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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n good_a great_a reason_n 4,119 5 4.6993 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41450 A serious and compassionate inquiry into the causes of the present neglect and contempt of the Protestant religion and Church of England with several seasonable considerations offer'd to all English Protestants, tending to perswade them to a complyance with and conformity to the religion and government of this church as it is established by the laws of the Kingdom. Goodman, John, 1625 or 6-1690. 1674 (1674) Wing G1120; ESTC R28650 105,843 292

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when_o the_o dort_n opinion_n be_v very_o predominant_a among_o many_o divine_n of_o this_o church_n they_o use_v it_o may_v be_v a_o little_a more_o scholastic_a subtlety_n to_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n with_o these_o article_n but_o never_o condemn_v the_o latter_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o former_a and_o at_o this_o day_n divers_a good_a man_n be_v in_o the_o service_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v in_o their_o private_a judgement_n of_o the_o dort_n persuasion_n and_o yet_o never_o think_v their_o subscription_n to_o these_o article_n do_v any_o violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n or_o judgement_n therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o our_o trouble_n nor_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n a_o second_o pretence_n against_o this_o church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o purge_v from_o the_o dross_n of_o popish_a superstition_n that_o it_o come_v too_o near_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v dangerous_a popery_n be_v a_o odious_a name_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o god_n be_v thank_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o deserve_v no_o less_o but_o as_o constantine_n when_o he_o condemn_v the_o arrian_n and_o decree_v their_o book_n shall_v be_v burn_v appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v porphyrian_o a_o name_n sufficient_o detest_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n so_o those_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o reproach_v the_o church_n know_v no_o more_o effectual_a way_n of_o affix_v a_o ignominy_n upon_o it_o than_o by_o lay_v the_o imputation_n of_o popery_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o if_o the_o charge_n be_v as_o true_a as_o it_o be_v false_a or_o if_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a as_o it_o be_v malicious_a it_o will_v not_o only_o serve_v to_o exasperate_v the_o vulgar_a against_o the_o church_n but_o to_o justify_v their_o secession_n from_o it_o but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o the_o unreasonableness_n or_o the_o uncharitableness_n be_v great_a 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that_o not_o only_o wise_a man_n but_o these_o vulgar_a reformer_n themselves_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o can_v now_o discern_v nothing_o worthy_a so_o fame_v a_o artist_n he_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o right_v himself_o produce_v another_o piece_n of_o the_o same_o beauty_n and_o art_n which_o he_o have_v hitherto_o keep_v up_o by_o he_o and_o have_v escape_v their_o censure_n and_o upbraid_v they_o thus_o hanc_fw-la ego_fw-la feci_fw-la istam_fw-la populus_fw-la this_o latter_a be_v my_o work_n the_o other_o be_v a_o monster_n of_o your_o own_o make_n this_o be_v our_o case_n christian_a religion_n be_v by_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n our_o reformer_n devest_v of_o those_o gaudy_a and_o meretricious_a accoutrement_n the_o romanist_n have_v dress_v she_o up_o in_o and_o habited_z according_a to_o primitive_a simplicity_n but_o this_o will_v not_o please_v every_o body_n every_o sect_n and_o party_n will_v have_v something_o or_o other_o add_v or_o alter_v according_a to_o their_o several_a fancy_n and_o hypothesis_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v so_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o well_o as_o to_o truth_n the_o true_a lineament_n of_o christianity_n will_v quite_o be_v lose_v upon_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o this_o church_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o alteration_n but_o to_o all_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o now_o we_o have_v more_o light_n and_o discover_v blemish_n and_o deformity_n which_o though_o they_o be_v before_o yet_o we_o can_v not_o discern_v when_o ourselves_o come_v out_o of_o the_o dark_a den_n of_o popery_n at_o first_o like_o the_o man_n under_o cure_n of_o his_o blindness_n mark_v 8._o 24._o we_o see_v man_n as_o tree_n walk_v we_o discover_v only_o some_o more_o palpable_a error_n but_o now_o we_o discern_v though_o lesser_a yet_o not_o tolerable_a deformity_n 2._o to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o 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the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o pretence_n of_o resort_v to_o conventicle_n and_o forsake_v the_o church_n now_o if_o this_o be_v as_o true_a as_o it_o be_v horrible_o false_a it_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n perhaps_o fit_a for_o a_o papist_n to_o make_v who_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o divine_a office_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n and_o condition_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v but_o no_o protestant_n without_o contradict_v his_o own_o principle_n can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o justify_v his_o recession_n from_o the_o church_n for_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o divine_a ordinance_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n with_o my_o use_n of_o they_o what_o can_v it_o prejudice_v i_o that_o he_o that_o administer_v be_v a_o evil_a or_o unlearned_a man_n so_o long_o as_o i_o prepare_v myself_o to_o receive_v benefit_n immediate_o from_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o this_o therefore_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o malicious_a stone_n to_o cast_v at_o we_o from_o who_o they_o be_v depart_v but_o no_o argument_n in_o the_o cause_n nor_o excuse_v for_o themselves_o yet_o i_o confess_v nevertheless_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v for_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o call_v hard_a word_n by_o that_o name_n be_v of_o great_a prevalence_n with_o injudicious_a person_n and_o able_a to_o prejudice_v they_o against_o the_o best_a constitution_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n give_v reception_n and_o entertainment_n to_o any_o proposition_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o opinion_n or_o reverence_n they_o have_v for_o the_o person_n that_o recommend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o know_a story_n how_o well_o the_o spartan_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o and_o therefore_o if_o in_o their_o council_n a_o man_n of_o a_o bad_a life_n have_v propound_v
