the_o heathen_n homer_n tell_v we_o of_o prince_n and_o hero_n that_o sacrifice_v and_o perform_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o god_n in_o rome_n it_o be_v manifest_o so_o the_o first_o roman_n king_n do_v the_o like_a since_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n have_v be_v distinct_o exercise_v still_o the_o inspection_n and_o regulation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o officer_n ecclesiastical_a have_v be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v plain_o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o can_v exercise_v such_o a_o power_n we_o find_v it_o so_o the_o right_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o heathen_a power_n which_o happy_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o paul_n appeal_n unto_o caesar_n though_o they_o can_v not_o then_o exercise_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o right_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o ability_n to_o exercise_v it_o constantine_n and_o the_o christian_a emperor_n after_o he_o till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v cheat_v they_o into_o subjection_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o all_o religious_a thing_n and_o to_o see_v all_o christ_n law_n execute_v constantine_n use_v to_o call_v himself_o the_o general_a bishop_n to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o perform_v in_o the_o church_n among_o ourselves_o we_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o our_o king_n and_o prince_n care_n and_o concern_v in_o that_o enjoyment_n we_o have_v of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n this_o show_v the_o great_a weakness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n of_o such_o who_o say_v the_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o religion_n and_o the_o perfect_a mistake_n of_o those_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n whole_o subordinate_a to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o three_o extreme_a in_o those_o who_o will_v place_v the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o supreme_a a_o power_n as_o upon_o the_o matter_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v will_v be_v sufficient_o enervate_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n so_o he_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o his_o own_o he_o be_v punctual_o tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o the_o manner_n his_o business_n be_v to_o see_v law_n execute_v not_o to_o make_v law_n nor_o change_n law_n christ_n have_v no_o where_o grant_v any_o such_o commission_n either_o to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o any_o else_o upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o a_o right_a state_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o god_n chief_a officer_n in_o the_o world_n direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o otherwise_o to_o see_v that_o which_o god_n reveal_v to_o be_v his_o will_n put_v in_o execution_n and_o that_o which_o come_v particular_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n in_o hand_n that_o he_o do_v it_o under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o manner_n christ_n have_v appoint_v the_o manner_n christ_n have_v appoint_v be_v as_o positive_o oblige_v as_o the_o matter_n and_o therefore_o the_o temporal_a sword_n when_o it_o be_v use_v by_o magistrate_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o dead_a fly_n that_o corrupt_v all_o their_o otherwise_o very_o laudable_a endeavour_n nor_o need_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o that_o wherein_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v the_o temporal_a power_n as_o he_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o see_v that_o do_v by_o other_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a which_o he_o be_v not_o to_o do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o he_o be_v to_o see_v that_o do_v by_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o it_o which_o he_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o force_v the_o do_v of_o by_o the_o temporal_a power_n he_o that_o think_v the_o magistrate_n can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o temporal_a power_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n say_v that_o all_o other_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v useless_a where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o temporal_a sword_n to_o execute_v they_o all_o society_n of_o man_n be_v under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o yet_o may_v act_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o by_o distinct_a and_o proper_a way_n and_o by_o mean_n suitable_a to_o each_o a_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o a_o state_n be_v under_o the_o regulament_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o force_v they_o to_o give_v physic_n as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o both_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n full_o reach_v it_o because_o the_o church_n be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n of_o itself_o and_o have_v power_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o it_o in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o complete_a that_o it_o can_v subsist_v without_o the_o magistrate_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v thing_n perfect_o in_o themselves_o distinct_a and_o aught_o in_o their_o exercise_n to_o be_v keep_v so_o the_o high_a power_n govern_v man_n as_o man_n by_o the_o temporal_a sword_n but_o as_o christian_n by_o the_o spiritual_a and_o by_o see_v all_o thing_n do_v in_o religion_n by_o those_o spiritual_a mean_n christ_n have_v appoint_v all_o which_o mean_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o though_o exercise_v by_o other_o hand_n than_o his_o own_o and_o still_o in_o a_o subordination_n to_o he_o as_o christ_n chief_a officer_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n incumbant_fw-la upon_o he_o to_o see_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v due_o put_v in_o execution_n but_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o with_o the_o power_n proper_a to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o temporal_a be_v not_o immediate_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n what_o he_o do_v be_v in_o a_o collateral_a way_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o new_a officer_n into_o the_o church_n and_o a_o power_n new_a and_o foreign_a to_o execute_v the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o total_o destructive_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o the_o magistrate_n have_v way_n such_o as_o christ_n think_v sufficient_a to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o propagate_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o draw_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o will_v make_v no_o more_o impression_n in_o spiritual_a concern_v than_o it_o will_v do_v upon_o a_o ghost_n that_o have_v no_o real_a body_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o he_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v but_o if_o not_o content_v therewith_o he_o will_v use_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o force_v man_n to_o believe_v and_o worship_n according_a to_o his_o light_n and_o will_v take_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n and_o punish_v they_o by_o his_o temporal_a power_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n and_o to_o make_v the_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a outward_a carnal_a fear_n bondage_n and_o subjection_n to_o man_n than_o ever_o the_o law_n be_v this_o use_n of_o the_o temporal_a power_n be_v the_o sting_n that_o wound_v all_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o total_o overthrow_v it_o if_o the_o magistrate_n where_o i_o live_v be_v a_o arrian_n a_o socinian_n or_o in_o any_o such_o error_n while_o he_o enforce_v this_o but_o in_o a_o gospel_n way_n and_o in_o christ_n way_n of_o enforce_v truth_n only_o by_o instruction_n and_o persuasion_n this_o do_v not_o mortal_o wound_v i_o this_o do_v not_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o my_o liberty_n to_o keep_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o he_o come_v to_o establish_v it_o by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o by_o that_o suppress_v all_o else_o as_o error_n my_o liberty_n in_o a_o differ_a persuasion_n be_v total_o go_v the_o admit_v the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v the_o temporal_a power_n in_o execute_v his_o judgement_n about_o religion_n hurry_v every_o man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o heretic_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o stake_n and_o every_o opinion_n that_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n must_v needs_o make_v a_o man_n so_o if_o christ_n have_v enjoin_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o be_v use_v it_o must_v have_v its_o utmost_a effect_n not_o only_o upon_o heretic_n within_o but_o much_o more_o upon_o those_o that_o be_v infidel_n without_o the_o church_n if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v appoint_v to_o use_v such_o a_o power_n he_o must_v not_o tolerate_v any_o thing_n upon_o any_o term_n nor_o exempt_v it_o from_o the_o lash_n of_o
and_o ratiocination_n and_o give_v every_o man_n freedom_n of_o debate_n and_o count_v it_o a_o noble_a thing_n in_o the_o berean_o to_o examine_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v be_v so_o or_o no._n after_o all_o mean_v use_v every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o light_n paul_n profess_v he_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o any_o man_n faith_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o faith_n and_o conscience_n be_v seat_v can_v be_v reach_v by_o any_o compulsion_n and_o therefore_o force_v reach_v but_o to_o outward_a practice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o end_n of_o it_o but_o to_o make_v we_o suffer_v or_o else_o practise_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o believe_v six_o force_v man_n to_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v whole_o supernatural_a and_o impose_v principle_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o moral_a light_n as_o all_o gospel-principle_n be_v suppose_v a_o perfect_a infallibility_n in_o the_o imposer_n and_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o else_o it_o be_v strange_o unreasonable_a to_o force_v man_n against_o their_o own_o light_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v mistake_v be_v a_o strange_a absurdity_n there_o be_v some_o excuse_n for_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o mistake_n of_o our_o own_o if_o it_o be_v the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v but_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o mistake_n of_o another_o man_n three_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n eminent_a for_o imposition_n in_o religion_n and_o