Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
cause_n	authority_n	jurisdiction_n	power_n	1,683	5	4.9363	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

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

disturbance_n or_o molestation_n which_o we_o have_v think_v fit_a full_o to_o signify_v to_o your_o excellency_n to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v understand_v that_o we_o have_v give_v free_a and_o absolute_a leave_n to_o the_o christian_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o as_o we_o have_v grant_v this_o indulgence_n to_o they_o so_o your_o excellency_n be_v likewise_o to_o understand_v that_o we_o have_v grant_v the_o same_o open_a and_o free_a liberty_n to_o all_o other_o to_o exercise_n the_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o adhere_v for_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o reign_n to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v free_a in_o the_o election_n of_o his_o worship_n without_o any_o prejudice_n from_o we_o either_o to_o his_o honour_n or_o to_o his_o religion_n and_o this_o we_o think_v fit_a moreover_o to_o decree_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_n that_o their_o meeting-place_n be_v restore_v they_o without_o any_o hesitation_n or_o delay_n and_o without_o the_o demand_n of_o any_o fee_n or_o sum_n of_o money_n and_o if_o any_o fine_n or_o mulct_n have_v be_v sequester_v former_o into_o our_o exchequer_n or_o take_v by_o any_o other_o person_n that_o the_o same_o be_v also_o restore_v they_o without_o the_o least_o diminution_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o favour_n to_o request_v further_o at_o our_o hand_n let_v they_o make_v choice_n of_o any_o of_o our_o advocate_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o affair_n the_o rest_n i_o omit_v as_o less_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o after_o they_o when_o the_o emperor_n begin_v to_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o ecclesiastic_a rigour_n and_o sect_n become_v predominant_a as_o they_o be_v guard_v by_o the_o power_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n how_o soon_o the_o several_a schism_n and_o opinion_n that_o have_v take_v root_n under_o the_o mild_a sway_n of_o the_o heathen_n begin_v to_o rend_v the_o church_n into_o a_o thousand_o faction_n and_o whereas_o a_o single_a college_n of_o pontiff_n will_v serve_v the_o heathen_a priesthood_n to_o resolve_v their_o doubt_n the_o determination_n of_o national_a council_n can_v not_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o grow_v controversy_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o from_o word_n they_o fall_v to_o blow_n and_o happy_a they_o who_o can_v get_v the_o sovereign_a prince_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o other_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v by_o the_o worst_a so_o early_o be_v the_o civil_a power_n make_v a_o engine_n to_o support_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o spiritual_a contender_n at_o what_o time_n a_o eutychian_a pope_n by_o name_n horsmisdas_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n give_v this_o motto_n for_o answer_v to_o all_o that_o admonish_v he_o of_o his_o severity_n nos_fw-la imperare_fw-la volumus_fw-la nos_fw-la imperari_fw-la nolumus_fw-la it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o motto_n may_v not_o have_v get_v too_o much_o foot_v in_o england_n and_o now_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n seem_v for_o a_o time_n exterminate_v from_o the_o earth_n till_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o again_o among_o the_o goth_n who_o as_o procopius_n allege_v will_v never_o in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o their_o conquest_n compel_v the_o vanquish_v to_o embrace_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o it_o be_v always_o the_o maxim_n of_o ruler_n true_o generous_a to_o engage_v man_n rather_o as_o their_o friend_n then_o as_o their_o slave_n think_v themselves_o far_o more_o safe_a in_o a_o free_a then_o in_o a_o compel_a obedience_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o latter_a time_n we_o find_v that_o even_o among_o the_o mahometan_n all_o over_o turkey_n no_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o mahometan_a superstition_n but_o that_o all_o people_n unless_o the_o professor_n of_o heathenish_a idolatry_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o this_o as_o several_a author_n observe_v be_v at_o first_o the_o chief_a mean_n by_o which_o the_o turk_n enlarge_v their_o empire_n over_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o that_o many_o people_n rather_o choose_v to_o live_v under_o the_o turk_n permit_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n then_o under_o the_o exorbitant_a tyranny_n of_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n and_o further_o other_o observe_v that_o nothing_o have_v render_v the_o turk_n more_o powerful_a than_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n expulsion_n of_o all_o the_o moor_n and_o turk_n out_o of_o his_o territory_n in_o the_o year_n 1609_o at_o what_o time_n above_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o those_o exile_v retire_v into_o africa_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o turkish_a dominion_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o turk_n who_o learn_v from_o they_o to_o combat_n the_o european_n with_o their_o own_o weapon_n and_o their_o own_o art_n of_o war._n the_o persian_n give_v liberty_n to_o the_o melchites_n under_o the_o patriarch_n of_o antiochia_n who_o obstinate_o maintain_v all_o those_o error_n that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o