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church_n according_a faith_n rule_n 3,567 5 6.8625 4 false
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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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religion_n depend_v on_o it_o and_o that_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n be_v 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 which_o ought_v to_o be_v vniform_a and_o undevide_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o one_o national_a church_n will_v cause_v division_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o affection_n be_v such_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_n administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v the_o world_n be_v never_o before_o blessed_v with_o for_o be_v it_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n only_o that_o christ_n take_v such_o care_n of_o and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n or_o be_v
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
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
law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n they_o be_v banish_v that_o society_n only_o who_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o submit_v not_o unto_o and_o so_o this_o answerer_n say_v well_o non_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la habere_fw-la civem_fw-la qui_fw-la parere_fw-la nescit_fw-la neither_o church_n nor_o commonwealth_n have_v need_n of_o those_o person_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o obey_v but_o till_o there_o be_v a_o due_a distinction_n make_v between_o the_o church_n and_o state_n between_o civil_a and_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o liberty_n in_o religion_n allow_v unto_o all_o man_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n allow_v and_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o see_v religion_n flourish_v nor_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o christendom_n query_n vi._n whether_o be_v there_o any_o visible_a live_a judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n any_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n guide_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o light_n and_o knowledge_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n a_o clear_a and_o positive_a answer_n to_o this_o query_n will_v go_v far_o towards_o the_o end_n our_o great_a difference_n and_o dispute_n in_o religion_n for_o either_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o be_v here_o inquire_v after_o if_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v let_v he_o be_v produce_v and_o his_o determination_n in_o all_o controversial_a point_n be_v make_v know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v submit_v to_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n why_o be_v any_o molest_v and_o trouble_v for_o go_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v what_o be_v say_v of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o every_o society_n may_v agree_v upon_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o all_o difference_n arise_v in_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v that_o may_v probable_o violatate_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o the_o present_a question_n which_o be_v only_o concern_v such_o a_o judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o his_o own_o judgement_n we_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n and_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n assume_v no_o other_o power_n or_o privilege_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n or_o exception_n against_o she_o for_o that_o but_o whereas_o he_o say_v she_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n own_o any_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n if_o he_o mean_v infallible_a judge_n like_o the_o papist_n none_o say_v she_o do_v or_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o she_o own_v no_o such_o judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o to_o oblige_v any_o to_o acquiess_n in_o her_o determination_n against_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o his_o say_n she_o require_v none_o of_o her_o member_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o determination_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n why_o do_v he_o molest_v and_o trouble_v any_o for_o not_o yield_v such_o obedience_n and_o if_o all_o she_o demand_v as_o he_o say_v be_v but_o that_o obedience_n be_v give_v to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v undoubted_o divine_a a_o acquiescence_n yield_v to_o some_o disputable_a point_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o against_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o a_o conformity_n to_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o all_o judge_n to_o be_v indifferent_a no_o rational_a man_n can_v sure_o except_v against_o any_o of_o this_o nor_o deny_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o much_o umpire_n and_o judge_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n in_o any_o of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o plead_v that_o they_o make_v conscience_n their_o guide_n unless_o they_o take_v scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v lawful_a authority_n in_o thing_n innocent_a and_o indifferent_a where_o they_o judge_v the_o thing_n command_v to_o be_v so_o but_o what_o some_o may_v count_v indifferent_a other_o may_v judge_v sinful_a the_o scripture_n command_v obedience_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o none_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o comply_v in_o any_o thing_n against_o conscience_n since_o none_o against_o conscience_n can_v be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o immorality_n have_v be_v act_v under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o where_o any_o plead_v conscience_n against_o all_o sense_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o a_o reprobate_a state_n of_o mind_n but_o some_o man_n abandon_v or_o abuse_v conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v other_o despise_v and_o deride_v of_o it_o whether_o dissenter_n endeavour_v after_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n do_v their_o duty_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o query_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v too_o blame_v and_o will_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v for_o another_o day_n and_o can_v with_o that_o satisfaction_n bear_v their_o present_a suffering_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v as_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n whether_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v it_o or_o excuse_v they_o of_o schism_n will_v be_v more_o seasonable_o argue_v when_o