live_n like_o the_o silversmith_n at_o ephesus_n no_o wonder_n if_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o government_n be_v cry_v down_o and_o the_o great_a diana_n be_v cry_v up_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o some_o man_n be_v blind_o lead_v by_o their_o education_n other_o by_o their_o interest_n a_o three_o sort_n by_o their_o reputation_n to_o make_v good_a what_o they_o have_v engage_v themselves_o and_o other_o in_o and_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o form_v a_o great_a party_n against_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o cause_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a of_o the_o distraction_n and_o ill_a estate_n of_o this_o church_n be_v the_o want_n of_o true_a christian_a zeal_n and_o of_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n of_o piety_n in_o defect_n of_o which_o have_v succeed_v that_o wantonness_n curiosity_n novelty_n scrupulosity_n and_o contention_n we_o complain_v of_o what_o be_v it_o make_v the_o primitive_a church_n so_o unanimous_a that_o it_o be_v not_o crumble_v into_o party_n nor_o moulder_a away_o in_o division_n nor_o quarrel_v about_o opinion_n nor_o separate_v one_o part_n from_o another_o upon_o occasion_n of_o little_a scruple_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o introduction_n to_o this_o discourse_n that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v of_o one_o way_n and_o all_o evil_a man_n of_o another_o that_o those_o that_o travail_v to_o the_o same_o city_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n keep_v the_o same_o road_n and_o part_v not_o company_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o different_a apprehension_n for_o man_n part_n be_v no_o more_o alike_o nor_o their_o education_n more_o equal_a in_o those_o time_n than_o now_o there_o be_v then_o several_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o may_v have_v afford_v matter_n of_o scruple_n if_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v so_o dispose_v as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o i_o think_v both_o more_o in_o number_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o exception_n as_o any_o thing_n now_o in_o use_n there_o be_v then_o bow_v towards_o the_o east_n observation_n of_o lent_n and_o other_o day_n distinction_n of_o garment_n and_o innumerable_a other_o observation_n in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o tertullian_n and_o yet_o neither_o any_o scripture_n bring_v to_o prove_v they_o nor_o any_o such_o proof_n think_v necessary_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v observe_v without_o suspicion_n on_o one_o side_n or_o objection_n on_o the_o other_o harum_fw-la &_o aliarum_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la disciplinarum_fw-la si_fw-la legem_fw-la expostules_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la nullam_fw-la inuenies_fw-la sed_fw-la traditio_fw-la praetenditur_fw-la auctrix_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la conservatrix_fw-la &_o fides_fw-la observatrix_fw-la say_v he_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr corona_n militis_fw-la st._n austin_n say_v in_o his_o time_n the_o number_n and_o burden_n of_o ceremony_n be_v grow_v as_o great_a as_o under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o wish_n for_o a_o reformation_n thereof_o 119._o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o januarius_n yet_o never_o think_v these_o thing_n a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n there_o be_v then_o some_o diversity_n of_o expression_n in_o which_o the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o several_a church_n deliver_v themselves_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o dispute_v themselves_o hereupon_o into_o party_n nor_o accuse_v one_o another_o of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o either_o side_n make_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n the_o evidence_n of_o its_o orthodoxy_n or_o the_o trophy_n of_o its_o victory_n the_o true_a reason_n then_o of_o the_o different_a event_n of_o the_o same_o cause_n then_o and_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o in_o those_o day_n man_n be_v sincere_o good_a and_o devout_a and_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o the_o main_a the_o huge_a consequence_n and_o concern_v of_o which_o easy_o prevail_v with_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o overlook_v their_o private_a satisfaction_n they_o be_v intent_n upon_o that_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n consist_v and_o upon_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n depend_v and_o so_o all_o that_o be_v secure_a they_o be_v not_o so_o superstitious_o concern_v for_o ritual_n nor_o so_o unreasonable_o fond_a of_o opinion_n as_o to_o play_v away_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o trifle_n and_o mere_a trick_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n they_o consider_v that_o they_o all_o have_v one_o god_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o they_o all_o agree_v and_o these_o great_a matter_n be_v able_a to_o unite_v they_o in_o lesser_a they_o good_a man_n find_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o mortify_v their_o passion_n to_o their_o burden_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n to_o withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o contagion_n of_o evil_a example_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o leisure_n for_o those_o little_a dispute_n that_o now_o employ_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o vex_v the_o church_n they_o spend_v their_o heat_n and_o zeal_n another_o way_n and_o so_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o easy_o inflammable_a with_o every_o petty_a controversy_n but_o when_o man_n grow_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a about_o great_a thing_n than_o they_o become_v servant_n about_o the_o lesser_a when_o they_o give_v over_o to_o mind_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o heavenly_a conversation_n than_o they_o grow_v great_a disputer_n and_o mighty_o scrupulous_a about_o a_o ceremony_n when_o they_o cease_v to_o study_v their_o own_o heart_n than_o they_o become_v censorious_a of_o other_o man_n then_o they_o have_v both_o the_o leisure_n and_o the_o confidence_n to_o raise_v sarmise_n and_o jealousy_n and_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o their_o superior_n in_o short_a then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o do_v the_o little_a appendage_n of_o