common_a discretion_n teach_v they_o that_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o such_o imposition_n must_v be_v a_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o themselves_o &_o their_o doctrine_n such_o be_v the_o jewish_a rabbi_n of_o old_a who_o have_v so_o delude_v the_o people_n that_o luther_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o rabbi_n teach_v though_o they_o shall_v say_v the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a and_o the_o leave_v the_o right_n such_o also_o be_v mahomet_n and_o the_o mufti_n who_o impose_v all_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o infallibility_n mahomet_n at_o the_o first_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o maxim_n that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o debate_n nor_o discourse_n of_o what_o he_o prescribe_v and_o his_o mufti_n subdue_v the_o people_n by_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o ever_o since_o grotius_n give_v a_o very_a full_a account_n of_o this_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 3_o famous_a for_o imposition_n be_v the_o pope_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o they_o with_o the_o hammer_n of_o infallibility_n beat_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o be_v a_o refuge_n never_o fail_v to_o justify_v thing_n against_o scripture_n reason_n and_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n that_o the_o arrogant_a assumption_n of_o infallibility_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o political_a cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n god_n by_o his_o providence_n in_o fact_n as_o well_o as_o otherwise_o have_v make_v it_o clear_a to_o we_o since_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o have_v as_o often_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o err_v even_o in_o the_o opinion_n each_o of_o other_o as_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n leave_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o all_o man_n to_o appear_v as_o weak_a and_o as_o deprave_a man_n as_o any_o the_o world_n have_v but_o imposition_n where_o infallibility_n be_v not_o pretend_v nor_o claim_v must_v needs_o be_v but_o weak_o underset_v he_o that_o impose_v a_o religion_n upon_o i_o intend_v i_o shall_v take_v his_o light_n instead_o of_o my_o own_o impose_v a_o religion_n upon_o i_o suppose_v a_o duty_n in_o i_o of_o perfect_a subjection_n or_o else_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o signify_v nothing_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o light_n in_o judge_v destroy_v the_o be_v of_o imposition_n in_o religion_n upon_o any_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o whatever_o they_o command_v but_o those_o that_o be_v infallible_a whoever_o it_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o magistrate_n that_o confess_v himself_o fallible_a must_v needs_o admit_v a_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o so_o give_v ground_n unquestionable_a to_o reason_n and_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v to_o i_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v that_o be_v but_o far_o to_o ensnare_v i_o if_o i_o must_v necessary_o obey_v and_o unless_o i_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o what_o be_v put_v upon_o i_o i_o may_v refuse_v it_o among_o the_o protestant_a church_n where_o infallibility_n be_v not_o claim_v and_o this_o doctrine_n teach_v that_o if_o any_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a of_o which_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v the_o judge_n we_o be_v to_o suffer_v passive_o and_o not_o obey_v active_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o success_n of_o imposition_n but_o to_o make_v i_o suffer_v for_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n enforce_v be_v according_a to_o my_o own_o judgement_n force_v i_o to_o it_o be_v needless_a if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o principle_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o not_o to_o obey_v and_o so_o the_o event_n must_v needs_o be_v my_o suffering_n in_o perform_v my_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v be_v infallible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o person_n enjoin_v it_o be_v so_o in_o that_o very_a act_n yet_o till_o i_o be_o convince_v in_o my_o reason_n of_o both_o those_o they_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o i_o shall_v never_o upon_o that_o account_n yield_v implicit_a obedience_n and_o when_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o such_o a_o infallibility_n my_o own_o reason_n without_o any_o other_o motive_n force_v i_o into_o subjection_n as_o that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o i_o no_o man_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o command_v i_o to_o alter_v my_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n guide_v by_o the_o best_a light_n i_o have_v till_o he_o can_v show_v i_o that_o as_o i_o be_o fallible_a so_o he_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o in_o that_o act_n of_o impose_v a_o religion_n upon_o i_o my_o own_o light_n be_v more_o safe_a to_o i_o than_o any_o other_o man_n that_o be_v not_o so_o entrust_v and_o be_v but_o equal_o fallible_a with_o myself_o though_o in_o knowledge_n never_o so_o far_o above_o i_o he_o that_o own_v he_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o well_o as_o i_o and_o yet_o will_v have_v i_o obey_v what_o he_o command_v against_o what_o i_o believe_v will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v i_o both_o a_o sinner_n and_o a_o fool_n a_o sinner_n to_o god_n and_o a_o fool_n to_o my_o own_o reason_n a_o sinner_n to_o depart_v from_o my_o own_o conscience_n by_o which_o god_n expect_v i_o shall_v be_v guide_v and_o by_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v judge_v and_o a_o fool_n to_o eat_v by_o another_o man_n taste_n and_o to_o part_v with_o my_o own_o reason_n without_o any_o assurance_n of_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o better_a a_o magistrate_n impose_v uniformity_n in_o religion_n acknowledge_v himself_o not_o infallible_a but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v under_o mistake_n acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o actual_o in_o any_o thing_n sinful_a acknowledge_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v sinful_a lie_v in_o every_o man_n own_o conscience_n as_o to_o his_o particular_a act_n and_o that_o every_o man_n conscience_n though_o erroneous_a be_v to_o be_v follow_v till_o better_v inform_v take_v the_o coherence_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v all_o grant_v truth_n among_o we_o and_o the_o result_n will_v be_v twofold_a one_a that_o a_o man_n that_o can_v in_o conscience_n conform_v to_o such_o a_o impose_v uniformity_n as_o think_v it_o sinful_a be_v punish_v for_o do_v what_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n two_o there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o other_o end_n in_o force_v uniformity_n where_o such_o principle_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v but_o to_o bring_v such_o man_n into_o suffering_n who_o resolve_v to_o keep_v their_o integrity_n seven_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n religion_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v or_o practice_v any_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o to_o what_o end_n be_v preach_v or_o discourse_v to_o man_n but_o that_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v say_v a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v for_o himself_o he_o must_v needs_o
the_o say_a record_n either_o open_o by_o dispute_n or_o public_o by_o write_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o francis_n howgil_n richard_n hubthorn_n and_o divers_a other_o friend_n testimony_n in_o print_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o antichrictian_n and_o romish_n and_o thereupon_o do_v hereby_o enter_v my_o protestation_n against_o the_o say_a record_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o witness_v my_o hand_n the_o four_o of_o the_o 10_o month_n 1678._o francis_n bugg_n all_o which_o desire_v of_o their_o prove_v their_o proceed_n apostolical_a and_o debate_v the_o matter_n both_o by_o i_o and_o other_o they_o deny_v and_o utter_o refuse_v but_o i_o marvel_n the_o less_o since_o i_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o w._n r._n in_o five_o part_n entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o such_o a_o eminent_a man_n of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v reason_v with_o a_o notable_a way_n but_o methinks_v very_o singular_a yea_o so_o singular_a that_o there_o be_v no_o profession_n of_o people_n that_o i_o know_v of_o now_o extant_a in_o england_n that_o will_v refuse_v to_o be_v reason_v with_o except_o only_o the_o papist_n and_o they_o be_v so_o infallible_o sure_a that_o upon_o that_o foot_n they_o do_v not_o doubt_v nor_o scruple_n their_o faith_n and_o belief_n for_o they_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o g._n w._n say_v in_o his_o apost_n incendi_fw-la etc._n etc._n p._n 16._o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n indeed_o the_o first_o part_n of_o george_n his_o assertion_n be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o faithful_a member_n among_o episcopalian_o presbyterian_o independent_o and_o baptist_n or_o under_o any_o other_o denomination_n whatsoever_o in_o any_o county_n city_n language_n or_o people_n that_o fear_n god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n these_o all_o have_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n but_o that_o those_o with_o respect_n to_o degree_n growth_n or_o measure_n do_v differ_v and_o be_v of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o many_o point_n and_o thereupon_o aught_o to_o bear_v and_o forbear_v judge_v one_o another_o be_v manifest_a as_o also_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o w._n r._n and_o t.c._n have_v full_o manifest_v which_o not_o only_o thwart_n g._n w_n answer_v to_o the_o four_o position_n mention_v in_o the_o 15_o and_o 16_o page_n of_o the_o say_a book_n but_o the_o whole_a rubric_n law_n and_o cannon_n ecclesiastical_a of_o g._n f._n and_o other_o innovator_n who_o be_v so_o infallible_o sure_a of_o the_o way_n and_o that_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o as_o i_o say_v they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o reason_n thing_n to_o debate_v thing_n but_o too_o much_o like_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v thing_n take_v upon_o trust_n implicit_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v practise_v as_o the_o church_n practice_n and_o in_o all_o point_n yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o decree_n without_o any_o examination_n scruple_n or_o doubt_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v that_o abetter_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o g._n f._n advise_v as_o follow_v viz._n let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n