four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v wherein_o be_v discourse_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o toleration_n and_o general_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a the_o unlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o preface_n it_o can_v but_o be_v general_o understand_v what_o a_o abundance_n of_o heat_n and_o animostty_n have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o nation_n about_o a_o toleration_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n about_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o by_o many_o whether_o with_o great_a vehemency_n or_o with_o great_a absurdity_n be_v hard_o to_o say_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o have_v rather_o be_v suppose_v than_o prove_v by_o any_o for_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v consider_v how_o to_o secure_v a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_v the_o law_n that_o establish_v religion_n they_o never_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o do_v either_o one_o or_o the_o other_o though_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n do_v carry_v in_o it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v no_o authority_n nor_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o take_v care_n for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o if_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v will_v be_v indeed_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o all_o for_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o unless_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v whatever_o argument_n else_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o from_o other_o respect_n and_o consideration_n they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o this_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o government_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o weighty_a argument_n against_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n draw_v from_o the_o ill_a effect_n mean_n &_o end_v of_o it_o yet_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o of_o great_a force_n that_o be_v drawnfrom_o the_o fundamental_a and_o principal_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v unlawful_a namely_o be_v against_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n upon_o this_o principle_n therefore_o i_o have_v always_o be_v persuade_v â—…at_v not_o only_o a_o general_a toleration_n but_o repeal_n the_o law_n be_v â—…orally_o unlawful_a unless_o better_a law_n can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o government_n to_o secure_a religion_n which_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v think_v unless_o such_o law_n have_v also_o a_o penalty_n for_o what_o force_n or_o obligation_n can_v law_n have_v to_o this_o end_n without_o a_o penalty_n i_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n under_o the_o follow_a question_n as_o compendious_o as_o possible_a prove_v the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o duty_n about_o religion_n to_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n only_o from_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n i_o have_v argue_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o a_o general_a toleration_n and_o of_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o nevertheless_o lest_o any_o shall_v hence_o conclude_v that_o a_o humane_a authority_n can_v impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n not_o necessary_a or_o command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a especial_o if_o the_o same_o indifference_n be_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o scandal_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o restrain_v by_o law_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n give_v nor_o any_o assent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n or_o the_o dispense_v power_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n and_o answer_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n allege_v for_o it_o if_o that_o which_o be_v here_o brief_o discourse_v may_v obtain_v its_o design_a end_n to_o set_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o man_n right_a in_o those_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n the_o author_n will_v have_v his_o end_n in_o expose_v the_o same_o to_o public_a view_n which_o be_v first_o compose_v for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n now_o to_o the_o king-eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v viz._n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n ii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o what_o liberty_n in_o religion_n he_o ought_v to_o allow_v iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o give_v their_o actual_a consent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n iv_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o repeal_n these_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o before_o we_o proceed_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n what_o we_o understand_v by_o magistrate_n and_o what_o by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o here_o we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o divers_a form_n of_o lawful_a government_n but_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o our_o own_o form_n of_o government_n be_v either_o best_a in_o itself_o consider_v or_o at_o least_o best_a for_o we_o by_o magistrate_n therefore_o we_o understand_v chief_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o body_n politic_a not_o exclude_v subordinate_a magistrate_n also_o within_o their_o respective_a limit_n by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n we_o understand_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o those_o essential_a matter_n of_o protestant_a faith_n worship_n and_o discipline_n wherein_o it_o be_v true_o such_o now_o that_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v found_v both_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o moral_a law_n and_o also_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n i_o take_v for_o a_o grant_v truth_n and_o will_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o few_o all_o the_o question_n then_o before_o we_o be_v about_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n some_o will_v have_v it_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o respect_v only_o civil_a matter_n and_o moral_a justice_n between_o man_n but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o reveal_v religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v by_o law_n the_o gospel-institution_n but_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o that_o by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 2._o from_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 3._o from_o the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_v of_o magistracy_n 4._o from_o scripture-precept_n and_o precedent_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o so_o the_o author_n of_o magistracy_n in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n viz._n by_o his_o law_n natural_a moral_a and_o positive_a 1._o by_o his_o law_n natural_a implant_v and_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v enable_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v both_o the_o reasonableness_n necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o political_a government_n in_o order_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v the_o good_a of_o society_n 2._o by_o his_o law_n moral_a thus_o the_o five_o commandment_n establisn_v the_o relation_n and_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n between_o political_a father_n and_o subject_n as_o well_o as_o between_o natural_a parent_n and_o their_o child_n 3._o god_n be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o magistracy_n by_o his_o positive_a ordinance_n and_o appointment_n thus_o he_o appoint_v magistrate_n both_o
ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o find_v also_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o magistracy_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o his_o providential_a allowance_n and_o toleration_n but_o by_o his_o special_a assignation_n and_o appointment_n therefore_o say_v to_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 4._o hence_o we_o find_v that_o all_o that_o justice_n which_o the_o magistrate_n execute_v be_v call_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n 19_o 6._o they_o be_v also_o call_v god_n psal_n 82._o 1_o 6._o because_o they_o be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n represent_v his_o presence_n and_o his_o power_n in_o the_o world._n now_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v thus_o delegate_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o magistrate_n and_o so_o signal_o dignify_v and_o authorise_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o some_o special_a service_n they_o be_v to_o do_v for_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o moral_o just_a that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n he_o shall_v employ_v it_o best_o for_o his_o service_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o by_o promote_a and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n second_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n to_o wit_n the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o law_n that_o give_v form_n and_o be_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o government_n hence_o be_v those_o axiom_n lex_fw-la facit_fw-la regem_fw-la rex_fw-la nihil_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la potest_fw-la now_o law_n do_v original_o derive_v all_o their_o force_n from_o religion_n because_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n which_o law_n of_o god_n we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n for_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o bottom_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o moral_a justice_n between_o man_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n strength_n and_o mind_n luk._n 10._o 27._o which_o do_v indeed_o include_v and_o prescribe_v the_o most_o exact_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v now_o this_o divine_a law_n be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o directory_n of_o all_o other_o law_n it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o humane_a law_n by_o which_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o govern_v shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n provide_v for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n and_o all_o humane_a law_n that_o have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o law_n be_v ground_v on_o it_o or_o reducible_a to_o it_o or_o else_o theyare_a but_o tyrannical_a imposition_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o political_a law_n of_o nation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o sacredness_n in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o they_o be_v found_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n &_o their_o agreement_n thereunto_o give_v force_n and_o obligation_n to_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n arise_v from_o the_o good_a end_n they_o tend_v unto_o and_o be_v useful_a for_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o lawful_a authority_n that_o impose_v they_o so_o that_o now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o humane_a law_n whereunto_o they_o ought_v to_o correspond_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n thereof_o respective_o it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o see_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o first_o table-duty_n ought_v also_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o law_n that_o respect_v moral_a justice_n among_o man_n three_o from_o the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_v of_o magistracy_n which_o be_v threefold_a 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god._n 2._o the_o good_a of_o society_n 3._o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n first_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o man_n so_o of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v advance_v god_n then_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o his_o glory_n must_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n now_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n and_o use_v of_o religion_n to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o actual_o adore_v and_o advance_v if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v to_o advance_v and_o set_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o ought_v to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n as_o the_o great_a glory_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o god_n in_o this_o world._n second_o the_o good_a of_o society_n be_v the_o subordinate_a end_n of_o magistracy_n for_o as_o the_o fundamental_a humane_a cause_n of_o government_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o public_a good_a so_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v that_o the_o temporal_a good_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o society_n may_v be_v promote_v and_o preserve_v now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o high_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o magistracy_n than_o this_o as_o we_o have_v already_o and_o shall_v further_o prove_v there_o be_v yet_o nevertheless_o it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o take_v care_n for_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o true_a religion_n do_v best_a of_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n this_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o the_o scripture_n that_o assure_v we_o that_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o but_o also_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o we_o see_v that_o even_o in_o those_o nation_n that_o be_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v legistator_n and_o governor_n among_o they_o always_o with_o their_o law_n mix_v some_o precept_n of_o religion_n and_o opinion_n of_o god_n some_o pretend_v they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o god_n himself_o whereby_o we_o see_v that_o they_o think_v that_o law_n and_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v without_o something_o of_o religion_n which_o though_o their_o religious_a precept_n be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a in_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o thence_o appear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o government_n and_o law_n but_o also_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o government_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v then_o best_a of_o all_o and_o most_o necessary_a that_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o virtue_n from_o whence_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v not_o only_o the_o best_a direction_n for_o but_o the_o strong_a motive_n and_o engagement_n unto_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o charity_n among_o man_n which_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a even_o to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o true_a religion_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a foundation_n of_o all_o political_a government_n and_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n the_o obedience_n of_o subject_n and_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o justice_n and_o charity_n between_o man_n which_o only_o can_v render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n peaceable_a and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o world._n if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n and_o civil_a government_n be_v only_o for_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n yet_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o advance_v and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n because_o it_o chief_o conduce_v and_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o this_o end._n
