conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n i._n e._n a_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n but_o not_o of_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o inviolable_a freedom_n to_o examine_v the_o goodness_n of_o all_o law_n moral_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n and_o all_o outward_a action_n either_o of_o virtue_n or_o devotion_n they_o be_v equal_o governable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o man_n may_v with_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o reason_n challenge_v a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o common_a honesty_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o they_o plead_v a_o liberty_n from_o all_o authority_n in_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n because_o they_o have_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n in_o both_o but_o of_o practice_n in_o neither_o §_o 2._o and_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v found_v the_o duty_n or_o rather_o privilege_n of_o christian_n liberty_n viz._n to_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o a_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o humane_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v so_o high_o solicitous_a not_o to_o have_v it_o far_o restrain_v than_o needs_o must_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o pure_a speculation_n it_o leave_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n entire_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v usurp_v upon_o by_o any_o authority_n whatsoever_o and_o whatsoever_o opinion_n any_o man_n entertain_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o injure_v no_o man_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o commence_v any_o quarrel_n with_o he_o for_o it_o every_o man_n here_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o other_o and_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n have_v no_o reference_n to_o the_o public_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o public_a judgement_n to_o determine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o those_o action_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a good_a or_o ill_a of_o mankind_n though_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a law_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v far_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o have_v grant_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o power_n over_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n it_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o exercise_v any_o authority_n over_o their_o judgement_n but_o leave_v they_o utter_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v object_n of_o mere_a opinion_n and_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o hence_o though_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lawful_a superior_n may_v change_v indifferent_a thing_n into_o necessary_a duty_n yet_o they_o can_v restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o judge_a thing_n thus_o determine_v to_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o do_v they_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o any_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o superven_a command_n of_o authority_n to_o which_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o that_o christian_a liberty_n or_o the_o inward_a freedom_n of_o our_o judgement_n may_v be_v preserve_v inviolable_a under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o be_v outward_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o action_n not_o judgement_n of_o man_n because_o the_o outward_a determination_n to_o one_o particular_a rather_o than_o another_o do_v not_o abrogate_v the_o inward_a indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o either_o from_o some_o emergent_a and_o changeable_a circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n or_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o absolute_a indispensableness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n therefore_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o christian_a liberty_n relate_v only_o to_o our_o inward_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o provide_v this_o be_v keep_v inviolate_a it_o matter_n not_o as_o to_o that_o concern_v what_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o our_o cutward_a action_n in_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_v our_o conscience_n from_o the_o power_n of_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o from_o that_o of_o government_n we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o matter_n but_o not_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o obey_v the_o determination_n of_o our_o superior_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o retain_v the_o power_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o be_v still_o free_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n though_o not_o as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n §_o 3._o neither_o be_v this_o prerogative_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n so_o much_o any_o new_a favour_n grant_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o its_o natural_a privilege_n by_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereby_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o as_o indispensable_a a_o obligation_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a goodness_n &_o equity_n during_o the_o whole_a period_n of_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n which_o be_v cancel_v by_o the_o gospel_n those_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v make_v necessary_a by_o a_o divine_a positive_a command_n return_v to_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v or_o omit_v only_o as_o occasion_n shall_v direct_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a a_o assertor_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n never_o scruple_v to_o use_v they_o when_o ever_o he_o think_v it_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o circumcision_n of_o timothy_n to_o which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v condescend_v out_o of_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_n to_o do_v it_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n shall_v direct_v he_o and_o though_o in_o his_o discourse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n he_o instance_n only_o in_o circumcision_n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a ordinance_n which_o be_v then_o the_o particular_n most_o in_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o jew_n yet_o by_o the_o clear_a analogy_n of_o reason_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o judicial_a law_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n command_v by_o moses_n that_o be_v not_o either_o rule_n of_o eternal_a goodness_n or_o express_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v its_o clear_a and_o most_o important_a design_n to_o reprieve_v mankind_n from_o all_o the_o burdensome_a and_o arbitrary_a imposition_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o goodness_n than_o their_o be_v instance_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o tie_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o we_o than_o such_o who_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a goodness_n shall_v carry_v with_o they_o their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o our_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o whether_o in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o morality_n it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o entrenchment_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o impose_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o §_o 4._o now_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v upon_o this_o article_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o show_v the_o manifest_a impertinency_n of_o all_o those_o little_a objection_n man_n force_v from_o it_o against_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o religion_n whereas_o this_o relate_v entire_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o withal_o my_o purpose_n be_v main_o by_o exempt_n all_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o
war._n it_o enervate_v all_o its_o own_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o sound_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n upon_o mere_a self-interest_n which_o false_a and_o absurd_a principle_n be_v remove_v all_o that_o be_v base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o the_o whole_a hypothesis_n be_v utter_o cashier_v §_o 1._o when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v apparent_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v here_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n no_o circumstance_n can_v alter_v the_o rule_n of_o prime_n and_o essential_a rectitude_n their_o goodness_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o in_o all_o such_o action_n disobedience_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o it_o become_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n where_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o a_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n no_o positive_a humane_a law_n can_v take_v off_o its_o morality_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o repugnant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n &_o by_o consequence_n as_o unchangeable_a as_o that_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o providence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o law_n can_v no_o more_o bind_v than_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v command_v a_o man_n to_o murder_v his_o father_n or_o to_o ravish_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o all_o such_o law_n be_v antecedent_o rescind_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o more_o indispensable_a obligation_n and_o thus_o have_v every_o man_n a_o natural_a right_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o no_o authority_n whatsoever_o can_v deny_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o act_v virtuous_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a tyranny_n and_o injustice_n not_o so_o much_o because_o subject_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n on_o earth_n as_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n and_o they_o be_v only_o then_o excuse_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_n when_o they_o can_v give_v it_o without_o rebellion_n against_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o original_o any_o right_n of_o their_o own_o that_o exempt_v they_o from_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v pure_o god_n right_a of_o govern_v his_o own_o creature_n that_o magistrate_n than_o invade_v when_o they_o make_v edict_n to_o violate_v or_o control_v his_o law_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v off_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o humane_a law_n instead_o of_o make_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n supreme_a absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a they_o utter_o enervate_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o set_v their_o subject_n at_o perfect_a liberty_n from_o all_o their_o command_n for_o if_o we_o once_o remove_v all_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n man_n will_v be_v no_o further_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n than_o only_o as_o themselves_o shall_v see_v convenient_a and_o if_o they_o be_v under_o no_o other_o restraint_n it_o will_v be_v their_o wisdom_n to_o rebel_v as_o oft_o as_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n in_o that_o the_o law_n of_o superior_n pass_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n they_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v under_o any_o strong_a engagement_n to_o subjection_n than_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o penalty_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n may_v despise_v its_o obligation_n whenever_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o escape_v its_o punishment_n now_o how_o must_v this_o weaken_v the_o power_n and_o supplant_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n if_o every_o subject_a may_v despise_v their_o law_n or_o invade_v their_o sovereignty_n whenever_o he_o can_v hope_v to_o build_v his_o own_o fortune_n upon_o their_o ruin_n how_o will_v it_o expose_v their_o sceptre_n to_o the_o continual_a attempt_n of_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n when_o every_o one_o that_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o his_o prince_n hand_n have_v right_o and_o title_n enough_o to_o hold_v it_o what_o security_n can_v prince_n have_v of_o their_o subject_n loyalty_n that_o will_v own_v their_o power_n as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o interest_n and_o when_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o call_v it_o tyranny_n how_o shall_v they_o ever_o be_v secure_v by_o any_o promise_n oath_n and_o covenant_n of_o allegiance_n that_o have_v no_o other_o band_n but_o self-security_n or_o hope_v of_o exemption_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n will_v not_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n and_o compact_n leave_v they_o in_o as_o insecure_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o find_v they_o in_o in_o that_o self-advantage_n will_v have_v keep_v their_o subject_n loyal_a and_o obedient_a without_o oath_n and_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v it_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v add_v no_o new_a obligation_n to_o that_o of_o interest_n for_o if_o to_o perform_v their_o covenant_n be_v advantageous_a they_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n without_o the_o oath_n as_o much_o as_o with_o it_o if_o disadvantageous_a no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v they_o in_o that_o interest_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o only_a enforcement_n of_o all_o their_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o when_o that_o tie_n happen_v to_o cease_v their_o obligation_n become_v null_a and_o void_a and_o they_o may_v observe_v they_o if_o they_o please_v and_o if_o they_o please_v break_v they_o §_o 2._o but_o the_o vanity_n and_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o opinion_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o discover_v the_o lamentable_a foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o that_o be_v a_o late_a wild_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o state_n and_o posture_n of_o war_n of_o every_o man_n against_o every_o man_n in_o that_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o equality_n they_o have_v all_o a_o equal_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o all_o can_v enjoy_v all_o hence_o every_o man_n become_v a_o enemy_n to_o every_o man_n in_o which_o state_n of_o hostility_n there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o secure_v himself_o so_o reasonable_a as_o anticipation_n that_o be_v by_o force_n or_o wiles_n to_o master_v the_o person_n of_o all_o man_n he_o can_v till_o he_o see_v no_o other_o power_n great_a enough_o to_o endanger_v himself_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o contrive_v in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o security_n one_o another_o destruction_n but_o because_o in_o this_o condition_n mankind_n must_v for_o ever_o groan_v under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n therefore_o they_o have_v wise_o choose_v by_o mutual_a consent_n to_o enter_v into_o contract_n and_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n in_o which_o every_o man_n have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o security_n be_v content_a to_o relinquish_v his_o natural_a and_o unlimited_a right_n to_o every_o thing_n and_o hereby_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n in_o which_o every_o man_n engage_v by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o public_a law_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o private_a safety_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o right_n or_o wrong_a antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o all_o man_n be_v at_o absolute_a liberty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o how_o cruel_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o one_o another_o they_o can_v never_o be_v injurious_a there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o what_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o which_o all_o its_o member_n covenant_n to_o submit_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o odd_a as_o it_o be_v be_v become_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o modern_a politic_n by_o which_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o real_a law_n of_o wisdom_n and_o subtlety_n must_v square_v their_o action_n and_o therefore_o be_v swallow_v down_o with_o as_o much_o greediness_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o wild_a and_o giddy_a people_n of_o the_o age._n and_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o fop_n and_o raw-brained_a fellow_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o complexion_n of_o humane_a nature_n now_o it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a