mark_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o advice_n for_o shall_v the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o preach_v to_o the_o boreans_n what_o liberty_n have_v be_v leave_v for_o their_o search_n and_o their_o further_a examination_n nay_o christ_n himself_o reason_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a nay_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o themselves_o a_o free_a debate_n be_v admit_v which_o among_o we_o have_v be_v both_o by_o advice_n and_o practice_n stiff_o deny_v as_o i_o shall_v yet_o more_o manifest_a six_o query_n propound_v by_o f._n b._n the_o 12_o month_n 1678._o some_o qvery_n propound_v to_o such_o among_o we_o as_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v a_o uniformity_n and_o conformity_n to_o such_o right_n and_o ceremony_n as_o have_v ho_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o to_o such_o a_o church_n discipline_n as_o neither_o the_o prophet_n christ_n jesus_n nor_o his_o holy_a apostle_n primitive_a christian_n saint_n or_o martyr_n in_o any_o age_n or_o generation_n either_o command_v or_o practise_v and_o do_v expect_v your_o answer_n according_a to_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n testify_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o example_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o write_v scripture_n have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o variable_a so_o let_v your_o answer_n accord_n with_o scripture_n and_o whereas_o you_o pretend_v you_o be_v for_o holy_a order_n and_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n maintain_v the_o same_o by_o scripture_n proof_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o your_o pretension_n altogether_o vain_a and_o your_o plea_n no_o better_o than_o that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v by_o the_o persecute_v papist_n and_o degenerate_v protestant_n who_o when_o we_o bid_v they_o prove_v the_o use_n of_o their_o ceremony_n and_o other_o observation_n by_o plain_a scripture_n they_o say_v they_o need_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o the_o church_n see_v a_o decency_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n she_o have_v a_o power_n commit_v to_o she_o to_o impose_v they_o on_o her_o member_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o her_o authority_n she_o command_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o they_o under_o pain_n of_o her_o displeasure_n and_o if_o any_o will_v not_o yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o decretal_a order_n when_o once_o approve_v on_o by_o a_o general-council_n or_o synodical-assemble_o or_o question_v her_o authority_n she_o have_v a_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o such_o as_o heritick_n or_o gainsayers_a or_o man_n of_o opposite_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n thus_o say_v rome_n and_o thus_o say_v the_o episcopalian_o &_o thus_o say_v all_o imposer_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o christ_n jesus_n for_o their_o un-scriptural_a tradition_n &_o that_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o with_o we_o be_v plain_a &_o manifest_a and_o for_o a_o particular_a instance_n view_v the_o case_n of_o j._n a._n who_o be_v both_o judge_v and_o condemn_v and_o record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a or_o general_a council_n hold_v at_o hadenham_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n the_o four_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1678._o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o seem_v to_o make_v g._n f._n the_o author_n of_o your_o error_n it_o stand_v he_o upon_o final_o to_o reject_v and_o to_o bear_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o your_o new_a strange_a and_o dangerous_a innovation_n and_o babylonish_n invention_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o introduce_v and_o promote_a the_o same_o wherefore_o answer_v these_o thing_n follow_v that_o so_o your_o mind_n intent_n and_o purpose_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o manifest_a and_o upon_o what_o bottom_n you_o stand_v and_o who_o give_v you_o your_o power_n and_o whence_o you_o derive_v your_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o name_n you_o compel_v a_o conformity_n to_o your_o new_a invenetd_a order_n and_o rule_n under_o pain_n of_o condemnation_n query_n i._n whether_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o whether_o george_n fox_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v but_o by_o measure_n be_v head_n thereof_o answer_n query_n ii_o if_o you_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n thereof_o as_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o say_v otherwise_o then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o christ_n be_v not_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n answer_n query_n iii_o if_o you_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v and_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o be_v both_o head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n as_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v not_o say_v otherwise_o then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n &_o follower_n of_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o follow_v and_o obey_v the_o example_n practice_n precept_n command_n prescription_n and_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n
the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o may_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o rear_v up_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o new-testament_n church_n it_o be_v much_o that_o such_o a_o officer_n of_o so_o absolute_a concernment_n as_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o if_o we_o will_v seek_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o providential_a disposal_n of_o thing_n may_v we_o not_o sober_o think_v it_o to_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o thing_n whole_o found_v upon_o spiritual_a power_n be_v complete_a therein_o and_o need_v not_o any_o temporal_a power_n to_o contribute_v to_o its_o perfection_n this_o impower_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o superlative_a authority_n in_o settle_v what_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v no_o truth_n that_o be_v bind_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o this_o that_o what_o the_o 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which_o do_v so_o great_o relate_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o such_o float_a uncertainty_n beside_o this_o position_n make_v all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o lie_v in_o precept_n and_o precedent_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n then_o practise_v and_o command_v to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o nor_o obligation_n upon_o we_o far_o than_o the_o magistrate_n please_v it_o be_v to_o give_v he_o a_o dominion_n over_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o make_v he_o as_o some_o have_v full_o do_v lord_n over_o the_o whole_a new-testament_n two_o thing_n be_v usual_o say_v to_o prop_v up_o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n first_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o positive_o determine_v in_o the_o gospel_n about_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o take_v place_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n no_o one_o frame_v or_o model_n of_o government_n can_v be_v compose_v that_o will_v convenient_o fit_v all_o person_n and_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n may_v come_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o settle_v and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n have_v leave_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n whole_o undetermined_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n take_v for_o grant_v and_o whole_o without_o any_o divine_a ground_n to_o warrant_v it_o and_o be_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o insufficient_a for_o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o command_n or_o practice_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o settle_v the_o christian_a church_n but_o what_o will_v agree_v with_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o there_o find_v it_o practise_v and_o require_v will_v not_o agree_v to_o any_o place_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n if_o not_o more_o say_v that_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o in_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v to_o that_o place_n these_o thing_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n we_o find_v settle_v in_o the_o gospel-churche_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n must_v needs_o fit_v every_o place_n and_o people_n and_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n any_o where_o one_a it_o high_o intend_v to_o heighten_v and_o complete_a the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o moral_a and_o natural_a relation_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o preserve_v order_n among_o christian_n as_o christian_n will_v never_o hinder_v but_o far_o it_o among_o man_n as_o man_n two_o the_o power_n upon_o which_o christ_n rule_n settle_v in_o his_o church_n be_v found_v be_v whole_o spiritual_a it_o can_v never_o do_v any_o violence_n to_o mankind_n nor_o clash_n with_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o that_o be_v the_o boundery_a of_o it_o three_o the_o thing_n design_v and_o attain_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o preserve_v man_n in_o a_o regular_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n institution_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v say_v this_o order_n will_v not_o suit_v any_o nation_n must_v say_v in_o effect_n none_o of_o christ_n institution_n will_v agree_v to_o that_o nation_n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christ_n government_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v proper_o relative_a to_o the_o political_a government_n of_o a_o state_n or_o do_v any_o way_n determine_v the_o form_n of_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v equal_o exercise_v under_o any_o government_n whatsoever_o the_o religious_a policy_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v high_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n and_o be_v commix_v with_o it_o and_o the_o same_o government_n of_o that_o church_n can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o a_o suitable_a conformity_n of_o the_o state_n to_o it_o and_o so_o can_v not_o well_o reach_v beyond_o that_o nation_n and_o peculiar_a country_n and_o people_n but_o the_o gospel-church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o quite_o other_o term_n and_o have_v its_o first_o principle_n in_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o ever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o where_o with_o much_o advantage_n the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o may_v be_v