and_o idiot_n to_o suspect_n they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o reproach_v their_o sanction_n as_o tyrannical_a superstitious_a or_o antichristian_a if_o i_o must_v put_v the_o best_a construction_n the_o case_n will_v bear_v upon_o the_o action_n of_o my_o equal_a or_o inferior_a will_v it_o become_v i_o to_o make_v the_o harsh_a interpretation_n of_o public_a law_n and_o the_o action_n of_o my_o superior_n it_o be_v a_o unhappy_a slip_n of_o a_o great_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o name_n i_o will_v conceal_v for_o the_o reverence_n i_o bear_v to_o his_o profession_n and_o worth_n when_o reflect_v upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o five_o year_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n concering_n the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la or_o the_o wednesday-fast_a he_o call_v it_o a_o law_n and_o no_o law_n a_o mere_a contradiction_n a_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n that_o it_o must_v bind_v the_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v a_o law_n but_o the_o lawmaker_n say_v he_o declare_v it_o shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o law_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o that_o purpose_n now_o the_o word_n of_o the_o statute_n be_v these_o it_o be_v declare_v penal_a if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o this_o fast_a be_v enjoin_v upon_o any_o necessity_n for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o service_n of_o god_n otherwise_o than_o other_o political_a law_n be_v have_v that_o excellent_a person_n read_v and_o consider_v these_o word_n they_o will_v have_v afford_v he_o no_o colour_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a imputation_n for_o the_o lawmaker_n do_v not_o declare_v that_o this_o law_n shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o shall_v as_o other_o political_a law_n do_v but_o they_o take_v care_n that_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v understand_v which_o be_v not_o religious_a but_o political_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o war_n i_o say_v that_o clause_n in_o the_o statute_n have_v not_o the_o least_o intention_n of_o limit_v or_o declare_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o only_o of_o prevent_v rumour_n of_o superstitious_a design_n in_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o the_o least_o passage_n in_o the_o law_n that_o give_v countenance_n to_o the_o reflection_n he_o make_v either_o upon_o the_o law_n itself_o or_o the_o lawmaker_n and_o i_o note_v it_o only_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o much_o more_o prone_a man_n be_v to_o pass_v censure_n than_o to_o consider_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o but_o to_o let_v pass_v that_o as_o a_o mere_a oversight_n it_o be_v intolerable_a to_o hear_v the_o immodest_a clamour_n that_o be_v raise_v upon_o mere_a mistake_n and_o surmise_n man_n it_o seem_v think_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o as_o person_n both_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sagacity_n and_o also_o of_o singular_a purity_n of_o conscience_n by_o find_v fault_n of_o this_o kind_n whereas_o do_v they_o indeed_o consider_v either_o the_o divine_a image_n bear_v by_o magistrate_n or_o the_o great_a consequence_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o well_o weigh_v how_o much_o that_o depend_v upon_o public_a reputation_n and_o reverence_n they_o will_v certain_o choose_v some_o other_o subject_n to_o serve_v those_o little_a end_n by_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o magistrate_n master_n of_o restraint_n judge_n 18._o 7._o see_v the_o hebrew_n and_o as_o such_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o eyesore_n and_o grievance_n to_o all_o loose_a and_o exorbitant_a person_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v mighty_o to_o their_o wish_n that_o authority_n shall_v lose_v its_o force_n and_o law_n their_o veneration_n and_o thereby_o the_o sinew_n of_o all_o society_n be_v loosen_v that_o so_o their_o extravagancy_n may_v be_v uncontrolled_a and_o their_o vice_n indemnify_v therefore_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o all_o evil_a man_n to_o have_v magistracy_n and_o law_n in_o contempt_n by_o so_o much_o be_v it_o the_o wisdom_n and_o concern_v of_o all_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a man_n to_o strengthen_v those_o hand_n that_o other_o will_v enfeeble_v and_o support_v that_o reputation_n they_o will_v infringe_v and_o violate_v and_o those_o that_o consider_v this_o will_v not_o out_o of_o levity_n wantonness_n or_o rashness_n control_v law_n or_o dispute_v with_o magistrate_n about_o small_a matter_n lest_o they_o thereby_o render_v they_o unable_a to_o protect_v they_o in_o their_o great_a and_o more_o important_a concern_v nos_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la imperium_fw-la in_o imperatoribus_fw-la suspicimus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n they_o then_o make_v their_o interpretation_n of_o authority_n and_o law_n in_o favour_n of_o obedience_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n they_o do_v not_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o instead_o of_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o law_n make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o lawmaker_n too_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v either_o a_o foolish_a charity_n or_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n we_o discourse_v of_o since_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o as_o those_o that_o stand_v high_o than_o we_o may_v see_v further_o so_o those_o that_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o whole_a may_v give_v a_o better_a judgement_n than_o those_o that_o respect_n but_o a_o part_n and_o that_o we_o ourselves_o may_v as_o easy_o lie_v under_o prejudice_n as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o transport_v with_o consideration_n of_o ease_n and_o liberty_n as_o they_o may_v probable_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v with_o ambition_n for_o why_o may_v not_o they_o have_v a_o reason_n for_o their_o action_n which_o either_o we_o can_v reach_v or_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o especial_o since_o that_o may_v be_v best_a for_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v less_o commodious_a to_o we_o in_o particular_a and_o by_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o command_v nor_o warrantable_a for_o we_o to_o disobey_v nulla_fw-la lex_fw-la satis_fw-la commoda_fw-la omnibus_fw-la id_fw-la modò_fw-la quaeritur_fw-la si_fw-la majori_fw-la parti_fw-la &_o in_fw-la summum_fw-la prodest_fw-la say_v cato_n in_o livy_n beside_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o there_o be_v no_o less_o different_a capacity_n of_o mind_n than_o constitution_n of_o body_n and_o as_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o man_n outward_a circumstance_n as_o in_o either_o of_o the_o former_a therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o reason_n of_o law_n be_v equal_o understand_v