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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n law_n liberty_n penal_a 1,025 5 12.2059 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54203 The reasonableness of toleration, and the unreasonableness of penal laws and tests wherein is prov'd by Scripture, reason and antiquity, that liberty of conscience is the undoubted right of every man, and tends to the flourishing of kingdoms and commonwealths, and that persecution for meer religion is unwarrantable, unjust, and destructive to humane society, with examples of both kinds. Penn, William, 1644-1718. 1687 (1687) Wing P1352; ESTC R23116 25,930 41

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the_o reasonableness_n of_o toleration_n and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o penal_a law_n and_o test_n wherein_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n reason_n and_o antiquity_n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o undoubted_a right_n of_o every_o man_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o flourish_a of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o persecution_n for_o mere_a religion_n be_v unwarrantable_a unjust_a and_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n with_o example_n of_o both_o kind_n offer_a to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v for_o john_n harris_n at_o the_o harrow_n against_o the_o church_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1687._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o toleration_n and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o penal_a law_n and_o test_n etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o most_o opinion_n to_o grasp_v into_o their_o clutch_n the_o exercise_n of_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n &_o as_o in_o former_a time_n so_o now_o of_o late_a our_o church_n of_o england_n man_n have_v not_o be_v the_o least_o ambitious_a of_o that_o authority_n it_o be_v true_a the_o clergy_n of_o england_n can_v never_o fix_v such_o jurisdiction_n in_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o can_v not_o perform_v by_o their_o spiritual_a authority_n they_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o least_o title_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n nor_o have_v leave_v they_o any_o weapon_n to_o combat_v dissenter_n in_o opinion_n nay_o even_o error_n itself_o only_a christian_a admonition_n and_o at_o last_o when_o that_o will_v not_o prevail_v public_a separation_n from_o communion_n with_o such_o as_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o defiance_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o never_o cease_v to_o amuse_v and_o alarm_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n with_o continual_a suspicion_n and_o fear_n to_o render_v he_o jealous_a of_o all_o other_o man_n that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o ceremony_n a_o passionate_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n above_o other_o which_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o and_o a_o convince_a argument_n that_o those_o person_n must_v have_v but_o little_a or_o no_o conscience_n themselves_o who_o with_o so_o much_o vigour_n and_o obstinacy_n labour_v to_o uphold_v a_o civil_a persecution_n so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n reason_n and_o conscience_n as_o for_o scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a to_o the_o contrary_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o where_o it_o instruct_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gentle_a to_o all_o man_n sorbid_v christian_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n that_o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o and_o another_o esteem_v all_o day_n alike_o yet_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o conscience_n do_v not_o inward_o accuse_v his_o outward_a profession_n the_o same_o great_a and_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o unbelieving_a wise_a and_o husband_n give_v such_o a_o mild_a and_o condescend_v answer_n as_o if_o he_o have_v take_v his_o pen_n from_o a_o dove_n wing_n let_v neither_o she_o nor_o he_o that_o unbelieve_v depart_v if_o please_v to_o stay_v for_o that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o peace_n add_v withal_o that_o as_o god_n have_v call_v every_o one_o so_o let_v he_o walk_v and_o so_o he_o ordain_v to_o all_o the_o church_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o divine_o utter_v to_o oblige_v the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o charity_n and_o meekness_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o than_o such_o a_o express_a injunction_n of_o so_o authentic_a a_o apostle_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o a_o infidel_n nay_o write_v to_o the_o christian_n he_o absolute_o deny_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v any_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o conscience_n but_o only_a commission_n to_o aid_n and_o assist_v their_o conscience_n not_o say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n altogether_o conformable_a to_o that_o doctrine_n of_o meekness_n wherein_o christ_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o aspire_v to_o the_o title_n of_o rabbi_n or_o master_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n beside_o that_o we_o be_v admonish_v to_o let_v the_o tare_n grow_v among_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n nor_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o suggest_v that_o this_o mild_a and_o moderate_a temper_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o those_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o