of_o my_o action_n i_o find_v no_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o no_o absolute_a necessity_n within_o myself_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v or_o if_o i_o do_v any_o such_o action_n where_o i_o be_o leave_v at_o liberty_n i_o find_v no_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o this_o way_n or_o the_o other_o but_o be_o leave_v to_o my_o own_o freedom_n because_o i_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o rule_n to_o determine_v i_o so_o that_o if_o i_o do_v it_o my_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v i_o if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o i_o find_v no_o uneasy_a guilt_n to_o sit_v heavy_a upon_o my_o mind_n for_o the_o neglect_n and_o what_o way_n soever_o i_o perform_v it_o still_o my_o mind_n be_v at_o peace_n and_o quiet_a with_o itself_o and_o all_o because_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o no_o necessity_n or_o determination_n and_o so_o by_o plain_a consequence_n no_o part_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n for_o this_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o law_n of_o conscience_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n 4.15_o rom._n 4.15_o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n no_o obligation_n nor_o afflict_a guilt_n let_v not_o any_o person_n now_o think_v that_o i_o have_v straighten_a the_o diocese_n of_o this_o universal_a bishop_n or_o to_o speak_v without_o offence_n this_o overseer_n of_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o far_o his_o proper_a and_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v itself_o but_o conscience_n have_v likewise_o a_o collateral_a dominion_n over_o all_o indifferent_a action_n which_o be_v thus_o all_o our_o action_n which_o may_v be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o sin_n on_o either_o part_n be_v call_v indifferent_a as_o for_o example_n if_o for_o my_o health_n or_o pleasure_n i_o design_n to_o take_v the_o air_n it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o i_o ride_v or_o walk_v or_o whether_o i_o go_v into_o that_o fair_a field_n or_o this_o fresh_a meadow_n now_o all_o these_o action_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n free_a and_o indifferent_a have_v yet_o this_o necessity_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o carry_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o forementioned_a great_a design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v address_v to_o those_o end_n and_o manage_v according_o and_o if_o any_o indifferent_a action_n do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n contribute_v to_o these_o end_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n not_o to_o do_v it_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a severity_n our_o saviour_n pronounce_v against_o idle_a word_n 12.36_o s_o matth_n 12.36_o not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o end_n but_o such_o as_o by_o their_o be_v uncapable_a of_o contribute_v to_o those_o great_a design_n be_v therefore_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a because_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a thus_o for_o i_o to_o ride_v or_o walk_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o fresh_a and_o free_a air_n though_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n free_a and_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n yet_o i_o have_v this_o obligation_n upon_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o choose_v that_o part_n which_o either_o from_o my_o own_o or_o better_a judgement_n may_v be_v think_v most_o proper_a and_o conducive_a to_o my_o health_n that_o so_o i_o may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o praise_n and_o glorify_v my_o creator_n for_o and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o health_n strength_n vigour_n and_o alacrity_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o that_o by_o these_o i_o may_v be_v enable_v both_o for_o my_o own_o part_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o bountiful_a happiness_n which_o kind_a heaven_n have_v so_o plentiful_o bestow_v upon_o this_o life_n and_o also_o that_o i_o may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o my_o fellow_n creature_n so_o far_o as_o my_o power_n do_v extend_v itself_o and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o be_o not_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o any_o person_n nor_o in_o take_v the_o air_n to_o ride_v or_o walk_v over_o the_o ear_a corn_n or_o full_o grow_v meadow_n and_o all_o this_o not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o obligation_n to_o humane_a law_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o action_n of_o trespass_n a_o clausum_fw-la fregit_fw-la or_o pedibus_fw-la ambulando_fw-la but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o the_o rule_n to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o but_o injury_n to_o none_o and_o this_o true_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o those_o two_o place_n 10.31_o 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v let_v all_o be_v do_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n ult_n rom._n 14._o ult_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o indifferent_a action_n i_o do_v i_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a but_o conducive_a to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o creation_n chap._n vi_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o difference_n among_o we_o about_o matter_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o opinion_n and_o private_a persuasion_n for_o conscience_n what_o opinion_n be_v and_o what_o persuasion_n and_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o conscience_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v it_o be_v clear_v what_o conscience_n be_v and_o how_o far_o its_o proper_a dominion_n do_v extend_v now_o that_o conscience_n thus_o right_o understand_v do_v universal_o and_o absolute_o oblige_v all_o man_n i_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o will_v make_v the_o least_o scruple_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n and_o give_v up_o to_o that_o unthinking_a sense_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v past_a feeling_n i_o do_v not_o address_v myself_o or_o this_o discourse_n but_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o age_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o this_o particular_a we_o may_v have_v some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o conscience_n but_o we_o have_v multitude_n of_o other_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v none_o that_o they_o be_v all_o conscience_n who_o strain_n at_o every_o gnat_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n a_o scruple_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v whilst_o they_o do_v so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o swallow_v many_o a_o camel_n and_o in_o the_o end_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o true_a faith_n charity_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o such_o as_o these_o be_v be_v these_o paper_n intend_v with_o all_o christian_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n if_o possible_a to_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o what_o be_v so_o infinite_a dear_a and_o tender_a to_o they_o for_o to_o my_o certain_a knowledge_n as_o by_o much_o experience_n and_o frequent_a conference_n with_o many_o of_o they_o i_o be_o able_a to_o affirm_v most_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v act_v by_o conscience_n in_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n what_o conscience_n be_v it_o be_v something_o within_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o some_o of_o they_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v some_o live_a thing_n within_o they_o distinct_a from_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o i_o remember_v a_o quaker_n to_o who_o i_o put_v the_o question_n a_o little_a hasty_o what_o be_v conscience_n after_o he_o have_v show_v his_o great_a surprise_n and_o ignorance_n by_o be_v in_o every_o joint_n a_o quaker_n and_o the_o first_o that_o ever_o i_o see_v do_v the_o trick_n he_o very_o confident_o as_o well_o as_o blasphemous_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o demand_v if_o he_o mean_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o third_z person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v yea._n which_o make_v i_o fear_v that_o more_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o persuasion_n yet_o may_v be_v of_o his_o sense_n and_o believe_v what_o they_o call_v conscience_n within_o they_o to_o be_v some_o omnipotent_a thing_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n ought_v to_o bow_v and_o obey_v there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o age_n some_o man_n who_o do_v ill_a with_o a_o design_n and_o knowledge_n of_o do_v ill_o other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v ill_a with_o a_o design_n of_o do_v well_o to_o both_o these_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v ascribe_v those_o unhappy_a division_n among_o we_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v they_o take_v half_a that_o pain_n and_o care_n right_o to_o instruct_v people_n what_o conscience_n be_v that_o they_o have_v
