the_o great_a question_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o religious_a worship_n brief_o state_v and_o tender_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o impartial_a man_n the_o second_o edition_n chillingworth_n praef._n §._o 34._o not_o protestant_n for_o reject_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o for_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o divide_v unity_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n presumptuous_a and_o schismatical_a london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1660._o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o candid_a reader_n though_o opinion_n shall_v be_v weigh_v not_o by_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o author_n which_o deliver_v but_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o defend_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o usual_a with_o unobserve_v reader_n to_o slight_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o author_n sake_n and_o to_o consider_v not_o so_o much_o what_o be_v say_v as_o who_o it_o be_v that_o say_v it_o which_o be_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o most_o discourse_n such_o especial_o as_o do_v at_o all_o meddle_v with_o that_o excellent_a but_o too_o much_o abuse_v notion_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v most_o expose_v the_o writer_n to_o censure_n the_o most_o obvious_a character_n that_o be_v fasten_v upon_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v man_n either_o of_o loose_a or_o else_o of_o factious_a principle_n and_o so_o be_v discredit_v before_o they_o be_v read_v their_o book_n how_o sober_a soever_o do_v not_o remove_v but_o only_o settle_v and_o fix_v the_o preconceive_a prejudice_n as_o in_o disease_a stomach_n every_o thing_n they_o take_v turn_v to_o nourish_v and_o to_o increase_v the_o humour_n that_o this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o this_o small_a treatise_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v suffer_v it_o to_o run_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n without_o a_o name_n like_o one_o of_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pliny_n mention_n as_o if_o it_o be_v bear_v of_o itself_o and_o beget_v without_o a_o parent_n that_o so_o those_o few_o reader_n it_o may_v meet_v with_o may_v only_o fasten_v upon_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o without_o divert_v themselves_o unto_o that_o question_n whâ—ch_v all_o time_n as_o well_o as_o saul_n 2_o sam._n 10.12_o have_v malice_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o proverb_n of_o but_o who_o be_v their_o father_n yet_o christian_a reader_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v only_o with_o its_o own_o fault_n and_o have_v no_o aggravate_v suspicion_n upon_o it_o from_o any_o mistake_n of_o the_o author_n design_n or_o humour_n i_o have_v adventure_v to_o give_v thou_o this_o account_n of_o he_o first_o that_o he_o be_v a_o strict_a assertour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n and_o for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o prime_a branch_n of_o discipline_n viz._n episcopacy_n or_o the_o subordination_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n he_o do_v own_o it_o to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n that_o be_v as_o he_o understand_v it_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la at_o least_o he_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o speak_v as_o much_o for_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n as_o any_o can_v for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n or_o for_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o have_v no_o particular_a divine_a precept_n but_o only_o primitive_a practice_n and_o example_n to_o warrant_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o conformity_n to_o this_o principle_n of_o his_o when_o the_o bishop_n be_v sink_v low_a not_o only_o for_o pomp_n but_o likewise_o for_o reputation_n and_o when_o no_o temptation_n either_o of_o profit_n or_o convenience_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a can_v work_v upon_o he_o he_o than_o choose_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n by_o one_o of_o thâ—m_n which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o reality_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o judgement_n than_o most_o of_o those_o who_o now_o signalise_v themselves_o by_o distinctive_a habit_n can_v pretend_v to_o since_o such_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o wear_v they_o either_o because_o they_o be_v the_o fashion_n or_o else_o the_o way_n to_o preferment_n second_o this_o i_o must_v say_v likewise_o that_o none_o be_v more_o satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a government_n or_o have_v a_o more_o loyal_a and_o affectionate_a esteem_n for_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o prudence_n than_o this_o writer_n and_o therefore_o in_o stead_n of_o declaim_v against_o or_o too_o rigid_a reenforce_v our_o old_a rite_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v its_o swadling-clout_n and_o at_o the_o best_a