florence_n together_o with_o the_o nestorian_n and_o christian_a armenian_n who_o have_v no_o patriarch_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o be_v the_o roman_a catholic_o exclude_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o ispahan_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v their_o toleration_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o dissent_v sect_n in_o their_o own_o religion_n in_o poland_n though_o general_o the_o nobility_n adhere_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o they_o prohibit_v none_o and_o the_o mixture_n of_o lutheran_n calvinist_n socinian_n anabaptist_n greek_n and_o jew_n who_o there_o enjoy_v most_o ample_a privilege_n apparent_o demonstrate_v well-constituted_n government_n to_o be_v no_o enemy_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n nor_o do_v the_o scrupulous_a muscovite_n exclude_v those_o of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n from_o have_v a_o church_n of_o their_o own_o within_o view_n of_o the_o city_n of_o moscow_n itself_o that_o the_o swisser_n be_v a_o prudent_a people_n appear_v by_o the_o permanent_a constitution_n of_o their_o government_n by_o they_o uphold_v and_o propagate_v for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o their_o concord_n have_v render_v they_o populous_a and_o their_o populousness_n have_v make_v they_o formidable_a to_o all_o the_o neighbour_a prince_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o court_v for_o their_o assistance_n and_o to_o who_o they_o have_v be_v behold_v for_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o conquest_n all_o this_o while_n a_o people_n half_a protestant_n half_a catholic's_n yet_o in_o general_a so_o equal_o unanimous_a and_o in_o some_o particular_a city_n so_o peaceable_o intermix_v that_o you_o never_o hear_v among_o they_o since_o they_o first_o league_v together_o for_o the_o common_a security_n of_o any_o quarrel_n or_o contention_n for_o superiority_n or_o of_o any_o fine_n imprisonment_n or_o banish_v of_o the_o dissent_v party_n nor_o do_v they_o refuse_v their_o protection_n to_o any_o that_o fly_v from_o other_o country_n to_o seek_v tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n among_o they_o there_o be_v the_o same_o mixture_n of_o the_o two_o profession_n of_o popery_n and_o calvinism_n among_o the_o grison_n and_o the_o same_o unanimity_n and_o this_o confirm_v by_o the_o league_n of_o the_o ten_o jurisdiction_n by_o which_o all_o disputation_n concern_v religion_n be_v forbid_v to_o prevent_v exasperation_n and_o contest_v among_o nation_n and_o friend_n though_o differ_v in_o opinion_n in_o venice_n the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n prevail_v yet_o such_o be_v the_o prudence_n and_o generosity_n of_o the_o government_n and_o governor_n that_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o other_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o so_o much_o that_o though_o they_o admit_v the_o inquisition_n into_o their_o territory_n yet_o they_o fill_v its_o sharp_a fang_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o it_o be_v render_v ineffectual_a for_o they_o decree_v that_o the_o inquisition_n shall_v not_o meddle_v either_o with_o witch_n or_o enchanter_n nor_o with_o those_o that_o shall_v offer_v to_o buffet_v a_o image_n or_o lampoon_n the_o vice_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o clergy_n nor_o indeed_o have_v any_o power_n to_o prohibit_v the_o print_n of_o any_o book_n whatever_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o blasphemy_n or_o such_o as_o marry_v two_o wife_n nor_o in_o cause_n of_o usury_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n over_o jew_n infidel_n or_o those_o that_o follow_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n nor_o any_o authority_n over_o any_o secular_a trade_n or_o profession_n and_o in_o all_o other_o cause_n whatever_o that_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o inquisition_n they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o the_o examination_n judgement_n and_o final_a determination_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o absolute_a toleration_n of_o jew_n infidel_n and_o greek_a

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

christian_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n of_o all_o other_o opinion_n that_o they_o please_v themselves_o as_o to_o witch_n they_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o inquisition_n shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v general_o woman_n a_o poor_a people_n craze_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o more_o fit_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o minister_n then_o punish_v by_o the_o judge_n as_o for_o blasphemy_n the_o punishment_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o for_o bigamy_n and_o usury_n as_o to_o the_o toleration_n of_o jew_n etc._n etc._n they_o argue_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n have_v no_o power_n over_o those_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o greek_n they_o urge_v that_o the_o difference_n and_o dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a church_n be_v yet_o undetermined_a and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v judge_n in_o she_o own_o cause_n last_o against_o the_o prohibition_n of_o book_n they_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stifle_v learning_n and_o prevent_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o many_o good_a book_n necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n kind_a that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o prevent_v the_o enormity_n of_o