village_n and_o territory_n where_o a_o temporal_a magistrate_n be_v likewise_o place_v as_o the_o metropolis_n of_o every_o province_n have_v its_o proconsul_n in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o have_v its_o archbishop_n or_o metropolitan_a in_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o government_n of_o patriarch_n prevail_v it_o be_v form_v after_o the_o same_o model_n either_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o vicar_n or_o lieutenant_n that_o preside_v over_o a_o diocese_n compose_v of_o several_a province_n or_o at_o least_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o praetorian_a prefect_n that_o have_v several_a diocese_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o form_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o model_n of_o that_o of_o the_o state_n be_v by_o apostolical_a institution_n so_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o special_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o great_a design_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n by_o place_v every_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o state_n whenever_o it_o shall_v become_v christian._n and_o certain_o as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a expedient_a to_o enable_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v that_o trust_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o character_n of_o a_o father_n or_o nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a argument_n that_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o stand_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o to_o make_v the_o district_v of_o particular_a church_n terminate_v with_o those_o of_o civil_a government_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o supreme_a guardian_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n that_o may_v very_o just_o be_v resolve_v into_o apostolic_a institution_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a indication_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v be_v oblige_v punctual_o to_o answer_v the_o character_n whenever_o he_o become_v christian._n sect_n v._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v gain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o national_a church_n and_o true_o if_o we_o due_o weight_n the_o premise_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o rest_v upon_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a and_o apostolic_a institution_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o constitute_v particular_a church_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o district_v of_o particular_a province_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a duty_n in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v and_o advance_v the_o true_a religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v upon_o that_o model_n of_o government_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n in_o every_o respective_a nation_n over_o which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o preside_v as_o a_o father_n or_o guardian_n and_o protector_n and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v what_o in_o other_o term_n be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o church_n thus_o establish_v undoubted_o rest_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolic_a institution_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o intend_v to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n till_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o civil_a establishment_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o church_n of_o greece_n and_o of_o the_o proconsular_a asia_n have_v a_o be_v and_o a_o distinct_a denomination_n before_o christianity_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n indeed_o when_o a_o particular_a church_n enjoy_v a_o civil_a establishment_n it_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a authority_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o become_v a_o civil_a right_n or_o property_n so_o that_o unless_o its_o constitution_n be_v material_o vicious_a and_o finful_a it_o be_v a_o high_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o destroy_v or_o infringe_v any_o of_o its_o establish_v right_n or_o immunity_n but_o yet_o since_o the_o magistrate_n be_v only_o the_o guardian_n not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o national_a church_n its_o original_a authority_n rest_v on_o certain_a positive_a law_n and_o sanction_n enjoin_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n even_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o wherever_o a_o church_n in_o any_o province_n or_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o a_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n under_o lawful_a church_n governor_n and_o pastor_n that_o be_v the_o true_a national_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o dissent_v sect_n and_o party_n though_o it_o want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o civil_a establishment_n but_o to_o return_v from_o hence_o we_o may_v easy_o determine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o question_n in_o debate_n i_o mean_v when_o there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o sect_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o government_n why_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o protect_a or_o rather_o advance_v the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o for_o first_o it_o be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v constitute_v a_o guardian_n father_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o any_o nation_n or_o government_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v profess_v in_o a_o orthodox_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n under_o lawful_a church_n governor_n and_o pastor_n there_o the_o magistrate_n be_v indispensible_o boundto_o act_v as_o a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o model_n and_o platform_n that_o be_v advance_v against_o it_o for_o by_o this_o alone_a he_o