religion_n grow_v great_a and_o mighty_a matter_n in_o man_n esteem_n when_o the_o essential_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n be_v become_v little_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v too_o evident_a to_o require_v further_a proof_n and_o too_o lamentable_a a_o subject_n for_o any_o good_a christian_a to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o dilate_v upon_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o in_o this_o point_n lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n part_n ii_o wherein_o several_a serious_a consideration_n be_v propound_v tend_v to_o persuade_v all_o english_a protestant_n to_o comply_v with_o and_o conform_v to_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n chap._n 1._o a_o reflection_n upon_o divers_a way_n or_o method_n for_o the_o prevention_n and_o cure_n of_o church-division_n have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o faithful_o recite_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o discontent_n with_o and_o secession_n from_o this_o church_n it_o will_v now_o ill_o beseem_v christian_n charity_n to_o rest_n here_o for_o god_n know_v neither_o the_o evil_n nor_o the_o cause_n afford_v any_o pleasant_a speculation_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a state_n of_o thing_n at_o rome_n which_o the_o historian_n report_v in_o these_o word_n nec_fw-la morbos_fw-la nec_fw-la remedia_fw-la pati_fw-la possumus_fw-la that_o they_o be_v come_v to_o so_o ill_a a_o pass_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o endure_v their_o distemper_n nor_o admit_v of_o the_o remedy_n but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o though_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o affair_n be_v bad_a enough_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o deplorable_a as_o to_o discourage_v all_o endeavour_n of_o a_o cure_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n i_o take_v the_o courage_n to_o propound_v the_o follow_a consideration_n wherein_o if_o i_o be_v deceive_v and_o miss_v of_o my_o aim_n i_o shall_v notwithstanding_o have_v that_o of_o quintilian_n to_o comfort_v myself_o withal_o prohabilis_fw-la est_fw-la cupiditas_fw-la honestorum_fw-la &_o vel_fw-la tutioris_fw-la est_fw-la audaciae_fw-la tentare_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la est_fw-la paratior_fw-la venia_fw-la it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o single_a unhappiness_n of_o this_o church_n alone_o to_o be_v molest_v with_o dispute_n load_v with_o objection_n and_o dishonour_v by_o separation_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v hope_v that_o where_o the_o business_n be_v religion_n and_o the_o concern_v eternal_a life_n that_o man_n shall_v incurious_o swallow_v every_o thing_n without_o move_v any_o question_n or_o stir_v any_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o all_o church_n must_v of_o necessity_n more_o or_o less_o have_v conflict_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n we_o complain_v of_o and_o consequent_o the_o disease_n be_v so_o common_a it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o many_o and_o divers_a remedy_n have_v be_v try_v and_o make_v use_n of_o and_o out_o of_o that_o store_n we_o will_v in_o this_o chapter_n make_v election_n of_o such_o as_o seem_v best_a to_o fit_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o patient_n and_o
mankind_n by_o make_v the_o sinister_a intention_n of_o man_n cooperate_v towards_o they_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o unnatural_a cruelty_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n towards_o he_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o jacob_n send_v joseph_n into_o egypt_n as_o a_o harbinger_n and_o nurse_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o in_o a_o famine_n and_o in_o respect_n hereof_o joseph_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o they_o but_o god_n send_v he_o thither_o the_o cruelty_n of_o pharaoh_n who_o seek_v by_o severity_n to_o break_v and_o wear_v out_o the_o israelite_n harden_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o all_o the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v afterward_o to_o encounter_v the_o obstinacy_n and_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentile_n 4._o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n make_v way_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n into_o all_o other_o country_n instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v innumerable_a or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o be_v it_o very_o unsafe_a for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n lest_o they_o provoke_v we_o to_o say_v what_o can_v be_v either_o deny_v or_o justify_v that_o the_o barbarous_a tyrant_n and_o usurper_n phocas_n bring_v in_o the_o universal_a pastorship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o most_o bloody_a and_o rapacious_a prince_n have_v ordinary_o be_v the_o great_a patron_n and_o indower_n of_o their_o church_n think_v it_o seem_v to_o hallow_v their_o own_o villainy_n and_o legitimate_a their_o unjust_a acquisition_n by_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o the_o english_a reformation_n be_v the_o most_o complete_a and_o perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n as_o retain_v the_o most_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o sound_a confession_n of_o faith_n found_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o general_n council_n the_o most_o primitive_a church-government_n and_o a_o liturgy_n the_o best_a accommodate_v to_o reconcile_v and_o unite_v man_n devotion_n such_o a_o liturgy_n as_o mr._n fox_n the_o author_n of_o the_o martyrologie_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o certain_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n in_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o contentment_n holy_a man_n take_v in_o it_o in_o king_n edward_n the_o sixths_n day_n their_o zeal_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o long_v for_o the_o restitution_n of_o it_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n and_o the_o universal_a triumph_n and_o acclamation_n at_o the_o restore_n of_o it_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n and_o admirable_a it_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o happy_a this_o church_n and_o nation_n then_o be_v in_o what_o glory_n and_o majesty_n the_o prince_n reign_v in_o what_o peace_n and_o concord_n the_o subject_n live_v but_o especial_o it_o be_v remarkable_a how_o devout_a and_o pious_a a_o age_n that_o be_v as_o be_v scarce_o perhaps_o to_o be_v parallel_v since_o the_o time_n that_o christianity_n flourish_v under_o constantine_n the_o great_a what_o reverence_n be_v then_o yield_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n what_o devotion_n to_o the_o public_a