this_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v so_o loud_o about_o conscience_n i_o mean_v the_o vulgar_a who_o have_v little_a to_o say_v for_o themselves_o beside_o that_o do_v scarce_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o be_v absolute_a stranger_n to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o such_o therefore_o as_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o be_v wilful_a may_v be_v undeceive_v and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o give_v to_o this_o pretend_a conscience_n a_o great_a sovereignty_n than_o ever_o god_n almighty_a do_v design_n the_o true_a one_o by_o set_v it_o up_o as_o a_o omnipotent_a idol_n in_o their_o heart_n i_o offer_v this_o follow_a discourse_n which_o if_o peruse_v with_o that_o sobriety_n and_o impartiality_n of_o consideration_n as_o become_v a_o concern_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n may_v i_o hope_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o many_o and_o the_o public_a advantage_n of_o my_o native_a country_n by_o remove_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o heat_n and_o animosity_n separation_n and_o division_n as_o draw_v their_o original_n principal_o from_o these_o mistake_n about_o matter_n of_o conscience_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o great_a influence_n which_o the_o true_a conscience_n have_v upon_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a necessity_n there_o be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v right_o inform_v concern_v it_o have_v now_o show_v the_o great_a power_n of_o a_o pretend_a conscience_n before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o show_v of_o what_o concern_v it_o be_v for_o all_o man_n right_o to_o understand_v themselves_o in_o this_o affair_n of_o conscience_n which_o can_v be_v better_a do_v than_o by_o display_v the_o powerful_a influence_n which_o conscience_n challenge_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n we_o will_v therefore_o brief_o trace_v it_o through_o its_o vast_a dominion_n of_o economic_n ethic_n politic_n and_o divinity_n we_o will_v begin_v then_o with_o private_a family_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v conscience_n to_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o union_n the_o only_a maintainer_n and_o preserver_n of_o those_o respective_a duty_n which_o be_v owe_v from_o one_o to_o another_o in_o those_o little_a primitive_a society_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v where_o this_o bear_v the_o sway_n there_o be_v always_o the_o most_o domestic_a peace_n concord_n and_o tranquillity_n on_o the_o contrary_a where_o this_o principle_n be_v want_v neither_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n education_n or_o reason_n be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o cain_n shall_v imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o his_o only_a brother_n abel_n amnon_n shall_v commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o his_o beautiful_a sister_n tamar_n absalon_n shall_v rebel_v against_o and_o endeavour_v to_o depose_v his_o father_n in_o short_a without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n will_v be_v unkind_a to_o the_o wife_n of_o his_o bosom_n cruel_a to_o his_o child_n tyrannical_a to_o his_o servant_n the_o wife_n will_v be_v false_a and_o treacherous_a the_o child_n will_v be_v undutiful_a and_o unnatural_a the_o servant_n will_v be_v negligent_a faithless_a and_o disobedient_a and_o all_o extreme_o vicious_a and_o in_o a_o word_n there_o will_v be_v neither_o order_n government_n peace_n nor_o any_o kind_n of_o happiness_n in_o these_o little_a community_n without_o conscience_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o private_a door_n into_o the_o wide_a world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o without_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a duty_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o virtue_n to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o humane_a race_n and_o one_o may_v as_o successful_o seek_v and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o probable_o find_v temperance_n chastity_n justice_n fortitude_n prudence_n magnanimity_n fidelity_n and_o gratitude_n among_o the_o savage_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o wood_n and_o desert_n without_o this_o man_n resign_v themselves_o up_o so_o whole_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o blind_a passion_n of_o lust_n hatred_n anger_n jealousy_n fear_v and_o despair_n that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o divest_v of_o all_o morality_n but_o even_o of_o humanity_n itself_o let_v the_o late_o discover_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o western_a world_n attest_v this_o truth_n among_o who_o for_o want_v of_o this_o there_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v find_v of_o morality_n that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o humane_a shape_n and_z among_o some_o of_o they_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o so_o near_o relate_v brute_n some_o of_o which_o want_v little_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o a_o language_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o leave_v these_o barbarous_a region_n if_o we_o come_v where_o morality_n have_v civilise_a and_o common_a necessity_n have_v unite_v man_n into_o combination_n and_o society_n where_o there_o be_v the_o best_a establish_a government_n the_o most_o prudent_a and_o excellent_a law_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o common_a good_a and_o secure_v every_o man_n particular_a interest_n and_o property_n yet_o still_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o these_o law_n and_o this_o government_n must_v be_v conscience_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n in_o imitation_n of_o moses_n have_v pretend_v a_o familiarity_n and_o frequent_a intercourse_n with_o the_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o propose_v their_o law_n to_o the_o people_n as_o the_o will_n of_o the_o god_n as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o no_o other_o principle_n be_v capable_a of_o lay_v such_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n to_o duty_n and_o obedience_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o such_o a_o belief_n for_o all_o obedience_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o one_o of_o these_o principle_n hope_v of_o advantage_n fear_v of_o punishment_n or_o conscience_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n now_o if_o either_o hope_n of_o advantage_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o only_a inducement_n to_o order_n and_o obedience_n less_o degree_n of_o this_o fear_n or_o however_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n or_o great_a though_o only_a hope_n of_o private_a advantage_n shall_v cancel_v all_o the_o obligation_n to_o humane_a law_n and_o the_o public_a advantage_n and_o like_o a_o impetuous_a torrent_n shall_v violent_o break_v all_o the_o bank_n of_o law_n and_o government_n and_o tear_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o whatever_o do_v oppose_v its_o furious_a rage_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o popular_a insurrection_n disorder_n or_o rebellion_n in_o any_o nation_n but_o take_v its_o original_n from_o one_o of_o these_o tempestuous_a principle_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a no_o hope_n of_o impunity_n from_o humane_a law_n no_o private_a interest_n or_o ambition_n can_v persuade_v a_o man_n from_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o law_n and_o government_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n nay_o we_o have_v further_o see_v that_o cruelty_n itself_o with_o all_o its_o terror_n and_o tormentor_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v man_n off_o from_o this_o firm_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o fix_a obedience_n thus_o we_o see_v conscience_n the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o threaten_a danger_n of_o intestine_a mischief_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o available_a against_o foreign_a force_n for_o unity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o conscience_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a policy_n as_o well_o as_o strength_n of_o any_o people_n whereas_o discord_n division_n and_o mutual_a dissension_n give_v all_o the_o hope_n and_o encouragement_n to_o a_o foreign_a power_n to_o invade_v and_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o subdue_v this_o make_v the_o roman_a eagle_n stretch_v their_o victorious_a pinion_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o civil_a dissension_n of_o their_o neighbour_n among_o themselves_o make_v many_o potent_a and_o otherwise_o invincible_a people_n become_v a_o easy_a quarry_n to_o their_o ambitious_a arm_n and_o whilst_o with_o a_o show_n of_o justice_n they_o pretend_v to_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o weak_a part_n by_o overpoise_v of_o the_o balance_n both_o side_n at_o last_o become_v their_o prey_n and_o thrust_v their_o own_o neck_n under_o the_o fatal_a yoke_n which_o by_o unity_n they_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v it_o be_v to_o this_o the_o ottoman_n owe_v the_o prodigious_a success_n of_o their_o prevail_a crescent_n which_o have_v either_o never_o be_v so_o or_o have_v long_o since_o be_v in_o their_o wain_n again_o if_o the_o division_n among_o the_o christian_a prince_n have_v
martii_fw-la 30._o 1677._o imprimatur_fw-la hic_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o true_a liberty_n and_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n guil._n sill_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-fr sac._n dom._n the_o true_a liberty_n &_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n vindicated_n from_o the_o usurpation_n &_o abuse_n of_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n prov._n xx_o ver_fw-la 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o tho_n newcomb_n for_o jonathan_n edwin_n at_o the_o three_o rose_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1677._o the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n pag._n 1_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o advantage_n they_o make_v of_o it_o to_o promote_v their_o interest_n and_o favour_v their_o design_n pag._n 7_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o great_a influence_n which_o true_a conscience_n have_v upon_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a necessity_n there_o be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v right_o inform_v concern_v it_o pag._n 13_o chap._n iu_o some_o necessary_a and_o universal_a principle_n lay_v down_o upon_o which_o conscience_n depend_v and_o according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n pag._n 23_o chap._n v._o of_o conscience_n its_o description_n what_o be_v its_o proper_a employment_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n pag._n 28_o chap._n vi_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o difference_n among_o we_o about_o matter_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o opinion_n and_o private_a persuasion_n