pursue_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o apostolic_a platform_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o answer_n that_o of_o his_o character_n i_o mean_v as_o he_o be_v prophetical_o style_v a_o father_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a one_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n be_v unity_n or_o to_o range_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o holy_a building_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v constitute_v a_o guardian_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n all_o his_o office_n of_o succour_n and_o protection_n must_v be_v direct_v to_o this_o end_n i_o mean_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o catholic_n unity_n throughout_o his_o whole_a dominion_n without_o this_o the_o great_a end_n and_o proposal_n of_o so_o pure_a and_o holy_a a_o religion_n can_v be_v accomplish_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o indulgence_n or_o exemption_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v rightful_o grant_v to_o erroneous_a judgement_n or_o conscience_n act_v with_o simplicity_n and_o a_o pious_a disposition_n he_o can_v upon_o the_o law_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o authority_n derive_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o rightfnl_o give_v a_o positive_a establishment_n within_o the_o district_v of_o the_o same_o government_n to_o two_o opposite_a communion_n or_o altar_n of_o worship_n especial_o when_o one_o of_o they_o be_v found_v in_o a_o revolt_n from_o a_o pure_a and_o orthodox_n national_a church_n this_o be_v the_o very_a reverse_n to_o a_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o power_n to_o pervert_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n vis_fw-la a_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n by_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o authorise_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n to_o disband_v and_o break_v into_o schism_n and_o faction_n whereas_o its_o a_o external_n rule_n that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v only_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o edification_n not_o to_o destruction_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prerogative_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o where_o a_o national_a church_n be_v constitute_v under_o lawful_a governor_n and_o pastor_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o defect_n or_o error_n in_o her_o faith_n discipline_n or_o worship_n he_o be_v not_o to_o unhinge_v and_o demolish_v but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o correct_v and_o remove_v they_o by_o such_o mean_n and_o instrument_n as_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n have_v decree_v and_o appoint_v and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v he_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o opposite_a sect_n or_o faction_n so_o much_o as_o to_o break_v in_o upon_o any_o of_o her_o apostolic_a right_n or_o immunity_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o duty_n of_o a_o guardian_n parent_n and_o protector_n be_v to_o use_v all_o prudent_a method_n to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v to_o advance_v the_o interest_n and_o enlarge_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o under_o his_o care_n much_o more_o to_o defend_v they_o from_o violence_n or_o encroachment_n to_o be_v appoint_v a_o father_n and_o a_o protector_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o a_o
empty_a name_n but_o carry_v very_o momentous_a office_n and_o duty_n in_o it_o it_o imply_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o consequent_o it_o engage_v the_o magistrate_n to_o study_v such_o wholesome_a provision_n as_o will_v advance_v the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a boundary_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o those_o that_o thus_o wait_v for_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a isai._n 49._o v_o 23._o and_o now_o sir_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v prepare_v you_o for_o the_o main_a argument_n you_o propose_v by_o inform_v you_o how_o the_o magistrate_n be_v determine_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o those_o of_o this_o national_a church_n sect_n vi_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a provision_n not_o only_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o as_o profess_v in_o a_o national_a church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o public_a establishment_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n which_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n have_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v institute_v a_o govern_v power_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o accommodate_v it_o to_o the_o district_v of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o constitute_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o public_a establishment_n if_o not_o a_o indication_n of_o its_o necessity_n indeed_o since_o there_o be_v govern_v power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o god_n foresee_v a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o miscarriage_n under_o the_o great_a revolution_n and_o emergency_n of_o human_a affair_n which_o he_o have_v authorize_v they_o to_o adjust_a correct_v and_o remove_v and_o this_o will_v just_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a decree_n article_n or_o canon_n and_o that_o too_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o practice_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o scripture_n itself_o have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o power_n and_o injunction_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o indisputable_a argument_n of_o their_o necessity_n since_o god_n never_o impart_v special_a power_n or_o function_n but_o he_o infallible_o discern_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o thus_o we_o have_v general_n rule_v direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o