_o not_o to_o reach_v beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n but_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v approve_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o suit_n with_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o power_n of_o obtrude_a any_o religion_n at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o subject_n it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o not_o all_o religion_n be_v conduce_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n so_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o his_o child_n what_o religion_n he_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v manifest_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 2._o be_v very_o well_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a care_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n shall_v be_v so_o to_o rule_v over_o their_o subject_n that_o they_o may_v live_v under_o they_o not_o only_o honest_o but_o pious_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o prince_n for_o who_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n to_o pray_v be_v pagan_n make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o piety_n especial_o of_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o christian_n to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n under_o their_o protection_n the_o rest_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o care_n so_o we_o read_v that_o the_o poet_n enjoyment_n of_o his_o muse_n be_v owe_v to_o augustus_n caesar_n protection_n nevertheless_o the_o emperor_n do_v not_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n furthermore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o a_o christian_a prince_n who_o subject_n also_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o different_a qualification_n they_o be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v subject_n in_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n it_o seem_v mr._n houtuyn_n look_v upon_o that_o difference_n to_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n which_o arise_v from_o divers_a moral_a qualification_n and_o include_v different_a obligation_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o another_o legal_a principle_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o the_o head_n be_v not_o differ_v in_o his_o natural_a constitution_n from_o the_o right_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o he_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n though_o different_o consider_v under_o divers_a qualification_n be_v nevertheless_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n upon_o a_o expedition_n these_o though_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o soldier_n or_o subject_n yet_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o any_o essential_a part_n as_o for_o example_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o go_v upon_o their_o expedition_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o afterward_o under_o his_o protection_n enjoy_v and_o inhabit_v the_o country_n of_o canaan_n but_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n though_o compose_v out_o of_o the_o selfsame_a person_n do_v not_o only_o differ_v in_o their_o very_a foundation_n but_o also_o a_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v the_o same_o right_n and_o name_v of_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o state_n for_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o exercise_v his_o authority_n without_o control_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o body_n but_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n who_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o word_n announce_v to_o we_o by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o a_o sovereign_n can_v as_o much_o as_o claim_v the_o right_n of_o be_v christ_n vicegerent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o earth_n nevertheless_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o follow_v assertion_n run_v thus_o where_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n be_v not_o compose_v out_o of_o christian_n the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o where_o all_o subject_n be_v christian_n the_o church_n be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o college_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o what_o he_o allege_v of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v absolute_o false_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o act_n 14_o 23._o and_o those_o in_o titus_n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o synom_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o in_o all_o the_o town_n and_o city_n where_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a church_n the_o inference_n he_o will_v make_v from_o the_o military_a function_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n be_v both_o include_v in_o one_o government_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n both_o of_o they_o owe_v their_o offspring_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n and_o sovereign_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n and_o justice_n not_o with_o the_o ministerial_a function_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o general_n and_o judge_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o princely_a office_n but_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bare_o consider_v as_o such_o not_o proper_o minister_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n he_o say_v further_a that_o the_o assignation_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o faith_n come_v from_o hear_v and_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v without_o be_v instruct_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o instrument_n by_o the_o help_n of_o who_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o auditor_n it_o be_v false_a when_o he_o assert_n that_o sovereign_n though_o no_o christian_n have_v
action_n of_o pilate_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o public_a robbery_n and_o a_o power_n 53._o luk._n 22._o 53._o of_o darkness_n since_o in_o all_o his_o proceed_n there_o be_v not_o a_o footstep_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o when_o religious_a matter_n be_v in_o question_n the_o due_a method_n and_o judicial_a order_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n have_v be_v violate_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o and_o over_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o allege_v any_o example_n of_o it_o here_o when_o sovereign_n punish_v or_o chastise_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v abuse_v his_o function_n or_o be_v defective_a in_o it_o this_o power_n do_v proper_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o from_o a_o right_o translate_v to_o the_o sovereign_n by_o the_o church_n but_o those_o that_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n because_o they_o have_v stir_v up_o by_o their_o turbulent_a speech_n and_o sermon_n the_o people_n to_o rebellion_n against_o their_o soverereigns_n or_o have_v attempt_v to_o withdraw_v