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
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 in_o this_o suggestion_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v be_v little_a or_o no_o alteration_n make_v in_o either_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n or_o liturgy_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o if_o either_o of_o they_o incline_v too_o much_o that_o way_n they_o do_v so_o from_o the_o beginning_n now_o that_o which_o i_o inquire_v into_o be_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o late_a revolt_n and_o separation_n from_o this_o church_n or_o what_o shall_v make_v that_o discernible_a change_n in_o man_n affection_n towards_o it_o from_o what_o be_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o he_o that_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v popish_o constitute_v at_o first_o gives_z indeed_o a_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v true_a why_o this_o reformation_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v entertain_v at_o first_o but_o do_v not_o assign_v a_o cause_n why_o those_o shall_v depart_v from_o it_o now_o that_o have_v embrace_v it_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n former_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v speak_v home_o to_o this_o case_n must_v show_v that_o this_o church_n have_v lose_v its_o first_o love_n and_o have_v warp_a towards_o the_o old_a corruption_n from_o which_o it_o be_v once_o purge_v but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o the_o change_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v mere_o in_o compliance_n with_o and_o condescension_n to_o those_o that_o object_n this_o against_o it_o and_o a_o man_n will_v reasonable_o expect_v they_o will_v easy_o pardon_v such_o innovation_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o main_a quarrel_n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o reform_v but_o keep_v to_o the_o old_a matron-like_a dress_n the_o queen_n elizabeth_n fashion_n if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v comply_v with_o the_o curiosity_n of_o this_o wanton_a age_n our_o religion_n will_v quick_o have_v the_o fortune_n of_o apelles_n picture_n according_a to_o the_o know_a story_n he_o to_o deride_v the_o conceit_a folly_n of_o the_o age_n expose_v to_o public_a view_n a_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o work_n and_o as_o it_o usual_o happen_v that_o every_o body_n pretend_v to_o skill_n in_o reform_v by_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o proverb_n that_o say_v facile_fw-la est_fw-la inventu_fw-la addere_fw-la scarce_o any_o person_n that_o pass_v by_o but_o spend_v their_o verdict_n upon_o the_o picture_n all_o commend_v it_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o to_o give_v some_o special_a instance_n of_o their_o skill_n every_o one_o find_v some_o fault_n or_o other_o one_o will_v have_v have_v more_o shadow_n another_o less_o one_o commend_v the_o eye_n but_o blame_v a_o lip_n etc._n etc._n the_o subtle_a artist_n observe_v all_o and_o still_o as_o any_o passenger_n have_v shoot_v his_o bolt_n alter_v the_o picture_n according_o the_o result_n be_v that_o at_o last_o by_o so_o many_o reformation_n it_o become_v so_o deform_v and_o monstrous_a a_o piece_n 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 be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v popery_n that_o be_v hold_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o it_o can_v be_v our_o duty_n as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o to_o depart_v further_o from_o she_o than_o she_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o forsake_v christianity_n itself_o in_o detestation_n of_o popery_n to_o reform_v be_v not_o sure_o to_o cast_v away_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o use_n before_o unless_o barbarism_n be_v the_o only_a through_o reformation_n the_o historian_n observe_v of_o those_o that_o spoil_v province_n and_o ransack_v kingdom_n ubi_fw-la solitudinem_fw-la fecere_fw-la pacem_fw-la appellant_n when_o they_o have_v convert_v a_o flourish_a country_n into_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n they_o call_v this_o a_o profound_a peace_n but_o sure_a to_o reform_v be_v not_o to_o destroy_v and_o lay_v waste_n but_o to_o amend_v unless_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o she_o hold_v or_o practice_n any_o thing_n false_a or_o sinful_a it_o will_v little_o avail_v they_o that_o object_n against_o she_o and_o as_o little_o be_v any_o blemish_n to_o her_o constitution_n that_o in_o some_o thing_n she_o concur_v with_o the_o roman_a nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o say_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n mere_o because_o there_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o else_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v church_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o else_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o as_o be_v receive_v general_o by_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o the_o roman_a
a_o great_a hand_n in_o this_o mischief_n also_o that_o not_o only_o the_o prodigious_a faith_n but_o the_o monstrous_a life_n of_o some_o great_a pretender_n to_o religion_n have_v make_v man_n scorn_v and_o abhor_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o when_o not_o only_a man_n ridiculous_a folly_n but_o also_o their_o vice_n their_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o rancour_n shall_v be_v father_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o we_o know_v when_o and_o where_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v when_o man_n shall_v seek_v god_n for_o all_o the_o villainy_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o commit_v when_o they_o make_v long_a prayer_n to_o devour_v widow_n house_n and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a that_o they_o may_v kill_v and_o take_v possession_n when_o religion_n shall_v be_v prostitute_v to_o all_o bad_a design_n and_o in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la incipit_fw-la omne_fw-la malum_fw-la when_o i_o say_v the_o most_o specious_a profession_n be_v a_o cloak_n for_o the_o vile_a knavery_n it_o can_v be_v much_o wonder_v if_o such_o man_n as_o i_o describe_v before_o be_v incline_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o any_o of_o the_o discourse_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o