know_v and_o profess_v not_o only_o to_o provide_v that_o the_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a people_n may_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o prohibit_v and_o suppress_v the_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n heresy_n blasphemy_n and_o suchlike_a as_o be_v so_o repugnant_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v but_o to_o give_v a_o toleration_n of_o these_o and_o of_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v so_o far_o from_o suppress_v it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o allowance_n of_o it_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o set_v it_o up_o second_o it_o may_v be_v further_o prove_v unlawful_a from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n on_o the_o magistracy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v all_o false_a prophet_n teacher_n and_o idolater_n deut._n 13._o 2_o 6_o 10._o three_o from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o do_v so_o and_o be_v approve_v for_o so_o do_v and_o last_o from_o the_o great_a injury_n and_o hurt_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n by_o give_v occasion_n to_o satan_n by_o false_a teacher_n to_o infest_v the_o church_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o a_o watchman_n over_o the_o church_n shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v this_o in_o short_a may_v serve_v sufficient_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o great_a impiety_n of_o such_o a_o toleration_n but_o because_o a_o general_a toleration_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o vehement_o argue_v for_o by_o many_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n plead_v for_o by_o which_o i_o presume_v most_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n examine_v those_o ground_n upon_o which_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n seem_v to_o be_v claim_v and_o plead_v for_o which_o be_v find_v rot_v and_o unsound_a such_o a_o toleration_n will_v then_o further_o appear_v unlawful_a to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o then_o second_o i_o shall_v further_o examine_v what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o of_o divine_a right_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o every_o christian_a first_o concern_v such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o human_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n first_o what_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n there_o be_v upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n second_o whether_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v exempt_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o just_a law_n three_o whether_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n under_o the_o infliction_n of_o a_o penalty_n on_o such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v unjust_a of_o these_o very_o brief_o first_o as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v immediate_o bind_v the_o conscience_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v only_a subject_n to_o god_n and_o under_o his_o authority_n alone_o the_o magistrate_n have_v only_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o outward_a practice_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v all_o lawful_a and_o just_a command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o those_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v but_o the_o enforcement_n of_o god_n own_o command_n and_o institution_n have_v a_o double_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n both_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o immediate_a divine_a authority_n appoint_v they_o as_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n require_v obedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n chief_o in_o such_o thing_n second_o neither_o do_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n exempt_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o just_a law_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n in_o and_o about_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o of_o what_o be_v just_o require_v by_o law_n to_o be_v do_v his_o judgement_n and_o erroneous_a conscience_n therein_o do_v not_o exempt_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o command_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o sin_n in_o act_v against_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o then_o to_o act_v and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o three_o neither_o will_v the_o infliction_n of_o a_o penalty_n be_v unjust_a that_o be_v lay_v on_o a_o person_n for_o do_v or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o grand_a mistake_n about_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o because_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n that_o therefore_o if_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o so_o do_v no_o he_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o else_o as_o he_o sin_n so_o he_o just_o suffer_v from_o authority_n in_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o but_o that_o he_o sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n i_o think_v no_o one_o of_o sense_n will_v deny_v for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v in_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v erroneous_a then_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o commit_v idolatry_n speak_v blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n if_o his_o conscience_n lead_v he_o to_o it_o therefore_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o free_v a_o man_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o it_o then_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o exempt_v a_o man_n from_o the_o just_a obligation_n of_o punishment_n from_o the_o magistrate_n for_o those_o sin_n who_o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o god_n against_o all_o evil_a doer_n and_o the_o magistrate_n do_v offer_v no_o violence_n to_o conscience_n by_o either_o require_v obedience_n or_o exact_v the_o penalty_n for_o disobedience_n to_o just_a and_o righteous_a command_n for_o if_o man_n erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o obey_v it_o be_v no_o force_n upon_o conscience_n for_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o bear_v the_o penalty_n but_o beside_o if_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v due_a to_o every_o man_n as_o shall_v exempt_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o it_o will_v null_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o office_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v those_o be_v correlative_n and_o can_v be_v one_o without_o the_o other_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o