the_o auditor_n from_o and_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o a_o legal_a jurisdiction_n can_v be_v say_v to_o undergo_v punishment_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n furthermore_o it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o such_o can_v claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n proper_o speak_v it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a that_o the_o power_n of_o dispose_v and_o exercise_v those_o function_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v a_o civil_a act_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o public_a effect_n mr._n houtuyn_n have_v be_v draw_v into_o all_o these_o error_n by_o confound_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o church_n if_o these_o two_o be_v not_o very_o nice_o distinguish_v but_o we_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o be_v entire_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n what_o have_v we_o get_v by_o shake_v of_o the_o popish_a yoke_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a if_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n without_o exception_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o sovereign_n to_o maintain_v which_o mr._n houtuyn_n in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n itself_o have_v invent_v a_o spiritual_a good_a or_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o people_n as_o the_o main_a end_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o enable_v his_o prince_n to_o force_v his_o subject_n to_o profess_v public_o what_o religion_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n for_o it_o may_v be_v sufferable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o own_o opinion_n conceal_v to_o himself_o but_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v what_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o it_o be_v both_o abominable_a and_o intolerable_a the_o say_v of_o constantine_n the_o great_a so_o much_o extol_v by_o mr._n houtuyn_n himself_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o have_v be_v christian_n but_o that_o he_o never_o force_v any_o for_o this_o emperor_n not_o only_o never_o attempt_v to_o force_v any_o one_o from_o his_o own_o opinion_n which_o indeed_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n but_o also_o never_o constrain_v his_o subject_n to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n our_o author_n do_v also_o not_o a_o little_a contradict_v himself_o in_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v word_n sometime_o exempt_n they_o from_o any_o civil_a cognisance_n whereas_o before_o he_o have_v make_v they_o liable_a to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n what_o say_v he_o if_o our_o faith_n express_v by_o word_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o crime_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o error_n to_o correct_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o punishment_n which_o do_v illuminate_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o by_o good_a instruction_n but_o those_o that_o know_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v betwixt_o the_o state_n and_o a_o college_n may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n dissolve_v these_o knotty_a question_n which_o he_o have_v start_v concerine_n the_o jurisdiction_n and_o legislative_a power_n of_o prince_n over_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o §_o lxix_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v put_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o force_n of_o a_o law_n to_o such_o statute_n as_o they_o find_v suitable_a to_o the_o state_n it_o be_v their_o prerogative_n to_o determine_v according_a to_o what_o law_n judgement_n be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o civil_a court_n of_o judicature_n what_o be_v punishable_a and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_a but_o it_o imply_v a_o absurdity_n to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o right_a of_o give_v public_a authority_n to_o prophecy_n themselves_o neither_o the_o intrinsic_a nor_o historical_a faith_n have_v any_o dependence_n on_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o force_n of_o which_o subject_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o act_v but_o not_o to_o believe_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o any_o prophecy_n appear_v to_o be_v from_o god_n it_o can_v receive_v any_o addition_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v declare_v cicero_n to_o be_v a_o good_a latin_a author_n but_o in_o case_n a_o pretend_a prophecy_n be_v either_o ambiguous_a or_o supposititious_a in_o itself_o and_o a_o prince_n shall_v persuade_v himself_o to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v it_o pass_v current_a for_o truth_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o beyond_o his_o sense_n what_o he_o insinuate_v concern_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o general_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o establish_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o public_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o remain_v in_o a_o private_a condition_n â—ill_v such_o time_n when_o prince_n have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n they_o give_v it_o a_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v receive_v any_o additional_a strength_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o its_o genius_n to_o be_v establish_v and_o promote_v by_o civil_a punishment_n for_o whosoever_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n profess_v in_o outward_a show_n only_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o nor_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o may_v be_v repliy_v to_o §_o lxx_o for_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v not_o owe_v their_o authority_n to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n the_o latter_a be_v introduce_v in_o the_o government_n by_o god_n peculiar_a assistance_n inspite_o of_o all_o the_o resistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n so_o ought_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o the_o ambiguous_a and_o controvert_v passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o prince_n only_o but_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v authorise_v by_o the_o church_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prince_n consider_v as_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o can_v bâ—â—xcluded_v from_o have_v his_o share_n in_o such_o a_o debate_n it_o be_v a_o profane_a expression_n when_o he_o say_v christ_n himself_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a power_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a law_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o right_a to_o interpret_v the_o same_o but_o since_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n here_o he_o live_v among_o those_o that_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o disobedience_n do_v not_o own_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o a_o private_a condition_n subject_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o law_n doctrine_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o do_v acquire_v their_o oblige_a power_n and_o public_a authority_n from_o the_o civil_a constitution_n a_o little_a more_o will_v have_v make_v the_o office_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o world_n also_o dependent_a from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n be_v it_o not_o a_o prodigious_a absurdity_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v its_o public_a authority_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n among_o those_o who_o deny_v christ_n and_o what_o follow_v that_o if_o at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n prince_n have_v be_v christian_n they_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v he_o for_o the_o
