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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n bind_v law_n moral_a 1,887 5 10.0514 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A40082 Libertas evangelica, or, A discourse of Christian liberty being a farther pursuance of the argument of the design of Christianity / by Edward Fowler ... Fowler, Edward, 1632-1714. 1680 (1680) Wing F1709; ESTC R15452 145,080 382

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say_v to_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o impetuosity_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n fleshly_a appetite_n rom._n 8._o 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o express_a mention_n in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o any_o necessity_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n this_o be_v only_o represent_v by_o the_o divers_a legal_a wash_n and_o other_o rite_n the_o mortification_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o foreskin_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o great_a substantial_a duty_n be_v veil_v under_o dark_a shadow_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v very_o punctual_o observant_a of_o this_o law_n according_a to_o the_o mere_a literal_a sense_n thereof_o and_o yet_o his_o soul_n remain_v perfect_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sinful_a affection_n and_o the_o learned_a mr._n chillingworth_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o gal._n 5._o 5._o say_v thus_o even_o of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o two_o table_n as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a jewish_a law_n viz._n that_o they_o require_v only_o a_o external_a obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o affirmative_a precept_n thereof_o and_o a_o abstain_v from_o a_o outward_a practice_n of_o the_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n no_o more_o than_o the_o national_a law_n of_o other_o kingdom_n do_v so_o that_o for_o example_n when_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n forbid_v adultery_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n he_o that_o shall_v in_o his_o heart_n lust_n after_o a_o woman_n can_v not_o be_v account_v a_o transgressor_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n neither_o be_v he_o liable_a to_o the_o punishment_n therein_o specify_v whereas_o the_o gospel_n require_v not_o only_o a_o outward_a and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v corporal_a obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n but_o also_o a_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n upon_o the_o same_o penalty_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n with_o the_o former_a and_o what_o be_v now_o say_v proceed_v he_o of_o the_o moral_a precept_n as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o judicial_a and_o as_o for_o the_o promise_v of_o this_o law_n they_o be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n chap._n 7._o 19_o and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n chap._n 8._o 6._o it_o be_v confess_v that_o promise_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v contain_v in_o those_o of_o earthly_a as_o some_o of_o the_o latter_a be_v type_n of_o the_o former_a particular_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n of_o the_o eternal_a rest_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o general_n have_v those_o of_o the_o other_o life_n imply_v in_o they_o but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o express_a mention_n in_o this_o law_n of_o any_o life_n after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o in_o this_o law_n now_o then_o see_v it_o abound_v with_o temporal_a promise_n and_o none_o but_o such_o be_v in_o express_a term_n contain_v therein_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o it_o become_v a_o occasion_n to_o the_o sensual_a jew_n of_o their_o be_v the_o more_o eager_a and_o vehement_a in_o prosecute_a the_o profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o be_v the_o more_o mercenary_a in_o their_o obedience_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o threaten_n of_o this_o law_n they_o be_v all_o so_o express_v as_o if_o they_o be_v only_o of_o present_a temporal_a evil_n and_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o most_o part_n look_v no_o far_a than_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o these_o threaten_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v excite_v by_o they_o to_o obey_v from_o any_o high_a motive_n than_o the_o mere_a fear_n of_o such_o evil_n as_o those_o that_o do_v not_o look_v beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v obedient_a only_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o some_o sensual_a present_a good_a and_o by_o this_o mean_n especial_o do_v this_o law_n gender_n to_o bondage_n as_o we_o read_v it_o do_v gal._n 4._o 24._o the_o terrible_a manner_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o the_o threaten_n of_o present_a death_n or_o other_o temporal_a calamity_n upon_o the_o transgression_n thereof_o do_v occasion_n that_o slavish_a sear_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n in_o those_o word_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v rom._n 8._o 5._o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o carnal_a such_o a_o stiff-necked_a stubborn_a and_o disingenuous_a people_n who_o will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o overcome_v by_o love_n to_o himself_o or_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a goodness_n nor_o regard_v any_o law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v enforce_v with_o severe_a present_a penalty_n or_o promise_n of_o sensual_a good_a thing_n which_o obedience_n of_o they_o be_v most_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o obedience_n of_o slave_n a_o servile_a and_o mercenary_a obedience_n so_o that_o this_o law_n have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o so_o much_o the_o more_o captivate_v they_o to_o their_o fleshly_a lust_n for_o this_o reason_n chief_o be_v it_o lay_v aside_o namely_o because_o the_o liberty_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o through_o compliance_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n the_o obligation_n of_o this_o law_n will_v have_v great_o obstruct_v the_o promote_a of_o and_o the_o thing_n express_o require_v in_o this_o law_n be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o internal_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o gal._n 4._o 9_o the_o imposition_n of_o many_o such_o must_v needs_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v away_o man_n mind_n and_o affection_n from_o those_o that_o be_v essential_o and_o immutable_o good_a while_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o those_o injunction_n be_v either_o not_o understand_v or_o not_o attend_v to_o and_o that_o it_o have_v this_o effect_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v a_o case_n too_o plain_a to_o need_v to_o be_v prove_v and_o though_o the_o great_a substantial_a duty_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a and_o necessary_a and_o of_o eternal_a obligation_n be_v inculcate_v upon_o they_o by_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o teach_v by_o natural_a light_n such_o as_o do_v justice_n love_v mercy_n walk_v humble_o with_o god_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o they_o general_o be_v so_o sottish_a as_o to_o think_v that_o he_o value_v sacrifice_n and_o the_o other_o ceremonial_a and_o external_n performance_n of_o the_o law_n so_o much_o above_o such_o duty_n nay_o though_o he_o have_v express_o also_o declare_v the_o quite_o contrary_a as_o that_o their_o exact_a and_o diligent_a observation_n of_o those_o will_v make_v expiation_n for_o their_o remissness_n in_o