introduce_v a_o second_o thing_n make_v to_o prop_v up_o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n be_v because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a difficulty_n we_o find_v in_o the_o new-testament_n about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o i_o acknowledge_v shall_v put_v we_o upon_o much_o enquiry_n and_o great_a indulgence_n to_o each_o other_o but_o i_o can_v yield_v it_o a_o good_a reason_n to_o establish_v a_o visible_a judge_n to_o settle_v a_o civil_a pope_n for_o at_o last_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o will_v be_v find_v out_o that_o the_o scripture_n in_o doctrinal_n be_v obscure_v too_o and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n must_v be_v likewise_o a_o umpire_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o final_o in_o all_o be_v once_o all_o these_o carnal_a interest_n and_o political_n concern_v that_o be_v now_o twist_v into_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n lay_v by_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o thing_n very_o feasible_a to_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n precept_n and_o example_n limit_v to_o no_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o a_o system_a of_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n sufficient_a for_o the_o obtain_v all_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a end_n design_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o complete_n man_n in_o a_o spiritual_a society_n as_o a_o organical-church_n and_o if_o a_o church_n can_v be_v so_o constitute_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o of_o no_o harship_n if_o man_n will_v be_v content_v with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o
appear_v both_o from_o the_o different_a station_n and_o posture_n those_o king_n be_v in_o from_o all_o magistrate_n now_o and_o also_o from_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n then_o and_o now_o and_o many_o circumstance_n peculiar_o relate_v to_o both_o first_o the_o worship_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o itself_o typical_a and_o representive_a of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o their_o government_n be_v likewise_o so_o and_o in_o their_o king_n very_o eminent_o that_o david_n and_o soloman_n do_v very_o plain_o in_o the_o type_n represent_v the_o kingly_a dominion_n of_o christ_n none_o will_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o very_a throne_n of_o david_n itself_o upon_o which_o the_o succeed_a king_n of_o judah_n sit_v be_v likewise_o so_o there_o be_v that_o prophecy_n long_o before_o that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o therefore_o the_o power_n david_n and_o solomon_n and_o the_o succeed_a king_n of_o judah_n for_o among_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n after_o solomon_n we_o find_v not_o one_o concern_v for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o the_o lineage_n of_o david_n exercise_v have_v a_o peculiarity_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o any_o magistrate_n now_o second_o god_n be_v please_v in_o those_o time_n upon_o all_o eminent_a occasion_n of_o reformation_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o proceed_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o send_v prophet_n to_o declare_v his_o positive_a mind_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o doubt_n that_o can_v be_v about_o such_o thing_n nay_o some_o of_o the_o king_n themselves_o be_v prophet_n immediate_o inspire_v and_o do_v not_o only_o take_v care_n of_o the_o worship_n establish_v by_o moses_n but_o do_v themselves_o by_o divine_a authority_n bring_v in_o thing_n of_o a_o new_a institution_n into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o david_n do_v and_o solomon_n in_o bring_v music_n into_o the_o temple_n and_o settle_v the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o be_v divine_o inspire_v to_o write_v part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o magistrate_n now_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o themselves_o nor_o have_v they_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a direction_n to_o guide_v they_o but_o be_v punctua_o oblige_v to_o whatever_o christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o analogy_n no_o way_n hold_v good_a three_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v such_o as_o whole_o differ_v they_o from_o all_o other_o since_o that_o be_v a_o church_n and_o a_o state_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o they_o mix_v together_o none_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o one_o but_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o other_o nor_o can_v a_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o be_v thereby_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o state_n to_o be_v outlawed_a and_o excommunicate_v be_v there_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o thing_n grotius_n express_v it_o well_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o the_o wisdom_n in_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n be_v not_o divide_v and_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o this_o as_o the_o magistrate_n do_v intermeddle_v in_o church_n affair_n so_o the_o priest_n do_v intermeddle_v in_o cvil_a thing_n for_o say_v he_o the_o priest_n be_v a_o judge_n and_o do_v not_o only_o give_v judgement_n in_o sacred_a but_o in_o civil_a affair_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o say_v the_o same_o grotius_n further_o that_o the_o priest_n have_v magistracy_n this_o alone_a may_v be_v prove_v in_o deut._n 17.8_o that_o he_o be_v to_o die_v who_o obey_v not_o the_o command_n of_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v most_o clear_a also_o that_o eli_n be_v chief_a priest_n in_o israel_n and_o chief_a judge_n in_o shiloe_n it_o be_v not_o any_o way_n to_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n lie_v then_o interchangeable_o mix_v and_o with_o as_o equal_a reason_n may_v we_o bring_v magistracy_n into_o the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o what_o the_o priest_n then_o exercise_v and_o their_o example_n as_o to_o bring_v such_o a_o power_n in_o religion_n into_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o parallel_n of_o what_o those_o king_n do_v then_o beside_o the_o magistratical_a power_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o jewish_a church-policy_n so_o mix_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v uphold_v without_o it_o the_o very_a municipal_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v their_o religion_n he_o that_o be_v chief_a in_o the_o state_n must_v needs_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n live_v in_o a_o holy_a land_n appoint_v to_o worship_n in_o one_o holy_a city_n and_o in_o one_o holy_a place_n of_o that_o city_n and_o to_o offer_v upon_o one_o altar_n in_o that_o holy_a place_n the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v total_o of_o another_o nature_n perfect_o distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a state_n can_v well_o subsist_v without_o a_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o be_v no_o way_n intermix_v in_o its_o concern_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o say_v all_o magistrate_n now_o must_v do_v as_o those_o do_v that_o govern_v such_o a_o mix_v complicate_v church_n and_o state_n in_o one_o carry_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o of_o reason_n or_o equity_n in_o it_o more_o than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v argue_v from_o a_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la that_o what_o moses_n do_v at_o first_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jeshuron_n that_o king_n may_v now_o do_v among_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n last_o what_o be_v then_o do_v be_v by_o god_n command_n and_o be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o jew_n be_v embody_a in_o and_o lie_v chief_o in_o bring_v man_n from_o idolatry_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o in_o difference_n between_o sect_n and_o sect_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o find_v do_v at_o any_o time_n they_o continue_v till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o put_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o worship_n in_o execution_n as_o lay_v in_o outward_a carnal_a service_n and_o be_v in_o every_o minute_n particular_a exact_o set_v down_o and_o determine_v first_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n now_o be_v whole_o differ_v from_o what_o that_o be_v and_o be_v settle_v upon_o clear_a other_o ground_n and_o principle_n second_o here_o be_v no_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n three_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o truth_n that_o in_o parity_n of_o reason_n because_o magistrate_n be_v appoint_v to_o take_v care_n of_o religion_n then_o they_o be_v to_o do_v so_o still_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v grant_v also_o that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o do_v heretofore_o by_o those_o god_n appoint_v under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v a_o inference_n very_o infirm_a that_o because_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n compel_v man_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n and_o forsake_v idolatry_n therefore_o magistrate_n now_o may_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o christ_n command_n and_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n compel_v man_n to_o the_o spiritual_a belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o mean_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o carry_v a_o antipathy_n in_o it_o to_o all_o outward_a force_n instead_o of_o all_o the_o temporal_a promise_n and_o corporal_a punishment_n under_o the_o law_n christ_n make_v this_o declaration_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v that_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n set_v hell_n and_o wrath_n to_o come_v before_o man_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n work_v upon_o and_o convince_a the_o conscience_n work_v more_o admirable_a effect_n upon_o man_n that_o way_n than_o all_o the_o outward_a punishment_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o bring_v about_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o can_v divide_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o joint_n and_o the_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o have_v in_o the_o hebrew_n a_o very_a perfect_a account_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n under_o the_o law_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o plain_a difference_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o one_o and_o
