obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o restoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n both_o from_o press_n and_o pulpit_n party_n be_v make_v in_o the_o city_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v make_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o own_n of_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v with_o great_a confidence_n urge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o public_a and_o national_a oath_n bind_v all_o person_n of_o this_o nation_n whether_o they_o do_v swear_v it_o personal_o or_o not_o and_o all_o posterity_n after_o we_o in_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v into_o the_o public_a place_n and_o politic_a capacity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n covenant_v for_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v and_o by_o no_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n to_o be_v absolve_v or_o make_v void_a as_o among_o other_o mr._n crofton_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o famous_a write_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v the_o ground_n which_o this_o party_n of_o man_n do_v go_v upon_o what_o he_o do_v allege_v have_v great_a reason_n in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o those_o clause_n which_o he_o do_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n do_v suppose_v all_o posterity_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o this_o he_o urge_v not_o as_o his_o own_o single_a opinion_n but_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o whole_a party_n and_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o london_n minister_n dec._n 14._o 1647._o several_a of_o which_o be_v at_o this_o present_a preacher_n to_o the_o separate_a congregation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o absolve_v we_o from_o it_o nay_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n which_o in_o other_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v large_a enough_o be_v in_o this_o bind_v up_o as_o mr._n cr._n tell_v we_o p._n 139._o that_o the_o parliament_n consist_v of_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o that_o in_o their_o public_a capacity_n as_o a_o parliament_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o their_o house_n and_o in_o formality_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o their_o speaker_n before_o they_o go_v unto_o st._n margaret_n church_n in_o westminster_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n imaginable_a do_v as_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n swear_v this_o covenant_n which_o as_o a_o far_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n they_o cause_v to_o be_v print_v with_o their_o name_n subscribe_v and_o to_o be_v hang_v up_o in_o all_o church_n and_o in_o their_o own_o house_n as_o a_o compass_n whereby_o in_o conformity_n to_o right_v reason_n and_o religion_n to_o steer_v their_o then_o debate_n and_o to_o dictate_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v in_o that_o place_n and_o capacity_n what_o obligation_n do_v before_o god_n lie_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o this_o nation_n those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o renunciation_n of_o the_o covenant_n either_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v oblige_v at_o this_o time_n or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v why_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o not_o to_o do_v so_o one_o reason_n may_v indeed_o be_v give_v why_o the_o preacher_n themselves_o may_v believe_v the_o covenant_n not_o to_o oblige_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v the_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v thus_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o people_n believe_v it_o to_o have_v a_o obligation_n although_o themselves_o believe_v it_o to_o have_v none_o a_o persuasion_n this_o which_o in_o some_o juncture_n of_o affair_n or_o other_o they_o may_v chance_v to_o make_v very_o great_a use_n of_o and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a their_o procedure_n have_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n honest_a than_o this_o amount_n to_o in_o another_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v among_o they_o and_o not_o among_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o yet_o can_v be_v never_o bring_v to_o say_v one_o word_n to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o their_o belief_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o if_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v carry_v a_o last_a obligation_n along_o with_o it_o in_o that_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o during_o that_o persuasion_n of_o they_o desire_v they_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o withal_o i_o must_v crave_v their_o leave_n to_o add_v this_o further_a that_o during_o that_o persuasion_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o government_n shall_v cast_v a_o very_a watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o fatal_a and_o universal_a consequence_n covenant_v for_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v high_o concern_v that_o no_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o every_o body_n else_o as_o lie_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n wherein_o they_o may_v accomplish_v such_o great_a and_o public_a mischief_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o article_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n endeavour_n in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n in_o confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o in_o which_o article_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v many_o thing_n liable_a to_o very_o just_a and_o material_a exception_n as_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o private_a man_n in_o england_n if_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o place_n and_o call_v intermeddle_v either_o in_o the_o preservation_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nay_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o person_n in_o this_o kingdom_n whatever_o be_v he_o in_o what_o public_a capacity_n he_o will_v his_o majesty_n only_o except_v or_o those_o who_o act_n by_o commission_n from_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o concern_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o second_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o article_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n of_o scotland_n and_o withal_o to_o bring_v the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v so_o that_o scotland_n must_v necessary_o be_v our_o pattern_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o reform_v england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o our_o own_o church_n as_o it_o be_v already_o by_o law_n establish_v or_o at_o least_o some_o other_o church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n may_v come_v altogether_o as_o near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o scotland_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o the_o other_o dissenter_n whatever_o beside_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o see_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o any_o obligation_n because_o that_o that_o be_v express_v for_o uniformity_n and_o as_o such_o be_v