scandalous_a writer_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o ecclesiastie_n be_v not_o to_o thrust_v their_o sickle_n into_o other_o man_n harvest_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o venetian_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n obedient_a to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n yet_o in_o the_o point_n of_o toleration_n altogether_o dissent_v from_o it_o for_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o take_v care_n lest_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v alienate_v in_o their_o affection_n from_o the_o government_n therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v enjoy_v their_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n to_o return_v into_o germany_n even_o in_o vienna_n itself_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o emperor_n maximilianus_n the_o second_o allow_v the_o evangelic_n the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o monastery_n of_o the_o minorite_n which_o though_o it_o be_v deny_v they_o by_o his_o son_n rudolphus_n the_o second_o be_v again_o by_o the_o indulgence_n of_o mathias_n the_o emperor_n restore_v they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o public_a assembly_n at_o hornals_n a_o village_n close_o by_o the_o city_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o which_o they_o have_v beside_o the_o freedom_n to_o baptise_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o marry_v according_a to_o their_o own_o form_n till_o ferdmand_n the_o second_o retract_v their_o privilege_n and_o force_v they_o whenever_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o worship_n require_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o presburgh_n or_o edinburgh_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o trace_v the_o several_a region_n of_o germany_n where_o so_o many_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o free_a state_n exemplary_a for_o their_o justice_n and_o moderation_n foster_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o main_a support_n of_o their_o government_n it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o mention_v brief_o those_o of_o chief_a note_n the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n brunswick_n and_o lunenburgh_n the_o duke_n of_o wittenbergh_n and_o holsatia_n the_o elector_n palatine_n the_o duke_n of_o bavaria_n though_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n the_o duke_n of_o newburgh_n and_o the_o landgrave_n of_o hessen_n the_o city_n of_o ratisbone_n frankford_n upon_o the_o main_a and_o spire_n where_o the_o evangelic_n be_v allow_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o meet_v every_o sunday_n from_o seven_o till_o eight_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o from_o twelve_o till_o one_o in_o the_o afternoon_n not_o to_o omit_v auspurgh_n where_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n be_v half_a protestant_n and_o half_a papist_n nor_o those_o most_o noble_a emporium_n of_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o europe_n hamborough_n lubeck_n breme_n and_o dantzick_n to_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v add_v the_o state_n of_o the_o unite_a netherlands_o it_o will_v be_v only_o to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o what_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world._n and_o yet_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o these_o country_n and_o territory_n the_o number_n of_o people_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n which_o they_o enjoy_v apparent_o demonstrate_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o such_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n as_o to_o be_v so_o rude_o harass_v and_o exterminate_v from_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o the_o rigour_n and_o vexation_n that_o render_v life_n uncomfortable_a have_v thus_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n toleration_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o scripture_n reason_n authority_n and_o example_n certain_o the_o wonder_n must_v be_v very_o great_a among_o discern_a person_n that_o man_n who_o boast_v a_o more_o refine_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o aspire_v to_o peace_n to_o love_n to_o moderation_n and_o truth_n towards_o all_o man_n shall_v with_o so_o much_o passion_n and_o bitter_a animosity_n exercise_v their_o hatred_n upon_o their_o brethren_n for_o the_o nicety_n of_o different_a opinion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o come_v to_o know_v of_o what_o profession_n they_o be_v it_o be_v their_o imperfection_n not_o their_o perfection_n that_o make_v the_o discovery_n which_o precede_v from_o hence_o that_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o dignity_n be_v esteem_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n reap_v thereby_o either_o of_o wealth_n or_o fame_n which_o abuse_n once_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n that_o many_o man_n of_o evil_a principle_n greedy_o thirst_v after_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o propagate_a sacred_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n and_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n where_o the_o great_a doctor_n study_v not_o the_o plainness_n of_o true_a preach_v but_o to_o show_v the_o quaintness_n of_o their_o oratory_n they_o never_o bend_v their_o mind_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n but_o to_o tickle_v their_o ear_n into_o a_o admiration_n of_o their_o elegant_a expression_n and_o jingle_a satyr_n upon_o dissenter_n and_o papist_n as_o they_o think_v their_o theme_n will_v be_v most_o please_v to_o