have_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o their_o suffer_v second_o all_o stander-by_n the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n look_v on_o must_v needs_o be_v dissatisfy_v to_o see_v a_o plain_a honest_a man_n upright_a and_o punctual_a in_o all_o his_o deal_n among_o man_n punish_v mere_o for_o his_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o because_o he_o will_v not_o comply_v to_o save_v himself_o which_o nothing_o but_o his_o conscience_n can_v lead_v he_o to_o and_o by_o part_v with_o which_o he_o may_v at_o any_o time_n purchase_v his_o quiet_n in_o such_o a_o case_n common_a ingenuity_n beget_v pity_n for_o he_o if_o not_o proselyte_n to_o he_o and_o great_a dislike_n of_o the_o course_n take_v with_o he_o three_o though_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sure_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o bring_v national_a judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n no_o doubt_n god_n take_v great_a notice_n of_o the_o punish_a man_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v true_a to_o he_o for_o so_o every_o man_n be_v that_o be_v true_a to_o his_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v erroneous_a upon_o no_o other_o account_n be_v it_o that_o paul_n justify_v himself_o before_o the_o highpriest_n in_o say_v he_o have_v walk_v before_o god_n in_o all_o good_a conscience_n to_o that_o time_n his_o meaning_n be_v he_o have_v go_v according_a to_o his_o light_n as_o a_o thing_n please_v to_o god_n though_o otherwise_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n his_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a and_o his_o judgement_n misinform_v and_o he_o tell_v we_o afterward_o that_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n because_o what_o he_o do_v against_o the_o church_n be_v do_v ignorant_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o best_a light_n he_o then_o have_v the_o punish_a man_n mere_o for_o follow_v the_o pure_a dictate_v of_o conscience_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o many_o national_a misery_n and_o a_o state_n shall_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v this_o as_o they_o will_v preserve_v their_o own_o safety_n &_o welfare_n if_o we_o look_v into_o that_o which_o natural_o occasion_v several_a opinion_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o which_o a_o prince_n shall_v for_o his_o own_o interest_n high_o encourage_v and_o that_o be_v knowledge_n for_o no_o doubt_n as_o knowledge_n increase_v it_o expatiate_v itself_o into_o variety_n of_o thought_n and_o principle_n and_o as_o it_o enlarge_v all_o other_o science_n so_o religion_n knowledge_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o by_o which_o all_o matter_n of_o concern_v to_o it_o as_o war_n trade_n policy_n and_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v high_o enlarge_v it_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n of_o a_o prince_n to_o govern_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o know_a people_n as_o well_o as_o a_o great_a people_n it_o be_v a_o impotent_a piece_n of_o policy_n and_o equal_o destructive_a to_o all_o public_a interest_n to_o say_v subject_n must_v be_v keep_v ignorant_a as_o to_o say_v they_o must_v be_v keep_v poor_a they_o be_v maxim_n only_o fit_v for_o a_o tyrant_n and_o such_o who_o only_o govern_v for_o themselves_o and_o calculate_v all_o interest_n at_o they_o concentre_v in_o their_o own_o and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v themselves_o their_o own_o idol_n nothing_o damp_n all_o noble_a undertake_n among_o man_n of_o conscience_n like_o imposition_n in_o religion_n it_o make_v they_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n it_o make_v they_o heartless_a in_o their_o calling_n if_o they_o be_v deny_v freedom_n in_o religion_n man_n of_o conscience_n will_v care_v little_a for_o any_o thing_n else_o solomon_n tell_v we_o a_o wound_a spirit_n no_o man_n can_v bear_v he_o that_o carry_v a_o taint_n of_o trouble_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v impotent_a in_o every_o thing_n it_o be_v liberty_n in_o religion_n that_o breed_v the_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n let_v a_o man_n know_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o have_v freedom_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o that_o man_n will_v have_v wisdom_n &_o courage_n above_o any_o man_n impose_v religion_n upon_o man_n have_v never_o other_o effect_n than_o either_o to_o lull_v man_n asleep_a into_o implicit_a ignorance_n and_o so_o make_v they_o as_o sottish_a and_o useless_a member_n of_o a_o state_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o where_o it_o meet_v with_o knowledge_n and_o integrity_n sink_v man_n under_o the_o great_a grief_n and_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o great_a dissatisfaction_n if_o we_o look_v among_o ourselves_o who_o be_v they_o that_o desire_v favour_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o will_v be_v gratify_v and_o engage_v by_o it_o but_o every_o where_o man_n of_o religious_a principle_n and_o be_v they_o not_o general_o the_o sober_a and_o serious_a man_n that_o bring_v good_a to_o a_o nation_n be_v not_o they_o in_o all_o calling_n and_o trade_n general_o most_o industrious_a and_o thrive_a be_v not_o they_o most_o save_a in_o their_o expense_n and_o every_o way_n either_o in_o war_n or_o peace_n most_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a it_o be_v debauch_v loose_a expensive_a people_n that_o over-live_a their_o estate_n and_o neglect_v their_o calling_n that_o help_v to_o pull_v a_o state_n down_o such_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o conform_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o secure_v they_o in_o present_a luxury_n it_o be_v the_o sober_a serious_a religious_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o every_o way_n make_v a_o nation_n prosperous_a to_o discontent_n such_o and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o one_o common_a dungeon_n of_o impute_a faction_n and_o actual_a persecution_n will_v never_o be_v find_v any_o right_a measure_n of_o a_o true_a national_a interest_n several_a thing_n with_o great_a evidence_n seem_v to_o plead_v for_o moderation_n and_o indulgence_n here_o in_o england_n first_o the_o number_n and_o quantity_n of_o those_o concern_v as_o well_o as_o the_o quality_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o way_n prudent_a to_o discontent_n they_o upon_o that_o which_o will_v no_o way_n compensate_a the_o inconvenience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a policy_n to_o leave_v so_o many_o man_n mix_v every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o nation_n under_o dissatisfaction_n without_o the_o least_o effect_n but_o the_o reproach_n of_o imprudence_n in_o do_v it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o disgraceful_a distinguish_a character_n upon_o they_o as_o man_n unfaithful_a to_o the_o state_n only_o because_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o some_o ceremony_n as_o the_o case_n be_v general_a among_o we_o and_o worship_n god_n just_a in_o the_o public_a way_n a_o thing_n of_o no_o more_o intrinsic_a concern_v to_o the_o state_n than_o to_o have_v all_o man_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n in_o a_o dispute_v point_n of_o philosophy_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o as_o equal_a likelihood_n to_o be_v attain_v a_o subject_a that_o give_v the_o same_o testimony_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o his_o prince_n that_o other_o do_v and_o behave_v himself_o in_o all_o civil_a concern_v as_o a_o faithful_a and_o profitable_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o yet_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o public_a enemy_n and_o make_v the_o object_n of_o public_a anger_n because_o he_o can_v in_o every_o circumstance_n comply_v with_o the_o public_a religion_n be_v without_o doubt_n very_o severe_o and_o impolitical_o deal_v with_o as_o every_o subject_a have_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o natural_a prince_n so_o have_v the_o prince_n in_o every_o subject_a and_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o true_a mother_n that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n divide_v the_o child_n to_o take_v such_o a_o course_n be_v to_o furnish_v out_o a_o party_n ready_a for_o whoever_o first_o make_v a_o disturbance_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o tempt_v man_n so_o to_o do_v by_o see_v a_o party_n so_o prepare_v let_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v once_o fit_o give_v and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o man_n hope_n and_o pretension_n that_o desire_v public_a mischief_n be_v pull_v up_o and_o the_o king_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o belove_a prince_n that_o 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friend_n in_o europe_n than_o uniformity_n in_o england_n as_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n here_o be_v that_o they_o fear_v above_o any_o thing_n so_o it_o will_v insensible_o more_o weaken_v they_o than_o all_o the_o victory_n we_o have_v obtain_v over_o they_o two_o man_n will_v never_o trade_v free_o where_o they_o do_v not_o live_v and_o converse_v free_o where_o a_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o be_v watch_v to_o a_o conventicle_n and_o most_o of_o the_o time_n he_o serve_v god_n be_v fain_o to_o hide_v himself_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o live_v so_o if_o he_o can_v avoid_v it_o every_o man_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o public_a religion_n lie_v under_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n will_v prudent_o shun_v both_o business_n and_o company_n will_v never_o lay_v out_o his_o estate_n where_o it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n power_n to_o do_v he_o a_o mischief_n a_o man_n conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v comply_v with_o the_o law_n will_v avoid_v meddle_v with_o any_o 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because_o the_o design_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o popish_a party_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v lie_v and_o will_v lie_v more_o unite_v against_o england_n than_o any_o protestant-state_n as_o suppose_v that_o the_o chief_a support_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o england_n can_v never_o be_v true_o safe_a nor_o secure_v in_o its_o proper_a interest_n but_o when_o it_o be_v environ_v with_o all_o protestant-state_n adhere_v to_o it_o and_o depend_v upon_o it_o how_o sad_o england_n have_v miscarry_v when_o it_o have_v espouse_v any_o other_o collateral_a interest_n but_o the_o protestant_n have_v be_v too_o obvious_a ever_o since_o the_o first_o reformation_n england_n have_v be_v always_o great_a at_o home_n when_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n abroad_o now_o if_o the_o king_n will_v thus_o right_o state_n his_o interest_n abroad_o he_o must_v begin_v the_o work_n at_o home_n if_o he_o persecute_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o of_o his_o protestant_a subject_n at_o home_n those_o of_o their_o opinion_n abroad_o will_v never_o put_v themselves_o under_o his_o protection_n