ineffectual_a instrument_n of_o uniformity_n because_o they_o have_v either_o be_v weaken_v through_o want_n of_o execution_n or_o in_o a_o manner_n cancel_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o civil_a constitution_n for_o when_o law_n be_v bind_v under_o severe_a penalty_n and_o when_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o crime_n have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o punish_v it_o or_o be_v perpetual_o check_v and_o control_v by_o a_o strong_a power_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o law_n be_v affront_v and_o despise_v and_o if_o instead_o of_o bring_v man_n mind_n to_o compliance_n and_o subjection_n they_o exasperate_v they_o into_o open_a contumacy_n restraint_n provoke_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o yet_o redress_n not_o the_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o grant_v a_o uncontrolled_a liberty_n by_o declare_v for_o it_o than_o after_o have_v declare_v against_o it_o to_o grant_v it_o by_o silence_n and_o impunity_n the_o prohibition_n disoblige_v dissenter_n and_o that_o be_v one_o evil_a and_o the_o impunity_n allow_v they_o toleration_n and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a and_o where_o governor_n permit_v what_o their_o law_n forbid_v there_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v at_o once_o lose_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o restraint_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o as_o they_o will_v expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a at_o first_o to_o bind_v on_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n with_o the_o straight_a knot_n and_o afterward_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o force_n and_o countenance_n by_o the_o severe_a execution_n in_o that_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a conscience_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v curb_v with_o a_o ordinary_a severity_n &_o therefore_o their_o restraint_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o unruliness_n and_o they_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o a_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n than_o all_o other_o principle_n of_o public_a disturbance_n by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o unruly_a §_o 8._o for_o if_o conscience_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o break_v down_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n and_o all_o man_n have_v licence_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o persuasion_n the_o mischief_n be_v infinite_a and_o the_o folly_n endless_a and_o they_o seldom_o cease_v to_o wander_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o all_o the_o whimsy_n and_o enormity_n that_o can_v debauch_v religion_n or_o annoy_v the_o public_a peace_n the_o giddy_a multitude_n be_v of_o a_o restless_a and_o straggle_a humour_n and_o yet_o withalso_fw-la ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o yet_o be_v any_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v a_o real_a liberty_n to_o man_n imagination_n that_o be_v not_o sudden_o overrun_v with_o numberless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o sect_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o the_o late_a confusion_n when_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o settlement_n how_o be_v sect_n build_v upon_o sect_n and_o church_n upon_o church_n till_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o folly_n that_o the_o usurper_n themselves_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o work_v their_o subversion_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagancy_n but_o by_o overturning_a their_o own_o foundation_n and_o check_v their_o growth_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n the_o humour_n of_o fanaticise_v be_v a_o boundless_a folly_n it_o know_v no_o restraint_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o governor_n it_o grow_v and_o increase_v without_o end_n or_o limit_n and_o never_o cease_v to_o swell_v itself_o till_o it_o have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o restraint_n of_o government_n thus_o when_o the_o disciplinarian_o have_v in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o peevish_a and_o unreasonable_a principle_n divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o upon_o a_o far_a improvement_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n subdivide_v from_o they_o every_o new_a opinion_n be_v enough_o to_o find_v a_o new_a church_n and_o sect_n be_v spawn_v out_o of_o sect_n till_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o family_n for_o when_o they_o be_v once_o part_v from_o the_o order_n &_o sobriety_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o nothing_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o wild_a and_o violent_a imagination_n §_o 9_o schismatic_n always_o run_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n in_o the_o church_n as_o rebel_n and_o seditious_a person_n do_v in_o the_o state_n who_o out_o of_o a_o hatred_n to_o tyranny_n be_v restless_a till_o they_o have_v dissolve_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o anarchy_n &_o confusion_n and_o because_o some_o kingly_a government_n have_v prove_v tyrannical_a will_v allow_v no_o free_a state_n but_o under_o republic_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o all_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o late_a usurper_n who_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o general_a that_o all_o government_n under_o a_o single_a person_n be_v slavish_a and_o oppressive_a without_o respect_n to_o its_o particular_a constitution_n and_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o sufficient_a preservation_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n notwithstanding_o that_o those_o who_o manage_v it_o be_v never_o so_o imperious_a and_o arbitrary_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o church_n dissenter_n out_o of_o abhorrency_n to_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o man_n understanding_n never_o think_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n sufficient_o secure_v till_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o her_o unreasonable_a imposition_n have_v invade_v the_o fundamental_a liberty_n of_o mankind_n they_o present_o conclude_v all_o restraint_n upon_o licentious_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n under_o the_o hate_a name_n of_o popery_n and_o some_o theological_a empiric_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o people_n head_n with_o this_o fond_a conceit_n that_o they_o will_v see_v no_o middle_a way_n between_o spiritual_a tyranny_n and_o spiritual_a anarchy_n and_o so_o brand_v all_o restraint_n of_o government_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v antichristian_a and_o never_o think_v themselves_o far_o enough_o from_o rome_n till_o they_o be_v wander_v as_o far_o as_o munster_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n be_v not_o so_o wild_a as_o to_o abolish_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o only_o remove_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v unjust_o usurp_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a seat_n and_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v clog_v christianity_n with_o too_o many_o garish_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o immediate_o strip_v her_o naked_a of_o all_o modest_a and_o decent_a ornament_n out_o of_o a_o overhot_a opposition_n to_o their_o too_o flaunt_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o only_o clothe_v she_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o church_n to_o preserve_v we_o sober_a between_o two_o such_o unreasonable_a extreme_n §_o 10._o but_o not_o to_o run_v too_o hasty_o into_o particular_a dispute_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a to_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o affair_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o government_n and_o than_o if_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n i_o shall_v demand_v whether_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o former_a than_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o supreme_a but_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o superior_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o rather_o what_o be_v equal_o absurd_a there_o will_v be_v two_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n for_o it_o the_o prince_n jurisdiction_n be_v limit_v to_o civil_a affair_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o government_n then_o may_v subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v impossible_a contradictory_n command_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n require_v he_o to_o defend_v his_o country_n against_o a_o invasion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n may_v command_v he_o to_o abandon_v its_o defence_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o a_o holy_a war_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n from_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n but_o see_v no_o man_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o contradictory_n obligation_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n
and_o such_o other_o irreligious_a debauchery_n if_o he_o may_v why_o then_o they_o be_v matter_n that_o as_o direct_o and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n as_o any_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o which_o they_o be_v as_o utter_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o more_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n it_o will_v equal_o deprive_v the_o magistrate_n of_o any_o power_n to_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o secular_a law_n and_o punishment_n because_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o do_v it_o especial_o when_o all_o matter_n of_o morality_n do_v as_o real_o belong_v to_o our_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o divine_a worship_n and_o affair_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o a_o right_a way_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o civil_a sword_n because_o this_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a concernment_n as_o be_v pretend_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o may_v he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o duty_n of_o morality_n because_o they_o also_o equal_o relate_v to_o their_o spiritual_a interest_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o both_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n viz._n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o due_a management_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o derive_v not_o therefore_o his_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n from_o any_o grant_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o from_o a_o antecedent_n right_a wherewith_o all_o sovereign_a power_n be_v endue_v before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o entrust_v prince_n with_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v vest_v they_o in_o at_o least_o as_o much_o power_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n §_o 15._o but_o further_a yet_o all_o the_o way_n our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o religion_n be_v prescribe_v to_o subject_n &_o not_o to_o governor_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o private_a person_n can_v have_v any_o power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v upon_o that_o very_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o private_a person_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o civil_a power_n but_o that_o no_o magistrate_n may_v do_v this_o will_v remain_v to_o be_v prove_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o express_a prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o restrain_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v but_o a_o strange_a rate_n of_o argue_v when_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o magistrate_n may_v not_o use_v any_o coercive_a power_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v forbid_v to_o their_o subject_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o subject_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o live_v in_o and_o so_o can_v neither_o use_v themselves_o nor_o impart_v to_o other_o any_o coercive_a power_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o prudent_a and_o peaceable_a method_n as_o be_v lawful_a for_o person_n in_o their_o condition_n to_o make_v use_n of_o i._n e._n humble_a entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n our_o saviour_n never_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o that_o score_n can_v not_o make_v penal_a and_o coercive_a law_n the_o power_n of_o coercion_n be_v so_o certain_o inseparable_a from_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n but_o though_o he_o back_v not_o his_o commandment_n with_o temporal_a punishment_n because_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o enforce_v they_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternity_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o more_o compulsion_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o any_o civil_a sanction_n can_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o punishment_n be_v annex_v to_o law_n be_v because_o they_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o savour_n tie_v his_o law_n upon_o mankind_n under_o eternal_a penalty_n he_o use_v as_o much_o force_n to_o drive_v we_o to_o obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v abet_v they_o with_o temporal_a infliction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o bind_v not_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o any_o secular_a compulsory_n be_v not_o because_o compulsion_n be_v a_o improper_a way_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o execution_n for_o than_o he_o have_v never_o establish_v they_o with_o more_o enforce_v sanction_n but_o only_o because_o himself_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o any_o secular_a power_n and_o so_o can_v not_o use_v those_o method_n of_o government_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o jurisdiction_n §_o 16._o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n or_o to_o force_v man_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o canon_n law_n and_o penalty_n they_o only_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n annex_v to_o they_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o declare_v and_o leave_v the_o event_n of_o their_o censure_n to_o the_o divine_a jurisdiction_n though_o alas_o all_o this_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n viz._n to_o reclaim_v the_o offend_a person_n and_o by_o example_n of_o his_o censure_n to_o awe_v other_o into_o obedience_n and_o can_v have_v but_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o notorious_a offender_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o drive_v one_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v already_o renounce_v it_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o deny_v he_o the_o instrument_n and_o ministry_n of_o religion_n that_o care_v not_o for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o their_o society_n that_o have_v already_o prevent_v they_o by_o forsake_v it_o how_o shall_v offender_n be_v reclaim_v by_o be_v condemn_v to_o what_o they_o choose_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v scare_v by_o threaten_n that_o they_o neither_o fear_v nor_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v apostate_n how_o can_v they_o be_v awe_v back_o into_o their_o faith_n by_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o spiritual_a government_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o because_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o those_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o coercive_a power_n it_o be_v wonderful_o remarkable_a how_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a providence_n and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o denounce_v that_o if_o their_o censure_n can_v not_o affright_v refractory_a offender_n into_o obedience_n his_o dreadful_a execution_n of_o they_o might_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a age_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o abet_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n by_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a infliction_n from_o heaven_n in_o those_o time_n torment_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o usual_a consequent_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o be_v as_o effectual_a to_o awe_v man_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n for_o this_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o anathema_n of_o the_o church_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o infliction_n criminal_n must_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o dread_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a penalty_n either_o of_o death_n as_o on_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n or_o of_o disease_n as_o on_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherewith_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o threaten_v to_o lash_v the_o factious_a corinthian_n into_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n thus_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o what_o will_v you_o shall_v i_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o a_o