worship_n how_o general_a a_o acquiescence_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o it_o which_o the_o great_a it_o be_v the_o more_o just_a be_v our_o wonder_n and_o the_o more_o reasonable_a our_o inquiry_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o among_o devout_a and_o honest-minded_n englishman_n such_o a_o zeal_n shall_v terminate_v in_o so_o cold_a a_o indifferency_n as_o may_v now_o be_v observe_v or_o rather_o that_o such_o a_o bless_a harmony_n shall_v degenerate_v into_o so_o much_o discord_n as_o be_v now_o too_o discernible_a among_o we_o we_o read_v ezra_n 3._o that_o when_o the_o second_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v the_o young_a man_n rejoice_v at_o the_o revive_a glory_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o religion_n but_o the_o old_a man_n that_o have_v behold_v the_o far_o great_a splendour_n and_o more_o stately_a majesty_n of_o the_o former_a temple_n build_v by_o solomon_n they_o weep_v as_o contemplate_v how_o far_o this_o come_v short_a of_o that_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v whether_o the_o shout_n of_o the_o young_a man_n or_o the_o lamentation_n of_o the_o elder_a be_v the_o more_o loud_a and_o true_o when_o we_o consider_v in_o how_o low_o a_o condition_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v some_o few_o year_n since_o till_o it_o have_v a_o happy_a resurrection_n with_o the_o return_n of_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n will_v see_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v and_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o be_v in_o no_o worse_a condition_n than_o we_o be_v but_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o our_o reformation_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o affair_n will_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o lament_v the_o difference_n for_o in_o those_o day_n so_o venerable_a be_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n that_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n be_v as_o dreadful_a as_o to_o be_v thunder-smitten_a that_o sentence_n be_v like_o proscription_n among_o the_o roman_n which_o they_o count_v a_o civil_a death_n and_o dread_v as_o much_o as_o a_o natural_a but_o now_o it_o be_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o ambition_n with_o some_o and_o a_o piece_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o good_a as_o letter_n testimonial_a or_o recommendatory_a to_o other_o assembly_n there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o then_o that_o do_v not_o constant_o frequent_v the_o church_n now_o the_o church_n be_v become_v the_o conventicle_n in_o many_o place_n and_o the_o conventicle_n the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o fullness_n and_o frequency_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o unfrequentedness_n and_o destitution_n of_o the_o other_o aristonicus_n come_v to_o a_o certain_a city_n in_o greece_n where_o he_o observe_v many_o temple_n but_o few_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v he_o he_o therefore_o instead_o of_o the_o usual_a phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hear_v o_o you_o stonewall_n less_o hard_a than_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o application_n be_v too_o easy_a in_o our_o case_n in_o that_o time_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a prayer_n be_v count_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n now_o they_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o without_o a_o sermon_n but_o in_o danger_n to_o desecrate_v the_o sermon_n too_o by_o their_o conjunction_n the_o bible_n be_v scarce_o canonical_a if_o it_o have_v the_o prayer_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o cover_n and_o so_o extreme_o offensive_a be_v they_o grow_v to_o some_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o total_o neglect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o never_o receive_v the_o communion_n while_o they_o live_v than_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o common_a prayer_n heretofore_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n scruple_v in_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o those_o be_v very_o few_o that_o make_v use_v of_o any_o such_o pretence_n or_o scruple_n but_o now_o it_o be_v become_v the_o great_a point_n of_o sanctity_n to_o scruple_n every_o thing_n calv._n there_o be_v one_o indeed_o and_o he_o a_o great_a man_n that_o say_v there_o be_v tolerabiles_fw-la ineptiae_fw-la in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o most_o favourable_a return_n he_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o he_o have_v his_o tolerabiles_fw-la morositate_v now_o the_o title_n of_o ineptiae_fw-la be_v count_v too_o mild_a a_o expression_n whatever_o suit_v not_o the_o present_a humour_n be_v either_o jewish_a popish_a or_o superstitious_a this_o change_n be_v sad_o lamentable_a that_o good_a law_n shall_v be_v thus_o trample_v upon_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o despise_v and_o the_o best_a mind_a people_n thus_o abuse_v now_o my_o business_n be_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inquire_v from_o what_o cause_n this_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v part_n i._n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n and_o origin_n of_o the_o separation_n from_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o english_a reform_a church_n chap._n i._n wherein_o be_v represent_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v pretend_v but_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o distraction_n and_o dissatisfaction_n viz._n 1._o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n 2._o the_o too_o near_a approach_n of_o this_o church_n to_o the_o roman_a 3._o the_o scandalousness_n of_o the_o clergy_n all_o which_o be_v disprove_v we_o have_v a_o proverbial_a say_n among_o we_o that_o every_o one_o that_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a be_v either_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o physician_n but_o without_o a_o proverb_n to_o justify_v the_o undertake_n there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o at_o
