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christian_n church_n particular_a visible_a 3,187 5 9.2342 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53575 Ratiocinium vernaculum, or, A reply to Ataxiae obstaculum being a pretended answer to certain queries dispersed in some parts of Gloucester-shire. Overbury, Thomas, Sir, d. 1684. 1678 (1678) Wing O612; ESTC R24104 94,328 197

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l._n 27._o r._n hers_z p._n 11●_n l._n 9r_n and_o superstition_n p._n 118._o l._n 6._o r._n say_v p._n 125._o l._n r._n church_n obedience_n p._n 127._o l._n 9_o r._n in_o no_o wise_a p._n 132._o l._n 31._o for_o king_n r._n kind_n p._n 133._o l._n 7._o r._n aid_n p_o 135._o l._n 10._o r._n nurse_n p._n 136._o l._n 18._o r._n and_o so_o p._n 138._o l_o 3_o r._n mahumatism_n l._n 15._o r._n of_o other_o l._n 16._o r._n i.e._n such_o p_o 140._o 25_o 26._o r._n gaudentem_fw-la p._n 142._o l._n 10._o r._n neat_o p._n 144._o l._n 17._o r._n their_o duty_n p._n 151._o l._n 6._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n murder_n p._n 153._o after_o l._n 26._o r._n with_o a_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n much_o less_o shall_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o determine_v what_o humane_a law_n thwart_v etc._n etc._n p._n 15●_n l._n 10_o 11._o r._n instruction_n l._n 14._o r._n the_o king_n p._n 156._o l._n 21._o r._n these_o p._n 161._o l._n 21._o r._n endear_v 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circumstance_n of_o affair_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o praeamb'e_v of_o those_o statute_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a answer_n of_o the_o 24_o of_o february_n 1672_o to_o the_o petition_n and_o address_v of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o follow_v c._n r._n his_o majesty_n have_v receive_v a_o address_n from_o you_o which_o he_o have_v serious_o consider_v of_o and_o return_v you_o this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v much_o trouble_v that_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o put_v out_o for_o end_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o conjuncture_n shall_v have_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o disquiet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o question_v his_o power_n in_o ecclesiastic_n which_o he_o find_v not_o do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o any_o of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o never_o have_v thought_n of_o use_v it_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o have_v be_v entrust_v in_o he_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o the_o ease_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n in_o general_n neither_o do_v he_o pretend_v to_o the_o right_n of_o suspending_a law_n wherein_o the_o property_n right_n or_o liberty_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v concern_v nor_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o establish_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o only_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o penalty_n the_o statute_n inflict_v upon_o dissenter_n and_o which_o he_o believe_v when_o well_o consider_v of_o you_o yourselves_o will_v not_o wish_v execute_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o have_v he_o do_v this_o with_o thought_n of_o avoid_v or_o preclude_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o parliament_n and_o if_o any_o bill_n shall_v be_v offer_v he_o which_o shall_v appear_v more_o proper_a to_o attain_v the_o aforesaid_a end_n and_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o tender_v in_o due_a manner_n to_o he_o he_o will_v show_v how_o ready_a he_o will_v be_v to_o concur_v in_o all_o way_n that_o shall_v appear_v good_a for_o the_o kingdom_n how_o expressive_a of_o royal_a goodness_n and_o heavenly_a benignity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o mankind_n be_v this_o gracious_a answer_n which_o can_v but_o endare_n his_o majesty_n unto_o all_o sober_a and_o pious_a person_n of_o what_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o in_o religion_n nor_o be_v the_o commons_o against_o the_o indulgenee_n but_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o immediate_o upon_o this_o pesta_n bill_n of_o ease_n for_o protestant_a dissenter_n which_o be_v send_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o difference_n that_o after_o happen_v between_o the_o two_o house_n about_o jurisdiction_n and_o privilege_n with_o other_o great_a affair_n of_o state_n have_v hitherto_o obstruct_v its_o far_a progress_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o repeal_v the_o church_n law_n will_v administer_v too_o just_a a_o occasion_n to_o the_o papist_n to_o triumph_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o for_o what_o truth_n or_o be_v say_v he_o can_v that_o church_n pretend_v to_o that_o have_v neither_o ephod_n nor_o traphim_n no_o order_n no_o law_n no_o liturgy_n no_o bishop_n no_o discipline_n it_o seem_v then_o in_o his_o judgement_n all_o these_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n although_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v both_o order_n law_n discipline_n bishop_n or_o overseer_n without_o other_o law_n than_o what_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o apostolical_a institution_n though_o i_o be_o absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n 5._o yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o behold_v your_o order_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossian_n and_o be_v not_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n a_o law_n to_o all_o believer_n but_o this_o law_n 26._o it_o seem_v be_v perish_v from_o our_o priest_n who_o yet_o we_o hope_v will_v not_o deny_v the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o power_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o make_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o such_o certain_o be_v not_o without_o discipline_n nor_o deprive_v of_o law_n order_n or_o overseer_n nor_o consequent_o of_o truth_n or_o be_v upon_o the_o repeal_n of_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o church_n law_n yea_o god_n forbid_v the_o christian_a church_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o continuance_n or_o alteration_n of_o these_o or_o those_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o we_o see_v change_v and_o alter_v as_o oft_o almost_o as_o we_o change_v our_o governor_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o consideration_n that_o ought_v serious_o to_o be_v think_v on_o by_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o concern_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o purity_n of_o christ_n institution_n but_o say_v this_o answerer_n we_o have_v now_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n but_o if_o all_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o abrogate_a we_o shall_v be_v just_a like_o the_o israelite_n when_o they_o wage_v war_n with_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n there_o be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o spear_n find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n if_o then_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v our_o only_a unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n and_o our_o only_a sword_n and_o spear_n to_o fight_v against_o those_o adversary_n a_o abrogation_n or_o change_n of_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n will_v indeed_o disarm_v and_o silence_v we_o and_o may_v as_o well_o justify_v our_o return_n to_o rome_n as_o now_o our_o departure_n from_o it_o but_o i_o trust_v though_o this_o be_v rati●_n ultima_fw-la the_o best_a arm_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o answerer_n we_o have_v yet_o other_o arm_n and_o argument_n to_o justify_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n and_o fight_v against_o those_o philistine_n but_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o business_n or_o intention_n to_o exasperate_v any_o man_n spirit_n much_o less_o to_o direct_v his_o governor_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o admonish_v they_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o a_o zealous_a vindication_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o power_n and_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o it_o upbraid_v they_o with_o cowardice_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v there_o neglect_v thereof_o that_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o 〈…〉_z separation_n disobedience_n and_o 〈…〉_z provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v they_o 〈…〉_z power_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o be_v entrust_v they_o and_o which_o they_o have_v betray_v and_o expose_v to_o scorn_n and_o insolence_n of_o he_o and_o their_o great_a enemy_n yea_o tell_v they_o history_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n how_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n against_o those_o governor_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v his_o deputy_n when_o their_o spirit_n have_v be_v soften_v with_o sensuality_n and_o ease_n and_o they_o have_v live_v in_o fear_n of_o their_o inferior_n who_o ought_v to_o live_v in_o fear_n of_o they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o menace_n of_o and_o reflection_n on_o authority_n and_o our_o governor_n as_o none_o but_o this_o bold_a and_o insolent_a answerer_n will_v ever_o have_v dare_v to_o publish_v he_o do_v well_o therefore_o to_o recollect_v himself_o and_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v proceed_v too_o far_o on_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o speak_v he_o a_o person_n so_o high_o impudent_a and_o immeasurable_o malition_n that_o as_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v he_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o confutation_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o law_n and_o the_o seutence_n of_o a_o judge_n than_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n but_o he_o conclude_v in_o the_o word_n of_o indeed_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o learned_a statesman_n that_o heresy_n and_o scism_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a scandal_n yea_o more_o than_o corruption_n of_o manner_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v so_o all_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v use_v not_o only_o for_o their_o suppression_n but_o prevention_n in_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n by_o some_o ascribe_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o to_o particular_a church_n church_n 〈…〉_z impose_v upon_o christian_n in_o the_o 〈…〉_z ●●●nda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o as_o that_o learned_a and_o judicious_a statesman_n say_v a_o wound_n or_o solution_n of_o continuity_n destructive_a of_o the_o church_n unity_n divide_v she_o into_o as_o
so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n but_o such_o of_o her_o degenerate_a and_o base_a son_n only_o as_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o their_o mother_n for_o as_o he_o have_v well_o observe_v humane_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_n but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o which_o shall_v make_v it_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a by_o all_o sincere_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o decrye_v and_o so_o high_o condemn_v blind_a obedience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_v any_o therein_o against_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a of_o blind_a obedience_n for_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n whatever_o a_o man_n do_v against_o his_o faith_n or_o conscience_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n neither_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n and_o much_o less_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v therein_o require_v to_o do_v aught_o against_o their_o light_n or_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n so_o she_o as_o little_a allow_v or_o approve_v of_o persecute_v or_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o trouble_v any_o for_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o any_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religien_n nor_o i_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v do_v any_o law_n of_o england_n allow_n or_o countenance_n much_o less_o command_n or_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n though_o too_o many_o have_v misconstrue_v and_o misapply_v the_o late_a act_n for_o prevent_v and_o supress_v seditious_a conventicle_n to_o the_o disturb_v and_o punish_v i_o may_v say_v ruine_v of_o many_o peaceable_a and_o pious_a people_n for_o meet_v only_o real_o and_o true_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o act_n do_v not_o say_v if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n above_o such_o a_o number_n shall_v meet_v to_o worship_n god_n true_o and_o sincere_o in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n they_o shall_v incur_v the_o penalty_n mention_v but_o where_o any_o person_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n the_o act_n certain_o do_v not_o prohibit_v or_o punish_v any_o real_a and_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_n and_o void_a as_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o appear_v not_o whether_o their_o worship_n be_v sincere_a or_o pretend_a only_a and_o the_o law_n prohibit_v such_o a_o number_n to_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o transgress_v the_o same_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o all_o pretence_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v believe_v where_o no_o overact_n discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a charity_n among_o man_n let_v it_o be_v show_v wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o have_v be_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o virtue_n or_o colour_n rather_o of_o that_o law_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o act_n say_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v ever_o allow_v man_n to_o pray_v even_o in_o public_a in_o other_o word_n than_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 9_o therefore_o pray_v you_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n 1._o where_o their_o prayer_n be_v often_o record_v that_o they_o ever_o pray_v by_o that_o form_n etc._n but_o in_o other_o word_n 10._o agree_v for_o matter_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v accept_v 4._o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o i_o hope_v will_v say_v they_o disobey_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n by_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o teach_v and_o command_v they_o because_o they_o pray_v not_o by_o that_o form_n no_o more_o do_v they_o transgress_v the_o law_n against_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n while_o they_o pray_v in_o other_o word_n agree_v with_o it_o for_o matter_n what_o pretence_n then_o can_v any_o have_v to_o charge_v the_o author_n of_o these_o query_n with_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o state_n since_o they_o reflect_v on_o neither_o nor_o cinsure_n or_o by_o any_o undue_a surmise_n condemn_v aught_o that_o they_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o account_v that_o a_o crime_n in_o any_o one_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o viz._n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o all_o that_o will_v may_v lead_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v who_o be_v force_v to_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o practise_v what_o they_o approve_v not_o which_o be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a lie_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o what_o be_v require_v of_o any_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a but_o whether_o they_o who_o judge_v it_o so_o be_v it_o through_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o can_v without_o sin_v conform_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o question_n but_o that_o many_o may_v and_o do_v live_v godly_a holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o to_o other_o will_v be_v damnable_a for_o to_o he_o who_o esteem_v a_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v pure_a so_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v while_o other_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o may_v safe_o use_v their_o liberty_n plead_v therefore_o against_o force_n in_o religion_n we_o neither_o condemn_v nor_o censure_v this_o or_o that_o religion_n which_o teach_v not_o that_o sanguinary_a doctrine_n but_o will_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o religion_n he_o embrace_v and_o profess_v be_v what_o god_n will_v and_o require_v of_o he_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o faithin_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o be_v of_o a_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v wish_v then_o hope_v for_o while_o there_o be_v man_n true_o fear_v god_n 187._o and_o those_o who_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n there_o be_v say_v our_o lerrned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n but_o two_o way_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v probable_a to_o reduce_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n the_o one_o by_o take_v away_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n the_o other_o by_o show_v that_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o who_o judgement_n all_o man_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o other_o way_n must_v be_v take_v and_o christian_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o these_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n wherein_o they_o agree_v than_o upon_o those_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o