peremptory_a soever_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v in_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o their_o supreme_a power_n in_o civil_a affair_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o seem_v modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n and_o dare_v scarce_o own_o their_o legislative_a power_n in_o religious_a affair_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o saucy_a pretence_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n one_o notorious_a instance_n whereof_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la the_o wednesday_n fast_o that_o be_v enjoin_v with_o this_o clause_n of_o exception_n that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n he_o shall_v be_v punish_v like_o the_o spreader_n of_o false_a news_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o late_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n a_o direct_a artifice_n to_o evacuate_v the_o whole_a law_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o argue_v all_o humane_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o man_n he_o that_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o law_n it_o shall_v have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o then_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n then_o to_o break_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n so_o that_o a_o law_n without_o such_o a_o intention_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o law_n which_o bind_v only_o if_o we_o please_v and_o we_o may_v obey_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o to_o so_o much_o we_o be_v tie_v before_o the_o constitution_n but_o then_o if_o by_o such_o a_o declaration_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o to_o keep_v such_o fasting-day_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o direct_a commandment_n from_o god_n that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o require_v they_o by_o himself_o immediate_o and_o so_o it_o be_v abstract_v from_o that_o law_n no_o duty_n evangelical_n it_o have_v be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n pretend_v it_o no_o man_n say_v it_o no_o man_n think_v it_o and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o law_n be_v none_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o matter_n indeed_o of_o this_o law_n be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o declaration_n annex_v to_o it_o prove_v of_o a_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n for_o when_o once_o the_o unruly_a conscience_n of_o the_o puritan_n be_v get_v loose_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o authority_n nothing_o can_v give_v check_n to_o their_o giddy_a and_o furious_a zeal_n but_o they_o soon_o break_v out_o into_o the_o most_o impudent_a affront_v and_o indignity_n against_o the_o law_n and_o run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o disloyal_a outrage_n against_o the_o state_n as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o cartwright_n goodman_n whittingham_n gilby_n whitehead_n travers_n and_o other_o lead_a rabbi_n of_o the_o holy_a faction_n who_o treatise_n be_v stuff_v with_o as_o rail_v spiteful_a and_o malicious_a speech_n both_o against_o their_o prince_n the_o clergy_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n as_o be_v ever_o public_o vent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o traitor_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o method_n of_o their_o polity_n it_o be_v plain_o no_o more_o than_o this_o first_o to_o reproach_v the_o church_n with_o infamous_a and_o abusive_a dialogue_n and_o then_o to_o libel_v the_o state_n with_o bitter_a and_o scurrilous_a pamphlet_n to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o dislike_n and_o jealousy_n about_o public_a affair_n whisper_v about_o reproachful_a and_o slanderous_a report_n inveigle_v the_o people_n with_o a_o thousand_o little_a and_o malicious_a story_n enter_v into_o secret_a league_n and_o confederacy_n foment_n discontent_n and_o sedition_n and_o in_o every_o straight_a and_o exigence_n of_o state_n threaten_v and_o beleaguer_v authority_n in_o fine_a the_o scope_n of_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v their_o party_n that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n with_o direction_n of_o their_o godly_a minister_n i._n e._n themselves_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violent_a and_o forcible_a course_n and_o whither_o this_o principle_n in_o process_n of_o time_n lead_v they_o the_o story_n be_v too_o long_o too_o sad_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o repeat_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o improve_v itself_o into_o the_o great_a villainy_n &_o conclude_v in_o the_o black_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v upon_o this_o island_n §_o 22._o well_o then_o to_o sum_n up_o the_o result_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o see_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n what_o a_o powerful_a influence_n religion_n have_v upon_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o kingdom_n that_o nothing_o so_o effectual_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o so_o easy_o work_v its_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n as_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_a administration_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o settlement_n that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n which_o because_o he_o can_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o power_n and_o conduct_n of_o religion_n its_o government_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v seat_v in_o he_o and_o none_o else_o so_o that_o those_o person_n who_o will_v exempt_v conscience_n and_o all_o religious_a matter_n from_o the_o prince_n power_n must_v make_v he_o either_o a_o tyrant_n or_o a_o impotent_a prince_n for_o if_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tie_v law_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o conscience_n then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n he_o usurp_v a_o unlawful_a dominion_n violate_v the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o invade_v the_o throne_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v then_o do_v he_o clear_o pass_v away_o the_o bige_a security_n of_o his_o government_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o villainy_n that_o can_v put_v on_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v any_o prince_n through_o unhappy_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o state_n be_v bring_v into_o such_o straits_n and_o exigence_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o headstrong_a inclination_n of_o his_o subject_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o raise_v such_o commotion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o perhaps_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o allay_v and_o so_o shall_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o to_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o fancy_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n yet_o unless_o he_o will_v divest_v himself_o of_o a_o more_o material_a and_o more_o necessary_a part_n of_o his_o authority_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v grant_v away_o his_o power_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o his_o prerogative_n of_o ratify_v all_o civil_a law_n unless_o i_o say_v he_o will_v thus_o hazard_v his_o crown_n and_o make_v himself_o too_o weak_a for_o government_n by_o renounce_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o must_v lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o person_n to_o who_o he_o grant_v this_o their_o religious_a freedom_n to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o govern_v all_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o be_v either_o conducive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o declaration_n they_o will_v but_o confess_v themselves_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o refuse_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v just_a power_n to_o impose_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o parallel_n between_o matter_n relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n moral_a virtue_n the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o a_o particular_a induction_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o mankind_n a_o scheme_n of_o religion_n reduce_v all_o its_o branch_n either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o
free_a grace_n and_o goodness_n in_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a concern_v for_o its_o propagation_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inspire_v its_o convert_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n when_o he_o compile_v a_o complete_a catalogue_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n reckon_v up_o only_o moral_a virtue_n gal._n 5._o 22._o love_n joy_n or_o cheerfulness_n peaceableness_n patience_n gentleness_n goodness_n faithfulness_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n and_o elsewhere_o titus_n 2._o 11._o the_o same_o apostle_n plain_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n temperance_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o justice_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n where_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n be_v comprehend_v in_o live_v godly_o which_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humble_a gratitude_n towards_o god_n sober_o which_o contain_v the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n chastity_n modesty_n and_o all_o other_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n righteous_o which_o imply_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n as_o affability_n courtesy_n meekness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n §_o 3._o so_o destructive_a of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a goodness_n be_v the_o very_a religion_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o set_v grace_n at_o odds_o with_o virtue_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v they_o the_o same_o that_o they_o make_v they_o inconsistent_a and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v exact_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a goodness_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o graceless_a person_n i._n e._n void_a of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a godliness_n he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o clean_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o his_o conversion_n be_v more_o hopeless_a than_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o the_o moral_o righteous_a man_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o grace_n than_o the_o profane_a and_o better_o be_v lewd_a and_o debauch_a than_o live_v a_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a life_n if_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o godly_a party_n bona_fw-la opera_fw-la sunt_fw-la perniciosa_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la say_v flaccus_n illiricus_fw-la moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_a let_v to_o conversion_n and_o the_o profane_v wretch_n make_v better_a saint_n than_o your_o moral_a formalist_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v bring_v into_o fashion_n a_o godliness_n without_o religion_n zeal_n without_o humanity_n and_o grace_n without_o good_a nature_n or_o good_a manner_n have_v find_v out_o in_o lieu_n of_o moral_a virtue_n a_o spiritual_a divinity_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o else_o but_o certain_a train_n and_o scheme_n of_o effeminate_a folly_n and_o illiterate_a enthusiasm_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o sober_a devotion_n a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o intimate_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n that_o in_o truth_n consist_v in_o little_a else_o but_o meet_v together_o in_o private_a to_o prate_v phrase_n make_v face_n and_o rail_v at_o carnal_a reason_n i._n e._n in_o their_o sense_n all_o sober_a and_o sincere_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n whereby_o they_o have_v effectual_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o unaccountable_a fancy_n and_o enthusiasm_n dress_v it_o up_o with_o pompous_a and_o empty_a scheme_n of_o speech_n and_o so_o embrace_v a_o few_o gawdy_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o most_o material_a difference_n between_o the_o sober_a christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o modern_a sectary_n that_o we_o express_v the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a term_n whilst_o they_o trifle_v they_o away_o by_o childish_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n and_o will_v not_o talk_v of_o religion_n but_o in_o barbarous_a and_o uncouth_a similitude_n and_o what_o be_v more_o the_o different_a subdivision_n among_o the_o sect_n themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o distinguish_v by_o any_o real_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n as_o by_o variety_n of_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a shibboleth_n of_o each_o tribe_n one_o party_n affect_v to_o lard_v their_o discourse_n with_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a similitude_n another_o delight_n to_o roll_n in_o wanton_a and_o lascivious_a allegory_n and_o a_o three_o be_v best_a please_v with_o odd_a unusual_a unitelligible_a and_o sometime_o blasphemous_a expression_n and_o whoever_o among_o they_o can_v invent_v any_o new_a language_n present_o set_v up_o for_o a_o man_n of_o new_a discovery_n and_o he_o that_o light_v upon_o the_o pretty_a nonsense_n be_v think_v by_o the_o ignorant_a rabble_n to_o unfold_v new_a gospel-mystery_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o nation_n shatter_v into_o infinite_a faction_n with_o senseless_a and_o fantastic_a phrase_n and_o the_o most_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o they_o all_o lie_v in_o abuse_v scripture-expression_n not_o only_o without_o but_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o have_v we_o but_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o abridge_v preacher_n the_o use_n of_o fulsome_a and_o luscious_a metaphor_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o effectual_a cure_n of_o all_o our_o present_a distemper_n let_v not_o the_o reader_n smile_v at_o the_o odness_n of_o the_o proposal_n for_o be_v man_n oblige_v to_o speak_v sense_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n all_o the_o swell_a mystery_n of_o fanaticism_n will_v immediate_o sink_v into_o flat_a and_o empty_a nonsense_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o jejune_n and_o ridiculous_a stuff_n as_o their_o admire_a and_o most_o profound_a notion_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v when_o they_o want_v the_o varnish_n of_o fine_a metaphor_n and_o glitter_a allusion_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n to_o unravel_v all_o their_o affect_a phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v like_o parrot_n to_o prate_v by_o rote_n without_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v it_o will_v be_v no_o unpleasant_a task_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o by_o they_o they_o either_o mean_v nothing_o at_o all_o or_o some_o part_n or_o instrument_n of_o moral_a virtue_n so_o that_o all_o religion_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v resolve_v into_o enthusiasm_n or_o morality_n the_o former_a be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v true_a must_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o whatever_o beside_o appertain_v to_o it_o must_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n such_o be_v prayer_n hear_v sermon_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o religious_a ordinance_n that_o have_v direct_o no_o other_o place_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v instrumental_a to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n §_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a then_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o material_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v law_n concern_v they_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n so_o that_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v and_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n in_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o when_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v avowed_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n that_o yet_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impatient_a to_o exempt_v its_o mean_n and_o subordinate_a instrument_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n what_o reason_n can_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n assign_v to_o restrain_v it_o from_o one_o that_o will_v not_o much_o more_o restrain_v it_o from_o both_o be_v not_o the_o right_a practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n as_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o wrong_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o licentious_a debauchery_n be_v not_o the_o rude_a multitude_n more_o incline_v to_o disturb_v government_n by_o superstition_n than_o by_o licentiousness_n and_o be_v there_o not_o vast_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n err_v in_o matter_n of_o morality_n than_o in_o form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n in_o that_o those_o be_v the_o main_a essential_a and_o ultimate_a duty_n of_o religion_n whereas_o these_o be_v at_o high_a but_o their_o instrument_n and_o can_v challenge_v no_o other_o place_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o purpose_n of_o morality_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o still_o more_o