supreme_a governor_n do_v thereby_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o those_o their_o sovereign_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v conduce_v for_o the_o public_a welfare_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o such_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o that_o they_o will_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v their_o command_n wherefore_o sovereign_n be_v always_o invest_v with_o a_o full_a power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n by_o inflict_a punishment_n â—pon_v they_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n shall_v ever_o or_o aught_o to_o submit_v themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o disposal_n of_o their_o teacher_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o acquiesce_v bare_o in_o and_o to_o follow_v blind_o whatever_o shall_v be_v propose_v by_o they_o as_o conduce_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_a without_o contradiction_n that_o none_o of_o the_o believer_n do_v entire_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o faith_n to_o any_o body_n but_o to_o god_n almighty_a who_o will_n and_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o auditor_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o they_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o propose_v any_o doctrine_n surpass_v human_a reason_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o his_o auditor_n must_v either_o claim_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o by_o compulsion_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o more_o superior_a power_n but_o any_o man_n that_o offer_v matter_n not_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n do_v thereby_o expose_v himself_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o authority_n except_o he_o can_v by_o other_o more_o powerful_a mean_n maintain_v his_o doctrine_n and_o gain_v credit_n with_o his_o auditor_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v man_n that_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v foolishness_n and_o s._n paul_n be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n nickname_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o a_o babbler_n by_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n neither_o be_v any_o human_a power_n capable_a of_o enforce_v 18._o act_n 17._o 18._o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o people_n for_o which_o reason_n christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n go_v and_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n to_o obtain_v which_o all_o human_a mean_n which_o imply_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o be_v forcible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o trifle_n and_o insufficient_a there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o doctrine_n must_v be_v verify_v by_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o principle_n 20._o mark_v 16._o 20._o viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n ancient_o authorize_v their_o 4._o act_n 14._o â—_o heb._n 2_o 4._o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n undeniable_a that_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o any_o more_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o miracle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n which_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o publish_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v never_o repeat_v afterward_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n therefore_o have_v submit_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n only_o to_o christ_n who_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a as_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o be_v testify_v by_o his_o father_n voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o 22._o mat._n â—_o 17._o luk._n 3._o 22._o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n willing_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o moses_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n so_o be_v 19_o exod_n 20._o 19_o they_o oblige_v to_o subimt_fw-la their_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o have_v once_o verify_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o their_o miracle_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o doctrine_n do_v sometime_o produce_v good_a effect_n without_o miracle_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a that_o when_o they_o preach_v and_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o be_v â—well_v verse_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o their_o auditor_n examine_v their_o word_n whether_o they_o be_v consonant_a with_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v therein_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v sufficent_o 1â—â—â—_n act_n 1â—â—â—_n apparent_a that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o a_o blind_a obedience_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o can_v verify_v their_o immediate_a divine_a commission_n by_o miracle_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o faith_n absolute_o dependent_a from_o their_o doctrine_n without_o exception_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v manifest_a demonstration_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d it_o â—â—_o not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v and_o must_v â—â—_o but_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o maâ—â—ing_v it_o plain_a and_o apparent_a that_o what_o 〈…〉_o to_o his_o auditor_n be_v absolute_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o ought_v the_o auditor_n pâ—â—_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o the_o teacher_n doctrine_n into_o be_v examine_v and_o approve_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n use_v to_o take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o chief_a teacher_n or_o founder_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n aristoteles_n and_o zeno_n but_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o other_o name_n but_o that_o she_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o score_n when_o s._n paul_n rebuke_v the_o corinthian_n because_o some_o of_o they_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n some_o of_o apollo_n some_o of_o cephas_n and_o 