word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o four_o gospel_n leviath_n p._n 3._o c._n 33._o for_o if_o sovereign_n in_o their_o own_o dominion_n be_v the_o sole_a legislator_n than_o those_o book_n only_o be_v canonical_a that_o be_v law_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v in_o reality_n nothing_o but_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o at_o best_a but_o so_o many_o tale_n of_o imaginary_a and_o invisible_a power_n public_o allow_v and_o encourage_v to_o awe_v the_o common_a people_n to_o obedience_n leviath_n p._n 1._o c._n 12._o who_o be_v betray_v into_o it_o by_o these_o four_o folly_n a_o false_a opinion_n of_o ghost_n and_o immaterial_a substance_n that_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v ignorance_n of_o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n groundless_o fear_v and_o mistake_v thing_n casual_a for_o divine_a prognostic_n in_o brief_a all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cheat_n of_o policy_n and_o be_v at_o first_o invent_v by_o the_o founder_n and_o legislator_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o they_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o credulous_a rabble_n for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o though_o prince_n may_v wise_o make_v use_n of_o the_o fable_n of_o religion_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n upon_o the_o silly_a multitude_n yet_o it_o be_v below_o their_o wisdom_n to_o be_v serious_o concern_v themselves_o for_o such_o foolery_n so_o that_o provide_v their_o subject_n will_v befool_v themselves_o with_o any_o one_o imposture_n it_o be_v not_o material_a which_o they_o single_v out_o in_o that_o all_o religion_n equal_o oblige_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o invisible_a power_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o design_n of_o policy_n and_o as_o long_o as_o a_o prince_n can_v keep_v up_o any_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n it_o be_v no_o policy_n to_o disoblige_v and_o exasperate_v any_o of_o they_o by_o interess_v his_o power_n for_o one_o party_n more_o than_o another_o and_o by_o force_v all_o other_o sect_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n to_o conform_v their_o belief_n to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o one_o faction_n but_o rather_o to_o endear_v they_o all_o to_o himself_o by_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o different_a folly_n and_o so_o he_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n secure_v his_o government_n by_o abuse_v all_o and_o yet_o disoblige_v none_o §_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n large_o to_o examine_v &_o refute_v these_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a pretence_n by_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v only_o let_v i_o observe_v that_o this_o discourse_n lie_v under_o no_o less_o prejudice_n than_o this_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v all_o these_o man_n policy_n false_a but_o wave_v this_o too_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o only_o to_o discover_v of_o what_o noisome_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n such_o principle_n be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o imposture_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v without_o remind_v the_o reader_n how_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v this_o objection_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n when_o i_o show_v what_o good_a or_o bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o state_n man_n persuasion_n about_o religion_n have_v by_o these_o four_o ensue_a consideration_n first_o then_o methinks_v his_o majesty_n be_v bind_v to_o con_v these_o man_n thanks_o for_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n suspect_v and_o to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v false_a whereby_o they_o effectual_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o best_a security_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o strong_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n there_o be_v for_o certain_a nothing_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o reverence_n of_o government_n the_o peace_n of_o society_n and_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o only_o support_v of_o government_n without_o it_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_o weak_a and_o precarious_a and_o lie_v always_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o subject_n passion_n and_o private_a interest_n for_o when_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n be_v cashier_v man_n can_v have_v no_o high_a inducement_n to_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o private_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o then_o wherever_o these_o happen_v to_o fail_v and_o interest_n and_o advantage_n invite_v to_o disobedience_n man_n may_v do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o have_v power_n to_o shake_v off_o authority_n they_o have_v right_a too_o and_o a_o prosperous_a usurper_n shall_v have_v as_o fair_a a_o title_n to_o his_o crown_n as_o the_o most_o lawful_a prince_n all_o government_n will_v be_v found_v upon_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o king_n nothing_o but_o terrible_a man_n with_o long_a sword_n but_o when_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n be_v superinduce_v upon_o those_o of_o secular_a interest_n this_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o secure_v they_o as_o much_o from_o the_o very_a thought_n as_o attempt_n of_o treason_n for_o nothing_o so_o strong_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o so_o authoritative_o command_v their_o passion_n and_o inclination_n as_o religion_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o fear_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o considerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o rude_a sort_n so_o vehement_a as_o those_o of_o hell_n nor_o hope_n so_o active_a as_o those_o of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n of_o religion_n be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a sanction_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v infinite_o more_o force_n to_o awe_n or_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o compliance_n than_o any_o secular_a interest_n whereas_o those_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o above_o the_o folly_n of_o conscience_n and_o either_o believe_v or_o regard_v not_o the_o evil_n threaten_v hereafter_o a_o attainment_n to_o which_o these_o our_o modern_a politician_n do_v not_o blush_v to_o pretend_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o odd_a piece_n of_o policy_n open_o to_o own_o and_o proclaim_v it_o must_v make_v their_o present_a interest_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o obligation_n to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a superior_n in_o what_o they_o command_v than_o they_o have_v to_o disobey_v they_o viz._n their_o own_o security_n and_o self-preservation_n whereas_o if_o these_o man_n live_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o religion_n and_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o under_o the_o threaten_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n their_o loyalty_n will_v be_v tie_v upon_o they_o by_o all_o that_o man_n can_v either_o hope_v or_o fear_n and_o they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o engagement_n to_o obedience_n that_o the_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o dependence_n upon_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o nothing_o be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o secure_a obedience_n but_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n if_o all_o humane_a law_n have_v their_o main_a force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n if_o oath_n promise_n and_o covenant_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o whereby_o civil_a society_n be_v uphold_v be_v make_v firm_a by_o nothing_o but_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n then_o let_v authority_n judge_v how_o much_o it_o be_v behold_v to_o those_o man_n who_o labour_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o public_a disreputation_n and_o to_o possess_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n whereby_o they_o not_o only_o set_v they_o loose_v from_o their_o authority_n but_o enrage_v they_o against_o it_o by_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o that_o the_o magistrate_n build_v his_o dominion_n upon_o their_o folly_n and_o simplicity_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o hateful_a to_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o that_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n they_o be_v apparent_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o §_o 3._o but_o second_o nothing_o more_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n than_o to_o
and_o occasional_a whereas_o those_o of_o obedience_n be_v of_o a_o prime_n absolute_a and_o eternal_a necessity_n prince_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o lieutenant_n here_o on_o earth_n he_o ve_v they_o with_o their_o power_n and_o by_o his_o own_o law_n bind_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o though_o their_o decree_n pass_v no_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o the_o divine_a law_n direct_o and_o immediate_o bind_v their_o conscience_n to_o obey_v they_o and_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o same_o penalty_n to_o disobedience_n to_o their_o law_n as_o to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n because_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a command_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o duty_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n that_o be_v of_o compliance_n with_o my_o neighbour_n weakness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v that_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n it_o be_v so_o too_o to_o take_v off_o the_o immediate_a obligation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o when_o these_o two_o the_o public_a command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a and_o the_o private_a offence_n of_o a_o honest_a neighbour_n countermand_v each_o other_o if_o the_o latter_a prevail_v then_o may_v it_o forbid_v what_o god_n have_v make_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n more_o severe_a and_o peremptory_a than_o those_o that_o command_v obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o may_v decline_v this_o duty_n only_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n why_o not_o any_o why_o not_o all_o this_o then_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o must_v be_v do_v and_o as_o for_o all_o its_o casual_a and_o equivocal_a event_n no_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v to_o provide_v against_o they_o and_o if_o other_o man_n will_v be_v offend_v because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n that_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o i_o and_o better_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n than_o the_o author_n of_o my_o own_o no_o man_n folly_n or_o ignorance_n can_v cancel_v my_o obligation_n to_o god_n or_o god_n vicegerent_n and_o in_o all_o case_n where_o there_o be_v any_o competition_n between_o scandal_n and_o a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o lawful_a authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o difficulty_n to_o be_v resolve_v than_o whether_o i_o shall_v disobey_v god_n or_o displease_v my_o foolish_a neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v one_o will_v think_v past_o all_o dispute_n that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v positive_o determine_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o duty_n the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n in_o that_o particular_a be_v not_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n leave_v to_o any_o man_n choice_n and_o prudence_n as_o all_o matter_n of_o scandal_n be_v but_o it_o must_v become_v in_o all_o case_n and_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o a_o duty_n of_o a_o precise_a absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o certain_o god_n have_v make_v but_o odd_a provision_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v allow_v one_o subject_a for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o lawful_a superior_n and_o permit_v they_o the_o liberty_n to_o disobey_v the_o command_n of_o governor_n rather_o than_o displease_v one_o another_o for_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o end_v in_o a_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n &_o devolve_v the_o supremacy_n entire_o upon_o every_o private_a man_n that_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o weak_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n for_o if_o scandal_n to_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o rescind_v the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n than_o whoever_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o weak_a conscience_n gain_v thereby_o a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o all_o his_o superior_n and_o ve_v himself_o with_o a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o evacuate_v their_o command_n so_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o pretence_n put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o peevish_a or_o malevolent_a person_n to_o cancel_v all_o the_o decree_n of_o prince_n and_o make_v his_o own_o humour_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o polity_n and_o law_n of_o government_n and_o become_v superior_a to_o his_o own_o superior_n only_a by_o be_v ignorant_a or_o peevish_a how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v authority_n more_o cheap_a and_o contemptible_a if_o man_n will_v study_v to_o weaken_v and_o disgrace_v it_o than_o by_o make_v its_o command_n of_o less_o force_n than_o the_o folly_n or_o perverseness_n of_o every_o arrogant_a mechanic_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n than_o to_o make_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n less_o sacred_a than_o the_o whimsy_n of_o every_o fantastic_a zealot_n in_o brief_a the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o honest_a man_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v mighty_a well_o secure_v when_o disobedience_n shall_v be_v think_v the_o product_n of_o a_o more_o exact_a and_o tender_a conscience_n when_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o law_n and_o make_v scruple_n of_o obey_v they_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o specific_a character_n of_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o when_o giddy_a and_o humorous_a zeal_n shall_v not_o only_o excuse_v but_o hallow_v disobedience_n when_o every_o one_o that_o have_v pride_n enough_o to_o fancy_v himself_o a_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v licence_n to_o despise_v authority_n and_o do_v as_o he_o list_v what_o a_o irresistible_a temptation_n be_v this_o to_o proud_a and_o zealous_a enthusiast_n to_o affect_v be_v troublesome_a to_o government_n and_o disobedient_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n when_o it_o shall_v pass_v for_o the_o result_n of_o a_o more_o extraordinary_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n what_o encouragement_n can_v man_n have_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n when_o to_o dispute_v and_o dislike_v their_o law_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o great_a holiness_n and_o a_o more_o exact_a integrity_n and_o what_o a_o resistless_a inducement_n be_v this_o to_o all_o proud_a and_o fantastic_a zealot_n to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n if_o thereby_o they_o may_v gain_v the_o renown_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o more_o conspicuous_a godliness_n if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v how_o fatal_o and_o unavoidable_o they_o lead_v to_o anarchy_n and_o a_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n which_o mischief_n as_o be_v notorious_o apparent_a from_o the_o premise_n all_o the_o world_n can_v never_o prevent_v if_o the_o scandal_n of_o private_a man_n may_v ever_o dispense_v with_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a law_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o tender_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n the_o absurdity_n of_o plead_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n the_o content_n this_o pretence_n be_v but_o a_o aftergame_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a dissolution_n of_o government_n it_o be_v a_o superannuated_a pretence_n and_o be_v become_v its_o own_o confutation_n old_a scruple_n proceed_v not_o from_o tenderness_n but_o stubborness_n of_o conscience_n this_o particular_o show_v in_o their_o scruple_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n they_o affect_v their_o scruple_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o vain-glory._n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o disobedience_n that_o it_o lay_v upon_o we_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v ever_o of_o a_o yield_a and_o pliable_a temper_n when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o humour_n or_o insolence_n and_o be_v usual_o hardy_a enough_o not_o to_o scruple_n the_o great_a villainy_n the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n abrogate_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o determine_v all_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o all_o scruple_n be_v too_o small_a to_o weigh_v against_o the_o sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n the_o apostle_n apology_n viz._n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n hold_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o apparent_a duty_n but_o not_o in_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a case_n nothing_o more_o easy_a than_o to_o raise_v scruple_n no_o law_n can_v escape_v they_o this_o particular_o show_v in_o our_o own_o law_n when_o two_o obligation_n interfere_v the_o great_a always_o cancel_v the_o less_o hence_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v obedience_n to_o public_a authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o