excellent_a counsel_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o but_o suborn_v some_o other_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o among_o other_o reason_n lest_o the_o ill_a opinion_n that_o be_v general_o conceive_v of_o the_o person_n shall_v derogate_v from_o the_o weight_n and_o value_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n therefore_o the_o more_o extreme_o to_o blame_v be_v those_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v yet_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o undermine_v the_o success_n of_o it_o by_o sow_a suspicion_n and_o in_o raise_v scandal_n against_o they_o that_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o the_o great_a constantine_n that_o when_o at_o the_o nicene_n council_n the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n have_v exhibit_v to_o he_o a_o great_a bundle_n of_o libel_n one_o against_o another_o he_o burn_v they_o all_o together_o before_o their_o face_n as_o think_v they_o fit_a for_o the_o fire_n than_o the_o light_n and_o protest_v he_o have_v so_o great_a a_o zeal_n for_o the_o reputation_n of_o churchman_n and_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o concern_n and_o consequence_n of_o their_o good_a same_n and_o reputation_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v see_v one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o most_o scandalous_a commission_n he_o will_v cover_v such_o a_o man_n shame_n with_o his_o own_o purple_a but_o as_o i_o doubt_v in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v little_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o charity_n of_o constantine_n so_o thank_v be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o it_o in_o this_o case_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o convince_v this_o suggestion_n against_o the_o churchman_n of_o as_o much_o falsehood_n as_o the_o former_a against_o the_o church_n of_o frivolousness_n for_o though_o there_o want_v not_o those_o in_o these_o day_n that_o be_v so_o quick-sighted_a as_o to_o discover_v spot_n in_o the_o sun_n itself_o though_o i_o say_v there_o be_v both_o those_o that_o have_v great_a skill_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o uncharitableness_n such_o as_o can_v insinuate_v little_a whisper_n and_o jealousy_n first_o and_o then_o foment_n and_o hatch_v they_o up_o to_o a_o story_n and_o then_o aggravate_v the_o fact_n and_o last_o make_v the_o folly_n of_o some_o one_o man_n be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o also_o those_o atheistical_a person_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o extenuate_a their_o own_o villainy_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o render_v the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o reprove_v they_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o that_o purpose_n be_v become_v great_a proficient_o of_o late_a in_o a_o scurrilous_a kind_n of_o drollery_n whereby_o they_o can_v sublimate_v their_o own_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n into_o a_o kind_n of_o vapour_n a_o mere_a frolic_a and_o gentile_a humour_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n aggravate_v the_o mere_a humane_a infirmity_n of_o grave_a man_n into_o great_a deformity_n yet_o all_o their_o combine_a wit_n and_o malice_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o affix_v any_o scandal_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o the_o present_a english_a clergy_n 1._o for_o their_o learning_n and_o ability_n if_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o present_a age_n be_v not_o better_o than_o that_o of_o former_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o homily_n be_v in_o no_o great_a reputation_n and_o shall_v expect_v to_o see_v the_o people_n desire_v their_o pastor_n to_o read_v they_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o their_o own_o composition_n if_o the_o sermon_n of_o foreign_a divine_n be_v better_o than_o those_o of_o the_o english_a what_o be_v then_o the_o reason_n that_o all_o protestant_n abroad_o admire_v the_o english_a way_n of_o preach_v insomuch_o that_o some_o foreign_a congregation_n as_o i_o be_o credible_o inform_v defray_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o travail_n of_o their_o pastor_n into_o england_n as_o well_o as_o dispense_v with_o their_o absence_n that_o they_o may_v return_v to_o they_o instruct_v in_o the_o method_n of_o english_a preach_v whether_o the_o preach_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o we_o he_o that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o travail_v into_o those_o part_n may_v yet_o indifferent_o well_o resolve_v himself_o if_o he_o take_v but_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v a_o book_n write_v by_o erasmus_n of_o the_o art_n of_o preach_v which_o whosoever_o have_v do_v or_o shall_v do_v i_o very_o persuade_v myself_o he_o shall_v quick_o be_v able_a to_o reckon_v up_o more_o folly_n and_o ridiculous_a passage_n than_o all_o those_o gather_v together_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o inquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n last_o he_o that_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n or_o have_v the_o curiosity_n to_o compare_v the_o preach_n general_o in_o our_o church_n with_o those_o ordinary_o in_o the_o conventicle_n will_v either_o find_v they_o very_o unequal_o match_v or_o else_o if_o he_o have_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v himself_o intolerable_o prejudicate_v for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o shall_v find_v sound_a theology_n strength_n of_o argument_n gravity_n of_o expression_n and_o distinctiness_n of_o method_n on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a than_o puerile_a and_o flat_a ofttimes_o rude_a and_o sometime_o blasphemous_a expression_n similitude_n instead_o of_o argument_n and_o either_o apish_a gesture_n or_o tragical_a vociferation_n instead_o of_o eloquence_n beside_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v in_o great_a measure_n take_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o ability_n of_o a_o preacher_n or_o writer_n by_o the_o very_a subject_n he_o choose_v to_o discourse_v on_o and_o not_o only_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v impartial_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o little_a trouble_n may_v easy_o observe_v the_o sermon_n and_o tractate_v of_o the_o nonconformist_n general_o to_o be_v either_o about_o predestination_n which_o beside_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o among_o the_o people_n for_o mistake_n nothing_o but_o unskilfulness_n can_v make_v any_o man_n confident_a enough_o to_o undertake_v the_o unfolding_n of_o or_o about_o union_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o themselves_o confess_v to_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o they_o help_v to_o make_v it_o so_o or_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o christ_n person_n which_o be_v seldom_o handle_v with_o any_o better_a effect_n than_o the_o stir_n up_o some_o sensual_a passion_n or_o other_o in_o the_o fond_a auditor_n as_o i_o have_v see_v verify_v by_o experience_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v charge_v all_o the_o nonconformist_n with_o such_o indecency_n as_o these_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_v it_o be_v such_o kind_n of_o discourse_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v that_o be_v the_o most_o take_v and_o ravish_v among_o