12_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 12_o some_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o establish_v among_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o disciple_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o use_v for_o their_o motto_n that_o old_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o have_v speak_v it_o but_o they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o look_v themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v search_v â—â—e_v scripture_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o to_o his_o auditor_n in_o general_n and_o 4â—_n joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thes_n â—_o 21._o 1_o joh_n 4â—_n s._n paul_n bid_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a s._n john_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o s._n paul_n so_o high_o recommend_v to_o all_o that_o intend_v to_o be_v 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11._o 28_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v due_o perform_v without_o meditate_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o of_o a_o physician_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a it_o be_v only_o require_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o understand_v the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o same_o to_o his_o patient_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o good_a success_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v alone_o verse_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v most_o excellent_a where_o the_o auditor_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o their_o teacher_n in_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o mankind_n all_o the_o counsel_n â—7_n act._n â—0_n â—7_n of_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o care_n and_o custody_n of_o one_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sibyllin_n oracle_n be_v ancient_o at_o rome_n in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o
decemviri_fw-la and_o because_o christian_n do_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v 4â—_n joh._n 6._o 1â—_n 1_o thes_n 4â—_n say_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n s._n paul_n utter_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o corinthian_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o dominion_n over_o they_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n for_o the_o rest_n as_o christian_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o which_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v without_o great_a difficulty_n try_v their_o teacher_n doctrine_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o catechism_n and_o other_o compendious_a instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o their_o young_a year_n both_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o useful_a to_o those_o of_o a_o indifferent_a capacity_n than_o all_o the_o other_o subtlety_n and_o controversy_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o requisite_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o â—â—_o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o â—â—m_fw-la 1._o â—_o 2_o â—â—m_fw-la 2._o â—â—_o salvation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o much_o difficulty_n because_o the_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n and_z as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o this_o article_n be_v chief_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 20._o 3._o oppose_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o apostle_n s_o john_n prescribe_v this_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n hereby_o know_v you_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o â—_o â—_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n though_o from_o hence_o no_o inference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o if_o christian_a may_v neglect_v or_o ought_v not_o also_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o pleaseâ—_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 34._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o of_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v further_o he_o inquire_v into_o whether_o perhaps_o those_o church_n unite_v do_v it_o make_v up_o a_o body_n like_o to_o that_o of_o a_o grâ—â—t_a state_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n if_o a_o duâ—_n regard_v he_o have_v to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n of_o a_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o state_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o â—â—_o mark_n 16._o â—â—_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n nor_o any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n appoint_v for_o these_o governor_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n shall_v receive_v their_o order_n neither_o be_v the_o least_o care_n take_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondency_n with_o their_o capital_a city_n and_o true_o consider_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prodigious_a distance_n of_o those_o country_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mortal_a enmity_n betwixt_o some_o of_o these_o state_n these_o be_v unsurmountable_a obstacle_n for_o the_o settle_n and_o maintain_v a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o they_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o what_o mean_v all_o the_o christian_n can_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o state_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n c._n 12._o 12_o 13._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o s._n john_n ver_fw-la 16_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n which_o show_v that_o all_o the_o sheep_n be_v bring_v into_o one_o flock_n by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o be_v christ_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ch_n 4._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o christ_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v 13_o joh._n 13_o chief_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n charity_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o true_a badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brother_n which_o particular_o 10._o vid._n 1_o cor._n 13._o colos_n 3._o 14._o gal._n 6._o 10._o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o general_a union_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o holy_a tie_v we_o may_v easy_o observe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v in_o no_o way_n adapt_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o temporal_a government_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o establishment_n and_o union_n of_o a_o mystical_a body_n for_o as_o none_o of_o they_o require_v of_o imply_v any_o dependency_n from_o a_o temporal_a power_n so_o they_o may_v belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n though_o live_v in_o far_o distant_a country_n and_o several_a jurisdiction_n §_o 35._o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v for_o what_o end_n state_n 〈…〉_o for_o christians_o 〈…〉_o unite_a under_o one_o state_n or_o