indispensable_a duty_n of_o mankind_n because_o most_o necessary_a to_o their_o well-being_n to_o act_v against_o our_o own_o scruple_n out_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o virtue_n in_o case_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v man_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o by_o their_o own_o private_a but_o by_o the_o public_a judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o command_n of_o public_a authority_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o conscience_n the_o puritan_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o rank_a sort_n of_o heresy_n wherefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o authority_n to_o command_v thing_n indifferent_a the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o sect._n 1_o the_o last_o refuge_n for_o godly_a disobedience_n be_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o poubtful_a scrupulous_a &_o unsatisfy_a conscience_n for_o say_v they_o though_o we_o can_v positive_o condemn_v the_o ceremonial_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o thing_n in_o themselves_o unlawful_a yet_o unlawful_a they_o be_v to_o we_o who_o conscience_n be_v not_o sufficient_o satisfy_v concern_v they_o because_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i._n e._n without_o faith_n or_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n be_v do_v against_o it_o according_a to_o that_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a maxim_n of_o st._n paul_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o this_o precarious_a pretence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o scandal_n be_v but_o a_o aftergame_n of_o conscience_n they_o first_o resolve_v to_o quarrel_v our_o constitution_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o want_v satisfaction_n about_o they_o and_o when_o man_n argument_n depend_v upon_o their_o will_n it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o power_n only_o to_o repeal_v they_o and_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o cure_v wilful_a and_o artificial_a scruple_n however_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n must_v yield_v to_o that_o of_o a_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n how_o impregnable_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disobey_v arm_v against_o all_o the_o command_v of_o his_o superior_n no_o authority_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o govern_v he_o far_o than_o himself_o please_v and_o if_o he_o dislike_v the_o law_n he_o be_v sufficient_o excuse_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o no_o law_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o oblige_v any_o man_n that_o either_o have_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o weak_a conscience_n for_o see_v no_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o reality_n of_o man_n pretension_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o government_n whether_o the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n that_o man_n plead_v to_o excuse_v their_o disobedience_n be_v serious_a or_o counterfeit_a for_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o so_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v for_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o disobey_v it_o be_v a_o effectual_a and_o incurable_a dissolution_n of_o all_o the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o make_v they_o obligatory_a then_o only_o when_o every_o man_n please_v and_o he_o that_o will_n may_v obey_v and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o may_v choose_v see_v it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o the_o law_n to_o claim_v the_o inviolable_a privilege_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n so_o that_o to_o make_v proviso_n for_o tender_a conscience_n be_v to_o abate_v the_o whole_a law_n see_v it_o give_v every_o man_n liberty_n to_o exempt_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o dislike_v the_o law_n he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o suppose_v this_o pretence_n to_o be_v serious_a without_o design_n or_o disguise_n be_v it_o fit_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v ask_v leave_n of_o every_o ignorant_a and_o well-meaning_n man_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v law_n or_o no_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a subtle_a man_n that_o can_v find_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o tender_a head_n and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o if_o prince_n must_v consult_v their_o subject_n conscience_n in_o all_o their_o law_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n and_o when_o any_o person_n plead_v weakness_n or_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n against_o the_o obligation_n of_o any_o law_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n with_o his_o governor_n and_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o handsome_a and_o become_v the_o grandeur_n or_o authority_n in_o all_o its_o law_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o learned_a apprehension_n of_o every_o honest_a and_o illiterate_a peasant_n who_o if_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o their_o determination_n may_v cancel_v their_o obligation_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o force_v this_o honest_a man_n to_o submission_n they_o invade_v the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a liberty_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n so_o full_a of_o anarchy_n be_v all_o these_o man_n pretence_n and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v look_v to_o the_o public_a and_o let_v tender_a conscience_n look_v to_o themselves_o law_n must_v be_v of_o a_o unyielding_n and_o inflexible_a temper_n and_o not_o such_o soft_a and_o easy_a thing_n as_o to_o bend_v to_o every_o man_n humour_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o command_v and_o unless_o government_n be_v manage_v by_o some_o settle_a principle_n it_o must_v for_o ever_o remain_v weak_a and_o unfixed_a prince_n must_v not_o be_v diffident_a in_o their_o rule_n and_o maxim_n of_o policy_n but_o as_o they_o must_v set_v down_o some_o to_o themselves_o so_o they_o must_v act_v up_o roundly_o to_o they_o for_o all_o change_n of_o the_o public_a law_n and_o method_n of_o policy_n sad_o weaken_v if_o they_o do_v not_o utter_o unsettle_v the_o commonwealth_n in_o that_o prescription_n be_v at_o least_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o security_n of_o government_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o fountain_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o ve_v prince_n with_o their_o prerogative_n and_o no_o power_n what_o right_a or_o title_n soever_o it_o may_v plead_v can_v ever_o be_v firm_o establish_v till_o it_o can_v plead_v the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o if_o prince_n will_v be_v resolute_a and_o if_o they_o will_v govern_v so_o they_o must_v be_v they_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o most_o stubborn_a conscience_n bend_v to_o their_o command_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o power_n to_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o passion_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o there_o be_v no_o conceit_n so_o extravagant_a or_o so_o pernicious_a that_o may_v not_o pass_v for_o principle_n of_o conscience_n in_o brief_a there_o be_v nothing_o so_o ungovernable_a as_o a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o so_o restive_a and_o inflexible_a as_o folly_n or_o wickedness_n when_o harden_v with_o religion_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o be_v comply_v with_o they_o must_v be_v restrain_v with_o a_o more_o peremptory_a and_o unyield_a rigour_n than_o naked_a and_o unsanctified_a villainy_n else_o will_v they_o quick_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v pregnant_a with_o great_a and_o more_o fatal_a danger_n sect._n 2._o this_o stale_a pretence_n come_v now_o too_o late_o and_o be_v so_o ancient_a that_o it_o be_v long_a since_o superannuated_a old_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v like_o old_a scandal_n wear_v out_o of_o date_n by_o time_n and_o experience_n they_o be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o ignorance_n weakness_n be_v their_o parent_n and_o folly_n their_o nurse_n and_o if_o they_o improve_v not_o into_o confidence_n they_o never_o survive_v their_o infancy_n but_o of_o themselves_o vanish_v and_o dissolve_v into_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n have_v outlive_v itself_o be_v become_v its_o own_o answer_n and_o confutation_n because_o man_n ought_v not_o nay_o they_o can_v remain_v so_o long_o under_o uncertainty_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o shall_v before_o this_o time_n be_v competent_o determine_v as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o if_o in_o so_o long_a a_o time_n they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v that_o sinfulness_n in_o they_o they_o suspect_v that_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v innocent_a because_o their_o scruple_n have_v occasion_v they_o to_o be_v so_o thorough_o sift_v and_o examine_v and_o if_o after_o all_o that_o hot_a and_o vehement_a contention_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v about_o they_o it_o appear_v not_o yet_o wherein_o they_o be_v criminal_a and_o chargeable_a for_o if_o it_o do_v than_o the_o doubt_n cease_v
and_o such_o other_o irreligious_a debauchery_n if_o he_o may_v why_o then_o they_o be_v matter_n that_o as_o direct_o and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n as_o any_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o which_o they_o be_v as_o utter_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o more_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n it_o will_v equal_o deprive_v the_o magistrate_n of_o any_o power_n to_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o secular_a law_n and_o punishment_n because_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o do_v it_o especial_o when_o all_o matter_n of_o morality_n do_v as_o real_o belong_v to_o our_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o divine_a worship_n and_o affair_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o a_o right_a way_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o civil_a sword_n because_o this_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a concernment_n as_o be_v pretend_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o may_v he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o duty_n of_o morality_n because_o they_o also_o equal_o relate_v to_o their_o spiritual_a interest_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o both_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n viz._n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o due_a management_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o derive_v not_o therefore_o his_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n from_o any_o grant_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o from_o a_o antecedent_n right_a wherewith_o all_o sovereign_a power_n be_v endue_v before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o entrust_v prince_n with_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v vest_v they_o in_o at_o least_o as_o much_o power_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n §_o 15._o but_o further_a yet_o all_o the_o way_n our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o religion_n be_v prescribe_v to_o subject_n &_o not_o to_o governor_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o private_a person_n can_v have_v any_o power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v upon_o that_o very_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o private_a person_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o civil_a power_n but_o that_o no_o magistrate_n may_v do_v this_o will_v remain_v to_o be_v prove_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o express_a prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o restrain_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v but_o a_o strange_a rate_n of_o argue_v when_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o magistrate_n may_v not_o use_v any_o coercive_a power_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v forbid_v to_o their_o subject_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o subject_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o live_v in_o and_o so_o can_v neither_o use_v themselves_o nor_o impart_v to_o other_o any_o coercive_a power_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o prudent_a and_o peaceable_a method_n as_o be_v lawful_a for_o person_n in_o their_o condition_n to_o make_v use_n of_o i._n e._n humble_a entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n our_o saviour_n never_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o that_o score_n can_v not_o make_v penal_a and_o coercive_a law_n the_o power_n of_o coercion_n be_v so_o certain_o inseparable_a from_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n but_o though_o he_o back_v not_o his_o commandment_n with_o temporal_a punishment_n because_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o enforce_v they_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternity_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o more_o compulsion_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o any_o civil_a sanction_n can_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o punishment_n be_v annex_v to_o law_n be_v because_o they_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o savour_n tie_v his_o law_n upon_o mankind_n under_o eternal_a penalty_n he_o use_v as_o much_o force_n to_o drive_v we_o to_o obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v abet_v they_o with_o temporal_a infliction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o bind_v not_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o any_o secular_a compulsory_n be_v not_o because_o compulsion_n be_v a_o improper_a way_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o execution_n for_o than_o he_o have_v never_o establish_v they_o with_o more_o enforce_v sanction_n but_o only_o because_o himself_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o