business_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o thing_n be_v prescribe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o no_o doubt_n st._n paul_n point_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o remind_v titus_n why_o he_o place_v he_o over_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v tit._n 1._o 5._o so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o power_n give_v to_o prescribe_v such_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o make_v such_o public_a declaration_n as_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o maintain_v the_o catholic_n law_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o first_o as_o to_z matter_n of_o faith_n indeed_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a standard_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n by_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o contain_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n again_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o heresy_n will_v come_v that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o have_v not_o only_o err_v but_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o controversy_n and_o division_n as_o well_o as_o offence_n will_v come_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o tribe_n or_o colony_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v there_o no_o judgement_n to_o be_v make_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v these_o person_n to_o be_v suffer_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o error_n and_o pervert_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o if_o this_o must_v be_v so_o for_o what_o end_n have_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n place_v governor_n and_o pastor_n in_o his_o church_n and_o enforce_v their_o authority_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o special_a censure_n they_o can_v remonstrate_v against_o they_o without_o make_v a_o judgement_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o these_o case_n and_o certain_o if_o private_a pastor_n be_v authorize_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o expect_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wait_v on_o their_o pious_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n much_o more_o may_v a_o assembly_n or_o council_n of_o church-governor_n interpose_v state_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o express_a article_n and_o decree_n and_o expect_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a performance_n certain_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o be_v for_o these_o end_v gather_v together_o it_o may_v just_o be_v presume_v god_n will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o '_o they_o these_o be_v proceed_n warrant_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o their_o day_n to_o this_o very_a hour_n such_o error_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n concern_v the_o faith_n authorize_v and_o give_v birth_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v the_o only_a barrier_n against_o heresy_n and_o error_n and_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o distraction_n and_o ruin_n to_o affirm_v that_o scripture_n in_o these_o case_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o reject_v all_o interposal_n or_o determination_n pursuant_n to_o it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o perplex_v the_o argument_n for_o though_o scripture_n be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o god_n have_v constitute_v guardian_n and_o trustee_n to_o assert_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o enforce_v a_o faith_n and_o practice_n conformable_a to_o it_o and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o discard_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o visible_a ministry_n since_o scripture_n with_o the_o help_n of_o private_a reason_n be_v as_o much_o a_o adequate_a rule_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a ministry_n it_o be_v true_a these_o public_a determination_n these_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o establish_v upon_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o less_o necessary_a because_o not_o infallible_a god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o impart_v a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o scripture_n establish_v it_o as_o a_o stand_a ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n do_v not_o accompany_v the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o word_n then_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v decision_n ground_v on_o scripture_n support_v by_o reason_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o joint_a authority_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o early_a age_n and_o of_o saint_n confessor_n and_o martyr_n they_o be_v the_o most_o apposite_a moral_a instrument_n under_o god_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n they_o become_v indispensible_o necessary_a there_o must_v be_v some_o external_n umpire_n and_o decision_n where_o matter_n must_v at_o last_o terminate_v that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n thing_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o importance_n may_v not_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dissension_n heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o