do_v but_o show_v its_o minority_n he_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o party_n will_v agree_v to_o refer_v the_o whole_a cause_n of_o ceremony_n to_o his_o majesty_n single_a decision_n from_o who_o unwearied_a endeavour_n in_o procure_v first_o and_o afterward_o in_o pass_v so_o full_a a_o amnesty_n of_o all_o our_o civil_a discord_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o we_o may_v obtain_v that_o these_o apple_n of_o ecclesiastical_a contention_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o be_v so_o very_a trifle_n that_o they_o will_v vanish_v of_o themselves_o but_o that_o some_o man_n pride_n other_o want_v of_o merit_n make_v they_o so_o solicitous_a to_o continue_v they_o lest_o if_o those_o little_a thing_n be_v once_o take_v away_o they_o shall_v want_v something_o whereby_o to_o make_v themselves_o remarkable_a last_o he_o do_v profess_v yet_o further_o that_o as_o to_o himself_o he_o need_v not_o that_o liberty_n which_o here_o he_o plead_v for_o since_o though_o for_o the_o present_v he_o do_v make_v use_n of_o that_o indulgence_n which_o his_o majesty_n haâ—h_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v unto_o tender_a conscience_n i._o to_o all_o rational_a and_o sober_a christian_n the_o continuance_n of_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o wrong_v his_o majesty_n goodness_n as_o once_o to_o question_v yet_o shall_v his_o majesty_n be_v prevail_v upon_o for_o some_o reason_n of_o state_n to_o enjoin_v outward_a conformity_n this_o writer_n be_v resolve_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n either_o to_o submit_v with_o cheerfulness_n or_o else_o to_o suffer_v with_o silence_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o active_a disobedience_n viz._n to_o resist_v which_o be_v a_o practice_n he_o abhor_v so_o there_o be_v a_o passive_a disobedience_n and_o that_o be_v to_o repine_v which_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v off_o since_o whatever_o he_o can_v conscientious_o do_v he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o suffer_v for_o with_o as_o much_o joy_n and_o with_o as_o little_a reluctance_n as_o if_o any_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v call_v for_o from_o he_o have_v say_v this_o concern_v the_o author_n i_o need_v not_o speak_v much_o concern_v the_o argument_n but_o only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o write_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n but_o as_o a_o question_n in_o which_o he_o be_v real_o unsatisfied_a and_o therefore_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o impart_v his_o doubt_n which_o have_v do_v to_o many_o in_o discourse_n with_o little_a success_n or_o fatisfaction_n he_o have_v now_o communicate_v they_o to_o the_o world_n hope_v they_o may_v light_v into_o such_o man_n hand_n who_o may_v be_v prevail_v upon_o if_o not_o to_o alter_v the_o judgement_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o moderate_v the_o passion_n of_o some_o who_o will_v put_v out_o our_o eye_n because_o we_o can_v see_v with_o their_o spectacle_n and_o who_o have_v place_v ceremony_n about_o religion_n a_o little_a too_o true_o as_o a_o fence_n for_o they_o serve_v to_o keep_v out_o all_o other_o from_o their_o communion_n all_o therefore_o which_o this_o treatise_n aim_v at_o be_v brief_o to_o prove_v this_o that_o none_o be_v to_o hedge_n up_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o by_o scatter_a thorn_n and_o punctilio_n in_o it_o to_o make_v christianity_n more_o cumbersome_a tedious_a and_o difficult_a than_o christ_n have_v leave_v it_o that_o be_v in_o short_a that_o none_o can_v impose_v what_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n do_v not_o think_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o leave_v free_n farewell_n the_o great_a question_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o religious_a worship_n brief_o state_v and_o tender_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o impartial_a man_n quest_n whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v lawful_o impose_v and_o determine_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o reference_n to_o religious_a worship_n for_o the_o understanding_n and_o right_n state_v of_o this_o question_n i_o will_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v a_o magistrate_n this_o i_o
know_v many_o do_v deny_v ground_v themselves_o upon_o that_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n you_o know_v say_v he_o 20.25_o mat._n 20.25_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o among_o you_o from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o all_o who_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n be_v thereby_o forbid_v any_o exercise_n of_o temporal_a sovereignty_n and_o i_o remember_v among_o many_o other_o of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n do_v express_o say_v nos_fw-la ad_fw-la omnem_fw-la ambitionis_fw-la curam_fw-la frigemus_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o 1._o christian_n say_v he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o taint_n of_o ambition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o