purpose_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v reduce_v under_o one_o state_n for_o each_o congregation_n or_o church_n may_v with_o more_o â—ase_n and_o conveniency_n constitute_v teacher_n in_o their_o church_n sit_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o more_o watchful_a eye_n over_o those_o who_o be_v know_v and_o near_o at_o hand_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o single_a person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o be_v beside_o this_o ovewhelm_v with_o multitude_n of_o business_n be_v force_v to_o see_v with_o other_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o hear_v with_o other_o people_n ear_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n what_o be_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o compose_n and_o determine_v of_o such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v betwixt_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o a_o general_n court_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o case_n can_v be_v no_o where_o determine_v with_o more_o conveniency_n than_o in_o the_o same_o government_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o there_o can_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n subject_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o have_v something_o of_o colour_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o head_n whether_o under_o one_o person_n or_o a_o certain_a assembly_n matter_n not_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v better_o preserve_v
controversy_n soon_o compose_v and_o heresy_n suppress_v or_o quite_o extinguish_v but_o if_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v due_o weigh_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a monarch_n may_v be_v very_o easy_o spare_v in_o the_o church_n for_o grant_v such_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v up_o a_o general_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n a_o universal_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n as_o well_o in_o point_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o case_n for_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v disputable_a whether_o the_o say_a error_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o a_o certain_a man_n charge_n or_o not_o for_o if_o a_o appeal_n be_v allow_v from_o this_o judge_n after_o sentence_n pronounce_v there_o will_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o process_n it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o requisite_a that_o this_o infallible_a authority_n shall_v be_v so_o manifest_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o unless_o this_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n we_o must_v run_v from_o this_o judge_n to_o another_o who_o must_v also_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o so_o in_o infinite_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o without_o exception_n that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o since_o this_o privilege_n of_o be_v infallible_a can_v not_o be_v grant_v by_o any_o body_n but_o by_o god_n alone_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o such_o a_o power_n it_o must_v plain_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o this_o particular_a prerogative_n and_o authority_n be_v grant_v to_o one_o certain_a person_n for_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o error_n but_o of_o this_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n into_o all_o the_o world_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o have_v a_o equal_a authority_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n now_o leave_v for_o the_o attain_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o for_o the_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n in_o general_a which_o be_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n devout_o and_o without_o intermission_n and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n 15._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 14._o 15._o or_o to_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n aught_o by_o undeniable_a demonstration_n to_o justify_v his_o pretension_n these_o qualification_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n describe_v in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 2._o 24_o 25_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n in_o general_a and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o say_v must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_o in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o if_o any_o one_o now_o adays_o do_v pretend_v to_o any_o prerogative_n or_o infallibility_n in_o decide_v controversy_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o be_v most_o requisite_a for_o the_o due_a explain_v and_o interpret_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o that_o the_o other_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o nay_o that_o even_o all_o their_o joint_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o his_o judgement_n beside_o this_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o this_o universal_a judge_n except_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o useless_a engine_n must_v be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o execute_v his_o decree_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o decree_n have_v no_o other_o force_n than_o as_o far_o as_o they_o influence_n people_n by_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n they_o will_v be_v either_o useless_a or_o else_o this_o judge_n in_o vain_a pretend_v thereby_o to_o any_o further_a prerogative_n but_o what_o he_o have_v in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n furthermore_o this_o oblige_a power_n must_v either_o have_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o peculiar_a privilegde_v grant_v by_o god_n almighty_a or_o by_o a_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n or_o by_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o a_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o for_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o god_n or_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o proof_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v find_v and_o as_o to_o the_o pretend_a sovereign_a power_n its_o legal_a title_n ought_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o document_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o so_o great_a a_o pretention_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a insignificant_a proof_n to_o allege_v in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n tradition_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a usurpation_n which_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o right_n of_o a_o long_o continue_v illegal_a possession_n and_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o solid_a foundation_n whereupon_o to_o build_v a_o real_a pretention_n to_o such_o a_o sovereignty_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o whereas_o something_o of_o a_o prerogative_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o same_o in_o process_n of_o