nor_o the_o matter_n of_o law_n or_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v equal_o easy_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o man_n and_o consequent_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o law_n exact_o fit_v to_o their_o own_o humour_n without_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n imitate_v the_o barbarous_a custom_n of_o the_o infamous_a procrustes_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v either_o rack_v all_o those_o person_n that_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o stretch_v they_o to_o his_o own_o size_n if_o they_o be_v too_o short_a or_o cut_v they_o off_o to_o his_o own_o proportion_n if_o they_o be_v too_o long_o so_o these_o man_n will_v exercise_v the_o same_o cruelty_n themselves_o which_o they_o forbid_v the_o magistrate_n and_o lay_v down_o a_o principle_n of_o equal_a severity_n towards_o other_o as_o of_o fondness_n and_o indulgence_n to_o themselves_o till_o we_o can_v reconcile_v the_o divers_a constitution_n i_o say_v of_o mind_n and_o body_n the_o several_a humour_n and_o contrary_a interest_n of_o all_o man_n to_o one_o standard_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o the_o wise_a constitution_n imaginable_a shall_v prevent_v all_o scruple_n or_o be_v alike_o acceptable_a to_o all_o party_n either_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v no_o law_n make_v which_o must_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o one_o of_o the_o party_n must_v be_v content_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o public_a good_a that_o their_o private_a interest_n or_o opinion_n be_v less_o comply_v with_o that_o be_v since_o the_o law_n can_v be_v fit_v to_o every_o man_n some_o man_n must_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o this_o be_v resolve_v on_o the_o only_a question_n remain_v will_v be_v on_o which_o of_o the_o party_n this_o shall_v fall_v that_o be_v which_o shall_v bend_v to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o will_v be_v very_o easy_a for_o though_o on_o the_o one_o side_n self-love_n and_o favour_n to_o our_o own_o persuasion_n incline_v we_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o case_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o own_o way_n yet_o christian_a charity_n on_o
the_o prince_n or_o the_o state_n can_v enact_v nothing_o almost_o but_o the_o kirk-man_n find_v themselves_o grieve_v and_o religion_n concern_v and_o excommunication_n be_v denounce_v the_o kirk_n on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v their_o decree_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n declare_v they_o null_a and_o grant_v prohibition_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o will_v satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o thereby_o convince_v himself_o of_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o principle_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o let_v he_o read_v the_o judicious_a history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n write_v by_o the_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n spot_n swood_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o unhappy_a notion_n raise_v and_o maintain_v for_o many_o year_n a_o bellum_fw-la limitaneum_fw-la and_o that_o it_o be_v like_o the_o march_n or_o bateable_a ground_n betwixt_o two_o border_a potentate_n a_o scene_n of_o contention_n and_o a_o field_n of_o blood_n whereas_o do_v we_o agree_v of_o certain_a limit_n and_o make_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o province_n extend_v to_o all_o that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o take_v in_o by_o express_a law_n both_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n will_v be_v keep_v entire_a and_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o cause_n nor_o room_n for_o controversy_n 2._o this_o opinion_n at_o once_o condemn_v all_o the_o state_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n forasmuch_o as_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o have_v be_v any_o such_o constitution_n as_o have_v not_o have_v some_o law_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v not_o be_v deduce_v particular_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o he_o that_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o will_v be_v true_a to_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v a_o rebel_n wherever_o he_o live_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a fear_n a_o mere_a melancholy_a jealousy_n and_o express_v superstition_n instead_o of_o religion_n to_o suspect_v that_o either_o the_o magistrate_n can_v offend_v in_o make_v or_o the_o people_n in_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v yet_o be_v no_o where_o forbid_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o supposition_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o sinner_n when_o yet_o he_o break_v no_o law_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 3._o 4._o who_o define_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n and_o as_o be_v the_o usual_a genius_n of_o all_o superstition_n it_o misrepresents_a god_n as_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a that_o can_v condemn_v man_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la sacto_fw-la for_o do_v of_o that_o against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o be_v but_o 4._o which_o be_v most_o observable_a this_o doctrine_n instead_o of_o assert_v christian_a liberty_n in_o truth_n subvert_v it_o and_o lay_v far_o more_o severe_a bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o the_o very_a law_n of_o moses_n do_v that_o be_v a_o yoke_n say_v the_o apostle_n act_n 15._o 10._o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v upon_o this_o account_n especial_o because_o it_o enjoin_v a_o great_a number_n of_o little_a observance_n which_o by_o their_o multitude_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o their_o nicety_n difficult_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o by_o their_o mere_a positive_a nature_n and_o have_v no_o essential_a goodness_n in_o themselves_o have_v less_o power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o awaken_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o law_n contain_v no_o precept_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o attend_v to_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o especial_o if_o also_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o his_o care_n and_o obedience_n be_v require_v be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o enact_v in_o his_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o can_v see_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o or_o advantage_n by_o his_o obedience_n but_o mere_o his_o obedience_n therefore_o be_v that_o law_n call_v impossible_a now_o if_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o avoid_v all_o those_o particular_n that_o be_v command_v by_o moses_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o servitude_n and_o the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v the_o same_o but_o if_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o