their_o auditor_n which_o do_v but_o inflame_v the_o contention_n already_o raise_v and_o beget_v contempt_n and_o hatred_n to_o themselves_o and_o breed_v a_o animosity_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v reconcile_v in_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o rude_o though_o undeserved_o handle_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o nothing_o remain_v of_o primitive_a religion_n beside_o the_o external_n worship_n with_o which_o the_o people_n rather_o seem_v to_o flatter_v then_o adore_v the_o supreme_a divinity_n and_o that_o faith_n be_v now_o become_v no_o other_o than_o credulity_n and_o prejudice_n that_o very_a prejudice_n that_o render_v man_n of_o rational_a creature_n brute_n as_o be_v that_o which_o hinder_v every_o man_n from_o make_v use_v of_o his_o free_a judgement_n and_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n piety_n and_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o compound_v of_o erroneous_a mystery_n of_o humane_a policy_n and_o they_o who_o contemn_v reason_n and_o reject_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o corrupt_v by_o nature_n will_v themselves_o be_v think_v to_o have_v the_o divine_a light_n though_o have_v they_o but_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n they_o will_v not_o so_o proud_o insult_v but_o learn_v more_o prudent_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o as_o now_o in_o hatred_n so_o then_o in_o love_n to_o excel_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n nor_o will_v they_o persecute_v with_o such_o a_o open_a hostility_n those_o that_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v with_o their_o imposition_n but_o rather_o take_v pity_n of_o their_o fail_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v think_v more_o fearful_a of_o their_o own_o worldly_a interest_n then_o solicitous_a for_o the_o other_o salvation_n see_v then_o that_o the_o establish_n of_o any_o religious_a persuasion_n by_o force_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n reason_n and_o common_a sense_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o only_a worldly_a interest_n and_o the_o support_n of_o a_o domineer_a hierarchy_n must_v be_v the_o chief_a motive_n that_o engage_v the_o late_a persecutor_n to_o procure_v those_o penal_a law_n which_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o videmus_fw-la meliora_n they_o put_v so_o rigorous_o in_o execution_n law_n that_o punish_v the_o very_a supposition_n of_o crime_n and_o transgression_n in_o conceit_n law_n that_o punish_v the_o body_n with_o corporal_a

moral_n the_o beginning_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o so_o the_o ultimate_a end_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o such_o action_n but_o the_o common_a good_a or_o felicity_n of_o a_o city_n or_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o it_o in_o its_o government_n therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good._n now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v make_v only_o for_o the_o particular_a good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n man_n all_o other_o be_v by_o they_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o native_a privilege_n that_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o vexation_n of_o many_o thousand_o which_o be_v positive_o against_o the_o common_a good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o general_a community_n of_o the_o people_n divide_v only_o in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o a_o equal_a poise_n of_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o just_o deserve_v equal_a share_n of_o provision_n by_o the_o law_n for_o their_o security_n and_o protection_n and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v persecute_v to_o uphold_v the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o penal_a law_n be_v undue_o make_v and_o therefore_o as_o of_o no_o force_n to_o be_v repeal_v and_o annul_v therefore_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n may_v have_v teach_v the_o promoter_n of_o these_o penal_a statute_n better_a and_o more_o christian_a learning_n for_o therefore_o be_v prelate_n call_v pastor_n because_o they_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o sheep_n not_o the_o sheep_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o they_o be_v call_v dispenser_n and_o not_o lord_n minister_n of_o god_n not_o primary_n cause_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a intention_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n god_n principal_o intend_v the_o common_a good_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o his_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o same_o they_o be_v tyrant_n not_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n while_o they_o seek_v their_o own_o support_n and_o not_o the_o common_a benefit_n as_o to_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n experte_a materiae_fw-la in_o command_v those_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v this_o axiom_n from_o thence_o arise_v that_o no_o unjust_a law_n can_v be_v a_o law_n and_o then_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n to_o accept_v it_o or_o to_o observe_v it_o if_o accept_v for_o that_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o only_o not_o bind_v to_o accept_v it_o but_o have_v it_o not_o in_o their_o power_n when_o the_o command_n be_v clear_o and_o manifest_o unjust_a as_o when_o man_n be_v command_v not_o to_o meet_v above_o such_o a_o number_n under_o such_o a_o penalty_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a command_n because_o it_o debar_v man_n from_o the_o