whereas_o it_o be_v their_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o new_a notion_n obtrude_v on_o the_o public_a whilst_o a_o opinion_n rest_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o private_a person_n the_o public_a peace_n be_v not_o expose_v but_o when_o it_o be_v press_v upon_o mankind_n in_o public_a harangue_n and_o transmit_v from_o the_o press_n too_o it_o give_v umbrage_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o weal_n of_o the_o community_n and_o consequent_o call_v for_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n appear_v as_o guardian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o vigorous_o exert_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o maintain_v its_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n sect_n fourteen_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o communicate_v our_o opinion_n to_o other_o with_o a_o design_n of_o information_n it_o be_v indisputable_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o two_o consideration_n first_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o second_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o first_o if_o the_o opinion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o affect_v any_o considerable_a interest_n of_o mankind_n or_o correct_v or_o remove_v any_o dangerous_a error_n but_o rather_o serve_v to_o entertain_v our_o speculation_n and_o curiosity_n than_o regulate_v our_o conscience_n or_o practice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o disturb_v the_o world_n by_o oppose_v establish_v doctrine_n or_o notion_n when_o after_o all_o they_o may_v carry_v in_o they_o great_a mark_n or_o evidence_n of_o truth_n than_o a_o private_a judgement_n can_v reasonable_o pretend_v to_o second_o unless_o our_o opinion_n be_v support_v by_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n undoubted_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a plea_n for_o duty_n to_o engage_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o become_v disciple_n or_o follower_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v high_o unreasonable_a that_o private_a person_n shall_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o other_o by_o obtrude_a new_a notion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v they_o rest_v upon_o bare_a probability_n or_o no_o high_a evidence_n than_o those_o that_o have_v be_v peaceable_o receive_v from_o public_a authority_n in_o church_n and_o state_n if_o the_o projection_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o these_o maxim_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n when_o it_o be_v thereby_o only_o commit_v to_o the_o inspection_n of_o public_a authority_n will_v seldom_o be_v interpret_v a_o breach_n of_o any_o natural_a right_n or_o duty_n sect_n xv._n there_o now_o only_o remain_v a_o objection_n no_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o except_o for_o its_o popularity_n and_o modern_a fashionableness_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o englishman_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v before_o the_o objection_n can_v just_o take_v place_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o press_n shall_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la though_o it_o be_v some_o century_n before_o printing_n have_v its_o beginning_n but_o in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o power_n of_o legislation_n be_v to_o be_v cramp_v and_o fetter_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o every_o authoritative_a regulation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o a_o english_a subject_n may_v be_v dispute_v as_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o englishman_n and_o consequent_o no_o law_n can_v be_v establish_v without_o first_o obtain_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n sect_n xvi_o and_o now_o sir_n i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n dispatch_v what_o i_o propose_v and_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v demand_v and_o though_o i_o have_v not_o express_o reply_v to_o your_o inquiry_n in_o the_o very_a term_n or_o order_n they_o be_v propose_v yet_o i_o have_v the_o vanity_n to_o presume_v that_o i_o have_v not_o only_o make_v return_n to_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o they_o but_o dispel_v that_o cloud_n of_o objection_n that_o of_o late_o have_v be_v raise_v to_o obstruct_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n if_o therefore_o what_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o carry_v the_o balance_n against_o your_o former_a sentiment_n be_v please_v to_o suffer_v a_o short_a address_n on_o my_o part_n in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o as_o a_o hearty_a advocate_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n sir_n we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o engage_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o method_n of_o its_o preservation_n and_o support_n and_o the_o late_a passionate_a address_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n and_o his_o majesty_n most_o gracious_a answer_n to_o it_o seem_v to_o authorize_v the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o venerable_a body_n wise_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o sovereign_n to_o consult_v his_o pleasure_n as_o well_o as_o excite_v his_o zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o signify_v his_o concurrence_n and_o remit_v the_o managery_n of_o the_o affair_n to_o his_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o formation_n of_o a_o just_a law_n it_o be_v true_a that_o honourable_a house_n form_v a_o bill_n upon_o the_o present_a argument_n but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o it_o wherever_o just_o to_o be_v fix_v can_v conclude_v against_o the_o reasonableness_n or_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o eye_n and_o heart_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o every_o englishman_n that_o be_v act_v with_o a_o true_a concern_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v fix_v on_o the_o ensue_a session_n and_o pardon_v i_o if_o i_o flatter_v myself_n that_o the_o argument_n already_o suggest_v demonstrate_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o restrain_v the_o press_n as_o a_o effectual_a expedient_a to_o preserve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o the_o liberty_n of_o print_v without_o licence_n or_o inspection_n have_v sufficient_o discharge_v its_o poisonous_a influence_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n and_o a_o small_a tract_n of_o time_n in_o the_o same_o allowance_n will_v demonstrate_v its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a polity_n as_o establish_v in_o a_o monarchy_n i_o wish_v some_o late_a essay_n