persecution_n without_o any_o temporal_a power_n to_o defend_v themselves_o for_o let_v the_o choice_a champion_n but_o grant_n that_o those_o be_v the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n and_o then_o it_o will_v behoove_v they_o to_o show_v a_o dormant_n warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o christ_n ever_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o all_o dissenter_n or_o to_o despoil_v they_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o send_v they_o to_o perpetual_a banishment_n and_o they_o have_v do_v their_o work_n but_o if_o they_o can_v bring_v no_o such_o authority_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o lording_n over_o the_o conscience_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a piece_n of_o tyranny_n over_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o christian_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o successor_n of_o constantine_n be_v teach_v by_o their_o eclesiastic_o that_o there_o be_v two_o duty_n require_v from_o they_o one_o as_o christian_n the_o other_o as_o sovereign_n that_o as_o christian_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v divine_a precept_n as_o every_o private_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v but_o as_o prince_n to_o make_v good_a law_n and_o keep_v their_o subject_n steady_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n honesty_n and_o justice_n chastize_v the_o transgressor_n of_o his_o sacred_a law_n espeaclal_o the_o deacalogue_n and_o because_o they_o who_o transgress_v against_o the_o first_o table_n which_o relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n be_v worse_o than_o they_o who_o transgress_v against_o the_o second_o which_o relate_v only_o to_o justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n therefore_o prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o punish_v blasphemy_n perjury_n and_o heresy_n more_o severe_o than_o murder_n or_o theft_n as_o for_o blasphemy_n and_o perjury_n there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v by_o civil_a penalty_n for_o blasphemer_n and_o perjure_a person_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v man_n of_o conscience_n nor_o be_v they_o that_o take_v that_o liberty_n to_o be_v endure_v for_o that_o blasphemy_n and_o perjury_n be_v criminal_a in_o all_o religion_n and_o differ_v opinion_n whatever_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a manner_n and_o contamination_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o every_o man_n must_v be_v punish_v as_o a_o heretic_n who_o differ_v in_o his_o judgement_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v first_o agree_v upon_o what_o a_o heretic_n be_v and_o who_o be_v that_o heretic_n and_o which_o be_v that_o law_n that_o reach_v his_o offence_n before_o they_o can_v punish_v he_o by_o any_o law._n now_o those_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o heretic_n be_v error_n in_o fundamental_o or_o about_o fundamental_o conviction_n and_o contumacy_n and_o they_o be_v heretic_n who_o obstinate_o and_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a light_n of_o truth_n defend_v some_o doctrine_n direct_o or_o of_o necessary_a consequence_n tear_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith._n the_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o shall_v have_v make_v it_o out_o that_o the_o dissenter_n and_o roman_a catholic_n be_v heretic_n of_o this_o sort_n convict_a and_o contumacious_a and_o then_o all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o put_v they_o under_o excommunication_n not_o to_o torment_v their_o person_n and_o estate_n with_o mulct_n imprisonment_n fine_n and_o sequestration_n which_o how_o dissonant_n it_o be_v from_o the_o golden_a rule_n of_o god_n himself_o still_o prefer_v mercy_n above_o sacrifice_n be_v evident_o apparent_a the_o character_n of_o menelaus_n in_o the_o second_o of_o maccabee_n be_v that_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o one_o that_o have_v the_o fury_n of_o a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o a_o savage_a beast_n conformable_a to_o which_o be_v that_o of_o cicero_n quote_v by_o lactantius_n it_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n say_v he_o to_o carry_v a_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n under_o the_o shape_n of_o
vexation_n for_o the_o suppose_a transgression_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n law_n that_o pretend_v to_o dive_v into_o the_o breast_n of_o man_n and_o to_o discover_v evil_a in_o their_o thought_n as_o if_o enact_v to_o torment_v the_o soul_n of_o mankind_n before_o their_o time_n in_o a_o word_n law_n that_o be_v abolish_v by_o reason_n as_o soon_o as_o make_v for_o if_o law_n be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o these_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v for_o that_o law_n be_v make_v to_o redress_v not_o to_o increase_v the_o grievance_n of_o the_o people_n then_o be_v they_o null_a as_o soon_o as_o form_v for_o if_o law_n do_v not_o arise_v out_o of_o natural_a reason_n but_o be_v only_o make_v to_o avoid_v some_o great_a mischief_n pretend_v to_o be_v foresee_v we_o be_v not_o rash_o to_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o to_o make_v that_o sinful_a or_o criminal_a which_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a thus_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o thing_n no_o way_n in_o its_o self_n unlawful_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v make_v criminal_a by_o a_o law_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a equity_n to_o make_v it_o so_o and_o consequent_o not_o punishable_a