know_v and_o profess_v not_o only_o to_o provide_v that_o the_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a people_n may_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o prohibit_v and_o suppress_v the_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n heresy_n blasphemy_n and_o suchlike_a as_o be_v so_o repugnant_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v but_o to_o give_v a_o toleration_n of_o these_o and_o of_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v so_o far_o from_o suppress_v it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o allowance_n of_o it_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o set_v it_o up_o second_o it_o may_v be_v further_o prove_v unlawful_a from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n on_o the_o magistracy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v all_o false_a prophet_n teacher_n and_o idolater_n deut._n 13._o 2_o 6_o 10._o three_o from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o do_v so_o and_o be_v approve_v for_o so_o do_v and_o last_o from_o the_o great_a injury_n and_o hurt_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n by_o give_v occasion_n to_o satan_n by_o false_a teacher_n to_o infest_v the_o church_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o a_o watchman_n over_o the_o church_n shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v this_o in_o short_a may_v serve_v sufficient_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o great_a impiety_n of_o such_o a_o toleration_n but_o because_o a_o general_a toleration_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o vehement_o argue_v for_o by_o many_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n plead_v for_o by_o which_o i_o presume_v most_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n examine_v those_o ground_n upon_o which_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n seem_v to_o be_v claim_v and_o plead_v for_o which_o be_v find_v rot_v and_o unsound_a such_o a_o toleration_n will_v then_o further_o appear_v unlawful_a to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o then_o second_o i_o shall_v further_o examine_v what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o of_o divine_a right_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o every_o christian_a first_o concern_v such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o human_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n first_o what_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n there_o be_v upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n second_o whether_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v exempt_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o just_a law_n three_o whether_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n under_o the_o infliction_n of_o a_o penalty_n on_o such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v unjust_a of_o these_o very_o brief_o first_o as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v immediate_o bind_v the_o conscience_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v only_a subject_n to_o god_n and_o under_o his_o authority_n alone_o the_o magistrate_n have_v only_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o outward_a practice_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v all_o lawful_a and_o just_a command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o those_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v but_o the_o enforcement_n of_o god_n own_o command_n and_o institution_n have_v a_o double_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n both_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o immediate_a divine_a authority_n appoint_v they_o as_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n require_v obedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n chief_o in_o such_o thing_n second_o neither_o do_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n exempt_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o just_a law_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n in_o and_o about_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o of_o what_o be_v just_o require_v by_o law_n to_o be_v do_v his_o judgement_n and_o erroneous_a conscience_n therein_o do_v not_o exempt_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o command_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o sin_n in_o act_v against_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o then_o to_o act_v and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o three_o neither_o will_v the_o infliction_n of_o a_o penalty_n be_v unjust_a that_o be_v lay_v on_o a_o person_n for_o do_v or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o grand_a mistake_n about_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o because_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n that_o therefore_o if_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o so_o do_v no_o he_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o else_o as_o he_o sin_n so_o he_o just_o suffer_v from_o authority_n in_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o but_o that_o he_o sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n i_o think_v no_o one_o of_o sense_n will_v deny_v for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v in_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v erroneous_a then_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o commit_v idolatry_n speak_v blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n if_o his_o conscience_n lead_v he_o to_o it_o therefore_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o free_v a_o man_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o it_o then_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o exempt_v a_o man_n from_o the_o just_a obligation_n of_o punishment_n from_o the_o magistrate_n for_o those_o sin_n who_o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o god_n against_o all_o evil_a doer_n and_o the_o magistrate_n do_v offer_v no_o violence_n to_o conscience_n by_o either_o require_v obedience_n or_o exact_v the_o penalty_n for_o disobedience_n to_o just_a and_o righteous_a command_n for_o if_o man_n erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o obey_v it_o be_v no_o force_n upon_o conscience_n for_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o bear_v the_o penalty_n but_o beside_o if_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v due_a to_o every_o man_n as_o shall_v exempt_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o it_o will_v null_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o office_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v those_o be_v correlative_n