for_o conscience_n what_o opinion_n be_v and_o what_o persuasion_n and_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o conscience_n pag._n 44_o chap._n vii_o how_o far_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o opinion_n or_o private_a persuasion_n and_o what_o influence_n these_o have_v upon_o humane_a affair_n pag._n 55_o chap._n viii_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o dissenter_n bring_v into_o examination_n by_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o conscience_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n pag._n 60_o chap._n ix_o the_o pretence_n of_o dissenter_n that_o their_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a and_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o episcopacy_n examine_v and_o try_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v abovemention_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n pag._n 74_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o how_o from_o be_v indifferent_a they_o may_v become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n pag._n 87_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o way_n whereby_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o conscience_n not_o only_o upon_o a_o man_n private_a persuasion_n from_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n but_o so_o as_o to_o oblige_v all_o person_n who_o live_v under_o government_n viz._n by_o the_o determination_n and_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n pag._n 98_o chap._n xii_o some_o consideration_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o impracticableness_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v for_o erect_v new_a way_n of_o church-government_n or_o for_o toleration_n or_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n pag._n 117_o chap._n xiii_o a_o vindication_n of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n in_o this_o discourse_n viz._n that_o god_n almighty_a make_v mankind_n for_o a_o excellent_a end_n that_o be_v his_o glory_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o by_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n their_o own_o happiness_n both_o here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n of_o immortality_n pag._n 125_o chap._n fourteen_o some_o necessary_a corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n with_o the_o conclusion_n to_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o peace_n and_o unity_n pag._n 135_o the_o true_a liberty_n and_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o all_o its_o action_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o choice_n and_o not_o of_o chance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constant_o address_v to_o some_o determinate_a end_n this_o end_n be_v always_o happiness_n either_o real_a or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o man_n believe_v to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o the_o more_o certain_a attainment_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o happiness_n man_n desire_v they_o always_o propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o way_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o steer_v the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n and_o endeavour_n which_o otherwise_o like_o a_o vessel_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o main_a ocean_n without_o chart_n and_o compass_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o all_o accident_n and_o have_v only_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o uncertain_a hazard_n to_o conduct_v they_o to_o their_o wish_a port._n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o art_n nor_o science_n liberal_n nor_o mechanical_a but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n propose_v necessary_a rule_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v or_o instruct_v therein_o in_o order_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n or_o attainment_n of_o their_o design_v end_n now_o wherever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v many_o way_n of_o error_n though_o but_o one_o of_o truth_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o man_n to_o err_v errare_fw-la humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la by_o not_o attend_v to_o or_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o supreme_a judge_n who_o by_o a_o impartial_a determination_n shall_v judge_v all_o humane_a action_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o consequence_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n which_o be_v propose_v and_o design_v this_o judge_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n such_o as_o be_v life_n honour_n riches_n fame_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o determination_n of_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o every_o man_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n it_o be_v call_v conscience_n this_o be_v that_o universal_a monarch_n who_o ubiquitary_a throne_n be_v establish_v in_o every_o mortal_a breast_n to_o this_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n owe_v all_o that_o little_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v the_o zealous_a mussleman_n adore_v the_o false_a arabian_a and_o his_o ridiculous_a koran_n it_o be_v this_o have_v raise_v the_o roman_a mitre_n to_o its_o triple_a height_n and_o in_o short_a it_o be_v conscience_n that_o have_v rend_v so_o many_o puissant_a crown_n from_o his_o pretend_a universal_a and_o infallible_a chair_n not_o that_o all_o these_o powerful_a effect_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o conscience_n right_o inform_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o of_o they_o from_o a_o most_o barbarous_a and_o stupid_a ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o judge_v and_o man_n to_o act_v however_o this_o do_v most_o manifest_o demonstrate_v the_o sovereign_n and_o imperial_a sway_n which_o even_o a_o pretend_a and_o imaginary_a conscience_n challenge_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n it_o be_v beyond_o my_o province_n as_o much_o as_o it_o surpass_v either_o my_o power_n or_o hope_n in_o the_o follow_a paper_n to_o think_v of_o regulate_v those_o mighty_a evil_n which_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o right_a measure_n of_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o what_o not_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o i_o shall_v arrive_v at_o the_o most_o happy_a period_n of_o my_o design_n if_o i_o can_v do_v so_o charitable_a a_o subject_a as_o this_o be_v so_o much_o reason_n as_o to_o inform_v some_o and_o convince_v other_o of_o my_o dear_a countryman_n that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v labour_v under_o some_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o conscience_n the_o fatal_a effect_n of_o which_o misunderstanding_n we_o have_v by_o the_o most_o deplorable_a experience_n be_v too_o deep_o sensible_a of_o already_o and_o still_o lie_v under_o just_a apprehension_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a division_n and_o distraction_n of_o mind_n which_o daily_o prevail_v and_o increase_v among_o we_o that_o the_o same_o or_o if_o possible_a a_o worse_a iliad_n of_o tragical_a misery_n may_v be_v repeat_v over_o again_o happy_a be_v that_o moses_n who_o can_v stand_v in_o this_o gap_n and_o by_o seasonable_o interpose_v his_o charitable_a endeavour_n successful_o repair_v those_o dismal_a breach_n in_o our_o holy_a church_n which_o threaten_v that_o glorious_a fabric_n and_o with_o it_o the_o state_n which_o be_v embark_v in_o one_o common_a bottom_n with_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o intention_n free_a from_o passion_n and_o animosity_n as_o from_o interest_n
do_v positive_o to_o tell_v they_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whilst_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v either_o not_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v such_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o all_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_v in_o contrary_a to_o both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n i_o say_v have_v they_o do_v this_o which_o be_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v have_v do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o promote_v our_o common_a happiness_n by_o peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n which_o now_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n and_o decay_v of_o christian_a religion_n and_o true_a piety_n and_o irreparable_a mischief_n in_o our_o politic_a capacity_n be_v almost_o grow_v stranger_n among_o we_o for_o whosoever_o shall_v without_o partiality_n consider_v the_o affair_n of_o these_o nation_n for_o this_o last_o century_n shall_v find_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n have_v introduce_v among_o we_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o now_o have_v more_o votary_n than_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o all_o other_o put_v together_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o of_o late_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o whether_o ignorant_o or_o malicious_o god_n he_o know_v under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o conscience_n and_o these_o be_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o this_o luckless_a mother_n and_o fatal_a daughter_n we_o owe_v all_o those_o division_n that_o strife_n those_o bitter_a envy_n debate_n variance_n and_o in_o truth_n all_o those_o intolerable_a mischief_n under_o which_o both_o church_n and_o state_n have_v for_o many_o year_n so_o heavy_o groan_v and_o so_o deep_o suffer_v some_o man_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v out_o of_o pride_n avarice_n ambition_n or_o desire_v of_o novelty_n have_v embrace_v such_o opinion_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o private_a interest_n or_o design_n present_o usurp_v heaven_n royal_a prerogative_n and_o stamp_v these_o courser_n metal_n with_o the_o divine_a impress_n of_o conscience_n which_o immediate_o make_v they_o currant_n coin_n among_o vulgar_a and_o undistinguish_a judgement_n these_o opinion_n countenance_v by_o the_o success_n of_o numerous_a disciple_n and_o warrant_v by_o zealous_a defender_n and_o over-eager_a