such_o humane_a law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v the_o enforcement_n of_o god_n own_o command_n and_o institution_n and_o that_o if_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v not_o exempt_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n nor_o render_v the_o penalty_n inflict_v for_o break_v of_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n about_o religion_n due_a to_o any_o christian_a and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n second_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o wit_n what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o of_o divine_a right_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n for_o though_o we_o have_v assert_v and_o prove_v the_o duty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o promotion_n and_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v by_o law_n entrench_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o right_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o of_o divine_a right_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v every_o christian_n
three_o and_o last_o the_o special_a end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o magistracy_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a natural_a and_o humane_a policy_n but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n still_o remain_v such_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 13._o 1._o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n both_o moral_a and_o evangelical_n do_v now_o in_o special_a belong_v to_o the_o gospel-church_n for_o whatever_o advantage_n any_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n do_v receive_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n as_o particular_o by_o this_o of_o magistracy_n it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o child_n crumb_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o so_o also_o all_o the_o precept_n promise_n right_n privilege_n &_o ordinance_n grant_v and_o confirm_v thereby_o or_o contain_v therein_o belong_v primary_o and_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god._n so_o that_o magistracy_n then_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v especial_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o for_o the_o world._n as_o for_o that_o lawful_a magistracy_n that_o may_v be_v find_v in_o heathen_a nation_n or_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o power_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v from_o god_n because_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v found_v on_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n but_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o most_o nation_n wicked_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v from_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a end_n of_o it_o appoint_v of_o god_n to_o serve_v the_o ambition_n tyranny_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o common_a original_a with_o all_o other_o immorality_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o defection_n of_o mankind_n from_o god_n and_o the_o depravity_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n by_o sin._n but_o as_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v pervert_v especial_o in_o those_o nation_n that_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n so_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o magistracy_n be_v only_o for_o the_o world_n as_o some_o suppose_v and_o not_o especial_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o to_o this_o end_n be_v magistracy_n appoint_v by_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o while_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o in_o small_a family_n &_o sometime_o only_o in_o one_o family_n their_o civil_a government_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v call_v political_n belong_v to_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o oeconomical_a or_o the_o government_n of_o a_o family_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o then_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o family_n and_o indeed_o all_o lawful_a government_n whatsoever_o be_v from_o god_n do_v carry_v in_o it_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o under_o their_o power_n thus_o god_n say_v of_o abraham_n gen._n 18._o 19_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o israelite_n be_v multiply_v into_o a_o body_n of_o people_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o so_o capable_a of_o be_v form_v into_o a_o political_a body_n or_o commonwealth_n god_n himself_o institute_v a_o ordinary_a state_n of_o magistracy_n to_o continue_v in_o all_o their_o gate_n deut._n 16._o 18._o beside_o extraordinary_a magistrate_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o moses_n joshua_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n especial_o be_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o civil_a justice_n between_o man_n by_o which_o example_n god_n himself_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o have_v a_o magistracy_n over_o a_o body_n of_o people_n but_o also_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o though_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ever_o since_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o have_v thus_o pervert_v their_o power_n that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v apply_v for_o the_o church_n good_a under_o the_o gospel_n for_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o king_n and_o promise_v also_o to_o the_o gospel-church_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v her_o nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n her_o nursing-mothers_n isa_n 49._o 23._o and_o this_o prediction_n and_o promise_n have_v in_o it_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o command_n upon_o all_o king_n and_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o become_v nursing-fathers_n to_o the_o church_n which_o expression_n can_v imply_v less_o in_o it_o than_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n and_o care_n as_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v succour_n and_o defend_v the_o church_n hence_o king_n be_v exhort_v to_o kiss_v the_o son_n ps_n 2._o 12._o which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o homage_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n rev._n 19_o 16._o and_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o mat._n 28._o 18._o and_o therefore_o some_o will_v have_v all_o magistratical_a power_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o church_n moreover_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o good_a pious_a and_o godly_a magistrate_n may_v do_v to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v