rod_n or_o in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n i._o e._n consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o see_v i_o have_v determine_v to_o visit_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o when_o i_o come_v you_o have_v rather_o i_o shall_v chastise_v you_o with_o the_o apostolical_a rod_n by_o exercise_v my_o power_n of_o inflict_a punishment_n and_o by_o consign_v the_o refractory_a to_o those_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a disease_n that_o be_v wont_n immediate_o to_o follow_v apostolical_a censure_n or_o whether_o i_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o more_o gentle_a and_o merciful_a design_n without_o be_v force_v by_o your_o stubborness_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o use_v this_o severity_n among_o you_o as_o you_o behave_v yourselves_o so_o may_v you_o expect_v to_o find_v i_o at_o my_o come_n and_o thus_o again_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 6._o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o his_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n if_o he_o shall_v come_v among_o they_o to_o revenge_v all_o their_o disobedience_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o immediate_o profess_v himself_o not_o ashamed_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o again_o shake_v the_o same_o rod_n over_o they_o threaten_v that_o if_o their_o refractoriness_n force_v he_o to_o strike_v they_o with_o some_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a one_o if_o i_o come_v again_o i_o will_v not_o spare_v since_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o these_o extraordinary_a infliction_n be_v sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o he_o will_v make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o be_v commissioned_n by_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o make_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n if_o nothing_o else_o will_v satisfy_v they_o about_o the_o right_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o same_o apostle_n command_v to_o the_o same_o church_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o that_o they_o shall_v deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o they_o shall_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o small_a a_o punishment_n than_o his_o be_v resign_v up_o to_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o some_o evil_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost._n in_o 1._o ad_fw-la cor._n hom._n 15._o to_o be_v torment_v with_o ulcer_n or_o some_o other_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infliction_n which_o be_v then_o the_o usual_a consequent_a of_o excommunication_n the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v as_o immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i._n e._n that_o be_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o sadness_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o this_o cruel_a executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n this_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o work_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n do_v the_o same_o apostle_n deliver_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v vex_v and_o torment_v by_o some_o evil_a spirit_n this_o may_v take_v down_o their_o proud_a and_o haughty_a stomach_n and_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o traduce_v and_o disparage_v his_o apostolical_a authority_n when_o they_o have_v smart_v so_o severe_o for_o contradict_v it_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o divine_a providence_n please_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o his_o own_o almighty_a power_n so_o necessary_a be_v a_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n to_o the_o due_a government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v fain_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o primitive_a discipline_n maintain_v by_o miracle_n of_o severity_n as_o long_o as_o it_o want_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n but_o when_o christianity_n have_v once_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o have_v gain_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n into_o its_o own_o possession_n and_o be_v become_v the_o imperial_a religion_n than_o begin_v its_o government_n to_o re-settle_a where_o nature_n have_v place_v it_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n thought_n themselves_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o its_o government_n and_o protection_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o abet_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o their_o secular_a authority_n then_o begin_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o withdraw_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v by_o degree_n all_o the_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n as_o their_o necessity_n cease_v as_o be_v now_o as_o well_o supply_v by_o the_o natural_a &_o ordinary_a power_n of_o the_o prince_n so_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o person_n that_o be_v thereunto_o original_o commissioned_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o exercise_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o imperial_a diadem_n and_o the_o bishop_n become_v then_o as_o they_o be_v now_o minister_n of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o challenge_v not_o any_o secular_a power_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o prince_n who_o suppose_v they_o best_a able_a to_o understand_v and_o manage_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n grant_v they_o commission_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o himself_o and_o vest_v they_o with_o as_o much_o coercive_a power_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o judge_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o inflict_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o delinquent_n so_o that_o bishop_n neither_o have_v nor_o ever_o have_v any_o temporal_a authority_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a judge_n appoint_v by_o he_o to_o govern_v affair_n of_o religion_n as_o civil_a or_o secular_a judge_n be_v to_o govern_v affair_n of_o justice_n §_o 17._o and_o now_o that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n devolve_v upon_o the_o royal_a authority_n assoon_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o all_o the_o law_n and_o record_n of_o the_o empire_n praes_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_a the_o disposal_n and_o government_n of_o church_n affair_n depend_v entire_o on_o their_o authority_n constantine_n be_v no_o soon_o settle_v in_o his_o imperial_a throne_n but_o he_o take_v the_o settlement_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n into_o his_o own_o cognizance_n he_o call_v synod_n and_o council_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ratify_v their_o canon_n into_o law_n he_o prohibit_v the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o demolish_v their_o meeting-house_n he_o make_v edict_n concern_v festival_n the_o rite_n of_o sepulture_n the_o immunity_n of_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o divers_a other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o jurisdiction_n he_o be_v careful_o follow_v by_o all_o his_o successor_n which_o can_v but_o be_v know_v to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v not_o as_o utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o he_o in_o the_o comedy_n who_o suppose_v corpus_fw-la juris_fw-la civilis_fw-la to_o be_v a_o dutchman_n the_o code_n the_o authentic_o the_o french_a capitular_o be_v full_a of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o constitution_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o code_n treat_v of_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o privilege_n of_o ecclesiastical_a man_n and_o thing_n the_o distinct_a office_n and_o function_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n and_o infinite_a other_o thing_n that_o immediate_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o authentic_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v every_o where_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o through_o the_o whole_a volume_n which_o be_v divide_v into_o nine_o collation_n have_v not_o
a_o discourse_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o external_n religion_n be_v assert_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o toleration_n be_v represent_v and_o all_o pretence_n plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v full_o answer_v the_o three_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o saint_n to_o paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o can_v imagine_v any_o thing_n that_o our_o dissent_v zealot_n will_v be_v able_a to_o object_v against_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n unless_o perhaps_o in_o some_o place_n the_o vehemence_n and_o severity_n of_o its_o style_n for_o cavil_v i_o know_v they_o must_v and_o if_o they_o can_v raise_v no_o tolerable_a exception_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o the_o author_n be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o tame_a and_o soft_o humour_n and_o so_o cold_a a_o complexion_n that_o he_o think_v himself_o scarce_o capable_a of_o hot_a and_o passionate_a impression_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v sometime_o twist_v invective_n with_o his_o argument_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o temper_v but_o from_o choice_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o tart_a and_o upbraid_v expression_n they_o be_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o anger_n or_o passion_n but_o of_o the_o just_a and_o pious_a resentment_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n who_o know_v upon_o what_o sober_a ground_n and_o principle_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n stand_v and_o how_o that_o its_o form_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o countenance_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o establish_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n whether_o he_o can_v so_o perfect_o charm_n and_o stupefy_v his_o passion_n as_o not_o to_o be_v chafe_v into_o some_o heat_n &_o briskness_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n so_o right_o constitute_v and_o so_o due_o authorise_v shall_v be_v so_o savage_o worry_v by_o a_o wild_a and_o fanatique_a rabble_n that_o this_o church_n so_o sober_o model_v so_o warrantable_o reform_v and_o so_o handsome_o settle_v shall_v have_v be_v so_o perpetual_o beleaguer_v and_o be_v yet_o not_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o be_v rifle_v if_o not_o utter_o demolish_a by_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v be_v so_o woeful_o discompose_v upon_o such_o slender_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o shameful_o baffle_v that_o both_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v so_o lamentable_o embroil_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o a_o few_o peevish_a ignorant_a and_o malepert_a preacher_n and_o last_o that_o these_o brainsick_a people_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o some_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n grow_v to_o that_o power_n and_o confidence_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o use_v their_o own_o language_n to_o etc._n shut_v the_o heaven_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rain_v i._n e._n to_o restrain_v the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n and_o state_n from_o their_o wont_a influence_n and_o to_o have_v power_n over_o the_o water_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o blood_n i._n e._n to_o turn_v the_o still_a people_n of_o a_o state_n or_o nation_n into_o war_n and_o blood_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o plain_a english_a to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o authority_n to_o instigate_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o rebellion_n and_o once_o more_o involve_v the_o kingdom_n in_o blood_n and_o confusion_n let_v the_o reader_n consider_v all_o this_o as_o thorough_o and_o serious_o as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o then_o be_v a_o stoic_a if_o he_o can_v but_o beside_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n of_o true_a religion_n tell_v i_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o be_v provoke_v to_o scorn_v and_o indignation_n against_o such_o proud_a ignorant_a and_o supercilious_a hypocrite_n who_o though_o they_o utter_o defeat_v all_o the_o main_a design_n of_o religion_n yet_o boast_v themselves_o its_o only_a friend_n and_o patron_n signalise_v their_o party_n by_o distinctive_a title_n and_o character_n of_o godliness_n and_o brand_v all_o other_o howsoever_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a with_o bad_a name_n and_o worse_a suspicion_n who_o i_o say_v that_o love_v and_o adore_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v forbear_v to_o be_v sharp_a and_o severe_a to_o such_o thick_a and_o fulsome_a abuse_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n can_v so_o much_o expose_v or_o traduce_v true_a piety_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o hypocrisy_n because_o whilst_o folly_n and_o phantastry_n appear_v in_o the_o vizour_n of_o holiness_n it_o make_v that_o seem_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o itself_o and_o hence_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o true_a goodness_n have_v always_o be_v the_o severe_a satirist_n upon_o false_a godliness_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n scarce_o seem_v more_o concern_v to_o plant_v and_o propagate_v christianity_n than_o to_o explode_v the_o pharisaic_a hypocrisy_n i._n e._n religious_a pride_n and_o insolence_n i_o know_v but_o one_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o zeal_n or_o a_o high_a indignation_n be_v just_a and_o warrantable_a and_o that_o be_v when_o it_o vent_v itself_o against_o the_o arrogance_n of_o haughty_a peevish_a and_o sullen_a religionist_n that_o under_o high_a pretence_n to_o godliness_n supplant_v all_o principle_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a nature_n that_o strip_v religion_n of_o its_o outside_n to_o make_v it_o a_o cover_n for_o spite_n and_o malice_n that_o adorn_v their_o peevishness_n with_o the_o mask_n of_o piety_n and_o shroud_v their_o ill_a nature_n under_o the_o demure_a pretence_n of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o stroke_n and_o applaud_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_a darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o with_o a_o scornful_a pride_n disdain_v all_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o rout_n of_o worthless_a and_o unregenerate_a reprobate_n thus_o the_o only_a hot_a fit_n of_o zeal_n we_o find_v our_o saviour_n in_o be_v kindle_v by_o a_o indignation_n against_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o though_o they_o bear_v a_o blind_a and_o superstitious_a reverence_n towards_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o their_o own_o worship_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o outward_a court_n the_o place_n where_o the_o gentile_n and_o proselyte_n worship_v that_o be_v so_o unclean_a &_o unhallowed_a that_o they_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v profane_v by_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o exchange_n of_o usury_n now_o this_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o impudent_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n provoke_v the_o mild_a spirit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o impatience_n and_o indignation_n as_o make_v he_o with_o a_o seem_a fury_n and_o transport_v of_o passion_n whip_v the_o tradesman_n thence_o and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n so_o hateful_a be_v all_o proud_a testy_a and_o factious_a zeal_n to_o a_o love_a and_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v more_o odious_a or_o mischievous_a than_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n peevishness_n and_o animosity_n adopt_v into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o divide_v religion_n into_o faction_n and_o party_n engender_v a_o sullen_a and_o unsociable_a niceness_n towards_o all_o that_o herd_n not_o with_o themselves_o breed_v nothing_o but_o rancour_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o amity_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o people_n separate_a and_o rendezvouz_n themselves_o into_o distinct_a sect_n and_o party_n they_o always_o confine_v all_o their_o kind_a influence_n to_o their_o own_o faction_n and_o look_v with_o a_o scornful_a and_o malignant_a aspect_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n become_v enemy_n and_o outlaw_n to_o humane_a society_n and_o shatter_v in_o piece_n that_o natural_a peace_n and_o common_a love_n that_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o mind_n like_o the_o savage_a american_n be_v as_o contract_v as_o their_o herd_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o fold_n of_o their_o church_n be_v without_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o charity_n this_o be_v entire_o swallow_v up_o within_o their_o own_o combination_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o commiserate_v or_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o the_o unregenerate_a as_o the_o poet_n describe_v the_o jewish_a bigot_n non_fw
punish_v those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o propagate_v irreligious_a principle_n as_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n to_o the_o state_n but_o my_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n against_o the_o presumptuous_a lavishness_n of_o these_o redoubt_a wight_n swell_v this_o preface_n to_o too_o large_a and_o tedious_a a_o length_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o crave_v leave_n to_o premise_v this_o one_o caution_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o so_o have_v do_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o debate_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o weighty_a and_o most_o material_a consideration_n and_o have_v industrious_o wave_v all_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o subordinate_a importance_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o examine_v every_o little_a exception_n and_o every_o gay_a and_o plausible_a appearance_n when_o the_o enquiry_n be_v so_o clear_o determinable_a by_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o concernment_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v only_o represent_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n with_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o government_n in_o which_o if_o i_o have_v speak_v reason_n i_o have_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n carry_v the_o cause_n if_o i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o content_a to_o lose_v my_o labour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o consideration_n of_o equal_a evidence_n and_o importance_n with_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o society_n so_o that_o if_o those_o i_o have_v urge_v prove_v ineffectual_a all_o other_o draw_v from_o less_o considerable_a topic_n will_v have_v be_v impertinent_a and_o so_o far_o from_o strengthen_v my_o discourse_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v abate_v of_o its_o demonstrative_a truth_n and_o evidence_n for_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n not_o capable_a of_o such_o enforce_n and_o convictive_a proof_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o clear_a and_o more_o certain_a reason_n be_v only_o to_o allay_v their_o strength_n and_o dilute_v their_o perspicuity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n have_v i_o purposely_o omit_v the_o examination_n of_o that_o argument_n that_o so_o strong_o possess_v the_o warm_a and_o busy_a brain_n of_o some_o undertake_v man_n viz._n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n for_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o so_o it_o matter_n not_o after_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v apparent_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o conceit_n yet_o after_o this_o performance_n it_o will_v be_v at_o least_o a_o trifle_a and_o frivolous_a undertake_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o reason_n and_o discretion_n as_o to_o think_v of_o promote_a traffic_n by_o any_o way_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a speculation_n after_o that_o to_o inquire_v what_o service_n it_o will_v do_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n because_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o great_a good_a than_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o commerce_n can_v amount_v to_o so_o that_o grant_v these_o project_v people_n all_o they_o can_v demand_v and_o suppose_v their_o design_n as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o benefit_n of_o trade_n as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o what_o can_v be_v more_o shameful_o imprudent_a than_o to_o put_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o hazard_n for_o so_o small_a a_o advantage_n certain_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o any_o advantage_n of_o wealth_n and_o trade_n and_o therefore_o if_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o government_n as_o it_o can_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o wealth_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o peace_n so_o vast_a a_o mischief_n must_v infinite_o outweigh_v this_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o lesser_a advantage_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n of_o value_n enough_o to_o balance_v against_o peace_n but_o peace_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o smile_v when_o i_o observe_v how_o some_o that_o will_v be_v think_v wonderful_o grave_a and_o solemn_a statesman_n labour_n with_o mighty_a project_n of_o set_v up_o this_o and_o that_o manufacture_n in_o their_o several_a respective_a town_n and_o corporation_n and_o how_o eager_o they_o pursue_v these_o petty_a attempt_n beyond_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o a_o more_o public_a and_o universal_a concernment_n and_o how_o wise_o they_o neglect_v the_o settlement_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o village_n or_o burrough_n if_o indeed_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o establish_a condition_n these_o attempt_n may_v then_o have_v be_v seasonable_a and_o the_o enrich_n of_o particular_a place_n will_v be_v a_o accession_n to_o the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o whilst_o we_o be_v distract_v among_o ourselves_o with_o such_o a_o strange_a variety_n of_o jealousy_n and_o animosity_n whilst_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n be_v so_o unlucky_o defeat_v by_o quarrel_n and_o mutiny_n of_o religion_n and_o whilst_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v act_v by_o such_o peevish_a and_o ungovernable_a principle_n to_o erect_v and_o encourage_v trade_n combination_n be_v only_o to_o build_v so_o many_o nest_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o to_o enable_v these_o giddy_a and_o humoursom_a people_n to_o create_v public_a disturbance_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n so_o inclinable_a to_o seditious_a practice_n as_o the_o trade_n part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o their_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n natural_o increase_v with_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o stock_n and_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o late_a miserable_a distraction_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o the_o quarrel_n be_v chief_o hatch_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o tradesman_n and_o cherish_v by_o the_o zeal_n of_o prentice-boy_n and_o city-gossip_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o fanatic_a party_n appear_v so_o vast_o numerous_a and_o considerable_a above_o and_o beyond_o their_o real_a number_n partly_o because_o these_o bold_a and_o giddy_a people_n live_v in_o great_a society_n of_o man_n and_o so_o be_v more_o observable_a whereas_o in_o country_n town_n and_o village_n their_o account_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o arise_v not_o to_o speak_v within_o compass_n above_o the_o proportion_n of_o one_o to_o twenty_o and_o partly_o because_o in_o those_o place_n where_o these_o vermin_n natural_o breed_v and_o swarm_n they_o be_v always_o most_o talkative_a and_o clamorous_a and_o full_a of_o buzz_v and_o therefore_o though_o their_o party_n be_v much_o the_o least_o and_o the_o mean_a interest_n yet_o whilst_o their_o number_n be_v conjecture_v by_o their_o noise_n they_o make_v a_o great_a appearance_n than_o twice_o as_o many_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a man_n riot_n and_o tumult_n be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a than_o society_n of_o quiet_a and_o compose_a people_n and_o a_o rout_n of_o unlucky_a boy_n and_o girl_n raise_v a_o great_a noise_n especial_o when_o they_o wrangle_v among_o themselves_o than_o all_o the_o parish_n beside_o but_o whether_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o considerable_a it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o preposterous_a piece_n of_o policy_n to_o design_n the_o enrich_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n whilst_o their_o head_n be_v distemper_v with_o religious_a lunacy_n for_o it_o only_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o madman_n wherewith_o they_o may_v assault_v their_o governor_n their_o fundamental_a principle_n incline_v they_o to_o perverse_a and_o restless_a disposition_n that_o never_o be_v nor_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o establish_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o exact_o model_v to_o their_o own_o nice_a and_o peremptory_a conception_n that_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o overturn_v the_o present_a settlement_n and_o to_o new_a model_n the_o church_n by_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n now_o whilst_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o proud_a and_o peevish_a humour_n wealth_n do_v but_o only_o pamper_v and_o encourage_v their_o presumption_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o a_o great_a boldness_n and_o insolence_n against_o authority_n and_o if_o their_o seditious_a preacher_n do_v but_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n to_o reformation_n i._n e._n to_o have_v every_o thing_n alter_v they_o dislike_v how_o
ineffectual_a instrument_n of_o uniformity_n because_o they_o have_v either_o be_v weaken_v through_o want_n of_o execution_n or_o in_o a_o manner_n cancel_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o civil_a constitution_n for_o when_o law_n be_v bind_v under_o severe_a penalty_n and_o when_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o crime_n have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o punish_v it_o or_o be_v perpetual_o check_v and_o control_v by_o a_o strong_a power_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o law_n be_v affront_v and_o despise_v and_o if_o instead_o of_o bring_v man_n mind_n to_o compliance_n and_o subjection_n they_o exasperate_v they_o into_o open_a contumacy_n restraint_n provoke_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o yet_o redress_n not_o the_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o grant_v a_o uncontrolled_a liberty_n by_o declare_v for_o it_o than_o after_o have_v declare_v against_o it_o to_o grant_v it_o by_o silence_n and_o impunity_n the_o prohibition_n disoblige_v dissenter_n and_o that_o be_v one_o evil_a and_o the_o impunity_n allow_v they_o toleration_n and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a and_o where_o governor_n permit_v what_o their_o law_n forbid_v there_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v at_o once_o lose_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o restraint_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o as_o they_o will_v expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a at_o first_o to_o bind_v on_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n with_o the_o straight_a knot_n and_o afterward_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o force_n and_o countenance_n by_o the_o severe_a execution_n in_o that_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a conscience_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v curb_v with_o a_o ordinary_a severity_n &_o therefore_o their_o restraint_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o unruliness_n and_o they_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o a_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n than_o all_o other_o principle_n of_o public_a disturbance_n by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o unruly_a §_o 8._o for_o if_o conscience_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o break_v down_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n and_o all_o man_n have_v