they_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o shall_v hear_v discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o religion_n deduce_v thence_o of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o argument_n of_o contentment_n reverence_n and_o submission_n infer_v therefrom_o of_o the_o eternal_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o virtue_n as_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n lay_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n of_o charity_n of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n all_o which_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a and_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n if_o we_o now_o compare_v the_o write_n of_o both_o party_n the_o difference_n will_v yet_o be_v more_o legible_a although_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o old_a by_o a_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n that_o general_o the_o able_a of_o man_n have_v not_o be_v most_o give_v to_o write_v of_o book_n as_o be_v loath_a to_o make_v themselves_o theme_n for_o fool_n to_o comment_n upon_o but_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v most_o dispose_v and_o usual_o have_v best_a success_n that_o way_n who_o genius_n be_v more_o adequate_a to_o vulgar_a capacity_n yet_o let_v any_o man_n of_o competent_a judgement_n lie_v passion_n and_o prejudice_n aside_o and_o say_v if_o the_o write_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o this_o church_n both_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n and_o most_o other_o part_n of_o learning_n have_v not_o match_v any_o other_o profession_n any_o other_o church_n but_o extreme_o overmatcht_v their_o opponent_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o name_v man_n and_o write_n but_o i_o conceive_v it_o needless_a in_o so_o clear_a a_o case_n 2._o but_o then_o for_o the_o life_n of_o churchman_n though_o i_o will_v not_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o retaliate_v the_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o
separation_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o sin_n as_o schism_n at_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o probable_o ever_o will_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o require_v nothing_o of_o those_o in_o her_o communion_n but_o thing_n strict_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v show_v partly_o in_o the_o introduction_n and_o can_v easy_o make_v appear_v at_o large_a through_o all_o age_n and_o then_o may_v the_o author_n of_o the_o tract_n about_o schism_n secure_o as_o he_o do_v somewhat_o too_o light_o call_v it_o only_o a_o theological_a scarecrow_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a to_o any_o consider_a person_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o administration_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a absolute_o consider_v and_o of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v two_o instance_n the_o first_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n be_v by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n adjudge_v and_o declare_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o gentile_n in_o order_n to_o a_o accommodation_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o hereafter_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v scarce_o any_o body_n think_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o abstinence_n so_o enjoin_v necessary_a in_o itself_o the_o second_o instance_n shall_v be_v church-government_n whatever_o dispute_v there_o be_v about_o the_o several_a form_n of_o it_o as_o whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v monarchical_a or_o aristocratical_a episcopal_n or_o consistorial_n and_o whatever_o zeal_n for_o opinion_n may_v transport_v man_n to_o say_v in_o favour_n of_o either_o of_o they_o yet_o i_o suppose_v few_o or_o none_o will_v affirm_v that_o either_o of_o these_o form_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o if_o one_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n the_o other_o must_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o then_o also_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o absolute_o necessary_a form_n can_v be_v no_o church_n for_o that_o society_n which_o be_v defective_a in_o absolute_o necessary_n can_v be_v no_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o determine_v and_o define_v this_o unnecessary_a point_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n that_o it_o be_v define_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o mean_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a in_o this_o particular_a church_n as_o perhaps_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o in_o the_o general_a it_o be_v manifest_a there_o can_v be_v no_o superior_a nor_o inferior_a no_o governor_n nor_o govern_v no_o order_n and_o consequent_o a_o mere_a rout_n and_o no_o church_n therefore_o some_o thing_n not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o not_o only_o may_v but_o must_v be_v define_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o a_o church_n nor_o excuse_v from_o schism_n if_o we_o separate_v from_o that_o communion_n because_o such_o definition_n be_v make_v in_o it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v scruple_v or_o object_v against_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v without_o sin_n be_v sacrifice_v to_o peace_n and_o therefore_o can_v excuse_v we_o from_o sin_n in_o separate_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o account_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o those_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quarrel_n to_o aggravate_v and_o heighten_v the_o cause_n of_o discontent_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o ensue_a mischief_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o frowardness_n of_o their_o temper_n but_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o provocation_n and_o passion_n be_v such_o a_o magnifying-glass_n as_o be_v able_a to_o extend_v a_o molehill_n to_o a_o mountain_n the_o way_n of_o peace_n therefore_o be_v to_o take_v just_a measure_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v not_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o dispute_n less_o than_o they_o be_v so_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o both_o truth_n and_o peace_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o great_a wherefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o set_v aside_o passion_n and_o calm_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o just_a value_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o in_o this_o church_n be_v divide_v upon_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v so_o far_o from_o see_v reason_n to_o perpetuate_v our_o distance_n and_o animosity_n that_o