as_o he_o must_v make_v no_o distinction_n in_o christendom_n but_o protestant_n and_o papist_n so_o he_o must_v make_v no_o other_o among_o his_o subject_n at_o home_n he_o that_o impose_v any_o one_o opinion_n among_o protestant_n and_o will_v tolerate_v no_o other_o make_v the_o distinction_n to_o be_v still_o between_o protestant_a and_o protestant_n and_o make_v himself_o but_o head_n of_o a_o party_n among_o they_o and_o will_v never_o so_o head_n the_o protestant_a interest_n as_o to_o oppose_v the_o popish_a party_n with_o it_o or_o unite_v the_o protestant_n so_o under_o he_o as_o to_o make_v they_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o their_o head_n whoever_o will_v be_v head_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a interest_n must_v have_v no_o common_a enemy_n but_o popery_n and_o concentre_v all_o there_o impose_v conformity_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o one_o protestant_a party_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o to_o make_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o weak_a by_o every_o dissenter_n and_o be_v indeed_o total_o destructive_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n first_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v we_o to_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o to_o prevent_v a_o relapse_n to_o popery_n the_o protestant_a religion_n will_v be_v fast_o root_v by_o exert_v full_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o a_o throughout_o adhere_v to_o they_o by_o our_o practice_n in_o deal_v one_o with_o another_o to_o deny_v those_o principle_n by_o which_o we_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v they_o return_v thither_o again_o teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n under_o any_o one_o denomination_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o be_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v divine_a truth_n teach_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o let_v they_o read_v it_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v no_o man_n far_o than_o they_o follow_v that_o rule_n and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v judge_n according_a to_o the_o best_a light_n he_o have_v of_o that_o rule_n and_o how_o far_o other_o man_n comply_v with_o it_o and_o differ_v from_o it_o and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o god_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n he_o shall_v so_o make_v within_o himself_o all_o which_o be_v protestant_a principle_n and_o eternal_a truth_n and_o then_o collect_v the_o sense_n which_o these_o principle_n issue_v themselves_o into_o and_o how_o unreasonable_a will_v it_o then_o appear_v to_o force_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o and_o when_o you_o have_v bid_v they_o use_v their_o light_n and_o reason_n to_o punish_v they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o oppose_v it_o and_o go_v against_o it_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o justitie_n force_v man_n where_o such_o principle_n be_v avow_v but_o by_o a_o flat_a denial_n of_o they_o and_o recur_v to_o those_o popish_a weapon_n of_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o uncontrollable_a authority_n and_o so_o by_o condemn_v other_o that_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n now_o differ_v from_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o who_o upon_o the_o same_o at_o first_o depart_v from_o rome_n when_o we_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o justify_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n by_o which_o dissenter_n now_o among_o ourselves_o make_v their_o defence_n against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o dispute_v against_o they_o we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o argument_n the_o papist_n use_v against_o we_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o considerable_a argument_n urge_v of_o late_a for_o conformity_n and_o imposition_n but_o if_o you_o trace_v it_o to_o the_o seat_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o bellarmine_n or_o suarez_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o that_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v any_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o opinion_n about_o the_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v have_v no_o toleration_n of_o several_a persuasion_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o think_v it_o destructive_a to_o mankind_n and_o the_o be_v of_o every_o state_n to_o suffer_v any_o so_o to_o be_v that_o man_n be_v a_o protestant_n by_o mistake_n and_o will_v find_v himself_o at_o home_n in_o his_o principle_n no_o where_n but_o at_o rome_n the_o far_a we_o remove_v in_o our_o reformation_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o live_v upon_o our_o own_o the_o less_o like_a we_o be_v to_o return_v to_o it_o if_o we_o make_v use_v of_o their_o argument_n and_o principle_n at_o one_o time_n we_o may_v come_v to_o use_v they_o at_o another_o and_o at_o last_o espouse_v
by_o their_o number_n outgrow_v the_o political_a part_n of_o persecution_n for_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o liberty_n the_o give_v it_o so_o as_o will_v natural_o produce_v several_a principle_n and_o opinion_n in_o man_n he_o that_o will_v prevent_v that_o must_v give_v no_o liberty_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n must_v not_o let_v the_o bible_n be_v read_v by_o the_o vulgar_a there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o keep_v out_o several_a opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o a_o implicit_a ignorant_a subjection_n to_o a_o impose_v infallibility_n and_o to_o do_v as_o the_o turk_n do_v who_o will_v not_o have_v any_o learning_n or_o discourse_n among_o they_o of_o religion_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o religion_n but_o mahomet_n nor_o no_o learning_n but_o the_o alcoran_n such_o policy_n to_o murder_v man_n soul_n be_v hatch_v in_o hell_n the_o art_n of_o printing_n be_v at_o the_o first_o think_v dangerous_a because_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n like_a to_o introduce_v several_a opinion_n in_o religion_n cardinal_n woolsey_n in_o a_o letter_n of_o he_o to_o the_o pope_n have_v this_o passage_n about_o it_o that_o his_o holiness_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o divers_a effect_n the_o new_a invention_n of_o print_v have_v produce_v for_o as_o it_o have_v bring_v in_o and_o restore_v book_n and_o learning_n so_o together_o it_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o sect_n and_o schism_n which_o daily_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o in_o germany_n where_o man_n begin_v now_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o present_a faith_n and_o tenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o examine_v how_o far_o religion_n be_v depart_v from_o its_o primitive_a institution_n and_o that_o which_o particular_o be_v most_o to_o be_v lament_v they_o have_v exhort_v the_o lay_n and_o ordinary_a man_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o pray_v in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n that_o if_o this_o be_v suffer_v beside_o all_o other_o danger_n the_o common_a people_n at_o last_o may_v come_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o use_v of_o the_o clergy_n for_o if_o man_n be_v persuade_v once_o they_o can_v make_v their_o own_o way_n to_o god_n and_o that_o prayer_n in_o their_o native_a and_o ordinary_a language_n may_v pierce_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o in_o latin_a how_o much_o will_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o mass_n fall_v how_o prejudicial_a may_v this_o prove_v unto_o all_o our_o ecclesiastical_a order_n lord_n herbert_n history_n of_o hen._n 8._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n lie_v as_o natural_o necessary_a to_o a_o protestant_a state_n as_o imposition_n to_o a_o popish_a state_n he_o must_v be_v a_o good_a artist_n that_o can_v find_v a_o right_n middle_a way_n between_o these_o two_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o protestant-state_n to_o have_v much_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o that_o variety_n of_o man_n opinion_n about_o some_o less_o weighty_a and_o more_o obscure_a matter_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o much_o tend_v to_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o it_o no_o way_n break_v the_o bond_n of_o protestant_a union_n where_o man_n general_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a and_o necessary_a fundamental_o of_o salvation_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o such_o state_n as_o it_o be_v their_o true_a and_o genuine_a interest_n and_o without_o which_o they_o will_v but_o deny_v themselves_o those_o advantage_n they_o may_v otherwise_o arrive_v at_o so_o with_o the_o forementioned_a boundary_n can_v never_o prove_v hurtful_a or_o dangerous_a there_o be_v always_o a_o just_a distinction_n to_o be_v make_v between_o those_o who_o desire_v only_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o such_o who_o pretend_v that_o to_o become_v injurious_a to_o man_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v that_o not_o only_a religion_n but_o reason_n not_o only_a duty_n but_o interest_n do_v invocate_v prince_n and_o state_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o who_o it_o may_v fit_o be_v say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n be_v wise_a now_o therefore_o o_o you_o king_n and_o be_v instruct_v o_o you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n finis_fw-la de_fw-fr christiana_n libertate_fw-la or_o the_o mischief_n of_o imposition_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n make_v manifest_a show_v the_o inconsistency_n betwixt_o the_o church_n discipline_n order_n and_o government_n erect_v by_o g._n fox_n and_o those_o of_o party_n with_o he_o and_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v historical_o treat_v on_o with_o a_o word_n of_o advice_n to_o the_o pencilvanians_n and_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o naked_a truth_n by_o francis_n bugg_n gal._n 6.12_o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o constrain_v you_o to_o be_v circumcise_a etc._n etc._n gal._n 5.1_o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o again_o entangle_v in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5.2_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o etc._n etc._n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1682._o a_o epistle_n dedicate_v to_o the_o noble_a berean_o of_o this_o age._n have_v by_o the_o book_n prefix_v lay_v before_o the_o magistrate_n and_o other_o concern_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n and_o many_o weighty_a argument_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o all_o protestant_a dissenter_n who_o desire_v to_o live_v a_o peaceable_a life_n under_o the_o government_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o treat_v on_o the_o religious_a difference_n