and_o can_v be_v one_o without_o the_o other_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o such_o humane_a law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v the_o enforcement_n of_o god_n own_o command_n and_o institution_n and_o that_o if_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v not_o exempt_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n nor_o render_v the_o penalty_n inflict_v for_o break_v of_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n about_o religion_n due_a to_o any_o christian_a and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n second_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o wit_n what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o of_o divine_a right_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n for_o though_o we_o have_v assert_v and_o prove_v the_o duty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o promotion_n and_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v by_o law_n entrench_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o right_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o of_o divine_a right_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v every_o christian_n
people_n judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n do_v not_o disoblige_v they_o from_o obedience_n nor_o render_v they_o inculpable_a when_o they_o judge_v erroneous_o of_o what_o be_v require_v therefore_o each_o party_n both_o ruler_n and_o subject_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o judge_v aright_o namely_o the_o ruler_n in_o judge_v nothing_o fit_a to_o be_v command_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v evident_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o then_o their_o command_n be_v bind_v and_o the_o subject_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o judge_v erroneous_o of_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n for_o than_o they_o just_o suffer_v for_o disobedience_n each_o party_n indeed_o must_v judge_v for_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n both_o authority_n in_o command_v and_o the_o people_n in_o obey_v but_o the_o judgement_n of_o neither_o do_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o make_v that_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a or_o unlawful_a and_o not_o necessary_a that_o be_v not_o real_o so_o in_o themselves_o but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o argument_n of_o enforce_v obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n mere_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n be_v never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o when_o man_n want_v sufficient_a force_n of_o argument_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o than_o they_o flee_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o obligation_n of_o authority-commanding_a which_o indeed_o will_v equal_o hold_v in_o popery_n itself_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o authority_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n that_o command_v but_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v beside_o the_o will_n of_o authority_n command_v it_o there_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n be_v urge_v mere_o from_o the_o will_n of_o authority_n require_v it_o and_o not_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o necessary_a usefulness_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o what_o force_n and_o obligation_n the_o mere_a will_n of_o authority_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n without_o sound_a reason_n from_o the_o matter_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v somewhat_o unto_o under_o the_o next_o question_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v which_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v just_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n but_o to_o allow_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a of_o impose_v unnecessary_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o much_o of_o that_o mistake_n that_o have_v be_v about_o a_o toleration_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o not_o due_o consider_v this_o golden_a mean_a of_o liberty_n only_o in_o unnecessary_a thing_n in_o religion_n between_o the_o two_o extreme_n of_o unnecessary_a imposition_n and_o a_o unlimited_a toleration_n but_o as_o the_o former_a be_v bad_a be_v against_o christian_a liberty_n and_o charity_n yet_o the_o latter_a be_v much_o worse_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n quest_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o give_v their_o actual_a consent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n answ_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o they_o may_v not_o and_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v occasion_n to_o say_v but_o little_a in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n for_o have_v before_o prove_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o forego_n question_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o lawful_o allow_v such_o a_o toleration_n it_o will_v thence_o follow_v that_o the_o subject_n may_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o for_o by_o consent_v to_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_o do_v by_o other_o we_o become_v partly_o guilty_a of_o the_o evil_a so_o do_v but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o we_o under_o this_o question_n to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o may_v come_v under_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o assent_n to_o such_o a_o toleration_n to_o practice_v some_o liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n when_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n i_o shall_v answer_v this_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o that_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n unnecessary_a doubtful_a or_o scandalous_a may_v lawful_o be_v practise_v though_o the_o same_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n give_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n 3._o nor_o any_o assent_n thereby_o to_o a_o general_a toleration_n 1._o that_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o exemption_n or_o omission_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n unnecessary_a doubtful_a or_o scandalous_a may_v lawful_o be_v practise_v though_o the_o same_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o such_o law_n can_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o the_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n upon_o which_o to_o bottom_n &_o authorise_v such_o law_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o law_n