he_o live_v any_o law_n which_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o will_v find_v that_o he_o must_v not_o obey_v many_o law_n of_o his_o own_o make_n for_o any_o long_a time_n neither_o if_o therefore_o a_o suppose_a inexpediency_n be_v the_o utmost_a of_o the_o charge_n as_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v than_o all_o wise_a man_n shall_v consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o any_o fancy_a alteration_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o equal_a if_o not_o great_a danger_n and_o before_o that_o any_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o just_a and_o equal_a that_o the_o new_a model_n be_v agree_v upon_o by_o those_o who_o do_v design_n it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v propose_v either_o to_o our_o governor_n or_o to_o the_o public_a view_n that_o it_o may_v be_v examine_v before_o admit_v and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o last_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v too_o hasty_o conclude_v upon_o a_o late_a ingenious_a person_n set_v forth_o a_o handsome_a discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n entitle_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n assert_v that_o reform_a christianity_n settle_v in_o its_o due_a latitude_n be_v the_o stability_n and_o advancement_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o have_v attempt_v something_o like_o a_o model_n of_o a_o future_a settlement_n his_o discourse_n be_v plausible_a and_o desire_n seem_v to_o be_v bend_v on_o peace_n and_o many_o of_o his_o principle_n look_v as_o if_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o tend_v much_o that_o way_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o one_o thing_n very_o observable_a in_o his_o whole_a way_n of_o write_v that_o with_o great_a art_n he_o do_v very_o dexterous_o take_v care_v not_o to_o come_v too_o close_o up_o to_o the_o argument_n and_o he_o bring_v his_o reader_n even_o to_o the_o very_a point_n where_o the_o business_n lie_v and_o almost_o unperceivable_o steal_v by_o and_o pass_v on_o to_o something_o else_o and_o to_o a_o narrow_a view_n it_o will_v appear_v plain_o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o such_o wide_a generality_n that_o he_o leave_v the_o reader_n in_o the_o same_o uncertainty_n in_o which_o he_o find_v he_o the_o draught_n of_o his_o design_n be_v to_o be_v see_v sect._n 14._o pag._n 28._o which_o do_v consist_v in_o these_o three_o contrivance_n first_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o establish_a and_o approve_a order_n but_o because_o that_o this_o alone_a he_o find_v not_o to_o be_v sufficient_a therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o provision_n for_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o can_v come_v within_o the_o establishment_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v under_o certain_a restriction_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o for_o neither_o the_o establishment_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a neither_o will_v a_o toleration_n of_o dissenter_n from_o it_o suffice_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o must_v be_v only_o connive_v at_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n be_v afterward_o consider_v the_o establishment_n have_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o first_o place_n and_o have_v as_o it_o well_o deserve_v incomparable_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pain_n bestow_v upon_o it_o and_o of_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o sect._n 15._o that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v loose_a and_o inâ—â—herent_a but_o well_o compact_v that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o godly_a life_n and_o keep_v out_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o wicked_a error_n and_o practice_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o vanquish_a of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o require_v a_o constitution_n of_o narrow_a bound_n than_o thing_n necessary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o godly_a order_n in_o the_o church_n now_o be_v it_o not_o very_o plain_a that_o such_o a_o comprehension_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o attain_v all_o these_o great_a and_o public_a end_n here_o provide_v for_o have_v leave_v no_o place_n for_o toleration_n or_o connivance_n and_o according_o both_o those_o thing_n be_v huddle_v together_o and_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n dispatch_v sect._n 18._o pag._n 38._o i_o shall_v lay_v they_o down_o and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v upon_o they_o as_o for_o other_o that_o be_v of_o sound_a belief_n and_o good_a life_n yet_o have_v take_v in_o some_o principle_n less_o congruous_a to_o national_a settlement_n i_o will_v never_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o expose_v they_o to_o oppression_n contempt_n and_o hatred_n but_o will_v admit_v their_o plea_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v etc._n etc._n nevertheless_o their_o liberty_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o to_o be_v inordinate_a but_o measure_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o safety_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o public_a and_o establish_a order_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o desire_v those_o person_n who_o can_v come_v within_o the_o comprehension_n to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o how_o very_o little_a they_o be_v behold_v to_o this_o their_o advocate_n he_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o intimate_v to_o we_o what_o kind_n of_o principle_n those_o be_v which_o he_o will_v have_v connive_v at_o as_o be_v only_o less_o congruous_a to_o a_o national_a settlement_n nor_o give_v we_o any_o manner_n of_o mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v they_o beside_o whatever_o favour_n he_o do_v intend_v for_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n he_o have_v so_o clog_v it_o with_o many_o qualification_n and_o limitation_n that_o he_o have_v render_v it_o so_o plain_o useless_a that_o i_o much_o doubt_v whether_o he_o do_v ever_o real_o intend_v they_o any_o favour_n at_o all_o first_o they_o must_v be_v of_o sound_a belief_n and_o good_a life_n second_o their_o plea_n must_v be_v admit_v as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v now_o how_o far_o that_o be_v he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o three_o their_o liberty_n must_v not_o be_v inordinate_a but_o must_v have_v two_o measure_n first_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a second_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o public_a establish_a order_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o settlement_n which_o our_o author_n be_v here_o design_v by_o the_o place_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o three_o rank_n of_o first_o a_o establishment_n second_o a_o toleration_n and_o three_o a_o connivance_n with_o this_o reason_n for_o the_o two_o latter_a for_o if_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o why_o shall_v their_o fellow-servant_n reject_v or_o afflict_v they_o causeless_o every_o true_a christian_n shall_v be_v tender_a of_o all_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n i_o understand_v i_o say_v as_o little_a by_o all_o this_o what_o those_o particular_n be_v which_o he_o will_v have_v from_o we_o as_o if_o he_o have_v content_v himself_o with_o mr._n sterry_n three_o form_n of_o believer_n and_o methinks_v