grow_v so_o numerous_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n have_v desert_v the_o empire_n they_o will_v have_v leave_v desolation_n behind_o they_o this_o be_v therefore_o grant_v that_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o polity_n or_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v appear_v from_o reason_n scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n even_o in_o such_o constitution_n as_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o temporal_a affair_n of_o state_n which_o be_v do_v with_o great_a happiness_n to_o both_o in_o the_o reign_v of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o many_o other_o christian_a emperor_n i_o will_v therefore_o proceed_v upon_o this_o position_n to_o show_v that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happy_a condition_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o government_n ecclesiastical_a in_o a_o national_a church_n this_o necessity_n be_v ground_v both_o in_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o lawful_a policy_n and_o religious_a wisdom_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o religious_a necessity_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v the_o essence_n the_o nature_n the_o design_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o other_o religion_n both_o pagan_a jewish_n and_o mahometan_a for_o the_o intention_n of_o that_o must_v be_v our_o great_a design_n if_o we_o will_v be_v true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o in_o word_n profess_v we_o own_v he_o but_o in_o action_n deny_v he_o and_o his_o royal_a priesthood_n over_o we_o now_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o love_n or_o charity_n this_o be_v the_o new_a commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o old_a and_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o christianity_n differ_v from_o and_o excel_v all_o other_o religion_n the_o heathen_n know_v no_o more_o of_o this_o than_o their_o interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o of_o different_a nation_n manner_n or_o religion_n be_v esteem_v barbarian_n and_o enemy_n and_o according_o treat_v and_o have_v not_o god_n almighty_a permit_v the_o regiment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v absolute_a and_o tyrannical_a this_o want_n of_o charity_n one_o to_o another_o will_v certain_o have_v throw_v they_o into_o perpetual_a civil_a war_n and_o confusion_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v then_o no_o rein_n upon_o ambitious_a spirit_n but_o fear_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o will_v of_o their_o prince_n which_o be_v the_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o they_o rule_v their_o subject_n and_o even_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n 5.43_o matt._n 5.43_o and_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o exact_v life_n for_o life_n eye_n for_o eye_n tooth_n for_o tooth_n but_o when_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o bless_a come_v into_o the_o world_n both_o to_o redeem_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o to_o exalt_v man_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o degeneracy_n below_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o teach_v another_o doctrine_n very_o harsh_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o such_o as_o will_v in_o reality_n make_v they_o resemble_v god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n he_o teach_v they_o to_o love_v their_o enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o by_o which_o method_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o glorious_a sun_n rise_v upon_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a 45._o matt._n 5.44_o 45._o and_o who_o fruitful_a shower_n fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a this_o love_n he_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o be_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n &_o from_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o commandment_n 40._o matt._n 22.37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o often_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o new_a commandment_n 35._o joh._n 13.34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_n one_o for_o another_o and_o what_o he_o teach_v he_o also_o confirm_v by_o his_o example_n in_o that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n now_o the_o command_n be_v universal_a to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n they_o who_o hate_v another_o because_o they_o differ_v or_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a have_v therefore_o leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o entrust_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v as_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o conducive_a to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o charity_n can_v be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n 4.40_o 1_o joh._n 4.40_o for_o if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o lyar._n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o particular_o the_o belove_a disciple_n st._n john_n lay_v such_o weight_n upon_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o frequent_o command_v it_o that_o his_o three_o epistle_n be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o a_o repetition_n of_o that_o command_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v into_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v of_o that_o apostle_n that_o in_o his_o extreme_a old_a age_n reside_v at_o ephesus_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n when_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v carry_v in_o his_o chair_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n where_o he_o will_v several_a time_n repeat_v this_o sentence_n my_o little_a child_n love_v one_o another_o and_o be_v demand_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o short_a but_o excellent_a sermon_n he_o make_v answer_v to_o this_o effect_n because_o it_o do_v comprise_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o charity_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o fault_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n doubt_v not_o to_o give_v it_o the_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o two_o other_o principal_a grace_n 13.13_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o now_o say_v he_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v charity_n for_o when_o hope_n shall_v be_v complete_v by_o possession_n and_o faith_n change_v into_o fruition_n then_o shall_v charity_n be_v most_o triumphant_a as_o be_v the_o life_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o please_a employment_n of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v this_o love_n unseign_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v so_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n that_o without_o both_o these_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a impostor_n for_o no_o person_n can_v true_o fear_v god_n who_o do_v not_o smcere_o love_v he_o and_o no_o man_n love_v god_n sincere_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o brother_n also_o 5.1_o 1_o tim._n 5.1_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a now_o take_v this_o for_o a_o foundation_n which_o no_o good_a christian_n can_v deny_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v this_o charity_n without_o unity_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o government_n in_o a_o national_a church_n and_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a i_o shall_v need_v no_o strong_a argument_n than_o what_o the_o holy_a apostle_n st._n paul_n subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v those_o of_o his_o last_o repeat_v from_o which_o say_v he_o some_o have_v swerve_v have_v turn_v aside_o to_o vain_a jangle_n here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o church_n misery_n this_o vain_a jangle_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o dissension_n and_o division_n those_o mischievous_a quarrel_n which_o have_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o word_n but_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o outrage_n of_o blow_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v want_v of_o charity_n and_o that_o
pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n which_o command_v peace_n and_o forbid_v all_o disorder_n and_o disobedience_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o to_o make_v this_o apparent_a so_o as_o that_o no_o evasion_n may_v be_v find_v let_v we_o consider_v that_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o maintain_v charity_n in_o a_o national_a church_n unless_o there_o be_v also_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n for_o where_o man_n live_v together_o embody_a in_o one_o political_a society_n and_o be_v therefore_o daily_o conversant_a together_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o will_v discourse_v about_o the_o mode_n as_o well_o as_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n and_o suppose_v that_o all_o people_n have_v free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v after_o what_o manner_n they_o will_v serve_v and_o worship_n god_n no_o doubt_n be_v to_o be_v make_v but_o every_o man_n will_v prefer_v his_o own_o choice_n both_o of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n before_o that_o of_o other_o and_o esteem_v it_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n this_o undue_a preference_n of_o their_o own_o way_n as_o it_o will_v natural_o incline_v they_o to_o make_v as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o possible_o they_o can_v a_o duty_n they_o will_v judge_v themselves_o necessary_o and_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o perform_v so_o will_v it_o necessary_o put_v they_o not_o only_o upon_o defend_v and_o maintain_v their_o own_o way_n but_o of_o lessen_v and_o it_o may_v be_v debase_v and_o vilify_a all_o other_o in_o comparison_n of_o it_o nor_o will_v other_o be_v less_o eager_a in_o search_v out_o and_o expose_v their_o error_n and_o defect_n thereby_o to_o establish_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o their_o follower_n to_o which_o revenge_n for_o affront_n and_o indignity_n offer_v to_o what_o they_o esteem_v most_o sacred_a will_v contribute_v not_o a_o little_a so_o that_o all_o religion_n will_v come_v to_o consist_v in_o frivolous_a and_o endless_a dispute_n and_o difference_n what_o kind_n of_o breath_n what_o tone_n word_n habit_n gesture_n or_o posture_n god_n almighty_a be_v best_a please_v with_o and_o instead_o of_o that_o charity_n which_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o fault_n that_o will_v be_v the_o best_a which_o have_v the_o least_o and_o be_v best_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o infirmity_n of_o all_o other_o and_o will_v seem_v to_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o its_o own_o excellency_n or_o perfection_n as_o by_o discover_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o do_v oppose_v it_o nor_o will_v these_o foolish_a difference_n terminate_v in_o mere_a word_n and_o wrangle_v but_o proceed_v by_o degree_n to_o the_o high_a animosity_n and_o extremity_n of_o hatred_n and_o such_o a_o hatred_n as_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o devilish_a principle_n of_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n all_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o it_o may_v be_v but_o in_o the_o punctillo_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o they_o who_o shall_v appear_v most_o zealous_a in_o execute_v this_o blind_a and_o furious_a rage_n shall_v be_v account_v most_o godly_a and_o religious_a murder_n shall_v be_v call_v justice_n wrong_v violence_n and_o oppression_n punishment_n just_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a sacrilege_n shall_v pass_v for_o piety_n and_o the_o most_o horrid_a and_o slagitious_a enormity_n shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v repute_v acceptable_a service_n to_o he_o be_v do_v or_o however_o pretend_v with_o the_o design_n of_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n root_a out_o superstition_n false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n o_o meek_a and_o bless_a jesus_n thou_o innocent_a lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v this_o the_o religion_n which_o with_o thy_o precious_a blood_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o water_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o of_o thy_o holy_a saint_n and_o martyr_n assure_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o terrible_a hurricane_n whirlwind_n and_o earthquake_n tempest_n or_o fire_n as_o rend_v the_o mountain_n 12._o 1_o king_n 19.11_o 12._o and_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n as_o shake_v and_o put_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o course_n and_o consume_v all_o before_o they_o no_o no_o it_o be_v in_o the_o small_a still_a voice_n the_o calm_a and_o soft_a voice_n of_o peace_n and_o meekness_n that_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v alas_o it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o man_n pompous_a breath_n nor_o that_o man_n eloquent_a harangue_n that_o god_n be_v delight_v it_o be_v not_o the_o rude_a and_o undecent_a religion_n of_o he_o who_o despise_v all_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o will_v not_o bend_v his_o knee_n or_o uncover_v his_o head_n for_o fear_n of_o he_o know_v not_o what_o idolatry_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o over_o superstitious_a and_o courtly_a service_n of_o he_o who_o make_v all_o his_o religion_n groan_v under_o the_o load_n of_o splendid_a ceremony_n that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o he_o have_v no_o more_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o exterior_a demeanour_n than_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v 11._o psal_n 147.10_o 11._o in_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o horse_n or_o in_o the_o leg_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o in_o those_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o all_o these_o outward_a demonstration_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v only_o valuable_a according_a to_o their_o inward_a intention_n of_o promote_a the_o main_a design_n for_o which_o he_o intend_v they_o which_o be_v peace_n unity_n and_o concord_n among_o the_o son_n of_o men._n now_o this_o bless_a peace_n this_o happy_a unity_n and_o this_o christian_a concord_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o any_o national_a church_n but_o by_o submit_v to_o such_o common_a expedient_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n as_o by_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o difference_n may_v lay_v asleep_a all_o these_o occasion_n of_o division_n dispute_n and_o vain_a jangle_n and_o may_v therefore_o cut_v off_o the_o root_n and_o occasion_n of_o quarrel_n about_o the_o how_o god_n shall_v be_v serve_v and_o this_o power_n must_v either_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v in_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n or_o otherways_o all_o fall_n to_o confusion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n then_o have_v not_o any_o dissenter_n that_o power_n over_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o go_v about_o a_o unlawful_a action_n and_o be_v bold_a usurper_n over_o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o their_o brethren_n while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v any_o government_n in_o their_o congregation_n if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n