a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o other_o of_o a_o transient_a and_o changeable_a obligation_n thus_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a every_o rational_a creature_n shall_v make_v return_n of_o gratitude_n to_o its_o creator_n from_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v restrain_v it_o but_o then_o for_o the_o outward_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o duty_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n good_a or_o evil_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o different_a nation_n unless_o in_o the_o two_o forementioned_a case_n that_o they_o either_o countenance_n vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o ritual_n ceremony_n posture_n &_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n that_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o ministery_n of_o divine_a service_n or_o exempt_v they_o from_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o thus_o the_o parallel_n hold_v in_o all_o case_n between_o the_o secondary_a and_o emergent_a law_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o subordinate_a and_o instrumental_a rule_n of_o worship_n they_o both_o equal_o pass_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o man_n to_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v unless_o they_o direct_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o now_o from_o this_o more_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o agreement_n between_o matter_n of_o mere_a worship_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o morality_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o may_v proceed_v by_o some_o more_o particular_a account_n to_o discover_v how_o his_o dominion_n over_o both_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n and_o restrain_v within_o the_o same_o bound_n and_o measure_n and_o that_o in_o what_o case_n soever_o he_o may_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n in_o all_o the_o same_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o same_o power_n in_o concern_v of_o religious_a worship_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o what_o case_n his_o power_n over_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v restrain_v in_o all_o the_o same_o be_v it_o limit_v as_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n whence_o it_o must_v appear_v with_o a_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o man_n right_a to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o to_o all_o case_n nicety_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o may_v as_o rational_o challenge_v a_o freedom_n from_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n as_o from_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o that_o to_o grant_v it_o in_o either_o be_v equal_o destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n and_o equal_o tend_v to_o reduce_v all_o society_n to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n chap._n iii_o a_o more_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o matter_n of_o mere_a conscience_n the_o content_n mankind_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n over_o all_o their_o action_n whether_o moral_a or_o strict_o religious_a as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v their_o judgement_n but_o not_o their_o practice_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a liberty_n it_o relate_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o not_o to_o our_o action_n it_o may_v be_v preserve_v inviolable_a under_o outward_a restraint_n christian_n liberty_n consist_v proper_o in_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o its_o natural_a privilege_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o substantial_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n external_n worship_n be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n sacrifice_n the_o most_o ancient_a expression_n of_o outward_a worship_n be_v pure_o of_o humane_a institution_n though_o their_o be_v expiatory_a depend_v upon_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n yet_o their_o most_o proper_a and_o original_a use_n viz._n to_o express_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o men._n of_o their_o first_o original_a among_o the_o heathen_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n prescribe_v the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o disposal_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o the_o power_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o impertinency_n of_o man_n clamour_n against_o significant_a ceremony_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o ceremony_n to_o be_v significant_a the_o signification_n of_o all_o ceremony_n equal_o arbitrary_a the_o signification_n of_o ceremony_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o word_n and_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o §_o 1._o first_o then_o let_v all_o matter_n of_o mere_a conscience_n whether_o pure_o moral_a or_o religious_a be_v subject_a to_o conscience_n mere_o i._n e._n let_v man_n think_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o judgement_n against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n within_o its_o own_o dominion_n its_o kingdom_n be_v intellectual_a and_o seat_v in_o the_o thought_n not_o action_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o humane_a power_n do_v or_o can_v prescribe_v to_o any_o man_n opinion_n and_o secret_a thought_n but_o man_n will_v think_v as_o they_o please_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o decree_n and_o the_o understanding_n will_v remain_v free_a when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v bind_v and_o this_o sovereignty_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o entrenchment_n upon_o that_o of_o prince_n because_o it_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o their_o affair_n and_o give_v no_o restraint_n to_o their_o command_a power_n over_o the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o mere_a opinion_n whilst_o such_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o humane_a society_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o our_o thought_n be_v secret_a and_o lock_v up_o within_o our_o own_o breast_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o as_o for_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v within_o the_o territory_n of_o mere_a conscience_n but_o come_v forth_o into_o outward_a action_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o society_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o come_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o humane_a power_n because_o by_o these_o society_n subsist_v and_o humane_a affair_n be_v transact_v and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v those_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mankind_n to_o govern_v and_o manage_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a good_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n when_o man_n plead_v with_o so_o much_o noise_n and_o clamour_n for_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n of_o conscience_n and_o apparent_o invade_v or_o infringe_v the_o magistrate_n power_n by_o submit_v its_o command_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o subject_n conscience_n because_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v so_o far_o from_o invade_v its_o proper_a liberty_n that_o they_o can_v reach_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o that_o part_n of_o man_n of_o who_o transaction_n the_o civil_a power_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o man_n outward_a action_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o their_o law_n whereas_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o confine_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o whilst_o conscience_n act_v within_o its_o proper_a sphere_n that_o civil_a power_n be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o violence_n that_o it_o never_o can_v but_o when_o this_o great_a and_o imperious_a faculty_n pass_v beyond_o its_o own_o peculiar_a bound_n and_o will_v invade_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n by_o exercise_v a_o unaccountable_a dominion_n within_o his_o territory_n or_o by_o vent_v such_o wild_a opinion_n among_o his_o subject_n as_o he_o apprehend_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n then_o do_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o give_v check_n to_o its_o proceed_n as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o invasion_n for_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a good_a be_v his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o interest_n it_o can_v but_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o restrain_v or_o permit_v action_n as_o they_o be_v conducible_a to_o that_o end_n mankind_n therefore_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a right_n to_o liberty_n of_o
conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n i._n e._n a_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n but_o not_o of_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o inviolable_a freedom_n to_o examine_v the_o goodness_n of_o all_o law_n moral_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n and_o all_o outward_a action_n either_o of_o virtue_n or_o devotion_n they_o be_v equal_o governable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o man_n may_v with_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o reason_n challenge_v a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o common_a honesty_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o they_o plead_v a_o liberty_n from_o all_o authority_n in_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n because_o they_o have_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n in_o both_o but_o of_o practice_n in_o neither_o §_o 2._o and_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v found_v the_o duty_n or_o rather_o privilege_n of_o christian_n liberty_n viz._n to_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o a_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o humane_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v so_o high_o solicitous_a not_o to_o have_v it_o far_o restrain_v than_o needs_o must_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o pure_a speculation_n it_o leave_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n entire_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v usurp_v upon_o by_o any_o authority_n whatsoever_o and_o whatsoever_o opinion_n any_o man_n entertain_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o injure_v no_o man_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o commence_v any_o quarrel_n with_o he_o for_o it_o every_o man_n here_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o other_o and_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n have_v no_o reference_n to_o the_o public_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o public_a judgement_n to_o determine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o those_o action_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a good_a or_o ill_a of_o mankind_n though_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a law_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v far_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o have_v grant_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o power_n over_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n it_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o exercise_v any_o authority_n over_o their_o judgement_n but_o leave_v they_o utter_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v object_n of_o mere_a opinion_n and_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o hence_o though_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lawful_a superior_n may_v change_v indifferent_a thing_n into_o necessary_a duty_n yet_o they_o can_v restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o judge_a thing_n thus_o determine_v to_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o do_v they_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o any_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o superven_a command_n of_o authority_n to_o which_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o that_o christian_a liberty_n or_o the_o inward_a freedom_n of_o our_o judgement_n may_v be_v preserve_v inviolable_a under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o be_v outward_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o action_n not_o judgement_n of_o man_n because_o the_o outward_a determination_n to_o one_o particular_a rather_o than_o another_o do_v not_o abrogate_v the_o inward_a indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o either_o from_o some_o emergent_a and_o changeable_a circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n or_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o absolute_a indispensableness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n therefore_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o christian_a liberty_n relate_v only_o to_o our_o inward_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o provide_v this_o be_v keep_v inviolate_a it_o matter_n not_o as_o to_o that_o concern_v what_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o our_o cutward_a action_n in_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_v our_o conscience_n from_o the_o power_n of_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o from_o that_o of_o government_n we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o matter_n but_o not_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o obey_v the_o determination_n of_o our_o superior_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o retain_v the_o power_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o be_v still_o free_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n though_o not_o as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n §_o 3._o neither_o be_v this_o prerogative_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n so_o much_o any_o new_a favour_n grant_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o its_o natural_a privilege_n by_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereby_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o as_o indispensable_a a_o obligation_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a goodness_n &_o equity_n during_o the_o whole_a period_n of_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n which_o be_v cancel_v by_o the_o gospel_n those_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v make_v necessary_a by_o a_o divine_a positive_a command_n return_v to_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v or_o omit_v only_o as_o occasion_n shall_v direct_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a a_o assertor_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n never_o scruple_v to_o use_v they_o when_o ever_o he_o think_v it_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o circumcision_n of_o timothy_n to_o which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v condescend_v out_o of_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_n to_o do_v it_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n shall_v direct_v he_o and_o though_o in_o his_o discourse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n he_o instance_n only_o in_o circumcision_n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a ordinance_n which_o be_v then_o the_o particular_n most_o in_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o jew_n yet_o by_o the_o clear_a analogy_n of_o reason_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o judicial_a law_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n command_v by_o moses_n that_o be_v not_o either_o rule_n of_o eternal_a goodness_n or_o express_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v its_o clear_a and_o most_o important_a design_n to_o reprieve_v mankind_n from_o all_o the_o burdensome_a and_o arbitrary_a imposition_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o goodness_n than_o their_o be_v instance_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o tie_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o we_o than_o such_o who_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a goodness_n shall_v carry_v with_o they_o their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o our_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o whether_o in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o morality_n it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o entrenchment_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o impose_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o §_o 4._o now_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v upon_o this_o article_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o show_v the_o manifest_a impertinency_n of_o all_o those_o little_a objection_n man_n force_v from_o it_o against_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o religion_n whereas_o this_o relate_v entire_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o withal_o my_o purpose_n be_v main_o by_o exempt_n all_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o