these_o and_o full_o satisfy_v for_o gross_a immorality_n they_o trust_v in_o lie_a word_n say_v 4._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o imply_v that_o their_o continual_a attendance_n on_o the_o service_n there_o perform_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o law_n will_v effectual_o secure_v they_o from_o divine_a vengeance_n although_o they_o refuse_v to_o amend_v their_o way_n and_o be_v never_o so_o immoral_a in_o their_o practice_n and_o their_o constant_a trade_n in_o sacrifice_n in_o ritual_n and_o ceremonial_a thing_n occasion_v their_o have_v but_o very_o little_a sense_n of_o thing_n moral_o good_a so_o that_o that_o distinction_n be_v almost_o lose_v among_o they_o of_o thing_n positive_o and_o moral_o so_o or_o thing_n good_a only_o because_o command_v and_o thing_n command_v because_o good_a their_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o a_o many_o little_a thing_n cause_v they_o to_o sleight_n and_o overlook_v the_o great_a one_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n luke_n 11._o 42._o you_o tithe_v mint_n and_o rue_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o herb_n and_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o mat._n 23._o 23._o you_o pay_v this_fw-mi of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n and_o their_o omit_v these_o thing_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o argument_n alone_o though_o there_o be_v other_o proof_n of_o it_o of_o their_o have_v scarce_o any_o notion_n of_o thing_n absolute_o immutable_o and_o essential_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v occasion_v as_o i_o say_v by_o their_o
evil_a from_o a_o overpower_a sense_n of_o the_o becomingness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o vileness_n and_o odiousness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v the_o very_a perfection_n of_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o creature_n or_o by_o ourselves_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n it_o be_v in_o a_o large_a measure_n even_o in_o this_o life_n attainable_a i_o mean_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o shall_v certain_o determine_v we_o to_o good_a and_o against_o evil_n in_o most_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o each_o there_o be_v some_o immorality_n and_o wicked_a action_n that_o they_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o but_o very_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o goodness_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o so_o much_o as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o nay_o there_o be_v some_o that_o no_o man_n can_v easy_o be_v suppose_v able_a to_o consent_v to_o but_o a_o extraordinary_o deprave_v and_o wicked_a wretch_n let_v the_o motive_n that_o be_v use_v to_o persuade_v he_o be_v what_o they_o will_n such_o as_o blaspheme_v of_o god_n contrive_v the_o murder_n of_o our_o parent_n or_o of_o a_o most_o oblige_a friend_n torture_v of_o innocent_a babe_n and_o the_o like_a horrid_a villainy_n sure_o then_o a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o vivid_n sense_n of_o the_o hatefulness_n of_o sin_n in_o general_n as_o will_v while_o it_o last_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o will_v deliberate_o to_o commit_v any_o know_a sin_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o get_v past_o all_o danger_n of_o sudden_a surprisal_n so_o long_o as_o we_o inhabit_v these_o body_n and_o remain_v in_o our_o present_a unhappy_a circumstance_n but_o i_o say_v so_o powerful_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a unrighteousness_n disingenuity_n unreasonableness_n folly_n and_o madness_n of_o oppose_v the_o holy_a will_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n and_o bless_a redeemer_n may_v by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v acquire_v even_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n as_o shall_v determine_v we_o effectual_o against_o all_o deliberate_a and_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o great_a apostle_n s._n john_n say_v in_o his_o 1_o epist._n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n he_o here_o affirm_v not_o only_o that_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o goodness_n can_v sin_n that_o be_v can_v will_v to_o sin_n deliberate_o but_o likewise_o that_o no_o regenerate_v or_o true_o good_a man_n can_v he_o can_v thus_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o the_o inward_a renew_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a seed_n which_o divine_a seed_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o several_a time_n mention_v quick_a powerful_a and_o pungent_a sense_n of_o the_o horrid_a nature_n and_o most_o dreadful_a effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o wilful_a sin_v it_o be_v more_o than_o moral_o impossible_a that_o while_o this_o sense_n abide_v in_o its_o strength_n and_o vigour_n the_o good_a man_n shall_v lapse_v into_o such_o sin_n have_v we_o not_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o some_o action_n as_o to_o say_v frequent_o i_o can_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n find_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o be_v in_o my_o will_n to_o do_v so_o or_o so_o and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o all_o sin_n which_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a not_o to_o have_v consider_v they_o as_o sin_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o everlasting_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n for_o consider_v they_o under_o that_o notion_n all_o sin_n be_v alike_o i_o say_v have_v we_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o all_o sin_n we_o shall_v as_o true_o say_v concern_v each_o i_o can_v find_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v will_v to_o consent_v unto_o it_o chap._n xii_o which_o treat_v of_o one_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o inference_n from_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o second_o section_n that_o in_o freedom_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n do_v that_o liberty_n principal_o or_o rather_o whole_o consist_v which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o namely_o that_o several_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o have_v too_o much_o prevail_v be_v false_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o to_o consist_v whole_o or_o in_o part_n in_o freedom_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n certain_a text_n urge_v by_o the_o antinomian_o in_o favour_n of_o it_o vindicate_v from_o the_o sense_n they_o put_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o extreme_a wildness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o it_o expose_v in_o five_o particular_n we_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o inference_n from_o the_o latter_a argument_n viz._n that_o in_o freedom_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o all_o the_o sad_a consequent_n thereof_o our_o christian_a liberty_n do_v eminent_o consist_v and_o whole_o too_o the_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o gentile_n and_o first_o we_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o several_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o have_v too_o much_o prevail_v be_v false_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n we_o will_v speak_v to_o first_o that_o which_o make_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o freedom_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n second_o that_o which_o make_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o freedom_n from_o those_o law_n of_o man_n which_o enjoin_v or_o forbid_v indifferent_a thing_n three_o that_o which_o make_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n first_o for_o that_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o