be_v also_o bind_v to_o avoid_v all_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o his_o obligation_n be_v infinite_a and_o his_o servitude_n intolerable_a for_o positives_n be_v determinate_a and_o definite_a and_o so_o fall_v more_o easy_o within_o our_o care_n and_o attention_n but_o negative_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o yoke_n must_v be_v proper_o impossible_a these_o mistake_v therefore_o be_v remove_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n will_v best_o be_v understand_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n be_v enclose_v within_o a_o narrow_a pale_a and_o none_o can_v be_v member_n of_o it_o without_o submission_n to_o circumscision_n and_o the_o other_o rite_n of_o judaisme_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o at_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o riddle_n and_o a_o astonishment_n to_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v take_v into_o it_o and_o when_o the_o effect_v this_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n act_v 15._o 1._o the_o jewish_a christian_n stand_v upon_o their_o privilege_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o gentile_a convert_v into_o society_n nor_o become_v of_o one_o body_n with_o they_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n hereupon_o a_o council_n be_v call_v and_o there_o the_o apostle_n find_v out_o a_o temper_n and_o middle_a way_n for_o both_o part_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o the_o present_a which_o be_v that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v shall_v submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o proselytism_n at_o large_a or_o the_o precept_n give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n as_o some_o understand_v the_o passage_n or_o as_o be_v indubitable_a that_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o three_o thing_n of_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o jewish_a convert_v shall_v abate_v of_o their_o rigour_n and_o not_o require_v of_o the_o gentile_n the_o strict_a term_n of_o complete_a judaisme_n at_o which_o decision_n the_o gentile_a christian_n be_v transport_v with_o joy_n rejoice_v at_o the_o consolation_n v_o 31._o for_o as_o i_o say_v till_o then_o none_o can_v be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a church_n society_n without_o circumcision_n and_o universal_a submission_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o expedient_a for_o the_o present_a till_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v by_o degree_n better_o instruct_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o that_o christian_a religion_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v but_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_o publish_v than_o the_o aforesaid_a enclosure_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o all_o nation_n invite_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o equal_a term_n neither_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o those_o nice_a law_n of_o moses_n nor_o any_o other_o but_o those_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a one_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o other_o not_o contradictory_n to_o they_o as_o public_a wisdom_n peace_n and_o charity_n shall_v dictate_v and_o recommend_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o observation_n of_o eusebius_n in_o his_o praepaeratio_fw-la evangelica_n that_o christianity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o old_a patriarchal_a religion_n revive_v a_o restitution_n of_o that_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o now_o there_o lie_v no_o more_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n than_o do_v upon_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n save_v those_o improvement_n our_o saviour_n have_v make_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o few_o positive_a institution_n of_o his_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o man_n obey_v these_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o conform_v to_o whatsoever_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n or_o public_a authority_n shall_v impose_v and_o this_o discourse_n of_o eusebius_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o gal._n 3._o especial_o v._n 19_o where_o he_o put_v this_o question_n wherefore_o then_o serve_v the_o law_n he_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v add_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o interim_n or_o like_o a_o parenthesis_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v out_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a part_n join_v together_o again_o without_o any_o interruption_n
of_o the_o sense_n that_o be_v when_o this_o interim_n or_o temporary_a provision_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o the_o primitive_a patriarchal_a religion_n and_o that_o bring_v in_o by_o our_o saviour_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o piece_n the_o latter_a beginning_n where_o the_o former_a end_v the_o content_n then_o of_o the_o great_a charter_n purchase_v for_o we_o and_o bring_v in_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v these_o that_o beside_o the_o free_n of_o we_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o do_v and_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n which_o the_o gentile_a world_n lie_v under_o till_o christ_n come_v i_o say_v beside_o these_o which_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n our_o christian_a enfranchisement_n discharge_v we_o not_o only_o from_o a_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o rite_n of_o judaisme_n but_o further_o and_o especial_o set_v our_o conscience_n at_o liberty_n to_o pursue_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v not_o contradict_v the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v as_o perfect_o free_a as_o those_o be_v that_o live_v before_o any_o scripture_n be_v write_v as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o those_o scripture_n and_o that_o within_o all_o that_o sphere_n we_o may_v without_o guilt_n or_o burden_n upon_o our_o conscience_n serve_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o neither_o the_o magistrate_n need_v to_o fetch_v a_o particular_a warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o authorise_v his_o prescription_n nor_o we_o a_o express_a licence_n thence_o to_o legitimate_a our_o respective_a obedience_n but_o the_o former_a may_v free_o consult_v his_o own_o reason_n common_a prudence_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o latter_a their_o own_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v true_a and_o real_a freedom_n when_o with_o a_o good_a and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n we_o may_v conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o society_n when_o i_o have_v a_o power_n in_o utramque_fw-la and_o may_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v all_o those_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o define_v in_o scripture_n according_a as_o public_a law_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o