free_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o the_o only_a infallible_a minister_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v unjust_a in_o any_o law_n to_o constrain_v other_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o may_v be_v as_o erroneous_a in_o they_o as_o what_o the_o other_o profess_v for_o though_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a form_n of_o supplication_n under_o heaven_n yet_o another_o may_v not_o believe_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o crime_n in_o he_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v defective_a in_o point_n of_o honesty_n which_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v invalid_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v annul_v for_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o precept_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o include_v a_o crime_n and_o a_o transgression_n against_o god_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o no_o way_n obligatory_a see_v that_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o contradict_v our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o subject_v we_o to_o the_o compulsion_n of_o men._n in_o the_o last_o place_n no_o law_n can_v be_v valid_a beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o legislator_n now_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o those_o person_n who_o make_v the_o penal_a law_n upon_o a_o presumption_n of_o danger_n from_o factious_a and_o turbulent_a spirit_n ever_o intend_v those_o law_n sor_n the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o live_v peaceable_o and_o obedient_o towards_o the_o government_n in_o all_o the_o passive_a duty_n of_o good_a loyal_a subject_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o good_a man_n which_o be_v never_o the_o design_n of_o any_o just_a and_o virtuous_a legislator_n in_o this_o world._n now_o then_o the_o presumption_n of_o the_o danger_n be_v remove_v by_o his_o majesty_n most_o gracious_a indulgence_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v remove_v and_o consequent_o the_o obligation_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o framer_n of_o these_o law_n ever_o meditate_a too_o establish_v the_o dominion_n of_o a_o spiritual_a oligarchy_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o so_o many_o family_n of_o pious_a and_o religious_a people_n and_o therefore_o the_o suspicion_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o these_o law_n be_v vanish_v the_o law_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o altogether_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o serve_v to_o gratify_v the_o revenge_n and_o animosity_n of_o their_o promoter_n for_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o traitor_n or_o factious_a person_n that_o be_v ever_o try_v upon_o those_o law_n there_o be_v other_o of_o great_a force_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o such_o criminal_n as_o for_o the_o test_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o oath_n continue_v to_o prevent_v the_o sit_v of_o any_o commoner_n or_o peer_n in_o either_o of_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n from_o come_v into_o his_o majesty_n presence_n or_o court_n and_o from_o bear_v any_o office_n or_o employment_n military_a or_o civil_a in_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n realm_n of_o england_n or_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o take_v this_o oath_n be_v thereby_o to_o abjure_v the_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n invocation_n or_o adoration_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n etc._n etc._n the_o learned_a be_v of_o opinion_n that_o to_o make_v a_o oath_n bind_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o it_o refer_v to_o thing_n lawful_a for_o that_o if_o the_o thing_n promise_v upon_o oath_n be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o divine_a law_n or_o interdict_a by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o oblige_v the_o swearer_n now_o the_o q●●●●●●n_n will_v be_v whether_o this_o oath_n do_v not_o positive_o 〈…〉_z law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o enforce_v a_o peer_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o any_o other_o freeborn_a englishman_n of_o low_a degree_n to_o accuse_v himself_o with_o so_o strong_a and_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n to_o perjury_n where_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o this_o either_o to_o forswear_v their_o religion_n or_o lose_v their_o native_a privilege_n and_o preferment_n and_o all_o possibility_n of_o advance_v their_o fortune_n a_o piece_n of_o severity_n that_o constrain_v the_o inward_a belief_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n have_v resorve_v to_o himself_o that_o this_o be_v a_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v undoubted_o true_a as_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o great_a charter_n and_o several_a statute_n of_o the_o realm_n therefore_o the_o test_n have_v no_o power_n to_o oblige_v the_o swearer_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v repeal_v as_o useless_a that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v apparent_a from_o hence_o for_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o strong_o prohibit_v in_o scripture_n then_o to_o ground_v a_o penal_a prosecution_n upon_o the_o enforce_v oath_n of_o the_o party_n without_o witness_n or_o accuser_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o seem_v a_o hard_a case_n to_o oblige_v the_o papist_n to_o swear_v away_o his_o religion_n before_o he_o have_v another_o provide_v for_o he_o by_o those_o that_o