promoter_n grow_v among_o many_o into_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o have_v be_v root_v by_o long_a continuance_n and_o naturalize_v by_o custom_n than_o they_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n than_o they_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o all_o and_o give_v indispensible_a law_n to_o all_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v with_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o support_v with_o no_o less_o rigorous_a penalty_n than_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v this_o golden_a image_n of_o conscience_n i_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o opinion_n and_o what_o persuasion_n be_v and_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o conscience_n how_o far_o they_o do_v oblige_v and_o wherein_o their_o lawful_a right_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o management_n of_o humane_a action_n do_v consist_v let_v we_o act_v like_o man_n and_o christian_n with_o prudence_n and_o justice_n let_v we_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n let_v we_o not_o blind_o injurious_o and_o dangerous_o transfer_v the_o title_n dignity_n power_n and_o supremacy_n of_o conscience_n the_o immediate_a vicegerent_n of_o our_o almighty_a sovereign_n unto_o these_o two_o usurper_n who_o in_o reality_n be_v but_o his_o subject_n i_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o opinion_n as_o be_v the_o elder_a of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v far_o inferior_a unto_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o description_n which_o the_o learned_a aquinas_n give_v of_o it_o opinio_fw-la est_fw-la dispositio_fw-la ad_fw-la scientiam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o knowledge_n that_o be_v opinion_n be_v a_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n where_o still_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v that_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n may_v not_o be_v exact_o true_a as_o for_o example_n that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o high_a noon_n this_o be_v demonstrative_a knowledge_n but_o because_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v do_v communicate_v both_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o therefore_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o vast_a globe_n of_o fire_n this_o be_v but_o opinion_n because_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o or_o that_o the_o moon_n be_v people_v with_o inhabitant_n be_v but_o opinion_n because_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n i_o can_v have_v no_o way_n to_o ascertain_v myself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o of_o these_o whether_o in_o reality_n the_o sun_n be_v a_o ball_n of_o flame_n or_o the_o moon_n another_o habitable_a region_n so_o that_o opinion_n be_v that_o private_a judgement_n which_o a_o man_n make_v of_o thing_n or_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n without_o any_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n where_o he_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o rule_n or_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o certainty_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o give_v only_a instance_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o hell_n the_o residence_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o a_o future_a estate_n but_o whether_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n be_v material_a or_o sigurative_a or_o both_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o believe_v either_o or_o both_o because_o i_o be_o not_o positive_o direct_v to_o believe_v either_o of_o they_o more_o than_o the_o other_o neither_o if_o i_o do_v believe_v one_o of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o be_v any_o other_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o upon_o my_o affirmation_n of_o one_o part_n to_o be_v my_o opinion_n but_o be_v still_o leave_v at_o his_o liberty_n so_o he_o believe_v any_o to_o follow_v that_o part_n of_o the_o opinion_n which_o to_o he_o appear_v most_o robable_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o want_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o determine_v i_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a revelation_n of_o it_o nor_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o further_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o appear_v indifferent_a whether_o those_o infernal_a flame_n be_v material_a or_o figurative_a or_o both_o since_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v god_n almighty_n be_v thereby_o able_a to_o accomplish_v his_o design_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o such_o of_o mankind_n as_o must_v there_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a and_o torment_v because_o they_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o happiness_n upon_o god_n term_n and_o condition_n come_v we_o now_o from_o opinion_n to_o persuasion_n which_o as_o before_o be_v say_v be_v the_o child_n of_o opinion_n and_o be_v nothing_o more_o but_o that_o belief_n which_o a_o man_n embrace_n of_o any_o opinion_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n or_o action_n which_o be_v undetermined_a by_o any_o certain_a way_n or_o rule_v of_o knowledge_n where_o the_o mind_n follow_v that_o part_n which_o appear_v most_o probable_a and_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o in_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n to_o determine_v the_o mind_n only_a man_n sit_v down_o with_o that_o as_o a_o determination_n for_o the_o present_a which_o carry_v the_o fair_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o that_o rest_n satisfy_v though_o still_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n to_o change_v their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n so_o soon_o as_o a_o clear_a evidence_n or_o better_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n about_o which_o they_o be_v uncertain_a offer_v itself_o unto_o they_o thus_o to_o one_o man_n the_o flame_n of_o hell_n appear_v most_o probable_o to_o be_v material_a sire_n because_o the_o body_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n must_v be_v there_o most_o exquisite_o torment_v and_o for_o that_o purpose_n he_o think_v this_o sort_n of_o sire_n most_o proper_a and_o therefore_o that_o part_n of_o the_o opinion_n pass_v with_o he_o into_o his_o persuasion_n to_o another_o who_o consider_v that_o the_o condemn_a spirit_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n must_v there_o be_v punish_v as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n a_o figurative_a fire_n appear_v most_o probable_a and_o that_o be_v his_o persuasion_n to_o a_o three_o who_o consider_v that_o both_o soul_n body_n and_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n must_v have_v their_o share_n of_o pain_n and_o torment_n both_o
a_o sigurative_a and_o material_a fire_n seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v his_o persuasion_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o while_o i_o embrace_v with_o a_o equal_a indifference_n either_o part_n of_o a_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v but_o opinion_n when_o from_o the_o great_a probability_n i_o pass_v to_o a_o determination_n of_o my_o mind_n than_o it_o be_v my_o particular_a persuasion_n the_o difference_n between_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v that_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v always_o certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v or_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v not_o clear_o and_o certain_o know_v but_o admit_v of_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v chap._n vii_o how_o far_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o opinion_n or_o private_a persuasion_n and_o what_o influence_n these_o have_v upon_o humane_a affair_n have_v now_o show_v what_o conscience_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n be_v and_o how_o they_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o show_v how_o far_o these_o two_o last_o do_v oblige_v any_o person_n in_o the_o management_n of_o humane_a action_n relate_v to_o divinity_n first_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o his_o private_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n only_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o undetermined_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n of_o their_o activity_n to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v so_o far_o as_o in_o act_v or_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o contradict_v a_o know_a rule_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o absolute_o necessary_a duty_n now_o the_o great_a and_o general_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o action_n be_v god_n glory_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o by_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o any_o person_n in_o any_o part_n of_o his_o belief_n or_o in_o any_o of_o his_o action_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o these_o end_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o they_o certain_o cross_v the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o almighty_a creator_n to_o who_o will_n we_o owe_v all_o ready_a obedience_n and_o then_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n they_o become_v absolute_o unlawful_a thus_o suppose_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n for_o very_o good_a and_o religious_a consideration_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o keep_v one_o day_n in_o the_o week_n a_o voluntary_a day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n and_o i_o choose_v monday_n as_o a_o indifferent_a day_n i_o be_o oblige_v by_o my_o own_o private_a persuasion_n to_o keep_v that_o day_n so_o but_o neither_o my_o persuasion_n nor_o example_n can_v have_v any_o influence_n to_o oblige_v other_o to_o do_v so_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o i_o but_o if_o either_o a_o command_n from_o my_o lawful_a superior_n forbid_v i_o abstinence_n on_o that_o day_n or_o enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o festival_n or_o if_o i_o find_v that_o by_o fast_v i_o impair_v my_o health_n or_o