the_o one_o harangue_n be_v as_o edify_v and_o intelligible_a as_o the_o other_o let_v we_o receive_v one_o another_o into_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n receive_v we_o though_o that_o clothing_n of_o the_o outward_a form_n be_v not_o on_o the_o same_o fashion_n in_o all_o nor_o on_o some_o so_o well_o shape_v as_o on_o other_o to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v christ._n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v his_o concubine_n his_o queen_n his_o virgin_n saint_n in_o remote_a jorm_n saint_n in_o high_a form_n saint_n unmarried_a to_o any_o form_n who_o keep_v themselves_o single_a for_o the_o immediate_a embrace_n of_o their_o love_n in_o his_o epistle_n before_o england_n deliverance_n from_o the_o northern_a presbytery_n now_o in_o these_o two_o gentleman_n of_o very_o differ_v dispensation_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n propose_v to_o our_o care_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o they_o may_v be_v suit_v each_o to_o one_o another_o but_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v remarkable_a in_o that_o discourse_n of_o mr._n sterry_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o can_n at_o the_o very_o best_a hope_v for_o no_o high_a rank_n than_o that_o of_o christ_n concubine_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o sermon_n if_o at_o all_o saint_n at_o the_o very_o best_a saint_n in_o the_o remote_a form_n the_o more_o moderate_a sort_n of_o independent_o may_v indeed_o by_o he_o be_v account_v queen_n as_o be_v saint_n in_o high_a form_n but_o for_o christ_n virgin_n who_o be_v unmarried_a to_o any_o form_n and_o keep_v themselves_o single_a for_o the_o immediate_a embrace_n of_o
their_o love_n i_o can_v imagine_v who_o these_o shall_v be_v unless_o those_o saint_n who_o be_v above_o ordinance_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o must_v free_o profess_v that_o for_o all_o the_o account_n which_o our_o author_n have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o three_o contrivance_n of_o comprehension_n toleration_n and_o connivance_n i_o can_v at_o all_o perceive_v but_o that_o mr._n sterry_n way_n of_o sort_v out_o the_o several_a rank_n of_o saint_n do_v well_o suit_n with_o and_o be_v proportion_v to_o it_o and_o here_o let_v any_o sober_a man_n judge_n whether_o the_o settlement_n pretend_v for_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o proposal_n be_v not_o absolute_o unsettle_a again_o in_o the_o two_o other_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o must_v go_v on_o to_o consider_v a_o pretence_n much_o often_o suppose_v than_o own_a and_o that_o be_v this_o suppose_v that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o inexpedient_a but_o real_o sinful_a if_o so_o than_o i_o shall_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o while_o the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o but_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n i_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v with_o some_o confidence_n and_o i_o hope_v without_o offence_n that_o however_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n may_v sometime_o sly_o insinuate_v some_o such_o jealousy_n into_o the_o head_n of_o their_o unwary_a hearer_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o considerable_a man_n amongthem_n who_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o public_o or_o who_o do_v himself_o real_o believe_v it_o now_o though_o this_o assertion_n may_v seem_v to_o carry_v something_o of_o uncharitableness_n in_o it_o because_o that_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o avow_a and_o press_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o if_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a and_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v high_o criminal_a at_o lest_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o teacher_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o the_o people_n be_v wheedle_v into_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n that_o they_o suppose_v their_o teacher_n know_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o be_v shrewd_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o very_a great_a cheat_n impose_v by_o the_o preacher_n and_o the_o people_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o by_o both_o upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n because_o that_o it_o be_v as_o often_o evident_a as_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o make_v it_o so_o that_o among_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o flock_n there_o be_v not_o many_o who_o in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n i_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v not_o to_o say_v that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o mr._n calamy_n do_v before_o his_o majesty_n and_o divers_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n profess_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o can_v not_o conform_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o scandalize_a of_o other_o so_o that_o in_o his_o esteem_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o themselves_o innocent_a and_o the_o whole_a objection_n against_o they_o lay_v in_o the_o mistake_v of_o other_o man_n mr._n tomb_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v write_v a_o book_n to_o show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o resort_v to_o the_o public_a congregation_n the_o author_n which_o i_o before_o mention_v assure_v we_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o that_o they_o not_o only_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o likewise_o communicate_v in_o her_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o second_o discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n pag._n 17._o by_o which_o acknowledgement_n we_o may_v take_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o honesty_n of_o their_o separation_n nay_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o say_v thus_o much_o far_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o clergy_n among_o they_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v those_o person_n to_o be_v name_v who_o come_v to_o church_n before_o the_o act_n of_o oblivion_n who_o never_o do_v since_o second_o that_o immediate_o after_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n whilst_o the_o hope_n of_o toleration_n be_v very_o uncertain_a there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a conformity_n both_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o over_o the_o whole_a nation_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v since_o three_o that_o i_o have_v inquire_v and_o can_v never_o learn_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n to_o be_v give_v of_o any_o one_o of_o all_o the_o patron_n or_o proselyte_n of_o the_o conventicle_n who_o do_v leave_v the_o small_a office_n whatever_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v in_o obedience_n to_o a_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n join_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v plain_o that_o in_o these_o man_n esteem_n either_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o else_o that_o these_o gentleman_n of_o so_o extreme_o tender_a conscience_n can_v deliberate_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v perform_v the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o adoration_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o