know_v and_o profess_v not_o only_o to_o provide_v that_o the_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a people_n may_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o prohibit_v and_o suppress_v the_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n heresy_n blasphemy_n and_o suchlike_a as_o be_v so_o repugnant_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v but_o to_o give_v a_o toleration_n of_o these_o and_o of_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v so_o far_o from_o suppress_v it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o allowance_n of_o it_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o set_v it_o up_o second_o it_o may_v be_v further_o prove_v unlawful_a from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n on_o the_o magistracy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v all_o false_a prophet_n teacher_n and_o idolater_n deut._n 13._o 2_o 6_o 10._o three_o from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o do_v so_o and_o be_v approve_v for_o so_o do_v and_o last_o from_o the_o great_a injury_n and_o hurt_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n by_o give_v occasion_n to_o satan_n by_o false_a teacher_n to_o infest_v the_o church_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o a_o watchman_n over_o the_o church_n shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v this_o in_o short_a may_v serve_v sufficient_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o great_a impiety_n of_o such_o a_o toleration_n but_o because_o a_o general_a toleration_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o vehement_o argue_v for_o by_o many_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n plead_v for_o by_o which_o i_o presume_v most_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n examine_v those_o ground_n upon_o which_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n seem_v to_o be_v claim_v and_o plead_v for_o which_o be_v find_v rot_v and_o unsound_a such_o a_o toleration_n will_v then_o further_o appear_v unlawful_a to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o then_o second_o i_o shall_v further_o examine_v what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o of_o divine_a right_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o every_o christian_a first_o concern_v such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o human_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n first_o what_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n there_o be_v upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n second_o whether_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v exempt_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o just_a law_n three_o whether_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n under_o the_o infliction_n of_o a_o penalty_n on_o such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v unjust_a of_o these_o very_o brief_o first_o as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v immediate_o bind_v the_o conscience_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v only_a subject_n to_o god_n and_o under_o his_o authority_n alone_o the_o magistrate_n have_v only_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o outward_a practice_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v all_o lawful_a and_o just_a command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o those_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v but_o the_o enforcement_n of_o god_n own_o command_n and_o institution_n have_v a_o double_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n both_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o immediate_a divine_a authority_n appoint_v they_o as_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n require_v obedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n chief_o in_o such_o thing_n second_o neither_o do_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n exempt_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o just_a law_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n in_o and_o about_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o of_o what_o be_v just_o require_v by_o law_n to_o be_v do_v his_o judgement_n and_o erroneous_a conscience_n therein_o do_v not_o exempt_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o command_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o sin_n in_o act_v against_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o then_o to_o act_v and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o three_o neither_o will_v the_o infliction_n of_o a_o penalty_n be_v unjust_a that_o be_v lay_v on_o a_o person_n for_o do_v or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o grand_a mistake_n about_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o because_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n that_o therefore_o if_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o so_o do_v no_o he_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o else_o as_o he_o sin_n so_o he_o just_o suffer_v from_o authority_n in_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o but_o that_o he_o sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n i_o think_v no_o one_o of_o sense_n will_v deny_v for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v in_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v erroneous_a then_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o commit_v idolatry_n speak_v blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n if_o his_o conscience_n lead_v he_o to_o it_o therefore_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o free_v a_o man_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o it_o then_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o exempt_v a_o man_n from_o the_o just_a obligation_n of_o punishment_n from_o the_o magistrate_n for_o those_o sin_n who_o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o god_n against_o all_o evil_a doer_n and_o the_o magistrate_n do_v offer_v no_o violence_n to_o conscience_n by_o either_o require_v obedience_n or_o exact_v the_o penalty_n for_o disobedience_n to_o just_a and_o righteous_a command_n for_o if_o man_n erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o obey_v it_o be_v no_o force_n upon_o conscience_n for_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o bear_v the_o penalty_n but_o beside_o if_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v due_a to_o every_o man_n as_o shall_v exempt_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o it_o will_v null_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o office_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v those_o be_v correlative_n and_o can_v be_v one_o without_o the_o other_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o such_o humane_a law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v the_o enforcement_n of_o god_n own_o command_n and_o institution_n and_o that_o if_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v not_o exempt_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n nor_o render_v the_o penalty_n inflict_v for_o break_v of_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n about_o religion_n due_a to_o any_o christian_a and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n second_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o wit_n what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o of_o divine_a right_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n for_o though_o we_o have_v assert_v and_o prove_v the_o duty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o promotion_n and_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v by_o law_n entrench_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o right_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o of_o divine_a right_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v every_o christian_n