time_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o consequent_o degenerate_v into_o a_o insufferable_a tyranny_n we_o can_v therefore_o but_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o tradition_n aâ—â—_n aâ—_n not_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o very_o suspicious_a especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o such_o a_o sovereign_a power_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v so_o powerful_a to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o all_o controversy_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v also_o that_o thereby_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o slavery_n must_v be_v introduce_v worse_o than_o that_o whereof_o tacitus_n complain_v in_o his_o time_n adempto_fw-la per_fw-la inquisitiones_fw-la &_o loquendi_fw-la audiendioque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d â—â—_o que_fw-fr ipsacum_fw-la voce_fw-la memoria_fw-la perdatur_fw-la si_fw-la tam_fw-la in_o nostra_fw-la potestate_fw-la foret_fw-la oblivisci_fw-la quam_fw-la tacere_fw-la by_o the_o inquisition_n the_o benefit_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o ear_n be_v take_v away_o at_o once_o and_o if_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o control_v man_n memory_n as_o it_o be_v to_o bridle_v their_o tongue_n the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a have_v be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v among_o we_o true_o by_o such_o method_n perhaps_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v stock_v with_o hypocrite_n and_o dissemble_a heretic_n but_o few_o will_v be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o requisite_a that_o a_o hide_a ulcer_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a whereby_o it_o may_v the_o soon_o be_v purge_v from_o its_o malignancy_n and_o proper_a remedy_n more_o immediate_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o affect_a part_n so_o be_v it_o much_o conduce_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o scruple_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n as_o have_v seize_v our_o mind_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o light_v that_o by_o apply_v timely_a remedy_n they_o may_v be_v remove_v before_o they_o be_v go_v too_o far_o than_o by_o couch_v they_o over_o to_o let_v they_o run_v into_o a_o malignant_a suppuration_n which_o at_o last_o may_v turn_v to_o a_o incurable_a gangrene_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n be_v grant_v there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o double_a head_a sovereign_a power_n in_o one_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o subject_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o point_n of_o controversy_n as_o well_o and_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n as_o they_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o civil_a governor_n in_o civil_a action_n and_o since_o this_o ecclesiastical_a sovereignty_n have_v a_o different_a scope_n from_o that_o for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v erect_v it_o must_v
magistrate_n what_o likelihood_n can_v there_o be_v in_o all_o this_o that_o the_o protestant_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o a_o temporal_a by-interest_n as_o the_o popish_a clergy_n for_o whereas_o they_o first_o can_v expect_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v allot_v they_o already_o the_o latter_a have_v no_o less_o in_o view_n than_o vast_a riches_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n all_o these_o matter_n due_o consider_v may_v be_v convince_a proof_n that_o all_o the_o clamour_n which_o the_o popish_a clergy_n make_v against_o the_o protestant_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o demetrius_n at_o ephesus_n when_o he_o exclaim_v against_o st._n paul_n love_n and_o meekness_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n exercise_v against_o protestant_n aught_o to_o be_v suspect_v by_o prince_n and_o serve_v they_o as_o a_o forewarn_n what_o good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o prosecute_v with_o so_o much_o barbarity_n all_o such_o as_o oppose_v their_o pride_n and_o ambition_n after_o the_o persecution_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o arian_n be_v the_o first_o who_o show_v their_o tooth_n to_o the_o christian_n but_o they_o will_v have_v blush_v for_o shame_n if_o they_o shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o propagate_v their_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o such_o other_o cruel_a persecution_n as_o be_v now_o in_o vogue_n among_o the_o popish_a clergy_n if_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v instruct_v as_o to_o this_o point_n by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o rebuke_v james_n and_o john_n who_o will_v have_v 56._o luk._n 9_o 54_o 55_o 56._o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o girt_v on_o the_o side_n of_o man_n but_o go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o in_o all_o the_o 15._o rev._n 19_o 15._o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v not_o one_o passage_n where_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n that_o she_o be_v drunken_a with_o the_o 6._o rev._n 17._o 6._o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n §_o 52._o last_o since_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o be_v pretext_n sovereign_n be_v often_o encroach_v upon_o in_o their_o right_n under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n jealous_a of_o their_o own_o prerogative_n they_o may_v without_o injustice_n make_v a_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o protestant_n or_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v most_o encroach_a upon_o their_o authority_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v most_o consistent_a with_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o whenever_o the_o civil_a power_n bear_v any_o diminution_n under_o a_o religious_a pretence_n it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n for_o sovereign_n to_o look_v about_o they_o to_o examine_v upon_o what_o foundation_n these_o pretension_n be_v build_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o civil_a government_n be_v introduce_v before_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o ought_v plain_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v how_o civil_a authority_n come_v to_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o many_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o by_o various_a artifices_fw-la and_o intrigue_n they_o have_v at_o last_o patch_v up_o a_o potent_a state_n of_o their_o own_o and_o that_o their_o supreme_a head_n for_o these_o many_o age_n past_a be_v possess_v of_o great_a territory_n and_o act_n as_o a_o sovereign_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o also_o obtrude_v his_o authority_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n for_o they_o do_v think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o whole_a clergy_n have_v their_o dependence_n from_o he_o but_o he_o pretend_v to_o a_o absolute_a authority_n of_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o