then_o either_o that_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o she_o be_v not_o a_o true_a church_n let_v they_o prove_v that_o and_o we_o will_v fair_o and_o quiet_o yield_v they_o the_o cause_n but_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o a_o true_a church_n have_v such_o a_o power_n then_o ought_v all_o who_o be_v in_o that_o community_n and_o nation_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o her_o determination_n because_o they_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o her_o jurisdiction_n and_o they_o who_o be_v disobedient_a be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o unity_n and_o charity_n and_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v of_o any_o credit_n they_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n and_o much_o more_o than_o with_o that_o church_n which_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o have_v nurse_v they_o in_o her_o tender_a arm_n shall_v never_o see_v god_n and_o into_o what_o a_o desperate_a condition_n then_o have_v they_o reduce_v themselves_o who_o for_o want_v of_o this_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n run_v themselves_o and_o their_o disciple_n into_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v exclude_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o holiness_n from_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n which_o in_o plain_a english_a be_v eternal_a damnation_n ah_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n how_o just_o may_v thou_o take_v up_o the_o mournful_a complaint_n of_o god_n almighty_n by_o his_o prophet_n isaiah_n hear_v o_o heaven_n 1.2_o esay_n 1.2_o and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o o_o miserable_a and_o deceive_v people_n how_o vain_o do_v you_o establish_v your_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o principle_n of_o dissension_n who_o be_v make_v believe_v no_o way_n so_o secure_a to_o
obedience_n to_o a_o private_a doubt_n to_o break_v a_o know_a command_n of_o god_n who_o command_v obedience_n to_o my_o superior_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v obey_v god_n or_o man_n ourselves_o or_o the_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o such_o hard_a question_n as_o some_o people_n have_v make_v it_o beside_o though_o wilful_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v damnable_a yet_o error_n in_o circumstance_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o we_o make_v they_o so_o ourselves_o by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n in_o refuse_v for_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o submit_v to_o our_o superior_n which_o be_v damnable_a nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o of_o the_o several_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v proper_o call_v error_n though_o they_o be_v different_a nay_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v we_o either_o part_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a only_o according_a as_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o those_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o they_o then_o as_o we_o in_o our_o own_o judgement_n shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o be_v conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n for_o whether_o i_o shall_v pray_v in_o a_o surplice_n or_o in_o a_o cloak_n be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o salvation_n for_o i_o may_v do_v it_o with_o either_o or_o neither_o and_o yet_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o disobedience_n to_o my_o lawful_a superior_n shall_v they_o command_v i_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o public_a in_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o error_n in_o faith_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o disobedience_n must_v either_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o that_o command_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a which_o be_v infidelity_n and_o error_n now_o let_v any_o person_n of_o sobriety_n judge_n whether_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o void_a of_o offence_n to_o god_n and_o man_n which_o will_v strain_v at_o the_o gnat_n of_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o swallow_v the_o camel_n of_o disobedience_n and_o whether_o all_o good_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o join_v with_o the_o national_a church_n in_o such_o ceremony_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n as_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o any_o ceremony_n can_v be_v which_o be_v not_o damnable_a rather_o than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v they_o and_o refuse_v to_o use_v they_o to_o run_v the_o certain_a hazzard_n of_o ruine_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o certain_a damnation_n by_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n i_o desire_v to_o make_v this_o as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v and_o therefore_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n this_o ceremony_n be_v by_o many_o so_o much_o abhor_v that_o they_o will_v rather_o not_o have_v their_o child_n receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o baptism_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n have_v the_o sacrament_n from_o those_o who_o have_v no_o lawful_a ordination_n have_v therefore_o no_o commission_n to_o go_v and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n now_o suppose_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n a_o superfluous_a or_o superstitious_a ceremony_n which_o yet_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v as_o by_o the_o church_n explain_v in_o the_o office_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o 30_o canon_n yet_o still_o the_o use_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v injurious_a to_o salvation_n or_o damnable_a because_o it_o be_v no_o where_n in_o scripture_n forbid_v nor_o ever_o assert_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o condemn_v by_o either_o counsel_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n but_o frequent_o use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n both_o upon_o that_o and_o many_o other_o occasion_n what_o a_o man_n may_v do_v without_o fear_n of_o damnation_n he_o may_v do_v safe_o nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o expedience_n or_o edifyingness_n of_o the_o ceremony_n for_o who_o make_v any_o private_a man_n a_o judge_n over_o other_o that_o very_a capacity_n exclude_v he_o from_o that_o power_n but_o for_o any_o person_n to_o refuse_v to_o have_v his_o child_n baptise_a because_o of_o this_o ceremony_n or_o to_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o judge_n over_o they_o and_o a_o damnable_a sin_n wash_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o there_o be_v some_o prayer_n to_o be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 〈◊〉_d for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n some_o gesture_n some_o posture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a solemnity_n some_o praise_n due_a for_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n and_o these_o be_v no_o where_o direct_v what_o they_o shall_v be_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o to_o establish_v unity_n by_o uniformity_n to_o preserve_v the_o decency_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o duty_n prescribe_v this_o form_n of_o word_n these_o gesture_n and_o rite_n and_o this_o sign_n as_o of_o great_a signification_n that_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o shall_v glory_n in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o receive_v that_o as_o a_o badge_n or_o cognizance_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o the_o ceremony_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o