observe_v whether_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v upon_o the_o hemisphere_n he_o will_v direct_v his_o eye_n to_o the_o top_n of_o mountain_n expect_v to_o see_v he_o display_v his_o beam_n first_o upon_o they_o that_o be_v near_a heaven_n so_o a_o man_n will_v think_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o divinity_n among_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o those_o that_o have_v always_o god_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o such_o a_o garb_n of_o religion_n upon_o they_o but_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o disappoint_v here_o and_o that_o these_o man_n that_o pretend_v so_o high_a have_v as_o great_a sensuality_n passion_n covetousness_n malice_n as_o other_o man_n he_o will_v despair_v of_o find_v it_o any_o where_o and_o conclude_v with_o brutus_n o_o virtus_fw-la quaesivi_fw-la te_fw-la ut_fw-la rem_fw-la sed_fw-la tantùm_fw-la merum_fw-la nomen_fw-la es_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o 3._o to_o the_o aforesaid_a cause_n we_o may_v well_o add_v the_o perpetual_a jangle_n and_o dispute_n between_o professor_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o only_o make_v religion_n unlovely_a but_o even_o call_v it_o whole_o into_o question_n when_o so_o many_o shall_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n and_o state_n as_o heaven_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v but_o every_o one_o tell_v we_o a_o several_a way_n thither_o witty_a man_n who_o know_v that_o all_o can_v be_v true_a but_o all_o may_v be_v false_a think_v it_o not_o comport_v with_o their_o discretion_n to_o take_v the_o pain_n of_o the_o journey_n till_o the_o guide_n shall_v be_v agree_v of_o the_o way_n the_o disagreement_n of_o the_o two_o rank_a elder_n in_o their_o testimony_n against_o susannah_n chastity_n while_o one_o say_v the_o fault_n be_v do_v under_o one_o kind_n of_o tree_n and_o the_o other_o under_o another_o discover_v her_o innocency_n and_o their_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o may_v and_o must_v be_v diversity_n of_o apprehension_n in_o several_a point_n of_o christianity_n while_o man_n be_v of_o different_a capacity_n and_o this_o need_v not_o nor_o if_o thing_n be_v modest_o carry_v will_v give_v any_o just_a advantage_n to_o the_o atheist_n but_o when_o every_o private_a opinion_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o man_n pronounce_v damnation_n against_o one_o another_o upon_o every_o little_a diversity_n when_o they_o make_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v opinion_n and_o as_o many_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o there_o be_v notion_n among_o man_n it_o can_v be_v hope_v but_o that_o the_o cold_a sceptic_a shall_v be_v encourage_v in_o his_o neutrality_n 4._o but_o if_o to_o all_o these_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o rancour_n and_o malice_n the_o several_a party_n prosecute_v one_o another_o what_o odious_a and_o defamatory_n libel_n and_o bitter_a invective_n they_o write_v one_o against_o another_o wherein_o all_o the_o secret_a folly_n of_o each_o party_n be_v blaze_v and_o publish_v all_o the_o error_n aggravate_v all_o the_o opinion_n rack_v to_o confess_v blasphemy_n in_o their_o owner_n and_o defender_n one_o party_n say_v to_o make_v god_n a_o tyrant_n the_o other_o to_o deny_v his_o wisdom_n or_o sovereignty_n the_o one_o side_n accuse_v of_o idolatry_n the_o other_o of_o rebellion_n he_o i_o say_v that_o consider_v how_o usual_a all_o this_o be_v and_o how_o ready_a all_o those_o that_o have_v no_o good_a mind_n to_o religion_n be_v to_o catch_v up_o the_o dart_n that_o each_o of_o the_o party_n cast_v at_o each_o other_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o against_o both_o and_o with_o what_o seem_a reason_n they_o conclude_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n against_o each_o other_o and_o their_o mutual_a impeachment_n of_o each_o other_o shall_v argue_v the_o guilt_n of_o both_o and_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o defamatory_n sermon_n and_o libel_n that_o man_n write_v in_o heat_n and_o passion_n against_o each_o other_o wherein_o they_o charge_v folly_n blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n upon_o each_o other_o reciprocal_o at_o last_o rebound_n or_o be_v retort_v upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v altogether_o to_o seek_v of_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o atheism_n of_o this_o age._n but_o whether_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o great_a appearance_n which_o atheism_n make_v in_o this_o age_n above_o the_o proportion_n of_o other_o time_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v other_o of_o a_o more_o latent_fw-la and_o malignant_a influence_n i_o shall_v not_o further_o inquire_v at_o present_a since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a and_o that_o be_v so_o the_o danger_n to_o religion_n can_v be_v obscure_a we_o have_v reason_n therefore_o better_a to_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o lay_v aside_o our_o animosity_n for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o unite_v our_o force_n in_o a_o uniform_a order_n of_o religion_n against_o this_o common_a enemy_n lest_o the_o gravity_n and_o piety_n of_o this_o nation_n end_n in_o buffonery_n and_o our_o best_a heat_n and_o spirit_n be_v spend_v upon_o one_o another_o or_o against_o our_o governor_n the_o mortal_a symptom_n of_o a_o cold_a clammy_a stupid_a atheism_n succeed_v 2._o popery_n be_v another_o hannibal_n ad_fw-la portas_fw-la a_o enemy_n that_o watch_v but_o till_o our_o division_n shall_v open_v the_o gate_n to_o he_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o exaggerate_v the_o formidableness_n of_o popery_n to_o those_o that_o remember_v either_o eighteen_o thousand_o soul_n dispatch_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o common_a hangman_n in_o about_o three_o year_n time_n in_o the_o low_a country_n under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o alva_n or_o the_o french_a massacre_n or_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n or_o the_o gunpowder_n treason_n there_o be_v a_o clause_n in_o our_o litany_n in_o henry_n the_o eighth_n and_o edward_n the_o sixths_n time_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o detestable_a enormity_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o and_o upon_o