guide_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n where_o ever_o he_o please_v if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v destructive_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v this_o when_o a_o party_n inhabit_v their_o territory_n disow_v their_o jurisdiction_n and_o depend_v from_o a_o foreign_a power_n deny_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o natural_a prince_n over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o acknowledge_v it_o no_o long_o than_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a if_o neighbour_a state_n be_v common_o the_o most_o jealous_a of_o one_o another_o must_v it_o not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a solocism_n of_o state_n to_o permit_v such_o as_o depend_v from_o a_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v next_o door_n to_o take_v foreign_a garrison_n into_o our_o fort_n or_o to_o allow_v a_o foreign_a force_n to_o encamp_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o dominion_n and_o this_o mischief_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o pernicious_a when_o the_o revenue_n by_o which_o the_o grandeur_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v maintain_v be_v squeeze_v out_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o any_o prince_n and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o territory_n exhaust_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a these_o leech_n be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o tax_n but_o also_o pretend_v to_o a_o legislative_a authority_n so_o as_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o the_o subject_n and_o to_o absolve_v they_o from_o their_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o sovereign_n i_o can_v see_v how_o prince_n without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o commonweal_n can_v allow_v the_o least_o authority_n over_o their_o person_n to_o the_o clergy_n for_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o they_o happen_v to_o jar_v together_o the_o poor_a subject_n pay_v for_o it_o with_o a_o vengeance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v two_o master_n of_o a_o contrary_a side_n at_o one_o time_n and_o the_o tax_n must_v fall_v the_o heavy_a upon_o the_o subject_n where_o the_o clergy_n be_v exempt_v from_o all_o contribution_n last_o be_v it_o not_o a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o the_o subject_n to_o be_v subject_a both_o to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n the_o former_a be_v general_o the_o most_o severe_a as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o spain_n and_o italy_n where_o the_o court_n of_o inquisition_n be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v therefore_o beyond_o all_o question_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o roman_a catholic_n but_o in_o no_o wise_a by_o the_o protestant_n such_o prince_n as_o be_v mislead_v by_o the_o popish_a clergy_n endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v their_o protestant_a subject_n act_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o justice_n but_o even_o against_o the_o very_a dicrates_n of_o right_a reason_n what_o have_v be_v object_v by_o some_o viz._n that_o protestant_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o raise_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n and_o have_v join_v with_o a_o foreign_a power_n scarce_o deserve_v a_o answer_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o religion_n itself_o but_o rather_o to_o some_o dangerous_a juncture_n and_o other_o circumstance_n which_o often_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o dangerous_a commotion_n in_o a_o state_n or_o else_o the_o papist_n have_v first_o begin_v the_o dance_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o some_o protestant_n to_o avoid_v their_o cruel_a design_n against_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o repel_v the_o fury_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o insufficient_a have_v seek_v for_o aid_n by_o foreign_a prince_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o compel_v subject_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n to_o any_o religion_n so_o these_o may_v just_o defend_v their_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n especial_o if_o they_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o they_o have_v a_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o of_o protect_v their_o liberty_n against_o any_o invader_n §_o 53._o last_o of_o all_o it_o very_o well_o deserve_v to_o reformation_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o reformation_n make_v a_o enquiry_n who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o amend_v such_o error_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n morality_n or_o church-government_n or_o which_o turn_v to_o the_o same_o account_n who_o have_v the_o right_a of_o reformation_n where_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o reformation_n where_o the_o
commonwealth_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n but_o not_o a_o body_n politic_a found_v upon_o the_o public_a authority_n but_o owe_v it_o original_a to_o a_o high_a principle_n have_v not_o like_o other_o college_n its_o dependency_n from_o the_o state_n what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o titus_n 2._o 9_o colos_n 3._o 20_o 22._o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 14._o be_v strange_o misrepresent_v to_o evince_v that_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v dependent_a from_o the_o absolute_a pleasure_n of_o sovereign_n what_o follow_v might_n also_o very_o well_o deserve_v some_o animadversion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o beyond_o our_o scope_n at_o present_a n._n 13._o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n that_o as_o a_o consequence_n of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n he_o attribute_n to_o they_o the_o title_n of_o pastor_n minister_n herald_n of_o god_n bishop_n priest_n and_o apostle_n pray_v with_o what_o authority_n and_o with_o what_o sense_n for_o the_o duty_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o be_v the_o guardian_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o of_o be_v the_o foster-fathers_n and_n defender_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n from_o what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v here_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o absolute_a judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n itself_o with_o exclusion_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o the_o sovereign_n alone_a without_o allow_v a_o share_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n in_o the_o §_o lxiv_o each_o sovereign_n may_v establish_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v in_o his_o dominion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v let_v pass_v by_o without_o a_o severe_a correction_n the_o reason_n allege_v be_v very_o frivolous_a because_o all_o public_a and_o external_a action_n depend_v from_o the_o public_a authority_n be_v this_o your_o assertion_n good_a