any_o secular_a power_n and_o so_o can_v not_o use_v those_o method_n of_o government_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o jurisdiction_n §_o 16._o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n or_o to_o force_v man_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o canon_n law_n and_o penalty_n they_o only_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n annex_v to_o they_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o declare_v and_o leave_v the_o event_n of_o their_o censure_n to_o the_o divine_a jurisdiction_n though_o alas_o all_o this_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n viz._n to_o reclaim_v the_o offend_a person_n and_o by_o example_n of_o his_o censure_n to_o awe_v other_o into_o obedience_n and_o can_v have_v but_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o notorious_a offender_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o drive_v one_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v already_o renounce_v it_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o deny_v he_o the_o instrument_n and_o ministry_n of_o religion_n that_o care_v not_o for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o their_o society_n that_o have_v already_o prevent_v they_o by_o forsake_v it_o how_o shall_v offender_n be_v reclaim_v by_o be_v condemn_v to_o what_o they_o choose_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v scare_v by_o threaten_n that_o they_o neither_o fear_v nor_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v apostate_n how_o can_v they_o be_v awe_v back_o into_o their_o faith_n by_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o spiritual_a government_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o because_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o those_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o coercive_a power_n it_o be_v wonderful_o remarkable_a how_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a providence_n and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o denounce_v that_o if_o their_o censure_n can_v not_o affright_v refractory_a offender_n into_o obedience_n his_o dreadful_a execution_n of_o they_o might_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a age_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o abet_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n by_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a infliction_n from_o heaven_n in_o those_o time_n torment_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o usual_a consequent_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o be_v as_o effectual_a to_o awe_v man_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n for_o this_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o anathema_n of_o the_o church_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o infliction_n criminal_n must_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o dread_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a penalty_n either_o of_o death_n as_o on_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n or_o of_o disease_n as_o on_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherewith_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o threaten_v to_o lash_v the_o factious_a corinthian_n into_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n thus_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o what_o will_v you_o shall_v i_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o a_o
apprehend_v that_o way_n now_o establish_v by_o law_n defective_a and_o superstitious_a they_o can_v but_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o endeavour_v its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o subversion_n which_o design_n when_o they_o have_v once_o compass_v they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o as_o they_o do_v of_o we_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o weapon_n upon_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n contrive_v each_o other_o destruction_n as_o they_o do_v we_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v eternal_o tear_v with_o intestine_a quarrel_n and_o commotion_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o wise_a again_o as_o to_o suppress_v all_o party_n but_o one_o that_o be_v till_o it_o return_v to_o that_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o whence_o it_o part_v by_o toleration_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vulgar_o observable_a than_o that_o though_o all_o party_n whilst_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o more_o prevail_a interest_n have_v cry_v up_o toleration_n as_o the_o most_o effectual_a instrument_n to_o shake_v and_o dissettle_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o thing_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o soon_o effect_v their_o design_n than_o they_o have_v immediate_o put_v in_o to_o scramble_v for_o the_o supremacy_n themselves_o which_o if_o they_o once_o obtain_v they_o have_v ever_o use_v with_o as_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n upon_o all_o dissenter_n as_o they_o ever_o feel_v themselves_o so_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n much_o resemble_v that_o of_o community_n of_o good_n for_o as_o those_o man_n cry_v up_o equality_n of_o estate_n as_o a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o justice_n that_o have_v but_o a_o small_a share_n themselves_o yet_o whenever_o their_o pretence_n succeed_v and_o they_o have_v advance_v their_o own_o fortune_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v then_o cry_v it_o down_o and_o oppress_v their_o inferior_n with_o more_o cruelty_n than_o ever_o themselves_o feel_v whilst_o in_o a_o low_a station_n so_o do_v those_o who_o private_a persuasion_n happen_v to_o cross_v the_o public_a law_n easy_o pretend_v to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n one_o must_v yield_v and_o because_o their_o stubborn_a zeal_n scorn_v to_o bend_v to_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n these_o must_v be_v force_v to_o give_v place_n to_o that_o so_o that_o when_o conscience_n and_o authority_n happen_v to_o encounter_v all_o the_o dispute_n be_v which_o shall_v have_v most_o force_n in_o public_a law_n whether_o my_o own_o or_o my_o prince_n opinion_n but_o how_o plausible_o soever_o this_o notion_n may_v be_v plead_v by_o man_n out_o of_o power_n it_o be_v ever_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o it_o when_o oppress_v be_v always_o the_o great_a zealot_n against_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v mount_v themselves_o into_o power_n as_o well_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a engine_n to_o overturn_v any_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v reformation_n man_n will_v have_v and_o not_o indulgence_n which_o they_o only_o seek_v to_o gain_v ground_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o mine_n and_o plant_v of_o their_o engine_n to_o subvert_v the_o establish_a state_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o demand_v wherefore_o they_o will_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o their_o dissension_n from_o our_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o answer_v because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o it_o in_o conscience_n i._n e._n because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o sinful_a for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v think_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o intolerable_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n to_o create_v faction_n and_o division_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n when_o they_o may_v avoid_v it_o without_o any_o violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o if_o they_o apprehend_v our_o way_n of_o worship_n upon_o any_o account_n sinful_a then_o be_v they_o plain_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o root_v it_o out_o as_o displease_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o its_o stead_n to_o plant_v and_o establish_v their_o own_o and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o principle_n let_v magistrate_n consider_v how_o fatal_a and_o hazardous_a alteration_n in_o religion_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o can_v pluck_v a_o pin_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o state_n immediate_o shake_v and_o totter_v and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v their_o subject_n the_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o innovate_a in_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v if_o they_o allow_v they_o their_o pretence_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o do_v but_o give_v they_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a popular_a commotion_n and_o disturbance_n sect._n 7._o four_o a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o public_a profession_n can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o party_n perhaps_o when_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o law_n under_o which_o they_o have_v smart_v a_o while_n be_v at_o first_o relax_v this_o indeed_o they_o may_v at_o present_a take_v for_o a_o kindness_n because_o it_o be_v real_o a_o favour_n in_o comparison_n to_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o remain_v fresh_a upon_o their_o mind_n it_o may_v possible_o affect_v they_o with_o some_o grateful_a resentment_n but_o alas_o these_o affection_n quick_o vanish_v and_o then_o what_o before_o be_v favour_n be_v now_o become_v justice_n and_o their_o prince_n do_v but_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o just_a and_o lawful_a right_n when_o he_o take_v off_o his_o tyrannical_a law_n and_o imposition_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o best_a subject_n while_o those_o unjust_a law_n be_v in_o force_n he_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o cancel_v they_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v only_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v no_o favour_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o obligation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a all_o the_o dissent_v party_n he_o permit_v and_o do_v not_o countenance_n he_o disoblige_v be_v this_o all_o the_o kindness_n say_v they_o he_o can_v afford_v the_o godly_a not_o to_o persecute_v they_o by_o law_n and_o force_n to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n be_v we_o behold_v to_o he_o bare_o for_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v in_o our_o native_a soil_n and_o enjoy_v only_o our_o fundamental_a privilege_n be_v this_o all_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n we_o deserve_v be_v not_o we_o the_o pray_v and_o serious_a people_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o who_o sake_n only_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o stay_v among_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o we_o will_v he_o not_o perfect_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v it_o and_o be_v this_o all_o our_o requital_n to_o be_v thus_o slight_v and_o thus_o despise_v only_o for_o our_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o public_a by_o that_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o have_v in_o he_o to_o keep_v he_o among_o we_o whilst_o vain_a and_o useless_a person_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v with_o all_o place_n of_o office_n and_o employment_n these_o be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o scorn_v and_o disrespect_a especial_o when_o flush_v with_o any_o conceit_n and_o high_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o godliness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o godly_a party_n not_o to_o be_v uppermost_a be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v persecution_n for_o nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o all_o man_n entertain_v the_o best_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o party_n otherwise_o they_o have_v never_o enroll_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o state_n value_v they_o not_o at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o they_o do_v themselves_o they_o be_v scorn_v and_o injure_v because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o favour_n and_o countenance_n they_o deserve_v and_o so_o unless_o they_o have_v public_a encouragement_n as_o well_o as_o indulgence_n they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v discontent_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o due_n and_o if_o the_o prince_n do_v not_o espouse_v their_o party_n he_o undervalue_v and_o consequent_o disgust_n they_o and_o if_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_v some_o profession_n he_o do_v not_o only_o disoblige_v but_o alienate_v their_o affection_n by_o embrace_v a_o interest_n they_o both_o hate_n and_o scorn_n for_o wherever_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v opposition_n too_o because_o man_n will_v never_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o but_o upon_o ground_n of_o real_a dislike_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o contrary_a in_o those_o difference_n
person_n have_v any_o serious_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n they_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o confident_a in_o any_o action_n as_o when_o they_o obey_v because_o than_o they_o have_v the_o public_a wisdom_n to_o warrant_v they_o and_o their_o own_o folly_n to_o excuse_v they_o that_o be_v they_o follow_v the_o best_a guide_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n when_o he_o resign_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o superior_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a be_v in_o effect_n govern_v by_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n which_o unless_o it_o be_v harden_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n can_v but_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o presume_v they_o more_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o expediency_n of_o public_a law_n who_o work_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o than_o himself_o who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o management_n and_o transaction_n of_o public_a affair_n this_o be_v the_o most_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o all_o man_n practice_v by_o it_o in_o all_o their_o concern_v but_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v debauch_v with_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o frenzy_n because_o silly_a people_n will_v not_o submit_v their_o conscience_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o giddy_a imagination_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v but_o condescend_v to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o their_o other_o affair_n obedience_n to_o authority_n may_v be_v secure_v without_o any_o violence_n to_o conscience_n see_v no_o conscience_n that_o be_v act_v by_o wise_a and_o sober_a persuasion_n will_v ever_o be_v stiff_a in_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a case_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a wisdom_n because_o such_o man_n be_v sensible_a how_o unable_a they_o be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o they_o know_v they_o can_v never_o act_v more_o safe_o than_o when_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o superior_n and_o be_v they_o can_v pretend_v to_o trust_v confident_o enough_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n how_o can_v they_o proceed_v upon_o wise_a and_o more_o reasonable_a ground_n than_o by_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n in_o which_o though_o possible_o they_o may_v be_v misguide_v yet_o they_o may_v secure_v themselves_o that_o god_n who_o value_v integrity_n more_o than_o subtlety_n will_v pardon_v their_o weakness_n and_o reward_v their_o meekness_n and_o humility_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n for_o disobedience_n to_o government_n be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o child_n in_o minority_n shall_v reject_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o guardian_n because_o he_o have_v not_o wit_n enough_o to_o know_v when_o he_o be_v well_o advise_v or_o as_o if_o a_o fool_n shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v because_o he_o have_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o discern_v when_o he_o be_v well_o manage_v or_o as_o if_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o guide_n because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v when_o he_o be_v mislead_v humility_n and_o condescension_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a duty_n