society_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n will_v appear_v further_o by_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o several_a of_o his_o epistle_n but_o especial_o that_o to_o the_o roman_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n in_o their_o scruple_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v of_o certain_a meat_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o themselves_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n to_o consult_v charity_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n that_o be_v such_o principle_n of_o resolve_v scruple_n as_o before_o i_o describe_v and_o bid_v they_o not_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o scripture_n or_o to_o expect_v a_o determination_n of_o such_o question_n thence_o see_v rom._n 14._o 3_o 5_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 19_o and_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2_o etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o these_o two_o thing_n follow_v 1._o that_o christian_a liberty_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o freedom_n in_o utramque_fw-la that_o be_v that_o antecedent_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o prudence_n peace_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v any_o or_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o express_o forbid_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a the_o conscience_n be_v free_a in_o the_o general_n and_o only_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o those_o consideration_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v no_o infringement_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o this_o liberty_n actual_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o side_n towards_o which_o prudence_n or_o charity_n shall_v incline_v though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o other_o side_n be_v in_o the_o general_a as_o lawful_a as_o that_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v liberty_n and_o condescension_n or_o self-denial_n join_v together_o by_o st._n paul_n gal._n 5._o 13._o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o and_o by_o st._n peter_n 1_o ep._n 2._o 16._o as_o free_v yet_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o two_o place_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o themselves_o as_o no_o commentary_n can_v make_v they_o more_o so_o and_o so_o full_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o nothing_o further_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o so_o these_o two_o point_n thus_o gain_v will_v give_v abundant_a foundation_n for_o a_o three_o to_o be_v infer_v from_o they_o viz._n that_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o free_a to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o according_a as_o i_o shall_v be_v incline_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o brotherly_a charity_n and_o compassion_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v also_o as_o free_v to_o i_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o serve_v public_a peace_n and_o order_n in_o without_o either_o prostitution_n of_o my_o liberty_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n right_a and_o prerogative_n for_o whatsoever_o i_o may_v do_v in_o compassion_n to_o my_o brother_n infirmity_n sure_o that_o i_o may_v much_o more_o do_v in_o reverence_n to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o lawful_a magistrate_n which_o be_v the_o point_n we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n drive_v at_o chap._n viii_o of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n what_o it_o be_v and_o its_o privilege_n if_o plead_v our_o charter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n will_v not_o give_v we_o a_o discharge_n from_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n whether_o in_o thing_n sacred_a or_o civil_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o can_v yet_o possible_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n may_v this_o be_v think_v to_o have_v not_o only_o a_o privilege_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o prerogative_n to_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o ecclesiastical_a it_o pretend_v to_o be_v god_n peculiar_a and_o exempt_a from_o any_o inferior_a cognizance_n like_o the_o monastic_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v immediate_o and_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n so_o this_o to_o god_n tribunal_n and_o none_o else_o nay_o it_o look_v like_o a_o dictatorian_a authority_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v legibus_fw-la soluta_fw-la this_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v can_v limit_v the_o magistrate_n null_a law_n forbid_v execution_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o good_a and_o holy_a which_o be_v wicked_a and_o rebellious_a before_o this_o can_v canonize_v any_o opinion_n legitimate_a any_o action_n warrant_v any_o extravagancy_n in_o the_o person_n that_o own_v it_o the_o man_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n may_v pass_v all_o guard_n all_o mound_n and_o bar_n that_o be_v set_v to_o confine_v other_o must_v be_v open_a to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n and_o for_o he_o there_o be_v no_o law_n no_o controllment_n no_o punishment_n the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v a_o inviolable_a sanctuary_n and_o he_o that_o meddle_v with_o such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o fighter_n against_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o convince_v he_o discourse_n to_o he_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o hear_v you_o his_o conscience_n be_v his_o priest_n prophet_n and_o king_n too_o he_o hang_v and_o draw_v and_o all_o within_o himself_o as_o we_o say_v whatsoever_o he_o think_v can_v be_v no_o heresy_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v can_v be_v no_o sin_n unless_o therefore_o we_o can_v pull_v down_o this_o usurper_n we_o must_v look_v for_o no_o magistracy_n and_o except_o we_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o this_o pretention_n all_o endeavour_n of_o restore_a uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v vain_a and_o useless_a let_v we_o 1._o therefore_o consider_v what_o conscience_n be_v in_o general_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v better_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o strength_n of_o this_o mighty_a pretender_n 2._o what_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v 3._o what_o privilege_n or_o exemption_n it_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o 1._o what_o conscience_n be_v and_o indeed_o the_o original_n of_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n seem_v to_o lie_v here_o some_o have_v give_v such_o pompous_a and_o romantic_a description_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v beguile_v man_n into_o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v far_o a_o mighty_a potentate_n than_o indeed_o