licence_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o persuasion_n the_o mischief_n be_v infinite_a and_o the_o folly_n endless_a and_o they_o seldom_o cease_v to_o wander_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o all_o the_o whimsy_n and_o enormity_n that_o can_v debauch_v religion_n or_o annoy_v the_o public_a peace_n the_o giddy_a multitude_n be_v of_o a_o restless_a and_o straggle_a humour_n and_o yet_o withalso_fw-la ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o yet_o be_v any_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v a_o real_a liberty_n to_o man_n imagination_n that_o be_v not_o sudden_o overrun_v with_o numberless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o sect_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o the_o late_a confusion_n when_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o settlement_n how_o be_v sect_n build_v upon_o sect_n and_o church_n upon_o church_n till_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o folly_n that_o the_o usurper_n themselves_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o work_v their_o subversion_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagancy_n but_o by_o overturning_a their_o own_o foundation_n and_o check_v their_o growth_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n the_o humour_n of_o fanaticise_v be_v a_o boundless_a folly_n it_o know_v no_o restraint_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o governor_n it_o grow_v and_o increase_v without_o end_n or_o limit_n and_o never_o cease_v to_o swell_v itself_o till_o it_o have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o restraint_n of_o government_n thus_o when_o the_o disciplinarian_o have_v in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o peevish_a and_o unreasonable_a principle_n divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o upon_o a_o far_a improvement_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n subdivide_v from_o they_o every_o new_a opinion_n be_v enough_o to_o find_v a_o new_a church_n and_o sect_n be_v spawn_v out_o of_o sect_n till_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o family_n for_o when_o they_o be_v once_o part_v from_o the_o order_n &_o sobriety_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o nothing_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o wild_a and_o violent_a imagination_n §_o 9_o schismatic_n always_o run_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n in_o the_o church_n as_o rebel_n and_o seditious_a person_n do_v in_o the_o state_n who_o out_o of_o a_o hatred_n to_o tyranny_n be_v restless_a till_o they_o have_v dissolve_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o anarchy_n &_o confusion_n and_o because_o some_o kingly_a government_n have_v prove_v tyrannical_a will_v allow_v no_o free_a state_n but_o under_o republic_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o all_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o late_a usurper_n who_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o general_a that_o all_o government_n under_o a_o single_a person_n be_v slavish_a and_o oppressive_a without_o respect_n to_o its_o particular_a constitution_n and_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o sufficient_a preservation_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n notwithstanding_o that_o those_o who_o manage_v it_o be_v never_o so_o imperious_a and_o arbitrary_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o church_n dissenter_n out_o of_o abhorrency_n to_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o man_n understanding_n never_o think_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n sufficient_o secure_v till_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o her_o unreasonable_a imposition_n have_v invade_v the_o fundamental_a liberty_n of_o mankind_n they_o present_o conclude_v all_o restraint_n upon_o licentious_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n under_o the_o hate_a name_n of_o popery_n and_o some_o theological_a empiric_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o people_n head_n with_o this_o fond_a conceit_n that_o they_o will_v see_v no_o middle_a way_n between_o spiritual_a tyranny_n and_o spiritual_a anarchy_n and_o so_o brand_v all_o restraint_n of_o government_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v antichristian_a and_o never_o think_v themselves_o far_o enough_o from_o rome_n till_o they_o be_v wander_v as_o far_o as_o munster_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n be_v not_o so_o wild_a as_o to_o abolish_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o only_o remove_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v unjust_o usurp_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a seat_n and_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v clog_v christianity_n with_o too_o many_o garish_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o immediate_o strip_v her_o naked_a of_o all_o modest_a and_o decent_a ornament_n out_o of_o a_o overhot_a opposition_n to_o their_o too_o flaunt_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o only_o clothe_v she_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o church_n to_o preserve_v we_o sober_a between_o two_o such_o unreasonable_a extreme_n §_o 10._o but_o not_o to_o run_v too_o hasty_o into_o particular_a dispute_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a to_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o affair_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o government_n and_o than_o if_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n i_o shall_v demand_v whether_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o former_a than_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o supreme_a but_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o superior_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o rather_o what_o be_v equal_o absurd_a there_o will_v be_v two_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n for_o it_o the_o prince_n jurisdiction_n be_v limit_v to_o civil_a affair_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o government_n then_o may_v subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v impossible_a contradictory_n command_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n require_v he_o to_o defend_v his_o country_n against_o a_o invasion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n may_v command_v he_o to_o abandon_v its_o defence_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o a_o holy_a war_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n from_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n but_o see_v no_o man_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o contradictory_n obligation_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n
and_o such_o other_o irreligious_a debauchery_n if_o he_o may_v why_o then_o they_o be_v matter_n that_o as_o direct_o and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n as_o any_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o which_o they_o be_v as_o utter_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o more_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n it_o will_v equal_o deprive_v the_o magistrate_n of_o any_o power_n to_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o secular_a law_n and_o punishment_n because_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o do_v it_o especial_o when_o all_o matter_n of_o morality_n do_v as_o real_o belong_v to_o our_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o divine_a worship_n and_o affair_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o a_o right_a way_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o civil_a sword_n because_o this_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a concernment_n as_o be_v pretend_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o may_v he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o duty_n of_o morality_n because_o they_o also_o equal_o relate_v to_o their_o spiritual_a interest_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o both_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n viz._n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o due_a management_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o derive_v not_o therefore_o his_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n from_o any_o grant_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o from_o a_o antecedent_n right_a wherewith_o all_o sovereign_a power_n be_v endue_v before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o entrust_v prince_n with_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v vest_v they_o in_o at_o least_o as_o much_o power_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n §_o 15._o but_o further_a yet_o all_o the_o way_n our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o religion_n be_v prescribe_v to_o subject_n &_o not_o to_o governor_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o private_a person_n can_v have_v any_o power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v upon_o that_o very_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o private_a person_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o civil_a power_n but_o that_o no_o magistrate_n may_v do_v this_o will_v remain_v to_o be_v prove_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o express_a prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o restrain_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v but_o a_o strange_a rate_n of_o argue_v when_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o magistrate_n may_v not_o use_v any_o coercive_a power_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v forbid_v to_o their_o subject_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o subject_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o live_v in_o and_o so_o can_v neither_o use_v themselves_o nor_o impart_v to_o other_o any_o coercive_a power_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o prudent_a and_o peaceable_a method_n as_o be_v lawful_a for_o person_n in_o their_o condition_n to_o make_v use_n of_o i._n e._n humble_a entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n our_o saviour_n never_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o that_o score_n can_v not_o make_v penal_a and_o coercive_a law_n the_o power_n of_o coercion_n be_v so_o certain_o inseparable_a from_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n but_o though_o he_o back_v not_o his_o commandment_n with_o temporal_a punishment_n because_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o enforce_v they_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternity_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o more_o compulsion_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o any_o civil_a sanction_n can_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o punishment_n be_v annex_v to_o law_n be_v because_o they_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o savour_n tie_v his_o law_n upon_o mankind_n under_o eternal_a penalty_n he_o use_v as_o much_o force_n to_o drive_v we_o to_o obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v abet_v they_o with_o temporal_a infliction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o bind_v not_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o any_o secular_a compulsory_n be_v not_o because_o compulsion_n be_v a_o improper_a way_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o execution_n for_o than_o he_o have_v never_o establish_v they_o with_o more_o enforce_v sanction_n but_o only_o because_o himself_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o any_o secular_a power_n and_o so_o can_v not_o use_v those_o method_n of_o government_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o jurisdiction_n §_o 16._o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n or_o to_o force_v man_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o canon_n law_n and_o penalty_n they_o only_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n annex_v to_o they_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o declare_v and_o leave_v the_o event_n of_o their_o censure_n to_o the_o divine_a jurisdiction_n though_o alas_o all_o this_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n viz._n to_o reclaim_v the_o offend_a person_n and_o by_o example_n of_o his_o censure_n to_o awe_v other_o into_o obedience_n and_o can_v have_v but_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o notorious_a offender_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o drive_v one_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v already_o renounce_v it_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o deny_v he_o the_o instrument_n and_o ministry_n of_o religion_n that_o care_v not_o for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o their_o society_n that_o have_v already_o prevent_v they_o by_o forsake_v it_o how_o shall_v offender_n be_v reclaim_v by_o be_v condemn_v to_o what_o they_o choose_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v scare_v by_o threaten_n that_o they_o neither_o fear_v nor_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v apostate_n how_o can_v they_o be_v awe_v back_o into_o their_o faith_n by_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o spiritual_a government_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o because_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o those_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o coercive_a power_n it_o be_v wonderful_o remarkable_a how_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a providence_n and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o denounce_v that_o if_o their_o censure_n can_v not_o affright_v refractory_a offender_n into_o obedience_n his_o dreadful_a execution_n of_o they_o might_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a age_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o abet_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n by_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a infliction_n from_o heaven_n in_o those_o time_n torment_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o usual_a consequent_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o be_v as_o effectual_a to_o awe_v man_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n for_o this_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o anathema_n of_o the_o church_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o infliction_n criminal_n must_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o dread_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a penalty_n either_o of_o death_n as_o on_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n or_o of_o disease_n as_o on_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherewith_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o threaten_v to_o lash_v the_o factious_a corinthian_n into_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n thus_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o what_o will_v you_o shall_v i_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o a_o
