breach_n of_o communion_n and_o i_o know_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o have_v whole_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n of_o divinity_n without_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n in_o regard_n they_o defend_v they_o only_o as_o their_o private_a persuasion_n and_o be_v both_o too_o modest_a prudent_a and_o charitable_o honest_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n by_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v their_o particular_a judgement_n in_o thing_n not_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o other_o men._n the_o main_a and_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o discover_v by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o several_a party_n be_v either_o about_o the_o government_n itself_o or_o about_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n in_o the_o church_n i_o suppose_v all_o party_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v because_o a_o great_a apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n 39_o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o 39_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o under_o government_n or_o which_o countenance_n confusion_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n absolute_o command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o with_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v complain_v of_o be_v that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o the_o episcopal_a hierarchy_n be_v no_o where_n in_o plain_a and_o positive_a word_n and_o command_n thus_o set_v down_o order_v and_o establish_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v tyrannical_o and_o imperious_o upon_o man_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n especial_o when_o another_o and_o better_a way_n of_o government_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v for_o though_o government_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o where_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v any_o positive_a command_n or_o direction_n as_o he_o do_v concern_v the_o jewish_a church_n there_o this_o or_o that_o government_n be_v equal_o indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o prefer_v before_o the_o rest_n how_o weak_a a_o plea_n and_o refuge_n this_o be_v to_o call_v for_o and_o expect_v plain_a and_o express_v word_n command_n or_o direction_n from_o scripture_n for_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v or_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v who_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o we_o owe_v even_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o plain_a positive_a and_o express_v word_n as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n which_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a canon_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o expect_v express_a word_n and_o command_n of_o scripture_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o inferior_a concern_v than_o faith_n and_o how_o dangerous_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v a_o clear_a and_o positive_a place_n of_o scripture_n let_v all_o christian_n judge_n and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v as_o hearty_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o man_n vigorous_o press_v it_o will_v not_o root_v out_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o we_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o point_n and_o give_v they_o a_o fair_a trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n their_o own_o judge_n upon_o their_o own_o assertion_n if_o therefore_o government_n be_v undetermined_a by_o scripture_n be_v indifferent_a whether_o this_o or_o that_o and_o the_o best_a to_o be_v prefer_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v determine_v and_o by_o what_o authority_n which_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a for_o till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o determination_n as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o private_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o can_v lay_v no_o more_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o than_o any_o other_o particular_a persuasion_n do_v which_o can_v only_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o only_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o no_o long_o nor_o any_o other_o who_o be_v not_o so_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v free_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o for_o fear_n of_o wound_v their_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v as_o many_o several_a government_n and_o distinct_a church_n as_o there_o be_v man_n of_o several_a mind_n and_o persuasion_n about_o which_o be_v the_o best_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n will_v esteem_v best_a of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n every_o crow_n will_v think_v his_o own_o bird_n fair_o which_o in_o plain_a english_a at_o last_o must_v amount_v to_o anarchy_n instead_o of_o unity_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v in_o all_o his_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n leave_v it_o in_o suspense_n and_o at_o least_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o most_o particularity_n of_o government_n there_o be_v no_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n for_o any_o sort_n of_o government_n which_o any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v establish_v than_o there_o be_v for_o that_o against_o which_o they_o contend_v and_o all_o party_n will_v plead_v the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o their_o way_n of_o government_n than_o for_o any_o other_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v who_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n and_o bid_v fair_a for_o such_o a_o determination_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n how_o any_o indifferent_a matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n such_o as_o the_o question_n in_o dispute_n must_v be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v state_v it_o become_v necessary_a and_o obligatory_a to_o all_o man_n conscience_n first_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o way_n of_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a because_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o know_a rule_n or_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o command_n direction_n doctrine_n and_o practise_v be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v if_o not_o from_o plain_a word_n as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o from_o most_o evident_a sense_n and_o consequence_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o obligatory_a to_o conscience_n as_o scripture_n itself_o second_o this_o way_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v appear_v to_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o become_v oblige_v and_o that_o