war._n it_o enervate_v all_o its_o own_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o sound_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n upon_o mere_a self-interest_n which_o false_a and_o absurd_a principle_n be_v remove_v all_o that_o be_v base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o the_o whole_a hypothesis_n be_v utter_o cashier_v §_o 1._o when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v apparent_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v here_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n no_o circumstance_n can_v alter_v the_o rule_n of_o prime_n and_o essential_a rectitude_n their_o goodness_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o in_o all_o such_o action_n disobedience_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o it_o become_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n where_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o a_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n no_o positive_a humane_a law_n can_v take_v off_o its_o morality_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o repugnant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n &_o by_o consequence_n as_o unchangeable_a as_o that_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o providence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o law_n can_v no_o more_o bind_v than_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v command_v a_o man_n to_o murder_v his_o father_n or_o to_o ravish_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o all_o such_o law_n be_v antecedent_o rescind_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o more_o indispensable_a obligation_n and_o thus_o have_v every_o man_n a_o natural_a right_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o no_o authority_n whatsoever_o can_v deny_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o act_v virtuous_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a tyranny_n and_o injustice_n not_o so_o much_o because_o subject_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n on_o earth_n as_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n and_o they_o be_v only_o then_o excuse_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_n when_o they_o can_v give_v it_o without_o rebellion_n against_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o original_o any_o right_n of_o their_o own_o that_o exempt_v they_o from_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v pure_o god_n right_a of_o govern_v his_o own_o creature_n that_o magistrate_n than_o invade_v when_o they_o make_v edict_n to_o violate_v or_o control_v his_o law_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v off_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o humane_a law_n instead_o of_o make_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n supreme_a absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a they_o utter_o enervate_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o set_v their_o subject_n at_o perfect_a liberty_n from_o all_o their_o command_n for_o if_o we_o once_o remove_v all_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n man_n will_v be_v no_o further_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n than_o only_o as_o themselves_o shall_v see_v convenient_a and_o if_o they_o be_v under_o no_o other_o restraint_n it_o will_v be_v their_o wisdom_n to_o rebel_v as_o oft_o as_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n in_o that_o the_o law_n of_o superior_n pass_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n they_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v under_o any_o strong_a engagement_n to_o subjection_n than_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o penalty_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n may_v despise_v its_o obligation_n whenever_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o escape_v its_o punishment_n now_o how_o must_v this_o weaken_v the_o power_n and_o supplant_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n if_o every_o subject_a may_v despise_v their_o law_n or_o invade_v their_o sovereignty_n whenever_o he_o can_v hope_v to_o build_v his_o own_o fortune_n upon_o their_o ruin_n how_o will_v it_o expose_v their_o sceptre_n to_o the_o continual_a attempt_n of_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n when_o every_o one_o that_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o his_o prince_n hand_n have_v right_o and_o title_n enough_o to_o hold_v it_o what_o security_n can_v prince_n have_v of_o their_o subject_n loyalty_n that_o will_v own_v their_o power_n as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o interest_n and_o when_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o call_v it_o tyranny_n how_o shall_v they_o ever_o be_v secure_v by_o any_o promise_n oath_n and_o covenant_n of_o allegiance_n that_o have_v no_o other_o band_n but_o self-security_n or_o hope_v of_o exemption_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n will_v not_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n and_o compact_n leave_v they_o in_o as_o insecure_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o find_v they_o in_o in_o that_o self-advantage_n will_v have_v keep_v their_o subject_n loyal_a and_o obedient_a without_o oath_n and_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v it_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v add_v no_o new_a obligation_n to_o that_o of_o interest_n for_o if_o to_o perform_v their_o covenant_n be_v advantageous_a they_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n without_o the_o oath_n as_o much_o as_o with_o it_o if_o disadvantageous_a no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v they_o in_o that_o interest_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o only_a enforcement_n of_o all_o their_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o when_o that_o tie_n happen_v to_o cease_v their_o obligation_n become_v null_a and_o void_a and_o they_o may_v observe_v they_o if_o they_o please_v and_o if_o they_o please_v break_v they_o §_o 2._o but_o the_o vanity_n and_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o opinion_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o discover_v the_o lamentable_a foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o that_o be_v a_o late_a wild_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o state_n and_o posture_n of_o war_n of_o every_o man_n against_o every_o man_n in_o that_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o equality_n they_o have_v all_o a_o equal_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o all_o can_v enjoy_v all_o hence_o every_o man_n become_v a_o enemy_n to_o every_o man_n in_o which_o state_n of_o hostility_n there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o secure_v himself_o so_o reasonable_a as_o anticipation_n that_o be_v by_o force_n or_o wiles_n to_o master_v the_o person_n of_o all_o man_n he_o can_v till_o he_o see_v no_o other_o power_n great_a enough_o to_o endanger_v himself_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o contrive_v in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o security_n one_o another_o destruction_n but_o because_o in_o this_o condition_n mankind_n must_v for_o ever_o groan_v under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n therefore_o they_o have_v wise_o choose_v by_o mutual_a consent_n to_o enter_v into_o contract_n and_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n in_o which_o every_o man_n have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o security_n be_v content_a to_o relinquish_v his_o natural_a and_o unlimited_a right_n to_o every_o thing_n and_o hereby_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n in_o which_o every_o man_n engage_v by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o public_a law_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o private_a safety_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o right_n or_o wrong_a antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o all_o man_n be_v at_o absolute_a liberty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o how_o cruel_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o one_o another_o they_o can_v never_o be_v injurious_a there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o what_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o which_o all_o its_o member_n covenant_n to_o submit_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o odd_a as_o it_o be_v be_v become_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o modern_a politic_n by_o which_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o real_a law_n of_o wisdom_n and_o subtlety_n must_v square_v their_o action_n and_o therefore_o be_v swallow_v down_o with_o as_o much_o greediness_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o wild_a and_o giddy_a people_n of_o the_o age._n and_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o fop_n and_o raw-brained_a fellow_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o complexion_n of_o humane_a nature_n now_o it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a
word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o four_o gospel_n leviath_n p._n 3._o c._n 33._o for_o if_o sovereign_n in_o their_o own_o dominion_n be_v the_o sole_a legislator_n than_o those_o book_n only_o be_v canonical_a that_o be_v law_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v in_o reality_n nothing_o but_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o at_o best_a but_o so_o many_o tale_n of_o imaginary_a and_o invisible_a power_n public_o allow_v and_o encourage_v to_o awe_v the_o common_a people_n to_o obedience_n leviath_n p._n 1._o c._n 12._o who_o be_v betray_v into_o it_o by_o these_o four_o folly_n a_o false_a opinion_n of_o ghost_n and_o immaterial_a substance_n that_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v ignorance_n of_o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n groundless_o fear_v and_o mistake_v thing_n casual_a for_o divine_a prognostic_n in_o brief_a all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cheat_n of_o policy_n and_o be_v at_o first_o invent_v by_o the_o founder_n and_o legislator_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o they_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o credulous_a rabble_n for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o though_o prince_n may_v wise_o make_v use_n of_o the_o fable_n of_o religion_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n upon_o the_o silly_a multitude_n yet_o it_o be_v below_o their_o wisdom_n to_o be_v serious_o concern_v themselves_o for_o such_o foolery_n so_o that_o provide_v their_o subject_n will_v befool_v themselves_o with_o any_o one_o imposture_n it_o be_v not_o material_a which_o they_o single_v out_o in_o that_o all_o religion_n equal_o oblige_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o invisible_a power_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o design_n of_o policy_n and_o as_o long_o as_o a_o prince_n can_v keep_v up_o any_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n it_o be_v no_o policy_n to_o disoblige_v and_o exasperate_v any_o of_o they_o by_o interess_v his_o power_n for_o one_o party_n more_o than_o another_o and_o by_o force_v all_o other_o sect_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n to_o conform_v their_o belief_n to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o one_o faction_n but_o rather_o to_o endear_v they_o all_o to_o himself_o by_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o different_a folly_n and_o so_o he_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n secure_v his_o government_n by_o abuse_v all_o and_o yet_o disoblige_v none_o §_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n large_o to_o examine_v &_o refute_v these_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a pretence_n by_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v only_o let_v i_o observe_v that_o this_o discourse_n lie_v under_o no_o less_o prejudice_n than_o this_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v all_o these_o man_n policy_n false_a but_o wave_v this_o too_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o only_o to_o discover_v of_o what_o noisome_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n such_o principle_n be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o imposture_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v without_o remind_v the_o reader_n how_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v this_o objection_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n when_o i_o show_v what_o good_a or_o bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o state_n man_n persuasion_n about_o religion_n have_v by_o these_o four_o ensue_a consideration_n first_o then_o methinks_v his_o majesty_n be_v bind_v to_o con_v these_o man_n thanks_o for_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n suspect_v and_o to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v false_a whereby_o they_o effectual_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o best_a security_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o strong_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n there_o be_v for_o certain_a nothing_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o reverence_n of_o government_n the_o peace_n of_o society_n and_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o only_o support_v of_o government_n without_o it_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_o weak_a and_o precarious_a and_o lie_v always_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o subject_n passion_n and_o private_a interest_n for_o when_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n be_v cashier_v man_n can_v have_v no_o high_a inducement_n to_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o private_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o then_o wherever_o these_o happen_v to_o fail_v and_o interest_n and_o advantage_n invite_v to_o disobedience_n man_n may_v do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o have_v power_n to_o shake_v off_o authority_n they_o have_v right_a too_o and_o a_o prosperous_a usurper_n shall_v have_v as_o fair_a a_o title_n to_o his_o crown_n as_o the_o most_o lawful_a prince_n all_o government_n will_v be_v found_v upon_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o king_n nothing_o but_o terrible_a man_n with_o long_a sword_n but_o when_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n be_v superinduce_v upon_o those_o of_o secular_a interest_n this_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o secure_v they_o as_o much_o from_o the_o very_a thought_n as_o attempt_n of_o treason_n for_o nothing_o so_o strong_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o so_o authoritative_o command_v their_o passion_n and_o inclination_n as_o religion_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o fear_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o considerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o rude_a sort_n so_o vehement_a as_o those_o of_o hell_n nor_o hope_n so_o active_a as_o those_o of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n of_o religion_n be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a sanction_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v infinite_o more_o force_n to_o awe_n or_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o compliance_n than_o any_o secular_a interest_n whereas_o those_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o above_o the_o folly_n of_o conscience_n and_o either_o believe_v or_o regard_v not_o the_o evil_n threaten_v hereafter_o a_o attainment_n to_o which_o these_o our_o modern_a politician_n do_v not_o blush_v to_o pretend_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o odd_a piece_n of_o policy_n open_o to_o own_o and_o proclaim_v it_o must_v make_v their_o present_a interest_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o obligation_n to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a superior_n in_o what_o they_o command_v than_o they_o have_v to_o disobey_v they_o viz._n their_o own_o security_n and_o self-preservation_n whereas_o if_o these_o man_n live_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o religion_n and_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o under_o the_o threaten_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n their_o loyalty_n will_v be_v tie_v upon_o they_o by_o all_o that_o man_n can_v either_o hope_v or_o fear_n and_o they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o engagement_n to_o obedience_n that_o the_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o dependence_n upon_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o nothing_o be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o secure_a obedience_n but_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n if_o all_o humane_a law_n have_v their_o main_a force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n if_o oath_n promise_n and_o covenant_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o whereby_o civil_a society_n be_v uphold_v be_v make_v firm_a by_o nothing_o but_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n then_o let_v authority_n judge_v how_o much_o it_o be_v behold_v to_o those_o man_n who_o labour_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o public_a disreputation_n and_o to_o possess_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n whereby_o they_o not_o only_o set_v they_o loose_v from_o their_o authority_n but_o enrage_v they_o against_o it_o by_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o that_o the_o magistrate_n build_v his_o dominion_n upon_o their_o folly_n and_o simplicity_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o hateful_a to_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o that_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n they_o be_v apparent_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o §_o 3._o but_o second_o nothing_o more_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n than_o to_o