by_o the_o law._n nor_o can_v their_o meeting_n in_o conventicle_n be_v a_o crime_n for_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o teach_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a can_v never_o be_v fear_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v exact_a in_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o shall_v their_o private_a assembly_n be_v envy_v or_o suspect_v as_o be_v just_a and_o innocent_a man_n till_o they_o be_v convict_v of_o be_v otherwise_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o persecute_v such_o people_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v prosecute_v themselves_o for_o that_o by_o they_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v break_v in_o do_v injustice_n to_o they_o that_o never_o offend_v and_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a equity_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o wrong_v their_o neighbour_n without_o a_o cause_n which_o cause_n can_v never_o be_v find_v in_o a_o law_n make_v contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o a_o law_n make_v to_o gratify_v the_o ambition_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o single_a party_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o consequent_o the_o end_n of_o law._n moreover_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a law_n that_o can_v command_v or_o prohibit_v a_o act_n pure_o direct_o and_o secundum_fw-la se_fw-la internal_a and_o this_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o common_a axiom_n cogitationis_fw-la paena_fw-la nemo_fw-la meretur_fw-la no_o man_n incur_v the_o punishment_n of_o thought_n for_o the_o law_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o internal_a act_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o can_v natural_o and_o of_o itself_o punish_v those_o act_n therefore_o neither_o can_v it_o either_o command_n or_o prohibit_v they_o for_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v compulsive_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v compulsive_a as_o to_o the_o inward_a act_n neither_o can_v it_o make_v a_o law_n in_o reference_n to_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v for_o that_o the_o legislative_a power_n among_o man_n be_v only_o ordain_v for_o preservation_n of_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o honesty_n of_o humane_a community_n to_o which_o those_o act_n have_v no_o relation_n which_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n then_o again_o this_o power_n spring_v immediate_o from_o humane_a community_n itself_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o natural_a reason_n now_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a community_n that_o can_v grant_v a_o power_n immediate_o and_o of_o itself_o over_o action_n mere_o internal_a as_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o limit_n of_o its_o knowledge_n and_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o its_o jurisdiction_n for_o no_o man_n be_v natural_o subject_a to_o another_o in_o his_o soul_n but_o in_o his_o body_n therefore_o say_v a_o learned_a schoolman_n he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n who_o believe_v that_o servitude_n lay_v hold_v of_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o better_a part_n be_v except_v our_o body_n be_v liable_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o governor_n but_o the_o mind_n be_v its_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n then_o again_o the_o condition_n of_o humane_a law_n be_v that_o the_o law_n must_v be_v honest_a just_a possible_a convenient_a to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o conformable_a to_o religion_n and_o reason_n the_o penal_a law_n be_v not_o honest_a because_o they_o will_v enforce_v man_n to_o abandon_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o as_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ●●●…e_a and_o conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o 〈◊〉_d ceremony_n which_o they_o as_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n but_o rather_o contrary_a to_o those_o sentiment_n ●hich_v they_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o sacred_a adoration_n they_o be_v not_o just_a because_o they_o will_v bereave_v man_n of_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o all_o man_n have_v a_o privilege_n to_o claim_v and_o which_o the_o most_o zealous_a promoter_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n will_v take_v most_o heavy_o to_o be_v themselves_o deprive_v of_o in_o the_o second_o place_n they_o ought_v to_o command_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v just_o observe_v but_o these_o law_n will_v enforce_v man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n the_o consequence_n be_v easy_a to_o any_o three_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o religion_n for_o they_o prohibit_v what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n allow_v which_o be_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o uphold_v what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n prohibit_v which_o be_v spiritual_a tyranny_n and_o dominion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n four_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o 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whole_a body_n in_o all_o which_o part_n of_o justice_n the_o penal_a law_n be_v defective_a it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o due_o make_v consequent_o invalid_a and_o no_o way_n oblige_v and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o famous_a casuist_n aquinas_n sctus_fw-la medina_n caster_n tolinus_fw-la panormitanus_fw-la and_o