in_o both_o its_o branch_n viz._n first_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n approbation_n example_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o who_o shall_v without_o partiality_n peruse_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o where_o there_o be_v many_o not_o imperfect_a trace_n and_o footstep_n of_o this_o way_n of_o government_n so_o far_o establish_v as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heathen_a government_n who_o then_o have_v all_o the_o civil_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n will_v permit_v but_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o it_o in_o the_o universal_a consent_n practice_n approbation_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o though_o not_o divine_o inspire_v yet_o be_v man_n of_o such_o eminent_a integrity_n and_o piety_n as_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o write_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a truth_n which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v immediate_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o
apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o by_o martyrdom_n do_v with_o their_o dear_a blood_n set_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n such_o who_o live_v in_o those_o age_n before_o rome_n and_o her_o bishop_n ever_o think_v of_o usurp_a the_o title_n of_o universal_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v guilty_a of_o any_o combination_n with_o they_o in_o erect_v or_o impose_v this_o way_n of_o government_n upon_o the_o christian_n world_n second_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o judgement_n that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n viz._n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n charity_n with_o the_o first_o best_a and_o past_a age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o all_o live_v and_o die_v under_o obedience_n to_o this_o way_n of_o government_n of_o all_o which_o glorious_a martyr_n saint_n and_o confessor_n it_o be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a opinion_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o live_v and_o die_v in_o defend_v maintain_v and_o practise_v a_o way_n of_o government_n altogether_o unagreeable_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o all_o dissenter_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n whilst_o they_o tell_v they_o this_o government_n be_v unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a it_o follow_v likewise_o peace_n and_o unity_n both_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o triumphant_a and_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n militant_a over_o all_o the_o world_n who_o except_o some_o few_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o calvin_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o way_n of_o government_n last_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v this_o way_n of_o government_n to_o be_v the_o best_a in_o regard_n that_o it_o do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o promote_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o piety_n peace_n justice_n and_o unity_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o follow_v herein_o the_o doctrine_n command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a beside_o we_o have_v other_o very_a strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a as_o be_v that_o which_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o approbation_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o divine_o inspire_a apostle_n and_o for_o this_o belief_n these_o among_o many_o other_o be_v very_o probable_a and_o persuasive_a reason_n first_o the_o great_a blessing_n which_o god_n have_v impart_v to_o the_o world_n under_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o know_v that_o all_o the_o world_n which_o do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n receive_v it_o with_o and_o from_o this_o government_n second_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v any_o church_n which_o wear_v a_o ancient_a name_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o primitive_a conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o may_v have_v degenerate_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o still_o they_o retain_v this_o way_n of_o government_n witness_v the_o roman_a greek_a armenian_a and_o even_o the_o barbarous_a russian_a and_o aethiopian_a church_n who_o though_o in_o other_o matter_n they_o differ_v as_o wide_o in_o opinion_n as_o in_o climate_n which_o according_a to_o the_o adage_n be_v toto_fw-la coelo_fw-la yet_o in_o this_o they_o do_v all_o most_o harmonious_o agree_v retain_v both_o the_o name_n dignity_n and_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o one_o thing_n except_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n which_o contain_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n which_o heaven_n have_v appear_v so_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v unaltered_a and_o uncorrupted_a as_o this_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n last_o this_o very_a argument_n which_o with_o so_o much_o pomp_n and_o triumphant_a solemnity_n be_v perpetual_o by_o all_o dissenter_n urge_v as_o invincible_a and_o unanswerable_a if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v will_v depose_v plain_o for_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a rule_n or_o command_v in_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v aâ—_n strong_a and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o powerful_a argument_n for_o it_o than_o they_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v to_o justify_v it_o with_o the_o high_a probability_n may_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v because_o with_o a_o nemine_fw-la contradicente_fw-la it_o be_v by_o a_o unquestioned_a consent_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o who_o do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v none_o find_v then_o nor_o in_o many_o age_n after_o so_o impious_a or_o audacious_a to_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v it_o and_o have_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o unreasonable_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o hatred_n make_v they_o curious_o inquisitive_a into_o whatsoever_o may_v appear_v a_o defect_n in_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o with_o their_o quick-sighted_a malice_n have_v discover_v it_o the_o discovery_n of_o which_o will_v have_v import_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v desire_v that_o be_v the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o very_a foundation_n but_o so_o great_a be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o this_o point_n and_o so_o excellent_a and_o irreprehensible_a do_v the_o government_n appear_v that_o in_o all_o the_o opposition_n religion_n meet_v withal_o though_o not_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v escape_v their_o