this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n shall_v tell_v we_o of_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o in_o the_o query_n be_v inquire_v after_o to_o determine_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o who_o in_o the_o wrong_n who_o keep_v to_o and_o who_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n query_n vii_o whether_o to_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o any_o as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n which_o no_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o have_v authority_n to_o pronounce_v a_o judicial_a difinitive_a sentence_n in_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o any_o man_n duty_n to_o yield_v his_o assent_n or_o obedience_n thereunto_o be_v not_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o whether_o to_o do_v so_o be_v not_o against_o all_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o justice_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o 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 reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n have_v not_o this_o officious_a person_n take_v on_o he_o the_o answer_a question_n before_o he_o understand_v they_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o all_o he_o have_v here_o say_v have_v only_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o gentleman_n be_v mean_o read_v as_o he_o say_v but_o the_o clergyman_n not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v that_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o error_n and_o absurdity_n we_o here_o meet_v with_o the_o query_n not_o be_v so_o impertinent_a as_o his_o ignorance_n apprehend_v it_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_o unjust_a then_o that_o any_o shall_v suffer_v as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o in_o none_o be_v authorise_v to_o pass_v a_o judicial_a definitive_a sentence_n whether_o they_o have_v therein_o transgress_v or_o not_o in_o which_o case_n to_o punish_v be_v to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o that_o we_o say_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 have_v we_o not_o then_o to_o do_v with_o a_o ingenious_a and_o pleasant_a person_n who_o have_v spend_v above_o twenty_o page_n to_o no_o purpose_n be_v whole_o from_o the_o question_n have_v at_o last_o the_o face_n or_o folly_n rather_o to_o tell_v we_o he_o hope_v now_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o every_o child_n that_o can_v but_o read_v english_a will_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o not_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_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
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
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
have_v evidence_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o authority_n state_n and_o dignity_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n than_o some_o pretender_n to_o religion_n query_n xiii_o whether_o the_o carnal_a conjunction_n of_o the_o temporal_a power_n with_o the_o spiritual_a have_v not_o make_v all_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n odious_a and_o unsavoury_a and_o serve_v only_o to_o enable_v the_o clergy_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o trample_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n mankind_n under_o their_o foot_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o more_o spirituality_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o ordinance_n under_o the_o law_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o carnality_n in_o the_o present_a union_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n for_o who_o beside_o himself_o be_v ignorant_a how_o god_n himself_o unite_v those_o make_v that_o church_n and_o state_n but_o one_o commonwealth_n over_o which_o himself_o preside_v whereby_o they_o become_v rather_o a_o spiritual_a than_o a_o civil_a society_n a_o theocracy_n or_o a_o people_n who_o god_n govern_v by_o prince_n and_o ruler_n extraordinary_o assist_v and_o inspire_v by_o he_o or_o guide_v and_o direct_v by_o prophet_n occasional_o send_v to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o that_o make_v that_o church_n and_o state_n one_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o state_n thereby_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n likewise_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v now_o distinct_a society_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o one_o without_o be_v so_o of_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v their_o concern_v otherwise_o intermix_v then_o in_o the_o church_n enjoy_v peace_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o righteous_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o state_n prosperity_n from_o the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n those_o therefore_o who_o god_n then_o join_v he_o have_v now_o sever_v and_o for_o any_o other_o to_o bring_v they_o again_o together_o be_v as_o one_o very_o well_o say_v presumptuous_a fornication_n the_o attempt_n of_o core_n and_o his_o complice_n he_o instance_n in_o be_v undoubted_o a_o sin_n in_o they_o as_o the_o like_a will_v be_v in_o any_o now_o which_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n ought_v to_o use_v their_o several_a interest_n and_o authority_n to_o prevent_v and_o this_o query_n be_v far_o from_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n unto_o though_o the_o assistance_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o aaron_n do_v not_o as_o he_o say_v incite_v he_o to_o trample_v upon_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o who_o have_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o adherent_n have_v enable_v they_o under_o a_o pretext_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o trample_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n mankind_n under_o their_o foot_n to_o depose_v prince_n subvert_v state_n and_o butcher_n people_n and_o indeed_o to_o make_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o their_o slave_n and_o vassal_n a_o truth_n so_o well_o know_v unto_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a or_o whole_o ignorant_a in_o history_n and_o the_o transaction_n of_o former_a age_n wherever_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n have_v power_n it_o wouldbe_v time_n lose_v to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o that_o minister_n be_v make_v as_o he_o say_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o too_o many_o person_n may_v be_v both_o their_o fault_n for_o though_o several_a treatise_n bave_v be_v late_o write_v to_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n it_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o two_o line_n pretend_v piety_n by_o some_o contemn_v but_o more_o by_o other_o