understand_v that_o agreement_n in_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o join_v they_o in_o one_o communion_n i_o mean_v say_v he_o in_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n wherein_o all_o consent_n a_o joint_a worship_n of_o god_n after_o such_o a_o way_n as_o all_o esteem_n lawful_a and_o a_o mutual_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o work_n of_o charity_n which_o christian_n owe_v one_o to_o another_o but_o whilst_o every_o one_o have_v a_o confession_n a_o form_n of_o worship_n a_o church_n and_o its_o authority_n which_o must_v be_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o we_o may_v look_v and_o with_o for_o peace_n moderation_n and_o unity_n but_o be_v never_o like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n those_o who_o experience_n will_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n and_o of_o the_o great_a misery_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n such_o method_n have_v in_o all_o age_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n with_o the_o little_a or_o no_o advantage_n that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v thereby_o accrue_v to_o religion_n will_n never_o be_v convince_v thereof_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v many_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o contend_v earnest_o for_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o must_v withal_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a and_o blind_a zeal_n in_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o truth_n of_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o advocat_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o some_o carnal_a interest_n or_o secular_a advantage_n they_o receive_v by_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o not_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o state_n of_o christendom_n or_o most_o christian_a state_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v think_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n can_v be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o not_o enemy_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v tell_v where_o the_o truth_n be_v once_o own_a and_o profess_a every_o error_n and_o heresy_n that_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v suppress_v and_o extirpate_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n will_v these_o man_n than_o tell_v we_o what_o sect_n or_o society_n not_o of_o christian_n only_o but_o of_o jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_n believe_v not_o themselves_o alone_o possess_v of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o method_n of_o preserve_v and_o propagate_a religion_n prevail_v as_o it_o do_v too_o much_o through_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n can_v not_o otherwise_o long_o stand_v against_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n what_o i_o say_v do_v or_o can_v follow_v upon_o it_o but_o perhaps_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o oppression_n of_o it_o in_o a_o hundred_o do_v not_o they_o who_o deny_v unto_o such_o as_o dissent_n from_o the_o religion_n establish_v here_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n deny_v it_o also_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o popish_a country_n of_o europe_n to_o talk_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n here_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o as_o we_o be_v but_o now_o tell_v if_o force_v in_o religion_n may_v be_v just_o use_v in_o any_o place_n by_o those_o that_o have_v power_n and_o think_v they_o have_v truth_n it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v in_o every_o place_n by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o think_v they_o have_v truth_n too_o as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o be_v the_o same_o mind_n in_o we_o tha●_n be_v in_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n the_o same_o frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o bless_a apostle_n we_o will_v do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o and_o not_o mete_v unto_o any_o what_o we_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v mete_v unto_o we_o again_o but_o whilst_o some_o man_n make_v their_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n the_o rule_n or_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n force_v other_o to_o embrace_v or_o renounce_v that_o as_o such_o which_o they_o shall_v so_o call_v or_o judge_v whatever_o it_o appear_v to_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v command_v to_o try_v and_o prove_v it_o what_o truth_n or_o peace_n can_v from_o thence_o be_v expect_v or_o hope_v for_o well_o therefore_o may_v the_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n cry_v out_o let_v those_o leave_n claim_v infallibility_n that_o have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o and_o let_v those_o that_o in_o their_o word_n disclaim_v it_o disclaim_v it_o likewise_o in_o their_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nor_o yet_o a_o liberty_n for_o any_o to_o preach_v or_o teach_v doctrine_n destructive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o civil_a society_n but_o a_o liberty_n of_o worship_n only_o under_o the_o magistrate_n inspection_n and_o that_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v the_o natural_a and_o common_a right_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o person_n have_v be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o many_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n even_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n jeremy_n taylor_n late_a bishop_n of_o downe_n and_o conough_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v it_o will_v be_v but_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o say_v more_o and_o it_o argue_v great_a ignorance_n or_o impudence_n in_o those_o who_o persist_v declaim_v against_o liberty_n of_o religion_n without_o offer_v at_o the_o least_o answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o it_o by_o this_o and_o other_o learned_a and_o judicious_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o orthodox_n father_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o that_o other_o objection_n against_o liberty_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v cause_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o reason_n but_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n no_o instance_n be_v to_o be_v give_v that_o ever_o liberty_n of_o religion_n give_v disturbance_n to_o any_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o contrary_a the_o deny_v christian_n their_o just_a liberty_n therein_o have_v be_v the_o unhappy_a occasion_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n misery_n and_o desolation_n that_o have_v befall_v most_o of_o the_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o christendom_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o liberty_n plead_v for_o be_v no_o more_o in_o substance_n than_o what_o by_o his_o majesty_n late_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n be_v allow_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o he_o a_o much_o better_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v for_o the_o nation_n peace_n and_o interest_n than_o they_o who_o object_n this_o nor_o be_v the_o parliament_n exception_n to_o the_o indulgence_n grant_v but_o the_o manner_n of_o grant_v it_o which_o they_o judge_v may_v be_v of_o ill_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v hope_v they_o will_v in_o due_a time_n take_v it_o into_o consideration_n and_o make_v such_o provision_n for_o the_o prevent_n and_o punish_v seditious_a conventicle_n as_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n may_v not_o take_v occasion_n from_o to_o molest_v and_o disturb_v the_o assembly_n of_o peaceable_a and_o pious_a people_n for_o the_o performance_n only_o of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o none_o can_v with_o reason_n say_v to_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n much_o less_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o moral_a evil_a or_o impiety_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o his_o name_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o answerers_n preface_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v equal_o difficult_a for_o this_o answerer_n to_o show_v what_o truth_n he_o have_v vindicated_n as_o what_o truth_n these_o query_n oppose_v how_o far_o any_o have_v be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o performance_n be_v best_a know_v unto_o themselves_o but_o how_o little_a he_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o gentleman_n desire_n in_o return_v a_o candid_a and_o christian_a resolution_n to_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o judicious_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n have_v he_o
person_n become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v two_o different_a question_n and_o even_o this_o which_o be_v his_o own_o he_o answer_v not_o distinct_o for_o by_o his_o first_o way_n they_o become_v member_n only_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a by_o his_o second_o they_o become_v member_n also_o of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o without_o distinguish_v what_o be_v here_o and_o there_o mean_v by_o church_n we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v much_o edify_v by_o this_o answerer_n that_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n entitle_v man_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o second_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v true_a which_o yet_o with_o his_o good_a leave_n their_o debauchery_n and_o immoralitys_n may_v again_o deprive_v they_o of_o notwithstanding_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n delay_n in_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n but_o it_o be_v not_o every_o vice_n or_o error_n in_o a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o unchurche_n they_o st._n paul_n therefore_o may_v very_o well_o own_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n for_o a_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o debauchery_n and_o immorality_n that_o be_v in_o some_o of_o its_o member_n but_o the_o tolerate_v they_o be_v certain_o a_o crime_n which_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n and_o wheat_n will_v never_o justify_v for_o though_o they_o be_v to_o grow_v together_o till_o harvest_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n declare_v the_o field_n to_o be_v 38._o nor_o will_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o net_n and_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n contain_v therein_o give_v any_o more_o countenance_n to_o this_o fond_a assertion_n that_o debauchery_n and_o immorality_n be_v or_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o that_o debauch_a and_o immoral_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o if_o that_o be_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o answerers_n meaning_n the_o apostle_n command_v that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n i._n e._n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n query_n iii_o whether_o the_o parochial_a church_n within_o these_o nation_n and_o the_o worship_n therein_o use_v be_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n or_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o query_n relate_v to_o the_o former_a have_v respect_n unto_o the_o mean_n whereby_o christian_n become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o aim_v at_o their_o information_n or_o satisfaction_n who_o doubt_v whether_o co-habitation_n or_o man_n live_v together_o within_o such_o or_o such_o a_o precinct_n have_v a_o priest_n or_o curate_n so_o and_o so_o set_v over_o they_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whether_o such_o society_n meet_v to_o worship_n god_n by_o certain_a set_v or_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n or_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o this_o answerer_n not_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v to_o require_v only_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v show_v leave_v his_o reader_n therein_o as_o much_o unsatisfied_a and_o to_o seek_v as_o before_o while_o he_o trouble_v himself_o with_o enumerate_v such_o particular_n as_o be_v not_o here_o question_v nor_o be_v ever_o intrude_v by_o the_o query_n which_o respect_v more_o the_o manner_n than_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o formal_a cause_n only_o of_o a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n query_n iu._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v a_o affirmative_a answer_n here_o which_o can_v not_o well_o be_v deny_v we_o 6._o since_o it_o be_v but_o what_o the_o apostle_n command_v but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o from_o a_o excellent_a expositor_n what_o disorderly_o walk_v be_v by_o which_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v only_o to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o as_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o the_o church_n and_o like_o disband_v soldier_n run_v away_o from_o their_o colour_n where_o by_o the_o way_n disband_v soldier_n be_v improper_o say_v to_o run_v away_o forsake_v the_o service_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o command_v of_o their_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o with_o such_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o have_v any_o familiar_a or_o friendly_a conversation_n but_o this_o withdraw_a say_v he_o concern_v only_o private_a person_n and_o yet_o private_a person_n be_v not_o total_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o such_o disorderly_a walker_n till_o so_o and_o so_o nay_o even_o than_o we_o be_v not_o interdict_v all_o society_n with_o such_o a_o person_n so_o that_o we_o be_v little_o edify_v by_o this_o answerer_n or_o his_o excellent_a expositor_n as_o to_o our_o duty_n of_o withdraw_a which_o they_o do_v not_o convince_v we_o aught_o to_o be_v only_o from_o the_o civil_a conversation_n of_o such_o as_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o the_o church_n or_o as_o forsake_v the_o service_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o command_v of_o their_o bishop_n and_o not_o also_o from_o the_o religious_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o such_o bishop_n and_o brethren_n as_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n query_n v._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n and_o whether_o in_o the_o choice_n thereof_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o judgement_n after_o the_o best_a information_n he_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o or_o other_o man_n judgement_n against_o his_o own_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n little_o of_o what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v be_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n though_o in_o a_o peevish_a and_o froward_a manner_n he_o tell_v we_o if_o there_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n they_o may_v betake_v themselves_o to_o it_o whereby_o he_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o choice_n thereof_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o follow_v another_o judgement_n against_o his_o own_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v any_o molest_v for_o but_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o though_o possible_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o choice_n yet_o while_o they_o be_v so_o by_o misfortune_n and_o not_o their_o fault_n god_n will_v pardon_v it_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o punish_v it_o at_o least_o while_o therein_o they_o hurt_v none_o but_o themselves_o yea_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n they_o introduce_v confusion_n in_o all_o the_o parish_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 14._o in_o set_v up_o one_o altar_n against_o another_o and_o remove_v ancient_a landmark_n express_o against_o a_o divine_a prohibition_n which_o be_v not_o say_v he_o to_o embrace_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n but_o to_o cast_v a_o man_n self_n out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o do_v this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n real_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o separate_a from_o a_o parochial_a or_o national_a church_n do_v thereby_o cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v he_o believe_v the_o french_a protestant_n cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n when_o they_o separate_v from_o their_o parochial_a church_n or_o from_o the_o national_a church_n of_o france_n or_o that_o the_o parliament_n go_v express_o against_o a_o divine_a prohibition_n in_o remove_v a_o ancieut_n landmark_n when_o they_o give_v new_a bound_n to_o st._n martin_n parish_n by_o take_v covent-garden_n out_o of_o it_o and_o what_o do_v they_o who_o in_o this_o nation_n worship_n god_n in_o assembly_n separate_a from_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n more_o than_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o popish_a conntry_n in_o europe_n both_o do_v and_o have_v do_v ever_o since_o they_o have_v a_o be_v and_o yet_o i_o hope_v they_o set_v not_o altar_n against_o altar_n or_o if_o they_o do_v let_v he_o show_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o his_o objection_n against_o dissenter_n be_v let_v alone_o or_o snffer_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o way_n in_o that_o it_o will_v as_o he_o say_v administer_v occasion_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o our_o place_n our_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v but_o the_o old_a objection_n the_o chief_a priest_n
matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n mention_v in_o the_o querie_n and_o though_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o so_o pertinent_a and_o judicious_a a_o answer_n yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v conceit_v himself_o to_o have_v say_v something_o material_a though_o not_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o will_v examine_v all_o he_o here_o say_v as_o we_o have_v do_v his_o precede_a answer_n though_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o question_n before_o he_o as_o every_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a reader_n see_v none_o sure_a ever_o deny_v judicious_a heathen_n to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o christian_n yet_o do_v none_o of_o they_o ever_o do_v it_o before_o they_o judge_v christianity_n itself_o criminal_a and_o so_o do_v not_o execute_v before_o judgement_n though_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a and_o a_o unrighteous_a judgement_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v heretofore_o the_o devil_n policy_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a accomplishment_n in_o persecute_v christ_n disciple_n to_o beget_v in_o undiscerning_a mind_n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o they_o he_o seem_v now_o to_o have_v lose_v much_o of_o his_o ancient_a subtlety_n rare_o employ_v in_o that_o base_a work_n but_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o flagitious_a liver_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o puzzle_v this_o answerer_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o affirm_v viz._n that_o they_o who_o be_v serious_a and_o reserve_v and_o stict_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v the_o great_a opposer_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n the_o contrary_a be_v evident_a and_o the_o very_a assertion_n a_o contradiction_n of_o itself_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n have_v of_o late_a indeed_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o many_o man_n thought_n and_o discourse_n but_o none_o sure_a do_v affirm_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o service_n he_o requry_n of_o they_o but_o that_o secular_a force_n be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a thereunto_o many_o indeed_o do_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n therefore_o plead_v for_o by_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v that_o man_n may_v serve_v or_o not_o serve_v god_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n they_o judge_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v while_o under_o pretence_n thereof_o they_o become_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o ral_a evil_n or_o impiety_n and_o that_o none_o be_v force_v to_o conform_v to_o such_o way_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o may_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o as_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n be_v not_o exempt_a from_o the_o worst_a of_o abuse_n so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o as_o some_o plead_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v render_v unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n other_o again_o may_v plead_v for_o liberty_n also_o to_o be_v excuse_v the_o preformance_n of_o those_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o they_o to_o distinguish_v therefore_o between_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n great_a care_n and_o concern_v but_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o say_v because_o '_o its_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o let_v man_n alone_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n i.e._n in_o the_o preformance_n of_o those_o religious_a duty_n god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o none_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v true_o such_o therefore_o god_n may_v be_v either_o serve_v or_o blaspheme_v own_a or_o disow_v by_o they_o be_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o none_o i_o think_v but_o himself_o will_v have_v make_v for_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_a ever_o doubt_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o see_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v that_o god_n be_v own_a and_o due_o serve_v by_o all_o under_o he_o and_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o impiety_n restrain_v and_o punish_v nor_o can_v any_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n excuse_n much_o less_o justify_v as_o he_o say_v blasphemy_n or_o exempt_v any_o guilty_a thereof_o or_o of_o the_o like_a moral_a evil_n from_o the_o magistrate_n revenge_v power_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o he_o to_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o now_o our_o answerer_n crave_v his_o reader_n be_v patience_n by_o speak_v as_o he_o say_v something_o large_o to_o this_o query_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v crave_v his_o pardon_n rather_o for_o mistake_v the_o question_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o so_o impertinent_a and_o tedious_a a_o combat_n with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o so_o bewitch_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o conquest_n that_o sensible_a of_o his_o advantage_n on_o his_o man_n of_o straw_n he_o never_o think_v he_o have_v sufficient_o beat_v he_o to_o begin_v therefore_o he_o crave_v leave_v to_o tell_v the_o gentleman_n the_o clergyman_n be_v none_o of_o the_o wise_a to_o think_v that_o doomsday_n judgement_n be_v the_o judgement_n here_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o do_v he_o right_o on_o all_o occasion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o right_n in_o say_v it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n of_o god_n judgement_n at_o doomsday_n to_o inflict_v corporal_n or_o pecuniary_a penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o offend_v against_o the_o know_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o have_v ask_v to_o have_v it_o show_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o more_o in_o religion_n then_o in_o civil_a concern_v a_o magistrate_n say_v he_o for_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n for_o grant_v a_o warrant_n to_o levy_v 12d_o upon_o a_o atheist_n or_o papist_n for_o not_o repair_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o why_o then_o will_v this_o gentleman_n this_o ignorant_a gentleman_n say_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o a_o mild_a or_o perhaps_o a_o severe_a law_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o very_a law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v ask_v and_o have_v be_v a_o folly_n never_o to_o have_v be_v answer_v have_v he_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o with_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n good_a leave_n the_o gentleman_n will_v take_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o shall_v a_o magistrate_n pronounce_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n and_o execute_v a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n before_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o judge_v a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o levy_v 12d_o upon_o any_o for_o not_o come_v to_o church_n before_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o not_o come_v and_o his_o not_o come_v judge_v a_o crime_n that_o all_o nation_n whether_o jewish_n heathen_a or_o christian_n have_v as_o he_o say_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o protect_v the_o honour_n of_o those_o deity_n they_o have_v make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o punish_v those_o offender_n that_o have_v either_o neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o those_o god_n which_o they_o have_v pretend_v to_o serve_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v time_n lose_v to_o prove_v it_o our_o answerer_n therefore_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o not_o have_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o prove_v what_o none_o sure_o ever_o deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o grotius_n his_o observation_n out_o of_o sneca_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o violate_v religion_n have_v various_a kind_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o inflict_v some_o no_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o consonant_a thereunto_o and_o who_o i_o pray_v be_v great_a violator_n of_o religion_n than_o they_o who_o subvert_v or_o alter_v its_o divine_a or_o original_a institution_n when_o numa_n pompilius_n as_o he_o observe_v institute_v a_o pontifex_n maximus_n or_o chief_a priest_n and_o commit_v to_o he_o
to_o be_v burn_v alive_a at_o geneva_n query_n viii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o incongruous_a and_o heterogeniall_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o whether_o any_o judge_n or_o justice_n can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o man_n thought_n or_o conscience_n nor_o when_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v manifest_v by_o external_a action_n whether_o liable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o inspection_n none_o i_o think_v ever_o question_v either_o of_o they_o but_o whether_o man_n err_v spiritual_o ought_v corporal_o to_o be_v punish_v paul_n be_v reckon_a heresy_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o tell_v the_o gorinthians_n they_o be_v carnal_a from_o the_o schism_n and_o disorder_n that_o be_v among_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n certain_o any_o sensual_a sin_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n what_o think_v he_o then_o of_o hatred_n wrath_n covetousness_n emulation_n envy_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v sensual_a sin_n or_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o why_o be_v they_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o who_o gather_v church_n etc._n etc._n more_o than_o spiritual_o erroneous_a how_o come_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a errand_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n now_o to_o become_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n be_v it_o that_o man_n or_o child_n rather_o be_v now_o bear_v christian_n or_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o though_o improper_o express_v or_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o parish_n they_o do_v thereby_o become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o one_o certain_o who_o understand_v what_o either_o a_o christian_n or_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v can_v think_v so_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v despise_v government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n do_v he_o not_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n without_o government_n how_o then_o come_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n to_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n to_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o i_o hope_v neither_o this_o answerer_n nor_o any_o who_o own_o themselves_o christian_n doubt_v it_o to_o be_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n sure_a to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v the_o inticer_n to_o idolatry_n mention_v in_o deutromony_n may_v as_o well_o have_v plead_v it_o be_v only_o a_o error_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n for_o that_o none_o certain_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o they_o to_o draw_v any_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o worship_v idol_n it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o it_o may_v therefore_o for_o any_o thing_n this_o answerer_n have_v here_o say_v be_v both_o incongruous_a and_o heterogenial_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o query_n ix_o whether_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o arm_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_fw-mi inform_v we_o how_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n towards_o some_o be_v as_o he_o say_v antichristian_a and_o not_o towards_o other_o the_o difference_n not_o be_v evident_a at_o least_o to_o all_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v so_o much_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o though_o our_o answerer_n express_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o spaniard_n deal_n with_o the_o indian_n gracious_o acknowledge_v that_o propriety_n be_v not_o forfeit_v by_o unbelief_n yet_o but_o now_o speak_v of_o dissenter_n here_o he_o say_v q._n if_o they_o disapprove_v of_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o superior_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o government_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o pure_a church_n which_o be_v but_o in_o other_o word_n to_o say_v be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o country_n or_o abandon_v your_o property_n with_o the_o land_n of_o your_o nativity_n but_o shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o establishment_n of_o a_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n he_o approve_v not_o of_o if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o approve_v of_o whatever_o shall_v be_v the_o national_a religion_n will_v he_o not_o think_v himself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o to_o be_v require_v to_o conform_v or_o to_o abandon_v his_o native_a country_n he_o may_v do_v well_o therefore_o to_o meditate_v a_o little_a on_o that_o no_o less_o divine_a then_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o the_o cannon_n he_o mention_n be_v indeed_o very_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n so_o likewise_o be_v what_o he_o cites_n from_o tertullian_n and_o lactantius_n but_o then_o without_o the_o least_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n and_o perhaps_o only_o because_o grotius_n say_v 20._o it_o be_v not_o just_a or_o lawful_a to_o make_v war_n upon_o any_o because_o they_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o prince_n raise_v war_n against_o pagan_a nation_n to_o compel_v and_o force_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v very_o well_o and_o judicious_o observe_v of_o he_o that_o these_o thing_n nothing_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o universal_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o compel_v or_o force_v any_o to_o profess_v what_o all_o already_o do_v profess_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o such_o a_o kingdom_n magistrate_n he_o say_v may_v use_v compulsive_a method_n to_o secure_v their_o people_n from_o a_o total_a and_o manifest_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o will_v free_o allow_v he_o if_o compulsive_a method_n can_v secure_v a_o people_n from_o apostasy_n and_o that_o through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o truth_n magistrate_n do_v not_o too_o often_o instead_o thereof_o compel_v to_o error_n but_o none_o sure_o will_v say_v but_o that_o magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o repress_v such_o seducer_n as_o threaten_v the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o own_o government_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n too_o be_v it_o once_o determine_v which_o among_o the_o many_o that_o will_v be_v so_o account_v be_v the_o true_a what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o religious_a prince_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v to_o query_n x._o whether_o any_o one_o can_v be_v compel_v by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n to_o perform_v any_o one_o religious_a duty_n acceptable_o since_o god_n accept_v not_o of_o any_o but_o what_o be_v vol●ntary_a and_o of_o faith_n which_o can_v be_v force_v and_o of_o what_o use_v then_o be_v secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o make_v man_n sin_n or_o suffer_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o query_n which_o this_o answerer_n say_v with_o other_o be_v forge_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n be_v with_o the_o rest_n ground_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n with_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v little_o acquaint_v or_o with_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o say_v that_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n of_o reason_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o magistrate_n use_v compulsive_a method_n towards_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n a●_n those_o of_o the_o first_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o force_v man_n to_o moral_a action_n and_o divine_a duty_n since_o in_o thing_n moral_a the_o action_n however_o circumstantiate_v be_v in_o itself_o positive_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a institution_n the_o manner_n only_o of_o the_o performance_n make_v the_o action_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v 3._o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o kill_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o command_n be_v not_o observe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o