from_o thence_o further_o appear_v that_o magistracy_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n as_o by_o promote_a its_o interest_n preserve_v its_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n suppress_v heresy_n purge_v out_o corruption_n oppose_v its_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n now_o we_o argue_v thus_o that_o if_o god_n have_v make_v the_o christ_n a_o magistrate_n by_o his_o power_n and_o place_n in_o the_o world_n capable_a of_o do_v so_o much_o good_a for_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a then_o that_o he_o be_v moral_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o for_o that_o every_o person_n in_o his_o place_n and_o call_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n to_o seek_v its_o good._n psal_n 122._o 9_o because_o of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good._n four_o the_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v true_a religion_n be_v draw_v both_o from_o scripture-precept_n and_o precedent_n as_o for_o scripture-precept_n we_o find_v that_o by_o the_o low_a of_o god_n sin_n against_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n which_o respect_v the_o first_o table_n command_v be_v to_o be_v severe_o punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o the_o blasphemer_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n leu._n 24._o 16._o the_o false_a prophetor_n teacher_n that_o will_v draw_v off_o any_o from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o he_o or_o she_o that_o commit_v idolatry_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n deut._n 13._o 9_o 17._o and_o the_o city_n that_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n be_v to_o be_v smite_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n deut._n 13._o 15._o now_o the_o magistrate_n bear_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o god_n against_o evil_a doer_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o direction_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o scripture-precedent_n we_o find_v that_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n purge_v the_o church_n from_o idolatry_n when_o corrupt_v and_o restore_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n cause_v both_o priest_n and_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o good_a hezekiah_n suppress_v idolatry_n and_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 18._o 4._o josias_n do_v the_o like_a and_o slay_v all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o high_a place_n 2_o king._n 23._o 20._o jehu_n destroy_v all_o the_o worshipper_n of_o baal_n 2_o king._n 10._o 25._o and_o king_n asa_n with_o the_o
then_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n even_o when_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n both_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o worship_n for_o this_o they_o be_v moral_o oblige_v to_o do_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o office._n and_o therefore_o christ_n employ_v the_o gospel-minister_n in_o a_o ministerial_a way_n do_v not_o dissolve_v those_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o tho_o magistrate_n by_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o security_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o see_v the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v contiun_v under_o the_o gospel_n we_o need_v no_o new_a testament-precept_n to_o enforce_v his_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o not_o immediate_o by_o any_o gospel-precept_n but_o by_o a_o previous_a obligation_n antecedent_n to_o the_o gospel-ministry_n which_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a inherent_a in_o his_o very_a office_n and_o dignity_n that_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n and_o be_v in_o his_o stead_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v employ_v his_o power_n best_o for_o god_n service_n and_o glory_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o disoblige_v to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v true_a religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n employ_v to_o that_o end_n neither_o be_v it_o disagreeable_a with_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o more_o than_o former_o under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o any_o of_o the_o moral_a obligation_n of_o religion_n but_o chief_o in_o the_o positive_a and_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n which_o be_v now_o fulfil_v by_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o so_o do_v away_o but_o the_o moral_a part_n be_v still_o the_o same_o as_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o few_o positive_a doctrine_n and_o institution_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o include_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o the_o first-table_n commandment_n do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o require_v belief_n of_o they_o and_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o moral_a law_n do_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n for_o it_o require_v belief_n in_o whatsoever_o god_n shall_v reveal_v and_o obedience_n to_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v command_v now_o i_o argue_v thus_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o law_n and_o magistracy_n as_o we_o note_v before_o then_o certain_o the_o magistrate_n be_v keeper_n of_o both_o â—_z of_o the_o law_n or_o else_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o neither_o hence_o it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o gospel_n institution_n thus_o include_v in_o the_o first-table-commands_a be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o magistracy_n as_o well_o as_o those_o duty_n that_o respect_v the_o second-table-commands_a thus_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o employ_v his_o power_n and_o care_n for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o ought_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o promotion_n and_o support_v of_o it_o for_o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v exert_v by_o law_n to_o which_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v a_o sanction_n of_o penalty_n upon_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o magistrate_n have_v only_o a_o mandative_a and_o preceptive_a power_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o power_n to_o inflict_v penalty_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o law_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a in_o that_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o law_n that_o they_o be_v back_v with_o penalty_n not_o only_o to_o further_a obedience_n but_o also_o to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n