we_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_a be_v seize_v with_o wonder_n and_o indignation_n that_o we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v those_o thing_n for_o great_a deformity_n which_o upon_o mature_a consideration_n be_v real_o nothing_o worse_o than_o mole_n which_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o most_o beautiful_a face_n to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n represent_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o guilt_n and_o mischief_n attend_v it_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o temptation_n to_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o littleness_n and_o small_a importance_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o this_o church_n and_o that_o neither_o any_o of_o they_o single_a nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v countervail_v the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n or_o the_o evil_n of_o division_n in_o order_n hereto_o i_o will_v first_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o dissension_n among_o we_o be_v not_o like_o those_o upon_o which_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o roman_a communion_n 2._o that_o something_o must_v be_v give_v for_o peace_n by_o they_o that_o will_v have_v it_o 3._o that_o all_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o this_o church_n be_v not_o too_o great_a a_o price_n to_o pay_v for_o it_o 1._o touch_v the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n for_o secession_n from_o this_o church_n now_o as_o there_o be_v from_o the_o roman_a in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ancestor_n but_o with_o no_o more_o reason_n than_o if_o the_o argument_n and_o discourse_n write_v against_o a_o notorious_a tyrant_n and_o usurper_n shall_v be_v turn_v against_o a_o good_a and_o lawful_a prince_n as_o will_v easy_o be_v manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o just_a state_n of_o the_o case_n on_o either_o hand_n we_o can_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n upon_o any_o better_a condition_n than_o nahash_n propound_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabesh_n gilead_n 1_o sam._n 11._o to_o put_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o her_o blind_a devotion_n we_o must_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n have_v deny_v the_o faith_n renounce_v our_o reason_n and_o contradict_v our_o very_a sense_n that_o church_n instead_o of_o instruct_v man_n in_o knowledge_n profess_v to_o nurse_v they_o up_o in_o ignorance_n in_o lieu_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o give_v they_o tradition_n and_o instead_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o prescribe_v those_o thing_n that_o have_v their_o beginning_n from_o private_a interest_n and_o secular_a advantage_n they_o make_v seven_o secrament_n five_o more_o than_o christ_n ever_o intend_v for_o such_o and_o take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n the_o half_a of_o one_o of_o those_o he_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n instead_o of_o god_n and_o to_o use_v a_o language_n in_o their_o devotion_n which_o he_o that_o pronounce_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o the_o saint_n he_o pray_v to_o do_v his_o needs_o and_o request_n nay_o they_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n and_o must_v swallow_v idolatry_n in_o spite_n of_o their_o tooth_n herein_o little_o better_a than_o the_o egyptian_n who_o worship_v that_o for_o a_o god_n which_o they_o put_v into_o their_o belly_n they_o have_v take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o have_v art_n of_o evacuate_a allthe_n rest_n for_o they_o elude_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o true_a and_o serious_a repentance_n and_o subvert_v the_o principle_n of_o holy_a life_n in_o short_a they_o have_v bring_v in_o pageantry_n instead_o of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n efface_v the_o true_a lineament_n of_o christianity_n and_o instead_o thereof_o recommend_v and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o dictate_v of_o ambition_n the_o artifices_fw-la of_o gain_n and_o a_o colluvy_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o superstition_n error_n and_o corruption_n of_o former_a age_n and_o this_o must_v be_v receive_v and_o swallow_v by_o all_o those_o that_o will_v continue_v in_o that_o communion_n these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v submit_v to_o without_o grievous_a sin_n and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o damnation_n therefore_o
it_o be_v i_o have_v read_v of_o a_o vulgar_a person_n who_o first_o have_v hear_v himself_o resemble_v to_o the_o prince_n for_o stature_n and_o complexion_n and_o afterward_o heighten_v up_o into_o the_o conceit_n by_o the_o flattery_n of_o some_o and_o art_n of_o other_o that_o have_v end_n to_o serve_v by_o he_o come_v at_o last_o to_o conceit_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n indeed_o and_o give_v sufficient_a trouble_n to_o the_o king_n in_o possession_n man_n have_v speak_v so_o magnificent_o of_o conscience_n that_o divers_a have_v grow_v into_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v some_o ghost_n or_o spirit_n and_o little_a thought_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o inconsiderable_a self_n it_o be_v call_v a_o tutelar_a genius_n a_o familiar_a a_o domestic_a deity_n a_o god_n within_o man_n and_o at_o least_o god_n vicegerent_n enthrone_v in_o our_o bosom_n now_o under_o these_o disguise_n man_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n themselves_o and_o like_o the_o pagan_n have_v give_v divine_a honour_n to_o their_o own_o passion_n but_o the_o least_o that_o can_v follow_v from_o such_o premise_n be_v that_o the_o magistrate_n must_v strike_v sail_n to_o this_o admire_a numen_fw-la hence_o probable_o quakerism_n take_v its_o rise_n the_o man_n of_o which_o way_n be_v general_o a_o stubborn_a and_o incurable_a generation_n bring_v scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o any_o authority_n against_o they_o they_o slight_a all_o and_o only_o appeal_v to_o the_o light_n within_o they_o that_o mighty_a deity_n that_o internal_a christ_n their_o conscience_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o mischievous_a principle_n arise_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o under_o a_o good_a intention_n that_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o conscience_n especial_o if_o providence_n also_o smile_v upon_o our_o undertake_n and_o encourage_v we_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n of_o what_o quality_n soever_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o reformer_n and_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o nay_o so_o far_o have_v some_o be_v bewilder_v by_o these_o cloudy_a and_o misty_a description_n that_o whatsoever_o