before_o it_o lay_v under_o any_o ill_a character_n but_o that_o this_o church_n do_v not_o so_o syncretize_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n as_o to_o make_v its_o communion_n unsafe_a or_o sinful_a i_o suppose_v the_o follow_a consideration_n will_v give_v sufficient_a security_n to_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v i_o entreat_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o that_o kind_n against_o she_o to_o give_v a_o ingenuous_a answer_n of_o these_o two_o or_o three_o query_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o dangerous_a affinity_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o romish_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o bless_a instrument_n of_o our_o reformation_n such_o as_o a._n bishop_n cranmer_n ridley_n latimer_n and_o other_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o testimony_n to_o this_o against_o that_o for_o if_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v be_v so_o barbarous_a as_o cruel_o to_o murder_v those_o excellent_a person_n for_o some_o slight_a innovation_n or_o for_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o circumstantial_o yet_o certain_o such_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o own_o blood_n nor_o weary_a of_o their_o life_n as_o to_o cast_v they_o away_o upon_o trifle_n it_o be_v probable_a at_o least_o therefore_o that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v the_o english_a reformation_n to_o be_v essential_o different_a from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o those_o holy_a man_n aforesaid_a thought_n so_o and_o do_v not_o offer_v to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n 2._o or_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o all_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o head_n of_o their_o church_n under_o peril_n of_o damnation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o true_a protestant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman_a worship_n lest_o they_o shall_v defile_v their_o conscience_n with_o their_o superstition_n i_o say_v how_o come_v this_o distance_n and_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n and_o danger_n reciprocal_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a 3._o whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v more_o spite_n against_o our_o church_n than_o against_o any_o sect_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o they_o take_v we_o not_o only_o for_o enemy_n but_o the_o most_o mortal_a and_o formidable_a of_o all_o those_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o or_o last_o if_o both_o the_o church_n and_o churchman_n of_o england_n be_v not_o far_o enough_o remove_v from_o any_o participation_n with_o that_o of_o rome_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o of_o all_o man_n most_o zealous_o and_o constant_o upon_o all_o occasion_n stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o oppose_v the_o return_n of_o popery_n into_o england_n when_o other_o man_n either_o slight_a the_o danger_n or_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n as_o apparent_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o any_o reasonable_a man_n will_v think_v those_o man_n have_v not_o real_o such_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o popery_n as_o they_o pretend_v and_o that_o there_o may_v easy_o be_v find_v term_n of_o accommodation_n between_o they_o when_o he_o shall_v observe_v they_o more_o fond_a of_o every_o petty_a opinion_n than_o concern_v for_o the_o public_a security_n against_o that_o common_a enemy_n and_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o venture_v the_o danger_n of_o that_o break_n in_o upon_o they_o than_o forgo_v the_o least_o fancy_n or_o opinion_n nay_o will_v be_v instrumental_a in_o procure_v a_o toleration_n and_o suspension_n of_o the_o public_a law_n for_o that_o which_o they_o be_v so_o jealous_a other_o shall_v have_v any_o kindness_n for_o and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o call_v to_o witness_v the_o transaction_n of_o the_o last_o year_n when_o those_o very_a man_n that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o atlas_n and_o only_a supporter_n of_o protestant_a religion_n and_o will_v give_v out_o as_o if_o their_o zeal_n be_v the_o only_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n have_v by_o their_o separation_n from_o and_o enmity_n to_o this_o church_n weaken_v the_o common_a interest_n and_o by_o their_o restless_a importunity_n and_o unlimited_a desire_n of_o liberty_n in_o a_o manner_n extort_a a_o suspension_n of_o the_o law_n touch_v religion_n have_v not_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o parliament_n timely_o foresee_v the_o consequence_n and_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v awake_v into_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n by_o the_o serious_a and_o constant_a admonition_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n popery_n may_v have_v come_v in_o like_o a_o landflood_n upon_o we_o notwithstanding_o those_o quicksight_v watchman_n that_o can_v spy_v popery_n so_o far_o off_o i_o say_v have_v not_o the_o churchman_n especial_o bestir_v themselves_o and_o show_v both_o a_o better_a courage_n and_o zeal_n against_o popery_n and_o also_o a_o better_a skill_n in_o that_o warfare_n than_o their_o accuser_n the_o so_o much_o dread_a enemy_n have_v ere_o this_o time_n be_v in_o fair_a hope_n of_o attain_v his_o desire_n this_o be_v a_o passage_n of_o so_o much_o glory_n to_o the_o true_a churchman_n and_o so_o great_a and_o illustrious_a a_o instance_n of_o their_o integrity_n that_o i_o