censure_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n against_o this_o way_n of_o government_n and_o well_o it_o be_v there_o be_v then_o such_o unity_n for_o can_v those_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v meet_v with_o half_a those_o division_n which_o now_o christian_n have_v make_v among_o themselves_o they_o will_v certain_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o preserve_v it_o have_v improve_v they_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o road_n lead_v so_o direct_o as_o that_o which_o undermine_v the_o government_n in_o short_a i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o zealous_o it_o be_v well_o if_o i_o may_v not_o say_v furious_o bend_v and_o opposite_a against_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o episcopacy_n will_v consider_v serious_o at_o what_o they_o strike_v and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o real_o affront_v he_o who_o as_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v by_o st._n peter_n style_v the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n 2.25_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o chap._n ix_o the_o pretence_n of_o dissenter_n that_o their_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a and_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o episcopacy_n examine_v and_o try_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n abovementioned_a concern_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n let_v we_o now_o see_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v make_v so_o fair_a so_o true_a so_o just_a a_o plea_n for_o itself_o as_o episcopacy_n have_v do_v whether_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n or_o any_o other_o of_o what_o name_n or_o distinction_n soever_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o fly_v from_o her_o communion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o present_a government_n by_o bishop_n first_o there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o these_o that_o can_v show_v express_a word_n or_o command_v of_o scripture_n for_o that_o way_n of_o government_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o whilst_o they_o cry_v up_o their_o own_o way_n and_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o world_n as_o matter_n of_o conscience_n since_o as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v nothing_o can_v be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a and_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o natural_a and_o true_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o admit_v their_o proposition_n that_o all_o government_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a to_o be_v prefer_v how_o do_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o best_a i_o hope_v they_o be_v better_o reconcile_v to_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o custom_n than_o to_o think_v their_o own_o assertion_n or_o testimony_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o yet_o
tell_v we_o if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v 5.31_o joh._n 5.31_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o refer_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n to_o john_n who_o all_o man_n account_v a_o prophet_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v to_o moses_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v and_o in_o another_o place_n to_o his_o miracle_n and_o wonderful_a work_n which_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n come_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o same_o measure_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o same_o judge_n to_o who_o they_o have_v make_v their_o appeal_n in_o the_o second_o place_n therefore_o every_o one_o of_o these_o way_n of_o government_n which_o they_o will_v establish_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o present_a contradict_v a_o know_a rule_n nay_o many_o plain_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o whilst_o they_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o old_a government_n and_o introduce_v a_o new_a one_o they_o be_v disobedient_a to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n who_o they_o find_v vest_v with_o that_o authority_n and_o which_o for_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o god_n own_o appointment_n for_o so_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n even_o those_o heathen_a and_o true_o antichristian_a power_n how_o much_o more_o than_o the_o supporter_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o resist_v a_o authority_n warrant_v with_o long_a succession_n support_v with_o many_o prudent_a and_o ancient_a law_n law_n to_o which_o they_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n by_o their_o free_a representative_n in_o parliament_n have_v give_v their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n and_o deed_n and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o most_o sacred_a and_o repeat_v oath_n they_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o strong_a tie_n of_o conscience_n to_o live_v under_o in_o all_o dutiful_a obedience_n which_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n the_o severe_a of_o all_o the_o penalty_n god_n almighty_a can_v inflict_v upon_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n three_o in_o their_o determination_n that_o their_o way_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v the_o best_a they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n let_v they_o show_v we_o in_o all_o antiquity_n except_o some_o mistranslated_a place_n in_o the_o english_a new_a testament_n where_o presbyter_n be_v false_o render_v elder_n the_o least_o footstep_n approbation_n defence_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o beside_o the_o episcopal_a if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o than_o they_o may_v lawful_o pretend_v they_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o old_a but_o revive_v it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o new_a model_n of_o government_n but_o if_o they_o can_v as_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v do_v we_o have_v hear_v it_o on_o both_o side_n of_o our_o ear_n long_o before_o this_o let_v they_o dread_v the_o fearful_a doom_n which_o the_o wise_a solomon_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o remove_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n 24.22_o prov._n 24.22_o and_o be_v give_v to_o change_v for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v come_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o both_o of_o those_o who_o fear_v not_o god_n because_o they_o fear_v not_o their_o lawful_a king_n his_o vicegerent_n but_o be_v give_v to_o change_v delight_v with_o novelty_n and_o innovation_n last_o this_o their_o determination_n be_v far_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n either_o with_o the_o past_a or_o present_a age_n and_o much_o further_a from_o promote_a