because_o they_o but_o pretend_v i_o mean_v too_o many_o of_o they_o which_o give_v a_o disreputation_n to_o the_o whole_a though_o there_o be_v god_n be_v thank_v many_o reverend_a learned_a and_o pious_a person_n of_o the_o function_n deserve_v double_a honour_n both_o for_o their_o own_o and_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o may_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v daily_o increase_v but_o none_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v comfort_v as_o he_o say_v that_o the_o same_o fate_n have_v happen_v to_o other_o more_o deserve_v unless_o they_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o suffer_v on_o the_o same_o account_n with_o they_o but_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o satisfaction_n unto_o any_o to_o be_v scorn_v and_o contemn_v by_o those_o who_o respect_n and_o esteem_n will_v be_v a_o reproach_n woe_n be_v unto_o you_o 26._o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o all_o man_n shall_v speak_v well_o of_o yond_o we_o acknowledge_v therefore_o there_o be_v those_o who_o commendation_n wound_v and_o who_o favour_n be_v a_o reflection_n and_o from_o such_o we_o neither_o expect_v nor_o desire_v praise_n query_n fourteen_o whether_o to_o force_v and_o compel_v man_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o act_n against_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a rape_n upon_o their_o conscience_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n it_o may_v possible_o puzzle_v this_o answerer_n to_o prove_v this_o query_n sceptical_a as_o he_o term_v it_o for_o but_o imply_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v force_v or_o compel_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o do_v aught_o against_o his_o light_n or_o judgement_n since_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a then_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v or_o practise_v any_o thing_n therein_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o why_o may_v not_o such_o a_o force_n then_o be_v term_v a_o spiritual_a rape_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o how_o have_v this_o be_v answer_v as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o seven_o query_n where_o he_o have_v neither_o prove_v that_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o for●ed_v against_o their_o judgement_n nor_o yet_o that_o any_o actual_o be_v ever_o so_o force_v by_o any_o of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n he_o instance_n in_o he_o may_v do_v well_o therefore_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o consider_v it_o a_o little_a more_o and_o better_a to_o or_o it_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n but_o what_o mean_v he_o in_o say_v it_o make_v conscience_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o man_n faith_n and_o practice_n for_o though_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n a_o man_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o action_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o walk_v yet_o be_v it_o a_o rule_n that_o must_v be_v rule_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o every_o man_n duty_n careful_o to_o endeavour_v his_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v 6._o but_o to_o follow_v it_o be_v still_o his_o duty_n the_o plea_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n say_v the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n still_v fleet_n take_v not_o off_o the_o obligation_n of_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o lay_v it_o down_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a so_o he_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o go_v against_o it_o whilst_o it_o be_v not_o lay_v down_o and_o say_v the_o like_a learned_a and_o reverend_a dr._n ames_n conscientia_fw-la quamvis_fw-la errans_fw-la semper_fw-la ligat_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la ille_fw-la peccet_fw-la qui_fw-la agit_fw-fr contra_fw-la conscientiam_fw-la quoniam_fw-la agit_fw-fr contra_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la dei_fw-la quamvis_fw-la non_fw-la materialiter_fw-la &_o veer_fw-la tamen_fw-la formaliter_fw-la &_o interpretive_a for_o he_o who_o do_v not_o what_o he_o judge_n or_o believe_v god_n command_v or_o require_v of_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o though_o god_n do_v cammand_v or_o require_v it_o but_o say_v this_o ingenious_a and_o candid_a answerer_n the_o main_a argument_n with_o which_o the_o libertine_n of_o all_o age_n have_v shelter_v themselves_o against_o the_o reach_n of_o wholesome_a and_o good_a law_n have_v be_v conscience_n and_o the_o internal_a liberty_n of_o that_o faculty_n which_o say_v they_o be_v only_o and_o immediate_o subject_a unto_o god_n it_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o ought_v to_o shelter_v any_o guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n against_o the_o reach_n as_o he_o pretend_v of_o wholesome_a and_o good_a law_n for_o he_o who_o sin_n aught_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v with_o or_o against_o his_o conscience_n but_o say_v he_o a_o spirit_n may_v be_v as_o soon_o pierce_v with_o a_o sword_n as_o violence_n offer_v to_o the_o
that_o error_n be_v restrain_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o truth_n may_v not_o suffer_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o reverend_a person_n judge_v the_o commonwealth_n in_o his_o day_n do_v well_o in_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v those_o who_o depart_v from_o our_o church_n he_o do_v not_o i_o presume_v think_v it_o do_v so_o some_o year_n before_o when_o it_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o then_o church_n so_o prefer_v the_o relation_n before_o the_o rule_n make_v the_o right_a and_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n though_o unsatisfied_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o service_n there_o use_v it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n and_o of_o very_o evil_a consequence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n ought_v all_o to_o be_v so_o compel_v by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n and_o believe_v they_o have_v truth_n also_o and_o what_o advantage_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o unjustifiablenes_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v any_o protestant_n think_v truth_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v get_v thereby_o it_o be_v therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n will_v observe_v that_o no_o less_o divine_a than_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o the_o query_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v governor_n require_v conformity_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o judgement_n of_o inferior_n dislike_v or_o disapprove_v of_o