then_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n even_o when_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n both_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o worship_n for_o this_o they_o be_v moral_o oblige_v to_o do_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o office._n and_o therefore_o christ_n employ_v the_o gospel-minister_n in_o a_o ministerial_a way_n do_v not_o dissolve_v those_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o tho_o magistrate_n by_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o security_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o see_v the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v contiun_v under_o the_o gospel_n we_o need_v no_o new_a testament-precept_n to_o enforce_v his_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o not_o immediate_o by_o any_o gospel-precept_n but_o by_o a_o previous_a obligation_n antecedent_n to_o the_o gospel-ministry_n which_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a inherent_a in_o his_o very_a office_n and_o dignity_n that_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n and_o be_v in_o his_o stead_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v employ_v his_o power_n best_o for_o god_n service_n and_o glory_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o disoblige_v to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v true_a religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n employ_v to_o that_o end_n neither_o be_v it_o disagreeable_a with_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o more_o than_o former_o under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o any_o of_o the_o moral_a obligation_n of_o religion_n but_o chief_o in_o the_o positive_a and_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n which_o be_v now_o fulfil_v by_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o so_o do_v away_o but_o the_o moral_a part_n be_v still_o the_o same_o as_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o few_o positive_a doctrine_n and_o institution_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o include_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o the_o first-table_n commandment_n do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o require_v belief_n of_o they_o and_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o moral_a law_n do_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n for_o it_o require_v belief_n in_o whatsoever_o god_n shall_v reveal_v and_o obedience_n to_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v command_v now_o i_o argue_v thus_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o law_n and_o magistracy_n as_o we_o note_v before_o then_o certain_o the_o magistrate_n be_v keeper_n of_o both_o â—_z of_o the_o law_n or_o else_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o neither_o hence_o it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o gospel_n institution_n thus_o include_v in_o the_o first-table-commands_a be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o magistracy_n as_o well_o as_o those_o duty_n that_o respect_v the_o second-table-commands_a thus_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o employ_v his_o power_n and_o care_n for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o ought_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o promotion_n and_o support_v of_o it_o for_o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v exert_v by_o law_n to_o which_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v a_o sanction_n of_o penalty_n upon_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o magistrate_n have_v only_o a_o mandative_a and_o preceptive_a power_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o power_n to_o inflict_v penalty_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o law_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a in_o that_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o law_n that_o they_o be_v back_v with_o penalty_n not_o only_o to_o further_a obedience_n but_o also_o to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n force_v person_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n this_o he_o can_v do_v because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_n but_o where_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o general_o profess_v he_o may_v both_o require_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o person_n on_o the_o public_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o prohibit_v and_o suppress_v all_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n and_o false_a religion_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o such_o government_n where_o all_o have_v take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n at_o least_o in_o the_o speculative_a and_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v vow_v by_o baptism_n to_o adhere_v to_o that_o religion_n both_o in_o profession_n and_o practice_n also_o where_o some_o have_v take_v on_o they_o the_o ministerial_a function_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o in_o these_o case_n doubtless_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o good_a king_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n require_v and_o cause_n by_o good_a law_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o do_v their_o respective_a duty_n in_o religion_n and_o impose_v penalty_n for_o defection_n or_o neglect_v agreeable_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fault_n and_o for_o grievous_a offence_n against_o religion_n as_o idolatry_n heresy_n blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o apparent_a may_v doubtless_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n after_o the_o example_n of_o god_n own_o law_n and_o that_o the_o infliction_n of_o corporal_a punishment_n for_o great_a offence_n against_o religion_n be_v not_o disagreeable_a with_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n appear_v plain_o by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n act._n 5._o 10._o who_o use_v a_o extraordinary_a authority_n above_o that_o of_o the_o ministry_n do_v wonderful_o put_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n to_o death_n for_o sacril_n dge_n and_o lie_v and_o paul_n strike_v elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n with_o blindness_n for_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n act._n 13._o 11._o which_o miraculous_a way_n of_o punishment_n be_v accommodate_v to_o that_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o want_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o succour_v and_o descend_v it_o who_o be_v then_o so_o far_o from_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o it_o and_o persecuter_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o nevertheless_o those_o example_n prove_v that_o corporal_a punishment_n for_o great_a offence_n against_o religion_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v by_o law_n the_o true_a religion_n and_o so_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o question_n quest_n ii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o what_o liberty_n in_o religion_n he_o ought_v to_o allow_v answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n put_v what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o aâ—d_v prove_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a question_n may_v indeed_o serve_v for_o a_o answer_n likewise_o in_o part_n both_o to_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a question_n which_o will_v be_v easy_o and_o plain_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a hypothesis_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o may_v neither_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n nor_o the_o subject_n consent_v to_o such_o a_o toleration_n or_o to_o the_o repeal_n the_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o urge_v therefore_o first_o from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o give_v such_o a_o toleration_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o willing_o at_o least_o to_o tolerate_v any_o but_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v also_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o expedient_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o suppress_v and_o exterminate_v all_o idolatry_n &_o false_a religion_n and_o though_o as_o we_o note_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v force_v any_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n yet_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n where_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o general_o