the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o let_v all_o europe_n witness_v this_o sad_a truth_n and_o particular_o these_o british_a isle_n which_o by_o this_o best_a way_n of_o government_n of_o ancient_a albion_n white_a and_o happy_a be_v change_v into_o aceldama_n a_o dismal_a field_n of_o blood_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v what_o war_n rapine_n sacrilege_n desolation_n and_o confusion_n bloodshed_n and_o most_o unparalleled_a solemn_a murder_n of_o majesty_n the_o most_o sacred_a thing_n on_o earth_n have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o and_o establish_v these_o new_a way_n of_o church_n government_n and_o wherever_o any_o of_o these_o new_a discipline_n do_v prevail_v they_o quick_o verify_v the_o advice_n of_o young_a rhehoboam_n hotheaded_a counsellor_n make_v their_o little_a finger_n heavy_a than_o the_o loin_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o change_v the_o whip_n with_o which_o those_o reverend_a father_n chastise_v such_o as_o real_o deserve_v it_o into_o scorpion_n axe_n and_o halter_n nor_o do_v they_o spare_v either_o life_n or_o fortune_n that_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n or_o dare_v oppose_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o even_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o episcopacy_n notwithstanding_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n yet_o their_o wisdom_n fear_v or_o policy_n will_v never_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o establish_v presbytery_n which_o they_o find_v a_o government_n so_o imperious_a absolute_a and_o insupportable_a nor_o be_v this_o fair_a and_o honest_a deal_n in_o dissenter_n to_o pretend_v that_o because_o all_o sort_n of_o government_n be_v indisserent_a therefore_o why_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v choose_v which_o be_v the_o best_a when_o by_o experience_n we_o have_v find_v the_o contrary_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o allow_v we_o a_o bare_a indifferency_n but_o to_o persuade_v their_o credulous_a follower_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n that_o our_o way_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v popish_a unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o their_o own_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o main_a matter_n too_o the_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v embrace_v by_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n that_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v the_o good_a old_a cause_n betray_v itself_o to_o be_v very_o weak_a which_o be_v to_o be_v support_v by_o such_o unworthy_a feeble_a and_o corner_n art_n and_o argument_n as_o pagan_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v blush_v to_o have_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o as_o for_o that_o common_a objection_n of_o they_o against_o lord_n bishop_n we_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o that_o the_o primitive_a clergy_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o temporality_n but_o then_o they_o have_v such_o advantage_n as_o i_o believe_v none_o of_o these_o people_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o gratify_v the_o most_o belove_a of_o their_o pastor_n withal_o when_o they_o who_o have_v possession_n sell_v they_o and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o apostle_n 34._o act_n 4_o 34._o to_o dispose_v of_o as_o to_o they_o seem_v most_o sit_v this_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o will_v bear_v it_o nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v convenient_a as_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n stand_v at_o present_a but_o these_o honour_n which_o the_o present_a clergy_n do_v enjoy_v be_v temporal_a be_v not_o by_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v at_o all_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o be_v only_o annex_v by_o the_o bounty_n of_o prince_n as_o be_v also_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o the_o rank_n they_o be_v in_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n and_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o public_a as_o it_o be_v a_o politic_a society_n of_o men._n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o maintain_v a_o level_a principle_n and_o quarrel_v with_o all_o honour_n and_o estate_n that_o be_v above_o they_o as_o with_o these_o for_o if_o any_o temporal_a estate_n or_o dignity_n may_v by_o free_a gift_n or_o succession_n divolve_v upon_o a_o churchman_n why_o not_o these_o and_o that_o this_o may_v happen_v without_o offence_n or_o scandal_n beside_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v have_v in_o a_o illustrious_a peer_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o kent_n earl_n of_o kent_n not_o many_o year_n ago_o from_o a_o private_a priest_n by_o succession_n come_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o one_o of_o the_o first_o earl_n in_o england_n i_o appeal_v to_o
may_v call_v it_o the_o essence_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o will_v examine_v and_o consider_v its_o manner_n of_o operation_n and_o act_n in_o all_o man_n now_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o conscience_n be_v knowledge_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o conscience_n to_o himself_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o of_o any_o thing_n further_o than_o he_o do_v know_v it_o for_o example_n i_o know_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o adore_v he_o i_o know_v that_o no_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v with_o divine_a adoration_n and_o therefore_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n if_o i_o give_v adoration_n by_o worship_v either_o man_n or_o angel_n much_o more_o if_o i_o bestow_v it_o upon_o the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n gold_n silver_n wood_n stone_n creep_v thing_n bird_n or_o fourfooted_a beast_n i_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v whether_o saint_n depart_v this_o life_n can_v hear_v my_o prayer_n though_o make_v to_o they_o in_o the_o most_o modest_a sense_n and_o in_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o i_o will_v do_v if_o they_o be_v alive_a beg_v of_o they_o to_o pray_v or_o intercede_v for_o i_o and_o therefore_o if_o i_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o they_o to_o pray_v for_o i_o my_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v i_o of_o have_v neglect_v a_o duty_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v or_o sin_v against_o my_o knowledge_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o to_o know_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conscience_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conscience_n without_o it_o now_o scientia_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-la certis_fw-la &_o indubitatis_fw-la all_o knowledge_n be_v of_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a thing_n and_o this_o