be_o in_o hope_n while_o it_o shall_v remain_v in_o memory_n malice_n itself_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o lay_v any_o imputation_n of_o incline_v to_o popery_n either_o upon_o the_o church_n or_o churchman_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o there_o be_v as_o understand_a man_n in_o religion_n person_n of_o as_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o as_o comfortable_a conscience_n of_o this_o church_n education_n as_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o which_o three_o thing_n together_o full_o acquit_v any_o church_n of_o participation_n with_o popery_n for_o that_o degeneracy_n of_o christianity_n be_v for_o nothing_o more_o true_o hateful_a nor_o by_o nothing_o more_o discoverable_a than_o by_o its_o blind_a devotion_n principle_n of_o immorality_n and_o the_o bad_a security_n it_o give_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o who_o so_o acquit_v any_o church_n of_o as_o every_o considerate_a man_n must_v needs_o do_v this_o church_n he_o shall_v after_o that_o very_o unreasonable_o leave_v any_o ill_a character_n upon_o she_o at_o least_o of_o that_o nature_n we_o now_o be_v speak_v of_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v a_o terrible_a charge_n yet_o to_o come_v and_o that_o be_v against_o the_o sufficiency_n but_o especial_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o if_o they_o like_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 15._o make_v man_n to_o abhor_v 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
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
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
the_o prince_n or_o the_o state_n can_v enact_v nothing_o almost_o but_o the_o kirk-man_n find_v themselves_o grieve_v and_o religion_n concern_v and_o excommunication_n be_v denounce_v the_o kirk_n on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v their_o decree_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n declare_v they_o null_a and_o grant_v prohibition_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o will_v satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o thereby_o convince_v himself_o of_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o principle_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o let_v he_o read_v the_o judicious_a history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n write_v by_o the_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n spot_n swood_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o unhappy_a notion_n raise_v and_o maintain_v for_o many_o year_n a_o bellum_fw-la limitaneum_fw-la and_o that_o it_o be_v like_o the_o march_n or_o bateable_a ground_n betwixt_o two_o border_a potentate_n a_o scene_n of_o contention_n and_o a_o field_n of_o blood_n whereas_o do_v we_o agree_v of_o certain_a limit_n and_o make_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o province_n extend_v to_o all_o that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o take_v in_o by_o express_a law_n both_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n will_v be_v keep_v entire_a and_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o cause_n nor_o room_n for_o controversy_n 2._o this_o opinion_n at_o once_o condemn_v all_o the_o state_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n forasmuch_o as_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o have_v be_v any_o such_o constitution_n as_o have_v not_o have_v some_o law_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v not_o be_v deduce_v particular_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o he_o that_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o will_v be_v true_a to_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v a_o rebel_n wherever_o he_o live_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a fear_n a_o mere_a melancholy_a jealousy_n and_o express_v superstition_n instead_o of_o religion_n to_o suspect_v that_o either_o the_o magistrate_n can_v offend_v in_o make_v or_o the_o people_n in_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v yet_o be_v no_o where_o forbid_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o supposition_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o sinner_n when_o yet_o he_o break_v no_o law_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 3._o 4._o who_o define_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n and_o as_o be_v the_o usual_a genius_n of_o all_o superstition_n it_o misrepresents_a god_n as_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a that_o can_v condemn_v man_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la sacto_fw-la for_o do_v of_o that_o against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o be_v but_o 4._o which_o be_v most_o observable_a this_o doctrine_n instead_o of_o assert_v christian_a liberty_n in_o truth_n subvert_v it_o and_o lay_v far_o more_o severe_a bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o the_o very_a law_n of_o moses_n do_v that_o be_v a_o yoke_n say_v the_o apostle_n act_n 15._o 10._o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v upon_o this_o account_n especial_o because_o it_o enjoin_v a_o great_a number_n of_o little_a observance_n which_o by_o their_o multitude_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o their_o nicety_n difficult_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o by_o their_o mere_a positive_a nature_n and_o have_v no_o essential_a goodness_n in_o themselves_o have_v less_o power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o awaken_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o law_n contain_v no_o