other_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o st._n austin_n himself_o l._n 19_o de_fw-la civit._fw-la dei._n c_o 21._o the_o perverse_a constitution_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v account_v nor_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v law_n when_o that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v account_v right_a and_o just_a which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o justice_n now_o that_o it_o be_v the_o intrinsic_n end_n of_o all_o law_n due_o make_v to_o aim_v at_o the_o common_a good_a be_v plain_a from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n themselves_o which_o be_v such_o that_o tho_o ordain_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n yet_o he_o seek_v therein_o not_o his_o own_o advantage_n but_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o man_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o all_o humane_a law_n be_v impose_v upon_o a_o community_n of_o people_n so_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o that_o community_n otherwise_o they_o be_v irregular_a for_o it_o be_v against_o all_o justice_n to_o reduce_v the_o common_a good_a to_o private_a interest_n or_o to_o subject_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o part_n for_o the_o part_n sake_n another_o reason_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o end_n itself_o for_o the_o end_n must_v be_v proportionate_a to_o the_o act_n its_o beginning_n and_o efficacy_n now_o the_o law_n be_v the_o common_a rule_n of_o moral_a operation_n therefore_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o moral_a operation_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o end_n or_o happiness_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o moral_a operation_n for_o in_o
impose_v the_o oath_n for_o certain_o transubstantiation_n be_v no_o point_n of_o state_n nor_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o good_a work_n make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a subject_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o papist_n to_o be_v loyal_a to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o yet_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n all_o these_o be_v no_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o infer_v from_o passage_n and_o glance_n of_o the_o text_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v believe_v as_o probable_a by_o the_o papist_n as_o the_o objection_n against_o they_o by_o we_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o cruel_o test_a for_o doctrine_n that_o be_v but_o either_o obscure_o reveal_v or_o not_o necessary_o enjoin_v as_o little_a reason_n be_v there_o to_o enforce_v this_o test_n upon_o the_o papist_n when_o we_o know_v that_o many_o of_o our_o own_o persuasion_n will_v scruple_n to_o take_v it_o and_o some_o so_o nice_a as_o absolute_o to_o refuse_v it_o at_o least_o it_o be_v very_o severe_a to_o compel_v such_o as_o be_v young_a and_o unlearned_a for_o all_o be_v not_o casuist_n that_o enter_v the_o parliament_n house_n or_o have_v preferment_n in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o swear_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n be_v not_o true_a which_o they_o have_v be_v always_o breed_v up_o to_o from_o their_o infancy_n especial_o to_o come_v blunt_o upon_o they_o without_o any_o precede_a instruction_n or_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v their_o understanding_n only_o swear_v or_o else_o depart_v the_o king_n presence_n and_o quit_v your_o employment_n but_o all_o this_o be_v do_v they_o say_v to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o popery_n and_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n as_o if_o the_o take_v the_o test_n will_v avail_v to_o make_v a_o man_n either_o a_o better_a neighbour_n or_o a_o better_a subject_n for_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o impose_v this_o test_n conside_fw-la never_a the_o more_o in_o those_o who_o they_o have_v fright_v to_o take_v it_o and_o though_o by_o take_v it_o they_o may_v preserve_v what_o place_n they_o have_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o in_o itself_o any_o step_n to_o preferment_n rather_o indeed_o be_v there_o less_o reason_n to_o conside_fw-la in_o those_o that_o be_v unwilling_o draw_v to_o a_o outward_a compliance_n then_o in_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v oblige_v since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a cause_n of_o hatred_n and_o resentment_n than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o be_v compel_v public_o to_o swear_v against_o their_o conscience_n unless_o their_o judgement_n be_v real_o change_v and_o then_o all_o penalty_n to_o enforce_v they_o be_v superfluous_a whence_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o test_n and_o all_o oath_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v always_o either_o absolute_o pernicious_a or_o altogether_o unnecessary_a if_o against_o the_o inward_a judgement_n damnable_a as_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o perjury_n and_o spiritual_a murder_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o according_a to_o the_o internal_a sentiment_n useless_a more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o isidore_n that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o break_v a_o oath_n that_o will_v bind_v he_o to_o a_o dishonest_a and_o unjust_a action_n for_o that_o the_o promise_n must_v needs_o be_v wicked_a that_o can_v be_v fulfil_v but_o by_o make_v a_o man_n wicked_a and_o what_o can_v make_v a_o man_n more_o wicked_a then_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n for_o private_a gain_n