what_o reason_n soever_o it_o be_v since_o leave_v out_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o because_o either_o their_o error_n be_v less_o enormous_a or_o their_o spirit_n less_o cruel_a but_o god_n forbid_v that_o because_o they_o at_o present_a hide_v their_o tooth_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o bite_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o good_a nature_a as_o to_o warm_v this_o snake_n in_o our_o bosom_n that_o now_o pretend_v to_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o will_n to_o hurt_v we_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v quick_o find_v it_o to_o resume_v its_o malice_n and_o poison_v together_o with_o its_o warmth_n and_o strength_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o apprehend_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o its_o return_n in_o this_o nation_n i_o pray_v god_n his_o foresight_n be_v as_o great_a as_o his_o courage_n but_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o follow_a circumstance_n will_v think_v it_o adviseable_a not_o to_o be_v over_o secure_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o with_o this_o party_n as_o with_o any_o other_o sect_n whatsoever_o these_o have_v a_o foreign_a head_n and_o great_a interest_n abroad_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o the_o popish_a prince_n to_o unite_v to_o direct_v to_o animate_v and_o employ_v they_o which_o must_v needs_o render_v they_o very_o dangerous_a to_o any_o state_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o middle_a counsel_n that_o be_v that_o do_v not_o either_o effectual_o please_v they_o or_o effectual_o disable_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o turkish_a sultan_n who_o have_v scarce_o any_o
a_o enquiry_n into_o y_o e_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n hic_fw-la verus_fw-la est_fw-la cultus_fw-la in_fw-la quo_fw-la mens_fw-la colentis_fw-la seipsam_fw-la deo_fw-la immaculatam_fw-la victimam_fw-la sistit_fw-la lact._n a_o serious_a and_o compassionate_a inquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o church_n of_o england_n with_o several_a seasonable_a consideration_n offer_v to_o all_o english_a protestant_n tend_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o conformity_n 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 the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n tertual_a scorpiac_n adv_fw-la gnostic_n non_fw-fr in_o occasione_n frustrandi_fw-la martyrii_fw-la jubet_fw-la te_fw-la apostolus_fw-la scil_n subjici_fw-la magistratibus_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o provocatione_n bene_fw-la vivendi_fw-la sine_fw-la ira_fw-la &_o study_v quorum_fw-la causas_fw-la procul_fw-la habeo_fw-la tacit._n ann._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o robert_n white_a for_o richard_n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o amen-corner_n mdclxxiv_o instead_o of_o a_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v i_o humble_o submit_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o my_o superior_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o whatsoever_o sect_n or_o denomination_n hope_v the_o former_a will_v pardon_v the_o defect_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o latter_a may_v by_o god_n blessing_n reap_v some_o benefit_n by_o it_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n wherein_o the_o ancient_a estate_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o present_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o the_o change_v lament_v part_n i._o 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 pag._n 1._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o observe_v cause_n of_o the_o infelicity_n of_o this_o church_n such_o as_o 1._o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n mary_n and_o return_v of_o popery_n under_o she_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o reformation_n 2._o the_o bad_a provision_n for_o minister_n in_o corporation_n etc._n etc._n 3._o frequent_a war_n 4._o the_o liberty_n in_o religion_n that_o trade_n seem_v to_o require_v 5._o the_o secret_a design_n of_o atheist_n and_o papist_n p._n 30._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o more_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n such_o as_o 1._o rashness_n of_o popular_a judgement_n 2._o judaisme_n 3._o prejudice_n 4._o want_v of_o true_a christian_a zeal_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n p._n 56._o 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 i._n 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 p._n 85._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n the_o sin_n and_o mischievous_a consequent_n of_o it_o p._n 105._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 p._n 121._o chap._n iu._n the_o those_o that_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o or_o agree_v upon_o a_o better_a p._n 140._o chap._n v._o that_o god_n lay_v very_o little_a stress_n upon_o circumstantial_o in_o religion_n p._n 151._o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v such_o external_o of_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o dispute_n and_o what_o deportment_n be_v due_a from_o christian_n towards_o he_o p._n 159._o chap._n vii_o wherein_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o discharge_v we_o from_o obedience_n to_o law_n p._n 175._o chap._n viii_o of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n what_o it_o be_v and_o its_o privilege_n p._n 190._o chap._n ix_o the_o great_a dishonour_n that_o disobedience_n to_o law_n and_o magistrate_n and_o the_o distraction_n of_o government_n do_v to_o any_o profession_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o p._n 212._o chap._n x._o the_o danger_n by_o our_o distraction_n and_o division_n p._n 223._o the_o conclusion_n p._n 240._o the_o introduction_n wherein_o the_o ancient_a estate_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o present_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o the_o change_v lament_v whosoever_o serious_o consider_v the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o withal_o observe_v with_o how_o just_a veneration_n it_o be_v receive_v with_o what_o ardour_n embrace_v with_o what_o courage_n and_o constancy_n maintain_v and_o practise_v then_o when_o all_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n seek_v to_o suppress_v it_o when_o the_o wit_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o