it_o be_v i_o have_v read_v of_o a_o vulgar_a person_n who_o first_o have_v hear_v himself_o resemble_v to_o the_o prince_n for_o stature_n and_o complexion_n and_o afterward_o heighten_v up_o into_o the_o conceit_n by_o the_o flattery_n of_o some_o and_o art_n of_o other_o that_o have_v end_n to_o serve_v by_o he_o come_v at_o last_o to_o conceit_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n indeed_o and_o give_v sufficient_a trouble_n to_o the_o king_n in_o possession_n man_n have_v speak_v so_o magnificent_o of_o conscience_n that_o divers_a have_v grow_v into_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v some_o ghost_n or_o spirit_n and_o little_a thought_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o inconsiderable_a self_n it_o be_v call_v a_o tutelar_a genius_n a_o familiar_a a_o domestic_a deity_n a_o god_n within_o man_n and_o at_o least_o god_n vicegerent_n enthrone_v in_o our_o bosom_n now_o under_o these_o disguise_n man_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n themselves_o and_o like_o the_o pagan_n have_v give_v divine_a honour_n to_o their_o own_o passion_n but_o the_o least_o that_o can_v follow_v from_o such_o premise_n be_v that_o the_o magistrate_n must_v strike_v sail_n to_o this_o admire_a numen_fw-la hence_o probable_o quakerism_n take_v its_o rise_n the_o man_n of_o which_o way_n be_v general_o a_o stubborn_a and_o incurable_a generation_n bring_v scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o any_o authority_n against_o they_o they_o slight_a all_o and_o only_o appeal_v to_o the_o light_n within_o they_o that_o mighty_a deity_n that_o internal_a christ_n their_o conscience_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o mischievous_a principle_n arise_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o under_o a_o good_a intention_n that_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o conscience_n especial_o if_o providence_n also_o smile_v upon_o our_o undertake_n and_o encourage_v we_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n of_o what_o quality_n soever_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o reformer_n and_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o nay_o so_o far_o have_v some_o be_v bewilder_v by_o these_o cloudy_a and_o misty_a description_n that_o whatsoever_o humour_n have_v be_v predominant_a in_o their_o body_n whatever_o passion_n of_o their_o mind_n whatever_o prejudice_n of_o education_n or_o interest_n or_o profit_n all_o this_o have_v past_a for_o conscience_n and_o under_o that_o name_n be_v uncontrollable_a but_o now_o if_o such_o man_n will_v consider_v and_o love_v plain_a english_a and_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v conscience_n be_v neither_o god_n nor_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v bear_v all_o that_o weight_n be_v thus_o lay_v upon_o it_o but_o be_v plain_o this_o and_o no_o more_o namely_o it_o be_v a_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o understanding_n under_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o his_o own_o action_n and_o duty_n when_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o moral_o than_o this_o notice_n be_v call_v understanding_n only_o or_o mind_n or_o opinion_n or_o science_n or_o some_o such_o name_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n moral_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o such_o a_o rule_n of_o action_n or_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n than_o we_o call_v this_o notice_n or_o reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n conscience_n now_o when_o we_o speak_v thus_o plain_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a legendary_a conceit_n vanish_v for_o scarce_o any_o man_n that_o say_v his_o conscience_n be_v incontrollable_a will_v say_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o reason_n be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n of_o his_o action_n but_o will_v confess_v he_o may_v as_o a_o man_n err_v and_o be_v mistake_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o a_o guide_n or_o some_o law_n or_o light_n to_o direct_v he_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o with_o metaphor_n with_o word_n and_o phrase_n some_o man_n perhaps_o will_v say_v that_o allow_v conscience_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o aforesaid_a yet_o even_o so_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o humane_a law_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n can_v force_v i_o to_o think_v otherwise_o than_o i_o do_v nor_o compel_v i_o to_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n in_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o my_o mind_n my_o mind_n therefore_o or_o conscience_n be_v only_o obnoxious_a to_o god_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v easy_a that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o neither_o man_n can_v know_v my_o thought_n nor_o put_v any_o constraint_n upon_o the_o free_a act_n of_o my_o mind_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o since_o my_o mind_n be_v not_o infallible_a i_o may_v and_o must_v needs_o have_v something_o to_o guide_v my_o mind_n in_o its_o judgement_n and_o determination_n and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o we_o call_v law_n and_o though_o this_o can_v force_v i_o to_o follow_v its_o direction_n yet_o it_o moral_o oblige_v i_o that_o be_v it_o will_v be_v my_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o in_o short_a the_o most_o that_o mind_n or_o conscience_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n yet_o be_v it_o but_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o law_n and_o they_o must_v guide_v it_o as_o that_o guide_v the_o man_n or_o otherwise_o its_o petty_a sovereignty_n that_o it_o pretend_v to_o will_v not_o secure_v it_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o we_o be_v notwithstanding_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n or_o conscience_n before_o any_o law_n or_o command_n of_o any_o humane_a authority_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o happen_v to_o interfere_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a in_o thing_n notorious_o and_o plain_o evil_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o because_o my_o mind_n or_o conscience_n supersede_v the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o because_o some_o high_a law_n of_o god_n or_o reason_n by_o which_o my_o conscience_n be_v guide_v have_v in_o that_o case_n make_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o if_o my_o conscience_n have_v not_o the_o direction_n and_o warranty_n of_o such_o superior_a law_n the_o mere_a opinion_n of_o my_o mind_n or_o conscience_n will_v afford_v i_o no_o security_n for_o where_o those_o be_v silent_a there_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o then_o to_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v that_o be_v to_o affront_v the_o public_a tribunal_n with_o a_o private_a consistory_n and_o to_o set_v my_o own_o opinion_n against_o god_n institution_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o if_o after_o all_o my_o consideration_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o public_a law_n i_o can_v satisfy_v myself_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v i_o