of_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n the_o only_a ornament_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n who_o confidence_n exceed_v not_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v strange_o wary_a of_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a odd_a pretence_n to_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o appear_v in_o nothing_o but_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o government_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o serious_o believe_v himself_o if_o he_o presume_v he_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o govern_v his_o governor_n and_o so_o do_v every_o one_o that_o think_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o command_n it_o be_v a_o handsome_a piece_n of_o modesty_n for_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n when_o his_o prince_n require_v his_o obedience_n to_o give_v he_o counsel_n to_o advise_v he_o how_o to_o govern_v the_o kingdom_n to_o blame_v and_o correct_v the_o law_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o this_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v mend_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o to_o see_v man_n under_o pretence_n of_o great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n of_o conscience_n to_o cherish_v stubbornness_n and_o vanity_n and_o to_o endure_v neither_o law_n nor_o superior_n because_o they_o be_v proud_a enough_o to_o think_v themselves_o more_o holy_a than_o their_o neighbour_n what_o a_o malapert_a and_o insolent_a piece_n of_o pride_n be_v it_o for_o every_o prate_a gossip_n and_o illiterate_a mechanic_n that_o can_v mark_v themselves_o with_o some_o distinctive_a name_n and_o character_n of_o godliness_n to_o scoff_n and_o jibe_v at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o public_a authority_n to_o affront_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n to_o pity_v and_o disdain_v the_o lamentable_a ignorance_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o to_o libel_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o rendezvous_fw-fr especial_o their_o superior_n with_o slander_n and_o idle_a story_n what_o strange_a effect_n be_v these_o of_o a_o diffident_a and_o timorous_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o know_v itself_o to_o be_v act_v by_o certain_a and_o infallible_a principle_n how_o can_v it_o be_v more_o headstrong_a and_o confident_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o man_n practice_n with_o their_o pretence_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n that_o embolden_v they_o to_o fall_v out_o with_o all_o the_o world_n but_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o insolence_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v possible_o drive_v they_o on_o with_o so_o peremptory_a a_o sail_n against_o so_o strong_a and_o so_o unite_v a_o torrent_n for_o a_o conscience_n that_o be_v only_o weak_a and_o tender_a be_v of_o a_o yield_a and_o pliable_a temper_n it_o be_v soft_a and_o innocent_a modest_a and_o teachable_a apt_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_v of_o its_o superior_n and_o easy_o capable_a of_o all_o impression_n tend_v to_o peace_n and_o charity_n but_o when_o it_o be_v stubborn_a and_o confident_a in_o its_o own_o apprehension_n than_o it_o be_v not_o tender_a but_o hardy_a and_o humoursom_a and_o as_o queasy_a as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o its_o superior_n command_n it_o be_v usual_o strong_a enough_o to_o digest_v rebellion_n and_o villainy_n and_o whilst_o it_o rise_v against_o a_o poor_a innocent_a ceremony_n it_o be_v scarce_o ever_o stir_v with_o schism_n faction_n and_o cruelty_n now_o to_o permit_v these_o man_n their_o liberty_n who_o mistake_v insolence_n for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o easy_a or_o more_o natural_a for_o people_n that_o be_v both_o proud_a and_o simple_a be_v to_o suffer_v ignorance_n to_o ride_v in_o triumph_n because_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o confident_a and_o to_o indulge_v zealous_a idiot_n in_o their_o folly_n because_o they_o threaten_v authority_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o scrupulous_a to_o their_o law_n and_o to_o infest_v their_o government_n with_o a_o sullen_a and_o cross-grained_a godliness_n a_o artifice_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o trick_n of_o some_o froward_a child_n and_o therefore_o such_o untoward_a and_o humoursom_a saint_n must_v be_v lash_v out_o of_o their_o sullenness_n as_o child_n be_v into_o compliance_n and_o better_a manner_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v a_o eternal_a annoyance_n to_o all_o government_n with_o the_o childish_a and_o whine_a pretence_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o crazy_a conscience_n in_o brief_a i_o appeal_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o have_v but_o any_o tolerable_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o become_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n that_o be_v not_o apparent_o sinful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o setlement_n of_o the_o church_n than_o to_o disturb_v its_o quiet_a by_o a_o stubborn_a and_o peremptory_a adherence_n to_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o christianity_n of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n and_o in_o what_o can_v these_o great_a duty_n more_o discover_v themselves_o than_o in_o the_o office_n and_o civility_n of_o humble_a obedience_n that_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v most_o amiable_a and_o most_o useful_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o
be_v modesty_n it_o be_v meekness_n it_o be_v humility_n it_o be_v love_n it_o be_v peacebleness_n it_o be_v ingenuity_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o pregnant_a with_o virtue_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o anything_o can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o who_o obligation_n it_o will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n utter_o cancel_v and_o evacuate_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o ensue_a proposition_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o tender_a conscience_n if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n they_o will_v not_o desire_v liberty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o will_v not_o deserve_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a they_o will_v choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n rather_o than_o by_o thwart_v they_o do_v what_o in_o themselves_o lie_v to_o discompose_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v rather_o venture_v to_o embroil_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o contradict_v authority_n than_o forego_v their_o own_o peremptory_a determination_n and_o make_v their_o superior_n comply_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o confidence_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v criminal_o bold_a and_o imperious_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n too_o stubborn_a insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o society_n of_o man_n sect._n 4._o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a warranty_n of_o disobedience_n that_o they_o be_v outweigh_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o if_o i_o doubt_v concern_v the_o injustice_n of_o my_o action_n i_o must_v also_o of_o necessity_n doubt_v of_o the_o injustice_n of_o my_o disobedience_n and_o unless_o i_o be_o absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v evil_a i_o be_o sure_a disobedience_n to_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o always_o as_o forcible_o bind_v to_o obey_v a_o scruple_v law_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n as_o to_o disobey_v it_o for_o fear_v it_o command_v a_o essential_a evil_n so_o that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n must_v always_o at_o least_o as_o much_o fright_v we_o from_o disobey_v as_o from_o obey_v any_o humane_a law_n though_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v proper_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n perfect_o determine_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubtfulness_n and_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o it_o before_o hang_v in_o suspense_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o unresolved_a whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o not_o have_v competent_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o authority_n cast_v its_o command_n into_o the_o scale_n if_o in_o some_o man_n conscience_n they_o weigh_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v but_o add_v weight_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o incline_v the_o balance_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a before_o than_o thet_o side_n that_o gain_v this_o accession_n have_v most_o reason_n now_o so_o that_o law_n do_v not_o force_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o remove_v our_o doubt_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o require_v our_o obedience_n because_o they_o destroy_v the_o equal_a probability_n of_o the_o two_o opinion_n and_o determine_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o confidence_n of_o act_v by_o direct_v it_o to_o follow_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o that_o no_o practice_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n or_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v of_o equal_a importance_n with_o the_o prime_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v ever_o of_o too_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o consequence_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a mischief_n of_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n enjoin_v any_o thing_n absolute_o and_o apparent_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o great_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o exigent_n dam_fw-ge veniam_fw-la imperator_fw-la will_v be_v a_o fair_a and_o civil_a excuse_n but_o matter_n of_o a_o less_o importance_n will_v not_o pay_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o suffer_v for_o little_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n have_v but_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n that_o will_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o metaphysical_a notion_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o optatus_n to_o the_o donatist_n who_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o little_a schism_n be_v smart_a and_o severe_a 3._o nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la nega_fw-la deum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la incende_fw-la testamentum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la thus_o pone_fw-la aut_fw-la basilicas_fw-la dirue_fw-la istae_fw-la enim_fw-la res_fw-la solent_fw-la martyria_fw-la generare_fw-la matter_n wherein_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v direct_o concern_v be_v worth_a the_o die_n for_o and_o will_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o no_o indifferent_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n be_v of_o value_n enough_o to_o pay_v for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o zealot_n of_o the_o parson_n donati_n who_o be_v so_o ambitious_a to_o suffer_v imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n banishment_n and_o death_n itself_o out_o of_o a_o pertinacious_a resolution_n against_o some_o establish_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v reward_v in_o any_o other_o heaven_n but_o the_o paradise_n of_o fool_n thing_n that_o be_v essential_o evil_a no_o change_n or_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v make_v good_a and_o therefore_o no_o command_n of_o any_o superior_a can_v ever_o warrant_v or_o legitimate_a their_o practice_n but_o then_o these_o be_v always_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o weighty_a importance_n and_o of_o a_o apparent_a and_o palpable_a obliquity_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n murder_n injustice_n cruelty_n ingratitude_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o clear_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a that_o no_o end_n how_o good_a or_o great_a soever_o can_v ever_o carry_v with_o it_o goodness_n enough_o to_o abate_v or_o evacuate_v their_o malice_n but_o as_o for_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o so_o apparent_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n their_o morality_n be_v of_o so_o small_a importance_n that_o it_o can_v never_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o obligation_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n to_o preach_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 5._o 29._o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o of_o a_o express_a command_n from_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o apparent_a necessity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o commission_n from_o its_o supreme_a governor_n to_o make_v law_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n from_o his_o great_a manifest_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a credential_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o his_o message_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o out_o of_o duty_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o who_o unquestionable_a law_n no_o other_o authority_n can_v ever_o derogate_v because_o it_o be_v all_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o case_n of_o certain_a absolute_a and_o notorious_a injustice_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o small_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o quiet_a of_o government_n and_o infinite_o distant_a from_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o plea_n be_v in_o a_o case_n of_o great_a evident_a and_o unquestionable_a necessity_n but_o what_o warrant_n be_v that_o for_o my_o disobedience_n when_o i_o only_o fear_v or_o fancy_v the_o law_n to_o be_v unjust_a which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n that_o follow_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o less_o considerable_a case_n that_o side_n on_o which_o obedience_n stand_v must_v ever_o carry_v it_o and_o no_o man_n that_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o good_a will_v ever_o trouble_v