about_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v before_o note_v and_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o require_v therein_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o command_n to_o obey_v and_o the_o mere_a will_n of_o authority_n can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o much_o more_o when_o any_o humane_a law_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v interfere_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n there_o certain_o such_o law_n do_v lose_v their_o force_n and_o obligation_n because_o the_o obligation_n from_o humane_a authority_n cease_v and_o become_v void_a when_o a_o previous_a and_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v to_o take_v place_n by_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o do_v that_o about_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o not_o necessary_a be_v in_o its_o use_n scandalous_a to_o many_o and_o indeed_o such_o law_n that_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o scandalous_a in_o religion_n seem_v to_o lose_v the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o to_o be_v void_a in_o themselves_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a matter_n nor_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o law_n and_o therefore_o a_o liberty_n in_o omit_v such_o thing_n though_o enjoin_v by_o law_n be_v lawful_a to_o be_v practise_v 2._o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n give_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n either_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v or_o from_o authority_n require_v it_o to_o use_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n yet_o they_o be_v indifferent_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v they_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o authority_n and_o to_o other_o that_o will_v be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o omit_v they_o and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o ground_n divers_a learned_a conformist_n have_v think_v it_o lawful_a to_o omit_v the_o ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o law_n when_o scandal_n do_v not_o follow_v be_v neither_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o nor_o from_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n any_o further_a than_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o such_o as_o esteem_v such_o thing_n not_o mere_o indifferent_a but_o doubtful_a in_o themselves_o if_o not_o unlawful_a can_v be_v oblige_v to_o use_v they_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o other_o but_o if_o they_o be_v but_o mere_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o prove_v scandalous_a to_o many_o and_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n from_o authority_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o become_v scandalous_a it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o scandal_n give_v by_o omit_v they_o though_o scandal_n be_v take_v or_o though_o in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o unnecessary_a thing_n in_o religion_n we_o real_o give_v scandal_n yet_o by_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v now_o give_v though_o scandal_n may_v be_v take_v thereupon_o because_o scandal_n give_v arise_v either_o out_o of_o the_o omission_n of_o something_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v or_o do_v something_o either_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a though_o lawful_a now_o if_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n do_v not_o make_v that_o in_o religion_n not_o necessary_a in_o itself_o to_o become_v necessary_a when_o scandal_n follow_v as_o
four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v wherein_o be_v discourse_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o toleration_n and_o general_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a the_o unlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o preface_n it_o can_v but_o be_v general_o understand_v what_o a_o abundance_n of_o heat_n and_o animostty_n have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o nation_n about_o a_o toleration_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n about_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o by_o many_o whether_o with_o great_a vehemency_n or_o with_o great_a absurdity_n be_v hard_o to_o say_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o have_v rather_o be_v suppose_v than_o prove_v by_o any_o for_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v consider_v how_o to_o secure_v a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_v the_o law_n that_o establish_v religion_n they_o never_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o do_v either_o one_o or_o the_o other_o though_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n do_v carry_v in_o it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v no_o authority_n nor_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o take_v care_n for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o if_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v will_v be_v indeed_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o all_o for_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o unless_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v whatever_o argument_n else_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o from_o other_o respect_n and_o consideration_n they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o this_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o government_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o weighty_a argument_n against_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n draw_v from_o the_o ill_a effect_n mean_n &_o end_v of_o it_o yet_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o of_o great_a force_n that_o be_v drawnfrom_o the_o fundamental_a and_o principal_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v unlawful_a namely_o be_v against_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n upon_o this_o principle_n therefore_o i_o have_v always_o be_v persuade_v â—…at_v not_o only_o a_o general_a toleration_n but_o repeal_n the_o law_n be_v â—…orally_o unlawful_a unless_o better_a law_n can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o government_n to_o secure_a religion_n which_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v think_v unless_o such_o law_n have_v also_o a_o penalty_n for_o what_o force_n or_o obligation_n can_v law_n have_v to_o this_o end_n without_o a_o penalty_n i_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n under_o the_o follow_a question_n as_o compendious_o as_o possible_a prove_v