commonwealth_n they_o can_v not_o want_v prudence_n to_o judge_n what_o circumstance_n be_v conducive_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n practise_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o all_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o civil_a government_n do_v and_o therefore_o to_o quarrel_v with_o those_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o authority_n only_o because_o they_o be_v humane_a institution_n be_v at_o once_o notorious_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n for_o where_o a_o religion_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n whoever_o open_o refuse_v obedience_n plain_o rebel_n against_o the_o government_n rebellion_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o can_v man_n of_o this_o principle_n live_v peaceable_o in_o any_o church_n in_o christendom_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n §_o 7._o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o account_v elsewhere_o and_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o observe_v here_o from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o use_n and_o nature_n of_o outward_a worship_n the_o prodigious_a impertinency_n of_o that_o clamour_n some_o man_n have_v for_o so_o many_o year_n keep_v up_o against_o the_o institution_n of_o significant_a ceremony_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v significant_a in_o that_o all_o worship_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a honour_n and_o be_v indifferent_o perform_v either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n for_o respect_n may_v as_o well_o be_v signify_v by_o deed_n and_o posture_n and_o visible_a solemnity_n as_o by_o solemn_a expression_n thus_o to_o approach_v the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o such_o gesture_n as_o be_v wont_a to_o betoken_v reverence_n and_o humility_n be_v as_o proper_a a_o piece_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o celebrate_v his_o greatness_n by_o solemn_a praise_n and_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n be_v among_o the_o ancient_n the_o same_o sort_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o return_v thanksgiving_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o exception_n against_o the_o signification_n of_o ceremony_n than_o of_o word_n see_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o both_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o all_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o external_n worship_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o significant_a so_o be_v they_o equal_o arbitrary_a only_o some_o happen_v to_o be_v more_o universal_o practise_v and_o other_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n kneel_v lie_v prostrate_a be_v bareheaded_a lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n be_v not_o more_o natural_o significant_a of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n than_o put_v off_o the_o shoe_n bow_v the_o head_n or_o bend_v the_o body_n and_o if_o some_o be_v more_o general_o use_v than_o other_o that_o proceed_v not_o from_o their_o natural_a significancy_n but_o from_o custom_n and_o casual_a prescription_n and_o to_o bow_v the_o body_n when_o we_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n be_v as_o much_o a_o natural_a signification_n of_o honour_n to_o his_o person_n as_o kneel_v or_o be_v bareheaded_a or_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o but_o if_o all_o outward_a action_n become_v to_o betoken_v honour_n by_o institution_n than_o whatsoever_o outward_a sign_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o commonwealth_n unless_o they_o be_v customary_a mark_n of_o contempt_n and_o so_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o antecedent_n vndecency_n be_v proper_a sign_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o action_n be_v make_v significant_a by_o agreement_n those_o be_v most_o so_o who_o signification_n be_v ratify_v by_o public_a consent_n §_o 8._o so_o that_o all_o the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o institute_v significant_a ceremony_n amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v what_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n and_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o more_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o if_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n shall_v take_v upon_o itself_o as_o some_o prince_n have_v do_v to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n for_o as_o word_n do_v not_o natural_o denote_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v but_o have_v their_o import_n stamp_v upon_o they_o by_o consent_n and_o institution_n and_o and_o may_v if_o man_n will_v agree_v to_o it_o among_o themselves_o be_v make_v mark_n of_o thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o now_o signify_v so_o the_o same_o gesture_n and_o action_n be_v indifferent_o capable_a of_o signify_v either_o honour_n or_o contumely_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a and_o settle_a meaning_n it_o be_v necessary_a their_o signification_n shall_v be_v determine_v and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o public_a consent_n or_o some_o other_o way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o usefulness_n be_v to_o express_v man_n agreement_n in_o give_v honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o sign_n by_o which_o this_o honour_n be_v signify_v be_v public_a and_o uniform_a it_o be_v not_o public_a worship_n because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a signification_n of_o honour_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v unlawful_a for_o governor_n to_o define_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o necessary_a in_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v define_v it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v public_a worship_n and_o when_o different_a man_n worship_n god_n by_o different_a action_n according_a to_o their_o different_a fancy_n it_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a worship_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a sign_n of_o honour_n so_o that_o uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v as_o certainty_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n because_o otherwise_o they_o be_v no_o public_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o to_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a result_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o all_o internal_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v beyond_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o humane_a power_n if_o by_o they_o the_o substance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v perform_v if_o all_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n have_v no_o other_o use_v than_o only_o to_o be_v instrument_n to_o express_v inward_a religion_n and_o if_o the_o signification_n of_o action_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o word_n then_o when_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o determine_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o outward_a worship_n it_o be_v after_o all_o that_o hideous_a and_o ridiculous_a noise_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o of_o no_o worse_a consequence_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o all_o word_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o action_n intrinsical_o evil_a and_o their_o exemption_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n against_o mr._n hobbs_n with_o a_o full_a confutation_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n of_o government_n the_o content_n no_o magistrate_n can_v command_v action_n internal_o evil._n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o because_o man_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o earth_n but_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n to_o take_v off_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v all_o government_n mr._n hobbs_n his_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n propose_v it_o be_v absurdity_n demonstrate_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o thing_n the_o principle_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v adapt_v not_o to_o a_o imaginary_a but_o to_o the_o real_a state_n of_o nature_n this_o hypothesis_n apparent_o deny_v either_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n it_o irrecoverable_o destroy_v the_o safety_n of_o all_o society_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o world_n it_o leave_v we_o in_o as_o miserable_a condition_n under_o the_o state_n of_o government_n as_o we_o be_v in_o his_o suppose_a natural_a state_n of_o
reason_n in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v equal_o forcible_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n of_o howsoever_o different_a persuasion_n in_o all_o other_o matter_n and_o now_o i_o have_v no_o other_o favour_n or_o civility_n to_o request_v of_o the_o reader_n than_o that_o he_o will_v suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o have_v serious_o peruse_v and_o weigh_v all_o part_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n upon_o any_o part_n before_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o whole_a he_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n put_v himself_o to_o the_o pain_n of_o raise_v those_o objection_n i_o have_v already_o answer_v to_o his_o hand_n and_o perhaps_o the_o next_o thing_n he_o condemn_v may_v be_v his_o own_o rashness_n chap._n i._n a_o more_o general_a account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o sovereignty_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o competition_n between_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n represent_v the_o mischief_n that_o unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o the_o exemption_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o its_o be_v subject_a in_o affair_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n this_o prove_v at_o large_a because_o religion_n have_v the_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o restraint_n of_o law_n and_o penalty_n that_o nothing_o more_o require_v they_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o govern_v man_n vice_n than_o their_o conscience_n because_o all_o man_n be_v bold_a and_o confident_a in_o their_o persuasion_n the_o remiss_a government_n of_o conscience_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o fatal_a miscarriage_n in_o all_o commonwealth_n impunity_n of_o offender_n against_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o worst_a sort_n of_o toleration_n the_o mischief_n that_o ensue_v upon_o the_o permit_v man_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v endless_a fanaticism_n a_o boundless_a folly_n affair_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n so_o to_o none_o other_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n issue_v from_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o thing_n a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o civil_a power_n the_o original_a of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o same_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o kingly_a power_n and_o priestly_a function_n be_v always_o vest_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o why_o when_o they_o be_v separate_v in_o the_o jewish_a state_n the_o supremacy_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o so_o continue_v until_o and_o after_o our_o saviour_n birth_n no_o need_n of_o his_o give_a prince_n any_o new_a commission_n to_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v antecedent_o vest_v in_o they_o by_o so_o unquestionable_a a_o right_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n rather_o suppose_v than_o assert_v it_o the_o argument_n against_o penal_a law_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n answer_v and_o confute_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o prince_n not_o derive_v from_o any_o grant_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o from_o the_o natural_a and_o antecedent_n right_n of_o all_o sovereign_a power_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o use_v any_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n because_o they_o act_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o subject_n their_o threaten_n of_o eternity_n carry_v in_o they_o as_o much_o compulsion_n upon_o conscience_n as_o secular_a punishment_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n pure_o spiritual_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n god_n supply_v its_o want_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a infliction_n from_o heaven_n disease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o usual_a consequence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n as_o temporal_a punishment_n all_o this_o large_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_a the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v reannext_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o so_o continue_v till_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n how_o since_o the_o reformation_n the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o prince_n have_v be_v invade_v by_o some_o pragmatical_a divine_n their_o confidence_n have_v scare_v prince_n out_o of_o their_o natural_a right_n of_o the_o clause_n of_o exception_n annex_v to_o the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la how_o the_o puritan_n use_v it_o to_o countenance_v all_o their_o unruly_a and_o seditious_a practice_n a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o all_o the_o premise_n for_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o prince_n §_o 1._o notwithstanding_o that_o conscience_n be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a security_n of_o government_n yet_o have_v government_n never_o be_v control_v or_o disturb_v so_o much_o by_o any_o thing_n as_o conscience_n this_o have_v ever_o rival_v prince_n in_o their_o supremacy_n and_o pretend_v to_o as_o uncontrollable_a a_o authority_n over_o all_o the_o action_n and_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n