when_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v the_o plain_a way_n to_o ruin_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o whatsoever_o use_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o shall_v compare_v herewith_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christendom_n now_o since_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v cease_v and_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v become_v the_o profession_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o beside_o all_o other_o either_o argument_n of_o its_o truth_n or_o inducement_n to_o embrace_v it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o successive_a suffrage_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o the_o concurrent_a vote_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n he_o i_o say_v that_o shall_v take_v the_o little_a pain_n to_o make_v this_o comparison_n can_v choose_v but_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o contrary_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o linacer_n aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v or_o man_n be_v not_o what_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o beside_o the_o palpable_a contradiction_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n now_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v such_o as_o will_v make_v a_o indifferent_a man_n suspect_v that_o they_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o contain_v absolute_a impossibility_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n since_o so_o few_o take_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o life_n or_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o action_n thence_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v observe_v how_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o several_a age_n after_o our_o saviour_n be_v report_v to_o have_v live_v and_o how_o far_o short_a the_o latter_a age_n fall_v of_o those_o example_n will_v be_v tempt_v either_o to_o pronounce_v the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n mere_a romance_n or_o the_o man_n of_o these_o time_n to_o be_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o what_o they_o call_v themselves_o such_o a_o general_a declension_n there_o have_v be_v that_o the_o complaint_n of_o tully_n concern_v the_o philosopher_n of_o his_o time_n may_v just_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o we_o that_o they_o make_v disciplinam_fw-la svam_fw-la ostentationem_fw-la scientiae_fw-la non_fw-la legem_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la non_fw-la obtemperant_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsis_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la peccant_a cujus_fw-la profitentur_fw-la scientiam_fw-la that_o whereas_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o no_o other_o meridian_n design_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o better_n and_o improve_n the_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v pervert_v rather_o to_o a_o apology_n for_o our_o looseness_n than_o apply_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o our_o disorder_n i_o can_v please_v myself_o with_o so_o odious_a a_o
party_n have_v go_v for_o holiness_n of_o life_n man_n have_v be_v busy_a in_o make_v new_a creed_n and_o have_v forget_v to_o practice_v the_o old_a one_o and_o since_o the_o empire_n have_v be_v divide_v into_o east_n and_o west_n church_n have_v be_v at_o defiance_n and_o as_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o as_o those_o point_n be_v in_o short_a the_o once_o famous_a greek_a church_n be_v now_o overrun_v with_o so_o squalid_a a_o barbarism_n that_o little_a but_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n be_v leave_v among_o they_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n 8._o who_o faith_n be_v famous_a and_o speak_v of_o through_o all_o the_o world_n be_v now_o as_o infamous_a for_o usurpation_n superstition_n and_o cruelty_n and_o so_o deform_v with_o pagan_a rite_n and_o mundane_a policy_n that_o christianity_n be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o she_o what_o shall_v we_o take_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o general_a defection_n be_v it_o only_o novelty_n and_o not_o its_o intrinsic_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n that_o commend_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o long_o it_o last_v the_o less_o it_o signify_v or_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n effete_n like_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o gentile_a oracle_n as_o plutarch_n discourse_v that_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n have_v now_o so_o little_a influence_n upon_o man_n temper_n and_o life_n or_o be_v it_o true_a that_o be_v say_v of_o old_a religio_fw-la peperit_fw-la divitias_fw-la &_o filia_fw-la devoravit_fw-la matrem_fw-la since_o church_n have_v be_v endow_v man_n have_v espouse_v only_o the_o fortune_n and_o not_o the_o faith_n or_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n that_o of_o old_a christianity_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n in_o their_o life_n whereas_o now_o it_o be_v only_o a_o barren_a notion_n in_o man_n head_n and_o be_v productive_a of_o nothing_o but_o leaf_n of_o opinion_n and_o profession_n then_o it_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o meditation_n of_o their_o knee_n in_o devotion_n of_o their_o hand_n in_o distribution_n and_o beneficence_n now_o it_o be_v become_v the_o entertainment_n of_o man_n ear_n in_o hear_v novelty_n of_o their_o tongue_n and_o lip_n in_o censure_v and_o dispute_v but_o whatever_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o religion_n general_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n and_o i_o doubt_v if_o we_o come_v near_a home_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v thing_n much_o better_o this_o island_n of_o britain_n have_v the_o glory_n not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n but_o a_o far_o great_a that_o under_o lucius_n it_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n first_o of_o any_o great_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n britannorum_fw-la loca_fw-la romanis_n inaccessa_fw-la christo_fw-la verò_fw-la subdita_fw-la say_v tertullian_n the_o cross_n make_v a_o more_o effectual_a as_o well_o as_o a_o more_o happy_a conquest_n here_o than_o all_o the_o