make_v it_o to_o consist_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n in_o freedom_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n this_o be_v extreme_o wild_a and_o wicked_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o they_o produce_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o all_o those_o text_n wherein_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n as_o particular_o rom._n 7._o 6._o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o be_v dead_a wherein_o we_o be_v hold_v etc._n etc._n gal._n 2._o 19_o i_o through_o the_o law_n be_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 6._o 14._o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n gal._n 4._o 4_o 5._o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o many_o text_n which_o assert_v our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o law_n they_o mean_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o they_o mean_v not_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o do_v more_o than_o read_v throughout_o the_o forementioned_a verse_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n understand_v in_o each_o of_o they_o nothing_o less_o than_o that_o law_n nay_o we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o abominate_v this_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n for_o whereas_o he_o say_v rom._n 7._o 6._o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o be_v dead_a wherein_o we_o be_v hold_v it_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v mere_o external_o obedient_a but_o also_o inward_o and_o spiritual_o whereas_o he_o say_v gal._n 2._o 19_o i_o through_o the_o law_n be_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n he_o immediate_o add_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o that_o i_o may_v live_v unto_o god_n or_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n again_o whereas_o he_o tell_v the_o roman_n chap._n 6._o 14._o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n this_o come_v in_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v immediate_o before_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n viz._n sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o last_o in_o say_v gal._n 4._o 5._o that_o christ_n be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n he_o give_v this_o in_o
we_o find_v concern_v obedience_n to_o king_n and_o the_o high_a power_n s._n peter_n say_v 1_o epist._n 2._o 13._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o etc._n etc._n again_o every_o soul_n be_v command_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n because_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n and_o ver._n 5._o it_o be_v say_v we_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o syllable_n either_o in_o these_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o such_o a_o limitation_n as_o may_v reconcile_v these_o injunction_n with_o this_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o liberty_n christian_n be_v disoblige_v from_o obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n whensoever_o they_o require_v thing_n indifferent_a though_o very_o unreasonable_o enjoin_v yet_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n not_o evil_a and_o no_o where_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o be_v do_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v put_v in_o this_o exception_n in_o the_o last_o mention_v place_n the_o emperor_n be_v a_o great_a tyrant_n and_o rather_o a_o monster_n than_o a_o man_n that_o then_o reign_v three_o if_o governor_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o antecedent_o to_o their_o law_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v there_o be_v no_o formal_a obedience_n at_o all_o due_a to_o they_o i_o be_o then_o no_o more_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o those_o who_o have_v no_o power_n over_o i_o that_o be_v invest_v by_o god_n with_o no_o authority_n for_o if_o such_o say_v to_o i_o do_v not_o kill_v do_v not_o steal_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v great_o sin_v in_o not_o harken_v to_o they_o and_o whereas_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o though_o such_o injunction_n of_o person_n not_o place_v in_o power_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v yet_o not_o as_o they_o but_o as_o divine_a injunction_n i_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o neither_o to_o be_v at_o all_o my_o duty_n to_o obey_v such_o law_n of_o our_o governor_n under_o the_o n●tion_n of_o they_o my_o obligation_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v as_o strong_a and_o indispensable_a every_o whit_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o immediate_a authority_n as_o if_o they_o be_v back_v and_o enforce_v by_o never_o so_o many_o and_o never_o so_o severe_a law_n of_o his_o vicegerent_n nor_o can_v any_o of_o their_o law_n make_v what_o god_n almighty_a have_v oblige_v i_o either_o to_o or_o from_o one_o jot_n a_o great_a duty_n or_o sin_n than_o it_o be_v before_o for_o the_o divine_a authority_n have_v make_v whatsoever_o it_o have_v command_v or_o prohibit_v as_o great_a a_o duty_n or_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v that_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v a_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o such_o which_o only_o require_v or_o forbid_v what_o be_v require_v or_o forbid_v by_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n that_o the_o less_o respect_n any_o one_o have_v to_o humane_a law_n in_o such_o thing_n in_o do_v just_o in_o be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a in_o attend_v upon_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a suppose_v he_o make_v conscience_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n the_o better_a man_n be_v he_o and_o the_o more_o sincere_a christian._n and_o therefore_o such_o law_n of_o man_n as_o be_v enact_v against_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v or_o do_v enjoin_v what_o be_v before_o command_v by_o god_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v even_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o for_o such_o wretch_n as_o live_v under_o no_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n and_o will_v not_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o god_n law_n be_v they_o not_o enforce_v with_o man_n have_v severe_a penalty_n annex_v to_o they_o so_o that_o if_o i_o be_o disoblige_v by_o my_o christian_a liberty_n from_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n but_o what_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v though_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n about_o it_o that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o no_o formal_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o magistrate_n and_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v any_o new_a law_n of_o their_o own_o but_o only_o to_o take_v the_o best_a care_n that_o the_o old_a one_o viz._n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v observe_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o become_v of_o all_o those_o text_n wherein_o obedience_n to_o governor_n be_v with_o such_o strictness_n require_v of_o christian_n this_o opinion_n that_o ruler_n have_v no_o power_n over_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n do_v make_v the_o five_o commandment_n and_o all_o those_o injunction_n perfect_o insignificant_a and_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o have_v spare_v his_o charge_n to_o titus_n to_o put_v those_o under_o his_o care_n in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n etc._n etc._n tit._n 3._o 1._o this_o monstrous_o wild_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v take_v thus_o much_o notice_n of_o as_o little_a as_o i_o have_v say_v but_o that_o of_o late_a day_n