apprehend_v that_o way_n now_o establish_v by_o law_n defective_a and_o superstitious_a they_o can_v but_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o endeavour_v its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o subversion_n which_o design_n when_o they_o have_v once_o compass_v they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o as_o they_o do_v of_o we_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o weapon_n upon_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n contrive_v each_o other_o destruction_n as_o they_o do_v we_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v eternal_o tear_v with_o intestine_a quarrel_n and_o commotion_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o wise_a again_o as_o to_o suppress_v all_o party_n but_o one_o that_o be_v till_o it_o return_v to_o that_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o whence_o it_o part_v by_o toleration_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vulgar_o observable_a than_o that_o though_o all_o party_n whilst_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o more_o prevail_a interest_n have_v cry_v up_o toleration_n as_o the_o most_o effectual_a instrument_n to_o shake_v and_o dissettle_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o thing_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o soon_o effect_v their_o design_n than_o they_o have_v immediate_o put_v in_o to_o scramble_v for_o the_o supremacy_n themselves_o which_o if_o they_o once_o obtain_v they_o have_v ever_o use_v with_o as_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n upon_o all_o dissenter_n as_o they_o ever_o feel_v themselves_o so_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n much_o resemble_v that_o of_o community_n of_o good_n for_o as_o those_o man_n cry_v up_o equality_n of_o estate_n as_o a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o justice_n that_o have_v but_o a_o small_a share_n themselves_o yet_o whenever_o their_o pretence_n succeed_v and_o they_o have_v advance_v their_o own_o fortune_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v then_o cry_v it_o down_o and_o oppress_v their_o inferior_n with_o more_o cruelty_n than_o ever_o themselves_o feel_v whilst_o in_o a_o low_a station_n so_o do_v those_o who_o private_a persuasion_n happen_v to_o cross_v the_o public_a law_n easy_o pretend_v to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n one_o must_v yield_v and_o because_o their_o stubborn_a zeal_n scorn_v to_o bend_v to_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n these_o must_v be_v force_v to_o give_v place_n to_o that_o so_o that_o when_o conscience_n and_o authority_n happen_v to_o encounter_v all_o the_o dispute_n be_v which_o shall_v have_v most_o force_n in_o public_a law_n whether_o my_o own_o or_o my_o prince_n opinion_n but_o how_o plausible_o soever_o this_o notion_n may_v be_v plead_v by_o man_n out_o of_o power_n it_o be_v ever_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o it_o when_o oppress_v be_v always_o the_o great_a zealot_n against_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v mount_v themselves_o into_o power_n as_o well_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a engine_n to_o overturn_v any_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v reformation_n man_n will_v have_v and_o not_o indulgence_n which_o they_o only_o seek_v to_o gain_v ground_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o mine_n and_o plant_v of_o their_o engine_n to_o subvert_v the_o establish_a state_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o demand_v wherefore_o they_o will_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o their_o dissension_n from_o our_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o answer_v because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o it_o in_o conscience_n i._n e._n because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o sinful_a for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v think_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o intolerable_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n to_o create_v faction_n and_o division_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n when_o they_o may_v avoid_v it_o without_o any_o violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o if_o they_o apprehend_v our_o way_n of_o worship_n upon_o any_o account_n sinful_a then_o be_v they_o plain_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o root_v it_o out_o as_o displease_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o its_o stead_n to_o plant_v and_o establish_v their_o own_o and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o principle_n let_v magistrate_n consider_v how_o fatal_a and_o hazardous_a alteration_n in_o religion_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o can_v pluck_v a_o pin_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o state_n immediate_o shake_v and_o totter_v and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v their_o subject_n the_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o innovate_a in_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v if_o they_o allow_v they_o their_o pretence_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o do_v but_o give_v they_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a popular_a commotion_n and_o disturbance_n sect._n 7._o four_o a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o public_a profession_n can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o party_n perhaps_o when_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o law_n under_o which_o they_o have_v smart_v a_o while_n be_v at_o first_o relax_v this_o indeed_o they_o may_v at_o present_a take_v for_o a_o kindness_n because_o it_o be_v real_o a_o favour_n in_o comparison_n to_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o remain_v fresh_a upon_o their_o mind_n it_o may_v possible_o affect_v they_o with_o some_o grateful_a resentment_n but_o alas_o these_o affection_n quick_o vanish_v and_o then_o what_o before_o be_v favour_n be_v now_o become_v justice_n and_o their_o prince_n do_v but_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o just_a and_o lawful_a right_n when_o he_o take_v off_o his_o tyrannical_a law_n and_o imposition_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o best_a subject_n while_o those_o unjust_a law_n be_v in_o force_n he_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o cancel_v they_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v only_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v no_o favour_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o obligation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a all_o the_o dissent_v party_n he_o permit_v and_o do_v not_o countenance_n he_o disoblige_v be_v this_o all_o the_o kindness_n say_v they_o he_o can_v afford_v the_o godly_a not_o to_o persecute_v they_o by_o law_n and_o force_n to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n be_v we_o behold_v to_o he_o bare_o for_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v in_o our_o native_a soil_n and_o enjoy_v only_o our_o fundamental_a privilege_n be_v this_o all_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n we_o deserve_v be_v not_o we_o the_o pray_v and_o serious_a people_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o who_o sake_n only_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o stay_v among_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o we_o will_v he_o not_o perfect_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v it_o and_o be_v this_o all_o our_o requital_n to_o be_v thus_o slight_v and_o thus_o despise_v only_o for_o our_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o public_a by_o that_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o have_v in_o he_o to_o keep_v he_o among_o we_o whilst_o vain_a and_o useless_a person_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v with_o all_o place_n of_o office_n and_o employment_n these_o be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o scorn_v and_o disrespect_a especial_o when_o flush_v with_o any_o conceit_n and_o high_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o godliness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o godly_a party_n not_o to_o be_v uppermost_a be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v persecution_n for_o nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o all_o man_n entertain_v the_o best_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o party_n otherwise_o they_o have_v never_o enroll_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o state_n value_v they_o not_o at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o they_o do_v themselves_o they_o be_v scorn_v and_o injure_v because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o favour_n and_o countenance_n they_o deserve_v and_o so_o unless_o they_o have_v public_a encouragement_n as_o well_o as_o indulgence_n they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v discontent_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o due_n and_o if_o the_o prince_n do_v not_o espouse_v their_o party_n he_o undervalue_v and_o consequent_o disgust_n they_o and_o if_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_v some_o profession_n he_o do_v not_o only_o disoblige_v but_o alienate_v their_o affection_n by_o embrace_v a_o interest_n they_o both_o hate_n and_o scorn_n for_o wherever_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v opposition_n too_o because_o man_n will_v never_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o but_o upon_o ground_n of_o real_a dislike_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o contrary_a in_o those_o difference_n
and_o occasional_a whereas_o those_o of_o obedience_n be_v of_o a_o prime_n absolute_a and_o eternal_a necessity_n prince_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o lieutenant_n here_o on_o earth_n he_o ve_v they_o with_o their_o power_n and_o by_o his_o own_o law_n bind_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o though_o their_o decree_n pass_v no_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o the_o divine_a law_n direct_o and_o immediate_o bind_v their_o conscience_n to_o obey_v they_o and_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o same_o penalty_n to_o disobedience_n to_o their_o law_n as_o to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n because_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a command_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o duty_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n that_o be_v of_o compliance_n with_o my_o neighbour_n weakness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v that_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n it_o be_v so_o too_o to_o take_v off_o the_o immediate_a obligation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o when_o these_o two_o the_o public_a command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a and_o the_o private_a offence_n of_o a_o honest_a neighbour_n countermand_v each_o other_o if_o the_o latter_a prevail_v then_o may_v it_o forbid_v what_o god_n have_v make_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n more_o severe_a and_o peremptory_a than_o those_o that_o command_v obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o may_v decline_v this_o duty_n only_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n why_o not_o any_o why_o not_o all_o this_o then_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o must_v be_v do_v and_o as_o for_o all_o its_o casual_a and_o equivocal_a event_n no_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v to_o provide_v against_o they_o and_o if_o other_o man_n will_v be_v offend_v because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n that_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o i_o and_o better_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n than_o the_o author_n of_o my_o own_o no_o man_n folly_n or_o ignorance_n can_v cancel_v my_o obligation_n to_o god_n or_o god_n vicegerent_n and_o in_o all_o case_n where_o there_o be_v any_o competition_n between_o scandal_n and_o a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o lawful_a authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o difficulty_n to_o be_v resolve_v than_o whether_o i_o shall_v disobey_v god_n or_o displease_v my_o foolish_a neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v one_o will_v think_v past_o all_o dispute_n that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v positive_o determine_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o duty_n the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n in_o that_o particular_a be_v not_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n leave_v to_o any_o man_n choice_n and_o prudence_n as_o all_o matter_n of_o scandal_n be_v but_o it_o must_v become_v in_o all_o case_n and_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o a_o duty_n of_o a_o precise_a absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o certain_o god_n have_v make_v but_o odd_a provision_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v allow_v one_o subject_a for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o lawful_a superior_n and_o permit_v they_o the_o liberty_n to_o disobey_v the_o command_n of_o governor_n rather_o than_o displease_v one_o another_o for_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o end_v in_o a_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n &_o devolve_v the_o supremacy_n entire_o upon_o every_o private_a man_n that_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o weak_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n for_o if_o scandal_n to_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o rescind_v the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n than_o whoever_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o weak_a conscience_n gain_v thereby_o a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o all_o his_o superior_n and_o ve_v himself_o with_o a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o evacuate_v their_o command_n so_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o pretence_n put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o peevish_a or_o malevolent_a person_n to_o cancel_v all_o the_o decree_n of_o prince_n and_o make_v his_o own_o humour_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o polity_n and_o law_n of_o government_n and_o become_v superior_a to_o his_o own_o superior_n only_a by_o be_v ignorant_a or_o peevish_a how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v authority_n more_o cheap_a and_o contemptible_a if_o man_n will_v study_v to_o weaken_v and_o disgrace_v it_o than_o by_o make_v its_o command_n of_o less_o force_n than_o the_o folly_n or_o perverseness_n of_o every_o arrogant_a mechanic_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n than_o to_o make_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n less_o sacred_a than_o the_o whimsy_n of_o every_o fantastic_a zealot_n in_o brief_a the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o honest_a man_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v mighty_a well_o secure_v when_o disobedience_n shall_v be_v think_v the_o product_n of_o a_o more_o exact_a and_o tender_a conscience_n when_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o law_n and_o make_v scruple_n of_o obey_v they_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o specific_a character_n of_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o when_o giddy_a and_o humorous_a zeal_n shall_v not_o only_o excuse_v but_o hallow_v disobedience_n when_o every_o one_o that_o have_v pride_n enough_o to_o fancy_v himself_o a_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v licence_n to_o despise_v authority_n and_o do_v as_o he_o list_v what_o a_o irresistible_a temptation_n be_v this_o to_o proud_a and_o zealous_a enthusiast_n to_o affect_v be_v troublesome_a to_o government_n and_o disobedient_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n when_o it_o shall_v pass_v for_o the_o result_n of_o a_o more_o extraordinary_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n what_o encouragement_n can_v man_n have_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n when_o to_o dispute_v and_o dislike_v their_o law_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o great_a holiness_n and_o a_o more_o exact_a integrity_n and_o what_o a_o resistless_a inducement_n be_v this_o to_o all_o proud_a and_o fantastic_a zealot_n to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n if_o thereby_o they_o may_v gain_v the_o renown_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o more_o conspicuous_a godliness_n if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v how_o fatal_o and_o unavoidable_o they_o lead_v to_o anarchy_n and_o a_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n which_o mischief_n as_o be_v notorious_o apparent_a from_o the_o premise_n all_o the_o world_n can_v never_o prevent_v if_o the_o scandal_n of_o private_a man_n may_v ever_o dispense_v with_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a law_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o tender_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n the_o absurdity_n of_o plead_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n the_o content_n this_o pretence_n be_v but_o a_o aftergame_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a dissolution_n of_o government_n it_o be_v a_o superannuated_a pretence_n and_o be_v become_v its_o own_o confutation_n old_a scruple_n proceed_v not_o from_o tenderness_n but_o stubborness_n of_o conscience_n this_o particular_o show_v in_o their_o scruple_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n they_o affect_v their_o scruple_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o vain-glory._n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o disobedience_n that_o it_o lay_v upon_o we_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v ever_o of_o a_o yield_a and_o pliable_a temper_n when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o humour_n or_o insolence_n and_o be_v usual_o hardy_a enough_o not_o to_o scruple_n the_o great_a villainy_n the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n abrogate_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o determine_v all_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o all_o scruple_n be_v too_o small_a to_o weigh_v against_o the_o sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n the_o apostle_n apology_n viz._n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n hold_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o apparent_a duty_n but_o not_o in_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a case_n nothing_o more_o easy_a than_o to_o raise_v scruple_n no_o law_n can_v escape_v they_o this_o particular_o show_v in_o our_o own_o law_n when_o two_o obligation_n interfere_v the_o great_a always_o cancel_v the_o less_o hence_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v obedience_n to_o public_a authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o