command_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o shall_v we_o need_v to_o fear_v lest_o by_o this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ceremony_n shall_v swell_v to_o such_o a_o bulk_n as_o to_o be_v burdensome_a by_o be_v too_o numerous_a since_o the_o governor_n themselves_o be_v not_o without_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n at_o jerusalem_n 15.28_o act_n 15.28_o for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n one_o of_o those_o necessary_a thing_n be_v before_o indifferent_a viz._n to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o make_v even_o the_o other_o about_o the_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o same_o which_o now_o be_v make_v by_o the_o council_n necessary_a but_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a clog_n of_o ceremony_n which_o none_o can_v just_o complain_v of_o among_o we_o yet_o will_v any_o man_n loose_v the_o substance_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o shadow_n refuse_v to_o eat_v good_a and_o wholesome_a diet_n because_o the_o dish_n be_v silver_n and_o too_o much_o garnish_v and_o by_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o all_o those_o seduce_v by_o he_o mere_o to_o avoid_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o if_o he_o do_v they_o not_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n his_o salvation_n for_o these_o be_v only_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o maintain_v peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n but_o not_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o our_o salvation_n depend_v because_o god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v be_v damn_v and_o he_o that_o abstain_v from_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o have_v say_v we_o must_v hear_v the_o church_n and_o if_o she_o command_v this_o for_o peace_n sake_n we_o must_v obey_v lest_o we_o be_v just_o esteem_v as_o publican_n and_o heathen_n beside_o they_o who_o command_n must_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o who_o be_v to_o obey_v shall_v not_o answer_v for_o the_o error_n of_o their_o superior_n but_o no_o man_n can_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o his_o disobedience_n against_o they_o in_o these_o command_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o judge_n whether_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v command_v but_o because_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o obedience_n if_o every_o man_n may_v be_v his_o own_o judge_n for_o what_o one_o man_n may_v do_v out_o of_o pure_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n of_o mind_n thousand_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v the_o tender_a conscience_n from_o the_o obstinate_a and_o design_v all_o duty_n to_o our_o superior_n in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v evade_v with_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v or_o else_o consist_v in_o obey_v only_o so_o far_o as_o we_o like_v the_o command_n which_o be_v for_o fear_n of_o popery_n to_o make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o pope_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o
place_n but_o they_o mock_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v his_o word_n and_o misuse_v his_o prophet_n until_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n arise_v against_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n then_o do_v the_o overflow_a scourge_n come_v roll_v upon_o they_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o captivity_n desolation_n and_o utter_a subversion_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v compassion_n upon_o his_o people_n and_o his_o dwell_a place_n and_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o despiser_n and_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a that_o we_o may_v not_o despise_v ourselves_o and_o nation_n into_o such_o a_o dismal_a and_o inevitable_a ruin_n chap._n ix_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v the_o necessity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o every_o national_a church_n of_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v upon_o a_o politic_a account_n as_o we_o be_v unite_v together_o into_o one_o community_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n we_o must_v consider_v therefore_o that_o religion_n be_v design_v to_o improve_v even_o our_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o live_v and_o that_o to_o put_v on_o christianity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o put_v off_o humanity_n or_o by_o learning_n obedience_n to_o god_n to_o forget_v what_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o neighbour_n or_o our_o king_n the_o eternal_a prince_n of_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n come_v to_o preach_v peace_n unto_o all_o not_o to_o embroyl_n the_o world_n or_o unsettle_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n but_o to_o establish_v they_o for_o the_o throne_n be_v establish_v by_o righteousness_n 16.12_o pro._n 16.12_o that_o glorious_a heir_n of_o all_o thing_n reject_v the_o offer_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o positive_o affirm_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o humane_a nature_n he_o own_a himself_o a_o subject_a of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o not_o only_o pay_v the_o tribute_n for_o himself_o and_o saint_n peter_n but_o command_v all_o man_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v be_v to_o make_v all_o man_n better_a in_o their_o feveral_a estate_n and_o capacity_n of_o life_n better_a man_n and_o therefore_o better_a subject_n to_o prince_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o inspire_v the_o convert_v to_o christianity_n with_o these_o principle_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n so_o st._n paul_n command_v 13.1_o ro._n 13.1_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n thus_o st._n peter_n teach_v and_o command_v 15._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14_o 15._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n this_o be_v then_o one_o main_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o see_v of_o what_o necessity_n unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o what_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o political_a government_n of_o a_o christian_a state_n the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n division_n and_o disorder_n be_v that_o man_n take_v this_o for_o a_o principle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v disobedient_a to_o lawful_a authority_n without_o danger_n of_o damnation_n and_o so_o far_o have_v the_o mischief_n of_o this_o fret_a gangrene_n spread_v itself_o that_o many_o people_n esteem_v it_o a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o disobey_v the_o civil_a power_n and_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v save_v shall_v they_o be_v obedient_a to_o its_o command_n which_o they_o think_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o error_n must_v proceed_v either_o from_o malice_n or_o mistake_v i_o will_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o suppose_v not_o from_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o child_n of_o ignorance_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o state_n the_o case_n true_o that_o so_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v inform_v by_o truth_n they_o may_v either_o be_v reform_v or_o leave_v without_o excuse_n the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o infinite_o glorious_a good_a and_o wise_a creator_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n he_o therefore_o proportion_v a_o method_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v create_v with_o a_o double_a capacity_n of_o enjoy_v happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o