must_v then_o govern_v myself_o by_o my_o conscience_n and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n i_o reply_v that_o if_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v not_o as_o plain_a and_o visible_a as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o obey_v authority_n be_v my_o opinion_n or_o conscience_n will_v be_v no_o excuse_n to_o i_o because_o i_o forsake_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o follow_v a_o uncertain_a but_o if_o after_o all_o endeavour_n of_o satisfy_v myself_o to_o obey_v the_o humane_a law_n yet_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n however_o innocent_a it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o plain_o unlawful_a as_o obedience_n be_v plain_o a_o duty_n i_o say_v this_o case_n be_v pittyable_a and_o will_v make_v some_o abatement_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n but_o do_v not_o total_o excuse_v it_o much_o less_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o the_o law_n it_o can_v make_v the_o law_n null_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o its_o own_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o authority_n enact_v it_o and_o not_o upon_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n nor_o can_v it_o total_o excuse_v from_o sin_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n according_a to_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o case_n be_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o man_n unhappy_a circumstance_n his_o disobedience_n will_v then_o be_v only_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o be_v pittyable_a among_o man_n upon_o consideration_n of_o common_a humanity_n and_o be_v pardonable_a with_o god_n as_o other_o error_n be_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n 2._o now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v and_o how_o that_o will_v alter_v
the_o case_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o easy_a to_o find_v out_o what_o man_n mean_v by_o tenderness_n than_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o conscience_n doubtless_o when_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v endure_v no_o check_n or_o restraint_n that_o like_o a_o unbroken_a horse_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o rein_n of_o government_n nor_o yet_o a_o nice_a and_o fantastical_a conscience_n that_o can_v brook_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o its_o own_o humour_n these_o at_o the_o first_o view_n be_v plain_o vicious_a and_o most_o of_o all_o need_n and_o deserve_v the_o restraint_n of_o law_n and_o to_o be_v enure_v to_o that_o they_o so_o stubborn_o decline_v nor_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n can_v tenderness_n be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o latitude_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n every_o good_a man_n have_v such_o a_o tenderness_n as_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o sin_n and_o to_o decline_v the_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v too_o arrogant_a and_o presumptuous_a for_o those_o that_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o suppose_v themselves_o the_o only_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o what_o they_o do_v for_o then_o the_o contrary_a to_o a_o tender_a conscience_n must_v be_v a_o brawny_a and_o obdurate_a or_o stupid_a conscience_n which_o it_o will_v be_v too_o contumelious_a to_o reproach_v all_o other_o man_n but_o themselves_o with_o it_o remain_v then_o that_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o tenderness_n be_v something_o betwixt_o these_o two_o namely_o neither_o a_o steady_a well_o instruct_v nor_o yet_o a_o sturdy_a and_o rebellious_a conscience_n but_o a_o weak_a unsettle_a and_o timorous_a one_o and_o now_o have_v before_o resolve_v conscience_n in_o general_a to_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n or_o practical_a understanding_n a_o tender_a conscience_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o ignorant_a or_o uninstruct_v mind_n or_o a_o sickly_a melancholy_a and_o superstitious_a understanding_n and_o then_o to_o speak_v plain_o a_o man_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o be_v right_a and_o honest_a for_o the_o main_a yet_o either_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o intellectual_n or_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o education_n or_o through_o the_o melancholy_n of_o his_o constitution_n do_v not_o right_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o consequent_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v and_o scruple_n and_o fear_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v and_o by_o this_o mistake_n from_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a render_v those_o thing_n evil_a to_o himself_o that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o themselves_o now_o this_o be_v so_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v this_o and_o no_o more_o a_o man_n will_v just_o wonder_v whence_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n shall_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o ambition_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o some_o and_o much_o more_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o other_o however_o we_o grant_v it_o pittyable_a but_o before_o we_o show_v what_o privilege_n it_o may_v claim_v we_o will_v a_o little_a unfold_v more_o particular_o the_o qualification_n it_o must_v have_v to_o be_v able_a to_o sue_v out_o its_o privilege_n and_o in_o general_n i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o such_o a_o person_n must_v be_v right_a and_o sincere_o honest_a for_o the_o main_a now_o of_o that_o he_o that_o plead_v tender_a conscience_n must_v give_v proof_n in_o these_o follow_a instance_n 1._o he_o that_o plead_v for_o compassion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o weakness_n must_v be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o willing_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o instruction_n for_o he_o that_o scorn_v it_o and_o think_v himself_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o of_o all_o man_n have_v the_o least_o right_a to_o make_v this_o plea._n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o that_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o be_v a_o preacher_n to_o other_o or_o a_o disputer_n for_o opinion_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o tenderness_n we_o speak_v of_o for_o either_o a_o man_n own_v himself_o a_o ignorant_a or_o a_o know_a man_n if_o he_o be_v a_o ignorant_a man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o teach_v other_o but_o to_o learn_v if_o he_o be_v a_o know_a man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n but_o to_o obey_v 2._o he_o that_o pretend_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n must_v make_v good_a his_o claim_n by_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a that_o be_v make_v as_o much_o conscience_n in_o other_o thing_n as_o that_o he_o plead_v exemption_n from_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v but_o pharisaism_n