be_v modesty_n it_o be_v meekness_n it_o be_v humility_n it_o be_v love_n it_o be_v peacebleness_n it_o be_v ingenuity_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o pregnant_a with_o virtue_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o anything_o can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o who_o obligation_n it_o will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n utter_o cancel_v and_o evacuate_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o ensue_a proposition_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o tender_a conscience_n if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n they_o will_v not_o desire_v liberty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o will_v not_o deserve_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a they_o will_v choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n rather_o than_o by_o thwart_v they_o do_v what_o in_o themselves_o lie_v to_o discompose_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v rather_o venture_v to_o embroil_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o contradict_v authority_n than_o forego_v their_o own_o peremptory_a determination_n and_o make_v their_o superior_n comply_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o confidence_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v criminal_o bold_a and_o imperious_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n too_o stubborn_a insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o society_n of_o man_n sect._n 4._o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a warranty_n of_o disobedience_n that_o they_o be_v outweigh_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o if_o i_o doubt_v concern_v the_o injustice_n of_o my_o action_n i_o must_v also_o of_o necessity_n doubt_v of_o the_o injustice_n of_o my_o disobedience_n and_o unless_o i_o be_o absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v evil_a i_o be_o sure_a disobedience_n to_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o always_o as_o forcible_o bind_v to_o obey_v a_o scruple_v law_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n as_o to_o disobey_v it_o for_o fear_v it_o command_v a_o essential_a evil_n so_o that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n must_v always_o at_o least_o as_o much_o fright_v we_o from_o disobey_v as_o from_o obey_v any_o humane_a law_n though_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v proper_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n perfect_o determine_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubtfulness_n and_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o it_o before_o hang_v in_o suspense_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o unresolved_a whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o not_o have_v competent_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o authority_n cast_v its_o command_n into_o the_o scale_n if_o in_o some_o man_n conscience_n they_o weigh_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v but_o add_v weight_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o incline_v the_o balance_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a before_o than_o thet_o side_n that_o gain_v this_o accession_n have_v most_o reason_n now_o so_o that_o law_n do_v not_o force_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o remove_v our_o doubt_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o require_v our_o obedience_n because_o they_o destroy_v the_o equal_a probability_n of_o the_o two_o opinion_n and_o determine_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o confidence_n of_o act_v by_o direct_v it_o to_o follow_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o that_o no_o practice_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n or_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v of_o equal_a importance_n with_o the_o prime_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v ever_o of_o too_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o consequence_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a mischief_n of_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n enjoin_v any_o thing_n absolute_o and_o apparent_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o great_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o exigent_n dam_fw-ge veniam_fw-la imperator_fw-la will_v be_v a_o fair_a and_o civil_a excuse_n but_o matter_n of_o a_o less_o importance_n will_v not_o pay_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o suffer_v for_o little_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n have_v but_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n that_o will_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o metaphysical_a notion_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o optatus_n to_o the_o donatist_n who_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o little_a schism_n be_v smart_a and_o severe_a 3._o nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la nega_fw-la deum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la incende_fw-la testamentum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la thus_o pone_fw-la aut_fw-la basilicas_fw-la dirue_fw-la istae_fw-la enim_fw-la res_fw-la solent_fw-la martyria_fw-la generare_fw-la matter_n wherein_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v direct_o concern_v be_v worth_a the_o die_n for_o and_o will_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o no_o indifferent_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n be_v of_o value_n enough_o to_o pay_v for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o zealot_n of_o the_o parson_n donati_n who_o be_v so_o ambitious_a to_o suffer_v imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n banishment_n and_o death_n itself_o out_o of_o a_o pertinacious_a resolution_n against_o some_o establish_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v reward_v in_o any_o other_o heaven_n but_o the_o paradise_n of_o fool_n thing_n that_o be_v essential_o evil_a no_o change_n or_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v make_v good_a and_o therefore_o no_o command_n of_o any_o superior_a can_v ever_o warrant_v or_o legitimate_a their_o practice_n but_o then_o these_o be_v always_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o weighty_a importance_n and_o of_o a_o apparent_a and_o palpable_a obliquity_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n murder_n injustice_n cruelty_n ingratitude_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o clear_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a that_o no_o end_n how_o good_a or_o great_a soever_o can_v ever_o carry_v with_o it_o goodness_n enough_o to_o abate_v or_o evacuate_v their_o malice_n but_o as_o for_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o so_o apparent_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n their_o morality_n be_v of_o so_o small_a importance_n that_o it_o can_v never_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o obligation_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n to_o preach_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 5._o 29._o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o of_o a_o express_a command_n from_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o apparent_a necessity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o commission_n from_o its_o supreme_a governor_n to_o make_v law_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n from_o his_o great_a manifest_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a credential_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o his_o message_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o out_o of_o duty_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o who_o unquestionable_a law_n no_o other_o authority_n can_v ever_o derogate_v because_o it_o be_v all_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o case_n of_o certain_a absolute_a and_o notorious_a injustice_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o small_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o quiet_a of_o government_n and_o infinite_o distant_a from_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o plea_n be_v in_o a_o case_n of_o great_a evident_a and_o unquestionable_a necessity_n but_o what_o warrant_n be_v that_o for_o my_o disobedience_n when_o i_o only_o fear_v or_o fancy_v the_o law_n to_o be_v unjust_a which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n that_o follow_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o less_o considerable_a case_n that_o side_n on_o which_o obedience_n stand_v must_v ever_o carry_v it_o and_o no_o man_n that_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o good_a will_v ever_o trouble_v
any_o war_n be_v commence_v upon_o just_a and_o warrantable_a ground_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v their_o lawfulness_n all_o man_n here_o think_v their_o prince_n command_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o in_o case_n the_o cause_n prove_v to_o be_v unjust_a the_o fault_n liesentire_o upon_o he_o that_o command_v and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o obey_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o that_o no_o subject_a be_v bind_v to_o take_v up_o arm_n till_o himself_o have_v approve_v the_o justness_n of_o the_o cause_n commonwealth_n must_v be_v brave_o secure_v and_o their_o safety_n must_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o humoursome_a and_o pragmatical_a fellow_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n do_v man_n tempt_v themselves_o when_o they_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v more_o godly_a than_o their_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o gallant_a thing_n to_o understand_v religion_n better_o than_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o pity_v their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o seem_v to_o compassionate_v their_o weakness_n to_o despise_v their_o authority_n but_o if_o prince_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v control_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o these_o contentious_a zealot_n they_o do_v but_o tempt_v they_o to_o slight_v both_o their_o person_n and_o their_o government_n and_o if_o they_o will_v endure_v to_o be_v check_v in_o their_o law_n spiritual_a and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o every_o systematical_a theologue_n and_o most_o not_o to_o say_v the_o best_a of_o our_o adversary_n be_v little_o better_o they_o may_v as_o well_o bear_v to_o see_v themselves_o affront_v in_o their_o law_n civil_a and_o government_n of_o the_o state_n by_o every_o village-attorney_n and_o solicitor_n well_o then_o all_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o government_n be_v bind_v in_o all_o matter_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a to_o submit_v the_o dictate_v of_o private_a conscience_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o public_a authority_n nor_o do_v this_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o only_o by_o alter_v the_o case_n alter_v his_o persuasion_n i.e._n though_o every_o man_n consider_v absolute_o and_o by_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n then_o must_v be_v govern_v than_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o own_o private_a thought_n to_o public_a determination_n and_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v not_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a that_o it_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o great_a &_o apparent_a necessity_n whatever_o be_v own_o private_a judgement_n of_o they_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o its_o governor_n in_o order_n to_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n for_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o eternal_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o passion_n of_o mankind_n as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o pursue_v their_o difference_n and_o controversy_n with_o too_o much_o heat_n &_o vehemence_n and_o therefore_o unless_o whatever_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o order_n to_o its_o peace_n and_o setlement_n there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o avoid_v endless_a squabble_n and_o confusion_n and_o unless_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a rule_n &_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o follow_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o best_a result_n of_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n where_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v any_o other_o guide_n or_o rule_v of_o his_o action_n so_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forego_v they_o all_o provide_v his_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v secure_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a government_n of_o the_o society_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o peace_n or_o setlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o persuade_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v reckon_v as_o seditious_a and_o unpeaceable_a and_o so_o to_o be_v treat_v according_o sect._n 7._o he_o that_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o confidence_n resign_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n to_o any_o superior_a on_o earth_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o he_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fool_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o will_v do_v it_o in_o nothing_o for_o as_o all_o man_n be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o god_n alone_o in_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a dispute_n so_o be_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o put_v man_n upon_o that_o supreme_a folly_n of_o renounce_v the_o use_n and_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n out_o of_o obedience_n to_o any_o man_n infallibility_n for_o by_o reason_n we_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v use_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudential_a method_n to_o guide_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o maxim_n and_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o any_o knowledge_n that_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o prudence_n experience_n and_o observation_n and_o hence_o right_a reason_n when_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o prudent_a discreet_a and_o reasonable_a to_o forego_v his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o lawful_a superior_n because_o without_o this_o the_o world_n can_v never_o be_v govern_v and_o suppose_v man_n judgement_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o command_v of_o god_n yet_o every_o man_n owe_v at_o least_o so_o much_o civility_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o country_n as_o to_o bring_v himself_o to_o a_o compliance_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n rather_o than_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n which_o be_v no_o enslave_v of_o his_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n usurpation_n over_o his_o faith_n and_o conscience_n but_o only_o a_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o modest_a compliance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n of_o subjection_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o peaceableness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o authority_n itself_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o clear_o derive_v from_o a_o high_a obligation_n that_o all_o man_n be_v under_o to_o advance_v the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o particular_o of_o that_o society_n they_o live_v in_o that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o government_n which_o be_v institute_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o therefore_o though_o our_o duty_n in_o such_o case_n can_v not_o be_v deduce_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o any_o humane_a authority_n yet_o it_o clear_o arise_v from_o that_o duty_n of_o charity_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o submit_v our_o understand_n to_o any_o humane_a power_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o forego_v all_o more_o private_a and_o inferior_a obligation_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n notwithstanding_o he_o declaim_v with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o judaical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n never_o scruple_v to_o use_v they_o as_o oft_o as_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