therefore_o do_v that_o excellent_a wisdom_n appoint_v religion_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o attain_v both_o and_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o noble_a and_o excellent_a end_n it_o be_v furnish_v with_o rule_n and_o precept_n which_o bear_v a_o double_a respect_n to_o this_o double_a capacity_n one_o part_n conduct_n we_o to_o god_n and_o future_a happiness_n in_o the_o external_n fruition_n of_o his_o grorious_z presence_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o other_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o mortal_a state_n by_o the_o politicl_n rule_v of_o live_v well_o with_o a_o mutual_a respect_n not_o only_o to_o our_o own_o but_o the_o happiness_n of_o one_o another_o by_o the_o lawful_a and_o moderate_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o inferior_a creation_n which_o god_n therefore_o make_v that_o he_o may_v show_v his_o glory_n his_o wisdom_n his_o power_n and_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v this_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o be_v to_o believe_v aright_o and_o to_o live_v well_o and_o both_o these_o be_v so_o essential_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o one_o will_v not_o obtain_v it_o without_o the_o other_o for_o the_o devil_n believe_v 2.19_o jam._n 2.19_o though_o it_o make_v they_o tremble_v to_o believe_v aright_o we_o must_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o god_n have_v from_o heaven_n reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v himself_o and_o our_o duty_n the_o short_a sum_n of_o which_o faith_n the_o church_n have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n in_o the_o three_o famous_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o live_v well_o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n submit_v to_o all_o those_o practical_a precept_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v command_v in_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o justice_n temperance_n prudence_n chastity_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o happiness_n by_o these_o rule_n in_o this_o present_a life_n god_n have_v not_o left_a man_n in_o a_o wild_a parity_n like_o brute_n but_o have_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o providence_n divide_v the_o world_n into_o superior_a and_o inferior_a degree_n of_o man_n subject_n and_o sovereign_n entrust_v one_o to_o rule_n and_o govern_v and_o command_v the_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o for_o this_o he_o have_v leave_v many_o positive_a command_n too_o well_o know_v and_o too_o numerous_a to_o be_v here_o repeat_v these_o power_n thus_o ordain_v of_o god_n and_o arm_v with_o his_o sword_n to_o execute_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a be_v vest_v with_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o decree_n law_n and_o sanction_n as_o in_o their_o wisdom_n they_o shall_v judge_n conducive_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n and_o encourager_n of_o they_o that_o be_v good_n and_o to_o they_o prosecute_a this_o great_a and_o good_a design_n and_o to_o those_o law_n which_o do_v promote_v it_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v not_o only_o for_o wrath_n 13.5_o rom._n 13.5_o but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v who_o live_v in_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o that_o power_n and_o those_o command_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o such_o disobedience_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n himself_o against_o his_o positive_a will_n and_o command_n and_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o maintain_v in_o word_n however_o they_o may_v do_v it_o in_o action_n that_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v or_o hope_v for_o by_o such_o as_o live_v in_o manifest_a
inexcusable_a by_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o present_a government_n lawful_a and_o of_o god_n appintment_n both_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a phillida_n solus_fw-la habeto_fw-la and_o till_o they_o have_v prove_v themselves_o lawful_a power_n and_o the_o present_a government_n unlawful_a let_v they_o be_v obedient_a to_o its_o decree_n and_o determination_n as_o those_o law_n respect_v the_o good_a of_o the_o civil_a society_n if_o they_o will_v not_o as_o they_o respect_v the_o religious_a chap._n x._o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o in_o show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o political_a respect_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_a law_n to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o humane_a society_n as_o well_o as_o a_o religious_a respect_n to_o future_a felicity_n and_o that_o therefore_o upon_o this_o double_a account_n our_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o ecclesiastîcal_a law_n as_o well_o as_o the_o temporal_a to_o which_o yet_o no_o dissenter_n will_v own_o disobedience_n to_o be_v lawful_a because_o without_o law_n no_o live_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n therefore_o obedience_n to_o both_o be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o see_v how_o necessary_a therefore_o this_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v upon_o this_o political_a account_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o society_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o law_n and_o all_o religion_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o life_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v can_v better_o be_v do_v than_o by_o show_v the_o dangerous_a influence_n which_o disunion_n in_o point_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n have_v upon_o the_o civil_a affair_n of_o any_o nation_n as_o true_a religion_n make_v man_n the_o best_a subject_n steady_a in_o their_o loyalty_n and_o allegiance_n faithful_a in_o their_o trust_n and_o service_n industrious_a to_o promote_v the_o common_a good_a obedient_a to_o their_o superior_n kind_a to_o their_o equal_n and_o humble_a to_o their_o inferior_n and_o always_o religious_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n so_o false_a opinion_n when_o entertain_v for_o true_a religion_n ever_o render_v man_n the_o worst_a and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o in_o it_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o prince_n to_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v christian_a religion_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n and_o to_o discountenance_v error_n heresy_n sect_n and_o schism_n as_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o secure_v themselves_o and_o establish_v their_o throne_n upon_o the_o immovable_a basis_n and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o the_o good_a conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o this_o surpass_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n all_o the_o power_n of_o arm_n and_o all_o the_o art_n of_o policy_n law_n without_o conscience_n be_v like_o sampsons_n green_a with_o 's_o which_o arm_a interest_n and_o successful_a ambition_n attend_v on_o with_o fiery_a zeal_n 16.9_o jud._n 16.9_o will_v break_v to_o piece_n as_o a_o thread_n of_o tow_n when_o it_o touch_v the_o flame_n the_o most_o powerful_a arm_n have_v not_o entail_v of_o victory_n and_o though_o the_o sword_n be_v a_o very_a good_a guard_n for_o the_o sceptre_n yet_o if_o the_o sceptre_n turn_v into_o a_o sword_n a_o thousand_o instance_n will_v show_v that_o it_o lay_v a_o slippery_a foundation_n for_o a_o crown_n which_o always_o stand_v most_o firm_a when_o set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o prince_n by_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o by_o the_o tremble_a hand_n of_o fear_n the_o deep_a politician_n be_v sometime_o man_n shallow_a and_o fordable_a