to_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n david_n heart_n smite_v he_o when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o skirt_n of_o saul_n be_v garment_n but_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v call_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n in_o david_n if_o at_o another_o time_n he_o shall_v have_v attempt_v the_o life_n of_o saul_n st._n austin_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o strict_a limit_n of_o matrimony_n than_o the_o law_n do_v per_fw-la mores_n non_fw-la fiebat_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la leges_fw-la licebat_fw-la &_o factum_fw-la horrebatur_fw-la licitum_fw-la ob_fw-la vicinitatem_fw-la illiciti_fw-la but_o then_o they_o be_v severe_o holy_a man_n in_o all_o their_o conversation_n otherwise_o this_o will_v have_v deserve_v no_o better_a esteem_n than_o superstition_n in_o they_o or_o worse_o he_o that_o shall_v scruple_n a_o ceremony_n and_o neglect_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n that_o dare_v not_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o dare_v neglect_v the_o communion_n that_o scruple_n the_o observation_n of_o lent_n but_o scruple_n not_o sensuality_n or_o lust_n drunkenness_n or_o gluttony_n that_o be_v afraid_a to_o eat_v blood_n but_o not_o afraid_a to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n that_o will_v abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v but_o not_o from_o fornication_n let_v such_o a_o man_n pretend_v what_o he_o will_v he_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v plead_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n 3._o he_o that_o be_v true_o tender_a if_o he_o can_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v command_v will_v yet_o do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v he_o will_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o nor_o the_o distance_n great_a than_o needs_o must_v lest_o he_o shall_v betray_v more_o of_o humour_n and_o stomach_n than_o conscience_n he_o that_o can_v bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n yet_o perhaps_o can_v stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n or_o if_o not_o that_o neither_o yet_o probable_o he_o can_v be_v present_a at_o it_o he_o that_o can_v kneel_v when_o he_o be_v require_v may_v express_v so_o much_o reverence_n as_o to_o stand_v and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n may_v possible_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o church_n or_o if_o none_o of_o these_o yet_o at_o least_o 4._o he_o that_o can_v perform_v what_o the_o law_n require_v of_o he_o may_v forbear_v judge_v and_o censure_v those_o that_o do_v his_o conscience_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o himself_o but_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o pass_v severe_a censure_n upon_o all_o other_o man_n it_o be_v a_o very_a proud_a conscience_n that_o will_v transcend_v its_o own_o province_n and_o prescribe_v to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o ignorant_a it_o be_v very_o unsuitable_a that_o he_o shall_v carry_v himself_o as_o the_o only_a sagacious_a man_n and_o make_v his_o mind_n the_o public_a standard_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o contradict_v himself_o plead_v ignorance_n and_o pretend_v knowledge_n will_v be_v deal_v with_o as_o the_o most_o weak_a but_o deal_v by_o other_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o skilful_a the_o man_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n find_v it_o enough_o to_o rule_v and_o judge_v his_o own_o action_n but_o leave_v other_o man_n to_o their_o own_o master_n he_o be_v so_o modest_a upon_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o defect_n and_o consequent_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o think_v other_o man_n may_v know_v a_o reason_n of_o that_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o but_o they_o that_o must_v erect_v a_o judicature_n for_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o arraign_v they_o of_o superstition_n or_o popery_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n shall_v soon_o convict_v themselves_o of_o pride_n and_o pragmaticalness_n than_o give_v proof_n of_o any_o true_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n 5._o the_o true_o tender_a conscience_n will_v free_o part_v with_o money_n and_o whatever_o else_o use_v to_o be_v valuable_a of_o that_o kind_a to_o preserve_v its_o own_o innocency_n and_o peace_n
there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o our_o recession_n for_o as_o i_o say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v sin_n to_o depart_v when_o it_o be_v so_o to_o continue_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a choice_n rather_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o they_o of_o singularity_n than_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o company_n but_o now_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o man_n here_o part_n with_o his_o faith_n upon_o his_o conformity_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v away_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n for_o quietness_n sake_n no_o man_n needs_o to_o hazard_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a and_o well_o instruct_v conscience_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n no_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o renounce_v his_o integrity_n but_o may_v be_v as_o good_a and_o holy_a a_o man_n as_o he_o will_v and_o the_o more_o of_o that_o the_o better_a churchman_n this_o church_n keep_v none_o of_o her_o child_n in_o a_o uncomfortable_a estate_n of_o darkness_n but_o teach_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n sincere_o and_o very_o advantageous_o she_o have_v no_o half_a communion_n nor_o debar_v any_o of_o her_o member_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n institution_n she_o recommend_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o all_o protestant_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o god_n and_o only_o he_o be_v worship_v the_o same_o rule_n of_o holy_a life_n be_v propound_v as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o happiness_n expect_v by_o this_o brief_a representation_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o protestant_n appear_v so_o wide_a and_o vast_a that_o they_o agree_v neither_o in_o their_o creed_n nor_o object_n of_o worship_n nor_o sacrament_n nor_o rule_n of_o life_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o agreement_n of_o protestant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o full_a and_o perfect_a that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o same_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o the_o same_o object_n of_o worship_n the_o same_o way_n of_o devotion_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o same_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o certain_o be_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o a_o man_n may_v therefore_o just_o wonder_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o shall_v make_v a_o breach_n and_o what_o place_n there_o be_v for_o contention_n or_o what_o can_v