with_o all_o the_o show_v of_o devotion_n imaginable_a and_o see_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o be_v it_o not_o huge_a pity_n that_o a_o settle_a church_n and_o a_o church_n in_o great_a reputation_n over_o all_o the_o reform_a part_n of_o christendom_n shall_v be_v run_v down_o by_o a_o mere_a noise_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o real_a case_n put_v where_o conscience_n ought_v to_o show_v itself_o that_o then_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o think_v upon_o if_o there_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o present_a constitution_n it_o must_v be_v either_o against_o the_o article_n the_o liturgy_n the_o canon_n or_o the_o ceremony_n as_o to_o the_o article_n there_o be_v scarce_o so_o much_o as_o one_o objection_n pretend_v against_o they_o far_o than_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o follow_a head_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n can_v not_o easy_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o people_n as_o a_o just_a excuse_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n because_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v for_o to_o subscribe_v they_o unless_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o a_o voluntary_a obligation_n by_o some_o act_n of_o their_o own_o as_o take_z a_o degree_n in_o the_o university_n but_o in_o this_o point_n many_o word_n be_v needless_a for_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o church_n abroad_o we_o have_v at_o home_o two_o witness_n beyond_o all_o exception_n to_o the_o innocency_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o article_n even_o the_o two_o late_o celebrate_v advocate_n the_o one_o for_o comprehension_n the_o other_o for_o toleration_n the_o former_a assure_v we_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o cause_n he_o plead_v that_o they_o do_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n pag._n 2._o and_o again_o pag._n 22._o that_o they_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o english_a reformation_n establish_v by_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o they_o do_v assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o that_o faith_n pag._n 22._o the_o peace-offering_a do_v likewise_o bear_v witness_n for_o we_o of_o that_o great_a esteem_n which_o be_v bear_v unto_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o withal_o do_v assure_v we_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o independent_o at_o home_o that_o as_o to_o all_o which_o be_v pure_o doctrinal_a in_o they_o they_o do_v full_o embrace_v and_o constant_o adhere_v to_o etc._n etc._n and_o according_o he_o undertake_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o we_o have_v no_o new_a faith_n to_o declare_v no_o new_a doctrine_n to_o teach_v no_o private_a opinion_n to_o divulge_v no_o point_n or_o truth_n do_v we_o profess_v no_o not_o one_o which_o have_v not_o be_v declare_v teach_v divulge_v and_o esteem_v as_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n pag._n 13._o thus_o far_o therefore_o our_o way_n be_v clear_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o esteem_v to_o
it_o use_v in_o the_o other_o discourse_n for_o toleration_n when_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n have_v force_v from_o they_o one_o reasonable_a concession_n that_o one_o concession_n do_v plain_o give_v away_o from_o they_o nothing_o less_o than_o their_o whole_a cause_n for_o pray_v tell_v i_o constantine_n and_o the_o christian_a emperor_n be_v here_o commend_v for_o their_o care_n and_o oversight_n in_o religious_a thing_n and_o so_o our_o own_o king_n for_o secure_v to_o we_o the_o protestant_a religion_n now_o be_v not_o all_o this_o do_v by_o law_n and_o penalty_n and_o the_o civil_a sword_n and_o be_v there_o any_o possibility_n of_o have_v it_o do_v any_o other_o way_n this_o be_v premise_v as_o to_o the_o exception_n themselves_o i_o brief_o say_v this_o if_o no_o force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v a_o incompetent_a method_n as_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v only_o to_o the_o body_n and_o estate_n but_o be_v by_o much_o too_o weak_a to_o reach_v unto_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n not_o at_o all_o peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o common_a to_o that_o with_o all_o other_o dispensation_n the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n be_v as_o much_o a_o spirit_n under_o the_o law_n as_o it_o can_v be_v now_o and_o the_o sword_n be_v make_v of_o as_o mere_a matter_n in_o those_o day_n as_o it_o can_v be_v in_o these_o and_o therefore_o thus_o far_o the_o case_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o second_o exception_n that_o all_o force_n be_v now_o unlawful_a because_o christ_n have_v not_o command_v it_o they_o have_v be_v tell_v and_o have_v have_v it_o prove_v to_o they_o too_o in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o puritan_n controversy_n that_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a command_n for_o that_o a_o thing_n become_v unlawful_a not_o by_o be_v not_o command_v but_o by_o be_v forbid_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o direct_o to_o the_o three_o exception_n that_o all_o force_n be_v plain_o forbid_v by_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o say_v 2_o cor._n 10._o v._n 4._o that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a now_o this_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o hibition_n of_o all_o coercion_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o do_v plain_o refer_v to_o a_o very_a great_a coercion_n which_o himself_o do_v in_o these_o very_a word_n threaten_v for_o to_o use_v viz._n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o carry_v temporal_a penalty_n along_o with_o they_o in_o manner_n miraculous_a visible_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o those_o weapon_n which_o in_o themselves_o may_v be_v suppose_v weak_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v better_o look_v into_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v a_o strength_n from_o god_n which_o they_o have_v not_o from_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n for_o the_o bring_n down_o strong_a hold_n and_o to_o render_v it_o clear_a that_o these_o word_n have_v a_o penal_a meaning_n in_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o weapon_n be_v able_a to_o cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thought_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o those_o weapon_n have_v a_o coercive_a power_n in_o they_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o a_o stile_n much_o beyond_o exhortation_n and_o advice_n nay_o much_o beyond_o a_o bare_a reproof_n that_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o they_o he_o will_v revenge_v all_o disobedience_n and_o as_o for_o the_o last_o most_o press_v and_o convince_a consideration_n that_o if_o force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o any_o affair_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o to_o be_v justify_v in_o order_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o antichrist_n the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o gospel-enemy_n but_o even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o not_o in_o any_o other_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a weapon_n by_o which_o christ_n will_v destroy_v antichrist_n the_o great_a gospel-enemy_n