as_o unmeet_a or_o inconvenient_a but_o to_o those_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n only_o as_o inferior_n judge_v sinful_a the_o constrain_a therefore_o any_o against_o their_o will_n and_o interest_n to_o do_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v honest_a and_o just_a reach_v not_o the_o present_a question_n though_o nothing_o can_v as_o he_o say_v excuse_v subject_n from_o yield_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o what_o that_o authority_n do_v enjoin_v yet_o when_o any_o one_o be_v persuade_v the_o thing_n command_v be_v unlawful_a though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a he_o may_v not_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o a_o innocent_a or_o invincible_o err_v conscience_n 6._o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n taylor_n true_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v against_o the_o know_a commandment_n of_o our_o superior_n but_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o engage_v upon_o that_o action_n which_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v unmeet_a and_o inconvenient_a only_o not_o unlawful_a though_o he_o have_v some_o inward_a averseness_n and_o reluctancy_n in_o his_o mind_n against_o it_o and_o wish_n that_o no_o such_o obligation_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o but_o our_o answerer_n do_v very_o seasonable_o recollect_v himself_o in_o tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n do_v not_o come_v home_o to_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o that_o they_o judge_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v indifferent_a to_o be_v not_o only_o inconvenient_a but_o sinful_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o deny_v conformity_n in_o practice_n but_o where_o this_o have_v be_v in_o part_n answer_v as_o he_o say_v we_o have_v not_o yet_o observe_v and_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v as_o he_o promise_v consider_v in_o the_o follow_a query_n query_n xvi_o whether_o to_o punish_v any_o for_o not_o conform_v to_o such_o mode_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v sinful_a be_v not_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o not_o do_v what_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o to_o do_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n that_o it_o be_v all_o man_n duty_n as_o he_o say_v to_o obey_v lawful_a authority_n either_o active_o or_o passive_o none_o sure_a doubt_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o this_o query_n to_o say_v that_o active_a obedience_n be_v not_o require_v by_o authority_n to_o all_o its_o command_n be_v to_o say_v authority_n command_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o itself_o judge_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v so_o that_o active_a obedience_n be_v by_o authority_n require_v to_o all_o its_o command_n and_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v any_o from_o such_o obedience_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v so_o command_v but_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o loyal_a subject_n nor_o humble_a christian_a as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o to_o mistrust_v his_o own_o judgement_n as_o to_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o lawfullness_n or_o unlawfullness_n of_o whatever_o be_v command_v he_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n to_o make_v some_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o query_n which_o be_v but_o need_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n if_o that_o thing_n be_v condemn_v as_o sinful_a which_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o right_a conscience_n but_o where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o sacred_a scripture_n though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o it_o be_v conscience_n in_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o till_o convince_v of_o it_o error_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o go_v against_o and_o his_o say_n it_o may_v be_v humour_n or_o fancy_n or_o passion_n or_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o forestalement_n and_o prejudices_fw-la imbibe_v by_o ill_a education_n and_o instruction_n etc._n etc._n will_v never_o prevail_v with_o prudent_a and_o pious_a man_n to_o abandon_v conscience_n or_o in_o aught_o to_o act_v against_o it_o nor_o yet_o to_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n unto_o any_o which_o be_v indeed_o not_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n or_o act_n as_o man_n but_o like_o bruit_n rather_o bear_v whatever_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o so_o change_v their_o religion_n as_o oft_o as_o chance_v or_o providence_n shall_v change_v their_o master_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o rational_a or_o manly_a choice_n whether_o any_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o query_n which_o meddle_v not_o with_o particular_n and_o yet_o if_o no_o more_o as_o he_o say_v can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n then_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n or_o no_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hinder_v his_o comformity_n notwithstanding_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o that_o weight_n as_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o his_o lawful_a superior_n lawful_a command_n for_o he_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o worship_n may_v doubt_v likewise_o whether_o his_o superior_n command_v he_o so_o to_o worship_n be_v a_o lawful_a command_n or_o whether_o his_o superior_a have_v authority_n to_o command_v he_o so_o to_o worship_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 of_o conscience_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v and_o then_o such_o a_o command_n can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o supersede_n his_o doubt_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v a_o plain_a prohibition_n of_o scripture_n against_o what_o he_o be_v command_v neither_o as_o be_v say_v be_v it_o duty_n or_o any_o part_n of_o christian_a meekness_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v concern_v the_o superior_n authority_n for_o any_o therein_o to_o take_v his_o resolution_n from_o those_o claim_n that_o authority_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o dogmatize_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o do_v which_o some_o law_n of_o god_n still_o in_o force_n do_v not_o prohibit_v yet_o while_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n now_o in_o force_n prohibit_v the_o matter_n in_o doubt_n and_o which_o be_v that_o which_o occasion_n the_o doubt_n it_o can_v be_v no_o such_o sin_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o both_o that_o and_o the_o disobedience_n here_o talk_v of_o may_v still_o commence_v virtue_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o yet_o we_o deny_v it_o not_o to_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n to_o seek_v satisfaction_n from_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o but_o not_o to_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n unto_o any_o or_o obey_v they_o