the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o duty_n about_o religion_n to_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n only_o from_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n i_o have_v argue_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o a_o general_a toleration_n and_o of_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o nevertheless_o lest_o any_o shall_v hence_o conclude_v that_o a_o humane_a authority_n can_v impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n not_o necessary_a or_o command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a especial_o if_o the_o same_o indifference_n be_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o scandal_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o restrain_v by_o law_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n give_v nor_o any_o assent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n or_o the_o dispense_v power_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n and_o answer_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n allege_v for_o it_o if_o that_o which_o be_v here_o brief_o discourse_v may_v obtain_v its_o design_a end_n to_o set_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o man_n right_a in_o those_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n the_o author_n will_v have_v his_o end_n in_o expose_v the_o same_o to_o public_a view_n which_o be_v first_o compose_v for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n now_o to_o the_o king-eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v viz._n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n ii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o what_o liberty_n in_o religion_n he_o ought_v to_o allow_v iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o give_v their_o actual_a consent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n iv_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o repeal_n these_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o before_o we_o proceed_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n what_o we_o understand_v by_o magistrate_n and_o what_o by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o here_o we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o divers_a form_n of_o lawful_a government_n but_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o our_o own_o form_n of_o government_n be_v either_o best_a in_o itself_o consider_v or_o at_o least_o best_a for_o we_o by_o magistrate_n therefore_o we_o understand_v chief_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o body_n politic_a not_o exclude_v subordinate_a magistrate_n also_o within_o their_o respective_a limit_n by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n we_o understand_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o those_o essential_a matter_n of_o protestant_a faith_n worship_n and_o discipline_n wherein_o it_o be_v true_o such_o now_o that_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v found_v both_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o moral_a law_n and_o also_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n i_o take_v for_o a_o grant_v truth_n and_o will_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o few_o all_o the_o question_n then_o before_o we_o be_v about_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n some_o will_v have_v it_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o respect_v only_o civil_a matter_n and_o moral_a justice_n between_o man_n but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o reveal_v religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v by_o law_n the_o gospel-institution_n but_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o that_o by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 2._o from_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 3._o from_o the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_v of_o magistracy_n 4._o from_o scripture-precept_n and_o precedent_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o so_o the_o author_n of_o magistracy_n in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n viz._n by_o his_o law_n natural_a moral_a and_o positive_a 1._o by_o his_o law_n natural_a implant_v and_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v enable_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v both_o the_o reasonableness_n necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o political_a government_n in_o order_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v the_o good_a of_o society_n 2._o by_o his_o law_n moral_a thus_o the_o five_o commandment_n establisn_v the_o relation_n and_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n between_o political_a father_n and_o subject_n as_o well_o as_o between_o natural_a parent_n and_o their_o child_n 3._o god_n be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o magistracy_n by_o his_o positive_a ordinance_n and_o appointment_n thus_o he_o appoint_v magistrate_n both_o
for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o where_o the_o latter_a clause_n expound_v the_o former_a such_o lawful_a thing_n as_o do_v not_o edify_v be_v not_o expedient_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o law_n because_o all_o humane_a authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 13._o 10._o therefore_o such_o constitution_n about_o religion_n cease_v to_o oblige_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o edify_v because_o the_o obligation_n to_o obey_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n can_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v which_o we_o see_v be_v only_a thing_n for_o edification_n three_o lest_o of_o all_o shall_v indifferent_a thing_n be_v impose_v when_o they_o become_v scandalous_a for_o then_o the_o use_n of_o they_o become_v in_o most_o case_n unlawful_a and_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o unlawful_a to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v rare_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n because_o scandal_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o use_v our_o liberty_n or_o to_o deny_v it_o according_a as_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n require_v for_o the_o avoid_n of_o scandal_n for_o we_o may_v not_o do_v a_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a to_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o brother_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v authority_n therefore_o can_v just_o command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v apparent_a thereby_o scandal_n will_v follow_v for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o command_v of_o man_n the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v