which_o the_o world_n have_v produce_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o take_v a_o advantage_n which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v in_o scripture_n signify_v something_o which_o carry_v coercion_n along_o with_o it_o but_o shall_v be_v content_v that_o that_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o the_o common_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o supposition_n i_o believe_v that_o this_o assertion_n of_o this_o learned_a gentleman_n will_v scarce_o pass_v for_o true_a doctrine_n in_o the_o separate_a congregation_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o will_v not_o have_v do_v so_o and_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o in_o this_o point_n their_o mind_n be_v alter_v how_o unlawful_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n in_o a_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o have_v be_v often_o preach_v as_o a_o great_a gospel_n duty_n though_o in_o a_o rebellion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o military_a one_o we_o have_v not_o forget_v how_o often_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o common_a people_n be_v inflame_v against_o the_o king_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o cause_n then_o fight_v for_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n that_o their_o person_n and_o estate_n be_v all_o too_o little_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v in_o this_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o question_n real_o be_v whether_o christ_n or_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v king_n and_o so_o i_o return_v to_o our_o author_n among_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o compulsory_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a weight_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n and_o what_o they_o do_v under_o the_o law_n in_o compel_a man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n then_o establish_v in_o the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o truth_n in_o hand_n no_o way_n invalidate_v and_o that_o what_o be_v then_o do_v by_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n can_v reasonable_o be_v now_o make_v a_o rule_n to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o analogy_n will_v no_o way_n hold_v may_v be_v make_v 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 representative_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 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 thus_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 punctual_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 hold_v no_o way_n good_a the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o no_o argument_n ought_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n or_o judah_n whereby_o to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o any_o present_a magistrate_n over_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o those_o magistrate_n and_o we_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o respect_n first_o that_o they_o be_v typical_a second_o that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o have_v either_o prophet_n send_v to_o they_o or_o themselves_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n if_o
among_o all_o the_o precept_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v moderation_n condescension_n bear_v with_o one_o another_o infirmity_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o not_o any_o one_o of_o they_o have_v any_o manner_n of_o relation_n to_o our_o great_a idol_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v plain_o give_v to_o private_a person_n &_o many_o time_n in_o relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o where_o not_o so_o limit_v to_o certain_a case_n occasional_a emergency_n and_o with_o a_o clear_a reference_n to_o their_o not_o have_v as_o yet_o time_n or_o opportunity_n of_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v but_o as_o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sufficient_o call_v upon_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o respective_a flock_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o wolf_n do_v not_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o exercise_v the_o whole_a power_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v viz._n the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n a_o thing_n which_o come_v so_o near_o the_o question_n now_o in_o debate_n that_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o assist_v with_o temporal_a penalty_n and_o though_o it_o be_v often_o suggest_v into_o his_o argument_n that_o the_o outward_a sword_n can_v act_v no_o more_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o upon_o a_o ghost_n yet_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n a_o phrase_n well_o know_v to_o signify_v disease_n and_o such_o like_a infliction_n on_o the_o body_n be_v a_o very_a likely_a method_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n may_v at_o length_n come_v to_o be_v save_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n though_o of_o a_o distant_a nature_n have_v so_o near_o a_o union_n such_o common_a interest_n and_o so_o great_a a_o influence_n one_o upon_o another_o that_o what_o do_v affect_v the_o one_o the_o other_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v so_o far_o concern_v in_o as_o at_o the_o least_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o this_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a experience_n and_o have_v seldom_o fail_v of_o a_o great_a effect_n whenever_o it_o have_v be_v make_v trial_n of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v not_o only_o supercede_v all_o correction_n in_o religious_a affair_n but_o in_o civil_a one_o likewise_o now_o that_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v henceforward_o without_o control_n profess_v and_o propagate_v what_o opinion_n soever_o he_o either_o do_v real_o or_o will_v pretend_v to_o believe_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o far_o from_o be_v according_a to_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o must_v profess_v myself_o to_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o thing_n be_v not_o contrary_a not_o only_o to_o some_o few_o text_n but_o to_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephes._n v._n 14._o we_o read_v of_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o they_o may_v take_v care_n of_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v henceforth_o no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a crastiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v now_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o a_o unbounded_a licence_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o opinion_n be_v ever_o intend_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n appoint_v by_o christ_n who_o duty_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o this_o consideration_n will_v be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a force_n both_o as_o to_o the_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v of_o soul_n and_o withal_o as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n if_o we_o do_v but_o keep_v in_o mind_n the_o caution_n which_o be_v here_o give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o gold_n that_o glister_v that_o fair_a pretence_n may_v have_v very_o ill_a design_n lodge_v under_o they_o the_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n