roman_a power_n can_v do_v and_o this_o northern_a climate_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o early_o enlighten_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n but_o have_v life_n and_o warmth_n proportionable_o a_o evidence_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o we_o find_v british_a bishop_n at_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n which_o be_v hold_v before_o the_o nicene_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n britian_n be_v count_v one_o of_o the_o six_o diocese_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n and_o for_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o british_a christian_n the_o martyrdom_n of_o st._n alban_n amphilochius_n and_o other_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a instance_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o low_a time_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o island_n have_v not_o be_v more_o famous_a for_o martial_a prowess_n against_o their_o enemy_n hospitality_n to_o stranger_n and_o good_a nature_n towards_o all_o mankind_n which_o three_o thing_n have_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v be_v still_o their_o peculiar_a glory_n than_o for_o sincere_a piety_n and_o devotion_n polydore_v virgil_n a_o italian_a and_o erasmus_n a_o dutchman_n both_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o competent_a witness_n do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v more_o true_a devotion_n and_o sincerity_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n than_o in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o what_o be_v say_v of_o sparta_n that_o ibi_fw-la senes_fw-la sunt_fw-la maximè_fw-la senes_fw-la may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o here_o christian_n be_v so_o the_o most_o hearty_o and_o true_o of_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n the_o universal_a pastor_n as_o he_o will_v be_v call_v i_o mean_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n observe_v the_o sheep_n of_o england_n to_o bear_v such_o good_a fleece_n and_o so_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o shearer_n that_o he_o keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o this_o flock_n and_o his_o vigilancy_n be_v reward_v with_o the_o golden_a fleece_n he_o and_o his_o emissary_n find_v such_o large_a heart_n and_o devout_a mind_n here_o that_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a concern_n for_o our_o go_v astray_o since_o and_o their_o earnest_n and_o unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o reduce_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o fold_n yet_o what_o by_o be_v often_o shear_v than_o feed_v and_o then_o not_o with_o the_o best_a pasture_n neither_o what_o by_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o other_o but_o especial_o of_o their_o guide_n and_o what_o by_o length_n of_o time_n corruption_n overspread_v this_o church_n too_o but_o then_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o body_n of_o a_o strong_a and_o vivacious_a constitution_n when_o they_o chance_v by_o ill_a diet_n or_o other_o accident_n to_o be_v stuff_v with_o crudity_n and_o bad_a humour_n they_o critical_o evacuate_v they_o by_o mere_a strength_n of_o nature_n so_o this_o church_n give_v certain_a proof_n that_o it_o have_v sana_fw-la principia_fw-la and_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o christianity_n that_o one_o of_o the_o first_o in_o christendom_n it_o return_v to_o itself_o and_o a_o just_a temperament_n by_o a_o reformation_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n which_o the_o romanist_n for_o their_o own_o end_n so_o much_o detest_v and_o some_o other_o unreasonable_o slight_a be_v as_o much_o the_o emulation_n of_o other_o nation_n as_o glorious_a in_o itself_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o most_o orderly_a and_o best_a become_v christianity_n it_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o with_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n as_o most_o change_n be_v but_o by_o law_n and_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o noise_n of_o axe_n and_o hammer_n in_o this_o building_n but_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o fabric_n fall_v in_o together_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o harmony_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o most_o moderate_a and_o temperate_a as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o deliberation_n and_o reason_n not_o of_o blind_a passion_n or_o a_o humour_n of_o innovation_n our_o reformer_n do_v not_o purge_v out_o the_o good_a because_o former_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v as_o the_o humour_n of_o some_o man_n be_v to_o do_v but_o vindicate_v what_o be_v useful_a from_o the_o abuse_n they_o neither_o countenance_v what_o be_v evil_a by_o the_o good_a be_v to_o be_v find_v nor_o reject_v the_o good_a for_o the_o casual_a adherence_n of_o evil_n they_o do_v not_o abolish_v a_o venerable_a order_n or_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o some_o that_o have_v bear_v it_o but_o take_v care_n to_o put_v better_a man_n in_o the_o room_n of_o such_o they_o be_v not_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o arrive_v at_o primitive_a purity_n unless_o it_o be_v reduce_v to_o primitive_a poverty_n nor_o because_o they_o find_v some_o ceremony_n then_o use_v that_o be_v superstitious_a and_o dangerous_a and_o think_v too_o many_o be_v but_o densome_a therefore_o conclude_v all_o decency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v popish_a and_o in_o short_a they_o do_v not_o depart_v far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o reformation_n than_o she_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o herself_o by_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n by_o all_o which_o they_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o change_n they_o make_v be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o humour_n and_o faction_n but_o necessity_n and_o public_a good_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n reproach_n we_o with_o the_o sinister_a end_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o several_a of_o those_o that_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o this_o great_a affair_n but_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o bring_v about_o his_o own_o design_n and_o accomplish_v the_o great_a benefit_n to_o