force_v person_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n this_o he_o can_v do_v because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_n but_o where_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o general_o profess_v he_o may_v both_o require_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o person_n on_o the_o public_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o prohibit_v and_o suppress_v all_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n and_o false_a religion_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n in_o such_o government_n where_o all_o have_v take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n at_o least_o in_o the_o speculative_a and_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v vow_v by_o baptism_n to_o adhere_v to_o that_o religion_n both_o in_o profession_n and_o practice_n also_o where_o some_o have_v take_v on_o they_o the_o ministerial_a function_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o in_o these_o case_n doubtless_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o good_a king_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n require_v and_o cause_n by_o good_a law_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o do_v their_o respective_a duty_n in_o religion_n and_o impose_v penalty_n for_o defection_n or_o neglect_v agreeable_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fault_n and_o for_o grievous_a offence_n against_o religion_n as_o idolatry_n heresy_n blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o apparent_a may_v doubtless_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n after_o the_o example_n of_o god_n own_o law_n and_o that_o the_o infliction_n of_o corporal_a punishment_n for_o great_a offence_n against_o religion_n be_v not_o disagreeable_a with_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n appear_v plain_o by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n act._n 5._o 10._o who_o use_v a_o extraordinary_a authority_n above_o that_o of_o the_o ministry_n do_v wonderful_o put_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n to_o death_n for_o sacril_n dge_n and_o lie_v and_o paul_n strike_v elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n with_o blindness_n for_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n act._n 13._o 11._o which_o miraculous_a way_n of_o punishment_n be_v accommodate_v to_o that_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o want_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o succour_v and_o descend_v it_o who_o be_v then_o so_o far_o from_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o it_o and_o persecuter_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o nevertheless_o those_o example_n prove_v that_o corporal_a punishment_n for_o great_a offence_n against_o religion_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v by_o law_n the_o true_a religion_n and_o so_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o question_n quest_n ii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o what_o liberty_n in_o religion_n he_o ought_v to_o allow_v answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n put_v what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o aâ—d_v prove_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a question_n may_v indeed_o serve_v for_o a_o answer_n likewise_o in_o part_n both_o to_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a question_n which_o will_v be_v easy_o and_o plain_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a hypothesis_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o may_v neither_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n nor_o the_o subject_n consent_v to_o such_o a_o toleration_n or_o to_o the_o repeal_n the_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o urge_v therefore_o first_o from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o give_v such_o a_o toleration_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o willing_o at_o least_o to_o tolerate_v any_o but_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v also_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o expedient_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o suppress_v and_o exterminate_v all_o idolatry_n &_o false_a religion_n and_o though_o as_o we_o note_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v force_v any_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n yet_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n where_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o general_o
in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o or_o that_o any_o humane_a power_n have_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a and_o unlimited_a authority_n of_o impose_v right_n and_o ceremony_n on_o the_o church_n as_o they_o think_v good_a which_o principle_n have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o so_o many_o corruption_n impose_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o indeed_o upon_o which_o principle_n may_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o restraint_n of_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o ceremony_n a_o great_a yoke_n and_o burden_n than_o be_v impose_v by_o god_n own_o law._n but_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o free_v the_o christian_a religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o his_o own_o ceremony_n and_o yet_o leave_v they_o under_o a_o humane_a power_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o think_v good_a but_o we_o desire_v that_o what_o be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_a by_o way_n of_o argumentation_n may_v not_o be_v interpret_v a_o prescribe_v to_o authority_n or_o limit_v their_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o impose_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a certain_a and_o necessary_a hence_o than_o he_o may_v not_o enjoin_v in_o religion_n thing_n that_o be_v either_o 1._o sinful_a 2._o doubtful_a 3._o mere_o indifferent_a first_o not_o thing_n sinful_a this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v lawful_o require_v to_o be_v do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a and_o if_o any_o such_o law_n be_v make_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v void_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o any_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n have_v not_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o law_n which_o must_v always_o be_v some_o useful_a good._n second_o not_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o religion_n and_o such_o thing_n we_o call_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a that_o real_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n have_v no_o apparent_a foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o