give_v no_o offence_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o and_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v obligatory_a on_o ruler_n in_o make_v law_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o on_o private_a christian_n in_o their_o practice_n towards_o each_o other_o if_o ruler_n therefore_o command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o many_o without_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n command_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a rom._n 14._o 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o authority_n have_v then_o command_v he_o to_o eat_v and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o have_v be_v to_o command_v a_o scandal_n and_o so_o unlawful_a it_o be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v command_v by_o authority_n there_o if_o scandal_n follow_v it_o be_v scandal_n take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o the_o fault_n be_v whole_o in_o he_o that_o take_v the_o offence_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a indifferent_a thing_n it_o be_v scandal_n give_v by_o the_o authority_n that_o impose_v it_o and_o also_o hereby_o they_o not_o only_o give_v scandal_n to_o the_o doubt_v but_o oblige_v all_o other_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o indifference_n to_o give_v scandal_n also_o for_o to_o say_v that_o humane_a authority_n make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o necessary_a use_n to_o become_v necessary_a in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n be_v to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o supersede_n the_o law_n of_o god_n no_o certain_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v real_o scandalous_a antecedent_n to_o the_o command_n or_o the_o use_n of_o it_o will_v be_v so_o be_v it_o not_o command_v there_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v put_v such_o a_o necessity_n into_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v when_o scandal_n follow_v because_o the_o obligation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n will_v supersede_n any_o obligation_n that_o result_v from_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a ritual_a and_o ritual_n must_v give_v place_n to_o moral_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v unnecessary_a in_o religion_n much_o more_o if_o inexpedient_a and_o scandalous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o plead_v for_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o thing_n in_o religion_n either_o necessary_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o circumstance_n and_o thus_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o serve_v for_o the_o order_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o decent_a and_o comely_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v so_o far_o lawful_a to_o be_v impose_v as_o they_o be_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a to_o those_o end_n for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o impose_v what_o god_n have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n be_v only_o in_o order_v what_o god_n have_v so_o command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o decent_a and_o comely_a manner_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o as_o such_o thing_n appertain_v to_o god_n worship_n be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a nature_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o their_o particular_n when_o they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n and_o accident_n become_v necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o nature_n of_o indifference_n and_o become_v necessary_a antecedent_n to_o any_o imposition_n of_o they_o by_o authority_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o determination_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n unless_o in_o these_o case_n viz._n 1._o unless_o the_o necessity_n of_o impose_v they_o be_v great_a apparent_a and_o certain_a and_o not_o pretend_v only_o 2._o unless_o the_o good_a that_o be_v bring_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o evil_a of_o scandal_n it_o bring_v with_o it_o 3._o and_o unless_o the_o good_a end_n they_o be_v necessary_a for_o can_v be_v by_o some_o other_o mean_v so_o well_o attain_v without_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n but_o where_o be_v no_o such_o necessary_a good_a or_o but_o little_a comparative_a to_o the_o evil_a of_o scandal_n or_o if_o the_o good_a end_n design_v may_v be_v by_o other_o mean_v attain_v without_o so_o great_a scandal_n there_o certain_o in_o reason_n scandal_n shall_v be_v avoid_v because_o because_o tâ—s_n so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o so_o much_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n obj._n but_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n see_v they_o necessary_a for_o say_v they_o who_o shall_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o religion_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n but_o ruler_n themselves_o for_o if_o a_o liberty_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o necessity_n of_o what_o be_v command_v and_o according_o to_o obey_v or_o not_o obey_v as_o they_o judge_v of_o they_o this_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o require_v and_o the_o people_n have_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o obey_v and_o though_o both_o these_o may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o both_o may_v very_o well_o stand_v together_o without_o either_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o government_n or_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o very_o ill_a consequence_n will_v follow_v on_o deny_v either_o for_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n to_o command_v this_o indeed_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o people_n judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n be_v both_o to_o take_v off_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o to_o lay_v upon_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v for_o if_o only_a the_o judgement_n and_o will_n of_o authority_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o law_n or_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v whatever_o they_o command_v though_o sinful_a if_o they_o judge_v it_o not_o so_o but_o as_o the_o magistrate_n authoritative_a judgement_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o obedience_n when_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o in_o that_o which_o be_v require_v so_o though_o