so_o that_o if_o the_o test_n as_o it_o be_v a_o oath_n that_o will_v bind_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o unjust_a action_n as_o the_o renounce_v his_o religion_n for_o worldly_a honour_n or_o preferment_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o break_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o keep_v on_o foot_n since_o it_o have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o bind_v the_o person_n that_o take_v it_o and_o indeed_o if_o the_o power_n of_o a_o unjust_a oath_n be_v so_o great_a as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v how_o deep_o be_v they_o perjure_a that_n take_v the_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n yet_o after_o that_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o restore_a of_o his_o late_a majesty_n of_o bless_a memory_n who_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o have_v so_o solemn_o abjure_v but_o they_o have_v their_o absolution_n from_o st._n ambrose_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o promise_n can_v be_v perform_v nor_o some_o other_o keep_v without_o the_o violation_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v that_o our_o supreme_a legislator_n and_o sovereign_a prince_n set_v forth_o his_o most_o gracious_a act_n of_o indulgence_n thereby_o to_o free_v from_o spiritual_a bondage_n the_o enflaved_a conscience_n of_o his_o suffer_a subject_n groan_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n therein_o true_o resemble_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o vicegerent_n upon_o earth_n he_o be_v while_o he_o shed_v down_o down_o upon_o all_o in_o general_n the_o ray_n of_o his_o christian_a compassion_n and_o spread_v the_o cherubin_n wing_n of_o his_o mercy_n over_o multitude_n so_o latety_n torment_v with_o the_o unsanctified_a vexation_n he_o have_v public_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v his_o aim_n to_o fix_v his_o government_n on_o such_o a_o foundation_n as_o may_v make_v his_o subject_n happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o religion_n with_o freedom_n of_o exercise_n and_o their_o property_n without_o invasion_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o such_o a_o prince_n who_o god_n preserve_v what_o cause_n or_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n it_o be_v a_o ill_a sign_n of_o obedience_n in_o subject_n when_o they_o distrust_v the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o deny_v he_o so_o small_a a_o recompense_n for_o his_o excess_n of_o benignity_n in_o his_o royal_a toleration_n as_o the_o repeal_n of_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n cruelty_n in_o the_o penal_a law_n and_o injustice_n in_o the_o test_n be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n in_o the_o world._n certain_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o a_o monarch_n so_o tender_a of_o the_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o subject_n must_v be_v ill_a at_o ease_n till_o he_o have_v remove_v those_o scourge_v of_o imposition_n that_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n in_o such_o a_o threaten_v posture_n and_o therefore_o since_o sovereign_a consideration_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o have_v they_o take_v away_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rude_a piece_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a in_o opposition_n to_o sovereign_a reason_n finis_fw-la this_o be_v finish_v before_o the_o translation_n of_o lactantius_n and_o therefore_o as_o not_o be_v borrow_v from_o he_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v it_o pass_v with_o this_o advertisement_n
moral_n the_o beginning_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o so_o the_o ultimate_a end_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o such_o action_n but_o the_o common_a good_a or_o felicity_n of_o a_o city_n or_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o it_o in_o its_o government_n therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good._n now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v make_v only_o for_o the_o particular_a good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n man_n all_o other_o be_v by_o they_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o native_a privilege_n that_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o vexation_n of_o many_o thousand_o which_o be_v positive_o against_o the_o common_a good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o general_a community_n of_o the_o people_n divide_v only_o in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o a_o equal_a poise_n of_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o just_o deserve_v equal_a share_n of_o provision_n by_o the_o law_n for_o their_o security_n and_o protection_n and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v persecute_v to_o uphold_v the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o penal_a law_n be_v undue_o make_v and_o therefore_o as_o of_o no_o force_n to_o be_v repeal_v and_o annul_v therefore_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n may_v have_v teach_v the_o promoter_n of_o these_o penal_a statute_n better_a and_o more_o christian_a learning_n for_o therefore_o be_v prelate_n call_v pastor_n because_o they_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o sheep_n not_o the_o sheep_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o they_o be_v call_v dispenser_n and_o not_o lord_n minister_n of_o god_n not_o primary_n cause_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a intention_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n god_n principal_o intend_v the_o common_a