wherein_o do_v this_o permit_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o this_o answerer_n very_o impertinent_o object_v and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o rational_a man_n whether_o they_o who_o insist_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n or_o they_o who_o allow_v unto_o every_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o christian_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o lead_v into_o the_o path_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o do_v gratify_v the_o old_a serpent_n in_o his_o malicious_a wile_n and_o method_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o his_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v their_o hellish_a design_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n government_n at_o one_o blow_n i_o say_v again_o let_v every_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o destroy_v judge_n god_n name_n be_v not_o indeed_o blaspheme_v as_o he_o say_v when_o his_o institution_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o uphold_v his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o institute_v the_o civil_a sword_n to_o force_v any_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o less_o to_o uphold_v whatever_o be_v teach_v or_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o his_o name_n be_v blaspheme_v when_o man_n mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o who_o use_v such_o mean_n and_o method_n for_o its_o propagation_n as_o they_o pretend_v as_o beget_v a_o aversion_n in_o many_o towards_o it_o and_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v the_o profession_n thereof_o arbitrary_a they_o who_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o every_o be●ted_a brain_n and_o sulphurous_a malcontent_n be_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o open_o to_o deny_v and_o blaspheme_v he_o when_o all_o we_o pray_v and_o plead_v for_o be_v but_o 3_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n without_o ever_o deny_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a evil_n and_o impiety_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a know_v from_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n how_o far_o any_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v here_o to_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v too_o hard_a thought_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o forsake_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o sacrament_n it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v one_o thing_n to_o convert_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v both_o effect_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o compel_v unto_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o but_o when_o man_n give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_o as_o he_o say_v the_o duty_n of_o churchman_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o proper_a mean_v to_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o but_o who_o be_v the_o incorrigible_a offender_n he_o speak_v of_o or_o what_o occasion_n do_v this_o query_n administer_v to_o ask_v why_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v request_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o be_v request_v to_o punish_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v no_o more_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n then_o he_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n alone_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n aught_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o reduce_v man_n to_o christianity_n and_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n now_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o its_o act_n and_o censure_n shall_v be_v second_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o disciple_n teach_v what_o he_o command_v they_o 28._o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o in_o the_o act_n and_o censure_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n have_v withdraw_v any_o of_o that_o ordinary_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n but_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o his_o promise_n in_o not_o teach_v what_o he_o command_v but_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o device_n in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o institution_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o orderly_a and_o regular_o pronounce_v now_o as_o heretofore_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o as_o then_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n what_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o body_n we_o be_v rather_o tell_v then_o convince_v of_o for_o the_o intestuous_a corinthian's_n being_n deliver_v unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v his_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n with_o the_o blindness_n of_o ellmas_n the_o sorcerer_n the_o effect_n of_o any_o church_n act_n or_o censure_n but_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n christ_n confer_v on_o his_o apostle_n to_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o church_n power_n be_v defective_a without_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n be_v high_o derogatory_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v much_o of_o christ_n glory_n to_o rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v that_o power_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a it_o be_v that_o power_n in_o all_o gospel_n institution_n that_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n carry_v the_o sting_n of_o the_o punishment_n when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o power_n do_v all_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bringin_n the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o whole_o to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v to_o a●m_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n what_o he_o say_v of_o dissenter_n be_v punish_v for_o endanger_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n by_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v speak_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o law_n and_o what_o church_n he_o here_o mean_v nor_o can_v we_o till_o then_o say_v how_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o society_n be_v twist_v and_o unite_v but_o do_v very_o well_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a artifices_fw-la in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o to_o twist_v the_o civil_a and_o some_o pretend_a religious_a interest_n as_o to_o preswade_v the_o world_n the_o oak_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o ivy_n but_o as_o well_o reason_n as_o experience_n
against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a command_v by_o superior_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v agreeable_a with_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 7._o none_o may_v judge_v for_o another_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v true_o tell_v we_o proceed_v according_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n must_v therein_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n query_n xvii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o in_o other_o thing_n wait_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o differ_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n our_o answerer_n acknowledge_v what_o none_o can_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o frame_v and_o order_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o he_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v force_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o for_o where_o any_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n to_o do_v it_o to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v sin_n though_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v not_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o superior_n opinion_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o this_o answerer_n as_o wilful_a in_o retain_v error_n or_o opiniotive_n in_o despise_v those_o who_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o superior_n may_v err_v and_o god_n approve_v not_o of_o blind_a obedience_n because_o he_o will_v not_o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n tell_v we_o hold_v they_o excuse_v 6._o who_o with_o a_o blind_a zeal_n follow_v their_o leader_n but_o who_o be_v they_o this_o answerer_n term_v weak_a christian_n and_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n if_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o action_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n dare_v not_o conform_v to_o what_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v weak_a they_o will_v one_o day_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o wise_a christian_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o 13_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o protection_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v those_o babe_n to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o thing_n he_o have_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a what_o he_o say_v of_o child_n be_v cccker_v and_o uphold_v in_o their_o humour_n be_v extreme_o impertinent_a here_o and_o nothing_o to_o this_o query_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o man_n will_v live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceive_v it_o their_o duty_n total_o to_o forsake_v their_o parochial_a church_n and_o think_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a indifferent_a matter_n whether_o they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n or_o infidel_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o total_o to_o forsake_v their_o parochial_a church_n i_o know_v it_o there_o be_v those_o who_o though_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o every_o parochial_a church_n nor_o yet_o with_o any_o parochial_a church_n in_o every_o thing_n be_v yet_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o christian_a office_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n separate_v from_o those_o circumstance_n or_o adjunct_n of_o worship_n of_o humane_a institution_n of_o who_o lawfulness_n they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v who_o do_v not_o therefore_o total_o forsake_v they_o much_o less_o think_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a indifferent_a matter_n whether_o they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n or_o infidel_n though_o they_o believe_v not_o all_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o consist_v in_o communicate_v with_o parochial_a church_n as_o for_o his_o scorner_n and_o infidel_n chair_n it_o may_v very_o well_o have_v be_v spare_v here_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o of_o these_o query_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n unto_o such_o or_o that_o any_o shall_v go_v unpunished_a for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n a_o inferior_n differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o his_o superior_a aught_o to_o excite_v his_o utmost_a ●are_n and_o diligence_n to_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o will_v not_o warrant_v his_o yield_a blind_a obedience_n to_o any_o of_o he_o dictate_v 23._o be_v you_o 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n be_v a_o divine_a precept_n which_o must_v take_v place_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o no_o where_o yet_o ought_v not_o any_o to_o condemn_v a_o whole_a church_n or_o withdraw_v from_o its_o communion_n but_o where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a corruption_n and_o defect_n in_o it_o and_o those_o too_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o may_v justify_v both_o his_o charge_n and_o separation_n but_o of_o they_o the_o party_n separate_a must_v still_o judge_n it_o be_v the_o high_a usurpation_n say_v the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n to_o rob_v man_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n 118_o that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o against_o the_o papist_n be_v that_o all_o man_n have_v eye_n in_o their_o head_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pope_n that_o every_o one_o have_v a_o judicium_fw-la privatae_fw-la discretionis_fw-la which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o free_o allow_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n in_o the_o governor_n 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guide_v by_o such_o as_o be_v fallible_a but_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o such_o against_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o follow_v one_o who_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v guide_v he_o the_o next_o way_n from_o york_n to_o london_n though_o he_o lead_v he_o still_o northward_o when_o he_o know_v the_o way_n thither_o to_o lie_v southward_o but_o can_v i_o believe_v my_o guide_n infallible_a i_o may_v renounce_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o disbelieve_v my_o very_a sense_n to_o follow_v he_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o lead_v i_o but_o till_o then_o shall_v think_v it_o absurd_a in_o any_o to_o force_v i_o so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v but_o the_o genuine_a import_n of_o this_o query_n but_o our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n may_v act_v infallible_o in_o his_o station_n though_o he_o be_v not_o himself_o infallible_a for_o he_o he_o say_v do_v so_o who_o act_n and_o proceed_v by_o infallible_a unerring_a rule_n yet_o with_o his_o good_a leave_n he_o may_v herein_o 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depend_v on_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o teacher_n or_o leader_n be_v liable_a to_o change_v the_o one_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o happen_v to_o change_v the_o other_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v as_o this_o answerer_n will_v have_v we_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o own_o light_n but_o we_o do_v say_v and_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o his_o own_o light_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o be_v not_o infallible_a and_o defy_v he_o to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o age_n which_o he_o say_v be_v innumerable_a of_o those_o who_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o separate_v from_o their_o mother_n church_n know_v not_o where_o to_o abide_v and_o fix_v etc._n etc._n be_v the_o objection_n of_o a_o elder_a mother_n church_n against_o those_o who_o forsake_v and_o separate_v from_o she_o but_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o will_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v where_o to_o abide_v and_o fix_v though_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v not_o the_o rational_a and_o diligent_a enquirer_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o the_o blind_a follower_n of_o their_o perhaps_o blind_a guide_n that_o common_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o popery_n query_n xix_o whether_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n it_o will_v excuse_v false_a worshipper_n to_o say_v they_o therein_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o whither_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o will_v not_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v not_o from_o he_o the_o least_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n which_o be_v no_o more_o then_o whether_o false_a worshipper_n will_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n be_v excuse_v in_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o instead_o thereof_o be_v tell_v with_o many_o unhandsome_a and_o undue_a reflection_n that_o by_o false_a worshipper_n be_v mean_v either_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o some_o other_o assembly_n of_o christian_n if_o the_o former_a the_o gentleman_n that_o prop●ses_v it_o be_v extreme_o uncharitable_a if_o the_o latter_a the_o query_n be_v impertinent_a but_o why_o uncharitable_a or_o impertinent_a be_v it_o so_o improbable_a or_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a worshipper_n in_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n of_o christian_n who_o serve_v god_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o gentleman_n may_v neither_o be_v uncharitable_a nor_o the_o query_n impertinent_a this_o answerer_n therefore_o must_v either_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o all_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o her_o liturgy_n as_o to_o esteem_v it_o impertinent_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o worship_n or_o to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o future_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v therein_o mislead_v or_o he_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a person_n he_o speak_v of_o against_o all_o ingenuity_n and_o reason_n to_o apply_v what_o be_v indefinite_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o it_o be_v more_o applicable_a unto_o other_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o tell_v he_o in_o his_o own_o language_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o untruth_n as_o ever_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n to_o say_v that_o this_o or_o any_o of_o these_o query_n obtrude_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o slanderous_a upon_o any_o or_o that_o they_o be_v chief_o design_v for_o the_o unwary_a countryman_n who_o be_v not_o the_o person_n that_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n or_o persecute_v any_o on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o though_o it_o be_v still_o nothing_o to_o the_o present_a question_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o false-worship_n be_v viz._n mens_fw-la draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n and_o put_v he_o far_o away_o from_o their_o heart_n and_o how_o do_v this_o query_n charge_v this_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v neither_o say_v nor_o intend_v in_o it_o to_o teach_v any_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o of_o her_o communion_n who_o teach_v 246._o preach_v and_o print_v that_o man_n practice_n even_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n whether_o conformable_a or_o not_o to_o their_o apprehension_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o law_n and_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o authority_n draw_v contrary_a way_n we_o be_v to_o follow_v truth_n with_o our_o soul●_n and_o authority_n with_o our_o body_n so_o that_o with_o these_o man_n divisum_fw-la imperium_fw-la cum_fw-la jove_n caesar_n habit_n but_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o or_o of_o this_o answerer_n whether_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o false-worship_n in_o any_o to_o worship_n god_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v persuade_v he_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v or_o whether_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a though_o they_o pretend_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n will_n at_o the_o last_o day_n excuse_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o mislead_v by_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o