easy_o may_v they_o fire_v these_o heady_a people_n into_o tumult_n and_o outrage_n how_o eager_o will_v they_o flow_v into_o their_o party_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o how_o prodigal_o will_v they_o empty_v their_o bag_n and_o bring_v in_o even_o their_o bodkin_n and_o thimble_n and_o spoon_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n he_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a man_n and_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o folly_n passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o fee_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o ungovernable_a as_o a_o wealthy_a fanatic_a and_o therefore_o let_v not_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o idle_a hope_n of_o settlement_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o suppress_v all_o these_o dissension_n and_o reduce_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o agreement_n and_o unity_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v different_a faction_n of_o religion_n quiet_a and_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v the_o common_a people_n wise_a man_n and_o philosopher_n if_o indeed_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o sober_a and_o discreet_a it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n but_o upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n we_o may_v as_o well_o let_v they_o loose_v from_o all_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n because_o if_o every_o private_a man_n have_v wit_n &_o honesty_n enough_o to_o govern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o impossible_a presumption_n stand_v all_o the_o pretence_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o if_o man_n be_v permit_v it_o they_o will_v use_v it_o wise_o and_o peaceable_o than_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o suppose_v a_o great_a impossibility_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o their_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o vicious_a conscience_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a &_o foolish_a for_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o folly_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o moral_a action_n in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o as_o likely_a to_o mistake_v as_o in_o any_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n there_o be_v no_o observation_n in_o the_o world_n establish_v upon_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a experience_n than_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o any_o sort_n of_o folly_n and_o vice_n as_o to_o wild_a and_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o when_o their_o head_n be_v possess_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n so_o pregnant_a with_o mischief_n and_o disturbance_n as_o they_o and_o if_o prince_n will_v but_o consider_v how_o liable_a mankind_n be_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o with_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a villainy_n they_o will_v quick_o see_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o kingdom_n that_o there_o be_v set_v up_o a_o more_o severe_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o religious_a persuasion_n than_o over_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n for_o of_o all_o villain_n the_o well-meaning_a zealot_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a such_o man_n have_v no_o check_n of_o conscience_n nor_o fear_n of_o miscarriage_n to_o damp_n their_o industry_n but_o their_o godliness_n make_v they_o bold_a and_o furious_a and_o however_o their_o attempt_n succeed_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o what_o so_o glorious_a as_o to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n these_o man_n be_v ever_o prepare_v for_o any_o mischief_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o few_o active_a and_o crafty_a knave_n to_o manage_v and_o set_v they_o on_o and_o there_o be_v never_o want_v of_o such_o in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o any_o seditious_a attempt_n than_o to_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o than_o you_o may_v carry_v they_o wheresoever_o you_o please_v and_o they_o will_v never_o boggle_v at_o any_o mischief_n outrage_n or_o rebellion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n above_o all_o other_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v always_o ready_o form_v for_o any_o public_a disturbance_n one_o will_v think_v the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v manage_v as_o godly_a zeal_n or_o to_o be_v appease_v as_o religious_a dissension_n people_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v pursue_v such_o quarrel_n with_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o fury_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v govern_v and_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o trouble_v our_o head_n with_o contrive_v way_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n whilst_o it_o be_v unsettled_a by_o religion_n agreement_n in_o this_o be_v the_o first_o if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o be_v first_o establish_v upon_o firm_a and_o last_a principle_n which_o it_o easy_o may_v by_o severe_a law_n faithful_o execute_v but_o otherwise_o never_o can_v but_o till_o it_o be_v do_v it_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o a_o prince_n to_o enrich_v his_o subject_n with_o trade_n and_o commerce_n as_o it_o be_v to_o load_v weak_a and_o unfinished_a foundation_n with_o great_a and_o weighty_a superstructure_n to_o conclude_v all_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o order_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unskilful_a and_o inartificial_a way_n of_o discourse_v to_o argue_v from_o less_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a matter_n against_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o preposterous_a method_n be_v those_o man_n guilty_a who_o talk_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o trade_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o the_o like_a pretence_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n where_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a sort_n of_o anarchy_n and_o that_o prince_n may_v with_o less_o hazard_n give_v liberty_n to_o man_n vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o to_o their_o conscience_n as_o for_o my_o method_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o suit_v to_o every_o man_n capacity_n i_o have_v reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o a_o few_o easy_a and_o obvious_a proposition_n under_o these_o i_o have_v couch_v all_o the_o particular_a matter_n concern_v in_o our_o present_a debate_n and_o by_o analogy_n to_o their_o reasonableness_n have_v clear_v off_o all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n and_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o to_o prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v from_o the_o most_o important_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n compare_v with_o the_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o whoever_o offer_v to_o talk_v of_o these_o affair_n without_o special_a regard_n both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v amuse_v himself_o with_o the_o fine_a dream_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o warm_a brain_n but_o shall_v be_v certain_a to_o miss_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a measure_n of_o practicable_a policy_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o design_v only_o to_o prevent_v their_o folly_n and_o bridle_v their_o enormity_n and_o therefore_o the_o main_a notion_n i_o have_v pursue_v have_v be_v to_o make_v out_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o tendency_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o most_o necessary_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n a_o vein_n of_o which_o reason_v i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o run_v through_o all_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o be_v vast_o the_o most_o considerable_a if_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o my_o main_a question_n so_o have_v i_o cautious_o avoid_v all_o other_o collateral_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n and_o have_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o any_o hypothesis_n nor_o determine_v any_o controversy_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v but_o have_v express_v my_o
unaccountable_a that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o the_o subordinate_a ministery_n to_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o commonwealth_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a act_n and_o instance_n of_o these_o virtue_n themselves_o for_o example_n justice_n be_v a_o prime_n and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o yet_o its_o particular_a case_n depend_v upon_o humane_a law_n that_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la the_o divine_a law_n restrain_v titius_n from_o invade_v caius_n right_a and_o propriety_n but_o what_o that_o be_v and_o when_o it_o be_v invade_v only_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o can_v determine_v and_o there_o be_v some_o case_n that_o be_v act_n of_o injustice_n in_o england_n that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o italy_n otherwise_o all_o place_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o one_o nation_n must_v be_v so_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o nature_n determine_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o most_o virtue_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v that_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o national_a law_n they_o in_o general_n forbid_v theft_n incest_n murder_n and_o adultery_n but_o what_o these_o crime_n be_v they_o determine_v not_o in_o all_o case_n but_o be_v in_o most_o particular_n to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n reckon_v among_o these_o crime_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o nature_n forbid_v and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o strange_o humoursome_a to_o say_v that_o magistrate_n be_v entru_v with_o so_o great_a a_o power_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o these_o great_a and_o weighty_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o be_v trust_v to_o govern_v the_o indifferent_a or_o at_o least_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o no_o other_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o be_v mean_v serviceable_a to_o moral_a purpose_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v that_o a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v the_o use_n of_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n because_o forsooth_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v it_o in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o impower_v to_o declare_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o introduce_v new_a duty_n in_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o declare_v the_o use_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o few_o circumstance_n in_o its_o subservient_fw-fr and_o less_o material_a concern_v §_o 5._o the_o whole_a state_n of_o affair_n be_v brief_o this_o man_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o live_v happy_o here_o and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o pious_a devotion_n and_o wherein_o these_o main_o consist_v almighty_a goodness_n have_v declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n but_o because_o in_o both_o there_o be_v changeable_a case_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v his_o trustee_n and_o official_o here_o on_o earth_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o both_o according_a to_o all_o accident_n and_o emergency_n of_o affair_n to_o assign_v new_a particular_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o declare_v new_a bound_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v limit_v because_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v variable_a according_a to_o the_o accident_n of_o time_n and_o place_n entrust_v with_o less_o danger_n of_o error_n with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o what_o ceremony_n this_o appoint_v unless_o they_o be_v apparent_o repugnant_a to_o their_o prime_a end_n become_v religious_a rite_n as_o what_o particular_a action_n it_o constitute_v in_o any_o species_n of_o virtue_n become_v new_a instance_n of_o that_o virtue_n unless_o they_o apparent_o contradict_v its_o nature_n and_o tendency_n now_o the_o two_o primary_n design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v either_o to_o express_v our_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n so_o that_o no_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n can_v be_v esteem_v unlawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o account_n that_o any_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n become_v criminal_o superstitious_a and_o such_o be_v the_o lupercalia_n the_o eleusinian_n mystery_n the_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n flora_n and_o venus_n because_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o festival_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n and_o such_o be_v the_o savage_a and_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o saturn_n bellona_n moloch_n baal-peor_n and_o all_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ancient_a paganism_n because_o they_o suppose_v the_o divine_a be_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o torture_n of_o its_o creature_n and_o such_o be_v all_o idolatry_n in_o that_o it_o either_o give_v right_a worship_n to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o wrong_a worship_n to_o a_o right_a one_o or_o at_o least_o represent_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n by_o image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o finite_a thing_n and_o so_o reflect_v disparagement_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n by_o fasten_v dishonourable_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o any_o lawful_a authority_n may_v as_o well_o enjoin_v they_o as_o it_o may_v adopt_v any_o action_n whatsoever_o into_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n §_o 6._o but_o a_o little_a far_o to_o illustrate_v this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o matter_n both_o of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a worship_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o these_o can_v never_o be_v prejudice_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o necessity_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v as_o perpetual_a as_o that_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o rule_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a accident_n change_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o depend_v chief_o upon_o contract_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o kingdom_n these_o suffer_v variety_n because_o their_o matter_n and_o their_o reason_n do_v so_o thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o murder_n there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o unalterable_a nature_n and_o other_o that_o be_v changeable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a provision_n of_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v forbid_v by_o such_o a_o indispensable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v any_o way_n direct_o or_o indirect_o make_v it_o become_v lawful_a in_o that_o no_o positive_a law_n can_v so_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v this_o instance_n of_o villainy_n cease_v to_o be_v mischievous_a to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v capital_a in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o particular_a case_n of_o this_o crime_n that_o depend_v upon_o positive_a law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v liable_a to_o change_v according_a to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n man_n live_v in_o thus_o though_o in_o england_n it_o be_v murder_n for_o a_o injure_a husband_n to_o kill_v a_o adulteress_n take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o old_a roman_n it_o be_v not_o because_o their_o law_n permit_v it_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v punish_v the_o crime_n with_o death_n he_o may_v appoint_v who_o he_o please_v to_o be_v his_o executioner_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o