be_v itself_o certain_o a_o very_a great_a evil_a and_o of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n but_o the_o delude_a person_n themselves_o have_v one_o good_a preservative_n against_o it_o when_o they_o be_v by_o such_o a_o infallible_a authority_n forewarn_v and_o assure_v that_o this_o do_v frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v now_o in_o this_o case_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n adviseable_a upon_o the_o score_n either_o of_o piety_n or_o prudence_n that_o such_o deceiver_n shall_v have_v a_o unbounded_a liberty_n to_o seduce_v all_o those_o who_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o impose_v upon_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o he_o call_v upon_o the_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n in_o this_o case_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o high_a censure_n which_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o gal._n 5._o 12._o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o when_o this_o which_o our_o apostle_n do_v advise_v be_v do_v that_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n any_o one_o or_o more_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o corruption_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o this_o person_n or_o person_n so_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n above_o suppose_a shall_v in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n nay_o in_o the_o same_o parish_n have_v a_o right_a to_o set_v up_o another_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o a_o rot_a member_n from_o one_o church_n he_o may_v from_o thence_o assume_v the_o privilege_n to_o create_v himself_o the_o pastor_n of_o another_o which_o he_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o tell_v we_o be_v a_o much_o pure_a one_o now_o the_o want_n of_o exercise_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n we_o find_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o blame-worthy_a rev._n 2._o 14._o where_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o ver._n 15._o thou_o have_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n now_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o church_n be_v not_o charge_v in_o the_o least_o that_o he_o himself_o do_v hold_v these_o false_a doctrine_n but_o that_o there_o be_v those_o within_o his_o communion_n who_o do_v hold_v they_o as_o again_o the_o complaint_n be_v renew_v v_o 20._o to_o another_o angel_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o this_o natural_a or_o christian_n right_a of_o propagate_a whatever_n opinion_n man_n do_v chance_n or_o fancy_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o st._n john_n be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o blame_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o suffer_v a_o false_a prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v the_o soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n be_v not_o lamentable_o expose_v to_o innumerable_a and_o unaccountable_a danger_n if_o so_o be_v that_o by_o public_a authority_n they_o shall_v lie_v expose_v to_o every_o one_o to_o deceive_v who_o can_v and_o will_n st._n paul_n 2_o ti_fw-mi 2._o 17._o give_v we_o notice_n of_o some_o heretic_n of_o his_o time_n who_o word_n do_v eat_v as_o do_v a_o canker_n he_o name_v the_o man_n and_o the_o doctrine_n hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n who_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o &_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o
their_o private_a affair_n and_o of_o join_v counsel_n against_o the_o public_a and_o do_v they_o not_o breed_v up_o their_o child_n and_o relation_n in_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n with_o themselves_o now_o the_o great_a number_n there_o be_v of_o such_o people_n so_o much_o the_o great_a care_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v that_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o meet_v together_o the_o meeting-place_n be_v very_o well_o fit_v for_o a_o religious_a rendezvouz_n and_o the_o spiritual_a master_n of_o the_o camp_n may_v not_o only_o deliver_v out_o his_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o but_o may_v stamp_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o the_o government_n will_v please_v but_o to_o own_v itself_o the_o number_n of_o these_o man_n will_v present_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a and_o this_o have_v no_o often_o be_v try_v than_o it_o have_v be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v accompany_v with_o good_a effect_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n these_o man_n predecessor_n be_v very_o troublesome_a make_v great_a noise_n with_o their_o great_a number_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n which_o will_v arise_v by_o disoblige_v they_o and_o they_o have_v some_o great_a favourer_n in_o court_n upon_o some_o account_n which_o be_v not_o very_o religious_a but_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o insolent_a provocation_n in_o the_o year_n 1588._o when_o the_o queen_n be_v in_o all_o her_o fear_n from_o the_o spanish_a armado_n and_o in_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o think_v to_o deny_v they_o nothing_o they_o so_o far_o provoke_v she_o as_o to_o alienate_v her_o mind_n for_o ever_o from_o they_o their_o boast_a of_o number_n do_v immediate_o abate_v and_o the_o law_n be_v immediate_o submit_v to_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o do_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v but_o in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o long_o trifle_v with_o they_o so_o likewise_o it_o happen_v in_o king_n james_n his_o day_n their_o loud_a clamour_n be_v present_o silence_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o king_n declare_v himself_o resolute_a at_o the_o conference_n at_o hampton-court_n nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n have_v have_v any_o less_o effect_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o general_a discourse_n at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o a_o toleration_n to_o follow_v immediate_o upon_o it_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o several_a of_o the_o preacher_n in_o the_o separate_a congregation_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v their_o live_n upon_o this_o very_a hope_n which_o without_o it_o they_o will_v have_v never_o do_v beside_o the_o number_n of_o the_o dissenter_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o argument_n for_o toleration_n by_o any_o because_o it_o be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o by_o themselves_o this_o very_a point_n be_v a_o thing_n about_o which_o themselves_o be_v high_o divide_v and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o grant_v to_o one_o another_o but_o beside_o their_o number_n they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o point_n of_o merit_n but_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o which_o i_o do_v delight_n so_o very_o little_a as_o that_o i_o must_v gratify_v my_o own_o temper_n so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v very_o little_a in_o it_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n be_v thing_n which_o i_o by_o no_o mean_n delight_n to_o dwell_v upon_o even_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v very_o irksome_a as_o they_o be_v particular_a person_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o whatever_o degree_n