the_o church_n by_o rip_v up_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n for_o beside_o that_o i_o have_v not_o so_o lean_v christ_n i_o have_v observe_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n that_o such_o uncharitable_a recrimination_n have_v not_o only_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o the_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n of_o the_o age_n but_o afford_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o all_o evil_a man_n to_o behold_v divine_n come_v upon_o the_o stage_n like_o gladiator_n and_o wound_v and_o murder_v one_o another_o reputation_n to_o which_o add_v that_o i_o very_o hope_v the_o life_n of_o the_o generality_n at_o least_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n be_v so_o unblameable_a and_o commendable_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v not_o the_o soil_n of_o other_o man_n deformity_n to_o set_v they_o off_o or_o recommend_v they_o yet_o i_o will_v say_v these_o two_o two_o thing_n further_o in_o the_o case_n 1._o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o malcontent_a with_o the_o government_n and_o forsake_v the_o church_n resort_n to_o private_a assembly_n or_o if_o be_v a_o clergyman_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n he_o shall_v debauch_v his_o office_n and_o undermine_v the_o church_n which_o he_o shall_v uphold_v such_o a_o man_n may_v then_o debauch_v his_o life_n too_o and_o yet_o have_v a_o very_a charitable_a construction_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o singular_a sanctity_n and_o the_o most_o holy_a conversation_n but_o withal_o zealous_a of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o own_o duty_n in_o it_o this_o man_n shall_v have_v worse_a quarter_n and_o be_v more_o malign_v by_o the_o fiery_a zealot_n of_o other_o party_n than_o one_o that_o be_v both_o of_o a_o more_o loose_a life_n and_o mean_a ability_n whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o clergyman_n if_o it_o be_v true_a be_v but_o a_o pretext_n not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o quarrel_n with_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o impertinent_a and_o fantastical_a talk_n of_o religion_n be_v religion_n if_o endless_a scrupulosity_n and_o strain_n at_o gnat_n if_o censoriousness_n and_o rash_a judge_v our_o better_n and_o superior_n if_o melancholy_a sigh_v and_o complain_v be_v true_a christianity_n if_o go_v from_o sermon_n to_o sermon_n without_o allow_v ourselves_o time_n to_o mediate_v on_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o leisure_n to_o instruct_v our_o family_n if_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o true_a godliness_n than_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o general_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v but_o if_o a_o reverend_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n of_o keep_v all_o his_o express_a law_n if_o justice_n mercy_n contentment_n humility_n patience_n peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o governor_n be_v the_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o a_o good_a life_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n either_o from_o our_o saviour_n the_o apostle_n or_o prophet_n then_o i_o do_v not_o despair_v but_o the_o churchman_n may_v be_v good_a christian_n and_o of_o far_o more_o holy_a life_n than_o their_o accuser_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o contempt_n cast_v upon_o they_o for_o upon_o this_o issue_n i_o dare_v challenge_v malice_n itself_o to_o be_v able_a to_o fasten_v any_o brand_n of_o bad_a life_n upon_o the_o generality_n or_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o know_v this_o age_n be_v not_o without_o some_o of_o the_o brood_n of_o cham_n who_o will_v take_v the_o impudence_n to_o uncover_v their_o father_n nakedness_n and_o expose_v those_o deformity_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o out_o of_o charity_n or_o reverence_n but_o wisdom_n also_o to_o conceal_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n make_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o solicit_v with_o the_o same_o temptation_n with_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v altogether_o without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n yet_o i_o do_v real_o believe_v those_o be_v extreme_a few_o of_o that_o number_n that_o just_o deserve_v any_o scandalous_a character_n and_o also_o very_o inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o he_o that_o shall_v for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o a_o few_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o the_o clergy_n in_o general_n shall_v do_v as_o unrighteous_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v take_v a_o downright_a honest_a man_n and_o omit_v his_o many_o and_o great_a virtue_n and_o innumerable_a good_a action_n only_o rake_v up_o and_o represent_v in_o a_o odious_a catalogue_n all_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o error_n of_o his_o life_n by_o the_o which_o artifice_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n much_o more_o the_o best_a society_n of_o man_n may_v be_v render_v odious_a enough_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o the_o healthfull_a body_n be_v not_o without_o some_o humour_n which_o if_o they_o be_v all_o draw_v together_o into_o some_o one_o part_n or_o member_n will_v make_v a_o ill_a and_o dangerous_a spectacle_n but_o while_o they_o lie_v disperse_v in_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o blood_n where_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a predominancy_n of_o the_o good_a or_o else_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o their_o private_a cell_n glandulae_fw-la or_o other_o receptacle_n till_o they_o shall_v be_v critical_o evacuate_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n little_a or_o nothing_o endanger_v or_o deform_v such_o a_o body_n i_o need_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o be_v there_o but_o either_o so_o much_o charity_n and_o humanity_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o man_n and_o christian_n or_o so_o much_o unprejudicacy_n as_o become_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n use_v in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v instead_o of_o reproach_v the_o fail_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o a_o few_o hearty_o thank_v god_n