affect_v honour_n that_o we_o look_v not_o after_o so_o much_o as_o the_o edileship_n which_o be_v the_o low_a magistracy_n in_o rome_n and_o afterward_o of_o tiberius_n tiberius_n say_v he_o will_v have_v become_v a_o christian_n if_o either_o the_o world_n do_v not_o need_n or_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o be_v emperor_n many_o other_o expression_n there_o be_v both_o in_o tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o origen_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n down_o from_o constantine_n time_n even_o in_o the_o most_o reform_a church_n have_v carry_v it_o in_o the_o affirmative_a for_o christian_a magistracy_n and_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o gap_n it_o open_v to_o all_o civil_a confusion_n be_v build_v only_o upon_o some_o remote_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n rather_o than_o any_o direct_a proof_n i_o will_v therefore_o admit_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v lawful_o exercise_v the_o high_a place_n of_o magistracy_n only_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n in_o the_o lord_n i._n not_o extend_v his_o commission_n far_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v warrant_v he_o 1._o i_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a i_o mean_v those_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o our_o action_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a and_o arbitrary_a give_v we_o only_o general_a precept_n for_o the_o use_v of_o they_o either_o way_n such_o be_v do_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o do_v what_o make_v most_o for_o edification_n and_o the_o like_a which_o rule_v whoever_o observe_v may_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a either_o do_v or_o forbear_v they_o as_o he_o in_o his_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v think_v convenient_a of_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n some_o be_v pure_o so_o as_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o religious_a worship_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v so_o very_o indifferent_a that_o they_o can_v without_o great_a violence_n be_v wrest_v to_o any_o superstitious_a observance_n and_o therefore_o concern_v these_o i_o do_v not_o dispute_v other_o thing_n there_o be_v common_o suppose_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o by_o abuse_n have_v become_v occasion_n of_o superstition_n such_o as_o be_v bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n picture_n in_o church_n surplice_n in_o preach_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o seem_v to_o some_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o any_o who_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n of_o the_o lawfullness_n of_o they_o without_o doubt_n may_v lawful_o enough_o be_v practise_v yet_o i_o hold_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a for_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_a which_o in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v free_a and_o unforced_a for_o since_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n can_v as_o i_o think_v now_o all_o protestant_a writer_n do_v agree_v force_v his_o religion_n upon_o any_o but_o be_v to_o leave_v even_o those_o poor_a creature_n the_o jew_n and_o mahumedan_n to_o their_o unbelief_n though_o they_o certain_o perish_v in_o it_o rather_o than_o by_o fines_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o torture_v they_o out_o of_o it_o then_o much_o less_o may_v he_o abridge_v his_o fellow_n christian_n in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o which_o concern_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o religion_n from_o use_v that_o liberty_n in_o serve_v god_n which_o his_o conscience_n prompt_v he_o to_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n do_v warrant_v he_o in_o for_o god_n as_o he_o love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n so_o likewise_o a_o cheerful_a worshipper_n accept_v of_o no_o more_o than_o we_o willing_o perform_v second_o and_o more_o particular_o this_o impose_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o gospel-precept_n our_o saviour_n do_v in_o many_o place_n inveigh_v against_o the_o rigid_a and_o impose_v pharisee_n 23._o matth._n 23._o for_o lay_v yoke_n upon_o otheâ—s_n and_o therefore_o invite_v all_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o freedom_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o say_v he_o 11._o matth._n 11._o for_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o if_o the_o son_n set_v you_o free_v 8.36_o joh._n 8.36_o then_o be_v you_o free_v indeed_o where_o by_o freedom_n i_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v freedom_n from_o sin_n but_o from_o all_o humane_a imposition_n since_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v seem_v to_o allude_v unto_o this_o place_n in_o that_o command_n of_o he_o to_o the_o galatian_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a and_z 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o be_v not_o again_o entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n