his_o governor_n with_o nice_a and_o curious_a dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n stifle_v all_o scruple_n and_o trifle_a objection_n and_o thus_o where_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o find_v none_o more_o compliant_a and_o conformable_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o apostle_n free_o use_v any_o custom_n of_o the_o synagogue_n or_o jewish_a church_n that_o be_v not_o express_o cancel_v by_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n but_o further_a this_o their_o apology_n be_v as_o forcible_a a_o plea_n in_o concern_v of_o civil_a justice_n and_o common_a honesty_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o hold_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o case_n of_o a_o certain_a and_o essential_a injustice_n and_o fail_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a case_n and_o be_v as_o fair_o urge_v by_o that_o famous_a lawyer_n papinian_n who_o upon_o this_o account_n when_o the_o emperor_n command_v he_o to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o parricide_n choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o patronize_v so_o monstrous_a a_o villainy_n here_o the_o wickedness_n be_v great_a and_o palpable_a but_o in_o matter_n more_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a where_o the_o case_n be_v nice_a and_o curious_a and_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o great_a interest_n or_o great_a reason_n there_o obedience_n outweigh_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n and_o what_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n will_v offend_v or_o provoke_v his_o superior_n upon_o thin_a pretence_n and_o for_o little_a regard_n and_o if_o every_o man_n that_o can_v raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o nice_a exception_n against_o a_o law_n shall_v therefore_o set_v himself_o free_a from_o its_o obligation_n then_o farewell_n all_o peace_n and_o all_o government_n for_o what_o more_o easy_a to_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o fundamental_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o moral_a equity_n than_o to_o pick_v more_o material_a quarrel_n against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n than_o our_o adversary_n can_v pretend_v to_o against_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o now_o shall_v a_o philosopher_n be_v excuse_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n because_o he_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o make_v exception_n to_o their_o prudence_n and_o convenience_n and_o to_o prove_v they_o not_o so_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n as_o himself_o can_v have_v contrive_v what_o if_o i_o be_o real_o persuade_v that_o i_o can_v raise_v much_o more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o littleton_n tenor_n than_o ever_o these_o man_n have_v or_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v against_o our_o ceremonial_a constitution_n though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o my_o conceit_n yet_o whether_o i_o be_o or_o be_o not_o it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o i_o be_o confident_a and_o now_o it_o will_v be_v mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o justice_n and_o public_a peace_n for_o i_o and_o all_o other_o of_o my_o fond_a persuasion_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o make_v remonstrance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o petition_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n to_o leave_v we_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o discretion_n to_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o setlement_n of_o our_o own_o estate_n because_o we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v it_o more_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a justice_n than_o if_o we_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o land_n thus_o that_o groundless_a and_o arbitrary_a maxim_n of_o the_o law_n that_o inheritance_n may_v lineal_o descend_v but_o not_o lineal_o ascend_v whereby_o the_o father_n be_v make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v immediate_a heir_n to_o the_o son_n will_v be_v think_v by_o a_o philosopher_n prejudicial_a to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o equal_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a law_n of_o nature_n viz._n the_o gratitude_n of_o child_n to_o parent_n which_o this_o law_n seem_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o hinder_v by_o alienate_v those_o thing_n from_o they_o whereby_o we_o be_v best_a able_a to_o express_v it_o what_o if_o i_o have_v be_v happy_a in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a father_n that_o have_v be_v strange_o solicitous_a to_o leave_v i_o furnish_v with_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n that_o decline_v not_o to_o forego_v any_o share_n of_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o happiness_n to_o procure_v i_o that_o have_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o care_n and_o industry_n to_o bless_v i_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o ability_n with_o a_o good_a fortune_n and_o a_o good_a education_n and_o have_v perhaps_o out_o of_o a_o overtend_a solicitude_n for_o my_o welfare_n reduce_v himself_o to_o great_a straits_n and_o exigence_n how_o monstrous_a &_o unnatural_a must_v the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o law_n appear_v to_o i_o that_o when_o the_o bounty_n of_o providence_n have_v blessed_v i_o with_o a_o fortune_n answerable_a to_o the_o good_a old_a man_n desire_n and_o endeavour_n if_o i_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o he_o by_o a_o untimely_a death_n all_o that_o whereby_o i_o be_o able_a to_o recompense_v his_o fatherly_a tenderness_n shall_v in_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o another_o person_n the_o stream_n of_o who_o affection_n be_v confine_v to_o another_o channel_n and_o who_o be_v much_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o family_n can_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v but_o little_a concern_v for_o i_o what_o a_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a law_n be_v this_o that_o design_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o natural_a affection_n and_o dispose_v of_o our_o possession_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a first_o tendency_n and_o obligation_n of_o nature_n so_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o talk_v little_a plausibility_n against_o any_o law_n who_o obligation_n be_v positive_a and_o not_o of_o a_o prime_n and_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o yet_o downright_a rebellion_n it_o will_v be_v if_o i_o or_o any_o man_n else_o shall_v refuse_v subjection_n to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a law_n upon_o these_o &_o the_o like_a pretence_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v be_v the_o case_n all_o the_o way_n equal_a between_o law_n civil_a and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a in_o all_o matter_n great_o and_o notorious_o wicked_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n outweigh_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o in_o all_o case_n less_o certain_a and_o less_o material_a the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n outweigh_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v from_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o consideration_n great_a enough_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n to_o consider_v its_o authority_n and_o therefore_o sect._n 5._o as_o the_o object_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v of_o too_o mean_a importance_n to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n so_o be_v its_o obligation_n too_o weak_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o command_n of_o public_a authority_n for_o when_o two_o contradictory_n obligation_n happen_v to_o encounter_v the_o great_a ever_o cancel_v the_o less_o because_o if_o all_o good_a be_v eligible_a then_o so_o be_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n too_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o great_a good_a stand_v our_o duty_n must_v ever_o incline_v otherwise_o we_o despise_v all_o those_o degree_n of_o goodness_n it_o contain_v in_o it_o above_o the_o other_o for_o in_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o goodness_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n and_o variety_n of_o degree_n some_o be_v prescribe_v for_o their_o own_o native_a excellency_n &_o usefulness_n and_o other_o pure_o for_o their_o subserviency_n to_o these_o now_o when_o a_o great_a &_o a_o lesser_a virtue_n happen_v to_o clash_v as_o it_o frequent_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o transaction_n of_o humane_a affair_n there_o the_o less_o always_o give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a because_o it_o be_v good_a only_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o where_o its_o subordination_n cease_v there_o its_o goodness_n cease_v and_o by_o consequence_n its_o obligation_n for_o no_o subordinate_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n be_v absolute_o command_v or_o commend_v but_o become_v good_a or_o evil_n by_o their_o accidental_a relation_n their_o goodness_n be_v not_o intrinsic_a but_o depend_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o end_n and_o their_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o good_a end_n if_o they_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a make_v they_o virtuous_a because_o their_o morality_n be_v entire_o relative_a and_o
any_o war_n be_v commence_v upon_o just_a and_o warrantable_a ground_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v their_o lawfulness_n all_o man_n here_o think_v their_o prince_n command_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o in_o case_n the_o cause_n prove_v to_o be_v unjust_a the_o fault_n liesentire_o upon_o he_o that_o command_v and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o obey_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o that_o no_o subject_a be_v bind_v to_o take_v up_o arm_n till_o himself_o have_v approve_v the_o justness_n of_o the_o cause_n commonwealth_n must_v be_v brave_o secure_v and_o their_o safety_n must_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o humoursome_a and_o pragmatical_a fellow_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n do_v man_n tempt_v themselves_o when_o they_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v more_o godly_a than_o their_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o gallant_a thing_n to_o understand_v religion_n better_o than_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o pity_v their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o seem_v to_o compassionate_v their_o weakness_n to_o despise_v their_o authority_n but_o if_o prince_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v control_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o these_o contentious_a zealot_n they_o do_v but_o tempt_v they_o to_o slight_v both_o their_o person_n and_o their_o government_n and_o if_o they_o will_v endure_v to_o be_v check_v in_o their_o law_n spiritual_a and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o every_o systematical_a theologue_n and_o most_o not_o to_o say_v the_o best_a of_o our_o adversary_n be_v little_o better_o they_o may_v as_o well_o bear_v to_o see_v themselves_o affront_v in_o their_o law_n civil_a and_o government_n of_o the_o state_n by_o every_o village-attorney_n and_o solicitor_n well_o then_o all_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o government_n be_v bind_v in_o all_o matter_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a to_o submit_v the_o dictate_v of_o private_a conscience_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o public_a authority_n nor_o do_v this_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o only_o by_o alter_v the_o case_n alter_v his_o persuasion_n i.e._n though_o every_o man_n consider_v absolute_o and_o by_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n then_o must_v be_v govern_v than_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o own_o private_a thought_n to_o public_a determination_n and_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v not_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a that_o it_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o great_a &_o apparent_a necessity_n whatever_o be_v own_o private_a judgement_n of_o they_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o its_o governor_n in_o order_n to_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n for_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o eternal_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o passion_n of_o mankind_n as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o pursue_v their_o difference_n and_o controversy_n with_o too_o much_o heat_n &_o vehemence_n and_o therefore_o unless_o whatever_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n be_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o order_n to_o its_o peace_n and_o setlement_n there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o avoid_v endless_a squabble_n and_o confusion_n and_o unless_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a rule_n &_o dictate_v of_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o follow_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o best_a result_n of_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n where_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v any_o other_o guide_n or_o rule_v of_o his_o action_n so_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forego_v they_o all_o provide_v his_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v secure_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a government_n of_o the_o society_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o peace_n or_o setlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o persuade_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v reckon_v as_o seditious_a and_o unpeaceable_a and_o so_o to_o be_v treat_v according_o sect._n 7._o he_o that_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o confidence_n resign_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n to_o any_o superior_a on_o earth_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o he_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fool_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o will_v do_v it_o in_o nothing_o for_o as_o all_o man_n be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o god_n alone_o in_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a dispute_n so_o be_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o put_v man_n upon_o that_o supreme_a folly_n of_o renounce_v the_o use_n and_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n out_o of_o obedience_n to_o any_o man_n infallibility_n for_o by_o reason_n we_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v use_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudential_a method_n to_o guide_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o maxim_n and_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o any_o knowledge_n that_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o prudence_n experience_n and_o observation_n and_o hence_o right_a reason_n when_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o prudent_a discreet_a and_o reasonable_a to_o forego_v his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o lawful_a superior_n because_o without_o this_o the_o world_n can_v never_o be_v govern_v and_o suppose_v man_n judgement_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o command_v of_o god_n yet_o every_o man_n owe_v at_o least_o so_o much_o civility_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o country_n as_o to_o bring_v himself_o to_o a_o compliance_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n rather_o than_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n which_o be_v no_o enslave_v of_o his_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n usurpation_n over_o his_o faith_n and_o conscience_n but_o only_o a_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o modest_a compliance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n of_o subjection_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o peaceableness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o authority_n itself_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o clear_o derive_v from_o a_o high_a obligation_n that_o all_o man_n be_v under_o to_o advance_v the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o particular_o of_o that_o society_n they_o live_v in_o that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o government_n which_o be_v institute_v only_o 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they_o fool_n and_o trifle_n with_o the_o almighty_a if_o true_a than_o i_o can_v easy_o tell_v they_o the_o fit_a place_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n in_o but_o however_o it_o be_v pity_n to_o abridge_v they_o the_o liberty_n all_o man_n have_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o but_o if_o they_o will_v extend_v this_o their_o privilege_n so_o far_o as_o to_o attaint_v other_o man_n reputation_n i_o shall_v only_o admonish_v they_o as_o a_o friend_n beforehand_o that_o there_o be_v somebody_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o requite_v their_o slander_n and_o false_a aspersion_n with_o their_o own_o true_a character_n and_o so_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o they_o to_o address_v myself_o to_o those_o for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v and_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o saucy_a as_o to_o teach_v my_o superior_n how_o to_o govern_v the_o kingdom_n out_o of_o ezekiel_n or_o the_o revelation_n yet_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o put_v up_o this_o single_a petition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o security_n of_o our_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n that_o whatsoever_o freedom_n they_o may_v think_v good_a to_o indulge_v to_o religion_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v irreligion_n to_o share_v in_o the_o favour_n nor_o permit_v atheism_n to_o appear_v open_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o do_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n i_o be_o not_o so_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a age_n as_o to_o be_v over-apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o our_o own_o the_o world_n i_o know_v have_v ever_o have_v its_o vicissitude_n and_o period_n of_o virtue_n and_o wickedness_n and_o all_o commonwealth_n have_v advance_v themselves_o to_o their_o power_n and_o grandeur_n by_o sobriety_n and_o wisdom_n and_o a_o tender_a regard_n of_o religion_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v decline_v again_o by_o softness_n and_o effeminacy_n