as_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n dare_v ever_o challenge_v be_v governor_n god_n vicegerent_n so_o be_v this_o have_v they_o a_o power_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n so_o have_v this_o can_v they_o prescribe_v rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o their_o subject_n so_o may_v this_o can_v they_o punish_v all_o their_o criminal_a action_n so_o can_v this_o and_o be_v they_o subject_a and_o accountable_a to_o god_n alone_o so_o be_v this_o that_o own_v no_o superior_a but_o the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o two_o conscience_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o large_a empire_n for_o whereas_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o man_n this_o extend_v its_o dominion_n to_o their_o inward_a thought_n its_o throne_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o it_o exercise_v all_o that_o authority_n over_o their_o secret_a and_o hide_a sentiment_n that_o prince_n claim_v over_o their_o public_a and_o visible_a practice_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o set_v up_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o grapple_v with_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o prince_n and_o countermand_v any_o law_n they_o think_v good_a to_o prescribe_v and_o whenever_o subject_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o control_v or_o disobey_v their_o decree_n this_o be_v immediate_o press_v and_o engage_v to_o their_o party_n and_o do_v not_o only_o dictate_v but_o vouch_v all_o their_o remonstrance_n do_v subject_n rebel_v against_o their_o sovereign_n it_o be_v conscience_n that_o take_v up_o arms._n do_v they_o murder_v king_n it_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o conscience_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v conscience_n that_o be_v the_o schismatic_a do_v they_o tie_v themselves_o by_o one_o oath_n to_o contradict_v and_o evacuate_v another_o it_o be_v conscience_n that_o impose_v it_o every_o thing_n any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v his_o conscience_n and_o murder_n treason_n and_o rebellion_n plead_v its_o authority_n the_o annal_n and_o history_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n be_v too_o sad_a a_o witness_n that_o this_o great_a and_o sacred_a thing_n have_v ever_o be_v abuse_v either_o through_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o or_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o to_o patronize_v the_o most_o desperate_a mischief_n and_o villainy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v §_o 2._o here_o than_o we_o see_v be_v a_o competition_n between_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o that_o of_o conscience_n i._n e._n every_o private_a man_n own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n incline_v he_o to_o command_v that_o of_o the_o subject_a to_o disobey_v and_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n countermand_v the_o decree_n of_o his_o prince_n now_o be_v there_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v untoward_a do_n when_o two_o supreme_a power_n thus_o clash_v and_o contradict_v each_o other_o for_o what_o power_n will_v be_v leave_v to_o prince_n if_o every_o private_a man_n persuasion_n for_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n may_v give_v check_n to_o their_o command_n most_o man_n mind_n or_o conscience_n be_v weak_a silly_a and_o ignorant_a thing_n act_v by_o fond_a and_o absurd_a principle_n and_o impose_v upon_o by_o their_o vice_n and_o their_o passion_n so_o that_o be_v they_o entire_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conduct_n in_o what_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n must_v they_o involve_v all_o society_n let_v authority_n command_v what_o it_o please_v they_o will_v do_v what_o they_o list_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o state_n
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o
of_o scruple_n that_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v do_v the_o same_o with_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o church_n in_o christendom_n who_o law_n and_o custom_n be_v not_o apparent_o liable_a either_o to_o the_o same_o or_o as_o great_a exception_n now_o magistrate_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o deal_v wonderful_a gentle_o with_o such_o tender_a conscience_n as_o these_o that_o be_v act_v by_o such_o nice_a and_o unhappy_a principle_n as_o must_v force_v they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a and_o unpeaceable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o notorious_a than_o all_o this_o these_o man_n have_v all_o along_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o principle_n run_v direct_o counter_a to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o persuasion_n for_o not_o to_o puzzle_v they_o to_o discover_v in_o which_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enjoin_v the_o form_n of_o public_a penance_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n or_o to_o find_v out_o the_o stool_n of_o repentance_n either_o among_o the_o work_n of_o bezaleel_n or_o the_o furniture_n of_o the_o temple_n we_o read_v indeed_o of_o beesom_n and_o flesh-fork_n and_o pot_n and_o shovel_n and_o candlestick_n but_o not_o one_o syllable_n of_o joynt-stool_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o precept_n or_o example_n they_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o sing_a psalm_n in_o meeter_n where_o have_v our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n enjoin_v a_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o that_o which_o themselves_o impose_v what_o divine_a authority_n can_v it_o challenge_v beside_o that_o of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o what_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v they_o produce_v for_o the_o significant_a form_n of_o swear_v by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o scruple_v what_o scripture_n command_v have_v they_o for_o the_o three_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v take_v it_o 1._o uncover_v 2._o stand_v 3._o with_o their_o right_a hand_n lift_v up_o bare_a now_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o impudence_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o have_v not_o only_o write_v so_o many_o book_n with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o three_o innocent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v significant_a but_o have_v also_o involve_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o civil_a war_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o their_o removal_n and_o have_v arm_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n against_o their_o sovereign_n with_o this_o holy_a league_n of_o rebellion_n that_o even_o then_o they_o shall_v impose_v three_o other_o so_o gross_o and_o so_o apparent_o liable_a to_o all_o their_o own_o objection_n what_o clear_a evidence_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n that_o dictate_v their_o scruple_n and_o what_o instance_n have_v we_o in_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o any_o schism_n and_o faction_n so_o unreasonable_o begin_v and_o continue_v the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n indeed_o may_v resemble_v but_o nothing_o can_v equal_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v proposal_n and_o condescension_n to_o such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o demand_n and_o suppose_v we_o shall_v yield_v and_o deliver_v up_o to_o their_o zeal_n those_o harmless_a ceremony_n they_o have_v so_o long_o worry_v with_o so_o much_o fury_n and_o impatience_n it_o will_v only_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o restless_a and_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n for_o whilst_o their_o peevish_a temper_n be_v act_v by_o this_o exorbitant_a principle_n the_o affair_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o settle_v as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n of_o quarrel_n in_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n against_o which_o this_o principle_n may_v not_o as_o rational_o be_v urge_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v religious_a worship_n without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o man_n make_v not_o use_v of_o it_o against_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v humoursom_a as_o well_o as_o seditious_a and_o so_o allow_v one_o thing_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n they_o disavow_v another_o for_o certain_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v when_o they_o pray_v refuse_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o swear_v which_o be_v but_o another_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n never_o scruple_n to_o kiss_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o whoever_o serious_o imbibe_v this_o persuasion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o understand_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o opinion_n if_o it_o do_v not_o lead_v he_o down_o to_o the_o low_a folly_n of_o quakerism_n which_o after_o divers_a gradual_a exorbitance_n of_o other_o less_o extravagant_a sect_n be_v but_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o untoward_a persuasion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o vain_a than_o to_o talk_v of_o accommodation_n or_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o possibility_n of_o quiet_a and_o setlement_n till_o authority_n shall_v see_v it_o necessary_a as_o it_o will_v first_o or_o last_o to_o scourge_v they_o into_o better_a manner_n and_o wise_a opinion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v manage_v and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unalterable_a yet_o we_o deem_v it_o apparent_o absurd_a to_o forego_v any_o of_o her_o establish_a ceremony_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o these_o man_n unreasonable_a demand_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v coarse_o impolitic_a upon_o divers_a other_o account_n so_o main_o by_o yield_v up_o her_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n submit_v her_o authority_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o must_v be_v eternal_a and_o invincible_a hindrance_n of_o peace_n and_o setlement_n this_o let_v they_o consider_v who_o it_o most_o concern_v §_o 5._o four_o as_o for_o their_o principle_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_o certain_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o when_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o thing_n necessary_a be_v as_o confident_o apply_v to_o thing_n accessary_a it_o lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n impregnable_a principle_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n for_o confound_v they_o in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n between_o the_o substantial_a duty_n and_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a value_n and_o necessity_n it_o make_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o place_n a_o religion_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o religious_a and_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o false_a and_o groundless_a fear_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o formality_n of_o superstition_n whereas_o be_v they_o due_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a and_o thing_n mere_o decent_a and_o circumstantial_a this_o will_v not_o only_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o also_o keep_v up_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n decency_n of_o worship_n and_o due_a reverence_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o these_o man_n will_v punctual_o tie_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o meaning_n be_v of_o new_a article_n of_o belief_n it_o be_v notorious_o impertinent_a because_o to_o this_o no_o civil_a magistrate_n pretend_v but_o if_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o divine_a law_n it_o be_v then_o indeed_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o as_o notorious_o false_a in_o that_o we_o be_v certain_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o every_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a by_o some_o prohibition_n for_o thing_n become_v evil_a not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o being_n not_o command_v but_o upon_o that_o of_o their_o be_v forbid_v and_o what_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v not_o it_o