multitude_n by_o their_o behaviour_n will_v make_v we_o suspect_v they_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o who_o yet_o will_v not_o profess_o own_o it_o it_o be_v come_v to_o that_o sad_a pass_n that_o preach_v obedience_n to_o authority_n be_v become_v as_o unacceptable_a doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v to_o even_o many_o great_a pretender_n to_o christianity_n although_o it_o be_v do_v never_o so_o prudent_o and_o agreeable_o to_o the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o obedience_n for_o conscience-sake_n seem_v almost_o lose_v among_o not_o a_o few_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n for_o which_o we_o have_v too_o good_a reason_n to_o fear_v there_o be_v a_o heavy_a scourge_n near_o we_o second_o as_o for_o that_o doctrine_n which_o limit_n our_o disobligation_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o christian_a liberty_n from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o only_o relate_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o this_o be_v wild_a too_o though_o more_o sober_a than_o the_o other_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o consideration_n first_o this_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n tend_v to_o introduce_v sad_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o if_o practise_v upon_o i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a society_n consist_v principal_o in_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a s._n paul_n have_v enjoin_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o do_v if_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n impose_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o governor_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n sake_n particular_a rule_n be_v not_o give_v we_o in_o scripture_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o to_o be_v sure_o will_v have_v be_v be_v they_o not_o leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o each_o church_n upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v such_o as_o will_v well_o suit_v all_o church_n calvin_n upon_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 2._o now_o i_o praise_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o do_v thus_o express_v his_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o every_o church_n be_v leave_v free_a to_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o polity_n for_o itself_o because_o our_o lord_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o certain_a and_o he_o speak_v this_o you_o see_v not_o as_o his_o own_o sense_n only_o but_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o that_o undoubted_a too_o of_o his_o other_o brethren_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o judgement_n be_v it_o needful_a we_o may_v large_o produce_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o those_o very_a
to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o which_o without_o any_o addition_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n as_o s._n paul_n assure_v we_o and_o be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o that_o preacher_n who_o shall_v offer_v to_o require_v his_o auditor_n assent_v to_o any_o thing_n not_o deliver_v either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o plain_a consequence_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n do_v impudent_o impose_v upon_o their_o belief_n except_o he_o be_v able_a to_o work_v real_a miracle_n for_o the_o convince_a of_o they_o he_o take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o either_o the_o apostle_n or_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o do_v still_o appeal_v to_o the_o work_n the_o supernatural_a work_n he_o do_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v i_o will_v such_o impudent_a imposer_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o romanist_n who_o be_v all_o so_o and_o the_o most_o impudent_a that_o ever_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n but_o alas_o they_o be_v too_o too_o common_a also_o among_o profess_a hater_n of_o popery_n three_o and_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o more_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n no_o sober_a preacher_n pretend_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o by_o the_o immediate_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o such_o a_o one_o acknowledge_v he_o do_v it_o in_o the_o general_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o particular_o by_o consider_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n in_o the_o original_a language_n by_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n by_o search_v into_o the_o ancient_a custom_n which_o give_v great_a light_n to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o text_n and_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o inquire_v after_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o live_v near_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o all_o they_o submit_v their_o exposition_n of_o such_o text_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o hearer_n i_o mean_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v as_o for_o other_o oportet_fw-la discentes_fw-la credere_fw-la it_o become_v learner_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o their_o teacher_n and_o credendum_fw-la est_fw-la peritis_fw-la in_o suâ_fw-la arte._n but_o four_o we_o do_v pious_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o reason_n and_o inquiry_n and_o whatsoever_o particular_a good_a mean_n we_o use_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o scripture_n when_o he_o be_v humble_o and_o devout_o seek_v to_o by_o we_o and_o when_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n partiality_n ill_a design_n or_o sinister_a respect_n but_o for_o the_o best_a of_o end_n and_o from_o the_o pure_a love_n of_o truth_n we_o make_v enquiry_n thus_o even_o private_a christian_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n and_o inquiry_n which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v for_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n five_o in_o compose_v also_o of_o profitable_a discourse_n as_o we_o implore_v so_o we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n but_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v it_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o in_o other_o good_a work_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o but_o as_o for_o the_o ready_a faculty_n of_o discourse_v from_o a_o pulpit_n and_o popular_a speak_v to_o a_o congregation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n any_o more_o than_o the_o lawyer_n strange_a readiness_n in_o plead_v at_o the_o bar._n and_o a_o volubility_n of_o speech_n upon_o any_o subject_n whatsoever_o heat_n of_o fancy_n and_o nimbleness_n of_o wit_n and_o invention_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o such_o a_o faculty_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v plead_v no_o such_o liberty_n as_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o restraint_n by_o authority_n but_o one_o that_o be_v know_v to_o have_v never_o so_o good_a a_o talon_n at_o preach_a may_v be_v forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o till_o he_o have_v submit_v to_o a_o lawful_a ordination_n such_o as_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o when_o ordain_v he_o may_v lawful_o have_v bound_n set_v he_o as_o to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o shall_v exercise_v his_o ministry_n in_o public_a and_o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o and_o he_o may_v be_v forbid_v to_o meddle_v with_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o people_n understanding_n or_o be_v not_o like_a to_o conduce_v to_o their_o edification_n and_o much_o more_o to_o broach_v dangerous_a