for_o that_o remarkable_a holiness_n humility_n and_o charity_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o warm_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o so_o many_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o this_o church_n in_o this_o cold_a and_o degenerate_a age._n and_o for_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v think_v of_o that_o say_n of_o tacitus_n vitia_n erunt_fw-la donec_fw-la homines_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la haec_fw-la continua_fw-la &_o meliorum_fw-la interventu_fw-la pensantur_fw-la chap._n ii_o of_o the_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o observe_v cause_n of_o the_o infelicity_n of_o this_o church_n such_o as_o 1._o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n mary_n and_o return_v of_o popery_n under_o she_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o reformation_n 2._o the_o bad_a provision_n for_o minister_n in_o corporation_n etc._n etc._n 3._o frequent_a war_n 4._o the_o liberty_n in_o religion_n that_o trade_n seem_v to_o require_v 5._o the_o secret_a design_n of_o atheist_n and_o papist_n hitherto_o i_o have_v only_o note_v and_o refute_v the_o scandal_n and_o contumely_n cast_v upon_o this_o church_n which_o how_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a soever_o they_o be_v yet_o do_v not_o a_o little_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v whisper_v in_o corner_n and_o insinuate_v in_o conventicle_n i_o may_v have_v reckon_v up_o some_o more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o easy_o have_v disprove_v they_o but_o they_o be_v either_o reducible_a to_o those_o we_o have_v touch_v or_o will_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o due_a time_n i_o now_o proceed_v from_o those_o imaginary_a to_o inquire_v into_o and_o consider_v of_o the_o true_a and_o real_a cause_n of_o the_o present_a disaffection_n to_o the_o english_a reformation_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o several_a kind_n but_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o curious_o to_o distinguish_v they_o into_o exact_a class_n content_v myself_o faithful_o to_o relate_v they_o and_o represent_v their_o peculiar_a malignant_a influence_n and_o in_o this_o chapter_n i_o will_v bring_v into_o view_v these_o five_o follow_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o misfortune_n and_o be_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v and_o swaddle_v in_o its_o infancy_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o wise_a man_n that_o it_o great_o contribute_v to_o the_o duration_n and_o longevity_n of_o any_o society_n to_o have_v a_o good_a time_n of_o peace_n in_o its_o minority_n and_o not_o to_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o difficulty_n and_o trial_n till_o its_o limb_n and_o joint_n be_v settle_v and_o confirm_v that_o be_v till_o the_o people_n be_v competent_o enure_v to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o constitution_n by_o time_n digest_v into_o custom_n and_o make_v natural_a to_o they_o the_o state_n of_o sparta_n remain_v entire_a without_o any_o considerable_a change_n in_o its_o constitution_n or_o law_n the_o long_a of_o any_o society_n we_o have_v read_v of_o and_o lycurgus_n the_o lawgiver_n and_o founder_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n be_v think_v to_o
those_o of_o other_o city_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o have_v recourse_n to_o such_o a_o violent_a remedy_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v both_o admit_v of_o and_o direct_v and_o govern_v commerce_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o english_a reformation_n in_o particular_a be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o hope_v they_o may_v rather_o gain_v than_o lose_v proselyte_n by_o be_v confront_v with_o any_o other_o institution_n and_o allure_v considerate_a man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o they_o while_o some_o light_a and_o incogitant_fw-la person_n may_v be_v betray_v by_o their_o curiosity_n all_o the_o use_v therefore_o that_o i_o make_v of_o this_o observation_n concern_v trade_n be_v that_o since_o there_o be_v some_o danger_n to_o religion_n thereby_o all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o make_v a_o god_n of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v gain_n for_o godliness_n will_v think_v these_o three_o thing_n follow_v to_o be_v reasonable_a 1._o that_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o same_o mean_n will_v not_o preserve_v uniformity_n in_o religion_n nor_o conserve_v the_o reverence_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n vast_o addict_v to_o foreign_a commerce_n as_o will_v do_v where_o the_o more_o simple_a way_n of_o agriculture_n be_v attend_v to_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o spartan_n and_o this_o nation_n former_o that_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v such_o law_n provide_v and_o such_o care_n take_v as_o that_o the_o one_o be_v not_o discourage_v nor_o the_o other_o corrupt_v 2._o that_o every_o man_n will_v not_o only_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v himself_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o own_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n towards_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o this_o church_n as_o to_o think_v they_o both_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o honest_a as_o in_o other_o place_n that_o by_o both_o these_o his_o reason_n may_v be_v instruct_v and_o his_o affection_n somewhat_o compose_v against_o every_o assault_n of_o novelty_n from_o other_o man_n opinion_n or_o practice_n 3._o that_o at_o least_o we_o will_v not_o think_v it_o just_a to_o impute_v all_o the_o distraction_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o quarrel_n against_o the_o church_n to_o the_o badness_n of_o its_o constitution_n since_o this_o point_n of_o trade_n have_v such_o influence_n as_o we_o see_v both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o it_o 5._o it_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o both_o papist_n and_o atheist_n though_o upon_o several_a ground_n combine_v their_o malice_n against_o this_o church_n and_o use_v all_o their_o several_a interest_n and_o endeavour_n to_o render_v it_o as_o contemptible_a as_o they_o can_v for_o the_o former_a manet_fw-la altâ_fw-la ment_fw-la repôstum_fw-la judicium_fw-la paridis_n