any_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o neither_o have_v nor_o indeed_o can_v determine_v all_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v so_o various_a and_o so_o changeable_a and_o man_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a record_n for_o the_o method_n of_o legal_a proceed_n in_o our_o common_a law_n court_v as_o for_o particular_a rubric_n and_o prescription_n of_o all_o outward_a form_n and_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n so_o that_o what_o these_o man_n demand_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a sect._n 8._o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o unparalleled_a folly_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o principle_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a i_o suppose_v it_o needless_a to_o engage_v in_o any_o further_a scholastic_a dispute_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_a action_n and_o some_o other_o less_o material_a controversy_n that_o depend_v upon_o this_o partly_o because_o this_o principle_n on_o which_o alone_o they_o stand_v be_v remove_v they_o become_v utter_o groundless_a and_o so_o by_o its_o confutation_n be_v sufficient_o confute_v and_o partly_o because_o all_o this_o have_v be_v so_o often_o so_o full_o and_o so_o infinite_o perform_v already_o and_o of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v start_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o that_o have_v be_v more_o fair_o pursue_v and_o satisfactory_o decide_v than_o this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o its_o puritan_n adversary_n that_o have_v all_o along_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dispute_n between_o rational_a learning_n and_o unreasonable_a zeal_n and_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o a_o unhappiness_n than_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o the_o defender_n of_o our_o church_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o waste_v their_o time_n and_o their_o part_n in_o baffle_v the_o idle_a cavil_n of_o a_o few_o hotheaded_a and_o brainsick_a people_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o mankind_n than_o these_o man_n folly_n in_o persist_v so_o obstinate_o in_o their_o old_a and_o pitiful_a clamour_n after_o they_o have_v be_v so_o convince_o answer_v and_o so_o demonstrative_o confute_v and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o satisfy_v such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o their_o great_a exception_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n constitution_n insomuch_o that_o if_o authority_n shall_v think_v good_a out_o of_o compliance_n with_o their_o cross_a demand_n to_o command_v what_o they_o now_o think_v necessary_a that_o must_v then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n become_v unlawful_a because_o forsooth_o where_o they_o take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o action_n they_o destroy_v its_o lawfulness_n now_o what_o possible_o can_v have_v betray_v man_n into_o so_o absurd_a a_o persuasion_n but_o a_o stubborn_a resolution_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o insolent_a humour_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o whatever_o their_o superior_n command_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v to_o decoy_n they_o into_o obedience_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o command_v what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o forbear_v and_o than_o if_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o be_v obey_v by_o disobedience_n he_o shall_v find_v they_o good_a man_n the_o most_o obedient_a subject_n in_o the_o world_n sect._n 9_o but_o to_o return_v to_o what_o i_o be_v say_v instead_o of_o trouble_v myself_o with_o any_o further_a confutation_n of_o so_o baffle_v a_o cause_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o more_o brief_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o more_o effectual_o by_o vybray_v they_o with_o their_o shameful_a overthrow_v and_o dare_v they_o but_o to_o look_v those_o enemy_n in_o the_o face_n that_o have_v so_o lamentable_o cow_v they_o by_o so_o many_o absolute_a triumph_n and_o victory_n and_o not_o to_o mention_v divers_a other_o learned_a and_o excellent_a person_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o that_o famous_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n mr._n hooker_n upon_o he_o let_v they_o try_v their_o courage_n though_o by_o so_o safe_a a_o challenge_n i_o do_v but_o give_v proof_n of_o my_o own_o cowardice_n how_o long_o have_v his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n bid_v shameful_a defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a party_n and_o yet_o never_o find_v any_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o venture_v upon_o a_o encounter_n now_o this_o author_n be_v confess_o a_o person_n of_o so_o much_o learning_n candor_n judgement_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o withal_o so_o high_o prize_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o regular_a and_o obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n cast_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n upon_o his_o performance_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o as_o the_o attempt_n of_o a_o just_a reply_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o both_o by_o their_o write_n and_o their_o action_n that_o they_o have_v not_o want_v zeal_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v escape_v so_o long_o free_a from_o all_o contradiction_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o good_a will_n but_o ability_n not_o because_o they_o will_v not_o but_o because_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o can_v not_o confute_v he_o so_o that_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v as_o full_a and_o demonstrative_a a_o confutation_n of_o their_o cause_n as_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o i._n e._n it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o unless_o perhaps_o a_o reply_n to_o it_o and_o shall_v live_v a_o eternal_a shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o their_o cause_n when_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o will_v probable_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o utter_a forgetfulness_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o trophy_n of_o success_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o until_o they_o can_v at_o least_o pretend_v to_o have_v return_v some_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o that_o discourse_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o impudence_n whilst_o they_o continual_o pelt_v we_o with_o their_o pamphlet_n and_o such_o little_a exception_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o since_o so_o shameful_o and_o demonstrative_o baffle_v sect._n 10._o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v wont_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v their_o principle_n look_v more_o plausible_o to_o stuff_v their_o discourse_n with_o frequent_a and_o tragical_a declamation_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o labour_n to_o wipe_v off_o such_o idle_a reproach_n by_o solemn_o discourse_v these_o matter_n both_o because_o this_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o perform_v already_o and_o because_o though_o these_o outcry_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o affright_v silly_a people_n yet_o few_o if_o any_o of_o their_o ringleader_n be_v still_o so_o fond_a either_o to_o own_o this_o charge_n against_o we_o or_o to_o plead_v it_o in_o their_o own_o justification_n only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v of_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o strong_a argument_n against_o themselves_o than_o their_o own_o objection_n against_o we_o for_o if_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v any_o superstition_n it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o this_o vice_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o weak_a and_o unworthy_a conceit_n of_o god_n now_o he_o that_o conform_v to_o the_o receive_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o church_n do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o intrinsic_a value_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o order_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n whereas_o he_o that_o scrupulous_o refuse_v to_o use_v and_o practise_v they_o take_v a_o wrong_a estimate_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o imagine_v that_o god_n judge_n his_o creature_n by_o nice_a and_o pettish_a law_n and_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o a_o doubtful_a or_o indifferent_a ceremony_n than_o upon_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o we_o proceed_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v prescribe_v the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o have_v leave_v its_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n
excuse_n or_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o separation_n this_o thing_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o however_o it_o may_v restrain_v man_n from_o something_o else_o it_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o that_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o that_o these_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o comply_v with_o and_o encourage_v the_o people_n in_o a_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a schism_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o unwarrantable_a by_o herd_v they_o into_o conventicle_n for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n and_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o authority_n whereas_o have_v they_o any_o true_a sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o dispossess_v the_o people_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o fair_a and_o candid_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o she_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o they_o themselves_o be_v convince_v in_o conscience_n be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a for_o if_o they_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o setlement_n of_o the_o nation_n before_o their_o own_o selfish_a end_n instead_o of_o keep_v up_o division_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v by_o their_o conventicle_n they_o will_v be_v as_o zealous_a as_o he_o that_o be_v most_o so_o to_o remove_v the_o ground_n of_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o to_o reunite_v their_o party_n to_o the_o church_n by_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o orderly_a and_o peaceable_a conformity_n which_o if_o it_o be_v innocent_a as_o themselves_o believe_v it_o be_v it_o must_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v any_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o church_n and_o obedient_a to_o lawful_a authority_n sect._n 6._o second_o how_o come_v the_o people_n to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o who_o be_v they_o betray_v and_o affright_v into_o their_o mistake_n who_o buzz_v their_o scruple_n and_o jealousy_n into_o their_o head_n and_o who_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o ceremony_n popish_a superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a what_o other_o inducement_n have_v they_o to_o dislike_v the_o church_n constitution_n but_o mere_o the_o example_n of_o their_o leader_n their_o practice_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o people_n opinion_n and_o when_o their_o flock_n straggle_v from_o our_o church_n it_o be_v only_a to_o follow_v their_o pastor_n they_o first_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o a_o error_n and_o then_o this_o must_v be_v a_o apology_n for_o themselves_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o thus_o whilst_o they_o dance_v in_o a_o circle_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o preacher_n follow_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n follow_v their_o preacher_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o godly_a minister_n who_o dare_v not_o conform_v for_o fear_n of_o scandalize_a the_o weak_a brethren_n will_v but_o venture_v to_o do_v it_o the_o weak_a brethren_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v scandalize_v so_o that_o these_o man_n first_o lie_v the_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o people_n way_n and_o then_o because_o it_o scare_n silly_a and_o timorous_a soul_n this_o serve_v for_o a_o pretence_n to_o startle_v &_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o themselves_o and_o withal_o to_o increase_v the_o childish_a fear_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o their_o own_o seem_n &_o counterfeit_a horror_n now_o with_o what_o a_o shameless_a brow_n do_v these_o man_n prevaricate_v with_o public_a authority_n they_o have_v deceive_v the_o people_n into_o a_o public_a error_n and_o then_o will_v not_o undeceive_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o their_o displeasure_n and_o when_o they_o have_v possess_v their_o mind_n with_o unworthy_a scruple_n and_o jealousy_n against_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n then_o must_v this_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n be_v make_v the_o formal_a excuse_n of_o their_o own_o disobedience_n and_o by_o this_o artifice_n they_o prostitute_v the_o reverence_n of_o all_o government_n to_o the_o fortuitous_a humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o their_o own_o disciple_n and_o so_o by_o make_v the_o public_a law_n submit_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o who_o they_o govern_v they_o put_v it_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o enact_v or_o repeal_v they_o as_o they_o please_v and_o no_o law_n shall_v have_v any_o force_n to_o bind_v the_o subject_a without_o their_o approbation_n because_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o power_n when_o they_o please_v to_o work_v prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o people_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o their_o be_v offend_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o their_o obligation_n it_o be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o law_n only_o as_o themselves_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o thus_o they_o first_o govern_v the_o common_a people_n &_o then_o sooth_n and_o flatter_v their_o pride_n by_o inveigle_v they_o into_o a_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o by_o this_o stratagem_n they_o govern_v all_o but_o however_o from_o whosoever_o these_o good_a people_n learn_v their_o idle_a &_o imaginary_a scruple_n the_o offence_n they_o have_v take_v against_o the_o custom_n and_o prescription_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o just_a and_o reasonable_a or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o the_o former_a than_o they_o have_v rational_a ground_n for_o their_o dislike_n &_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o have_v than_o these_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o comply_v with_o they_o even_o against_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n aught_o to_o plead_v those_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_o scandal_n to_o justify_v their_o disobedience_n because_o they_o must_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o of_o scandal_n in_o that_o they_o be_v suppose_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v and_o patronize_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o that_o but_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o their_o dislike_n be_v found_v that_o be_v to_o be_v plead_v in_o their_o defence_n and_o justification_n but_o if_o the_o latter_a then_o be_v their_o dislike_n groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o undeceive_v they_o by_o discover_v their_o mistake_n than_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o sinful_a disobedience_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v groundless_a by_o compliance_n with_o they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v fair_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o all_o danger_n of_o any_o criminal_a offence_n for_o however_o scandal_n groundless_o take_v and_o so_o it_o be_v always_o because_o there_o be_v never_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v possible_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o my_o liberty_n till_o i_o have_v inform_v the_o person_n of_o his_o error_n and_o disavow_v those_o ill_a consequence_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o my_o example_n and_o when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v i_o have_v prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n which_o always_o suppose_v error_n weakness_n or_o mistake_v of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o error_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o weakness_n remove_v so_o be_v the_o scandal_n too_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v still_o pretend_v to_o be_v scandalize_v it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v weak_a but_o peevish_a and_o if_o after_o this_o i_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o that_o against_o the_o command_n of_o my_o lawful_a superior_n i_o shall_v disobey_v authority_n only_o because_o my_o neighbour_n be_v unreasonable_a i._n e._n for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o this_o further_a discover_v how_o shameless_o these_o man_n shuffle_v and_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o world_n in_o that_o when_o most_o of_o they_o have_v declare_v in_o their_o private_a discourse_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o imagine_v our_o ceremony_n unlawful_a or_o antichristian_a and_o when_o their_o grandee_n and_o representative_n have_v profess_v to_o public_a authority_n in_o solemn_a conference_n that_o they_o scruple_n not_o these_o thing_n upon_o their_o own_o account_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n to_o some_o well-meaning_a people_n that_o be_v unhappy_o possess_v with_o some_o odd_a and_o groundless_a jealousy_n against_o they_o for_o if_o so_o then_o why_o be_v not_o these_o good_a people_n that_o follow_v they_o better_o inform_v why_o do_v they_o not_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o disabuse_v they_o out_o of_o their_o false_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n why_o do_v they_o connive_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o presumption_n or_o at_o least_o why_o do_v they_o not_o more_o smart_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o rashness_n to_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o their_o neighbour_n to_o condemn_v and_o revile_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o scorn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n why_o do_v they_o not_o chide_v they_o out_o of_o their_o malapert_v peevish_a and_o impatient_a confidence_n and_o by_o
convince_a they_o at_o least_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o be_v deceive_v reduce_v they_o to_o a_o more_o humble_a and_o governable_a temper_n why_o do_v they_o not_o teach_v they_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n if_o they_o will_v but_o make_v it_o part_n of_o their_o business_n to_o undeceive_v the_o people_n how_o easy_o will_v all_o their_o straggle_a follower_n return_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o let_v they_o know_v their_o error_n lest_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v both_o their_o party_n and_o their_o reputation_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o mistake_n and_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n be_v force_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v scandalize_v insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o hear_v the_o foolish_a people_n pretend_v it_o concern_v themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o your_o action_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o by_o which_o they_o mean_v either_o that_o it_o lead_v they_o into_o sin_n or_o that_o it_o make_v they_o angry_a if_o the_o former_a that_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a contradiction_n for_o if_o they_o know_v how_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o know_v how_o to_o escape_v it_o my_o action_n do_v not_o force_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n but_o only_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o through_o their_o own_o mistake_n and_o folly_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v by_o what_o mistake_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v betray_v they_o know_v how_o to_o provide_v against_o the_o danger_n for_o if_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n how_o can_v they_o plead_v scandal_n when_o that_o suppose_v ignorance_n and_o however_o i_o behave_v myself_o they_o know_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v themselves_o if_o they_o do_v not_o how_o can_v they_o say_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v scandalize_v when_o by_o so_o say_v they_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o imply_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o avoid_v the_o danger_n if_o the_o latter_a i._n e._n that_o they_o be_v angry_a than_o all_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o i_o must_v part_v with_o my_o liberty_n and_o disobey_v my_o superior_n to_o please_v they_o that_o their_o saucy_a humour_n must_v give_v i_o law_n that_o i_o must_v be_v their_o slave_n because_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o insolent_a and_o that_o they_o must_v gain_v a_o power_n over_o i_o because_o they_o be_v forward_o to_o censure_v my_o action_n §_o 7._o three_o we_o encounter_v scandal_n with_o scandal_n and_o let_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o be_v discharge_v upon_o that_o side_n that_o occasion_n the_o most_o and_o the_o great_a offence_n now_o all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o ensue_v in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o affair_n upon_o their_o compliance_n with_o authority_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o weak_a brethren_n of_o their_o own_o party_n whereas_o by_o their_o refractory_a disobedience_n they_o give_v offence_n not_o only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o all_o both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_a and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o advantage_n they_o give_v to_o atheism_n and_o popery_n let_v i_o only_o mind_v they_o that_o if_o the_o accidental_a offence_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o know_a christian_n of_o a_o private_a capacity_n pass_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o restrain_v it_o from_o any_o practice_n in_o itself_o lawful_a of_o how_o much_o more_o force_n must_v that_o scandal_n be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o public_a authority_n by_o deny_v obedience_n to_o its_o lawful_a command_n and_o by_o consequence_n infringe_v its_o just_a power_n in_o thing_n not_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n now_o if_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o themselves_o apparent_o evil_a than_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a objection_n both_o against_o their_o practice_n and_o their_o imposition_n and_o their_o scandal_n to_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n be_v of_o small_a force_n in_o comparison_n to_o their_o intrinsic_a and_o unalterable_a unlawfulness_n but_o because_o this_o be_v not_o pretend_v in_o our_o present_a case_n what_o a_o shameful_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o religion_n be_v it_o to_o neglect_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o lawful_a authority_n under_o pretence_n of_o compliance_n with_o the_o weak_a and_o groundless_a scruple_n of_o some_o private_a man_n it_o be_v certain_o pass_v dispute_n that_o the_o reasonable_a offence_n of_o some_o weak_a brethren_n can_v so_o strong_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n as_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o demand_v whether_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n have_v not_o more_o force_n and_o power_n over_o conscience_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a if_o not_o then_o may_v the_o law_n of_o authority_n be_v cancel_v and_o control_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o for_o mere_a scandal_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o just_a and_o wise_a occasion_n of_o dislike_n the_o action_n become_v primary_o unlawful_a not_o because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a but_o because_o it_o be_v antecedent_o evil_a whereas_o mere_a and_o proper_a scandal_n be_v only_o concern_v in_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a scandal_n to_o do_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o a_o private_a christian_a dislike_n it_o or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o when_o public_a authority_n enjoin_v it_o and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o controversy_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a reproach_n to_o religion_n to_o disobey_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a than_o to_o offend_v a_o private_a christian._n and_o i_o may_v safe_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n whether_o the_o intolerable_a waywardness_n of_o some_o nice_a and_o squeamish_a conscience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o just_a authority_n be_v not_o a_o foul_a and_o more_o notorious_a scandal_n to_o religion_n than_o a_o modest_a and_o humble_a compliance_n with_o they_o though_o in_o thing_n not_o so_o apparent_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o own_o weak_a brethren_n of_o who_o they_o seem_v so_o exceed_o tender_a they_o can_v no_o way_n more_o scandalize_v they_o than_o by_o comply_v with_o they_o by_o which_o they_o be_v tempt_v and_o betray_v into_o the_o great_a and_o most_o mischievous_a enormity_n for_o thereby_o they_o encourage_v their_o folly_n feed_v and_o cherish_v their_o ungrounded_a fancy_n confirm_v they_o in_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o superior_n command_n and_o so_o lead_v they_o direct_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o unwarrantable_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n how_o many_o feeble_a and_o delude_a soul_n be_v entice_v by_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o example_n to_o violate_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o that_o when_o themselves_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o their_o unlawfulness_n and_o so_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o a_o complicate_v sin_n by_o disobey_v their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o that_o with_o a_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o zealous_a disciple_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o they_o see_v their_o godly_a minister_n to_o slight_v they_o and_o therefore_o unless_o their_o example_n be_v sufficient_a to_o rescind_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o give_v they_o the_o most_o criminal_a scandal_n by_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o most_o criminal_a disobedience_n so_o that_o all_o circumstance_n fair_o consider_v the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a inducement_n to_o conformity_n for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o scandal_n remove_v all_o our_o difference_n prevent_v much_o trouble_n and_o more_o sin_n cure_v all_o our_o schism_n quarrel_n and_o division_n banish_v our_o mutual_a jealousy_n censure_n and_o animosity_n and_o establish_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n in_o brief_a the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n be_v the_o inflexible_a perverseness_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o
proud_a ignorant_a and_o seditious_a preacher_n against_o who_o if_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n be_v particular_o level_v how_o easy_a will_v it_o be_v in_o some_o competent_a time_n to_o reduce_v the_o people_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n and_o to_o make_v all_o our_o present_a schism_n that_o may_v otherwise_o prove_v eternal_a expire_v with_o or_o before_o the_o present_a age_n the_o want_n or_o neglect_v of_o which_o method_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o have_v give_v they_o so_o much_o strength_n &_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n §_o 8._o four_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o give_v place_n to_o old_a and_o inveterate_a scandal_n but_o rather_o aught_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n to_o oppose_v they_o with_o a_o public_a defiance_n and_o to_o shame_v those_o that_o pretend_v they_o out_o of_o their_o confidence_n for_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n in_o these_o case_n be_v tenderness_n and_o compassion_n to_o some_o man_n infirmity_n and_o as_o long_o as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v this_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v scandalize_v so_o long_o be_o i_o bind_v by_o charity_n and_o good_a nature_n to_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o no_o long_o for_o after_o they_o have_v have_v a_o competent_a time_n and_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n i_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v not_o ignorance_n that_o be_v the_o gound_z of_o their_o take_a offence_n but_o pride_n or_o peevishness_n or_o something_o worse_o so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o disabuse_v the_o weak_a by_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n remove_v his_o scruple_n declare_v the_o innocence_n of_o my_o action_n clear_v it_o of_o all_o sinister_a suspicion_n and_o protest_v against_o all_o those_o abuse_n he_o will_v put_v upon_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n and_o when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v i_o have_v clear_v myself_o from_o all_o his_o ill-natured_a jealousy_n and_o surmise_n and_o discharge_v all_o the_o office_n and_o obligation_n of_o charity_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o my_o offend_a neighbour_n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o his_o perverse_a misinterpretation_n of_o my_o action_n and_o pretend_v that_o they_o still_o gall_n and_o ensnare_v his_o tender_a conscience_n the_o man_n be_v peevish_a and_o refractory_a and_o only_o make_v use_v of_o this_o precarious_a pretence_n to_o justify_v his_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o my_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o then_o be_o i_o so_o far_o from_o be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o peevishness_n and_o insolence_n of_o his_o humour_n that_o i_o be_o strong_o bind_v to_o thwart_v and_o oppose_v it_o for_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v but_o betray_v my_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o his_o wilful_a and_o imperious_a ignorance_n and_o give_v superstitious_a folly_n the_o advantage_n and_o authority_n of_o prescription_n for_o if_o that_o prevail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v yield_v and_o