among_o we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o therein_o to_o vindicate_v the_o christian-quaker_n who_o retain_v their_o primitive_a principle_n and_o defend_v their_o plea_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n which_o the_o innovator_n have_v put_v upon_o both_o it_o and_o the_o pleader_n thereof_o as_o if_o the_o tendency_n thereof_o be_v to_o introduce_v looseness_n ranterism_n or_o the_o like_a sort_n of_o abomination_n all_o which_o we_o detest_v and_o deny_v and_o in_o the_o introduction_n to_o the_o accus_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v sentence_v william_n rogers_n to_o be_v no_o quaker_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v no_o christian_a for_o if_o i_o may_v be_v in_o their_o account_n a_o true_a christian_a and_o yet_o no_o quaker_n then_o what_o damage_n be_v it_o to_o be_v no_o quaker_n so_o that_o as_o the_o baptist_n and_o other_o about_o the_o year_n 72._o by_o their_o dialogue_n and_o otherwise_o render_v we_o no_o christian_n because_o our_o creed_n lie_v not_o literal_o in_o their_o 8_o article_n of_o faith_n so_o do_v the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n endeavour_v to_o unchristian_a the_o true_a christian-quaker_n and_o the_o two_o principal_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o we_o be_v first_o our_o nonsubmission_n and_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o new_a order_n of_o the_o woman_n erect_v by_o g._n fox_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o london_n yearly-meeting_a and_o second_o that_o their_o way_n of_o compel_v and_o antichristian_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o bring_v to_o and_o force_v a_o uniformity_n be_v by_o we_o slight_v and_o contemn_v and_o publish_v in_o justification_n of_o our_o plea_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a i_o say_v these_o two_o be_v the_o grand_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o render_v we_o no_o quaker_n &_o as_o i_o say_v consequent_o in_o their_o esteem_n no_o christian_n whereupon_o we_o the_o caluminate_v abettor_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o call_v to_o you_o the_o berean_o of_o our_o age_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o wander_a book_n that_o be_v put_v forth_o against_o we_o but_o read_v and_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o before_o you_o pass_v judgement_n see_v what_o we_o can_v say_v for_o ourselves_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o christian-plea_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o for_o which_o reason_n i_o choose_v to_o dedicate_v the_o ensue_a tract_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o you_o expect_v your_o impartial_a examination_n etc._n etc._n for_o as_o william_n penn_n very_o well_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o you_o the_o noble_a and_o examine_v berean_o who_o usual_o hear_v both_o side_n in_o the_o front_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n and_o his_o divine_a testimony_n vindicated_n etc._n etc._n so_o we_o find_v it_o experimental_o viz._n the_o insatiable_a thirst_n of_o man_n after_o religious_a or_o civil_a empire_n have_v fill_v almost_o every_o age_n with_o contest_v there_o be_v something_o in_o man_n that_o prompt_v to_o religion_n and_o such_o as_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o any_o mere_a formality_n but_o man_n that_o he_o may_v not_o loose_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o share_n with_o a_o unwarrantable_a activity_n so_o adulterate_v by_o
he_o and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n in_o answer_n to_o w._n r_n book_n may_v not_o say_v to_o i_o as_o he_o in_o pag._n 86._o viz._n howbeit_o w._n r._n produce_v not_o any_o now_o prescription_n method_n rule_n order_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n now_o say_v the_o say_a author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o shall_v have_v produce_v some_o new_a order_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n introduce_v among_o in_o since_o that_o time_n mean_v the_o year_n 1673._o to_o prove_v his_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n against_o g._n f._n and_o those_o he_o call_v his_o party_n etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 133._o we_o affirm_v that_o his_o meaning_n w._n r._n cry_v out_o imposition_n form_n of_o church-government_n order_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n be_v no_o answer_n nor_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n against_o we_o let_v he_o either_o specify_v say_v this_o notable_a as_o well_o as_o confident_a author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n the_o particular_n thereof_o that_o he_o condemn_v we_o for_o as_o apostate_n and_o that_o we_o practice_n as_o church_n discipline_n or_o else_o for_o ever_o be_v ashamed_a etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 3._o and_o what_o new_a and_o unchristian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v they_o meaning_n g._n f._n and_o his_o party_n fall_v into_o we_o find_v no_o proof_n nor_o discovery_n thereof_o in_o all_o his_o book_n etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 128._o of_o the_o say_v confident_a author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n we_o do_v profess_v serious_o a_o notable_a serious_a george_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o we_o see_v no_o real_a cause_n or_o valid_a reason_n our_o opposer_n meaning_n w._n r._n show_v for_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o rumble_v he_o make_v about_o outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n outward_a form_n of_o government_n apostasy_n innovation_n imposition_n lording_n over_o faith_n over_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n while_o he_o show_v we_o no_o unjust_a no_o unlawful_a nor_o uncomely_a order_n or_o proceed_n among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n nor_o yet_o give_v we_o any_o instance_n or_o catalogue_n of_o those_o imposition_n innovation_n new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n bring_v in_o and_o receive_v among_o we_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o first_o testimony_n to_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o and_o teach_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n i_o say_v thing_n consider_v as_o practise_v among_o we_o i_o marvel_v that_o the_o say_a author_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v g._n whitehead_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n thus_o to_o call_v for_o a_o proof_n to_o call_v for_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o new_a order_n that_o be_v introduce_v among_o we_o when_o he_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o write_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n complain_v of_o by_o w._n r._n who_o it_o be_v probable_a think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o produce_v such_o proof_n such_o a_o catalogue_n and_o such_o manifest_a instance_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o that_o none_o will_v have_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o impudence_n to_o deny_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v every_o month_n put_v in_o practice_n among_o we_o but_o as_o i_o say_v that_o be_v may_v not_o say_v so_o to_o i_o i_o will_v bring_v he_o both_o proof_n and_o precedent_n and_o if_o he_o will_v call_v they_o a_o catalogue_n he_o may_v but_o first_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o womens-meeting_n namely_o george_n fox_n his_o order_n above_o recite_v by_o a_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o london_n anno_fw-la 1675._o concern_v propound_v marriage_n london_n the_o 27_o of_o 3d._n mon._n 1675._o it_o be_v our_o judgement_n that_o for_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o party_n that_o there_o may_v be_v due_a time_n for_o inquiry_n of_o clearness_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v it_o be_v convenient_a that_o marriage_n be_v at_o twice_o propound_v to_o the_o meeting_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n therein_o both_o to_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n where_o both_o be_v establish_v before_o they_o be_v accomplish_v and_o when_o thing_n be_v clear_v that_o the_o marriage_n be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o grave_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n observation_n and_o now_o set_v the_o authority_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o woman_n meeting_n and_o how_o g._n f._n his_o pretend_a motion_n be_v corroborate_v and_o strengthen_v i_o be_o necessitate_v to_o transcribe_v more_o of_o the_o transaction_n of_o this_o notable_a if_o not_o universal_a council_n than_o i_o be_o willing_a lest_o g._n whitchead_n shall_v again_o call_v for_o a_o proof_n or_o catalogue_n of_o their_o new_a stamp_a government_n etc._n etc._n concern_v man_n and_o womens-meeting_n it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wisdom_n that_o the_o rise_v and_o practice_n set_v up_o and_o establishment_n of_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o our_o day_n and_o generation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o lead_v of_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o all_o place_n to_o be_v diligent_a therein_o and_o to_o encourage_v and_o further_o each_o other_o in_o that_o bless_a work_n and_o particular_o that_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o their_o respective_a country_n encourage_v their_o faithful_a &_o grave_a woman_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o if_o any_o profess_v truth_n shall_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o discountence_v a_o notable_a warn_v and_o little_o obey_v except_o by_o g._n f._n his_o man_n of_o war_n or_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v such_o be_v admonish_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o but_o resist_v counsel_n and_o persist_v in_o the_o work_n of_o division_n we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o therein_o not_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o let_v friend_n go_v on_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o work_n for_o he_o his_o truth_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sway_v or_o hinder_v by_o they_o or_o their_o opposition_n observation_n behold_v the_o difference_n between_o this_o decree_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o have_v a_o particular_a relation_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n record_v therein_o but_o this_o be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n to_o any_o such_o authority_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o propose_v otherwise_o than_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o not_o as_o a_o form_n or_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v so_o much_o in_o it_o to_o justify_v the_o press_n of_o it_o both_o as_o be_v bottom_v on_o scripture_n authority_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n record_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o no_o relation_n to_o scripture_n authority_n precept_n or_o precedent_n no_o relation_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n record_v in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o command_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v head_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o lawgiver_n too_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o this_o decretal_a order_n be_v peremptory_a and_o positive_a none_o must_v refuse_v a_o compliance_n none_o must_v discountenance_v the_o observatition_n of_o it_o direct_o or_o indirect_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o so_o at_o once_o make_v heathen_n by_o this_o new_a fashion_v edict_n but_o to_o make_v good_a provision_n against_o any_o that_o shall_v yet_o dare_v to_o slight_v this_o new_a model_n or_o new_a find_v method_n of_o church-government_n or_o call_v in_o question_n their_o power_n or_o authority_n see_v what_o a_o strict_a and_o severe_a admonition_n be_v utter_v forth_o even_o as_o if_o it_o have_v come_v from_o the_o pope_n council_n of_o jesuit_n and_o crafty_a friar_n i_o know_v that_o some_o will_v be_v mighty_a angry_a and_o sore_o displease_v with_o i_o for_o transcribe_v so_o much_o of_o their_o hide_a mystery_n but_o in_o my_o apprehension_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o if_o womens-meeting_n be_v of_o such_o excellency_n and_o their_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o virtuous_a &_o amiable_a as_o that_o whoever_o comply_v and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o be_v in_o