spretaeque_fw-la injuria_fw-la formae_fw-la we_o know_v they_o remember_v the_o slur_n we_o give_v then_o in_o our_o reformation_n they_o be_v well_o aware_a that_o the_o decent_a order_n the_o dignity_n and_o ancient_a gravity_n of_o this_o church_n reprove_v and_o shame_v the_o pageantry_n of_o they_o they_o forget_v not_o how_o often_o the_o eminent_a ability_n of_o our_o churchman_n have_v baffle_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v upon_o as_o immortal_a enemy_n they_o know_v nothing_o stand_v so_o much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o design_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o law_n the_o support_n of_o reason_n the_o favour_n of_o antiquity_n the_o recommendation_n of_o decency_n they_o therefore_o can_v easy_o frame_v themselves_o to_o a_o complaisance_n towards_o all_o other_o sect_n because_o they_o despise_v they_o but_o here_o oderunt_fw-la dum_fw-la metuunt_fw-la their_o fear_n and_o danger_n by_o this_o provoke_v their_o endeavour_n inflame_v their_o anger_n and_o suffer_v they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o dissemble_v their_o spite_n against_o it_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v how_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o quaker_n and_o other_o name_n they_o have_v undermine_v its_o reputation_n and_o give_v it_o what_o disturbance_n they_o can_v how_o by_o their_o insinuation_n into_o some_o loose_a oâ—_n weak_a person_n they_o seek_v to_o weaken_v be_v power_n and_o draw_v off_o her_o number_n how_o they_o have_v furnish_v other_o with_o argument_n to_o impugn_v it_o and_o subay_v all_o unquiet_a spirit_n against_o she_o they_o that_o scruple_n nothing_o themselves_o nor_o will_v suffer_v any_o to_o scruple_n any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o communion_n can_v teach_v people_n to_o be_v very_o nice_a and_o squeamish_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o that_o be_v altogether_o for_o a_o blind_a obedience_n at_o home_n preach_v up_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n abroad_o and_o when_o a_o implicit_a faith_n will_v do_v well_o enough_o in_o spain_n or_o italy_n etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o england_n nothing_o must_v content_v man_n but_o infallible_a certainty_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o circumstantial_a and_o inconsiderable_a matter_n then_o for_o the_o atheist_n they_o conscious_a of_o the_o odiousness_n of_o their_o pretence_n though_o of_o late_o arrive_v at_o great_a impudence_n than_o former_o think_v it_o not_o safe_a to_o laugh_v at_o all_o religion_n at_o once_o though_o they_o equal_o abhor_v all_o therefore_o lest_o they_o shall_v engage_v too_o many_o enemy_n at_o once_o they_o deal_v by_o retail_n and_o expose_v to_o scorn_v the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n one_o after_o another_o but_o to_o be_v sure_a the_o better_a any_o persuasion_n be_v the_o more_o industrious_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o depress_v it_o as_o know_v well_o if_o they_o can_v bring_v that_o into_o contempt_n they_o may_v be_v secure_a of_o the_o other_o which_o must_v one_o time_n or_o other_o fall_n of_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o unsoundness_n of_o their_o foundation_n beside_o it_o seem_v something_o below_o they_o to_o set_v their_o wit_n against_o a_o fanatic_a they_o must_v have_v high_a game_n and_o their_o jest_n go_v off_o more_o piquant_o when_o they_o gratify_v the_o popular_a envy_n by_o be_v level_v against_o that_o which_o have_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o reputation_n and_o the_o countenance_n of_o public_a law_n these_o blind_a beetle_n that_o rise_v out_o of_o filth_n and_o excrement_n and_o now_o buzz_v about_o the_o world_n hope_v not_o only_o to_o cover_v their_o shame_n but_o to_o increase_v their_o party_n daily_o by_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o inflame_v the_o cause_n to_o provoke_v man_n passion_n and_o exasperate_v their_o mind_n one_o against_o another_o they_o scurilous_o traduce_v all_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o study_v religion_n only_o to_o find_v out_o flaw_n in_o it_o and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v by_o manly_a discourse_n they_o endeavour_v by_o buffonery_n in_o short_a it_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o dress_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o fantastical_a and_o ridiculous_a habit_n that_o boy_n may_v laugh_v at_o it_o and_o weak_a people_n bring_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o it_o and_o their_o worship_n make_v merry_a with_o the_o comedy_n now_o since_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v beset_v with_o all_o these_o enemy_n and_o under_o the_o aforesaid_a disadvantage_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o felicity_n and_o success_n of_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a disturb_v it_o be_v note_v among_o the_o felicity_n of_o old_a rome_n as_o that_o which_o give_v it_o the_o opportunity_n of_o grow_v up_o to_o so_o vast_a a_o greatness_n that_o till_o it_o have_v by_o degree_n subdue_v all_o its_o neighbour_n and_o be_v now_o match_v for_o all_o the_o world_n it_o have_v never_o but_o one_o enemy_n at_o once_o to_o encounter_v while_o this_o church_n in_o its_o first_o time_n have_v only_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o confiict_v with_o it_o easy_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o maintain_v its_o peace_n and_o dignity_n at_o home_n but_o that_o now_o under_o the_o circumstance_n i_o have_v represent_v in_o the_o five_o forego_v particular_n it_o bear_v up_o so_o well_o as_o it_o do_v be_v a_o illustrions_n argument_n of_o its_o strength_n and_o soundness_n of_o constitution_n and_o they_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o uncharitable_a person_n that_o reckon_v its_o enemy_n and_o misfortune_n in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o vice_n or_o fault_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o more_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n such_o as_o 1._o rashness_n of_o popular_a judgement_n 2._o judaisme_n 3._o prejudice_n 4._o want_v of_o true_a christian_a zeal_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n come_v now_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o evil_n we_o groan_v under_o i_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