strength_n i_o be_o then_o oblige_v to_o observe_v it_o no_o long_o as_o a_o day_n of_o fast_v because_o than_o my_o private_a persuasion_n will_v cross_v a_o certain_a know_a rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o disobedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o be_v injurious_a both_o to_o myself_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o many_o other_o who_o may_v have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o my_o life_n and_o well-being_n whereby_o i_o shall_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v i_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o prudent_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o promote_v my_o own_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n and_o all_o they_o with_o who_o i_o have_v a_o concern_v so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a by_o just_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n second_o every_o man_n private_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n oblige_v he_o so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o belief_n and_o action_n it_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n now_o the_o better_a and_o more_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o determination_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n be_v first_o that_o which_o have_v the_o consent_n judgement_n approbation_n example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n as_o near_o to_o the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o action_n but_o because_o this_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v know_v or_o find_v out_o especial_o by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o have_v neither_o opportunity_n nor_o ability_n to_o discover_v what_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o forepast_a age_n have_v be_v by_o search_v the_o history_n and_o ancient_a record_n of_o former_a time_n therefore_o second_o that_o be_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n which_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n unity_n and_o by_o so_o do_v contribute_v most_o to_o god_n glory_n by_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o for_o these_o be_v universal_a rule_n and_o know_v command_n and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v be_v give_v we_o for_o the_o guidance_n and_o management_n of_o our_o action_n in_o general_n now_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o may_v easy_o discover_v whether_o any_o of_o his_o action_n be_v agreeable_a or_o contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o this_o great_a end_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o how_o different_a the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n be_v from_o that_o of_o opinion_n or_o private_a persuasion_n conscience_n oblige_v all_o man_n always_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n universal_o and_o absolute_o they_o be_v know_v evident_a and_o certain_a duty_n which_o be_v thereby_o command_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n oblige_v only_o some_o private_a person_n in_o some_o case_n and_o at_o some_o time_n and_o never_o further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o just_a respect_n to_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o conscience_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v not_o so_o certain_o know_v but_o that_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o doubt_n and_o have_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v other_o than_o they_o appear_v or_o be_v think_v to_o be_v chap._n viii_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o dissenter_n bring_v into_o examination_n by_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o conscience_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o mathematical_a truth_n rectum_fw-la est_fw-la mensura_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la a_o right_a line_n show_v both_o its_o own_o straightness_n and_o the_o crookedness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v oblique_a have_v therefore_o show_v this_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o i_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o endeavour_v to_o warp_v or_o bend_v so_o as_o to_o sit_v any_o private_a or_o sinister_a design_n of_o my_o own_o or_o of_o any_o party_n let_v we_o now_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o work_n and_o it_o will_v quick_o discover_v who_o be_v the_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 1_o cor._n 3.12_o 13_o 15._o who_o have_v right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v build_v upon_o that_o good_a foundation_n gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n in_o beauty_n far_o superior_a to_o the_o polish_a corner_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v build_v straw_n hay_o and_o stubble_n such_o combustible_a stuff_n as_o have_v set_v the_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o the_o church_n into_o flame_n of_o contention_n and_o which_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o builder_n must_v be_v burn_v up_o though_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n provide_v they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o not_o of_o malicious_a wickedness_n yet_o their_o work_n must_v perish_v we_o will_v therefore_o consider_v the_o most_o material_a and_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o by_o a_o impartial_a apply_v of_o this_o golden_a rule_n of_o conscience_n see_v who_o come_v near_a the_o truth_n and_o right_n i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o knotty_a question_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o different_a opinion_n about_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o these_o may_v be_v diverse_o believe_v and_o maintain_v without_o
themselves_o who_o will_v think_v it_o the_o great_a injustice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v churchman_n to_o lose_v a_o good_a temporal_a estate_n from_o their_o ancestor_n or_o a_o barony_n either_o by_o descent_n or_o royal_a bounty_n beside_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o way_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o jeroboam_n priest_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o for_o birth_n but_o learning_n part_n and_o ability_n and_o what_o a_o discouragement_n it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n who_o by_o their_o generous_a birth_n advantageous_a education_n noble_a alliance_n and_o many_o other_o excellent_a circumstance_n and_o qualification_n be_v fit_v by_o the_o great_a influence_n they_o may_v have_v both_o upon_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n to_o do_v both_o the_o church_n and_o sit_v the_o most_o considerable_a honour_n and_o service_n i_o be_o afraid_a few_o of_o they_o will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o more_o serious_a and_o painful_a study_n of_o divinity_n if_o by_o their_o devote_v themselves_o to_o a_o immediate_a attendance_n upon_o god_n altar_n they_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o temporal_a honour_n and_o estate_n from_o themselves_o nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a a_o little_a from_o the_o superlative_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v so_o plentiful_o frequent_o and_o free_o bestow_v these_o honour_n and_o estate_n as_o blessing_n upon_o all_o other_o condition_n of_o man_n shall_v prohibit_v and_o deny_v they_o to_o those_o who_o have_v voluntary_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o confer_v the_o excellent_a title_n of_o his_o ambassador_n 5.20_o 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o do_v allow_v they_o honourable_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o character_n especial_o since_o they_o have_v his_o royal_a word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o 2.30_o 1_o sam._n 2.30_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v prince_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o by_o god_n think_v inconsistent_a under_o the_o law_n in_o that_o government_n which_o he_o himself_o constitute_v and_o establish_v and_o therefore_o one_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signisy_n both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o pretence_n any_o man_n shall_v divorce_v those_o two_o which_o he_o have_v once_o make_v one_o neither_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o lordship_n do_v bishop_n lord_n it_o over_o christ_n flock_n as_o by_o the_o scoff_a wantonness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o shall_v be_v more_o serious_a than_o to_o be_v witty_a at_o the_o expense_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v since_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o temporal_a barony_n give_v they_o not_o the_o least_o influence_n upon_o church_n affair_n more_o than_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o other_o noble_a peerage_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o baron_n be_v as_o whole_o distinct_a as_o that_o of_o a_o lord_n of_o a_o manor_n or_o any_o other_o lord_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o diocese_n 3.