subject_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o their_o counsel_n like_o achitophel_n may_v be_v defeat_v and_o turn_v into_o folly_n but_o religion_n be_v it_o universal_o practise_v prince_n may_v disband_v those_o auxiliary_a succour_n of_o the_o crown_n together_o with_o their_o fear_n that_o raise_v they_o and_o may_v send_v their_o jealousy_n those_o envious_a tormentor_n both_o of_o crown_n and_o cottager_n into_o perpetual_a banishment_n for_o that_o teach_v to_o smother_v treason_n in_o the_o thought_n 10.20_o eccles_n 10.20_o and_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o axe_n and_o scaffold_n curse_v not_o the_o king_n not_o in_o thy_o thought_n be_v god_n command_n which_o they_o will_v not_o transgress_v to_o gain_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lose_v their_o soul_n innocence_n be_v their_o profession_n peace_n their_o study_n integrity_n the_o joy_n of_o their_o life_n the_o delight_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o death_n not_o all_o the_o storm_n of_o affliction_n not_o all_o the_o shine_a glory_n of_o the_o universe_n can_v tempt_v they_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o white_a mantle_n of_o unstained_a innocence_n that_o ermine_n of_o religion_n not_o all_o the_o tempt_a withcraft_n of_o dominion_n riches_n honour_n or_o advantage_n can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o do_v the_o least_o injury_n wilful_o to_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n much_o less_o than_o to_o those_o sacred_a person_n who_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o true_a christian_a if_o it_o be_v put_v to_o his_o choice_n have_v rather_o sit_v with_o job_n clothe_v with_o ash_n misery_n and_o integrity_n upon_o the_o dunghill_n of_o poverty_n than_o be_v lift_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o injustice_n or_o violence_n to_o sit_v among_o prince_n and_o wear_v the_o dread_v imperial_a purple_n this_o be_v the_o happy_a temper_n of_o religion_n which_o teach_v the_o prince_n that_o excellent_a moderation_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o subject_n that_o he_o will_v not_o tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o their_o property_n or_o their_o privilege_n and_o in_o all_o his_o law_n to_o study_v their_o interest_n as_o his_o own_o this_o teach_v subject_n to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a 4.11_o 1_o thess_n 4.11_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o make_v sedition_n mutiny_n or_o rebellion_n to_o make_v devout_a and_o continual_a supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n 3._o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o give_v of_o thanks_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o so_o they_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n for_o this_o they_o be_v teach_v be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n nor_o will_v they_o venture_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o least_o skirt_n of_o prerogative_n the_o lawful_a inheritance_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o enlarge_v their_o own_o or_o take_v one_o jewel_n out_o of_o his_o crown_n to_o adorn_v or_o enrich_v themselves_o withal_o they_o will_v not_o deplume_v the_o royal_a eagle_n of_o he_o to_o feather_n their_o own_o nest_n the_o thirst_n of_o ambition_n which_o can_v be_v quench_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o illustrious_a blood_n of_o sovereign_n be_v a_o absolute_a stranger_n to_o their_o very_a thought_n and_o they_o will_v rather_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o life_n and_o fortune_n than_o see_v he_o in_o danger_n all_o their_o desire_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o little_a here_o and_o their_o ambition_n aspire_v lawful_o after_o no_o other_o crown_n but_o that_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n now_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o this_o happy_a state_n as_o there_o be_v one_o god_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o in_o one_o nation_n there_o be_v one_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o state_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o people_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o opinion_n yet_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o one_o mind_v as_o to_o obedience_n to_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v but_o high_o reasonable_a that_o private_a opinion_n shall_v confine_v itself_o to_o private_a breast_n its_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o be_v permit_v to_o walk_v abroad_o to_o affront_v authority_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n interest_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n no_o more_o than_o particular_a gain_n be_v suffer_v to_o undo_v the_o public_a stock_n difference_n in_o opinion_n may_v well_o be_v tolerate_v and_o indeed_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o yet_o be_v man_n manage_v by_o modesty_n though_o not_o religion_n there_o need_v be_v no_o mischief_n from_o it_o but_o to_o publish_v private_a opinion_n for_o public_a and_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v it_o upon_o other_o and_o upon_o authority_n itself_o be_v a_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o pernicious_a usurpation_n and_o consequence_n in_o any_o government_n for_o this_o opposition_n of_o opinion_n natural_o produce_v a_o disunion_n of_o mind_n absolute_o destructive_a of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o unite_v all_o the_o member_n
do_v not_o believe_v the_o theological_a point_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o when_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v than_o the_o kill_a question_n what_o say_v you_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n be_v sure_a to_o turn_v they_o over_o to_o the_o secular_a power_n for_o heretic_n and_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o writ_n de_fw-fr hereticis_fw-la comburendis_fw-la bring_v they_o to_o their_o funeral_n pile_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n which_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n be_v find_v by_o experience_n dangerous_a to_o society_n destructive_a of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o government_n may_v not_o we_o lawful_o endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o own_o that_o faith_n to_o give_v security_n that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o power_n not_o only_o to_o excommunicate_v but_o to_o depose_v prince_n and_o dispose_v of_o their_o crown_n that_o equivocation_n even_o upon_o a_o solemn_a oath_n be_v lawful_a a_o position_n that_o ruin_v all_o religion_n and_o fidelity_n and_o the_o very_a reputation_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o yet_o a_o treatise_n i_o have_v see_v write_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n and_o approve_v by_o blackwell_n the_o archpriest_n in_o these_o word_n tractatus_fw-la iste_fw-la valdé_v doctus_fw-la &_o veré_fw-la pius_fw-la &_o catkolicus_n est_fw-la etc._n etc._n certissimé_fw-fr ss_z scripturarum_fw-la patrum_fw-la doctorum_fw-la scholasticorum_fw-la canonistarum_fw-la &_o optimarum_fw-la rationum_fw-la presidijs_fw-la plenissimé_fw-fr firmat_n aequitatem_fw-la aequivocationis_fw-la ideoque_fw-la dignissimus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la typis_fw-la propagatur_fw-la ad_fw-la consolationem_fw-la afflictorum_fw-la catholicorum_n &_o omnium_fw-la piorum_fw-la instructionem_fw-la this_o treatise_n say_v he_o be_v very_o learned_a and_o true_o pious_a and_o catholic_a certain_o therein_o the_o equity_n of_o equivocation_n be_v full_o prove_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n out_o of_o scripture_n father_n doctor_n schoolman_n and_o canonist_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v