charge_v not_o this_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o have_v we_o say_v that_o they_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o her_o liturgy_n be_v false-worshipper_n these_o be_v but_o the_o uncharitable_a inference_n and_o surmise_n of_o a_o strange_o ignorant_a or_o immeasurable_o malicious_a person_n who_o want_v strength_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n he_o like_v not_o thus_o load_v they_o with_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v nothing_o still_o to_o this_o query_n that_o there_o be_v no_o congregat_v independent_a congregation_n in_o england_n but_o the_o respective_a pastor_n of_o it_o assume_v to_o himself_o more_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v the_o swear_a member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o great_a prelate_n in_o our_o church_n do_v in_o his_o province_n or_o diocese_n unless_o to_o manifest_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o write_v one_o true_a period_n there_o be_v among_o they_o no_o such_o swear_a member_n as_o he_o mention_n and_o whether_o of_o they_o exercise_n most_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v their_o respective_a member_n in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n let_v those_o concern_v determine_v but_o this_o he_o say_v he_o will_v not_o prove_v from_o their_o practice_n the_o thing_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o independency_n which_o aim_v at_o little_a else_o but_o turanny_n and_o pre_n eminence_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o independent_a pastor_n exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a i_o hope_v he_o do_v not_o mean_a here_o that_o in_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n impossible_a they_o exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n they_o do_v not_o yet_o exclude_v any_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o if_o the_o condition_n be_v impossible_a the_o communion_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o well_o know_v and_o so_o in_o good_a time_n will_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o reporter_n likewise_o be_v but_o as_o a_o far_a instance_n of_o their_o tyranny_n and_o pre-eminence_n he_o tell_v we_o they_o pry_v into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o man_n soul_n life_n and_o action_n by_o severe_a scrutiny_n and_o examination_n if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o oath_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v hear_v much_o talk_n of_o but_o they_o will_v not_o he_o say_v admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o gather_a church_n till_o they_o have_v satisfy_v the_o curiosity_n of_o their_o guide_n that_o be_v they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o unbeliever_n nor_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n a_o great_a crime_n and_o worthy_a this_o answerer_n rebuke_n but_o be_v it_o more_o than_o probable_a as_o he_o politic_o observe_v that_o this_o and_o not_o meanness_n of_o trade_n impoverish_v city_n and_o country_n or_o suppose_v they_o who_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thing_n 27._o shall_v according_a to_o duty_n administer_v unto_o they_o in_o carnal_a thing_n how_o shall_v this_o occasion_n the_o nation_n poverty_n what_o do_v they_o receive_v which_o they_o give_v not_o again_o or_o which_o of_o they_o have_v such_o plenty_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o hoard_v up_o any_o thing_n no_o no_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o more_o pious_a politician_n that_o a_o fruitful_a land_n be_v turn_v into_o barrenness_n 34._o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o holy_a prophet_n tell_v we_o 4._o the_o land_n mourn_v and_o the_o herb_n of_o every_o field_n wither_v not_o for_o people_n meeting_n together_o to_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o land_n of_o their_o nativity_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n still_o of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o person_n differ_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o passion_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o query_n charge_v in_o the_o rear_n with_o blind_a leader_n and_o follower_n he_o wish_v the_o gentleman_n will_v not_o make_v such_o sly_a and_o unworthy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o conformable_a laity_n and_o clergy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o gentleman_n wish_v likewise_o this_o answerer_n will_v also_o forbear_v apply_v to_o particular_n what_o be_v indefinite_o speak_v and_o be_v not_o by_o he_o intend_v to_o one_o party_n more_o than_o another_o but_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o some_o very_a sore_a place_n in_o the_o ass_n that_o kick_v and_o winche_n upon_o every_o approach_n before_o he_o be_v touch_v query_n xx._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n to_o tie_v man_n by_o temporal_a penalty_n to_o fallible_a guide_n who_o to_o follow_v may_v be_v their_o eternal_a to_o forsake_v their_o temporal_a ruin_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n he_o have_v nothing_o it_o seem_v to_o say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o very_o advise_o send_v his_o reader_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o for_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o know_v not_o what_o query_n xxi_o whether_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v not_o be_v by_o add_v and_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o enquiry_n here_o be_v only_o into_o the_o original_n of_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n i._n e._n among_o christian_n or_o such_o as_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n not_o of_o the_o persecution_n raise_v against_o they_o by_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n the_o ten_o persecution_n therefore_o against_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o inroad_n of_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n into_o italy_n come_v not_o within_o this_o enquiry_n but_o say_v this_o answerer_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v very_o great_a mistake_n in_o it_o for_o that_o severe_a proceed_n of_o christian_a emperor_n against_o heretic_n and_o of_o heretic_n against_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v not_o for_o innovation_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n as_o condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o query_n and_o wherein_o ●y_a the_o great_a mistake_n in_o ask_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v pardon_v this_o for_o so_o ingenious_o profess_v himself_o ignorant_a of_o any_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v ever_o raise_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o add_v and_o require_v new_a or_o unheard_a of_o condition_n of_o church_n fellowship_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o western_a and_o eastern_a church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o constantine_n constantius_n and_o some_o follow_a emperor_n upon_o the_o imposition_n of_o differ_v if_o not_o contradictory_n creed_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n as_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o cause_v the_o breach_n of_o communion_n and_o church-fellowship_n between_o the_o arian_n and_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o the_o orthodox_n force_v the_o arian_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o new_o invent_a homoousian_n as_o do_v afterward_o the_o arian_n where_o they_o prevail_v require_v the_o orthodox_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o homoiousian_n whereas_o as_o a_o learned_a prelate_n have_v well_o observe_v have_v both_o party_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n expression_n without_o their_o own_o addition_n they_o may_v have_v live_v peacable_o and_o quiet_o together_o and_o the_o arian_n heresy_n probable_o have_v soon_o expire_v error_n divest_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o support_v not_o be_v long_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o ●ower_n of_o truth_n he_o be_v it_o seem_v likewise_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a division_n which_o after_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereas_o as_o the_o say_v learned_a person_n likewise_o observe_v have_v they_o acquiesce_v also_o in_o what_o the_o
it_o the_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n in_o a_o national_a church_n only_o that_o be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n certain_o if_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o a_o national_a church_n cause_n division_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o affection_n variety_n of_o rite_n in_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n church_n will_v cause_v the_o same_o also_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n throughout_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n experience_n tell_v we_o what_o sad_a division_n feud_n and_o animosity_n have_v and_o do_v daily_o arise_v among_o christian_n from_o the_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n worship_n enjoin_v by_o particular_a church_n of_o several_a denomination_n even_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o external_a as_o well_o as_o internal_a unity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n and_o which_o christ_n so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o if_o the_o internal_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o external_n unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n be_v desirable_a as_o most_o certain_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v attain_v then_o by_o all_o christian_a church_n universal_o adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o enjoin_v no_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o require_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n then_o that_o enjoin_v and_o require_v nor_o have_v our_o answerer_n more_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n independent_a one_o 〈◊〉_d of_o another_o though_o live_v under_o the_o same_o civil_a government_n do_v weaken_v and_o will_v at_o last_o destroy_v christianity_n than_o other_o that_o national_a and_o provincial_a church_n reject_v at_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o endanger_v the_o very_a be_v of_o christian_a religion_n nor_o yet_o that_o from_o such_o small_a beginning_n and_o independent_a communion_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o possibility_n to_o have_v spread_v and_o propagate_v christianity_n in_o the_o world_n than_o a_o army_n divide_v and_o scatter_v into_o party_n can_v be_v able_a encounter_n with_o another_o that_o be_v unite_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o chief_a commander_n since_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o mighty_a and_o experience_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o from_o such_o small_a beginning_n and_o independent_a communion_n christianity_n have_v be_v spread_v and_o propagate_v over_o the_o world_n but_o if_o as_o he_o intimate_v a_o army_n divide_v and_o scatter_v into_o party_n be_v not_o able_a to_o encounter_v another_o that_o be_v unite_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o chief_a commander_n 27_o how_o will_v those_o national_a and_o provincial_a reform_a church_n which_o be_v but_o divide_v and_o scatter_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a army_n and_o independent_a one_o 〈◊〉_d of_o another_o be_v able_a to_o encounter_n the_o papacy_n which_o be_v unite_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o their_o chief_a commander_n so_o strange_o do_v prejudice_n and_o partiality_n blind_a man_n as_o that_o they_o see_v not_o how_o they_o argue_v against_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v of_o that_o army_n who_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o embrace_v and_o follow_v while_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o skirmish_v with_o it_o this_o answerer_n may_v therefore_o know_v if_o he_o please_v that_o though_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o army_n it_o be_v not_o in_o be_v like_o officered_a as_o have_v a_o lieutenant_n or_o vicar-general_n major-general_n colonel_n etc._n etc._n or_o such_o like_a subordination_n of_o officer_n depend_v upon_o or_o centre_v in_o one_o and_o yet_o th●_n be_v not_o without_o her_o officer_n who_o though_o at_o the_o head_n but_o of_o single_a company_n observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o their_o chief_a commander_n be_v and_o have_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_n the_o unite_a power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n make_v war_n against_o the_o lamb_n and_o his_o follower_n but_o our_o answerer_n have_v explain_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o one_o of_o the_o main_a vital_n of_o christianity_n viz._n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n advise_v his_o reader_n far_o to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n abide_v upon_o earth_n there_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v any_o law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o unity_n for_o the_o reason_n he_o mention_n and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_n in_o religion_n as_o they_o in_o their_o own_o prudence_n shall_v judge_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o shall_v convert_v and_o which_o tend_v to_o promote_v true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o for_o this_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v likewise_o to_o consider_v we_o have_v but_o his_o bare_a word_n he_o not_o offer_v the_o least_o proof_n of_o any_o such_o power_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o commission_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v but_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n and_o appoint_v such_o ritual_n in_o religion_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v fond_o and_o groundless_o assert_v and_o no_o less_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o himself_o but_o now_o say_v than_o repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o those_o rite_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o one_o sort_n of_o people_n will_v not_o be_v so_o unto_o other_o and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o appoint_v as_o he_o say_v such_o ritual_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o their_o prudence_n they_o shall_v judge_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o nation_n they_o shall_v convert_v what_o become_v of_o his_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n the_o visible_a unity_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o he_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o aught_o to_o be_v uniform_a and_o undevide_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n abode_n upon_o earth_n there_o shall_v be_v as_o he_o say_v any_o law_n make_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o any_o but_o jesus_n christ_n or_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o enact_v any_o such_o law_n neither_o have_v our_o lord_n christ_n institute_v any_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o will_v very_o well_o suit_n with_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n he_o will_v never_o else_o have_v command_v his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o yet_o so_o fond_a be_v our_o answerer_n of_o his_o fancy_n as_o to_o repeat_v they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o christ_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o intend_v though_o he_o give_v we_o no_o evidence_n of_o such_o his_o intention_n to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n with_o so_o much_o soundness_n and_o integrity_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a by_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o enact_v such_o law_n and_o order_n as_o shall_v preserve_v the_o external_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o render_v religion_n so_o amiable_a as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v quite_o naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o external_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n in_o which_o he_o express_v but_o his_o own_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thought_n of_o religion_n christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o most_o amiable_a when_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o beauty_n of_o who_o worship_n consist_v not_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o which_o even_o where_o they_o most_o exceed_v it_o come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o ordinance_n under_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o the_o