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o in_o a_o word_n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o without_o a_o estate_n if_o he_o must_v have_v a_o estate_n he_o must_v be_v lord_n of_o it_o for_o so_o be_v every_o man_n of_o what_o he_o do_v possess_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a by_o royal_a authority_n the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o add_v to_o that_o common_a right_n a_o more_o particular_a and_o distinguish_a title_n of_o honour_n that_o may_v offend_v some_o man_n ambition_n or_o envy_n but_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o be_v either_o diadvantageous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n can_v real_o pretend_v to_o those_o advantage_n which_o may_v make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n except_o the_o episcopal_a by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v resist_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o conscience_n since_o it_o have_v all_o the_o qualisication_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o all_o the_o other_o pretender_n want_v viz._n it_o come_v near_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n it_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n it_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n by_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o procure_v peace_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o hereafter_o by_o teach_v command_a and_o practise_v true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o dissent_v from_o this_o government_n can_v never_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o conscience_n but_o of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o indispensible_a as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v most_o evident_o appear_v i_o wish_v that_o all_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o reflect_v with_o themselves_o whilst_o they_o do_v so_o violent_o cry_v up_o conscience_n and_o pretend_v it_o for_o their_o separation_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o mistake_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n for_o it_o of_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o impartial_a application_n of_o what_o have_v before_o be_v say_v of_o this_o particular_a after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v difficult_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v the_o plea_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n in_o episcopacy_n for_o which_o so_o much_o reason_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o upon_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n brief_o to_o touch_v hereafter_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o how_o from_o be_v indifferent_a they_o may_v become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v that_o though_o private_a and_o false_a opinion_n or_o prejudice_v and_o mistake_v persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v malicious_a design_n and_o interest_n combine_v with_o discontent_a envy_n may_v be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a against_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o excellent_a and_o ancient_a way_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o clear_o for_o it_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v occasion_v no_o small_a stir_n tumult_n and_o division_n among_o we_o and_o here_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n do_v thus_o far_o agree_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n that_o be_v some_o time_n some_o place_n some_o word_n gesture_n posture_n and_o habit_n for_o the_o performance_n both_o of_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n which_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v unto_o almighty_a god_n herein_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o these_o thing_n or_o however_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o controversy_n among_o we_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o therefore_o proper_o the_o subject_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n and_o be_v there_o no_o determination_n on_o either_o side_n provide_v the_o duty_n of_o worship_n be_v perform_v it_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n simple_o unlawful_a because_o no_o where_n in_o scripture_n prohibit_v either_o in_o direct_a word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n so_o that_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v just_o offend_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o since_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n let_v any_o dissenter_n therefore_o show_v either_o a_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o plain_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n or_o
only_o my_o sense_n and_o opinion_n but_o that_o of_o all_o dissent_v party_n who_o therefore_o propose_v the_o determination_n of_o they_o by_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o way_n as_o the_o only_a expedient_a to_o obtain_v these_o excellent_a end_n three_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a if_o they_o promote_v decency_n and_o order_n because_o so_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o st._n paul_n general_a rule_n 14.40_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n thus_o that_o all_o shall_v kneel_v at_o the_o prayer_n where_o it_o be_v appoint_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o supplicate_v humility_n and_o devout_a adoration_n that_o they_o shall_v stand_v up_o at_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o at_o the_o hymn_n psalm_n and_o praise_n be_v all_o matter_n of_o great_a decency_n and_o order_n whereas_o that_o one_o shall_v sit_v another_z stand_z a_o three_o lean_a a_o four_o lie_v along_o at_o his_o ease_n be_v no_o less_o indecent_a and_o irreverend_a than_o disorderly_a and_o confuse_a thus_o that_o churchman_n shall_v wear_v distinct_a habit_n both_o when_o they_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o other_o time_n such_o as_o may_v show_v gravity_n sobriety_n purity_n innocence_n or_o distinction_n of_o degree_n be_v all_o decent_a and_o orderly_a and_o so_o far_o therefore_o necessary_a last_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a if_o they_o be_v significant_o expressive_a of_o our_o inward_a profession_n thus_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n the_o surplice_n and_o other_o vestment_n posture_n and_o gesture_n have_v all_o their_o outward_a signification_n of_o the_o inward_a profession_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v necessary_a for_o those_o end_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o the_o learned_a mr._n falkner_n take_v such_o pain_n about_o they_o and_o sift_v they_o so_o narrow_o as_o not_o to_o leave_v any_o just_a pretence_n of_o a_o quarrel_n against_o they_o to_o which_o incomparable_a discourse_n i_o therefore_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o a_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o all_o these_o particular_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o way_n whereby_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o conscience_n not_o only_o upon_o a_o man_n private_a persuasion_n from_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n but_o so_o as_o to_o oblige_v all_o person_n who_o live_v under_o government_n viz._n by_o the_o determination_n and_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v show_v the_o chief_a among_o many_o consideration_n whereby_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v become_v necessary_a so_o that_o if_o any_o person_n find_v these_o or_o any_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n or_o service_n of_o god_n conduce_v to_o these_o end_n he_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o this_o lay_v only_o a_o private_a obligation_n and_o the_o same_o that_o it_o do_v upon_o all_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o yet_o remain_v so_o by_o be_v undertermine_v but_o now_o in_o regard_n some_o of_o these_o thing_n though_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n may_v to_o some_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n appear_v very_o conducive_a to_o the_o beforementioned_a end_v other_o may_v appear_v more_o effectual_a to_o some_o other_o person_n lest_o from_o divers_a opinion_n about_o these_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v best_a most_o decent_a orderly_a and_o edify_v there_o shall_v arise_v division_n distraction_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o by_o miserable_a experience_n we_o daily_o find_v there_o do_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o seek_v for_o some_o strong_a obligation_n whereby_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a to_o all_o and_o this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o command_v of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n which_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v which_o among_o all_o indifferent_a circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n conduce_v most_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n especial_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o promote_a and_o maintain_v peace_n unity_n concord_n and_o piety_n and_o after_o such_o judgement_n to_o pass_v a_o final_a determination_n which_o shall_v lay_v the_o double_a obligation_n both_o of_o a_o prudent_a and_o necessary_a law_n and_o also_o of_o conscience_n upon_o all_o who_o live_v under_o their_o government_n and_o expect_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o owe_v obedience_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o dispute_v and_o difference_n must_v be_v endless_a if_o man_n will_v not_o refer_v themselves_o to_o some_o umpire_n and_o arbitrator_n to_o decide_v they_o which_o must_v after_o man_n have_v tire_v themselves_o to_o find_v out_o what_o these_o arbitrator_n must_v be_v at_o the_o last_o be_v lawful_a authority_n now_o that_o all_o dissenter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o believe_v that_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v this_o decisive_a power_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a from_o the_o frequent_a instance_n and_o repeat_v importunity_n which_o they_o make_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o make_v alteration_n in_o the_o present_a or_o to_o establish_v another_o manner_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n according_a to_o their_o way_n or_o however_o if_o they_o can_v hope_v for_o such_o concession_n yet_o they_o will_v petition_v that_o authority_n will_v not_o interpose_v itself_o in_o these_o religious_a affair_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o freedom_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v if_o i_o mistake_v they_o not_o that_o which_o they_o call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o they_o must_v either_o be_v the_o great_a dissembler_n and_o hypocrite_n in_o nature_n by_o beg_v that_o from_o authority_n which_o they_o believe_v it_o have_v no_o real_a power_n over_o or_o else_o it_o plain_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o determine_v that_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n this_o therefore_o be_v acknowledge_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o authority_n which_o have_v determine_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o