certainty_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o knowledge_n be_v ground_v either_o upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o whatever_o i_o know_v it_o be_v because_o i_o have_v a_o certainty_n that_o it_o be_v such_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n either_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n which_o can_v deceive_v i_o or_o from_o clear_a and_o plain_a reason_n or_o else_o from_o a_o positive_a divine_a revelation_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o who_o therefore_o will_v not_o because_o he_o can_v deceive_v i_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o thing_n i_o will_v know_v be_v either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n uncertain_a as_o be_v all_o future_a contingency_n and_o many_o past_a action_n of_o former_a age_n about_o which_o i_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o a_o certain_a information_n i_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o by_o consequence_n no_o obligation_n upon_o my_o mind_n to_o believe_v they_o or_o act_n according_a to_o they_o but_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n either_o from_o sense_n reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n there_o my_o mind_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n but_o have_v a_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o it_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o my_o private_a opinion_n but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o great_a truth_n let_v the_o most_o learned_a apostle_n st._n paul_n give_v his_o testimony_n in_o that_o well_o know_a place_n ult_n rom._n 14._o ult_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n for_o by_o faith_n there_o can_v be_v mean_v that_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o believe_v to_o salvation_n because_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v or_o do_v be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o therefore_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o five_o verse_n by_o faith_n there_o he_o understand_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o man_n own_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o result_n of_o a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v and_o be_v proper_o oppose_v to_o that_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o a_o man_n mind_n occasion_v by_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o doubt_v i_o ought_v not_o for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o knowledge_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v lawful_a for_o to_o such_o a_o person_n till_o he_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n from_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v sin_n because_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o the_o rule_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o reason_n tell_v he_o tutum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la à _fw-la dextra_fw-la it_o be_v the_o best_a to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n by_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o i_o be_o not_o full_o assure_v of_o but_o it_o may_v be_v sinful_a and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o mistake_n in_o the_o church_n about_o eat_v thing_n offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n proceed_v from_o a_o want_n of_o this_o knowledge_n howbeit_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n this_o knowledge_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a that_o be_v their_o mind_n be_v doubtful_a and_o some_o be_v of_o one_o persuasion_n other_o of_o another_o about_o it_o so_o that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conscience_n and_o certainty_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o knowledge_n it_o follow_v that_o conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v be_v exercise_v but_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v which_o plain_o show_v the_o unwarrantable_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o man_n who_o impose_v many_o thing_n upon_o people_n as_o indispensible_a matter_n of_o conscience_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n admit_v of_o the_o great_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n to_o establish_v as_o obligatory_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o to_o confirm_v this_o second_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o operation_n and_o act_n of_o conscience_n in_o all_o man_n now_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o inquire_v with_o myself_o whether_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o ought_v or_o abstain_v from_o what_o i_o ought_v second_o i_o inquire_v if_o i_o have_v do_v or_o abstain_v as_o i_o ought_v whether_o i_o have_v do_v it_o after_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o due_a circumstance_n as_o i_o ought_v now_o in_o both_o these_o operation_n the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v my_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v so_o for_o thus_o i_o judge_v i_o have_v do_v this_o because_o i_o certain_o know_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n i_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o i_o have_v abstain_v from_o that_o because_o i_o certain_o know_v that_o i_o ought_v of_o necessity_n not_o to_o do_v it_o i_o have_v do_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n because_o i_o be_o certain_o assure_v that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o way_n direct_v by_o my_o rule_n therefore_o my_o conscience_n that_o be_v my_o power_n of_o judge_v myself_o pronounce_v for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v do_v right_a and_o well_o and_o then_o my_o mind_n or_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v i_o be_o at_o ease_n and_o quiet_a within_o myself_o and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o peace_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o i_o have_v do_v either_o what_o i_o certain_o know_v i_o ought_v not_o or_o but_o doubt_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v what_o i_o be_o assure_v i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v or_o where_o i_o have_v not_o do_v what_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v according_a as_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n with_o all_o due_a circumstance_n my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o have_v not_o do_v well_o or_o according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o my_o mind_n be_v unquiet_a and_o unsatisfied_a haunt_v with_o guilt_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o terrify_v with_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a conscience_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o conscience_n of_o evil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o act_v or_o to_o abstain_v nor_o any_o direction_n for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n