apostle_n prefer_v the_o gospel_n worship_n far_o above_o that_o for_o glory_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n which_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o respect_n unto_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n to_o invest_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o it_o speak_v he_o either_o want_v towards_o it_o in_o not_o appoint_v thing_n necessary_a or_o not_o so_o wise_a as_o other_o to_o find_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o conduce_v to_o its_o edification_n and_o beauty_n and_o in_o commission_v his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v only_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o command_v they_o reject_v the_o honour_n give_v unto_o he_o by_o those_o who_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n he_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o no_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n but_o what_o be_v divine_a of_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v enjoin_v or_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o any_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n if_o by_o positive_a law_n make_v for_o the_o external_a regiment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n cite_v by_o he_o mean_v law_n only_o for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n though_o about_o it_o we_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o say_v against_o it_o than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a question_n nor_o do_v we_o argue_v from_o christ_n abrogate_a those_o ceremony_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v that_o no_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o only_o ask_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v not_o not_o because_o he_o abrogate_a those_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o but_o because_o no_o worship_n be_v acccptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 6._o and_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o manner_n beyond_o the_o orderly_a observance_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o necessary_o attend_v such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v but_o by_o express_a command_n or_o commission_n from_o god_n let_v this_o answerer_n therefore_o show_v their_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o he_o may_v be_v better_o think_v of_o then_o otherwise_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v be_v by_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n and_o desire_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o he_o say_v to_o give_v unto_o civil_a power_n commission_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o they_o please_v for_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o civil_a right_n of_o their_o people_n and_o none_o unto_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n not_o to_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o man_n which_o unavoidable_o as_o woeful_a experience_n manifest_v must_v fill_v she_o with_o schism_n and_o division_n but_o to_o have_v himself_o give_v she_o a_o stand_a rule_n or_o law_n whereby_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v universal_o go●verned_v and_o which_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a will_v her_o guide_n and_o governor_n faithful_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o deluge_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o secure_a christian_n in_o the_o path_n of_o piety_n and_o order_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o other_o law_n or_o lawgiver_n ever_o to_o effect_v nor_o be_v it_o from_o the_o dulness_n and_o indocibleness_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o answerer_n will_v have_v it_o that_o god_n give_v they_o rule_n for_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o 2_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o 2._o in_o who_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v 5._o therefore_o establish_v he_o a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n and_o that_o he_o give_v they_o rule_n in_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v only_o of_o his_o own_o appointment_n q._n but_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n say_v this_o answerer_n have_v abolish_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n etc._n etc._n though_o but_o now_o to_o serve_v another_o turn_n he_o tell_v we_o man_n mind_n be_v dark_a and_o they_o be_v therefore_o blind_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o they_o know_v not_o who_o such_o be_v his_o dexterity_n in_o blow_v hot_a and_o cold_a with_o the_o same_o breath_n and_o man_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v man_n and_o sometime_o bruit_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o they_o yet_o be_v life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n image_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n repair_v ●nd_o restore_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o of_o what_o man_n not_o of_o the_o carnal_a or_o unregenerate_a but_o of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o 13._o they_o be_v the_o saint_n only_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n still_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o they_o be_v the_o regenerate_v only_o who_o be_v endeud_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n but_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o find_v that_o even_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o make_v law_n for_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o such_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o by_o some_o have_v be_v make_v have_v much_o conduce_v to_o common_a benefit_n or_o conspire_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o mutual_a good_a of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v introduce_v a_o theatrical_a pompous_a carnal_a worship_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n instead_o of_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o god_n require_v and_o without_o which_o no_o other_o worship_n will_v ever_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o that_o will_v look_v back_o as_o our_o answerer_n advise_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v adorn_v with_o that_o comely_a simplicity_n modest_a magnificence_n and_o awful_a reverence_n etc._n etc._n he_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o find_v any_o other_o law_n for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o our_o answerer_n come_v now_o to_o his_o argument_n à_fw-la fortiori_fw-la and_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o primitive_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enjoin_v christian_n the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n other_o and_o so_o many_o in_o their_o stead_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n but_o the_o abolish_v ceremony_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o ●he_n express_v warrant_n and_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o abstain_v from_o blood_n from_o thing_n ●rangled_v and_o from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n but_o 〈◊〉_d he_o not_o herein_o mistake_v for_o these_o be_v not_o command_v as_o ceremony_n but_o prohibit_v as_o scandal_n to_o the_o new_a convert_v jew_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o warrant_n or_o command_n either_o express_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n or_o that_o they_o ever_o enjoin_v or_o command_v circumcision_n but_o we_o find_v they_o declare_v they_o command_v it_o not_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n 24_o if_o they_o
be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o 2._o so_o far_o be_v the_o apostle_n from_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o contradiction_n interminis_fw-la for_o if_o they_o have_v apostolical_a warrant_n and_o command_v they_o be_v not_o abrogate_a but_o we_o must_v bear_v with_o small_a slip_n if_o we_o will_v not_o create_v to_o ourselves_o endless_a trouble_n but_o it_o be_v at_o length_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o our_o answerer_n hope_v to_o salve_v all_o in_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v it_o seem_v institute_n such_o and_o so_o many_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o if_o so_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o other_o church_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o she_o also_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o how_o come_v he_o to_o censure_v she_o as_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a and_o superstitious_a while_o she_o exercise_v but_o the_o authority_n he_o allow_v she_o institute_v no_o other_o ceremony_n than_o she_o judge_v conducive_a to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n as_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o which_o render_v religion_n amiable_a by_o its_o external_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n but_o what_o may_v this_o answerer_n mean_v by_o the_o essentials_n of_o worship_n 4_o a_o dear_a friend_n of_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o essence_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o grateful_a sense_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n towards_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o as_o for_o all_o that_o concern_v external_a worship_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o judgement_n also_o he_o may_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o yet_o retain_v a_o liberty_n of_o introduce_v all_o the_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a superstitious_a ceremony_n now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o judge_v they_o to_o render_v religion_n amiable_a and_o beautiful_a but_o certain_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o outward_a institution_n in_o religion_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o do_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o old_a and_o so_o do_v the_o present_a sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v and_o be_v part_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o i_o suppose_v of_o religion_n too_o and_o whatever_o be_v make_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o without_o it_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v be_v thereby_o make_v a_o essential_a of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o without_o it_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o thing_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o be_v plead_v be_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o same_o privilege_n which_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n assume_v to_o themselves_o viz._n to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o it_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o justice_n be_v deny_v then_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n prevail_v in_o those_o instance_n and_o rite_n where_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n to_o warrant_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o instance_v in_o the_o worship_n perform_v as_o he_o say_v by_o independent_o ask_v what_o scripture_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o covenant_n which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n swear_v to_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n though_o he_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o covenant_n swear_v to_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o their_o church_n wherein_o as_o well_o their_o order_n as_o common_a faith_n be_v declare_v neither_o of_o which_o do_v they_o or_o do_v they_o ever_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o impose_v upon_o any_o and_o yet_o be_v able_a 15_o i_o presume_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v he_o for_o far_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o particular_n he_o mention_n if_o he_o desire_v it_o and_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v only_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v article_n of_o faith_n yea_o or_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o will_v he_o now_o say_v in_o verbo_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la or_o upon_o his_o reputation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v of_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o then_o appoint_v circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o why_o do_v he_o thus_o impose_v upon_o his_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a reader_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v command_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n than_o dissenter_n have_v some_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o obey_v yea_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o dark_a mind_n which_o take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o liberty_n of_o separate_a but_o even_o of_o examine_v the_o command_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v thus_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n he_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v as_o many_o or_o more_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o very_a age_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o institute_v by_o they_o than_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o instance_n in_o half_a a_o score_n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o after_o all_o his_o boldness_n he_o speak_v but_o faint_o in_o say_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o conjecture_n about_o this_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o present_a power_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v symbolical_a or_o significative_a ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v much_o like_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o egyptian_a bondage_n rather_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v curious_a about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n thereof_o and_o will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o pretend_a christian_n in_o these_o day_n more_o concern_v about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n as_o they_o term_v they_o of_o religion_n then_o to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v thereof_o and_o how_o unhandsome_o do_v he_o reflect_v here_o on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o say_v when_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v christian_a than_o they_o begin_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o their_o body_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o till_o then_o they_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o body_n 10_o and_o in_o their_o spirit_n or_o what_o think_v he_o of_o those_o who_o before_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n 6._o and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v do_v not_o they_o as_o much_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n as_o those_o who_o adorn_v temple_n but_o such_o gross_a and_o carnal_a thought_n have_v some_o of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n 48._o as_o to_o think_v he_o still_o delight_v and_o please_v with_o man_n erect_v dedicate_a and_o adorn_v of_o temple_n in_o which_o they_o general_o place_n more_o of_o their_o religion_n than_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o
christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o query_n xxiii_o whether_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v or_o they_o who_o give_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n the_o schismatic_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v here_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answerer_n in_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o not_o they_o who_o separate_v but_o they_o who_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o schismatic_n but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o st._n paul_n have_v as_o clear_o and_o full_o determine_v this_o query_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o his_o day_n though_o you_o will_v find_v he_o here_o as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o to_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o 2d_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o place_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n to_o count_v their_o master_n though_o infidel_n worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o not_o to_o depise_v their_o believe_a master_n because_o they_o be_v brethren_n but_o rather_o do_v they_o service_n because_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o belove_a and_o these_o thing_n he_o direct_v timothy_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o then_o subjoin_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v proud_a etc._n etc._n where_o observe_v how_o instead_o of_o master_n he_o foist_n in_o superior_a a_o word_n of_o a_o more_o extensive_a signification_n for_o though_o every_o master_n be_v a_o superior_a every_o superior_a be_v not_o a_o master_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o obedience_n may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o superior_n of_o any_o kind_n christianity_n lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n immaginable_a upon_o its_o professor_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o superior_n but_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a so_o neither_o aught_o the_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n to_o be_v blind_a or_o brutish_a both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o supreme_a power_n for_o where_o superior_n have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v so_o that_o whether_o conformist_n in_o command_v or_o nonconformist_n in_o not_o obey_v be_v the_o schismatic_n depend_v on_o the_o former_n have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o the_o latter_a judge_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a to_o observe_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o present_a question_n we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o have_v be_v no_o schism_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o she_o do_v so_o and_o so_o then_o that_o command_n in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v applicable_a to_o our_o dissenter_n b●t_v this_o be_v still_o but_o pretend_v be_v against_o his_o principle_n of_o blind_a obedience_n and_o man_n resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n without_o leave_v they_o so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v command_v for_o where_o that_o be_v there_o must_v likewise_o be_v allow_v a_o dissent_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o judge_v evil_a or_o unlawful_a and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v as_o much_o to_o dread_v the_o impose_v upon_o his_o judgement_n a_o assent_n to_o know_a error_n and_o upon_o his_o practice_n the_o act_n of_o know_a sin_n as_o the_o suffer_v the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n itself_o he_o do_v we_o doubt_v but_o equivocate_a alallow_v none_o to_o be_v know_v error_n or_o know_v sin_n but_o such_o as_o superior_n shall_v judge_v so_o for_o if_o he_o allow_v inferior_n to_o judge_v thereof_o and_o act_v according_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o but_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o what_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o first_o he_o say_v they_o question_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o that_o of_o king_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o own_o crown_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a christianity_n if_o such_o there_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a or_o rational_a man_n will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v they_o in_o it_o that_o they_o make_v the_o people_n judge_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v have_v reason_n for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v command_v or_o distinguish_v between_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n but_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_o will_v allow_v any_o to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v and_o aught_o to_o superintend_v over_o they_o that_o they_o forsake_v their_o old_a guide_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v but_o the_o old_a popish_a objection_n new_a vampt_a nor_o be_v such_o forsake_v criminal_a but_o where_o causeless_o and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o renounce_v in_o their_o assembly_n as_o he_o say_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o crime_n of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n without_o expound_v they_o but_o sure_o they_o make_v it_o not_o indifferent_a to_o be_v of_o any_o communion_n who_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v they_o gather_v church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o all_o authority_n let_v he_o not_o be_v thereat_o trouble_v since_o every_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v 15._o shall_v be_v root_v up_o which_o be_v due_a or_o undue_a ordination_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v till_o we_o have_v a_o affirmative_a answer_n to_o the_o six_o query_n but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o none_o who_o be_v not_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v empower_v to_o read_v sermon_n in_o the_o pulpit_n profane_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o as_o he_o say_v evacuate_v one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n beside_o himself_o and_o the_o papist_n all_o other_o believe_v their_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v only_o in_o god_n not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o it_o seem_v have_v resign_v up_o his_o faith_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o he_o shall_v talk_v of_o a_o yearly_o monthly_o and_o daily_a faith_n which_o his_o principle_n lead_v he_o to_o if_o he_o chance_v so_o oft_o to_o change_v his_o father_n or_o they_o their_o faith_n who_o they_o be_v that_o go_v out_o of_o their_o calling_n and_o station_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v here_o yet_o i_o shall_v tell_v he_o what_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n once_o answer_v to_o the_o like_a objection_n 535._o so_o long_o say_v he_o as_o they_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preach_v which_o they_o have_v bide_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o competent_a jurisdiction_n judicial_a cognition_n and_o legal_a decision_n to_o themselves_o for_o that_o as_o he_o true_o tell_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n first_o found_v and_o still_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n not_o by_o the_o summons_n of_o consistory_n and_o he_o that_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v may_v not_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o tarry_v till_o my_o lord_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o mitred_a father_n can_v intend_v to_o meet_v and_o list_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o ruin_n as_o they_o think_v of_o their_o dignity_n and_o liberty_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n how_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o line_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v not_o they_o rather_o break_v both_o who_o make_v their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n will_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o find_v their_o ordination_n on_o uncertain_a tradition_n i_o know_v of_o no_o dissenter_n that_o obtrude_v oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o he_o say_v on_o their_o proselyte_n though_o it_o be_v no_o crime_n for_o christian_n to_o covenant_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o be_v the_o
say_v to_o tolerate_v unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n who_o vent_v their_o idle_a fancy_n to_o corrupt_v and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o more_o cruelty_n than_o to_o tolerate_v so_o many_o thief_n and_o murderer_n upon_o public_a road_n and_o highway_n this_o answerer_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v tolerate_v have_v manifest_v himself_o so_o unruly_a and_o vain_a a_o talker_n and_o deceiver_n as_o he_o have_v do_v query_n xxvii_o whether_o can_v any_o think_v that_o they_o who_o persecute_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n despoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n and_o imprison_v their_o person_n and_o that_o too_o for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n will_v speed_v better_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n than_o those_o who_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v then_o reject_v but_o for_o not_o visit_v and_o relieve_v his_o poor_a member_n when_o in_o want_n in_o sickness_n or_o any_o other_o adversity_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n instead_o of_o answer_v this_o query_n it_o be_v very_o judicious_o object_v it_o have_v many_o thing_n questionable_a in_o it_o and_o with_o as_o great_a judgement_n and_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o church_n for_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o his_o church_n his_o body_n and_o as_o he_o also_o judicious_o observe_v no_o one_o can_v be_v a_o member_n belong_v to_o the_o head_n unless_o he_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n but_o sure_a our_o answerer_n be_v the_o first_o pretend_v christian_n that_o ever_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n or_o that_o a_o christian_n join_v to_o it_o may_v endanger_v his_o internal_a union_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v h●●d_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o query_n neither_o deny_v nor_o question_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n unless_o to_o manifest_v his_o dialectic_a art_n in_o prove_v that_o whoever_o in_o any_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o any_o part_n of_o christ_n body_n cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o but_o in_o the_o least_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n belong_v not_o unto_o christ._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v with_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n out_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a pale_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o if_o any_o be_v punish_v for_o so_o cut_a themselves_o off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n their_o punishment_n be_v no_o persecution_n quod_fw-la erat_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la great_a wit_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n have_v short_a memory_n he_o can_v not_o else_o have_v so_o soon_o forget_v which_o he_o but_o now_o reprove_v the_o independent_n for_o viz._n their_o evacuate_a one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o as_o he_o say_v they_o restrain_v it_o to_o themselves_o whereas_o he_o so_o restrain_v it_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o that_o he_o allow_v of_o none_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n to_o belong_v unto_o christ_n the_o one_o main_a article_n therefore_o of_o his_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n be_v it_o seem_v faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o rather_o faith_n in_o whatever_o church_n be_v uppermost_a and_o though_o out_o of_o she_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n yet_o for_o argument_n sake_n he_o will_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n even_o in_o her_o very_a ceremony_n be_v notwithstanding_o such_o their_o separation_n real_a member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o he_o say_v be_v persecute_v for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o christ_n or_o the_o undoubted_a and_o plain_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n nor_o do_v the_o query_n say_v they_o be_v but_o suppose_v as_o he_o suppose_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o assemble_v together_o to_o pray_o or_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o will_v not_o such_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n but_o say_v our_o answerer_n let_v the_o gentleman_n produce_v one_o person_n that_o ever_o suffer_v for_o perform_v any_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o know_v not_o what_o he_o may_v esteem_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o who_o declare_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n 99_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v pray_v preach_a and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v essential_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o by_o all_o good_a christian_n they_o have_v hitherto_o be_v esteem_v he_o need_v not_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o parish_n to_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v and_o deep_o suffer_v even_o by_o his_o instigation_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n but_o for_o the_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a way_n of_o perform_v they_o that_o they_o be_v punish_v very_o good_a by_o what_o rule_n then_o do_v he_o judge_v the_o way_n of_o their_o performance_n disorderly_a and_o irregular_a all_o order_n consist_v in_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o some_o rule_n now_o if_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o of_o any_o rule_n they_o therein_o transgress_v which_o he_o will_v abide_v by_o he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o not_o do_v they_o in_o that_o due_a manner_n as_o be_v enjoin_v they_o by_o their_o superior_n yet_o do_v not_o say_v the_o injunction_n of_o superior_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v query_n nay_o he_o say_v if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v command_v a_o worship_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a or_o do_v appoint_v vain_a foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o therein_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o so_o that_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n this_o rule_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o be_v disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n and_o calling_n and_o for_o be_v disobedient_a to_o government_n and_o law_n if_o by_o be_v disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n and_o calling_n he_o mean_v as_o he_o elsewhere_o say_v their_o usurp_a the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n he_o have_v thereon_o already_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o as_o learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o divine_a as_o most_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v boast_v of_o and_o for_o their_o be_v disobedient_a though_o he_o have_v advise_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o whatever_o they_o shall_v or_o may_v command_v we_o so_o that_o neither_o can_v the_o command_n of_o governor_n nor_o law_n of_o superior_n be_v this_o rule_n nor_o indeed_o ought_v else_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o old_a rule_n and_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v still_o the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o orderly_a and_o disorderly_a performance_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n ●_o by_o and_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n be_v not_o according_a unto_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v indeed_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a and_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n may_v be_v esteem_v a_o punishment_n rather_o than_o a_o persecution_n as_o may_v likewise_o their_o suffering_n who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o man_n in_o all_o civil_a and_o secular_a matter_n and_o concern_v and_o they_o also_o who_o censure_n the_o action_n of_o authority_n usurp_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n endanger_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n and_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o great_a violater_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n than_o they_o who_o impose_v on_o christ_n disciple_n other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n ever_o enjoin_v or_o require_v and_o so_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o