remain_v considerable_a enough_o to_o occasion_v the_o dissatisfaction_n to_o provoke_v the_o animosity_n to_o countenance_v that_o distance_n that_o be_v between_o we_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o a_o stranger_n to_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n that_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n thus_o far_o to_o guess_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o bone_n of_o contention_n among_o we_o i_o will_v now_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v both_o faithful_o and_o brief_o recite_v the_o matter_n of_o difference_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v if_o we_o number_v they_o only_o they_o be_v many_o but_o if_o we_o weigh_v they_o not_o only_o against_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v agree_v in_o but_o against_o peace_n and_o agreement_n itself_o i_o persuade_v myself_o they_o will_v be_v very_a light_n but_o that_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reader_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o whether_o such_o prayer_n shall_v make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o the_o public_a liturgy_n as_o have_v be_v conceive_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o use_v ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n or_o such_o as_o shall_v pro_fw-la re_fw-mi nata_fw-la be_v occasional_o indict_v by_o every_o private_a minister_n or_o which_o perhaps_o be_v much_o the_o same_o whether_o such_o word_n expression_n and_o phrase_n shall_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o public_a service_n as_o be_v by_o long_o use_v grow_v familiar_a to_o and_o intelligible_a by_o vulgar_a people_n or_o such_o shall_v come_v in_o their_o room_n as_o be_v more_o modern_a and_o grateful_a to_o nice_a ear_n about_o the_o several_a posture_n of_o stand_v kneel_v and_o sit_v and_o whether_o some_o one_o of_o these_o be_v more_o decorous_a and_o accommodate_v to_o some_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n than_o another_o and_o which_o to_o which_o about_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n as_o whether_o the_o anniverssary_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o great_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o use_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o whether_o some_o special_a time_n of_o abstinence_n and_o mortification_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v now_o be_v retain_v or_o not_o about_o habit_n and_o garment_n such_o as_o gown_n surplice_n etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o habit_n use_v in_o ministration_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edward_n be_v not_o now_o as_o lawful_a as_o any_o other_o about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n whether_o while_o it_o be_v declare_v not_o essential_a to_o baptism_n it_o may_v not_o upon_o other_o consideration_n be_v use_v in_o that_o sacrament_n or_o last_o which_o i_o think_v be_v as_o important_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n whether_o subordinacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o episcopal_a way_n or_o co-ordinacy_a and_o parity_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v prefer_v most_o of_o the_o dispute_v we_o have_v among_o we_o be_v either_o upon_o these_o question_n or_o reducible_a to_o these_o or_o at_o least_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o these_o now_o how_o inconsiderable_a these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o how_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o peace_n i_o forbear_v to_o say_v till_o i_o have_v in_o the_o second_o place_n show_v as_o i_o promise_v that_o something_o must_v be_v forgo_v for_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a and_o memorable_a say_n of_o erasmus_n mihi_fw-la sanè_fw-la adeò_fw-la invisa_fw-la est_fw-la discordia_fw-la ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la displiceat_fw-la seditiosa_fw-la he_o do_v not_o only_o suspect_v that_o proposition_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v not_o also_o peaceable_a but_o he_o think_v peace_n not_o too_o dear_a at_o the_o price_n of_o some_o truth_n and_o he_o that_o pretend_v so_o high_a a_o value_n for_o the_o latter_a as_o to_o have_v no_o esteem_n for_o the_o former_a neither_o understand_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o greg._n nazianz._n put_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o peace_n be_v not_o only_o the_o most_o beautiful_a flower_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o christianity_n but_o also_o the_o most_o sovereign_a and_o useful_a though_o it_o be_v common_o deal_v with_o as_o some_o fame_a beauty_n admire_a and_o court_v but_o not_o espouse_v the_o apostle_n when_o rom._n 12._o 18._o he_o so_o passionate_o exhort_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o far_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n sure_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o we_o shall_v only_o accept_v of_o peace_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v we_o for_o nothing_o or_o be_v quiet_a till_o we_o can_v pick_v a_o quarrel_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o some_o cost_n to_o purchase_v it_o and_o part_n with_o something_o for_o it_o and_o deny_v ourselves_o something_o which_o but_o upon_o that_o account_n we_o may_v lawful_o have_v enjoy_v it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v buy_v gold_n too_o dear_a and_o so_o we_o must_v have_v do_v our_o peace_n if_o we_o seek_v it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o huckster_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o i_o show_v before_o but_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v it_o for_o nothing_o in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n i_o think_v be_v demonstrative_o evident_a by_o this_o one_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o intellectual_a menaechmi_n i_o mean_v hardly_o any_o two_o person_n perfect_o of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n or_o stature_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o much_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o man_n constitution_n such_o diversity_n of_o education_n such_o variety_n of_o interest_n and_o custom_n and_o from_o hence_o so_o many_o kind_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o various_a conception_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o that_o resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o no_o body_n can_v agree_v with_o no_o body_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v happy_a in_o any_o church_n or_o society_n on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n there_o indeed_o some_o think_v man_n mind_n shall_v be_v all_o of_o one_o capacity_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o that_o particular_a i_o much_o doubt_v whether_o those_o person_n will_v ever_o make_v up_o that_o society_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a that_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o disturb_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a unless_o all_o thing_n