print_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o afflict_a catholic_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o good_a people_n must_v now_o the_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n be_v persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n have_v these_o opinion_n no_o influence_n upon_o humane_a society_n as_o to_o the_o second_o note_n a_o liberty_n of_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v this_o or_o that_o doctrine_n only_o in_o order_n to_o a_o private_a way_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n who_o ever_o deny_v this_o liberty_n be_v there_o any_o judge_n of_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n beside_o god_n be_v any_o man_n deny_v to_o enjoy_v his_o private_a opinion_n or_o can_v he_o be_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v so_o but_o if_o people_n will_v transgress_v these_o limit_n and_o impose_v matter_n of_o private_a opinion_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o such_o opinion_n as_o ruin_v charity_n disturb_v peace_n unsettle_v government_n must_v these_o too_o be_v tolerate_v and_o such_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o rome_n and_o geneva_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o private_a but_o a_o public_a liberty_n which_o be_v deny_v they_o a_o liberty_n to_o poison_n man_n loyalty_n and_o first_o murder_n their_o allegiance_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n murder_v the_o government_n a_o liberty_n to_o banish_v charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o establish_v true_a religion_n without_o they_o so_o that_o if_o he_o will_v stick_v to_o his_o demand_n he_o can_v no_o soon_o ask_v than_o have_v such_o a_o toleration_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a authority_n to_o abridge_v any_o man_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o his_o private_a opinion_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v punish_v but_o for_o what_o be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o opinion_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o either_o by_o his_o word_n or_o action_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v private_a for_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v a_o mahometan_a but_o no_o person_n know_v it_o beside_o himself_o who_o can_v tax_v he_o with_o it_o or_o punish_v he_o for_o it_o but_o if_o he_o will_v make_v his_o house_n a_o mosque_n and_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v other_o to_o the_o koran_n to_o make_v a_o party_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o crescent_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o crown_n will_v that_o be_v private_a or_o deserve_v toleration_n but_o to_o trace_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o p._n 1._o that_o no_o man_n have_v power_n over_o conscience_n therefore_o imposition_n and_o violence_n be_v unlawful_a a_o very_a logical_a consequence_n no_o prince_n have_v power_n to_o punish_v therefore_o not_o to_o tolerate_v neither_o god_n have_v exempt_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o his_o commission_n but_o not_o the_o body_n why_o do_v he_o then_o demand_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o grant_v as_o for_o his_o example_n which_o he_o give_v for_o toleration_n from_o turk_n and_o pagan_n they_o be_v but_o ill_a precedent_n for_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o instance_n of_o theodosius_n and_o gratian_n if_o socrates_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v it_o be_v a_o great_a slander_n upon_o those_o two_o good_a emperor_n gratian_n indeed_o 10._o secr._n ecc._n hist_o li._n 5._o c._n 2._o &_o 10._o at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n give_v liberty_n that_o every_o sect_n and_o opinion_n shall_v free_o without_o molestation_n frequent_a their_o wont_a assembly_n except_o the_o eunomian_o photinian_o and_o manichees_n but_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o settle_v in_o the_o empire_n omnes_fw-la god_n 1._o tit._n 5._o lege_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o have_v join_v theodosius_n to_o he_o but_o they_o command_v that_o all_o heresy_n shall_v for_o ever_o keep_v silence_n the_o same_o prohibition_n arcadus_fw-la and_o honorius_n continue_v and_o augment_v cuncti_fw-la ibid._n lege_fw-la cuncti_fw-la let_v all_o heretic_n say_v they_o understand_v that_o all_o place_n must_v be_v take_v from_o they_o as_o well_o church_n as_o other_o place_n of_o meet_v as_o private_a house_n in_o which_o let_v they_o be_v debar_v from_o service_n both_o by_o night_n and_o by_o day_n ariani_n ibid._n leg_n ariani_n and_o the_o lord_n deputy_n of_o the_o province_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o law_n and_o if_o he_o permit_v their_o meeting_n either_o open_o or_o secret_o he_o be_v to_o fine_a for_o it_o 100_o l._n theodosius_n the_o young_a who_o socrates_n compare_v to_o moses_n for_o his_o meekness_n and_o excellent_a nature_n yet_o with_o valentinian_n his_o cousin_n sum_v up_o in_o a_o catalogue_n the_o heretic_n of_o that_o time_n command_n that_o no_o where_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n their_o assembly_n or_o prayer_n shall_v be_v permit_v but_o that_o all_o law_n make_v to_o prohibit_v their_o meeting_n shall_v be_v revive_v and_o make_v perpetual_a and_o this_o they_o do_v because_o they_o think_v the_o civil_a power_n be_v oblige_v to_o protect_v the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o as_o our_o advocate_n quote_v the_o wise_a sir_n francis_n bacon_n for_o another_o purpose_n pag._n 7._o because_o the_o sword_n of_o dissension_n ought_v not_o be_v put_v into_o the_o people_n hand_n to_o nourish_v sedition_n treason_n conspiracy_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o dash_v the_o first_o table_n against_o the_o second_o and_o to_o consider_v man_n as_o christian_n so_o as_o to_o forget_v they_o be_v man_n which_o with_o the_o gentleman_n favour_n be_v not_o much_o to_o his_o advantage_n since_o these_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o toleration_n it_o be_v the_o great_a misfortune_n of_o the_o poet_n claudian_n that_o his_o excellent_a wit_n fall_v upon_o dry_a and_o barren_a subject_n the_o same_o ill_a luck_n have_v this_o writer_n in_o fall_v upon_o this_o subject_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n so_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o and_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n that_o i_o shall_v use_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o his_o own_o word_n and_o by_o turn_v his_o own_o cannon_n upon_o his_o castle_n in_o the_o air_n i_o do_v not_o question_n but_o to_o make_v he_o quit_v his_o fortification_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o like_v his_o title_n of_o advocate_n for_o he_o prove_v himself_o one_o and_o act_n the_o advocate_n exact_o make_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o a_o bad_a cause_n but_o so_o great_a be_v truth_n that_o it_o need_v no_o other_o advocate_n nor_o any_o better_a argument_n than_o even_o in_o speak_v against_o she_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o use_v for_o she_o pag._n 41._o the_o ancient_a original_a fundamental_a law_n say_v he_o by_o which_o other_o law_n