distance_n and_o disproportion_n forasmuch_o as_o obedience_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o so_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o so_o diffusive_a usefulness_n whereas_o the_o goodness_n of_o those_o little_a thing_n they_o oppose_v to_o it_o be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v confess_o scarce_a discernible_a and_o their_o conscience_n as_o nice_a and_o curious_a as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o determine_v positive_o whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o prodigious_a madness_n be_v it_o to_o weigh_v such_o trifle_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n against_o the_o vast_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o disobedience_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o public_a law_n can_v but_o drown_v the_o uncertain_a whisper_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n all_o its_o scruple_n be_v hush_v and_o silence_v by_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n it_o dare_v not_o whimper_v when_o that_o forbid_v and_o the_o nod_n of_o a_o prince_n awe_v it_o into_o silence_n and_o submission_n but_o if_o they_o dare_v to_o murmur_v and_o their_o proud_a stomach_n will_v swell_v against_o the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o superior_n then_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o the_o rod_n and_o correction_n they_o must_v be_v chastise_v out_o of_o their_o peevishness_n and_o lash_v into_o obedience_n in_o a_o word_n though_o religion_n so_o high_o consult_v the_o interest_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o peace_n &_o happiness_n of_o kingdom_n yet_o so_o monstrous_o have_v it_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o and_o wickedness_n of_o other_o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o more_o mischief_n to_o government_n the_o main_a cause_n of_o which_o have_v be_v man_n not_o observe_v the_o due_a scale_n and_o subordination_n of_o duty_n and_o that_o in_o case_n of_o competition_n the_o great_a always_o destroy_v the_o less_o for_o hence_o have_v they_o oppose_v the_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o society_n for_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o ceremony_n or_o a_o subordinate_a instrumental_a duty_n whereas_o have_v they_o sober_o consider_v the_o important_a necessity_n of_o their_o obedience_n they_o will_v scarce_o have_v find_v any_o duty_n of_o moment_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o it_o for_o see_v almost_o all_o virtue_n be_v enjoin_v we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n and_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o conducive_a to_o it_o than_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a weal_n and_o good_a of_o all_o and_o see_v this_o be_v the_o design_n and_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o public_a law_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o that_o have_v need_n be_v huge_o certain_o and_o absolute_o evil_a that_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n and_o dispense_v with_o our_o obedience_n and_o not_o a_o form_n or_o a_o ceremony_n or_o a_o outward_a expression_n or_o any_o other_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o some_o menthink_v it_o better_a to_o be_v disputative_a than_o peaceable_a and_o that_o there_o be_v more_o godliness_n in_o be_v captious_a and_o talkative_a than_o in_o be_v humble_a and_o obedient_a it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n to_o they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a to_o authority_n they_o beat_v about_o and_o search_v into_o every_o little_a corner_n for_o doubt_n &_o exception_n against_o their_o command_n and_o how_o do_v they_o triumph_v when_o they_o can_v but_o start_v a_o scruple_n they_o labour_v to_o stumble_v at_o atom_n to_o boggle_v at_o straw_n and_o shadow_n and_o cherish_v their_o scruple_n till_o they_o become_v as_o big_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o outweigh_v the_o great_a and_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v prodigious_o strange_a and_o yet_o as_o common_a too_o to_o consider_v how_o most_o man_n who_o pretend_v and_o that_o perhaps_o sincere_o to_o great_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o scruple_n posture_n and_o innocent_a ceremony_n be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o digest_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o most_o mischievous_a villainy_n they_o can_v dispense_v with_o spightfulness_n malice_n disobedience_n schism_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o all_o to_o nourish_v a_o weak_a and_o a_o impotent_a scruple_n and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o any_o little_a conceit_n they_o will_v run_v themselves_o into_o the_o great_a and_o most_o palpable_a enormity_n and_o will_v cherish_v it_o till_o it_o weigh_v down_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n find_v i_o a_o man_n that_o be_v obstinate_o scrupulous_a and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o one_o that_o be_v incurable_o seditious_a and_o whoever_o will_v prefer_v his_o scruple_n before_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n peace_n quietness_n and_o humility_n can_v avoid_v be_v often_o betray_v into_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n but_o if_o we_o will_v resolve_v to_o be_v tender_a of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o great_a undoubted_a and_o unalterable_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o will_v defend_v our_o conscience_n against_o the_o vexation_n of_o scruple_n and_o little_a inadvertency_n protect_v the_o public_a from_o all_o the_o disturbance_n of_o a_o peevish_a and_o wayward_a godliness_n and_o secure_v our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n without_o be_v so_o punctual_a and_o exact_a in_o the_o offering_n of_o mint_n and_o cummin_n sect._n 6._o in_o case_n and_o dispute_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v private_a man_n be_v not_o proper_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la they_o have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o own_o judgement_n or_o determine_v by_o their_o own_o will_n but_o by_o the_o command_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o command_n he_o that_o impose_v it_o shall_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o not_o i_o who_o whole_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n will_v warrant_v my_o obedience_n my_o obedience_n will_v hallow_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v my_o action_n and_o so_o secure_v i_o from_o sin_n if_o not_o from_o error_n because_o i_o follow_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o most_o probable_a direction_n i_o be_o capable_a of_o and_o though_o i_o may_v mistake_v my_o integrity_n shall_v preserve_v my_o innocence_n and_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a case_n it_o be_v better_a to_o err_v with_o authority_n than_o be_v in_o the_o right_n against_o it_o not_o only_o because_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o little_a error_n and_o so_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v disputable_a be_v outweigh_v by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o more_o nice_a and_o exact_a way_n of_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o government_n but_o also_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v the_o fit_a judge_n of_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o understand_v public_a affair_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n their_o command_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o public_a concern_v than_o man_n own_o private_a persuasion_n and_o so_o must_v have_v a_o superior_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o their_o determination_n and_o if_o we_o take_v away_o this_o condescension_n of_o our_o private_a conscience_n to_o public_a authority_n we_o immediate_o dissolve_v all_o government_n for_o in_o case_n of_o dissension_n unless_o we_o submit_v our_o persuasion_n to_o their_o command_n their_o command_n must_v submit_v to_o our_o persuasion_n and_o then_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o wherein_o consist_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n when_o it_o may_v be_v control_v by_o every_o subject_n opinion_n and_o what_o can_v follow_v but_o perfect_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n when_o every_o man_n will_v be_v govern_v by_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o if_o subject_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o dispute_v the_o prudence_n and_o convenience_n of_o all_o law_n government_n will_v be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o helpless_a thing_n and_o prince_n will_v command_v at_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o therefore_o people_n be_v never_o curious_a in_o their_o exception_n against_o any_o public_a law_n unless_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o case_n they_o study_v for_o reason_n to_o disobey_v because_o it_o gratify_v their_o pride_n &_o vanity_n to_o seem_v more_o know_v than_o their_o governor_n in_o that_o part_n of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o think_v most_o valuable_a self-conceit_n and_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v strange_a temptation_n to_o disobedience_n and_o be_v there_o not_o something_o of_o this_o in_o it_o man_n will_v find_v out_o other_o command_v more_o liable_a to_o their_o exception_n for_o how_o seldom_o be_v it_o that_o
enemy_n to_o the_o faith_n beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o more_o zealous_a about_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v than_o about_o those_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v opposition_n whet_v and_o sharpen_v their_o zeal_n because_o it_o endanger_v the_o truth_n they_o contend_v for_o whereas_o those_o that_o be_v not_o oppose_v be_v secure_a and_o out_o of_o hazard_n of_o be_v stifle_v by_o the_o adverse_a party_n that_o be_v concern_v equal_o with_o themselves_o for_o their_o preservation_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o man_n who_o be_v tame_a and_o cool_a enough_o in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v yet_o utter_o impatient_a about_o their_o own_o unlearned_a and_o impertinent_a wrangling_n and_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o speculation_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n than_o upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n only_o because_o those_o be_v contradict_v by_o their_o adversary_n and_o these_o be_v not_o well_o then_o see_v all_o dissent_v party_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o furious_a and_o passionate_a zeal_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o see_v they_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o zeal_n be_v in_o god_n cause_n and_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n how_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o their_o religion_n keep_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n where_o zeal_n be_v arm_v against_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n encounter_v conscience_n where_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o where_o curse_v you_o meroz_n be_v the_o word_n of_o both_o party_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o project_n fansiful_a man_n may_v propose_v to_o themselves_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o long_o as_o difference_n and_o competition_n in_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v down_o mutual_a hatred_n jealousy_n and_o animosity_n and_o so_o many_o divide_a church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o state_n there_o will_v ever_o be_v so_o many_o different_a army_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o in_o actual_a fight_n be_v always_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o it_o beside_o where_o there_o be_v divide_v interest_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n how_o shall_v the_o prince_n behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o if_o he_o go_v about_o to_o balance_v they_o against_o one_o another_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o they_o all_o and_o whilst_o he_o seem_v concern_v for_o no_o party_n no_o party_n will_v be_v real_o concern_v for_o he_o every_o one_o have_v so_o much_o esteem_n for_o itself_o as_o to_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o enjoy_v more_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o countenance_n than_o any_o other_o and_o withal_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n to_o poise_v they_o so_o equal_o but_o that_o one_o party_n shall_v grow_v more_o strong_a and_o numerous_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o appease_v their_o zeal_n till_o it_o have_v destroy_v and_o swallow_v up_o all_o the_o weak_a interest_n but_o suppose_v he_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v they_o so_o prudent_o as_o always_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n equal_a he_o do_v thereby_o but_o keep_v up_o so_o many_o party_n that_o be_v ready_a form_v to_o join_v with_o any_o emergent_a quarrel_n of_o state_n and_o whenever_o the_o grandee_n fall_v out_o it_o be_v but_o head_v one_o of_o these_o and_o there_o be_v a_o army_n and_o let_v man_n but_o reflect_v upon_o all_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n and_o rebellion_n of_o christendom_n and_o then_o tell_v i_o which_o way_n they_o can_v either_o have_v be_v commence_v or_o continue_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o different_a faction_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o side_n with_o one_o party_n and_o by_o his_o favour_n mount_v it_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o not_o only_o discontent_n but_o combine_v all_o the_o other_o dissent_v faction_n into_o a_o unite_a opposition_n against_o his_o own_o and_o it_o become_v their_o common_a interest_n to_o work_v and_o contrive_v its_o ruin_n its_o prosperity_n do_v but_o exasperate_v the_o competition_n of_o all_o its_o rival_n into_o rage_n and_o indignation_n and_o as_o success_n make_v itself_o more_o secure_a in_o its_o settlement_n so_o it_o make_v they_o more_o restless_a and_o industrious_a to_o overturn_v it_o no_o party_n can_v ever_o be_v quiet_a or_o content_a as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v under_o any_o other_o but_o will_v ever_o be_v heave_v and_o struggle_v to_o dismount_v the_o power_n that_o keep_v it_o down_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o dissenter_n from_o the_o establish_a frame_n of_o thing_n be_v always_o assault_v it_o with_o open_a violence_n or_o undermine_v it_o by_o secret_a practice_n and_o will_v hazard_v the_o state_n and_o all_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o oppression_n and_o oppress_v they_o be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v the_o weak_a party_n and_o therefore_o we_o never_o find_v this_o way_n of_o toleration_n put_v in_o practice_n under_o any_o government_n but_o where_o other_o exigence_n of_o state_n require_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o stand_a army_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o prevent_v the_o broil_n and_o contention_n of_o zeal_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o more_o violent_a way_n of_o govern_v man_n conscience_n and_o instead_o of_o restrain_v they_o by_o law_n &_o penalty_n it_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o fort_n and_o citadel_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v ourselves_o to_o the_o expense_n and_o hazard_n of_o keep_v up_o stand_v force_n indulgence_n to_o dissent_v zealot_n do_v but_o expose_v the_o state_n to_o the_o perpetual_a squabble_n and_o war_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v all_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n cancel_v all_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o civil_a government_n as_o imagine_v where_o there_o be_v divide_v faction_n in_o religion_n that_o man_n will_v be_v temperate_a and_o peaceable_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o not_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n to_o promote_v and_o establish_v they_o when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o nothing_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a engine_n to_o work_v popular_a commotion_n than_o change_n and_o reformation_n in_o religion_n sect._n 6._o so_o that_o though_o the_o state_n think_v itself_o unconcern_v to_o restrain_v man_n persuasion_n and_o opinion_n yet_o methinks_v they_o shall_v be_v a_o little_a concern_v to_o prevent_v the_o tumult_n and_o disturbance_n that_o natural_o arise_v from_o their_o propagation_n and_o can_v it_o be_v secure_v that_o if_o all_o man_n be_v indulge_v their_o liberty_n they_o will_v use_v it_o modest_o and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o freedom_n than_o i_o confess_v toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n as_o if_o all_o man_n be_v as_o wise_a and_o honest_a as_o socrates_n they_o may_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v their_o own_o law_n and_o leave_v entire_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n as_o to_o all_o the_o intercourse_n and_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v make_v infinite_o impossible_a from_o the_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n all_o sect_n ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v fierce_a and_o unruly_a to_o enlarge_v their_o own_o interest_n invade_v or_o supplant_n whatever_o oppose_v their_o increase_n and_o will_v all_o certain_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o that_o party_n that_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o rest_n every_o faction_n ever_o apprehend_v it_o its_o due_a to_o be_v supreme_a and_o there_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n as_o long_o as_o all_o faction_n be_v not_o uppermost_a and_o it_o will_v be_v crime_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o party_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o another_o so_o that_o if_o all_o our_o dissent_v sectary_n be_v allow_v their_o entire_a liberty_n nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v especial_o from_o people_n of_o their_o complexion_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o plot_n together_o against_o the_o present_a establishment_n of_o the_o church_n every_o combination_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o worthlesness_n in_o comparison_n to_o itself_o for_o unless_o they_o have_v apprehend_v their_o own_o way_n more_o excellent_a they_o have_v never_o divide_v from_o we_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n that_o run_v through_o all_o their_o sect_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o labour_v their_o utmost_a to_o establish_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o in_o its_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n and_o withal_o