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 be_v again_o mistake_v for_o though_o the_o rule_n he_o act_n and_o proceed_v by_o be_v straight_o yet_o if_o the_o agent_n be_v not_o infallible_a he_o may_v through_o error_n or_o inability_n draw_v crooked_a line_n by_o it_o and_o so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o act_v infallible_o and_o indeed_o if_o what_o he_o here_o say_v be_v true_a instead_o of_o our_o infallible_a pope_n he_o have_v set_v up_o thousand_o of_o infallible_a priest_n who_o pretend_v to_o act_n and_o precede_v by_o a_o infallible_a unerring_a rule_n the_o infallible_a and_o unerring_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o proceed_v by_o what_o logic_n do_v he_o frame_v a_o argument_n from_o this_o query_n against_o punish_v a_o atheist_n do_v it_o say_v as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o be_v not_o infallible_o conviced_a or_o any_o thing_n to_o that_o purpose_n why_o then_o do_v he_o entertain_v his_o reader_n with_o these_o impertinence_n yet_o have_v truth_n so_o far_o prevail_v on_o he_o that_o he_o here_o acknowledge_v all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o their_o proper_a measure_n and_o standard_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o his_o mean_n between_o this_o and_o for_o man_n to_o be_v allow_v a_o liberty_n to_o deal_v with_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o they_o do_v with_o their_o clothes_n which_o they_o put_v on_o and_o off_o and_o change_v as_o their_o fancy_n prompt_v they_o or_o as_o the_o weather_n or_o fashion_n alter_v we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v for_o whether_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o change_v their_o religion_n they_o who_o use_v their_o reason_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o or_o they_o who_o therein_o blind_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o their_o teacher_n since_o the_o first_o be_v as_o fix_v and_o steadfast_a therein_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a foundation_n be_v capable_a off_o while_o the_o latter_a who_o religion_n 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
scripture_n plain_o declare_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o the_o father_n and_o also_o by_o the_o son_n but_o whether_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n or_o by_o the_o son_n the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o too_o as_o to_o that_o question_n and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v avoid_v the_o unhappy_a breach_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a this_o answerer_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sad_a persecution_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n impose_v as_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o require_v for_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o those_o between_o austin_n and_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n with_o other_o we_o read_v of_o in_o ancient_a story_n what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o unhappy_a breach_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v thereby_o occasion_v even_o in_o this_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o i_o be_o here_o willing_a to_o express_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n nor_o have_v i_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o ever_o so_o apply_v it_o and_o yet_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v be_v applicable_a enough_o for_o his_o presume_v do_v not_o prove_v that_o every_o national_a church_n have_v a_o more_o indispencible_a power_n over_o its_o own_o member_n if_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o take_v every_o one_o for_o such_o who_o be_v bear_v or_o inhabit_v within_o that_o nat●on_n than_o either_o the_o western_a church_n have_v over_o the_o eastern_a or_o the_o eastern_a over_o the_o western_a and_o second_o there_o be_v no_o such_o wide_a difference_n as_o he_o allege_v between_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o that_o be_v between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n for_o if_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o one_o be_v about_o a_o trivial_a inconsiderable_a business_n the_o other_o be_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n only_o can_v certain_o be_v think_v very_o considerable_a but_o say_v he_o every_o church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o guide_n and_o govern_v its_o own_o member_n in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n pertain_v to_o its_o communion_n which_o if_o true_a 33._o yet_o be_v not_o every_o member_n bind_v to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v indifferent_a which_o their_o ecclesiastical_a guide_n or_o governor_n shall_v call_v so_o and_o if_o they_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o their_o member_n shall_v approve_v of_o or_o judge_v lawful_a it_o will_v undoubted_o cause_n difference_n and_o division_n among_o they_o what_o rite_n the_o church_n of_o england_n tender_v as_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n to_o those_o within_o her_o pale_a we_o meddle_v not_o with_o our_o query_n be_v only_o whether_o the_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 have_v not_o be_v 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 which_o but_o for_o ask_v we_o be_v judge_v criminal_a though_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n still_v fleet_n stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v irenicon_n that_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o have_v this_o answerer_n the_o confidence_n or_o impudence_n rather_o to_o suppose_v this_o reverend_a dr._n herein_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o all_o the_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o now_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n or_o that_o he_o causeless_o and_o false_o accuse_v a_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o abound_v in_o it_o or_o will_v he_o not_o himself_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o false_a accuser_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v in_o this_o assertion_n or_o query_n than_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n or_o the_o church_n at_o geneva_n or_o any_o other_o church_n whatever_o unless_o this_o answerer_n will_v say_v she_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 which_o neither_o the_o doctor_n nor_o the_o