we_o have_v prove_v it_o can_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o scandal_n be_v give_v by_o omit_v such_o unnecessary_a thing_n for_o this_o we_o have_v a_o parallel_n instance_n in_o our_o saviour_n justify_v his_o disciple_n in_o omit_v a_o lawful_a but_o a_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n though_o enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n notwithstanding_o the_o pharisce_n be_v scandalize_v by_o it_o namely_o in_o omit_v to_o wash_v before_o meat_n mat._n 15._o 13._o therefore_o it_o be_v thus_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o omit_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v doubtful_a and_o scandalous_a but_o yet_o also_o necessary_a to_o do_v and_o perform_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o practice_n of_o christian_n then_o in_o keep_v to_o all_o the_o necessary_a part_n of_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n omit_v only_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o unnecessary_a and_o in_o its_o use_n doubtful_a and_o scandalous_a can_v just_o be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a or_o scandalous_a for_o herein_o they_o do_v but_o save_v and_o improve_v their_o own_o right_a and_o liberty_n which_o they_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n as_o either_o restrain_v a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o require_v a_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o the_o do_v of_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o the_o omit_v a_o unnecessary_a circumstance_n do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n culpable_a of_o give_v scandal_n the_o scandal_n may_v perhaps_o be_v take_v or_o follow_v thereupon_o 3._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o liberty_n use_v in_o religion_n ss_z not_o practical_a assent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o practice_n grant_v thereby_o but_o what_o be_v a_o original_a right_n antecedent_n and_o without_o respect_n to_o such_o a_o toleration_n it_o can_v follow_v that_o christian_n thus_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n omit_v only_o such_o thing_n different_a and_o doubtful_a can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o practical_a or_o 〈…〉_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n because_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o toleration_n but_o both_o on_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o duty_n so_o to_o practice_v without_o respect_n to_o such_o a_o toleration_n much_o less_o be_v it_o any_o practical_a assent_n to_o a_o suppose_a power_n in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o dispense_v with_o such_o law_n as_o be_v of_o know_a use_n and_o necessity_n to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o fundamental_o both_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v dispense_v with_o the_o observation_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o doubtful_a in_o religion_n though_o enjoin_v by_o law_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o penalty_n impose_v for_o omit_v they_o and_o that_o when_o the_o supreme_a law_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n require_v it_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o he_o may_v dispense_v with_o all_o law_n that_o require_v both_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o prohibit_v idolatry_n and_o false_a religion_n and_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o hope_v that_o all_o true_a protestant_n that_o accept_v their_o liberty_n only_o in_o a_o exemption_n from_o such_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o doubtful_a in_o religion_n do_v utter_o disow_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o a_o toleration_n or_o of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n those_o that_o through_o ignorance_n or_o error_n have_v profess_v any_o actual_a consent_n to_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v pity_v and_o blame_v quest_n iv_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o repeal_n those_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o may_v not_o but_o that_o which_o have_v be_v prove_v under_o the_o forego_n question_n have_v anticipate_v much_o of_o that_o may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o for_o the_o force_n of_o this_o question_n lose_v its_o strength_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a hypothesis_n and_o needs_o little_a to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n and_o so_o especial_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v then_o their_o duty_n to_o maintain_v those_o law_n that_o both_o establish_v and_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o because_o the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o power_n be_v exert_v by_o law_n now_o those_o law_n be_v either_o such_o as_o require_v the_o profession_n &_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o such_o as_o prohibit_v and_o punish_v the_o profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o false_a religion_n neither_o of_o which_o may_v be_v lawful_o repeal_v unless_o better_a law_n for_o the_o security_n and_o establishment_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v first_o provide_v for_o by_o repeal_n the_o law_n that_o establish_v the_o profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o magistrate_n disâ—…eth_v his_o care_n and_o regard_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o frustrate_v and_o make_v void_a one_o of_o the_o special_a end_n of_o his_o office_n and_o likewise_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o rapine_n and_o violence_n of_o its_o open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n and_o then_o also_o the_o repeal_n the_o law_n that_o prohibit_v false_a religion_n and_o idolatry_n be_v not_o only_o a_o allowance_n of_o it_o but_o a_o constructive_a set_n it_o up_o at_o least_o become_v partly_o guilty_a of_o it_o hence_o be_v that_o rule_n in_o morality_n cujus_fw-la manu_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la fiat_fw-la â—i_fw-la deputatur_fw-la cum_fw-la jain_o fit_a in_o who_o hand_n and_o power_n it_o be_v that_o a_o evil_a act_n be_v not_o do_v to_o they_o it_o be_v impute_v if_o it_o be_v do_v and_o this_o rule_n do_v most_o proper_o respect_v magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o have_v power_n over_o other_o who_o be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o evil_a which_o they_o be_v able_a by_o good_a law_n to_o prevent_v and_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o that_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o prohibit_v at_o least_o the_o public_a profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o idolatry_n and_o false_a