have_v instruct_v his_o scholar_n to_o put_v down_o and_o not_o exalt_v this_o antichrist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2.18_o 1_o jo._n 2.18_o this_o ignatius_n who_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o eleven_o year_n of_o trajan_n crown_v with_o martyrdom_n at_o rome_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o wild_a beast_n as_o eusebius_n give_v we_o a_o account_n 35._o euseb_n eccl._n he_o l._n 3._o c._n 19_o &_o 35._o he_o speak_v as_o plain_a of_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n as_o pen_n can_v write_v or_o heart_n can_v wish_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o magnesian_o magnes_fw-la ig._n ep._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n say_v he_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n they_o say_v he_o who_o act_n without_o a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o such_o christ_n will_v say_v why_o do_v you_o call_v i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o work_n which_o i_o command_v you_o such_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trallian_n he_o command_v they_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n trall_n ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la trall_n to_o be_v subject_a unto_o this_o bishop_n as_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o tell_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o shall_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o century_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o live_v think_v of_o bishop_n as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o undeniable_a and_o undubitable_a that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v two_o different_a thing_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n both_o as_o to_o power_n and_o as_o to_o name_n i_o may_v bring_v a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o less_o antiquity_n but_o if_o these_o will_v not_o convince_v if_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o primitive_a a_o man_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o ignatius_n be_v of_o no_o value_n i_o can_v have_v little_a hope_n of_o convince_a gainsayer_n by_o multitude_n who_o have_v abandon_v reason_n thus_o stand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n for_o above_o 300_o year_n no_o man_n make_v the_o least_o question_n or_o dispute_v but_o that_o the_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o god_n appointment_n one_o bishop_n still_o succeed_v another_o as_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n my_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o the_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o world_n 25._o epiphan_n l._n 3._o tom._n 1._o haeres_fw-la 25._o till_o aerius_n be_v educate_v with_o eustathius_n and_o be_v his_o equal_a in_o learning_n and_o age_n take_v it_o as_o a_o great_a disparagement_n that_o eustathius_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o to_o a_o bishopric_n for_o which_o they_o be_v competitor_n upon_o this_o discontent_n he_o not_o only_o fall_v foul_a upon_o eustathius_n object_v as_o our_o aerian_o do_v against_o he_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n but_o his_o resentment_n for_o the_o mortal_a displeasure_n break_v out_o against_o the_o whole_a function_n contemn_v the_o prescribe_a fast_n of_o the_o church_n and_o teach_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o we_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o priest_n be_v all_o one_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o equal_a power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o say_v epiphanius_n be_v a_o assertion_n stultitiae_fw-la plena_fw-la full_a of_o folly_n but_o this_o be_v but_o one_o discontent_a priest_n opinion_n be_v neither_o much_o regard_v nor_o long_o live_v the_o current_a belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o constant_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n which_o know_v no_o other_o government_n run_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o it_o nor_o do_v the_o heresy_n ever_o float_v again_o till_o this_o last_o age_n of_o which_o st._n clement_n who_o be_v contemporary_a to_o st._n paul_n and_o his_o fellow_n labourer_n 4.3_o phil._n 4.3_o as_o he_o call_v he_o seem_v to_o prophesy_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o i_o think_v be_v never_o suspect_v to_o be_v spurious_a where_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o will_v come_v a_o time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cor._n clem._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n a_o contention_n about_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n it_o be_v that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n order_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o government_n as_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o holy_a fast_n and_o festival_n the_o manner_n of_o celebrate_v the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n and_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n the_o posture_n gesture_n and_o habit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o all_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n follow_v herein_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o the_o general_a precept_n therein_o contain_v as_o rule_n of_o government_n which_o be_v principal_o these_o first_o that_o nothing_o impose_v shall_v be_v repugnant_a or_o contrary_a to_o any_o article_n or_o branch_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o to_o any_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n record_v in_o holy_a writ_n second_o that_o all_o their_o command_n may_v have_v a_o respect_n to_o decency_n order_n reverence_n and_o edification_n three_o that_o all_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o unity_n peace_n and_o concord_n and_o that_o diversity_n of_o custom_n and_o opinion_n may_v not_o breed_v schism_n and_o contention_n and_o i_o show_v before_o how_o when_o in_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o several_a church_n yet_o still_o they_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o maintain_v inviolable_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o government_n in_o all_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o polity_n till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o other_o king_n become_v christian_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o crown_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v constantine_n the_o great_a these_o temporal_a power_n than_o take_v the_o church_n into_o their_o protection_n make_v temporal_a law_n for_o the_o better_a management_n of_o it_o and_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n without_o and_o heretic_n within_o and_o have_v the_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n undertake_v as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n who_o dare_v transgress_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n with_o temporal_a punishment_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o break_v the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o peaceable_a and_o religious_a from_o the_o bounty_n of_o these_o prince_n and_o that_o of_o other_o of_o plentiful_a fortune_n and_o and_o by_o their_o example_n the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o temporalty_n and_o a_o honourable_a constant_a and_o encourage_v maintenance_n be_v provide_v and_o settle_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v to_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v and_o furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n well_o know_v that_o proportionate_a reward_n be_v the_o spur_n to_o learning_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o pursue_v and_o obtain_v she_o tell_v we_o 8.18.3.4_o prov._n 8.18.3.4_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v with_o i_o yea_o durable_a riches_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n 14._o 1_o cor_fw-la 9.11_o 14._o they_o which_o sow_v spiritual_a thing_n shall_v also_o reap_v carnal_a for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n both_o because_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n from_o god_n and_o because_o the_o temporal_a power_n do_v now_o concur_v to_o strengthen_v the_o duty_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n or_o any_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n authorize_v