Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
authority_n	catholic_n	church_n	communion_n	3,075	5	9.3276	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A56257	Of the nature and qualification of religion in reference to civil society written by Samuel Puffendorff ... ; which may serve as an appendix to the author's Duty of men ; translated from the original.; De habitu religionis Christianae ad vitam civilem. English	Pufendorf, Samuel, Freiherr von, 1632-1694.; Crull, J. (Jodocus), d. 1713?; Pufendorf, Samuel, Freiherr von, 1632-1694. De officio hominis et civis.	1698 (1698)	Wing P4180; ESTC R6881	106,116	202

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 contr●●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 ●_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

religion_n ought_v to_o be_v declare_v erroneous_a before_o it_o be_v due_o examine_v and_o the_o party_n convict_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o such_o a_o decision_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o management_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o be_v perhaps_o guide_v by_o self_n interest_n oftentimes_o be_v both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o politician_n who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o sovereign_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n give_v protection_n to_o their_o subject_n though_o of_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n provide_v it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n especial_o if_o care_n be_v take_v that_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v away_o other_o into_o the_o same_o error_n for_o suppose_v the_o establish_a religion_n both_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o morality_n to_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o dissent_v party_n may_v be_v in_o time_n bring_v over_o to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o shall_v seduce_v other_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o zeal_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o establish_a clergy_n it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o those_o place_n and_o time_n where_o and_o when_o no_o religious_a difference_n be_v in_o agitation_n the_o clergy_n soon_o degenerate_v into_o idleness_n and_o barbarity_n §_o 51._o furthermore_o as_o sovereign_n in_o all_o other_o flatterer_n sovereign_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v misguide_v by_o flatterer_n matter_n of_o moment_n ought_v to_o act_v with_o great_a circumspection_n so_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v proceed_v with_o too_o much_o caution_n a_o injustice_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o a_o subject_a for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o abominable_a than_o to_o let_v subject_n suffer_v unjust_o for_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o perhaps_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o some_o other_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n can_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o if_o a_o prince_n who_o prompt_v by_o his_o own_o cruel_a inclination_n tyrannise_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v odious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o abominable_a appear_v a_o prince_n who_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o executioner_n and_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n by_o other_o to_o fulfil_v their_o cruel_a design_n against_o their_o fellow_n subject_n all_o christian_a prince_n therefore_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o conscience_n aught_o to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o extremity_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o ought_v never_o to_o be_v undertake_v unless_o they_o be_v well_o instruct_v beforehand_o in_o every_o particular_a point_n a_o prince_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o or_o rely_v entire_o on_o what_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o by_o his_o clergy_n though_o never_o so_o pious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n there_o be_v too_o many_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v that_o the_o best_a of_o prince_n by_o their_o own_o inclination_n abhor_v all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n have_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o overzealous_a clergyman_n turn_v the_o most_o cruel_a tyrant_n we_o scarce_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o prince_n who_o undertake_v to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o physic_n or_o other_o science_n except_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o why_o shall_v sovereign_n be_v too_o forward_o in_o decide_v religious_a difference_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a moment_n the_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o million_o of_o people_n do_v depend_v thereon_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o well_o instruct_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o since_o prince_n very_o rare_o bestow_v sufficient_a time_n and_o pain_n in_o be_v full_o instruct_v in_o divinity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o will_v be_v bias_v by_o their_o own_o natural_a understanding_n rather_o than_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o as_o for_o a_o instance_n in_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n there_o be_v such_o evident_a sign_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o protestant_n be_v so_o far_o from_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o and_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o touchstone_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o true_a judge_n of_o their_o controversy_n that_o the_o protestant_n trust_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o popish_a author_n but_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v public_o sell_v as_o be_v confident_a that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o influence_n even_o over_o a_o indifferent_a understanding_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a why_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o laity_n be_v not_o allow_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o suppress_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o inquisition_n be_v in_o vogue_n a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n and_o other_o the_o most_o enormous_a crime_n than_o to_o read_v and_o examine_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o a_o clamour_n do_v they_o make_v about_o tradition_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n which_o title_n they_o claim_v as_o belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o themselves_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o by_o other_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o give_v judgement_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o a_o prince_n that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v our_o book_n to_o be_v read_v among_o they_o and_o especial_o how_o careful_a they_o be_v in_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o great_a man_n though_o belong_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obstacle_n be_v to_o be_v surmount_v before_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v that_o the_o augsburgh_n confession_n be_v read_v to_o the_o emperor_n charles_n v._o all_o which_o take_v together_o be_v most_o evident_a proof_n to_o any_o unbiased_a person_n that_o the_o protestant_n act_n like_o man_n as_o rely_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o the_o roman_a catholic_n as_o mistrust_v themselves_o and_o fear_v that_o if_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o out_o of_o the_o protestant_a wrtting_n the_o same_o will_v scarce_o bear_v the_o touchstone_n it_o may_v also_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n how_o far_o different_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n party_n be_v from_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n for_o though_o both_o party_n with_o equal_a zeal_n in_o public_a pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o great_a many_o among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o same_o nevertheless_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o aim_v at_o something_o more_o and_o what_o this_o something_o be_v be_v easy_o discernible_a if_o we_o make_v a_o due_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o clergy_n of_o both_o party_n among_o the_o protestant_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v so_o stint_v in_o their_o revenue_n as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o opportunity_n of_o live_v in_o state_n what_o respect_n be_v pay_v they_o be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o function_n as_o be_v teacher_n their_o power_n very_o seldom_o reach_v beyond_o their_o revenue_n which_o be_v very_o moderate_a and_o oftentimes_o very_a mean_v both_o their_o person_n and_o estate_n depend_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o sovereign_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o where_o else_o to_o seek_v for_o protection_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o what_o pomp_n and_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n do_v the_o popish_a clergy_n live_v unto_o what_o height_n have_v they_o not_o exalt_v their_o power_n in_o europe_n have_v they_o not_o so_o order_v their_o matter_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a

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 m●ans_n as_o ●●_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 s●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 o●_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

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