condescend_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a it_o must_v in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o it_o can_v plead_v that_o than_o it_o become_v necessary_a inveterate_a error_n be_v ever_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o what_o prescription_n warrant_v it_o always_o impose_v custom_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v rule_v and_o preside_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n because_o it_o be_v popular_a and_o be_v ever_o attend_v with_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o follower_n it_o grow_v proud_a and_o confident_a and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o upbraid_v free_a reason_n with_o singularity_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o all_o i_o can_v gain_v by_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o my_o own_o liberty_n to_o another_o man_n folly_n will_v be_v only_o to_o give_v he_o a_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o claim_v a_o right_n of_o command_n and_o dominion_n over_o i_o and_o to_o make_v myself_o subject_a to_o his_o humour_n by_o my_o own_o civility_n and_o thus_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o a_o time_n permit_v the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v or_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v it_o owe_v they_o so_o much_o civility_n and_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v not_o give_v check_n to_o their_o stubborn_a persuasion_n they_o have_v give_v they_o authority_n and_o by_o too_o long_a a_o compliance_n will_v have_v vouch_v and_o abet_v their_o error_n and_o adopt_a judaisme_n into_o christianity_n and_o circumcision_n not_o only_a might_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o as_o firm_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o baptism_n and_o this_o show_v we_o how_o wayward_a and_o unreasonable_a those_o man_n be_v who_o still_o persevere_v to_o object_v scandal_n against_o the_o church_n constitution_n after_o she_o have_v so_o often_o protest_v against_o this_o exception_n by_o so_o many_o solemn_a declaration_n when_o at_o first_o it_o be_v pretend_v it_o may_v perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n excuse_n or_o alleviate_v their_o disobedience_n but_o after_o authority_n have_v so_o sufficient_o satisfy_v their_o scruple_n and_o remove_v their_o suspicion_n and_o so_o ample_o clear_v the_o innocence_n of_o its_o own_o intention_n if_o man_n will_v still_o continue_v jealous_a and_o quarrelsome_a they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o if_o they_o smart_v for_o their_o own_o presumption_n and_o folly_n and_o prince_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o lawful_a power_n only_o because_o some_o of_o their_o subject_n will_v not_o learn_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v think_v good_a to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o these_o man_n peevishness_n as_o to_o reverse_v his_o law_n against_o they_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o they_o this_o will_v but_o feed_v and_o cherish_v their_o insolence_n and_o only_o encourage_v they_o to_o proceed_v if_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o more_o unreasonable_a demand_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o insist_v upon_o these_o they_o may_v when_o they_o be_v grant_v they_o go_v on_o to_o make_v new_a remonstrance_n i._n e._n upon_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o beside_o this_o will_v but_o give_v the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n to_o their_o scruple_n and_o superstitious_a pretence_n and_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o all_o those_o calumny_n to_o posterity_n with_o which_o themselves_o or_o their_o follower_n labour_v to_o charge_v it_o and_o oblige_v future_a age_n to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v these_o peevish_a and_o seditious_a person_n as_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o more_o godly_a and_o thorough_a reformation_n not_o to_o mention_v how_o much_o prince_n have_v ever_o gain_v by_o their_o concession_n to_o the_o demand_n of_o fanatic_a zealot_n they_o may_v easy_o embolden_v but_o hardly_o satisfy_v they_o and_o if_o they_o yield_v up_o but_o one_o jewel_n of_o their_o imperial_a diadem_n to_o their_o importunity_n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o they_o to_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v gain_v crown_n and_o all_o and_o perhaps_o the_o head_n that_o wear_v it_o too_o for_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n how_o happy_a will_v the_o world_n be_v if_o wise_a man_n be_v but_o wise_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n but_o every_o age_n live_v as_o much_o at_o all_o adventure_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o first_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o warning_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o former_a age_n sect._n 9_o five_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n infinite_o outweigh_v and_o utter_o evacuate_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n for_o the_o matter_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v concern_v be_v only_a thing_n indifferent_a but_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o antecedent_o sinful_a remain_v so_o after_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v superinduce_v upon_o it_o these_o change_n thing_n indifferent_a as_o to_o their_o nature_n into_o necessary_a duty_n as_o to_o their_o use_n and_o therefore_o place_v they_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n that_o may_v in_o many_o case_n extend_v to_o the_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o never_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hindrance_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o no_o obedience_n how_o offensive_a soever_o unless_o it_o be_v upon_o some_o other_o account_v faulty_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v criminal_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o scandal_n the_o obligation_n whereof_o be_v but_o accidental_a
easy_o may_v they_o fire_v these_o heady_a people_n into_o tumult_n and_o outrage_n how_o eager_o will_v they_o flow_v into_o their_o party_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o how_o prodigal_o will_v they_o empty_v their_o bag_n and_o bring_v in_o even_o their_o bodkin_n and_o thimble_n and_o spoon_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n he_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a man_n and_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o folly_n passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o fee_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o ungovernable_a as_o a_o wealthy_a fanatic_a and_o therefore_o let_v not_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o idle_a hope_n of_o settlement_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o suppress_v all_o these_o dissension_n and_o reduce_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o agreement_n and_o unity_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v different_a faction_n of_o religion_n quiet_a and_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v the_o common_a people_n wise_a man_n and_o philosopher_n if_o indeed_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o sober_a and_o discreet_a it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n but_o upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n we_o may_v as_o well_o let_v they_o loose_v from_o all_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n because_o if_o every_o private_a man_n have_v wit_n &_o honesty_n enough_o to_o govern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o impossible_a presumption_n stand_v all_o the_o pretence_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o if_o man_n be_v permit_v it_o they_o will_v use_v it_o wise_o and_o peaceable_o than_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o suppose_v a_o great_a impossibility_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o their_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o vicious_a conscience_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a &_o foolish_a for_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o folly_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o moral_a action_n in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o as_o likely_a to_o mistake_v as_o in_o any_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n there_o be_v no_o observation_n in_o the_o world_n establish_v upon_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a experience_n than_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o any_o sort_n of_o folly_n and_o vice_n as_o to_o wild_a and_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o when_o their_o head_n be_v possess_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n so_o pregnant_a with_o mischief_n and_o disturbance_n as_o they_o and_o if_o prince_n will_v but_o consider_v how_o liable_a mankind_n be_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o with_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a villainy_n they_o will_v quick_o see_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o kingdom_n that_o there_o be_v set_v up_o a_o more_o severe_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o religious_a persuasion_n than_o over_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n for_o of_o all_o villain_n the_o well-meaning_a zealot_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a such_o man_n have_v no_o check_n of_o conscience_n nor_o fear_n of_o miscarriage_n to_o damp_n their_o industry_n but_o their_o godliness_n make_v they_o bold_a and_o furious_a and_o however_o their_o attempt_n succeed_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o what_o so_o glorious_a as_o to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n these_o man_n be_v ever_o prepare_v for_o any_o mischief_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o few_o active_a and_o crafty_a knave_n to_o manage_v and_o set_v they_o on_o and_o there_o be_v never_o want_v of_o such_o in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o any_o seditious_a attempt_n than_o to_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o than_o you_o may_v carry_v they_o wheresoever_o you_o please_v and_o they_o will_v never_o boggle_v at_o any_o mischief_n outrage_n or_o rebellion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n above_o all_o other_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v always_o ready_o form_v for_o any_o public_a disturbance_n one_o will_v think_v the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v manage_v as_o godly_a zeal_n or_o to_o be_v appease_v as_o religious_a dissension_n people_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v pursue_v such_o quarrel_n with_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o fury_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v govern_v and_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o trouble_v our_o head_n with_o contrive_v way_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n whilst_o it_o be_v unsettled_a by_o religion_n agreement_n in_o this_o be_v the_o first_o if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o be_v first_o establish_v upon_o firm_a and_o last_a principle_n which_o it_o easy_o may_v by_o severe_a law_n faithful_o execute_v but_o otherwise_o never_o can_v but_o till_o it_o be_v do_v it_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o a_o prince_n to_o enrich_v his_o subject_n with_o trade_n and_o commerce_n as_o it_o be_v to_o load_v weak_a and_o unfinished_a foundation_n with_o great_a and_o weighty_a superstructure_n to_o conclude_v all_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o order_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unskilful_a and_o inartificial_a way_n of_o discourse_v to_o argue_v from_o less_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a matter_n against_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o preposterous_a method_n be_v those_o man_n guilty_a who_o talk_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o trade_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o the_o like_a pretence_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n where_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a sort_n of_o anarchy_n and_o that_o prince_n may_v with_o less_o hazard_n give_v liberty_n to_o man_n vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o to_o their_o conscience_n as_o for_o my_o method_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o suit_v to_o every_o man_n capacity_n i_o have_v reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o a_o few_o easy_a and_o obvious_a proposition_n under_o these_o i_o have_v couch_v all_o the_o particular_a matter_n concern_v in_o our_o present_a debate_n and_o by_o analogy_n to_o their_o reasonableness_n have_v clear_v off_o all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n and_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o to_o prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v from_o the_o most_o important_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n compare_v with_o the_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o whoever_o offer_v to_o talk_v of_o these_o affair_n without_o special_a regard_n both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v amuse_v himself_o with_o the_o fine_a dream_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o warm_a brain_n but_o shall_v be_v certain_a to_o miss_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a measure_n of_o practicable_a policy_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o design_v only_o to_o prevent_v their_o folly_n and_o bridle_v their_o enormity_n and_o therefore_o the_o main_a notion_n i_o have_v pursue_v have_v be_v to_o make_v out_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o tendency_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o most_o necessary_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n a_o vein_n of_o which_o reason_v i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o run_v through_o all_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o be_v vast_o the_o most_o considerable_a if_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o my_o main_a question_n so_o have_v i_o cautious_o avoid_v all_o other_o collateral_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n and_o have_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o any_o hypothesis_n nor_o determine_v any_o controversy_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v but_o have_v express_v my_o