by_o consequence_n now_o make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o wise_a and_o prudent_a reason_n and_o consideration_n so_o to_o do_v as_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v and_o examine_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o authority_n so_o lawful_a as_o that_o it_o may_v of_o right_o challenge_v such_o a_o decisive_a and_o determinative_a power_n as_o that_o all_o person_n who_o live_v under_o it_o shall_v be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o submit_v to_o its_o definitive_a sentence_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o finalis_fw-la concordia_fw-la in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v disobedient_a without_o a_o manifest_a and_o wilful_a sin_n against_o conscience_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o know_a command_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o 13.1_o rom._n 13.1_o and_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n first_o therefore_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n be_v without_o controversy_n a_o lawful_a authority_n as_o plead_v a_o divine_a right_n from_o he_o by_o who_o king_n reign_n such_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n aaron_n samuel_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o even_o of_o saul_n a_o wicked_a and_o tyrannous_a prince_n of_o who_o therefore_o david_n say_v to_o abishai_n 26.9_o 1_o sam._n 26.9_o destroy_v he_o not_o for_o who_o can_v lift_v up_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o be_v guiltless_a and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o he_o that_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v after_o god_n own_o heart_n we_o have_v see_v some_o who_o a_o lesser_a interest_n than_o david_n in_o his_o death_n will_v have_v tempt_v to_o serve_v he_o as_o epominondas_fw-la do_v his_o sleep_a centinel_n have_v they_o find_v he_o sleep_v they_o will_v have_v be_v of_o abishai_n judgement_n and_o have_v leave_v he_o sleep_v his_o last_o but_o to_o proceed_v second_o that_o authority_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v warrant_v by_o long_a succession_n prescription_n be_v account_v a_o good_a and_o safe_a plea_n and_o title_n for_o all_o other_o man_n for_o their_o estate_n and_o possession_n certain_o much_o more_o for_o the_o crown_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n for_o hereby_o their_o title_n pass_v into_o inheritance_n which_o be_v a_o right_n which_o no_o man_n can_v violate_v or_o invade_v without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o positive_a and_o know_a command_n
a_o just_a and_o warrantable_a if_o not_o a_o undeniable_a plea_n to_o a_o divine_a right_n second_o there_o be_v long_a succession_n of_o both_o of_o this_o very_a race_n of_o king_n for_o above_o 600_o year_n and_o long_o may_v their_o imperial_a crown_n and_o royal_a dignity_n flourish_v and_o increase_v even_o so_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n endure_v and_o for_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n it_o be_v of_o much_o a_o ancient_a date_n and_o though_o the_o time_n be_v not_o certain_a yet_o that_o the_o britain_n do_v very_o early_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o it_o episcopal_a government_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o will_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o the_o ancient_a historian_n some_o of_o which_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o britain_n be_v christian_n as_o soon_o or_o even_o before_o rome_n itself_o last_o there_o be_v choice_n and_o a_o freedom_n of_o election_n in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o which_o represent_v the_o gross_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n thereof_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o most_o honourable_a peerage_n have_v in_o the_o management_n of_o public_a affair_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o dear_a buy_v fundamental_o of_o the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n never_o dispute_v till_o the_o late_a day_n of_o confusion_n when_o the_o very_a foundation_n be_v violent_o tear_v up_o by_o the_o root_n with_o the_o tempest_n or_o rather_o hurricane_a of_o religious_a rebellion_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o come_v to_o a_o second_o vote_n that_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n be_v useless_a to_o this_o nation_n or_o a_o government_n without_o they_o so_o that_o here_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v any_o authority_n lawful_a so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o those_o who_o live_v under_o it_o for_o the_o final_a determination_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n both_o in_o religious_a and_o civil_a affair_n that_o this_o may_v appear_v plain_a to_o every_o apprehension_n we_o will_v give_v a_o instance_n in_o a_o point_n controvert_v among_o we_o prayer_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o of_o itself_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o god_n 21.13_o psal_n 65.2_o matth._n 21.13_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v because_o he_o hear_v prayer_n and_o his_o house_n be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o nation_n but_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o set_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o word_n or_o to_o pray_v as_o a_o man_n ability_n give_v he_o leave_v or_o as_o it_o be_v call_v by_o extempore_o prayer_n according_a as_o the_o present_a occasion_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o either_o be_v do_v with_o all_o due_a circumstance_n they_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o now_o one_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o set_v form_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a another_o think_v extempore_o prayer_n the_o best_a way_n so_o long_o as_o this_o be_v undetermined_a by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v his_o private_a opinion_n because_o conscience_n oblige_v he_o to_o follow_v that_o determination_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v the_o best_a and_o conduce_v most_o effectual_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n but_o because_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n persuasion_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v apt_a to_o breed_v division_n and_o dissension_n and_o to_o prejudice_v if_o not_o ruin_v that_o unity_n peace_n charity_n and_o order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v inviolate_a among_o all_o man_n especial_o christian_n therefore_o that_o authority_n which_o have_v a_o just_a power_n over_o we_o as_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n of_o long_a succession_n and_o of_o our_o own_o choice_n to_o prevent_v these_o disorder_n and_o the_o confusion_n and_o danger_n which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o division_n of_o mind_n and_o difference_n of_o practice_n interpose_v itself_o and_o consider_v that_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v to_o be_v our_o example_n prescribe_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o positive_o command_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o pray_v 11.2_o luke_n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n that_o both_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a church_n do_v and_o do_v use_n and_o approve_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o hereby_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a man_n shall_v not_o have_v liberty_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n 6.7_o mat._n 6.7_o nor_o to_o use_v vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v nor_o which_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o much_o speak_n for_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v nonsense_n indecent_a or_o irreverend_a expression_n that_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n shall_v not_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o that_o freedom_n and_o fluency_n of_o utterance_n shall_v not_o be_v despise_v in_o regard_n for_o their_o piety_n soundness_n of_o judgement_n integrity_n of_o life_n or_o ability_n to_o govern_v they_o may_v be_v of_o as_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n as_o other_o that_o hereby_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o join_v with_o he_o that_o minister_v know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o say_v than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n may_v say_v amen_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o every_o exit_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n they_o can_v and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v by_o uniformity_n be_v bring_v to_o unity_n that_o so_o necessary_a bond_n of_o perfection_n both_o as_o to_o religion_n and_o civil_a policy_n for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o necessary_a and_o prudent_a consideration_n this_o lawful_a authority_n judge_n it_o most_o conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o most_o effectual_a to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o under_o their_o authority_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o to_o prescribe_v and_o command_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o now_o that_o which_o before_o be_v indifferent_a become_v necessary_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n that_o lawful_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o whatsoever_o it_o command_v that_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o unlawful_a and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o the_o obligation_n which_o before_o i_o may_v have_v from_o my_o private_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n aught_o in_o modesty_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n and_o charity_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o my_o lawful_a superior_n in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o now_o it_o be_v determine_v either_o despise_v it_o or_o refuse_v to_o use_v it_o or_o to_o join_v with_o those_o who_o do_v use_v it_o sin_n against_o conscience_n because_o against_o many_o plain_a and_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n