by_o sacrilege_n and_o profaneness_n and_o a_o proud_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o 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shallow_a fool_n be_v proud_a and_o ambitious_a to_o gain_v a_o name_n and_o reputation_n for_o debauchery_n they_o slander_v themselves_o with_o false_a impiety_n and_o usurp_v the_o wickedness_n they_o be_v never_o guilty_a of_o only_o to_o get_v a_o renown_n in_o villainy_n it_o be_v these_o ape_n of_o wit_n and_o pedant_n of_o gentility_n that_o will_v make_v atheism_n the_o fashion_n forsooth_o and_o profaneness_n the_o character_n of_o a_o gentleman_n that_o think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n droll_n upon_o god_n and_o make_v sport_n with_o his_o law_n that_o account_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o judgement_n and_o ingenuity_n to_o be_v above_o the_o folly_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o height_n of_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o brave_a and_o defy_v heaven_n and_o outdare_v the_o almighty_a and_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o a_o gentile_a behaviour_n to_o counterfeit_v a_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a disdain_n of_o 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easy_o may_v they_o fire_v these_o heady_a people_n into_o tumult_n and_o outrage_n how_o eager_o will_v they_o flow_v into_o their_o party_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o how_o prodigal_o will_v they_o empty_v their_o bag_n and_o bring_v in_o even_o their_o bodkin_n and_o thimble_n and_o spoon_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n he_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a man_n and_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o folly_n passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o fee_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o ungovernable_a as_o a_o wealthy_a fanatic_a and_o therefore_o let_v not_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o idle_a hope_n of_o settlement_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o suppress_v all_o these_o dissension_n and_o reduce_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o agreement_n and_o unity_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v different_a faction_n of_o religion_n quiet_a and_o 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never_o want_v of_o such_o in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o any_o seditious_a attempt_n than_o to_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o than_o you_o may_v carry_v they_o wheresoever_o you_o please_v and_o they_o will_v never_o boggle_v at_o any_o mischief_n outrage_n or_o rebellion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n above_o all_o other_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v always_o ready_o form_v for_o any_o public_a disturbance_n one_o will_v think_v the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v manage_v as_o godly_a zeal_n or_o to_o be_v appease_v as_o religious_a dissension_n people_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v pursue_v such_o quarrel_n with_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o fury_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v govern_v and_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o trouble_v our_o head_n with_o contrive_v way_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n whilst_o it_o be_v unsettled_a by_o religion_n agreement_n in_o this_o be_v the_o first_o if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o be_v first_o establish_v upon_o firm_a and_o last_a principle_n which_o it_o easy_o may_v by_o severe_a law_n faithful_o execute_v but_o otherwise_o never_o can_v but_o till_o it_o be_v do_v it_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o a_o prince_n to_o enrich_v his_o subject_n with_o trade_n and_o commerce_n as_o it_o be_v to_o load_v weak_a and_o unfinished_a foundation_n with_o great_a and_o weighty_a superstructure_n to_o conclude_v all_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o order_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unskilful_a and_o inartificial_a way_n of_o discourse_v to_o argue_v from_o less_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a matter_n against_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o preposterous_a method_n be_v those_o man_n guilty_a who_o talk_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o trade_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o the_o like_a pretence_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n where_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a sort_n of_o anarchy_n and_o that_o prince_n may_v with_o less_o hazard_n give_v liberty_n to_o man_n vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o to_o their_o conscience_n as_o for_o my_o method_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o suit_v to_o every_o man_n capacity_n i_o have_v reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o a_o few_o easy_a and_o obvious_a proposition_n under_o these_o i_o have_v couch_v all_o the_o particular_a matter_n concern_v in_o our_o present_a debate_n and_o by_o analogy_n to_o their_o reasonableness_n have_v clear_v off_o all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n and_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o to_o prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v from_o the_o most_o important_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n compare_v with_o the_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o whoever_o offer_v to_o talk_v of_o these_o affair_n without_o special_a regard_n both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v amuse_v himself_o with_o the_o fine_a dream_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o warm_a brain_n but_o shall_v be_v certain_a to_o miss_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a measure_n of_o practicable_a policy_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o design_v only_o to_o prevent_v their_o folly_n and_o bridle_v their_o enormity_n and_o therefore_o the_o main_a notion_n i_o have_v pursue_v have_v be_v to_o make_v out_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o tendency_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o most_o necessary_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n a_o vein_n of_o which_o reason_v i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o run_v through_o all_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o be_v vast_o the_o most_o considerable_a if_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o my_o main_a question_n so_o have_v i_o cautious_o avoid_v all_o other_o collateral_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n and_o have_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o any_o hypothesis_n nor_o determine_v any_o controversy_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v but_o have_v express_v my_o
reason_n in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v equal_o forcible_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n of_o howsoever_o different_a persuasion_n in_o all_o other_o matter_n and_o now_o i_o have_v no_o other_o favour_n or_o civility_n to_o request_v of_o the_o reader_n than_o that_o he_o will_v suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o have_v serious_o peruse_v and_o weigh_v all_o part_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n upon_o any_o part_n before_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o whole_a he_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n put_v himself_o to_o the_o pain_n of_o raise_v those_o objection_n i_o have_v already_o answer_v to_o his_o hand_n and_o perhaps_o the_o next_o thing_n he_o condemn_v may_v be_v his_o own_o rashness_n chap._n i._n a_o more_o general_a account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o sovereignty_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o competition_n between_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n represent_v the_o mischief_n that_o unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o the_o exemption_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o its_o be_v subject_a in_o affair_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n this_o prove_v at_o large_a because_o religion_n have_v the_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o restraint_n of_o law_n and_o penalty_n that_o nothing_o more_o require_v they_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o govern_v man_n vice_n than_o their_o conscience_n because_o all_o man_n be_v bold_a and_o confident_a in_o their_o persuasion_n the_o remiss_a government_n of_o conscience_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o fatal_a miscarriage_n in_o all_o commonwealth_n impunity_n of_o offender_n against_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o worst_a sort_n of_o toleration_n the_o mischief_n that_o ensue_v upon_o the_o permit_v man_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v endless_a fanaticism_n a_o boundless_a folly_n affair_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n so_o to_o none_o other_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n issue_v from_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o thing_n a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o civil_a power_n the_o original_a of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o same_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o kingly_a power_n and_o priestly_a function_n be_v always_o vest_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o why_o when_o they_o be_v separate_v in_o the_o jewish_a state_n the_o supremacy_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o so_o continue_v until_o and_o after_o our_o saviour_n birth_n no_o need_n of_o his_o give_a prince_n any_o new_a commission_n to_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v antecedent_o vest_v in_o they_o by_o so_o unquestionable_a a_o right_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n rather_o suppose_v than_o assert_v it_o the_o argument_n against_o penal_a law_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n answer_v and_o confute_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o prince_n not_o derive_v from_o any_o grant_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o from_o the_o natural_a and_o antecedent_n right_n of_o all_o sovereign_a power_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o use_v any_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n because_o they_o act_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o subject_n their_o threaten_n of_o eternity_n carry_v in_o they_o as_o much_o compulsion_n upon_o conscience_n as_o secular_a punishment_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n pure_o spiritual_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n god_n supply_v its_o want_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a infliction_n from_o heaven_n disease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o usual_a consequence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n as_o temporal_a punishment_n all_o this_o large_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_a the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v reannext_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o so_o continue_v till_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n how_o since_o the_o reformation_n the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o prince_n have_v be_v invade_v by_o some_o pragmatical_a divine_n their_o confidence_n have_v scare_v prince_n out_o of_o their_o natural_a right_n of_o the_o clause_n of_o exception_n annex_v to_o the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la how_o the_o puritan_n use_v it_o to_o countenance_v all_o their_o unruly_a and_o seditious_a practice_n a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o all_o the_o premise_n for_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o prince_n §_o 1._o notwithstanding_o that_o conscience_n be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a security_n of_o government_n yet_o have_v government_n never_o be_v control_v or_o disturb_v so_o much_o by_o any_o thing_n as_o conscience_n this_o have_v ever_o rival_v prince_n in_o their_o supremacy_n and_o pretend_v to_o as_o uncontrollable_a a_o authority_n over_o all_o the_o action_n and_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n as_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n dare_v ever_o challenge_v be_v governor_n god_n vicegerent_n so_o be_v this_o have_v they_o a_o power_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n so_o have_v this_o can_v they_o prescribe_v rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o their_o subject_n so_o may_v this_o can_v they_o punish_v all_o their_o criminal_a action_n so_o can_v this_o and_o be_v they_o subject_a and_o accountable_a to_o god_n alone_o so_o be_v this_o that_o own_v no_o superior_a but_o the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o two_o conscience_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o large_a empire_n for_o whereas_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o man_n this_o extend_v its_o dominion_n to_o their_o inward_a thought_n its_o throne_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o it_o exercise_v all_o that_o authority_n over_o their_o secret_a and_o hide_a sentiment_n that_o prince_n claim_v over_o their_o public_a and_o visible_a practice_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o set_v up_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o grapple_v with_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o prince_n and_o countermand_v any_o law_n they_o think_v good_a to_o prescribe_v and_o whenever_o subject_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o control_v or_o disobey_v their_o decree_n this_o be_v immediate_o press_v and_o engage_v to_o their_o party_n and_o do_v not_o only_o dictate_v but_o vouch_v all_o their_o remonstrance_n do_v subject_n rebel_v against_o their_o sovereign_n it_o be_v conscience_n that_o take_v up_o arms._n do_v they_o murder_v king_n it_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o conscience_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v conscience_n that_o be_v the_o schismatic_a do_v they_o tie_v themselves_o by_o one_o oath_n to_o contradict_v and_o evacuate_v another_o it_o be_v conscience_n that_o impose_v it_o every_o thing_n any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v his_o conscience_n and_o murder_n treason_n and_o rebellion_n plead_v its_o authority_n the_o annal_n and_o history_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n be_v too_o sad_a a_o witness_n that_o this_o great_a and_o sacred_a thing_n have_v ever_o be_v abuse_v either_o through_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o or_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o to_o patronize_v the_o most_o desperate_a mischief_n and_o villainy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v §_o 2._o here_o than_o we_o see_v be_v a_o competition_n between_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o that_o of_o conscience_n i._n e._n every_o private_a man_n own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n incline_v he_o to_o command_v that_o of_o the_o subject_a to_o disobey_v and_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n countermand_v the_o decree_n of_o his_o prince_n now_o be_v there_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v untoward_a do_n when_o two_o supreme_a power_n thus_o clash_v and_o contradict_v each_o other_o for_o what_o power_n will_v be_v leave_v to_o prince_n if_o every_o private_a man_n persuasion_n for_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n may_v give_v check_n to_o their_o command_n most_o man_n mind_n or_o conscience_n be_v weak_a silly_a and_o ignorant_a thing_n act_v by_o fond_a and_o absurd_a principle_n and_o impose_v upon_o by_o their_o vice_n and_o their_o passion_n so_o that_o be_v they_o entire_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conduct_n in_o what_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n must_v they_o involve_v all_o society_n let_v authority_n command_v what_o it_o please_v they_o will_v do_v what_o they_o list_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o state_n