this_o answerer_n that_o the_o not_o punish_v of_o these_o be_v prejudicial_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n the_o one_o be_v thereby_o overrun_v with_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o the_o other_o as_o woeful_a experience_n tell_v we_o with_o schism_n heresy_n and_o contention_n but_o our_o answerer_n grow_v pleasant_a and_o play_v with_o his_o reader_n in_o tell_v he_o dissenter_n be_v persecute_v to_o what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v persecute_v from_o viz._n their_o church_n or_o public_a place_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o dissenter_n be_v not_o certain_o persecute_v to_o their_o church_n though_o some_o may_v account_v it_o a_o persecution_n to_o be_v compel_v unto_o he_o there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o degree_n of_o persecution_n but_o whoever_o suffer_v in_o any_o kind_n for_o his_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o his_o heavenly_a sovereign_n the_o ●_z thereof_o will_v not_o be_v excuse_v because_o other_o have_v be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a than_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o even_o these_o be_v not_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a may_v be_v ascribe_v rather_o to_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o moderation_n of_o those_o in_o authority_n restrain_v they_o than_o to_o their_o good_a will_n or_o desire_n the_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o a_o father_n correct_v his_o child_n and_o the_o child_n cry_v out_o m●ther_o be_v very_o impertinent_a here_o parent_n may_v correct_v their_o child_n and_o prince_n their_o subject_n but_o as_o the_o cause_n make_v the_o martyr_n so_o it_o be_v that_o must_v denominate_v it_o either_o persecution_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yet_o thus_o much_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o persecute_v he_o in_o his_o member_n will_v not_o speed_v better_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n than_o they_o who_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v then_o reject_v but_o for_o not_o visit_v and_o relieve_v his_o poor_a member_n 25._o when_o in_o want_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o any_o other_o adversity_n query_n xxviii_o whether_o since_o offence_n will_v come_v it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o concern_n to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v matt._n 18._o 7._o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n quote_v the_o text_n may_v have_v satisfy_v this_o answerer_n that_o by_o offence_n here_o no_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v when_o he_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a woe_n against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o persecution_n which_o discourage_n christian_n from_o own_v of_o his_o name_n attend_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n adhere_v unto_o his_o truth_n or_o ought_v else_o that_o administer_v occasion_n to_o another_o to_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o obstruct_v he_o in_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n it_o certain_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v the_o query_n indeed_o caution_n all_o to_o beware_v split_v on_o so_o dangerous_a a_o rock_n but_o charge_v none_o with_o run_v or_o drive_v other_o upon_o it_o evil_n therefore_o be_v to_o he_o that_o evil_n think_v mr._n baxter_n as_o quote_v by_o he_o say_v very_o well_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o more_o fear_n offend_v his_o particular_a flock_n than_o offend_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o excuse_v his_o offend_n of_o either_o and_o notwithstanding_o this_o answerer_n hope_n he_o will_v not_o find_v a_o national_a church_n of_o humane_a institution_n to_o have_v that_o authority_n over_o its_o member_n even_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v who_o be_v so_o as_o a_o private_a minister_n have_v over_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n whether_o dissenter_n take_v no_o offence_n as_o he_o say_v but_o what_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pervert_v judgement_n etc._n etc._n let_v they_o see_v too_o who_o be_v therein_o concern_v and_o must_v one_o day_n answer_v for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o one_o man_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n and_o yet_o the_o guilt_n of_o he_o who_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v change_v upon_o he_o who_o action_n occasion_v it_o which_o yet_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o many_o may_v likewise_o occasion_v other_o to_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v accountable_a and_o yet_o none_o sure_a doubt_n but_o that_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n authority_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o will_v please_v the_o humour_n as_o advance_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o under_o its_o charge_n and_o protection_n nor_o can_v we_o have_v so_o hard_a thought_n of_o any_o in_o authority_n as_o to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v make_v law_n thwart_v or_o contradict_v those_o that_o be_v divine_a nor_o yet_o who_o take_v or_o give_v offence_n 12._o for_o as_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n so_o let_v every_o one_o look_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o all_o man_n disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v be_v pull_v off_o and_o their_o most_o retire_a thought_n and_o action_n lay_v open_a and_o manifest_a to_o man_n and_o angel_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o man_n have_v a_o serious_a and_o due_a sense_n thereof_o and_o so_o live_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o think_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o profess_v but_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libellous_a answerer_n accuse_v of_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o offence_n and_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o by_o law_n declare_v these_o query_n be_v no_o way_n guilty_a thereof_o for_o as_o they_o respect_v so_o they_o be_v direct_v only_o to_o such_o as_o himself_o who_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n require_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o worse_o than_o blind_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n and_o malice_n to_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n according_a to_o law_n who_o scruple_n not_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o and_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libeler_n will_v have_v to_o question_n not_o only_o the_o king_n coercive_a authority_n but_o the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o accuse_v her_o government_n of_o more_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n than_o ever_o yet_o be_v object_v against_o she_o by_o the_o most_o violent_a of_o her_o romish_a adversary_n not_o those_o sure_a who_o be_v against_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a import_n of_o these_o query_n for_o then_o the_o charge_n will_v reach_v all_o those_o reverend_n and_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o mention_v with_o most_o other_o of_o name_n and_o fame_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o have_v decry_v the_o same_o as_o unscriptural_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o will_v indeed_o argue_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o deprave_a temper_n of_o spirit_n he_o speak_v of_o yet_o i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o man_n eminent_a in_o their_o country_n and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v do_v more_o good_a by_o their_o example_n than_o in_o this_o age_n the_o church_n can_v do_v with_o its_o censure_n or_o churchman_n with_o their_o instruction_n but_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v none_o shall_v ever_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n who_o give_v not_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n as_o unto_o caesar_n thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_v and_o honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o let_v he_o not_o deceive_v himself_o in_o think_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o separate_v from_o some_o churchman_n of_o vicious_a and_o deprave_a spirit_n or_o to_o have_v enmity_n against_o that_o because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o these_o it_o not_o be_v
their_o duty_n to_o follow_v any_o far_o than_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o require_v more_o of_o any_o be_v indeed_o as_o the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v in_o his_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n to_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o infallible_o to_o involve_v those_o that_o so_o do_v in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o text_n cite_v but_o have_v this_o answerer_n the_o vanity_n to_o think_v his_o illogical_a and_o undue_a inference_n false_a suggestion_n impertinent_a and_o ridiculous_a reason_n and_o nonsensical_a answer_n shall_v convince_v any_o of_o guilt_n yet_o if_o he_o know_v of_o any_o who_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o work_n or_o otherwise_o want_v in_o their_o duty_n let_v he_o not_o spare_v to_o charge_n and_o charge_v they_o home_o and_o if_o they_o can_v acquit_v themselves_o let_v not_o reproach_n and_o shame_n only_o befall_v they_o but_o whatever_o severity_n law_n and_o justice_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o so_o learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o person_n have_v write_v in_o the_o church_n vindication_n any_o shall_v yet_o reply_v the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o constitution_n do_v little_a or_o no_o good_a and_o therefore_o be_v better_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v to_o be_v repeal_v against_o which_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v already_o say_v he_o add_v the_o say_n of_o a_o roman_a when_o rome_n as_o he_o say_v resemble_v england_n by_o the_o ill_a government_n of_o galba_n that_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o live_v where_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a then_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v such_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o government_n as_o those_o query_n with_o all_o their_o sedition_n shall_v i_o hope_v never_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o but_o what_o may_v be_v the_o instance_n of_o ill_a government_n which_o be_v here_o so_o severe_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v upon_o inquiry_n be_v find_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o majesty_n late_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n in_o religion_n the_o which_o though_o it_o secure_v to_o the_o church_n all_o its_o right_n privilege_n and_o emolument_n be_v yet_o so_o intolerable_a to_o some_o churchman_n in_o restrain_v they_o only_o from_o fall_v upon_o and_o ruine_v their_o poor_a peaceable_a and_o pious_a neighbour_n that_o none_o have_v more_o and_o few_o i_o think_v so_o much_o reflect_v on_o authority_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v thereon_o do_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n what_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n they_o will_v quick_o be_v shall_v authority_n deal_v with_o they_o as_o it_o have_v do_v with_o some_o other_o for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v loyal_a to_o kind_a and_o bountiful_a master_n wolf_n and_o tiger_n be_v so_o to_o those_o who_o feed_v and_o favour_v they_o but_o they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v account_v loyal_a subject_n who_o be_v so_o for_o conscience-sake_n to_o severe_a and_o froward_a governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n and_o courteous_a and_o not_o as_o their_o benefactor_n but_o as_o god_n minister_n which_o be_v a_o loyalty_n few_o of_o these_o loyalist_n can_v boast_v of_o but_o he_o again_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o army_n which_o it_o do_v for_o terror_n but_o not_o for_o be_v alike_o officer_v and_o for_o a_o army_n say_v he_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o its_o own_o liberty_n and_o every_o common_a soldier_n to_o observe_v no_o order_n nor_o live_v under_o any_o discipline_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o expose_v it_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o first_o invader_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o who_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o will_v have_v no_o common_a soldier_n observe_v any_o order_n nor_o live_v under_o any_o discipline_n not_o they_o certain_o who_o will_v have_v both_o the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o this_o army_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o chief_a commander_n the_o officer_n in_o command_v as_o well_o as_o soldier_n in_o obey_v which_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o order_n and_o discipline_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o this_o answerer_n tell_v we_o the_o little_a good_a that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o their_o due_a execution_n which_o be_v still_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o government_n as_o be_v his_o elsewhere_o say_v the_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o one_o law_n will_v do_v more_o good_a than_o a_o million_o of_o proclamation_n etc._n etc._n or_o from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o those_o person_n who_o expect_v protection_n from_o law_n without_o pay_v any_o reverence_n or_o obedience_n to_o they_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v never_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o civil_a and_o secular_a affair_n and_o concern_v force_n and_o compulsion_n be_v and_o must_v be_v use_v or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n or_o government_n among_o man_n but_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n abstract_v from_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v otherwise_o man_n be_v therein_o to_o be_v gain_v and_o govern_v by_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n only_o religion_n can_v be_v impose_v nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absurd_a than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n virga_fw-la regum_fw-la as_o rupertus_n true_o tell_v we_o est_fw-la virga_fw-la dominationis_fw-la virga_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la christi_fw-la virga_fw-la est_fw-la dilectionis_fw-la or_o as_o hieron_n have_v it_o rex_fw-la praeest_fw-la nolentibus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la volentibus_fw-la 10._o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o bring_v every_o thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o that_o victory_n be_v atcheive_v be_v not_o carnal_a which_o be_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o little_a good_a that_o be_v therein_o do_v by_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n this_o answerer_n may_v therefore_o very_a well_o ask_v what_o effect_v ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v have_v upon_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o the_o world_n second_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v or_o convert_v one_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n hypocrity_n or_o dissemble_a professor_n they_o may_v indeed_o make_v but_o can_v never_o make_v one_o true_a or_o sincere_a christian_a penal_a law_n therefore_o concern_v religion_n have_v ever_o respect_v more_o the_o civil_a peace_n and_o interest_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o right_n of_o prince_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o invade_v or_o injure_v then_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v not_o by_o those_o mean_n or_o method_n to_o be_v preserve_v or_o propagate_v so_o a_o late_a great_a minister_n of_o state_n speak_v of_o penal_a law_n against_o papist_n tell_v they_o 11._o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o opinion_n of_o purgatory_n or_o transubstantiation_n though_o error_n but_o against_o their_o own_v the_o personal_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n within_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n as_o dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n that_o those_o law_n be_v provide_v disclaim_v therefore_o of_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o at_o great_a ease_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n order_n to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o none_o ever_o suffer_v in_o england_n for_o religion_n but_o for_o treason_n or_o treasonable_a practice_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v we_o believe_v some_o late_a law_n concern_v religion_n be_v ever_o intend_v to_o molest_v or_o punish_v any_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o true_o religious_a duty_n but_o of_o such_o only_a as_o under_o pretence_n thereof_o meet_v to_o contrive_v insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n and_o thereby_o become_v dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n and_o such_o certain_o of_o all_o man_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o severe_o deal_v with_o as_o well_o for_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o abuse_v of_o religion_n as_o for_o such_o their_o disloyal_a practice_n for_o none_o sure_a can_v imagine_v his_o majesty_n will_v ever_o have_v indulge_v dissenter_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v it_o be_v against_o that_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v and_o not_o rather_o against_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v from_o some_o meeting_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o public_a the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v the_o ground_n both_o of_o those_o law_n and_o likewise_o of_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n of_o indulgence_n upon_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o