religion_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o ground_n of_o those_o good_a law_n which_o prohibit_v the_o same_o which_o our_o forefather_n with_o so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n obtain_v against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n but_o with_o what_o zeal_n for_o or_o security_n unto_o the_o protestant_a religion_n they_o may_v now_o be_v repeal_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v if_o then_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o lawful_a for_o the_o legislative_a power_n to_o repeal_v those_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n i_o need_v not_o then_o further_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o consent_v thereunto_o which_o will_v thence_o follow_v but_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o by_o make_v some_o short_a answer_n to_o three_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o i_o judge_v be_v the_o most_o specious_a that_o be_v urge_v for_o repeal_n the_o penal_a law_n and_o those_o also_o be_v of_o so_o little_a weight_n that_o there_o need_v little_a to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o they_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o penal_a law_n make_v against_o popery_n have_v be_v pervert_v from_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o use_v against_o papist_n to_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v protestant_n for_o dissent_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n answ_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o law_n but_o of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n and_o be_v so_o do_v as_o now_o appear_v plain_o to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o popeâ—y_n then_o carry_v on_o but_o though_o the_o peral_n law_n have_v be_v so_o pervert_v yet_o see_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o necessary_a use_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o popery_n they_o may_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v repeal_v but_o as_o for_o those_o law_n that_o impose_v penalty_n on_o protestant_n adhere_v to_o all_o the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o upon_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n dissent_v in_o some_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n which_o to_o they_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o wisdom_n piety_n and_o charity_n of_o another_o parliament_n may_v either_o give_v a_o great_a latitude_n in_o the_o term_n of_o church-communion_n among_o all_o protestant_n or_o abate_v the_o rigour_n of_o those_o law_n that_o impose_v penalty_n for_o nonconformity_n only_o in_o such_o matter_n second_o it_o be_v further_o allege_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v some_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n in_o religion_n still_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o all_o those_o penal_a law_n establish_v and_o confirm_v they_o and_o require_v full_a conformity_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n upon_o pain_n of_o penalty_n annex_v to_o those_o law_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v repeal_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o abuse_n answ_n though_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n confirm_v by_o the_o same_o law_n whereby_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n be_v confirm_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v therefore_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o abuse_n those_o law_n shall_v be_v make_v void_a that_o confirm_v the_o essential_a part_n unless_o as_o we_o say_v before_o better_a law_n can_v first_o be_v obtain_v that_o may_v at_o least_o so_o well_o secure_v the_o essential_a part_n because_o a_o lesser_a evil_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v to_o wit_n the_o burden_n of_o those_o abuse_n rather_o than_o a_o great_a namely_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o introduction_n of_o popery_n therefore_o where_o a_o less-necessary_a good_n can_v yet_o be_v attain_v unto_o there_o the_o most_o necessary_a good_a already_o attain_v must_v be_v preserve_v three_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o those_o law_n never_o do_v nor_o never_o will_v answer_v their_o end_n of_o bring_v all_o person_n into_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n give_v by_o some_o for_o repeal_n they_o answ_n to_o which_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o same_o be_v object_v by_o papist_n against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o of_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o never_o answer_v their_o end_n of_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o religion_n and_o indeed_o upon_o as_o good_a ground_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n because_o it_o do_v not_o attain_v its_o end_n of_o be_v such_o for_o that_o all_o man_n will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o but_o for_o further_a answer_n those_o law_n have_v attain_v their_o end_n so_o far_o hitherto_o as_o to_o support_v and_o maintain_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n against_o the_o prevalency_n of_o popery_n for_o which_o end_n most_o of_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v especial_o intend_v but_o that_o they_o have_v not_o also_o attain_v their_o end_n of_o procure_v unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o lesser_a matter_n relate_v to_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n have_v be_v doubtless_o the_o too_o much_o over_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o such_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o doubtful_a in_o religion_n which_o will_v perpetuate_v division_n to_o the_o world_n end_n whilst_o they_o be_v make_v necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n among_o protestant_n but_o alas_o either_o unity_n or_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n and_o concernment_n that_o some_o man_n imagine_v that_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n and_o weight_n upon_o thing_n of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n and_o so_o little_a value_n the_o substantial_a and_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n the_o principal_a bond_n of_o christian_a unity_n be_v a_o unity_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o which_o those_o law_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o useful_a and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v repeal_v unless_o better_a law_n conduce_v more_o effectual_o to_o those_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v make_v and_o provide_v finis_fw-la