any_o of_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o intellectual_a moral_a and_o religious_a accomplishment_n i_o pray_v god_n that_o they_o may_v every_o day_n increase_v more_o and_o more_o in_o they_o and_o that_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o whatever_o be_v true_o good_a in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o party_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o their_o merit_n have_v not_o be_v very_o great_a either_o to_o the_o crown_n or_o nation_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v very_o large_a for_o one_o who_o delight_v in_o that_o which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o very_a ungrateful_a employment_n in_o the_o history_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n king_n james_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o there_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v find_v on_o this_o argument_n and_o his_o majesty_n which_o now_o be_v when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o man_n what_o usage_n he_o do_v receive_v from_o they_o though_o his_o royal_a clemency_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o pardon_v yet_o his_o loyal_a subject_n have_v not_o quite_o forget_v it_o as_o to_o the_o next_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v adviseable_a to_o grant_v these_o man_n a_o indulgence_n at_o this_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a assistance_n which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v we_o against_o popery_n this_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n which_o the_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o refrain_v themselves_o from_o look_v upon_o without_o some_o indignation_n the_o write_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o episcopal_a divine_n have_v hitherto_o be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n over_o all_o the_o reformation_n no_o man_n think_v to_o have_v have_v a_o better_a cause_n to_o defend_v no_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o better_v able_a to_o defend_v it_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o many_o worthy_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n his_o day_n who_o name_n be_v both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o have_v in_o great_a and_o deserve_a honour_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v some_o few_o who_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n have_v write_v against_o the_o puritan_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n and_o according_o have_v fall_v under_o the_o indignation_n of_o both_o party_n viz._n archbishop_n laud_n archbishop_n bramhal_o bishop_n taylor_n doctor_n hammond_n and_o mr._n chillingworth_n how_o many_o age_n will_v the_o nonconformist_n take_v to_o breed_v up_o a_o man_n equal_a to_o any_o one_o of_o these_o bishop_n sanderson_n a_o person_n of_o know_a learning_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o preface_n to_o a_o body_n of_o sermon_n print_v some_o year_n before_o his_o majesty_n return_n take_v occasion_n to_o declare_v his_o opinion_n concern_v the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o use_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n his_o word_n be_v these_o that_o they_o preach_v against_o popery_n i_o not_o at_o all_o mislike_n only_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o these_o two_o caution_n be_v better_a observe_v serve_v than_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v conjecture_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o have_v come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o fear_v they_o usual_o be_v by_o the_o more_o zealous_a of_o that_o party_n first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o through_o ignorance_n prejudice_n or_o precipitancy_n call_v that_o popery_n which_o be_v not_o and_o then_o under_o that_o name_n and_o notion_n preach_v against_o it_o and_o then_o second_o that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o more_o weight_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o bishop_n sanderson_n be_v a_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o withal_o a_o person_n of_o very_a great_a humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o who_o do_v very_o little_a delight_n in_o undervalue_v the_o mean_a person_n live_v and_o yet_o he_o express_v his_o thought_n concern_v the_o write_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o these_o two_o not_o inconsiderable_a defect_n first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o question_n second_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o withal_o some_o page_n afterward_o he_o add_v this_o that_o even_o in_o these_o time_n of_o great_a distraction_n and_o consequent_o thereunto_o of_o so_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o factor_n for_o rome_n none_o have_v step_v into_o the_o gap_n more_o ready_o nor_o appear_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o enemy_n more_o open_o nor_o maintain_v the_o fight_n with_o more_o stoutness_n and_o gallantry_n than_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n have_v do_v as_o their_o late_a learned_a write_n testify_v yea_o and_o some_o of_o they_o such_o as_o beside_o their_o other_o suffering_n have_v lie_v as_o deep_a under_o the_o suspicion_n of_o be_v popish_o affect_v aâ—_n any_o other_o of_o their_o brethren_n whatsoever_o that_o by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o these_o episcopal_a divine_n some_o that_o be_v breed_v papist_n have_v
whither_o they_o will_v run_v only_o into_o holland_n where_o they_o can_v more_o free_o enjoy_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o family_n nor_o converse_v more_o free_o with_o one_o another_o about_o it_o than_o they_o may_v do_v here_o in_o england_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o here_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o great_a number_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o even_o to_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o to_o judge_n whether_o that_o one_o conveniency_n of_o meet_v in_o great_a number_n be_v a_o sufficient_a enticement_n to_o any_o rational_a man_n to_o exchange_n england_n for_o holland_n but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o they_o do_v go_v into_o holland_n or_o into_o some_o other_o country_n i_o do_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o man_n who_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o how_o they_o can_v carry_v away_o their_o trade_n of_o merchandize_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o willing_a live_v in_o holland_n they_o may_v and_o drive_v their_o usual_a trade_n here_o in_o england_n by_o their_o correspondent_o in_o which_o case_n the_o nation_n will_v only_o loose_v the_o common_a profit_n of_o their_o eat_n drink_v and_o wear_v but_o to_o carry_v away_o the_o trade_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o they_o be_v not_o possible_a if_o they_o leave_v any_o merchant_n behind_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v many_o more_o and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o who_o will_v go_v away_o and_o by_o withdraw_v themselves_o into_o other_o country_n they_o will_v but_o leave_v their_o trade_n to_o be_v share_v among_o better_a man_n and_o better_a subject_n so_o that_o by_o leave_v the_o kingdom_n instead_o of_o prejudice_v they_o will_v occasion_v a_o very_a great_a blessing_n unto_o it_o by_o carry_v away_o