good_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o his_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o same_o they_o be_v tyrant_n not_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n while_o they_o seek_v their_o own_o support_n and_o not_o the_o common_a benefit_n as_o to_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n experte_a materiae_fw-la in_o command_v those_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v this_o axiom_n from_o thence_o arise_v that_o no_o unjust_a law_n can_v be_v a_o law_n and_o then_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n to_o accept_v it_o or_o to_o observe_v it_o if_o accept_v for_o that_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o only_o not_o bind_v to_o accept_v it_o but_o have_v it_o not_o in_o their_o power_n when_o the_o command_n be_v clear_o and_o manifest_o unjust_a as_o when_o man_n be_v command_v not_o to_o meet_v above_o such_o a_o number_n under_o such_o a_o penalty_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a command_n because_o it_o debar_v man_n from_o the_o free_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o the_o only_a infallible_a minister_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v unjust_a in_o any_o law_n to_o constrain_v other_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o may_v be_v as_o erroneous_a in_o they_o as_o what_o the_o other_o profess_v for_o though_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a form_n of_o supplication_n under_o heaven_n yet_o another_o may_v not_o believe_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o crime_n in_o he_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v defective_a in_o point_n of_o honesty_n which_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v invalid_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v annul_v for_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o precept_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o include_v a_o crime_n and_o a_o transgression_n against_o god_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o no_o way_n obligatory_a see_v that_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o contradict_v our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o subject_v we_o to_o the_o compulsion_n of_o men._n in_o the_o last_o place_n no_o law_n can_v be_v valid_a beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o legislator_n now_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o those_o person_n who_o make_v the_o penal_a law_n upon_o a_o presumption_n of_o danger_n from_o factious_a and_o turbulent_a spirit_n ever_o intend_v those_o law_n sor_n the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o live_v peaceable_o and_o obedient_o towards_o the_o government_n in_o all_o the_o passive_a duty_n of_o good_a loyal_a subject_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o good_a man_n which_o be_v never_o the_o design_n of_o any_o just_a and_o virtuous_a legislator_n in_o this_o world._n now_o then_o the_o presumption_n of_o the_o danger_n be_v remove_v by_o his_o majesty_n most_o gracious_a indulgence_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v remove_v and_o consequent_o the_o obligation_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o framer_n of_o these_o law_n ever_o meditate_a too_o establish_v the_o dominion_n of_o a_o spiritual_a oligarchy_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o so_o many_o family_n of_o pious_a and_o religious_a people_n and_o therefore_o the_o suspicion_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o these_o law_n be_v vanish_v the_o law_n themselves_o 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etc._n the_o learned_a be_v of_o opinion_n that_o to_o make_v a_o oath_n bind_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o it_o refer_v to_o thing_n lawful_a for_o that_o if_o the_o thing_n promise_v upon_o oath_n be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o divine_a law_n or_o interdict_a by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o oblige_v the_o swearer_n now_o the_o q●●●●●●n_n will_v be_v whether_o this_o oath_n do_v not_o positive_o 〈…〉_z law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o enforce_v a_o peer_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o any_o other_o freeborn_a englishman_n of_o low_a degree_n to_o accuse_v himself_o with_o so_o strong_a and_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n to_o perjury_n where_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o this_o either_o to_o forswear_v their_o religion_n or_o lose_v their_o native_a privilege_n and_o preferment_n and_o all_o possibility_n of_o advance_v their_o fortune_n a_o piece_n of_o severity_n that_o constrain_v the_o inward_a belief_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n have_v resorve_v to_o himself_o that_o this_o be_v a_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v undoubted_o true_a as_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o great_a charter_n and_o several_a statute_n of_o the_o realm_n therefore_o the_o test_n have_v no_o power_n to_o oblige_v the_o swearer_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v repeal_v as_o useless_a that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v apparent_a from_o hence_o for_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o strong_o prohibit_v in_o scripture_n then_o to_o ground_v a_o penal_a prosecution_n upon_o the_o enforce_v oath_n of_o the_o party_n without_o witness_n or_o accuser_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o seem_v a_o hard_a case_n to_o oblige_v the_o papist_n to_o swear_v away_o his_o religion_n before_o he_o have_v another_o provide_v for_o he_o by_o those_o that_o