by_o they_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o inform_v thou_o that_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v constant_o to_o write_v true_a english_a but_o thy_o pride_n and_o contempt_n be_v manifest_a which_o become_v not_o a_o man_n of_o thy_o pretence_n and_o whether_o i_o and_o other_o friend_n desire_v to_o have_v that_o cannon_n rule_n or_o order_n record_v in_o our_o quarterly_o meet_v book_n which_o prohibit_v all_o marriage_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o party_n publish_v their_o intention_n and_o the_o record_n of_o condemnation_n against_o j._n a._n for_o his_o non-submission_n to_o the_o say_a order_n reverse_v and_o raze_v out_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o imperiousness_n and_o menace_v as_o thou_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o especial_o since_o it_o be_v the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o friend_n and_o have_v past_o the_o second-day_n meeting_n approbation_n that_o all_o ruler_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n see_v pag._n 442._o of_o edw._n burrough_n work_v where_o it_o be_v write_v and_o we_o believe_v that_o all_o governor_n and_o ruler_n ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o next_o proceed_v ruler_n for_o all_o their_o action_n which_o may_v be_v inquire_v into_o upon_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v it_o our_o opinion_n that_o constable_n and_o all_o other_o governor_n and_o ruler_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o be_v it_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o imperiousness_n and_o menace_v in_o i_o and_o other_o to_o write_v a_o few_o line_n to_o the_o second-day_n meet_v desire_v not_o require_v they_o as_o thou_o fallacious_o word_n it_o the_o annihilate_v and_o repeal_n of_o such_o a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n mean_v the_o order_n as_o anon_o will_v appear_v if_o i_o have_v write_v query_n so_o foolish_o as_o thou_o imagine_v let_v thy_o grave_a and_o learned_a answer_n to_o they_o instruct_v my_o ignorance_n if_o thou_o think_v i_o miss_v the_o matter_n then_o shall_v thou_o show_v i_o wherein_o by_o a_o distinct_a solid_a and_o a_o intelligeable_a answer_n as_o for_o g._n w_n send_v to_o our_o quarterly-meeting_a that_o can_v fright_v i_o for_o except_o he_o lay_v his_o indictment_n true_a and_o legal_a i_o shall_v demur_n to_o their_o jurisdiction_n as_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o king_n broad_a seal_n to_o commissionate_v they_o to_o call_v delinquent_n to_o a_o account_n if_o such_o a_o one_o i_o be_v nor_o yet_o one_o verse_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o great_a visible_a charter_n of_o our_o christian-liberty_n that_o authorise_v they_o to_o give_v a_o summons_n thither_o but_o if_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o meet_v right_o constitute_v and_o man_n by_o he_o and_o myself_o equal_o choose_v i_o do_v hereby_o offer_v to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o whatever_o i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o or_o other_o on_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o controversy_n and_o this_o i_o desire_v thou_o to_o let_v he_o know_v thy_o line_n i_o look_v upon_o impertinent_a and_o in_o several_a place_n false_a and_o unsound_a but_o in_o regard_n i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o pass_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n and_o also_o consider_v they_o be_v produce_v through_o such_o obscondency_n i_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o such_o a_o hide_a conceit_a projector_n although_o perhaps_o not_o in_o such_o true_a english_a as_o that_o every_o word_n be_v right_o spell_v which_o piece_n of_o fallibility_n i_o must_v confess_v attend_v my_o write_v often_o and_o better_a scholar_n than_o myself_o or_o thou_o either_o so_o let_v this_o acknowledgement_n suffice_v and_o when_o thou_o write_v again_o write_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o let_v i_o know_v who_o thou_o be_v for_o many_o name_n begin_v r._n r._n and_o also_o where_o thou_o dwell_v that_o i_o may_v the_o better_a know_v how_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o suitable_a reply_n and_o thus_o i_o conclude_v and_o rest_v account_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o discover_v error_n public_o when_o all_o private_a endeavour_n will_v not_o avail_v and_o hypocrisy_n how_o hidden_o soever_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n know_a by_o the_o name_n of_o mildenhall_n in_o suffolk_n the_o second_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1681._o f._n bugg_n now_o follow_v a_o copy_n of_o a_o letter_n which_o i_o write_v to_o the_o second-day_n meet_v out_o of_o which_o i_o presume_v he_o apprehend_v my_o imperiousness_n as_o by_o his_o letter_n to_o i_o appear_v the_o which_o also_o i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o reader_n conscience_n that_o therein_o i_o may_v have_v a_o witness_n against_o such_o unrighteous_a reflection_n for_o i_o begin_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o robert_n rich_a his_o word_n in_o a_o letter_n from_o barbadoes_n to_o his_o friend_n abstract_n etc._n etc._n p._n 20._o and_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o that_o who_o meddle_v with_o the_o quaker_n have_v need_n be_v fence_v within_o and_o without_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o love_n to_o righteousness_n david_n sling_n and_o stone_n and_o enable_v to_o use_v both_o hand_n the_o left_a as_o well_o as_o the_o right_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reader_n conscience_n i_o commend_v the_o follow_v to_o see_v whether_o i_o do_v imperious_o and_o menace_o require_v or_o friendly_a desire_n their_o annihillate_v of_o the_o say_a order_n especial_o consider_v what_o private_a mean_n by_o my_o frequent_a letter_n query_n protestation_n debate_n i_o have_v have_v with_o they_o near_o four_o year_n together_o as_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._a chapter_n sufficient_o manifest_v viz._n to_o friend_n of_o the_o second-days-meeting_a in_o london_n friend_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o difference_n among_o we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v rise_v about_o church-discipline_n church-government_n and_o outward_a order_n form_n and_o prescription_n and_o that_o by_o no_o mean_n a_o condescension_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o whereby_o a_o christian_a composure_n may_v be_v obtain_v in_o order_n to_o the_o settle_v a_o happy_a union_n and_o bless_a fellowship_n among_o we_o as_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o instead_o thereof_o begin_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o mere_a formality_n no_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n but_o man_n tradition_n i_o say_v inasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v thus_o happen_v and_o that_o there_o yet_o appear_v no_o probability_n of_o a_o reconciliation_n and_o that_o as_o you_o look_v upon_o yourselves_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n and_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o assume_v the_o place_n of_o approbation_n of_o what_o pass_v the_o press_n and_o other_o epistle_n directory_n to_o the_o church_n for_o their_o information_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v with_o i_o at_o this_o time_n to_o write_v a_o few_o line_n to_o you_o not_o that_o i_o admit_v you_o to_o have_v any_o power_n or_o lawful_a authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n of_o your_o brethren_n or_o any_o particular_a right_n of_o dominion_n transmit_v to_o you_o beyond_o your_o brethren_n yet_o i_o say_v inasmuch_o as_o you_o assume_v the_o place_n and_o authority_n aforesaid_a although_o usurp_v i_o hereby_o signify_v to_o you_o that_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o decree_n or_o cannon_n call_v order_n record_v in_o our_o quarterly-book_n date_v the_o one_a of_o the_o 10_o month_n 1675._o which_o say_v that_o no_o friend_n for_o time_n to_o come_v may_v permit_v or_o suffer_v marriage_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o friend_n at_o two_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n and_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o come_v twice_o to_o the_o say_a meeting_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o j._n a._n stand_v excommunicate_a or_o record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o say_a order_n decree_n or_o cannon_n and_o i_o have_v write_v to_o several_a friend_n particular_o and_o to_o monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v for_o several_a year_n dissatisfy_v with_o these_o proceed_n have_v desire_v to_o know_v by_o what_o authority_n womens-meeting_n be_v set_v up_o monthly_o distinct_a and_o apart_o from_o mens-meeting_n with_o a_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o hear_v examine_v and_o determine_v matter_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o particular_a in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n and_o in_o who_o name_n a_o conformity_n be_v require_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o to_o this_o day_n no_o man_n have_v give_v i_o one_o line_n in_o answer_n i_o not_o then_o know_v what_o i_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v etc._n etc._n put_v forth_o by_o w._n