gentleman_n have_v yet_o say_v but_o to_o conclude_v he_o tell_v we_o st._n james_n acquaint_v we_o with_o another_o cause_n of_o war_n and_o persecution_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v from_o man_n lust_n which_o war_n in_o their_o member_n but_o may_v not_o the_o imposition_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n proceed_v from_o those_o lust_n they_o first_o rebel_n against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o whether_o argue_v the_o great_a pride_n the_o impose_v upon_o man_n judgement_n or_o the_o leave_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a bishop_n davenant_n have_v tell_v we_o hold_v those_o excuse_v who_o with_o a_o blind_a zeal_n follow_v their_o leader_n the_o remove_n old_a landmark_n with_o innocent_a and_o useful_a constitution_n be_v but_o the_o old_a objection_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o reformer_n and_o of_o they_o borrow_v by_o this_o answerer_n to_o help_v to_o fill_v up_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o though_o he_o can_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o forbear_v mention_v one_o passage_n more_o it_o 〈◊〉_d seem_v to_o be_v but_o to_o usher_v in_o his_o follow_a rhyme_n as_o a_o grave_n and_o gracious_a author_n have_v it_o one_o verse_n for_o sense_n and_o one_o for_o rhyme_n be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o time_n yet_o be_v we_o more_o behold_v to_o he_o for_o this_o than_o for_o most_o of_o his_o precede_a answer_n which_o have_v neither_o rhyme_n nor_o reason_n in_o they_o query_n xxii_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o yoke_n and_o burden_v 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 reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o holy_a writ_n than_o that_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v 1._o but_o in_o the_o way_n 4._o and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n 7._o and_o that_o no_o service_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o 10_o but_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n it_o may_v not_o therefore_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o unseasonable_a to_o ask_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v power_n or_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o to_o this_o our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o he_o from_o mr._n hooker_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n which_o we_o deny_v not_o according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o method_n of_o answer_v query_n otherwise_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o it_o for_o though_o many_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v have_v be_v change_v and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a they_o have_v be_v still_o change_v by_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o if_o seven_o church_n as_o he_o say_v have_v declare_v that_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n be_v lawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n as_o he_o affirm_v to_o some_o person_n to_o institute_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o present_a question_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ingenious_a gentleman_n he_o commend_v to_o his_o reader_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v as_o more_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n the_o word_n of_o the_o but_o now_o mention_v reverend_a and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n who_o iren._n speak_v of_o the_o meekness_n sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n
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
and_o wolvish_a nature_n and_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n these_o be_v the_o bitter_a expression_n which_o our_o sweet-natured_a and_o tender-hearted_a answerer_n have_v not_o meet_v with_o among_o his_o socinian_n acquaintance_n and_o which_o his_o meek_a and_o gentle_a spirit_n can_v bear_v against_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a dr._n more_o far_a tell_v we_o 166._o that_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n 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 who_o be_v style_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o signal_n and_o capital_a antichristianism_n that_o any_o policy_n can_v be_v corrupt_v with_o and_o the_o most_o gross_o and_o visible_o opposite_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n which_o bear_v all_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o be_v over_o severe_a to_o the_o wicked_a much_o less_o cruel_a to_o the_o good_a 72._o and_o also_o to_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n government_n who_o be_v say_v 40._o to_o redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o needy_a from_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o that_o their_o blood_n be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n but_o such_o as_o thwack_v and_o beat_v they_o and_o violent_o drive_v they_o instead_o of_o go_v before_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o christian_a example_n these_o be_v not_o shepherd_n but_o butcher_n and_o will_v easy_o drive_v they_o to_o the_o shambles_n and_o see_v their_o throat_n cut_v without_o remorse_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n as_o he_o true_o say_v of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o those_o who_o not_o only_o thwack_v and_o beat_v and_o violent_o drive_v they_o but_o be_v so_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o persecutor_n they_o can_v bear_v their_o be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o and_o how_o impertinent_a be_v we_o here_o tell_v while_o inquire_v only_o after_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v upon_o the_o accowt_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o enact_v law_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o violate_v and_o deflower_v religion_n as_o if_o to_o persecute_v for_o religion_n and_o punish_v the_o violator_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o dissuade_v not_o as_o he_o insinuate_v inflict_v punishment_n upon_o sensual_a and_o unrighteous_a person_n such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o either_o table_n and_o be_v far_o from_o think_v christian_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n inconsistent_a with_o clemency_n and_o lenity_n of_o spirit_n yet_o be_v it_o neither_o just_a nor_o righteous_a to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v style_v the_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n and_o as_o he_o say_v that_o title_n import_v that_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n feed_v but_o grievous_a wolf_n watch_v and_o their_o mouth_n stop_v too_o when_o they_o devour_v the_o flock_n and_o teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n '_o be_v sake_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n who_o endeavour_v what_o he_o can_v that_o christ_n flock_n shall_v be_v devour_v teach_v notorious_a untruth_n and_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucer_n sake_n nor_o will_v it_o i_o doubt_v advantage_n he_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o meek_a saviour_n to_o return_v sinner_n so_o he_o be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n to_o apostate_n and_o evil_a doer_n while_o he_o continue_v a_o persecutor_n since_o against_o such_o as_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o his_o arrow_n be_v ordain_v and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o begin_v to_o execute_v vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n by_o raise_v up_o man_n of_o undaunted_a spirit_n who_o make_v righteousness_n the_o girdle_n of_o their_o loin_n and_o judgement_n their_o robe_n and_o diadem_n to_o succour_v his_o church_n support_v his_o worship_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n yet_o such_o will_v never_o persecute_v for_o religion_n nor_o think_v those_o to_o give_v ill_a example_n unto_o other_o or_o to_o become_v schismatical_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o judge_v any_o evil_a doer_n for_o render_v unto_o he_o the_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n see_v by_o this_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o enemy_n to_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n whatever_o occasion_n some_o cainish_a or_o ishmalitish_n spirit_n may_v thence_o take_v so_o to_o do_v but_o for_o such_o as_o have_v err_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n or_o neglect_v the_o christian_a duty_n he_o require_v of_o they_o let_v the_o magistrate_n in_o god_n name_n and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n reduce_v or_o otherwise_o punish_v they_o no_o good_a christian_n will_v certain_o ever_o be_v displease_v thereat_o but_o say_v our_o answerer_n it_o be_v no_o indication_n of_o any_o such_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o nor_o do_v the_o query_n say_v it_o be_v but_o to_o persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o cain_n persecute_v abel_n ishmael_n isaac_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o their_o follower_n at_o this_o day_n persecute_v such_o as_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n and_o now_o if_o magistrate_n will_v not_o do_v as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o he_o declare_v they_o wicked_o unjust_a and_o all_o those_o terrible_a epithet_n mention_v in_o the_o query_n to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o then_o be_v it_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o break_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o pluck_v the_o spoil_n out_o of_o their_o tooth_n so_o will_v every_o honest_a and_o good_a man_n to_o repay_v man_n according_a to_o their_o deed_n fury_n to_o his_o adversary_n and_o recompense_v to_o his_o enemy_n and_o who_o desire_v not_o the_o same_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o his_o honour_n from_o who_o it_o descend_v nothing_o sure_o be_v more_o just_a not_o to_o permit_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o a_o thousand_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n this_o above_o all_o be_v indeed_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v they_o will_v careful_o observe_v it_o and_o not_o suffer_v much_o less_o assist_v any_o to_o impose_v their_o thought_n or_o fancy_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o other_o but_o permit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o all_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o be_v that_o which_o have_v tear_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o piece_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o which_o give_v opportunity_n unto_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n and_o to_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o sport_n themselves_o in_o her_o ruin_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o their_o addition_n and_o bring_v scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a ministry_n thereof_o let_v all_o man_n say_v the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n main_fw-fr believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_a and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o require_v no_o more_o of_o other_o and_o they_o shall_v find_v this_o not_o only_o a_o better_a but_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o restore_v unity_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n sincere_o and_o endeavour_n to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o if_o no_o more_o than_o this_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n communion_n than_o all_o man_n so_o qualify_v though_o they_o be_v different_a in_o opinion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n one_o in_o communion_n and_o if_o as_o he_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
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
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
rule_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o must_v direct_v he_o with_o who_o to_o join_v and_o not_o to_o join_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n nor_o may_v he_o therein_o do_v aught_o against_o his_o light_n but_o what_o mean_v he_o in_o say_v here_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o no_o law_n nor_o admit_v of_o any_o discipline_n but_o what_o be_v erect_v and_o execute_v by_o themselves_o a_o thing_n never_o know_v for_o criminal_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o punishment_n for_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o all_o civil_a thing_n and_o concern_v and_o what_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v they_o not_o to_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o talk_v here_o of_o criminal_n make_v choice_a of_o their_o own_o punishment_n be_v very_o extravagant_a and_o last_o they_o will_v he_o say_v have_v no_o public_a act_n pass_v among_o they_o without_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o all_o query_n as_o satisfy_v in_o conscience_n that_o what_o be_v decree_v be_v god_n will_n and_o be_v it_o for_o this_o he_o elsewhere_o so_o bold_o aver_v there_o be_v no_o congregat_v independent_a communion_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 or_o be_v this_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o independent_a tyranny_n but_o some_o be_v say_v to_o have_v need_n of_o good_a memory_n and_o our_o answerer_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v reason_n for_o what_o he_o here_o say_v tell_v we_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n for_o if_o all_o be_v satisfy_v they_o be_v not_o man_n there_o be_v among_o