where_o that_o i_o may_v prevent_v a_o objection_n i_o will_v grant_v that_o by_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n he_o understand_v circumcision_n and_o other_o jewish_a ceremony_n but_o from_o thence_o i_o will_v draw_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n against_o the_o urge_n of_o any_o other_o now_o upon_o a_o christian_a account_n since_o that_o the_o mosaical_a ceremony_n which_o have_v so_o much_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o which_o even_o after_o they_o be_v fullfil_v by_o our_o saviour_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a in_o their_o use_n and_o be_v so_o practise_v by_o paul_n yet_o when_o once_o they_o be_v impose_v and_o a_o necessity_n plead_v for_o their_o continuance_n the_o apostle_n write_v so_o sharp_o against_o they_o exhort_v the_o galatian_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o their_o liberty_n as_o part_v of_o our_o saviour_n purchase_n if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o case_n with_o those_o old_a rit_n then_o much_o less_o can_v any_o now_o impose_v a_o invent_a form_n of_o worship_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v pretend_v the_o least_o warrant_n that_o ever_o god_n do_v authorize_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v altogether_o needless_a that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n shall_v as_o to_o their_o necessity_n at_o least_o expire_v and_o be_v abrogate_a if_o other_o may_v succeed_v in_o their_o room_n and_o be_v as_o strict_o command_v as_o ever_o the_o former_a be_v for_o this_o only_a return_n we_o to_o our_o bondage_n again_o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o intolerable_a 1.25_o jac._n 1.25_o in_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v style_v the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n which_o liberty_n i_o understand_v not_o wherein_o it_o consist_v if_o in_o thing_n necessary_a we_o be_v already_o determine_v by_o god_n and_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a we_o may_v still_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o humane_a ordinance_n and_o outside_o rite_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o these_o scripture_n which_o direct_o deny_v all_o imposition_n may_v be_v add_v all_o those_o text_n which_o consequential_o do_v it_o such_o as_o be_v do_v to_o other_o as_o you_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o you_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v have_v his_o conscience_n impose_v upon_o and_o you_o that_o be_v strong_a 14._o rom._n 14._o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a whereas_o this_o practice_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o ease_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o if_o man_n be_v at_o all_o scrupulous_a it_o only_o lay_v more_o load_n upon_o they_o these_o scripture_n with_o many_o hundred_o the_o like_a show_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o rigour_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a forbearance_n and_o charity_n which_o not_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o absolve_v from_o since_o though_o as_o a_o magistrate_n he_o have_v a_o power_n in_o civil_a thing_n yet_o as_o a_o christian_a he_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o in_o thing_n of_o spiritual_a concernment_n he_o
very_o well_o be_v spare_v 4._o the_o last_o inconvenience_n be_v that_o by_o imposition_n especial_o when_o the_o penalty_n be_v severe_a we_o seem_v to_o lay_v as_o much_o weight_n and_o stress_n upon_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o upon_o any_o the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o rigid_a irrespective_a obtrude_a of_o small_a thing_n make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o ceremony_n and_o substance_n so_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a at_o all_o will_v find_v as_o good_a nay_o perhaps_o better_a usage_n from_o the_o imposer_n than_o he_o who_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a faith_n shall_v yet_o forbear_v to_o practise_v these_o ceremony_n which_o be_v not_o only_o harsh_a and_o cruel_a but_o very_o incongruous_a deal_n that_o a_o jew_n or_o mahumedan_n shall_v be_v better_o regard_v than_o a_o weâ—k_n and_o scrupulous_a christian_a this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o deal_v with_o christian_n as_o jephtha_n do_v with_o the_o ephraimite_n to_o kill_v they_o for_o no_o weighty_a crime_n than_o because_o they_o can_v pronounce_v shibboleth_n to_o those_o inconvenience_n i_o may_v add_v the_o certain_a decay_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o its_o inward_a purity_n while_o there_o be_v this_o disguise_n and_o mask_n of_o needless_a ceremony_n upon_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o but_o those_o which_o i_o have_v already_o urge_v be_v so_o great_a that_o those_o which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o man_n of_o another_o persuasion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n with_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o this_o brief_a answer_n to_o their_o main_a