magistrate_n can_v make_v law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o to_o do_v they_o decent_o and_o orderly_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o legislator_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n christ_n jesus_n jam._n 4._o 18._o and_o humane_a authority_n have_v no_o proper_a dictatory_n or_o legislative_a power_n but_o only_o a_o ministratory_n and_o directive_n one_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n therefore_o whatever_o the_o magistrate_n command_v in_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o his_o own_o law_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o like_o a_o civil_a body_n that_o humane_a law_n be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o it_o but_o the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o law_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n be_v all_o sound_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god._n thus_o as_o under_o the_o law_n all_o that_o power_n which_o the_o magistrate_n than_o have_v about_o religion_n be_v direct_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o his_o worship_n to_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o it_o but_o be_v not_o to_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o by_o evident_a consequence_n deducible_a from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o may_v be_v call_v a_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a at_o the_o best_a and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v enforce_v by_o law_n three_o nor_o in_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a by_o thing_n indifferent_a i_o mean_v thing_n not_o necessary_a nor_o require_v by_o any_o divine_a law._n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n of_o thing_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o intrinfical_a the_o other_o circumstantial_a or_o accidental_a only_a and_o of_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o call_v that_o so_o that_o be_v intrinsical_a and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n about_o necessary_a thing_n or_o by_o accident_n may_v become_v either_o inexpedient_a and_o also_o scandalous_a and_o so_o unlawful_a or_o they_o may_v become_v expedient_a and_o so_o circumstantial_o necessary_a now_o that_o in_o religion_n that_o intrinsical_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v necessary_a or_o else_o be_v necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n or_o accident_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a matter_n of_o law_n &_o what_o be_v not_o such_o i_o call_v a_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a now_o such_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v put_v into_o law_n that_o be_v either_o 1._o mere_o indifferent_a 2._o much_o less_o when_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be-become_a inexpedient_a and_o 3._o lest_o of_o all_o when_o they_o become_v scandalous_a first_o such_o thing_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o have_v no_o circumstantial_a necessity_n attend_v it_o that_o require_v a_o restraint_n be_v that_o wherein_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o liberty_n and_o not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n because_o if_o authority_n can_v restrain_v christian_a liberty_n further_o than_o in_o thing_n necessary_a bare_o upon_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o will_n they_o may_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n take_v off_o all_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o this_o they_o can_v do_v just_o without_o wrong_n because_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o christian_a liberty_n we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v a_o appendix_n to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n gal._n 5._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o now_o as_o the_o magistrate_n can_v just_o deprive_v any_o man_n of_o any_o of_o his_o civil_a right_n and_o property_n without_o just_a reason_n and_o cause_n much_o less_o may_v he_o deprive_v we_o of_o any_o of_o our_o religious_a right_n and_o privilege_n without_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n and_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v one_o of_o these_o right_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o a_o rest_n raint_n therein_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o all_o thing_n he_o mean_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o lawful_a only_o and_o not_o necessary_a yet_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o of_o these_o which_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v bring_v by_o law_n under_o a_o power_n either_o of_o do_v or_o not_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o use_n only_o indifferent_a and_o lawful_a and_o the_o scripture_n in_o divers_a place_n assert_n the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o rom._n 14._o 3_o 5._o and_o we_o see_v also_o that_o our_o saviour_n vindicate_v his_o disciple_n in_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o the_o forbearance_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a though_o enjoin_v by_o authority_n mat._n 15._o which_o prove_v also_o that_o authority_n as_o it_o may_v not_o impose_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a so_o can_v make_v they_o necessary_a when_o impose_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a to_o restrain_v christian_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o easy_a have_v it_o bâ—en_o for_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o have_v silence_v all_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o meat_n and_o day_n and_o suchlike_a indifferent_a thing_n by_o determinine_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o thing_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o by_o some_o law_n or_o canon_n and_o by_o direct_v the_o church_n in_o aftertime_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o make_v law_n in_o order_n to_o heal_v and_o take_v off_o such_o difference_n but_o because_o he_o do_v not_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v so_o frequent_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o every_o christian_a in_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o use_v with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o such_o law_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v which_o violate_v and_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n second_o but_o much_o less_o may_v indifferent_a thing_n be_v impose_v when_o they_o become_v inexpedient_a which_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o tend_v not_o to_o edisication_n thus_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a