all_o man_n difference_n in_o judgement_n how_o unreasonable_a then_o be_v it_o to_o require_v of_o any_o such_o a_o assent_n or_o consent_n as_o must_v render_v they_o either_o beast_n or_o not_o man_n but_o so_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o enact_v of_o all_o law_n the_o lesser_a part_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a which_o be_v true_a in_o all_o civil_a thing_n and_o concern_v which_o be_v in_o a_o man_n choice_n and_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o benefit_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o what_o be_v decree_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o none_o may_v follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o the_o least_o know_a duty_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o e●gland_n or_o dissenter_n be_v the_o schismatic_n i_o shall_v nowise_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o leave_v it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o rational_a reader_n to_o judge_v and_o only_o take_v leave_v to_o say_v that_o what_o his_o eminent_a prelate_n say_v prove_v not_o dissenter_n to_o be_v schismatic_n if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o as_o he_o say_v account_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n or_o clergy_n of_o england_n heretic_n and_o schismatic_n for_o mainta_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o offer_v the_o most_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n be_v and_o majesty_n they_o ought_v not_o certain_o to_o be_v tolerate_v much_o less_o countenance_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n query_n xxiv_o whether_o they_o who_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n never_o cease_v call_v on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o assist_v they_o with_o his_o secular_a force_n do_v not_o therein_o give_v a_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o all_o true_a ministerial_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v dead_a in_o they_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n th●_n question_v here_o be_v not_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o all_o true_a ministerial_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v dead_a in_o they_o but_o whether_o such_o practice_n in_o any_o be_v not_o a_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o and_o have_v all_o orthodox_n bishop_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n rely_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n by_o 〈◊〉_d appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o suppress_n and_o ●ooting_v out_o of_o heresy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d without_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o 〈…〉_z for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o christian●_n 〈…〉_z have_v not_o suffer_v as_o it_o afterwards_o 〈…〉_z heretic_n use_v the_o same_o mean_n for_o 〈…〉_z faith_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v not_o but_o 〈…〉_z and_o aught_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o 〈…〉_z do_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o protection_n 〈…〉_z by_o support_v and_o 〈…〉_z in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 〈…〉_z of_o w●●ked_v and_o unreason●_n 〈…〉_z not_o faith_n neither_o do_v we_o 〈…〉_z or_o extinction_n of_o the_o function_n of_o bishop_n if_o they_o use_v all_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o lawful_a and_o charitable_a end_n nor_o that_o any_o end_n can_v be_v more_o generous_a and_o christian_n than_o to_o secure_a people_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o man_n and_o to_o themselves_o but_o we_o do_v say_v that_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o due_a mean_n to_o effect_v all_o these_o and_o whatever_o sense_n some_o may_v have_v of_o moral_a honesty_n and_o justice_n or_o of_o piety_n and_o religion_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o certain_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o express_v or_o declare_v their_o scorn_n or_o contempt_n of_o either_o i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o this_o answerer_n that_o it_o be_v since_o man_n have_v assume_v so_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o not_o well_o understand_v what_o he_o thereby_o mean_n but_o agree_v with_o he_o there_o be_v less_o regard_n have_v to_o those_o external_a rule_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o some_o person_n who_o make_v high_a pretence_n to_o christianity_n than_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o pagan_a nation_n but_o who_o those_o person_n be_v their_o profession_n and_o practice_n will_v best_o declare_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v presumption_n and_o not_o faith_n for_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n as_o thing_n be_v now_o among_o we_o to_o expect_v god_n miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o management_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n when_o there_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n what_o may_v this_o answerer_n mean_v here_o by_o god_n miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o his_o continual_a presence_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v promise_v unto_o they_o who_o observe_v his_o command_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o render_v their_o ministry_n effectual_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o call_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 4._o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o this_o answerer_n who_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n be_v conscious_a that_o thing_n be_v now_o so_o among_o they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o management_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministeririal_a office_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o have_v recourse_n unto_o other_o mean_n to_o render_v his_o labour_n so_o considerable_a as_o to_o make_v he_o see_v some_o fruit_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n though_o possible_o it_o may_v prove_v but_o bitter_a fruit_n in_o the_o end_n the_o gentleman_n i_o can_v assure_v he_o never_o think_v as_o he_o intimate_v that_o the_o people_n forsake_v of_o any_o assembly_n be_v a_o certain_a prognostic_n that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v quite_o extinguish_v in_o all_o that_o be_v so_o forsake_v as_o know_v there_o be_v and_o may_v be_v defect_n and_o fault_n on_o all_o side_n but_o this_o the_o gentleman_n think_v that_o wherever_o any_o people_n manifest_v a_o desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o way_n of_o god_n as_o god_n be_v thank_v very_o many_o within_o these_o nation_n at_o this_o d●y_v do_v and_o after_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o any_o do_v yet_o