objection_n 1._o they_o object_n that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o way_n to_o beget_v all_o manner_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n that_o every_o man_n will_v have_v a_o several_a fashion_n and_o custom_n by_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o uniformity_n and_o ceremony_n the_o unity_n and_o essence_n of_o religion_n will_v perish_v but_o i_o answer_v 1._o do_v any_o plead_v for_o baal_n he_o that_o will_v abuse_v the_o principle_n of_o liberty_n to_o justify_v his_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n let_v he_o know_v that_o the_o magistrate_n bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o have_v it_o to_o cut_v off_o such_o offender_n if_o you_o suffer_v as_o christian_n say_v the_o apostle_n rejoice_v at_o it_o 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o but_o let_v none_o suffer_v as_o a_o thief_n murderer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o a_o seditious_a person_n or_o state-incendiary_n or_o as_o a_o busy_a intermeddler_n in_o other_o man_n mâ—tters_n for_o he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n suffer_v just_o nor_o can_v he_o plead_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o strictness_n to_o exempt_v he_o from_o punishment_n but_o 2._o this_o disorder_n which_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o so_o tragical_o aggravate_v and_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o which_o ceremony_n must_v be_v invent_v and_o force_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o malicious_a and_o ill_a sound_a name_n put_v upon_o a_o excellent_a and_o most_o comely_a thing_n i._n e._n variety_n for_o as_o god_n though_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n have_v not_o make_v all_o man_n of_o one_o countenance_n and_o in_o the_o world_n have_v give_v several_a and_o divers_a shape_n to_o many_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n so_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n who_o all_o come_v to_o honour_v he_o and_o agree_v in_o the_o essence_n of_o his_o worship_n why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v but_o god_n will_v be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o variety_n in_o circumstance_n the_o exercise_n of_o which_o not_o only_o their_o conscience_n do_v prompt_a but_o god_n himself_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o because_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v not_o prescribe_v any_o one_o outward_a form_n that_o all_o shall_v necessary_o agree_v in_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o theiâ—_n own_o spirit_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o christian_a prudence_n which_o variety_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o confusion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o comely_a and_o harmonious_a as_o serve_v to_o set_v out_o the_o indulgence_n of_o god_n the_o indifferent_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o preserve_v unity_n in_o mind_n without_o uniformity_n in_o behaviour_n 2._o the_o second_o objection_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a prince_n who_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v install_v in_o their_o kingdom_n set_v upon_o reform_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o impose_v upon_o all_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o since_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o for_o our_o instruction_n 16._o rom._n 16._o seâ—ms_v to_o be_v a_o lead_a case_n that_o christian_a prince_n shall_v imitate_v they_o and_o do_v so_o likewise_o but_o i_o answer_v 1._o though_o argument_n take_v from_o analogy_n be_v of_o very_o little_a weight_n when_o positive_a precept_n be_v require_v yet_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o jewish_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v exemplary_a to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o withal_o i_o deny_v the_o inference_n since_o the_o jewish_a prince_n when_o they_o reform_a religion_n they_o therein_o follow_v a_o divine_a law_n which_o do_v command_v it_o from_o they_o and_o which_o in_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n have_v provide_v for_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n from_o which_o rigour_n and_o restraint_n all_o christian_n be_v absolve_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unconcluding_a to_o argue_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o want_v divine_a authority_n to_o this_o be_v also_o object_v 3._o that_o since_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v already_o determine_v by_o god_n and_o over_o they_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n if_o likewise_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o thing_n appertain_v to_o religion_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v very_o absurd_a so_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr_n hooker_n and_o dr_n sanderson_n but_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n at_o all_o that_o prince_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o power_n in_o