with_o they_o the_o division_n but_o not_o at_o all_o the_o trade_n of_o the_o nation_n when_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n be_v first_o make_v this_o argument_n against_o it_o from_o trade_n be_v much_o insist_v on_o and_o i_o remember_v a_o story_n be_v raise_v about_o some_o great_a dealer_n in_o the_o west_n who_o have_v with-drawn_a their_o stock_n leave_v off_o all_o business_n by_o which_o mean_v vast_a number_n of_o poor_a people_n who_o do_v depend_v on_o they_o be_v utter_o undo_v this_o matter_n seem_v so_o considerable_a as_o that_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o nation_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o a_o remedy_n for_o so_o great_a and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v so_o grow_v a_o evil_a but_o when_o this_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v that_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o eminent_a city_n in_o this_o nation_n inferior_a perhaps_o to_o none_o except_o london_n wherein_o this_o artifice_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o fright_v the_o magistrate_n from_o suppress_v the_o conventicle_n a_o great_a rumour_n be_v spread_v up_o and_o down_o that_o if_o they_o may_v not_o have_v liberty_n to_o meet_v as_o former_o than_o they_o will_v all_o withdraw_v their_o stock_n which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a detriment_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o a_o vast_a loss_n to_o the_o city_n and_o leave_v the_o poor_a to_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o their_o respective_a parish_n but_o the_o raiser_n of_o all_o this_o clamour_n do_v quick_o find_v that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a master_n of_o trade_n as_o themselves_o and_o according_o it_o be_v undertake_v by_o those_o who_o be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o if_o the_o dissenter_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v their_o stock_n there_o shall_v immediate_a care_n be_v take_v that_o the_o trade_n of_o the_o city_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o very_a same_o height_n which_o it_o be_v at_o without_o the_o least_o abatement_n or_o leave_v any_o one_o workman_n out_o of_o as_o good_a a_o employment_n as_o he_o have_v before_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v fear_v that_o it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v withdraw_v their_o stock_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o encourage_v to_o the_o so_o do_v provide_v that_o they_o will_v give_v security_n that_o they_o will_v not_o trade_n at_o all_o neither_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o for_o they_o nor_o in_o other_o man_n name_n they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n have_v a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n give_v they_o if_o that_o may_v move_v they_o to_o it_o let_v we_o not_o be_v vain_o afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v do_v we_o know_v the_o nonconformist_n no_o better_o than_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v suspect_v they_o of_o be_v apt_a to_o give_v over_o their_o profitable_a trade_n it_o have_v be_v a_o more_o rational_a jealousy_n to_o have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o more_o intent_n upon_o any_o imaginable_a way_n of_o get_v of_o money_n than_o on_o any_o settlement_n of_o religion_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o and_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o no_o ill_a experiment_n to_o destroy_v this_o argument_n but_o withal_o as_o likely_a a_o way_n to_o reduce_v they_o as_o any_o which_o can_v be_v think_v upon_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n that_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v or_o at_o lest_o who_o meet_v at_o conventicle_n shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o trade_n such_o a_o law_n indeed_o will_v be_v terrible_a to_o they_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o bare_a mention_n of_o it_o will_v make_v they_o forbear_v to_o use_v this_o kind_n of_o threaten_v we_o with_o that_o which_o to_o themselves_o alone_o will_n be_v if_o at_o all_o dreadful_a as_o to_o the_o three_o objection_n that_o merchant_n beyond_o sea_n as_o roman_a catholic_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o trust_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v of_o so_o little_a weight_n as_o to_o require_v but_o a_o very_a few_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o kind_n of_o merchant_n at_o this_o day_n do_v correspond_v and_o always_o have_v correspond_v with_o other_o not_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n papist_n with_o protestant_n protestant_n with_o papist_n etc._n etc._n what_o other_o pretence_n there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n wherein_o trade_n may_v seem_v concern_v i_o do_v not_o at_o present_a call_n to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o suggestion_n why_o a_o toleration_n of_o several_a way_n of_o religion_n may_v not_o do_v as_o well_o here_o as_o it_o do_v among_o our_o neighbour_n in_o france_n and_o holland_n as_o to_o france_n the_o different_a profession_n of_o religion_n there_o have_v not_o be_v without_o many_o sad_a effect_n upon_o both_o party_n and_o have_v so_o sanctify_v the_o animosity_n on_o each_o side_n that_o it_o have_v prevail_v upon_o both_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n to_o let_v alien_n and_o enemy_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o their_o native_a country_n but_o their_o case_n and_o we_o be_v vast_o different_a the_o hugonot_n who_o be_v there_o tolerate_v have_v those_o merit_n to_o plead_v which_o our_o non_n conformist_n have_v not_o and_o beside_o they_o do_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a communion_n among_o themselves_o neither_o will_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v permit_v either_o by_o the_o government_n or_o by_o the_o reform_a church_n itself_o as_o to_o holland_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o admit_v of_o by_o second_o thought_n and_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n but_o be_v necessitate_v upon_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o cause_n upon_o which_o they_o first_o unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o government_n they_o fall_v into_o one_o part_n of_o their_o cause_n be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o exercise_v after_o the_o imperious_a manner_n of_o the_o spanish_a government_n now_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a word_n in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o freedom_n from_o the_o present_a pressure_n be_v the_o thing_n immediate_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o many_o of_o their_o neighbour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v the_o same_o aim_n and_o as_o they_o be_v then_o only_o agree_v what_o they_o will_v not_o have_v but_o not_o at_o all_o what_o they_o will_v have_v they_o invite_v all_o that_o all_o may_v come_v to_o their_o assistance_n but_o beside_o this_o one_o religion_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o so_o many_o several_a independent_a government_n as_o go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o those_o state_n for_o as_o sr._n william_n temple_n tell_v we_o chap._n 2._o of_o their_o government_n p._n 75._o they_o be_v not_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o a_o confederacy_n of_o