precept_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o attend_v to_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o especial_o if_o also_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o his_o care_n and_o obedience_n be_v require_v be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o enact_v in_o his_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o can_v see_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o or_o advantage_n by_o his_o obedience_n but_o mere_o his_o obedience_n therefore_o be_v that_o law_n call_v impossible_a now_o if_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o avoid_v all_o those_o particular_n that_o be_v command_v by_o moses_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o servitude_n and_o the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v the_o same_o but_o if_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o be_v also_o bind_v to_o avoid_v all_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o his_o obligation_n be_v infinite_a and_o his_o servitude_n intolerable_a for_o positives_n be_v determinate_a and_o definite_a and_o so_o fall_v more_o easy_o within_o our_o care_n and_o attention_n but_o negative_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o yoke_n must_v be_v proper_o impossible_a these_o mistake_v therefore_o be_v remove_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n will_v best_o be_v understand_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n be_v enclose_v within_o a_o narrow_a pale_a and_o none_o can_v be_v member_n of_o it_o without_o submission_n to_o circumscision_n and_o the_o other_o rite_n of_o judaisme_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o at_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o riddle_n and_o a_o astonishment_n to_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v take_v into_o it_o and_o when_o the_o effect_v this_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n act_v 15._o 1._o the_o jewish_a christian_n stand_v upon_o their_o privilege_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o gentile_a convert_v into_o society_n nor_o become_v of_o one_o body_n with_o they_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n hereupon_o a_o council_n be_v call_v and_o there_o the_o apostle_n find_v out_o a_o temper_n and_o middle_a way_n for_o both_o part_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o the_o present_a which_o be_v that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v shall_v submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o proselytism_n at_o large_a or_o the_o precept_n give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n as_o some_o understand_v the_o passage_n or_o as_o be_v indubitable_a that_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o three_o thing_n of_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o jewish_a convert_v shall_v abate_v of_o their_o rigour_n and_o not_o require_v of_o the_o gentile_n the_o strict_a term_n of_o complete_a judaisme_n at_o which_o decision_n the_o gentile_a christian_n be_v transport_v with_o joy_n rejoice_v at_o the_o consolation_n v_o 31._o for_o as_o i_o say_v till_o then_o none_o can_v be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a church_n society_n without_o circumcision_n and_o universal_a submission_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o expedient_a for_o the_o present_a till_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v by_o degree_n better_o instruct_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o that_o christian_a religion_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v but_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_o publish_v than_o the_o aforesaid_a enclosure_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o all_o nation_n invite_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o equal_a term_n neither_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o those_o nice_a law_n of_o moses_n nor_o any_o other_o but_o those_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a one_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o other_o not_o contradictory_n to_o they_o as_o public_a wisdom_n peace_n and_o charity_n shall_v dictate_v and_o recommend_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o observation_n of_o eusebius_n in_o his_o praepaeratio_fw-la evangelica_n that_o christianity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o old_a patriarchal_a religion_n revive_v a_o restitution_n of_o that_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o now_o there_o lie_v no_o more_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n than_o do_v upon_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n save_v those_o improvement_n our_o saviour_n have_v make_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o few_o positive_a institution_n of_o his_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o man_n obey_v these_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o conform_v to_o whatsoever_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n or_o public_a authority_n shall_v impose_v and_o this_o discourse_n of_o eusebius_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o gal._n 3._o especial_o v._n 19_o where_o he_o put_v this_o question_n wherefore_o then_o serve_v the_o law_n he_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v add_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o interim_n or_o like_o a_o parenthesis_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v out_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a part_n join_v together_o again_o without_o any_o interruption_n
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