humour_n have_v be_v predominant_a in_o their_o body_n whatever_o passion_n of_o their_o mind_n whatever_o prejudice_n of_o education_n or_o interest_n or_o profit_n all_o this_o have_v past_a for_o conscience_n and_o under_o that_o name_n be_v uncontrollable_a but_o now_o if_o such_o man_n will_v consider_v and_o love_v plain_a english_a and_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v conscience_n be_v neither_o god_n nor_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v bear_v all_o that_o weight_n be_v thus_o lay_v upon_o it_o but_o be_v plain_o this_o and_o no_o more_o namely_o it_o be_v a_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o understanding_n under_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o his_o own_o action_n and_o duty_n when_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o moral_o than_o this_o notice_n be_v call_v understanding_n only_o or_o mind_n or_o opinion_n or_o science_n or_o some_o such_o name_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n moral_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o such_o a_o rule_n of_o action_n or_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n than_o we_o call_v this_o notice_n or_o reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n conscience_n now_o when_o we_o speak_v thus_o plain_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a legendary_a conceit_n vanish_v for_o scarce_o any_o man_n that_o say_v his_o conscience_n be_v incontrollable_a will_v say_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o reason_n be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n of_o his_o action_n but_o will_v confess_v he_o may_v as_o a_o man_n err_v and_o be_v mistake_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o a_o guide_n or_o some_o law_n or_o light_n to_o direct_v he_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o with_o metaphor_n with_o word_n and_o phrase_n some_o man_n perhaps_o will_v say_v that_o allow_v conscience_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o even_o so_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o humane_a law_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n can_v force_v i_o to_o think_v otherwise_o than_o i_o do_v nor_o compel_v i_o to_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n in_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o my_o mind_n my_o mind_n therefore_o or_o conscience_n be_v only_o obnoxious_a to_o god_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v easy_a that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o neither_o man_n can_v know_v my_o thought_n nor_o put_v any_o constraint_n upon_o the_o free_a act_n of_o my_o mind_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o since_o my_o mind_n be_v not_o infallible_a i_o may_v and_o must_v needs_o have_v something_o to_o guide_v my_o mind_n in_o its_o judgement_n and_o determination_n and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o we_o call_v law_n and_o though_o this_o can_v force_v i_o to_o follow_v its_o direction_n yet_o it_o moral_o oblige_v i_o that_o be_v it_o will_v be_v my_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o in_o short_a the_o most_o that_o mind_n or_o conscience_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n yet_o be_v it_o but_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o law_n and_o they_o must_v guide_v it_o as_o that_o guide_v the_o man_n or_o otherwise_o its_o petty_a sovereignty_n that_o it_o pretend_v to_o will_v not_o secure_v it_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o we_o be_v notwithstanding_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n or_o conscience_n before_o any_o law_n or_o command_n of_o any_o humane_a authority_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o happen_v to_o interfere_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a in_o thing_n notorious_o and_o plain_o evil_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o because_o my_o mind_n or_o conscience_n supersede_v the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o because_o some_o high_a law_n of_o god_n or_o reason_n by_o which_o my_o conscience_n be_v guide_v have_v in_o that_o case_n make_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o if_o my_o conscience_n have_v not_o the_o direction_n and_o warranty_n of_o such_o superior_a law_n the_o mere_a opinion_n of_o my_o mind_n or_o conscience_n will_v afford_v i_o no_o security_n for_o where_o those_o be_v silent_a there_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o then_o to_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v that_o be_v to_o affront_v the_o public_a tribunal_n with_o a_o private_a consistory_n and_o to_o set_v my_o own_o opinion_n against_o god_n institution_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o if_o after_o all_o my_o consideration_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o public_a law_n i_o can_v satisfy_v myself_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v i_o must_v then_o govern_v myself_o by_o my_o conscience_n and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n i_o reply_v that_o if_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v not_o as_o plain_a and_o visible_a as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o obey_v authority_n be_v my_o opinion_n or_o conscience_n will_v be_v no_o excuse_n to_o i_o because_o i_o forsake_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o follow_v a_o uncertain_a but_o if_o after_o all_o endeavour_n of_o satisfy_v myself_o to_o obey_v the_o humane_a law_n yet_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n however_o innocent_a it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o plain_o unlawful_a as_o obedience_n be_v plain_o a_o duty_n i_o say_v this_o case_n be_v pittyable_a and_o will_v make_v some_o abatement_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n but_o do_v not_o total_o excuse_v it_o much_o less_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o the_o law_n it_o can_v make_v the_o law_n null_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o its_o own_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o authority_n enact_v it_o and_o not_o upon_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n nor_o can_v it_o total_o excuse_v from_o sin_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n according_a to_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o case_n be_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o man_n unhappy_a circumstance_n his_o disobedience_n will_v then_o be_v only_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o be_v pittyable_a among_o man_n upon_o consideration_n of_o common_a humanity_n and_o be_v pardonable_a with_o god_n as_o other_o error_n be_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n 2._o now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v and_o how_o that_o will_v alter_v