doctrine_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o governor_n and_o for_o his_o disobedience_n and_o other_o misdemeanour_n he_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v suspend_v or_o total_o deprive_v of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n as_o be_v any_o other_o officer_n i_o do_v but_o touch_v upon_o and_o give_v light_a glance_n at_o these_o thing_n because_o my_o present_a subject_n will_v not_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o discourse_v large_o upon_o they_o which_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o its_o proper_a business_n chap._n xv._n a_o three_o false_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n viz._n that_o which_o make_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o branch_n of_o it_o two_o thing_n premise_v 1._o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v oblige_v by_o humane_a law_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v proper_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o his_o conscience_n by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n that_o what_o be_v contend_v for_o be_v more_o proper_o liberty_n of_o practice_n than_o of_o conscience_n the_o author_n opinion_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o liberty_n deliver_v in_o ten_o proposition_n that_o whatsoever_o liberty_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o our_o right_n it_o be_v not_o christian_a liberty_n but_o natural_a liberty_n three_o and_o last_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o make_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o branch_n of_o it_o but_o before_o i_o deliver_v my_o opinion_n about_o this_o weighty_a point_n which_o have_v occasion_v as_o great_a feud_n and_o sharp_a contest_v as_o any_o whatsoever_o i_o shall_v premise_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v oblige_v by_o humane_a law_n second_o that_o no_o man_n can_v proper_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o his_o conscience_n by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n first_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v oblige_v by_o humane_a law_n this_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a from_o what_o be_v discourse_v in_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n but_o it_o be_v say_v by_o many_o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o high_a presumption_n for_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o bind_v it_o by_o their_o law_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o search_v the_o heart_n 10._o and_o try_v the_o reins_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n conscience_n be_v too_o inward_a and_o secret_a a_o thing_n to_o fall_v under_o man_n cognizance_n and_o therefore_o what_o have_v any_o of_o our_o fellow-creature_n to_o do_v to_o give_v law_n to_o our_o conscience_n in_o answer_n hereunto_o we_o have_v already_o see_v what_o s._n paul_n sense_n be_v about_o this_o matter_n that_o he_o say_v we_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a 5._o or_o obedient_a and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a authority_n be_v found_v in_o mere_a prudence_n not_o at_o all_o in_o conscience_n but_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o man_n do_v oblige_v conscience_n as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v those_o can_v do_v it_o immediate_o as_o these_o do_v but_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n s._n paul_n say_v rom._n 13._o 1._o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v over-critical_a in_o say_v that_o be_v every_o conscience_n for_o what_o follow_v prove_v the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n to_o subjection_n and_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o foresay_a objection_n against_o it_o viz._n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o
of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o we_o assert_v be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a governor_n for_o god_n sake_n who_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o the_o authority_n they_o have_v over_o we_o and_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o law_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o contradictory_n to_o any_o of_o his._n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o humane_a authority_n can_v make_v more_o duty_n or_o sin_n than_o god_n have_v make_v or_o to_o speak_v proper_o and_o strict_o can_v make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n for_o it_o can_v only_o command_v or_o forbid_v and_o what_o it_o command_v if_o lawful_a the_o divine_a authority_n make_v it_o a_o duty_n and_o what_o it_o forbid_v if_o not_o a_o duty_n the_o divine_a authority_n make_v it_o a_o sin_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a bishop_n taylor_n 1._o humane_a authority_n do_v not_o make_v the_o action_n of_o disobedience_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n it_o make_v that_o the_o not_o compliance_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v disobedience_n but_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o make_v disobedience_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o what_o immediate_o follow_v deserve_v also_o to_o be_v transcribe_v in_o this_o place_n viz._n and_o though_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v give_v or_o take_v grace_n away_o yet_o we_o may_v remember_v that_o we_o ourselves_o throw_v away_o god_n grace_n or_o abuse_v it_o or_o neglect_v it_o when_o we_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o humility_n charity_n and_o obedience_n all_o which_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n there_o be_v also_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n viz._n the_o divine_a law_n bind_v our_o thought_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o mind_n they_o bind_v we_o not_o only_o to_o obey_v they_o but_o to_o think_v they_o also_o wise_a and_o good_a law_n but_o so_o do_v not_o humane_a law_n they_o oblige_v only_o to_o obedience_n but_o not_o to_o the_o think_v they_o such_o as_o aught_o or_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v impose_v a_o man_n may_v think_v a_o humane_a law_n imprudent_a or_o unreasonable_a and_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o transgression_n if_o notwithstanding_o he_o comply_v with_o it_o i_o mean_v provide_v he_o keep_v his_o thought_n to_o himself_o or_o do_v not_o make_v they_o public_a the_o forementioned_a worthy_a prelate_n lay_v down_o no_o sewer_n than_o ten_o or_o eleven_o difference_n of_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n in_o their_o obligation_n in_o his_o ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la 23._o whether_o they_o will_v all_o hold_v or_o no_o or_o may_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o small_a number_n i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v but_o thither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o thing_n premise_v viz._n that_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v bind_v by_o humane_a law_n second_o i_o premise_v also_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deprive_v proper_o of_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o his_o conscience_n by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n i_o mean_v without_o his_o own_o consent_n no_o mortal_a nor_o any_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o invade_v it_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v what_o that_o be_v which_o be_v call_v conscience_n conscience_n be_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n consider_v as_o possess_v with_o certain_a practical_a principle_n and_o compare_v his_o own_o action_n with_o those_o principle_n do_v according_a as_o he_o find_v they_o agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o they_o judge_v of_o