have_v not_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n witness_v those_o gross_a insinuation_n the_o press_n have_v present_v we_o with_o for_o the_o preference_n of_o a_o republic_n to_o that_o of_o monarchy_n see_v ludlow_n memoir_n witness_v those_o base_a and_o unwarrantable_a character_n vent_v in_o a_o late_a paper_n wherein_o the_o present_a reign_n seem_v to_o be_v blacken_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o make_v it_o a_o accessary_a to_o what_o may_v come_v hereafter_o where_o every_o estate_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o every_o order_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n be_v describe_v like_o ruffian_n and_o paltroon_n rather_o than_o person_n of_o dignity_n and_o honour_n what_o can_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o such_o unmannerly_a declamation_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o english_a constitution_n into_o disgrace_n and_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n for_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n see_v the_o short_a history_n of_o stand_v army_n in_o england_n but_o to_o return_v you_o sir_n and_o your_o honourable_a brethren_n be_v concern_v as_o trustee_n and_o guardian_n in_o part_n for_o religion_n and_o since_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o national_a establishment_n be_v full_o demonstrate_v all_o disintere_v person_n must_v conclude_v that_o your_o special_a care_n and_o inspection_n shall_v be_v engage_v to_o advance_v that_o of_o this_o nation_n of_o which_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n and_o from_o who_o communion_n by_o civil_a appointment_n you_o receive_v qualification_n for_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o public_a employ_v a_o temporary_a interest_n may_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o man_n to_o declare_v '_o emselve_n member_n of_o her_o communion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a test_n of_o membership_n be_v to_o use_v all_o imaginable_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v her_o right_n and_o support_v her_o constitution_n whenever_o she_o be_v public_o attack_v in_o any_o branch_n of_o it_o to_o have_v the_o press_v regulate_v by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o a_o national_a establish_v mean_v be_v to_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o her_o undoubted_a right_n and_o immunity_n and_o therefore_o when_o invasion_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v daily_o make_v she_o may_v just_o expect_v the_o interposal_n of_o authority_n but_o if_o she_o can_v not_o challenge_v thus_o much_o of_o right_n yet_o since_o the_o dissent_v sectary_n have_v receive_v very_o ample_a act_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o present_a government_n the_o establish_v religion_n one_o will_v think_v may_v reasonable_o expect_v her_o tail_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o command_v the_o press_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o first_o act_n of_o grace_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o former_a reign_n by_o a_o indisputable_a authority_n afford_v she_o but_o to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o sir_n if_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o way_n of_o right_n nor_o grace_n and_o favour_n i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o fatal_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o morality_n and_o religion_n be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o accomplish_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o resume_v the_o argument_n i_o have_v already_o enlarge_v on_o but_o certain_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o suppress_v immorality_n and_o profaneness_n and_o establish_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o piety_n whilst_o a_o latitude_n be_v permit_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n to_o dispute_v the_o most_o sacred_a point_n of_o religion_n to_o decry_v national_a establishment_n arraign_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n under_o these_o instruction_n can_v entertain_v any_o serious_a thought_n concern_v religion_n but_o be_v rather_o prepare_v to_o contemn_v and_o vilify_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o therefore_o if_o morality_n and_o strict_a virtue_n be_v pursue_v on_o these_o term_n it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o happy_a genius_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n then_o if_o the_o honourable_a assembly_n of_o commons_o be_v in_o earnest_n for_o reformation_n as_o i_o question_v not_o but_o they_o be_v what_o have_v already_o be_v offer_v seem_v to_o bespeak_v the_o regulation_n of_o the_o press_n to_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a introduction_n to_o it_o and_o now_o sir_n i_o have_v deliver_v my_o sentiment_n with_o as_o much_o sincerity_n as_o freedom_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v if_o they_o happen_v to_o make_v you_o a_o proselyte_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v employ_v your_o hearty_a endeavour_n in_o the_o post_n you_o be_v fix_v to_o make_v the_o argument_n the_o subject_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o care_n be_v take_v not_o only_o that_o a_o law_n be_v form_v which_o will_v effectual_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o form_n of_o it_o be_v do_v with_o that_o prudence_n and_o caution_n as_o not_o to_o give_v a_o handle_n to_o crush_v it_o in_o its_o first_o production_n when._n this_o be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v lay_v perpetual_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n and_o respect_n towards_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o on_o all_o those_o in_o who_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o government_n apparent_o consist_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 1._o lin_v 1._o read_v solicit_v p._n 24._o l._n 20._o read_v eternal_a p_o 49._o l._n 4._o deal_n absolute_o p._n 65._o l._n 20._o read_v tale._n