before_o mention_v and_o for_o which_o st._n paul_n seem_v extreme_o solicitous_a as_o well_o know_v pride_n and_o disobedience_n to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a sin_n and_o therefore_o command_v that_o man_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v their_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n 3.1_o tit._n 3.1_o to_o obey_v magistrate_n the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o present_a authority_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o be_v command_v from_o indifferent_a become_v necessary_a and_o with_o such_o a_o dreadful_a necessity_n that_o whosoever_o resist_v a_o lawful_a power_n if_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o let_v they_o serious_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o how_o light_a a_o matter_n soever_o it_o may_v be_v make_v there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o do_v thus_o wilful_o resist_v and_o disobey_v authority_n that_o can_v hope_v for_o salvation_n as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v it_o in_o ignorance_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v how_o indulgent_a god_n may_v be_v to_o they_o but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o though_o god_n may_v have_v wink_v at_o their_o former_a ignorance_n yet_o now_o he_o command_v they_o and_o all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o they_o will_v be_v inexcusable_a if_o they_o be_v ignorant_a because_o they_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n therefore_o to_o look_v for_o a_o better_a information_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o lay_v
god_n glory_n and_o the_o truth_n act_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n but_o if_o at_o the_o last_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v manage_v by_o conscience_n but_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o the_o great_a severity_n and_o insufferable_a torment_n and_o agony_n of_o conscience_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v which_o shall_v put_v all_o man_n upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o themselves_o especial_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o manage_v by_o conscience_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o good_a conscience_n or_o only_o these_o deceiver_n and_o usurper_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n second_o it_o follow_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n lay_v no_o further_a obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v a_o power_n to_o put_v a_o final_a determination_n upon_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o declare_v which_o of_o all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o judge_v most_o conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o those_o under_o their_o jurisdiction_n by_o promote_a and_o preserve_a peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n therefore_o that_o all_o person_n who_o live_v under_o their_o authority_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o determination_n and_o from_o thenceforward_a to_o esteem_v that_o which_o before_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a to_o become_v necessary_a because_o hereby_o many_o know_a duty_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o happiness_n on_o earth_n be_v perform_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o conscience_n last_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o promote_v and_o endeavour_v the_o well-being_n of_o the_o lawful_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o can_v they_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o true_a religion_n or_o conscience_n whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v or_o imagine_v who_o for_o their_o private_a opinion_n make_v party_n break_v law_n despise_v government_n give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o their_o native_a country_n at_o home_n and_o by_o promote_a faction_n dissension_n and_o division_n give_v encouragement_n to_o our_o enemy_n abroad_o and_o by_o too_o just_a fear_n from_o what_o have_v be_v of_o what_o may_v be_v again_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o artifices_fw-la to_o make_v man_n mind_n uneasy_a and_o their_o life_n unhappy_a and_o shall_v their_o design_n succeed_v a_o second_o time_n to_o involve_v so_o many_o million_o in_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n confusion_n ruin_n and_o desolation_n these_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o disobedience_n to_o law_n and_o lawful_a authority_n and_o let_v all_o dissenter_n look_v well_o to_o it_o for_o they_o will_v find_v here_o be_v no_o conscience_n no_o religion_n to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o way_n and_o end_n to_o which_o their_o separation_n and_o division_n do_v most_o infallible_o lead_v they_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n and_o irresistible_a reason_n that_o all_o christian_a people_n and_o especial_o those_o dissenter_n of_o these_o nation_n will_v serious_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o these_o discord_n and_o difference_n about_o religious_a affair_n will_v in_o the_o end_n lead_v they_o and_o in_o time_n turn_v back_o again_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o dismal_a brink_n of_o those_o precipice_n misery_n here_o and_o damnation_n hereafter_o which_o when_o by_o a_o too_o late_a repentance_n they_o will_v avoid_v they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a i_o wish_v they_o will_v no_o long_o abuse_v that_o glorious_a name_n of_o conscience_n to_o countenance_v those_o irreligious_a practice_n of_o disobedience_n uncharitableness_n dissension_n and_o separation_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v most_o desirable_a and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o act_v point_n blank_a contrary_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o direct_o against_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o community_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o just_o fear_v that_o by_o these_o dangerous_a and_o unlawful_a practice_n they_o shall_v so_o far_o exasperate_v authority_n as_o to_o exercise_v its_o utmostrigor_n and_o severity_n upon_o they_o as_o be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n to_o reclaim_v they_o by_o gentle_a mean_n and_o just_o jealous_a of_o their_o malicious_a secret_a and_o ill_a design_n in_o reality_n against_o the_o state_n though_o the_o pretence_n be_v only_o against_o the_o present_a church_n and_o its_o government_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v peace_n within_o their_o private_a wall_n and_o plenteousness_n within_o their_o stately_a palace_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v quiet_a of_o mind_n at_o home_n tranquillity_n peace_n and_o unity_n one_o among_o another_o that_o justice_n shall_v run_v down_o as_o a_o river_n and_o righteousness_n we_o a_o mighty_a stream_n that_o truth_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o righteousness_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o mercy_n and_o truth_n shall_v meet_v together_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n shall_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o that_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v safe_a from_o intestine_a and_o domestic_a trouble_n secure_a from_o foreign_a force_n and_o invasion_n to_o be_v love_v respect_a and_o honour_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o ally_n dread_v by_o their_o great_a enemy_n to_o be_v great_a in_o riches_n great_a in_o fame_n and_o great_a in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n if_o they_o desire_v these_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o obtain_v they_o but_o by_o unite_n ourselves_o with_o this_o common_a bond_n and_o indissoluble_a chain_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o all_o man_n which_o will_v teach_v every_o man_n his_o duty_n keep_v every_o man_n quiet_o peaceable_o and_o content_o in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o secure_a unto_o we_o all_o those_o dear_a delight_n of_o humane_a nature_n peace_n property_n and_o religion_n if_o they_o desire_v these_o thus_o must_v they_o endeavour_v after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o endeavour_v after_o they_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v they_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v these_o blessing_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o all_o other_o they_o neither_o deserve_v they_o nor_o any_o love_n pity_n favour_n countenance_n or_o kindness_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o man_n but_o fierce_a and_o savage_a beast_n wolf_n tiger_n and_o bear_n give_v to_o prey_n rapine_n and_o ravage_n and_o they_o may_v easy_o guess_v what_o will_v follow_v if_o once_o they_o come_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o esteem_v such_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o love_n or_o kindness_n for_o their_o soul_n or_o ever_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_v without_o obedience_n to_o god_n obedience_n to_o government_n and_o obedience_n to_o conscience_n after_o all_o this_o i_o will_v hope_v that_o those_o happy_a day_n will_v shine_v upon_o we_o 3._o psal_n 122_o 3._o in_o which_o we_o may_v say_v our_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v or_o at_o unity_n with_o it_o self_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v that_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a song_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n 48.1_o psal_n 48.1_o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o his_o holiness_n beautiful_a for_o situation_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v mount_n zion_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n god_n be_v well_o know_v in_o her_o palace_n as_o a_o sure_a refuge_n to_o hasten_v which_o bless_v and_o happy_a age_n let_v every_o good_a christian_a lie_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n and_o his_o pray_a heart_n by_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v and_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o keep_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o all_o men._n finis_fw-la