himself_o either_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v himself_o so_o that_o there_o be_v three_o office_n of_o conscience_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o assent_v to_o and_o embrace_v certain_a practical_a principle_n as_o law_n for_o the_o govern_v a_o man_n self_n the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o compare_v one_o self_n or_o action_n with_o those_o rule_n or_o principle_n the_o three_o that_o of_o pass_a judgement_n of_o one_o self_n according_o now_o that_o be_v proper_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o only_a which_o relate_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o three_o office_n but_o the_o act_n of_o conscience_n in_o execute_v these_o office_n be_v all_o internal_a and_o within_o a_o man_n soul_n how_o can_v its_o liberty_n in_o exert_v those_o act_n be_v infringe_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n what_o earthly_a power_n can_v make_v i_o assent_v to_o or_o believe_v what_o it_o please_v can_v so_o give_v law_n to_o my_o conscience_n as_o to_o necessitate_v i_o to_o receive_v they_o for_o such_o and_o to_o think_v they_o good_a law_n and_o safe_a to_o steer_v my_o action_n by_o again_o how_o can_v any_o such_o power_n deprive_v i_o of_o my_o liberty_n to_o compare_v my_o action_n with_o such_o rule_n as_o i_o think_v i_o be_o oblige_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o and_o have_v reflect_v upon_o myself_o and_o action_n and_o make_v this_o comparison_n how_o can_v any_o such_o power_n abridge_v i_o of_o liberty_n to_o absolve_v myself_o if_o i_o find_v my_o action_n agree_v with_o those_o rule_n or_o to_o condemn_v myself_o if_o i_o find_v the_o contrary_a can_v make_v i_o condemn_v when_o i_o ought_v to_o acquit_v myself_o or_o acquit_v when_o i_o see_v reason_n to_o condemn_v myself_o so_o that_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v with_o so_o much_o heat_n contend_v for_o by_o some_o and_o inveigh_v against_o by_o other_o under_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o liberty_n of_o practice_n not_o of_o conscience_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o contest_v be_v whether_o a_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o a_o man_n conscience_n tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o of_o forbear_v what_o it_o tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o forbear_v be_v a_o inviolable_a right_n and_o not_o to_o be_v invade_v by_o humane_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v a_o answer_n thereunto_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n prop._n 1._o that_o there_o be_v two_o extreme_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o be_v careful_o avoid_v first_o that_o of_o assert_v a_o unlimited_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n second_o that_o of_o overgreat_a severity_n in_o restrain_v this_o liberty_n first_o as_o to_o the_o extreme_a of_o assert_v a_o unlimited_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o extreme_a indeed_o and_o a_o very_a wild_a and_o mad_a one_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n so_o extravagant_a or_o wicked_a but_o the_o conscience_n of_o some_o or_o other_o may_v urge_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n have_v pretend_a conscience_n for_o some_o of_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o most_o villainous_a action_n in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o papist_n have_v do_v among_o ourselves_o we_o all_o know_v and_o another_o sort_n of_o people_n too_o who_o principle_n though_o very_o bad_a be_v better_a than_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o their_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v more_o pretence_n nor_o be_v it_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o past_a provocation_n the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o have_v such_o power_n over_o some_o man_n conscience_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n and_o bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a for_o we_o find_v a_o woe_n pronounce_v against_o such_o as_o do_v so_o isaiah_n 5._o 20._o which_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n nor_o can_v be_v and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o 2_o thess._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o that_o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n shall_v send_v they_o or_o permit_v to_o be_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strength_n of_o delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n john_n 16._o 2._o that_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n that_o be_v the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o man_n shall_v kill_v you_o out_o of_o conscience_n as_o no_o doubt_n the_o papist_n have_v do_v
many_o thousand_o of_o good_a christian_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o their_o principle_n be_v such_o as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v true_a to_o they_o and_o not_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o stab_n and_o poison_n burn_v and_o massacre_n all_o without_o exception_n who_o they_o call_v heretic_n whensoever_o a_o opportunity_n be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n s._n paul_n as_o cruel_a a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v before_o his_o conversion_n do_v then_o think_v not_o only_o that_o he_o do_v what_o be_v lawful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v his_o duty_n too_o for_o say_v he_o act_v 26._o 9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o or_o i_o be_v very_o persuade_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n among_o which_o thing_n he_o reckon_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o imagine_v what_o dismal_a effect_n superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n may_v have_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o by_o man_n of_o any_o sobriety_n that_o that_o which_o they_o call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n must_v be_v limit_v by_o governor_n if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o religion_n the_o safety_n of_o the_o community_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o government_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o government_n if_o all_o shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o punishment_n who_o shall_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o disobedience_n nay_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o plead_v it_o never_o so_o true_o now_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o conscience_n may_v and_o must_v be_v restrain_v in_o its_o liberty_n we_o clear_o gain_v one_o point_n by_o it_o and_o that_o no_o small_a one_o viz._n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v necessary_o allow_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o this_o liberty_n as_o such_o be_v not_o a_o inviolable_a right_n consequentia_fw-la if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v claim_v in_o all_o case_n without_o exception_n second_o as_o to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o other_o extreme_a of_o overgreat_a severity_n in_o restrain_v this_o liberty_n no_o man_n sure_o will_v question_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o err_a on_o this_o hand_n also_o but_o how_o to_o steer_v betwixt_o scylla_n and_o charybdis_n these_o two_o extreme_n be_v i_o think_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v a_o conjunction_n of_o the_o great_a prudence_n with_o as_o great_a goodness_n but_o as_o to_o what_o measure_v in_o the_o general_n be_v to_o be_v take_v we_o will_v adventure_v modest_o to_o suggest_v our_o thought_n in_o the_o proposition_n that_o follow_v prop._n 2._o no_o such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o so_o for_o fashions-sake_n