order_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v allow_v they_o and_o if_o god_n have_v no_o where_o give_v they_o such_o a_o impose_v power_n they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o go_v without_o it_o but_o in_o this_o case_n where_o will_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n find_v his_o warrant_n the_o scripture_n be_v utter_o silent_a that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o he_o which_o bâ—cause_fw-mi the_o thing_n concern_v not_o man_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v it_o be_v thought_n necessary_a and_o fit_a will_v certain_o not_o have_v be_v omit_v 2._o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o imposition_n to_o urge_v that_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v indifferent_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o they_o since_o it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v last_o it_o be_v much_o more_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o christian_a prince_n shall_v reform_v religion_n rather_o by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o life_n than_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o law_n and_o if_o they_o may_v show_v their_o power_n at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n it_o shall_v rather_o be_v by_o substract_v then_o by_o add_v by_o take_v away_o all_o impertinency_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o by_o obtrude_a unwarrantable_a method_n to_o tie_v all_o man_n up_o to_o such_o outward_a form_n as_o may_v make_v piety_n suspect_v only_o for_o policy_n disguise_v much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v for_o this_o from_o authority_n but_o i_o willing_o wave_v it_o for_o iâ—_n scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v not_o prevail_v to_o hinder_v imposition_n i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o sentence_n from_o antiquity_n shall_v only_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v full_a of_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o argument_n as_o evince_v a_o liberty_n more_o absolute_a and_o universal_a than_o i_o contend_v for_o and_o likewise_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o weight_n that_o the_o church_n doctrine_n be_v then_o more_o pure_a their_o discipline_n more_o strict_a and_o severe_a than_o now_o and_o yet_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o mutual_a consent_n either_o to_o establish_v or_o protect_v it_o the_o magistrate_n be_v all_o against_o they_o but_o when_o once_o constantine_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o penal_a law_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v church-order_n he_o lay_v that_o foundation_n of_o antichristian_a tyranny_n which_o present_o after_o he_o his_o son_n constantius_n exercise_v against_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o church_n worldly_a power_n increase_a as_o fast_o as_o the_o puriâ—y_n of_o religion_n do_v decrease_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n within_o a_o few_o year_n gain_v to_o themselves_o and_o have_v ever_o since_o practise_v severe_o against_o such_o who_o thâ—y_v call_v heretic_n i._n denier_n of_o their_o factious_a doctrine_n and_o opposer_n of_o their_o most_o ungospel-like_a but_o indeed_o most_o politic_a and_o prudentiall_a imposition_n who_o furious_a and_o bloudy-tenet_n have_v like_o subtle_a poison_n run_v through_o the_o vein_n of_o almost_o all_o professor_n scarce_o any_o sort_n even_o of_o protestant_n allow_v to_o other_o that_o liberty_n of_o religion_n which_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o sect_n they_o just_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o cruelty_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o zeal_n till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o inform_v all_o magistrate_n how_o far_o their_o commission_n reach_v that_o their_o proper_a province_n be_v only_o over_o the_o body_n to_o repress_v and_o correct_v those_o moral_a vice_n to_o which_o our_o outward_a man_n be_v subject_a but_o as_o for_o christian_a religion_n since_o it_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o simple_a so_o free_a from_o state_n and_o worldly_a magnificence_n so_o gentle_a and_o comply_v with_o the_o mean_a christian_n and_o withal_o so_o remote_a from_o harshness_n rigour_n and_o severity_n there_o the_o magistrate_n most_o consult_v god_n honour_n and_o his_o own_o duty_n it_o be_v strict_a to_o himself_o he_o leau_v all_o other_o in_o these_o outward_a ceremony_n to_o their_o inward_a conviction_n which_o liberty_n be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o security_n of_o a_o throne_n since_o beside_o gain_v the_o people_n love_n especial_o the_o most_o conscientious_a and_o sober_a of_o they_o it_o do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n entitle_v he_o to_o god_n protection_n since_o in_o not_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n he_o give_v religion_n the_o free_a and_o undisturbed_a passage_n which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v by_o his_o life_n and_o death_n to_o have_v open_v for_o it_o finis_fw-la