mr._n houtuyn_n that_o prince_n may_v impose_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v upon_o their_o subject_n and_o by_o their_o absolute_a authority_n make_v it_o the_o establish_a religion_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o who_o if_o not_o comply_v must_v forsooth_o sly_a the_o country_n what_o religion_n they_o please_v do_v you_o say_v the_o the_o pagan_a false_a fictious_a or_o superstitious_a it_o matter_n not_o which_o from_o whence_o pray_v be_v this_o power_n derive_v to_o sovereign_n not_o certain_o from_o god_n except_o you_o can_v show_v we_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o it_o not_o from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o civil_a society_n commonwealth_n not_o be_v institute_v for_o religion_n sake_n and_o of_o a_o late_a date_n beside_o that_o such_o a_o power_n be_v not_o requisite_a for_o the_o attain_v that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v establish_v neither_o be_v it_o leave_v to_o the_o bare_a pleasure_n of_o any_o person_n though_o consider_v as_o in_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o freedom_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v but_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o inference_n can_v be_v make_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v force_v upon_o other_o the_o distinction_n he_o make_v betwixt_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a religion_n must_v also_o be_v take_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o circumspection_n lest_o some_o people_n may_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a what_o religion_n a_o man_n profess_v in_o outward_a show_n provide_v he_o be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o it_o furthermore_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o all_o public_a action_n that_o be_v every_o thing_n do_v in_o public_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n owe_v its_o original_a to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o subject_n in_o public_a depend_v mere_o from_o that_o liberty_n belong_v to_o they_o in_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o liberty_n or_o from_o god_n command_n or_o from_o a_o certain_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o god_n almighty_a it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a that_o all_o exterior_a action_n depend_v from_o the_o civil_a authority_n for_o according_a to_o mr._n houtuyn_n opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o comprehend_v in_o a_o certain_a form_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o exterior_a action_n mr._n houtuyn_n be_v much_o in_o the_o wrong_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o draw_v a_o inference_n from_o thence_o that_o because_o it_o belong_v to_o sovereign_n to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o subject_n may_v be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v what_o opinion_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o god_n as_o the_o establisher_n of_o justice_n they_o therefore_o have_v a_o right_n of_o dispose_v in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o to_o declare_v any_o religion_n whatsoever_o which_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o establish_v religion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v a_o much_o grosser_n mistake_n yet_o when_o he_o assert_n that_o any_o religion_n establish_v in_o a_o state_n though_o never_o so_o false_a contribute_v to_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o religion_n defective_a in_o some_o point_n may_v nevertheless_o lead_v people_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n but_o those_o that_o contain_v false_a doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n be_v incapable_a of_o produce_v that_o effect_n the_o public_a tranquillity_n found_v upon_o such_o false_a opinion_n will_v be_v very_o unstable_a and_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n or_o at_o least_o with_o the_o same_o conveniency_n be_v obtain_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o imposture_n may_v beguile_v the_o giddy-headed_a multitude_n they_o can_v always_o pass_v for_o currant_n among_o man_n of_o a_o sound_a understanding_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o soothsayer_n at_o rome_n can_v forbear_v laugh_v when_o they_o meet_v another_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n we_o must_v beg_v mr._n houtuyn_n pardon_n if_o we_o question_v his_o authority_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v every_o one_o private_a religion_n independent_a from_o any_o temporal_a power_n will_v not_o be_v impair_v by_o a_o man_n profess_v any_o other_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o discretion_n of_o those_o civil_a governor_n which_o of_o all_o religion_n they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o establish_v in_o their_o dominion_n whether_o that_o of_o the_o japonese_n of_o the_o brahmin_n mahometan_n jew_n or_o christian_n and_o among_o all_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o christian_a name_n such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n i_o much_o question_n whether_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o many_o tool_n that_o will_v take_v his_o word_n for_o it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n do_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n insufferable_a that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n shall_v set_v up_o for_o the_o great_a arbitrator_n of_o christendom_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o his_o pretence_n do_v not_o reach_v further_o than_o to_o force_v one_o religion_n upon_o the_o world_n which_o he_o know_v be_v most_o likely_a to_o turn_v to_o his_o own_o advantage_n but_o now_o it_o seem_v it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o sovereign_n shall_v be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o establish_v any_o religion_n at_o pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o there_o be_v several_a religion_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o they_o may_v with_o the_o same_o right_n at_o several_a time_n declare_v several_a distinct_a religion_n nay_o even_o those_o that_o be_v quite_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o nevertheless_o every_o one_o of_o these_o must_v be_v accept_v forsooth_o as_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o next_o consequence_n will_v be_v that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a of_o defend_v and_o alter_v the_o establish_a religion_n and_o to_o punish_v such_o as_o trespass_v against_o it_o one_o prince_n will_v have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v one_o religion_n but_o his_o successor_n may_v with_o the_o same_o right_n abolish_v it_o and_o punish_v such_o of_o his_o subject_n as_o adhere_v to_o it_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mr._n houtuyn_n gospel_n the_o establish_a religion_n will_v be_v settle_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n with_o some_o statute_n which_o may_v be_v enact_v and_o repeal_v by_o sovereign_n at_o pleasure_n in_o