we_o will_v call_v it_o be_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v as_o be_v apparent_o injurious_a to_o the_o community_n and_o such_o a_o liberty_n as_o can_v have_v no_o ill_a public_a influence_n in_o the_o church_n or_o state_n both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o community_n with_o respect_n to_o both_o its_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a interest_n be_v the_o business_n and_o design_n of_o government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o community_n therefore_o not_o to_o grant_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o much_o liberty_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o general_a good_a or_o well-being_a of_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o hold_v the_o reins_o too_o straight_o and_o to_o be_v over-severe_a and_o arbitrary_a but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o governor_n what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o liberty_n may_v be_v safe_o vouchsafe_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o community_n both_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v the_o fit_a judge_n of_o this_o affair_n and_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o government_n for_o every_o private_a person_n to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n but_o as_o i_o need_v not_o add_v governor_n be_v oblige_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o their_o judge_n not_o to_o be_v hasty_a in_o make_v a_o judgement_n but_o to_o do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a wariness_n and_o deliberation_n because_o their_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o point_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v of_o very_o evil_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n prop._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a case_n that_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o without_o their_o be_v extort_a by_o penalty_n from_o they_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o forego_n proposition_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a this_o can_v be_v false_a for_o if_o such_o a_o liberty_n ought_v to_o be_v grant_v as_o have_v no_o ill_a aspect_n upon_o the_o community_n than_o no_o body_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o discover_v his_o opinion_n because_o while_o they_o be_v keep_v within_o a_o man_n own_o breast_n they_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n to_o other_o folk_n and_o if_o they_o discover_v themselves_o by_o overt-act_n as_o the_o lawyer_n speak_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o use_v violent_a mean_n for_o the_o extort_v of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o cruel_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o our_o own_o nation_n know_v it_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n mary_n how_o many_o excellent_o good_a christian_n be_v then_o sentence_v to_o the_o stake_n for_o their_o mere_a refuse_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o as_o wicked_a as_o false_a doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o altar_n prop._n 4._o to_o make_v sanguinary_a law_n against_o mere_a dissent_v from_o the_o public_a establishment_n that_o be_v when_o dissent_v from_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o a_o factious_a schismatical_a and_o seditious_a opposition_n to_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n antichristian_a tyranny_n of_o all_o the_o indefensible_a practice_n of_o the_o now_o mention_a church_n there_o be_v none_o that_o make_v the_o title_n of_o antichrist_n more_o due_a to_o she_o than_o her_o prosecute_n with_o fire_n and_o faggot_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n man_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o other_o crime_n but_o that_o of_o renounce_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o her_o gross_a corruption_n but_o suppose_v her_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v as_o agreeable_a as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o will_v her_o put_a man_n to_o death_n for_o their_o bare_a not_o submit_v to_o those_o term_n speak_v she_o to_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n and_o to_o deserve_v that_o reprehension_n which_o her_o mild_a and_o gentle_a master_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n for_o desire_v he_o to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o destroy_v the_o samaritan_n for_o refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o viz._n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o and_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o offend_v with_o those_o disciple_n for_o make_v that_o motion_n though_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o make_v deliberate_o but_o in_o a_o sudden_a fit_a of_o passion_n and_o that_o kindle_v too_o by_o the_o quick_a resentment_n they_o have_v of_o a_o high_a affront_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o his_o sacred_a person_n how_o high_o must_v it_o need_v provoke_v he_o to_o see_v christian_n destroy_v their_o brethren_n in_o cool_a blood_n and_o that_o not_o for_o so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n as_o renounce_v his_o religion_n but_o for_o not_o be_v christian_n of_o their_o mode_n and_o form_n which_o possible_o consider_v all_o their_o circumstance_n particular_o their_o education_n the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o of_o they_o to_o overcome_v their_o part_n complexion_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v more_o their_o misfortune_n than_o their_o fault_n beside_o sanguinary_a penalty_n or_o the_o use_n of_o extreme_a rigour_n of_o any_o kind_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v over_o to_o our_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a mean_n to_o effect_v that_o end_n 20._o that_o of_o lactantius_n be_v as_o great_a a_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o and_o the_o two_o forego_v when_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n viz._n religion_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v force_v the_o will_n be_v persuade_v by_o
than_o give_v this_o liberty_n and_o which_o will_v prevent_v all_o need_n of_o it_o namely_o to_o repeal_v those_o law_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o do_v contrary_a to_o they_o no_o disobedience_n but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v the_o commissionated_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o authority_n shall_v give_v he_o this_o liberty_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o take_v it_o and_o to_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v stand_v by_o he_o in_o so_o do_v prop._n 7._o those_o law_n that_o enjoin_v or_o forbid_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v enforce_v with_o as_o severe_a penalty_n as_o those_o which_o be_v make_v for_o or_o against_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n or_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o majora_fw-la jura_fw-la the_o law_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v more_o severe_o punish_v than_o the_o transgressor_n of_o mere_a humane_a law_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o offender_n do_v deserve_v worse_a than_o the_o latter_a do_v their_o crime_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o more_o intolerable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v great_a sufferer_n than_o the_o other_o offender_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a scare_v of_o other_o from_o follow_v their_o example_n or_o do_v like_o they_o all_o offence_n against_o the_o state_n be_v not_o alike_o punish_v neither_o shall_v all_o those_o which_o be_v against_o the_o church_n no_o good_a man_n will_v question_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v a_o separatist_n than_o a_o mere_a dissenter_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o also_o not_o to_o worship_n god_n at_o all_o than_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o illegal_a way_n to_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o to_o scruple_n the_o gesture_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v it_o in_o or_o that_o profaneness_n be_v more_o hateful_a than_o unaffected_a scrupulosity_n or_o superstition_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v the_o selfsame_a or_o equal_a penalty_n shall_v not_o belong_v to_o both_o common_a equity_n require_v this_o and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n our_o judge_n have_v foretell_v we_o he_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n proceed_v with_o the_o disobedient_a and_o by_o this_o mean_n will_v no_o pretence_n be_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o censure_v their_o governor_n for_o the_o reproach_v of_o they_o as_o lay_v too_o great_a weight_n upon_o thing_n little_a in_o themselves_o as_o place_v religion_n in_o they_o and_o equalize_v their_o own_o tradition_n with_o and_o much_o less_o prefer_v they_o pharisee_fw-mi like_a before_z the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o as_o have_v less_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n than_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o for_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o a_o high_a reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o as_o great_a care_n at_o least_o shall_v be_v take_v to_o bring_v the_o open_a immediate_a transgressor_n of_o god_n law_n to_o condign_a punishment_n as_o those_o who_o only_o be_v transgressor_n of_o mere_a humane_a law_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o that_o i_o will_v not_o have_v forget_v that_o the_o dreadful_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v upon_o any_o but_o the_o great_a offender_n among_o which_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o account_v as_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v all_o schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o profane_a person_n to_o make_v the_o small_a offender_n liable_a to_o it_o be_v it_o do_v upon_o what_o pretence_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v it_o contemptible_a and_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o first_o age_n than_o so_o to_o do_v prop._n 8._o most_o favour_n may_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v by_o such_o dissenter_n as_o give_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v real_o conscientious_a in_o their_o dissent_v if_o any_o liberty_n be_v leave_v by_o law_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o show_v favour_n in_o pitiable_a circumstance_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v such_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o those_o may_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v conscientious_a in_o reality_n as_o well_o as_o pretence_n who_o first_o be_v observe_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o great_a and_o indisputable_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o second_o who_o comply_v with_o the_o establishment_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n these_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o believe_v be_v sincere_o conscientious_a in_o stop_v where_o they_o do_v this_o proposition_n need_v no_o prove_v and_o this_o other_o be_v as_o clear_v viz._n those_o who_o give_v great_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v conscientious_a have_v most_o right_o to_o favour_n but_o although_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indisputable_a case_n that_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n in_o some_o small_a thing_n who_o make_v none_o in_o certain_a great_a one_o or_o that_o he_o who_o go_v not_o as_o far_o as_o he_o declare_v he_o can_v be_v a_o mere_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n in_o what_o he_o say_v he_o can_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o injury_n do_v he_o if_o his_o governor_n have_v a_o strong_a suspicion_n of_o he_o and_o he_o fare_v the_o worse_a upon_o that_o account_n he_o must_v then_o thank_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o not_o blame_v they_o prop._n 9_o those_o have_v least_o reason_n to_o ask_v or_o look_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o indulgence_n who_o be_v for_o no_o body_n have_v it_o beside_o themselves_o and_o give_v great_a reason_n to_o presume_v by_o their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o present_a circumstance_n that_o be_v they_o in_o authority_n they_o will_v give_v none_o to_o those_o from_o who_o they_o now_o expect_v it_o such_o be_v all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o content_v to_o disobey_v the_o present_a law_n nor_o to_o draw_v other_o to_o their_o party_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v but_o can_v forbear_v rail_a at_o and_o pass_v the_o severe_a and_o most_o uncharitable_a censure_n in_o their_o common_a discourse_n and_o in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o press_n too_o upon_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n especial_o and_o those_o who_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o constitution_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v question_v but_o such_o people_n will_v persecute_v otherwise_o than_o with_o their_o tongue_n or_o pen_n if_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o more_o dangerous_a weapon_n he_o who_o show_v his_o tooth_n at_o i_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v will_v make_v they_o meet_v be_v he_o able_a to_o bite_v in_o so_o do_v he_o show_v his_o good_a will_n and_o what_o he_o will_v glad_o be_v at_o have_v he_o a_o opportunity_n i_o wish_v the_o papist_n be_v the_o only_a people_n i_o can_v now_o reflect_v upon_o such_o too_o be_v all_o our_o peremptory_a dogmatizer_n in_o disputable_a point_n of_o religion_n who_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v contradict_v though_o never_o so_o modest_o as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v the_o pope_n chair_n from_o he_o and_o their_o judgement_n be_v the_o standard_n of_o orthodoxy_n from_o who_o sentiment_n you_o may_v not_o depart_v scarce_o one_o hair_n breadth_n but_o you_o immediate_o fall_v under_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n or_o some_o dangerous_a error_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o loath_a these_o stiff_a and_o supercilious_a man_n shall_v ever_o live_v to_o be_v my_o master_n if_o they_o shall_v i_o doubt_v not_o ●ut_v i_o shall_v soon_o feel_v that_o they_o have_v cru●●ty_a answerable_a to_o their_o pride_n as_o much_o ●s_v some_o of_o they_o now_o cry_v out_o for_o liberty_n ●f_a conscience_n the_o man_n i_o have_v now_o in_o my_o thought_n ●re_n not_o only_o as_o i_o say_v of_o the_o other_o ●he_v roman_a gentleman_n but_o certain_a pro●●ssed_a protestant_n as_o like_a papist_n as_o they_o ●ook_v and_o those_o of_o more_o than_o one_o mode_n and_o form_n such_o again_o be_v those_o who_o as_o impa●ent_a as_o themselves_o be_v of_o all_o restraint_n ●re_n very_o angry_a that_o the_o conformable_a clergy_n be_v no_o more_o restrain_v that_o be_v ●n_a doctrinal_n who_o will_v have_v the_o ●hirty_o nine_o article_n more_o than_o nine_o ●nd_n forty_o and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a grieve_v that_o several_a point_n be_v so_o express_v as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o latitude_n of_o interpretation_n who_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o these_o man_n will_v be_v far_o more_o severe_a restrainer_n of_o liberty_n than_o those_o who_o they_o so_o complain_v of_o i_o say_v far_o more_o severe_a for_o there_o be_v