of_o perfect_a anarchy_n in_o which_o every_o man_n do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o man_n contend_v for_o the_o sovereign_a empire_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o invest_v it_o with_o the_o royal_a supremacy_n by_o make_v it_o subject_a and_o accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n alone_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n but_o usurp_v their_o prince_n crown_n defy_v his_o authority_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o governor_n but_o themselves_o for_o see_v that_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o action_n if_o this_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o command_v of_o governor_n and_o if_o man_n not_o only_o may_v but_o always_o aught_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o dictate_v when_o they_o oppose_v their_o decree_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v whether_o themselves_o or_o their_o governor_n be_v vest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o brief_a every_o single_a person_n be_v subject_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n the_o law_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n i._n e._n to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o prince_n opinion_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o prince_n must_v give_v place_n to_o that_o of_o his_o conscience_n it_o cease_v upon_o that_o score_n to_o be_v supreme_a because_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a authority_n that_o can_v countermand_v all_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n who_o shall_v arbitrate_v between_o these_o two_o mighty_a rival_n power_n and_o so_o just_o assign_v the_o true_a bound_n of_o their_o respective_a dominion_n that_o prince_n may_v never_o entrench_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o conscience_n nor_o conscience_n lie_v waste_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n but_o both_o may_v act_v within_o their_o proper_a sphere_n without_o invade_v each_o other_o territory_n for_o whenever_o their_o power_n happen_v to_o interfere_v the_o quarrel_n quick_o proceed_v to_o all_o the_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n of_o war._n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n so_o tender_a or_o so_o unruly_a as_o conscience_n if_o authority_n curb_v it_o too_o severe_o it_o grow_v wild_a and_o furious_a and_o impatient_a of_o all_o restraint_n if_o it_o permit_v it_o a_o unbridled_a liberty_n it_o soon_o run_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o equal_a tenderness_n and_o severity_n and_o as_o it_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o wise_a and_o sober_a law_n else_o it_o grow_v giddy_a and_o exorbitant_a so_o must_v it_o not_o be_v provoke_v to_o resistance_n by_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n for_o if_o it_o once_o put_v the_o sword_n into_o subject_n hand_n it_o prove_v of_o all_o rebel_n the_o most_o fatal_a and_o implacable_a and_o be_v the_o best_a commander_n of_o a_o rebellious_a army_n in_o the_o world_n we_o see_v then_o that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o equal_a difficulty_n and_o importance_n to_o avoid_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o calamity_n that_o natural_o follow_v upon_o the_o contention_n of_o these_o two_o supreme_a power_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o term_n of_o accommodation_n because_o neither_o of_o they_o will_v own_v any_o superior_a that_o may_v umpire_n their_o controversy_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n settlement_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n §_o 3._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a debate_n to_o compose_v all_o their_o difference_n adjust_a all_o their_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n and_o settle_v thing_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v effectual_o enough_o perform_v by_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o by_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n shall_v be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o show_v this_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o its_o fierce_a adversary_n and_o that_o those_o who_o will_v deprive_v the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n of_o its_o authority_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v force_v to_o allow_v it_o in_o other_o more_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v both_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n and_o objection_n and_o this_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o state_n the_o true_a extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n over_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n by_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o his_o power_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o religion_n under_o one_o of_o which_o two_o consideration_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o state_n the_o most_o material_a question_n and_o to_o answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o controversy_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o thing_n may_v be_v make_v out_o with_o that_o demonstrative_a evidence_n and_o settle_v upon_o such_o safe_a and_o moderate_a principle_n as_o may_v abundant_o satisfy_v every_o man_n conscience_n how_o nice_a and_o curious_a soever_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o debauch_v with_o vice_n and_o wicked_a principle_n but_o if_o it_o be_v then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v both_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o punish_v such_o vicious_a and_o disease_a conscience_n as_o much_o as_o all_o other_o immorality_n §_o 4._o first_o then_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o prime_n and_o most_o important_a end_n of_o government_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o secure_v unless_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o that_o it_o have_v the_o strong_a influence_n upon_o humane_a affair_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o sovereign_a power_n can_v order_v and_o manage_v it_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o very_a incompetent_a instrument_n of_o public_a happiness_n will_v want_v the_o better_a half_n of_o itself_o and_o be_v utter_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a nothing_o more_o govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o the_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n this_o lead_v or_o drive_v they_o any_o way_n and_o as_o true_a piety_n secure_v the_o public_a weal_n by_o tame_v and_o civilise_v the_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o inure_v they_o to_o a_o mild_a gentle_a and_o governable_a spirit_n so_o superstition_n and_o wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a engine_n to_o overturn_v its_o settlement_n and_o therefore_o unless_o prince_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v their_o subject_n to_o that_o religion_n that_o they_o apprehend_v most_o advantageous_a to_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o restrain_v those_o religious_a mistake_n that_o tend_v to_o its_o subversion_n they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o statue_n and_o image_n of_o authority_n and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o their_o power_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o their_o government_n for_o what_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n happen_v to_o be_v taint_v with_o such_o furious_a and_o boisterous_a conception_n of_o religion_n as_o incline_v they_o to_o stubborness_n and_o sedition_n and_o make_v they_o unmanageable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o government_n shall_v not_o a_o prince_n be_v allow_v to_o give_v check_n to_o such_o unruly_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n if_o he_o may_v then_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n to_o conduct_v religion_n and_o that_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o dominion_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o state_n but_o if_o he_o may_v not_o then_o be_v he_o oblige_v in_o some_o case_n tame_o to_o permit_v his_o subject_n to_o ruin_n and_o overturn_v the_o commonwealth_n for_o if_o their_o wild_a and_o capricious_a humour_n be_v not_o severe_o bridle_v by_o the_o strict_a law_n and_o penalty_n they_o soon_o grow_v headstrong_a and_o unruly_a become_v always_o troublesome_a and_o often_o fatal_a to_o prince_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v of_o a_o fierce_a and_o eager_a temper_n apt_a to_o be_v drive_v without_o bound_n and_o measure_n whithersoever_o their_o persuasion_n hurry_v they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v overheat_v their_o unsettled_a head_n with_o religious_a rage_n and_o fury_n they_o grow_v wild_a talkative_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o in_o their_o mad_a and_o rave_a fit_n of_o zeal_n break_v all_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n and_o forget_v all_o the_o
law_n of_o order_n and_o sobriety_n religion_n sanctify_v all_o their_o passion_n anger_n malice_n and_o bitterness_n be_v holy_a fervor_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n this_o cancel_v and_o dispense_v with_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o sobriety_n and_o what_o have_v prudence_n to_o do_v with_o religion_n this_o be_v too_o hot_a and_o eager_a to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o its_o flat_a and_o dull_a formality_n zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n will_v both_o excuse_v and_o justify_v any_o enormity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faction_n or_o rebellion_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n must_v not_o be_v trust_v to_o the_o care_n of_o carnal_a and_o lukewarm_a politician_n and_o by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n do_v they_o easy_o destroy_v the_o reverence_n of_o all_o thing_n sacred_a and_o civil_a to_o propagate_v any_o wild_a proposition_n be_v arm_v with_o religion_n and_o lead_v on_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n kill_v king_n and_o overthrow_v kingdom_n and_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o bane_n and_o reproach_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o feel_v the_o misery_n and_o confusion_n of_o a_o holy_a war_n and_o the_o annal_n of_o all_o age_n be_v full_a of_o sad_a story_n to_o this_o purpose_n §_o 5._o and_o therefore_o to_o exempt_a religion_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v but_o to_o expose_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n to_o every_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a pretender_n who_o may_v when_o ever_o he_o please_v under_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n thwart_v and_o unsettle_v government_n without_o control_n see_v no_o one_o can_v have_v any_o power_n to_o restrain_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v find_v to_o require_v more_o of_o its_o care_n and_o influence_n because_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o vice_n to_o which_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v more_o prone_a than_o to_o superstition_n or_o debauch_a conception_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n nor_o any_o that_o more_o incline_v they_o to_o a_o unruly_a and_o seditious_a temper_n it_o inflame_v their_o crazy_a head_n with_o a_o furious_a and_o sectarian_n zeal_n and_o adopt_v their_o rank_a and_o most_o untoward_a passion_n into_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o passion_n become_v holy_a than_o it_o can_v never_o be_v exorbitant_a but_o the_o more_o furious_a and_o ungovernable_a it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o vehement_a be_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o be_v most_o peevish_a and_o refractory_a be_v upon_o that_o account_n the_o most_o godly_a and_o then_o all_o passion_n and_o stubbornness_n in_o religious_a quarrel_n must_v be_v christen_v zeal_n all_o zeal_n must_v be_v sacred_a and_o nothing_o that_o be_v sacred_a can_v be_v excessive_a and_o now_o when_o man_n act_v furious_o upon_o these_o mistake_v as_o all_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o they_o must_v what_o can_v the_o issue_n be_v but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o confusion_n every_o opinion_n must_v make_v a_o sect_n and_o every_o sect_n a_o faction_n and_o every_o faction_n when_o it_o be_v able_a a_o war_n and_o every_o war_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v prosecute_v with_o too_o much_o violence_n and_o then_o all_o sobriety_n be_v lukewarmness_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o government_n carnal_a compliance_n and_o not_o to_o proceed_v to_o rebellion_n for_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n be_v to_o want_v zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o be_v their_o vice_n sanctify_v by_o their_o conscience_n malice_n folly_n and_o madness_n be_v ever_o the_o prevail_a ingredient_n of_o their_o superstitious_a zeal_n and_o religion_n only_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v more_o sturdy_a and_o impudent_a against_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o they_o be_v now_o encourage_v to_o cherish_v those_o passion_n in_o spite_n of_o authority_n from_o which_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n may_v effectual_o have_v restrain_v they_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o cross_a obligation_n of_o a_o untoward_a conscience_n §_o 6._o and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v find_v so_o nice_a and_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o govern_v man_n in_o their_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n beyond_o all_o the_o other_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n because_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v bold_a and_o confident_a enough_o to_o outface_v authority_n whereas_o person_n of_o debauch_a and_o scandalous_a life_n be_v condemn_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a law_n can_v have_v nothing_o to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o restraint_n of_o government_n but_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o unhappy_a principle_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v more_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o civil_a society_n than_o open_a lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o when_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v more_o pregnant_a with_o villainy_n and_o mischief_n than_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o when_o their_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o mischievous_a and_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n and_o when_o they_o serious_o believe_v that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o be_v refractory_a and_o irreclamable_a in_o their_o fanatic_a zeal_n then_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o defy_v authority_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o its_o threaten_n and_o penality_n and_o those_o law_n that_o will_v awe_v a_o profane_a and_o irreligious_a person_n at_o least_o into_o a_o outward_a compliance_n shall_v but_o exasperate_v a_o boisterous_a conscience_n into_o a_o more_o vehement_a and_o seditious_a disobedience_n now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a for_o magistrate_n either_o to_o remove_v these_o religious_a vice_n or_o to_o bridle_v their_o unruliness_n they_o must_v needs_o find_v it_o a_o incomparable_o hard_a task_n to_o restrain_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o zeal_n than_o of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o multitude_n be_v so_o inclinable_a to_o these_o mistake_n of_o religion_n and_o see_v when_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o they_o they_o grow_v so_o turbulent_a and_o unruly_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o governor_n themselves_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o with_o as_o much_o vigilance_n and_o severity_n either_o to_o prevent_v their_o rise_n or_o suppress_v their_o growth_n as_o to_o punish_v any_o the_o foul_a crime_n of_o immorality_n and_o if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v into_o what_o exorbitance_n peevish_a and_o untoward_a principle_n about_o religion_n natural_o improve_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o but_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o much_o their_o concernment_n to_o punish_v they_o with_o the_o severe_a infliction_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o principle_n of_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n §_o 7._o and_o this_o certain_o have_v ever_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o all_o governor_n in_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o this_o fierce_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n but_o have_v go_v about_o to_o govern_v unruly_a conscience_n by_o more_o easy_a and_o remiss_a law_n than_o those_o that_o be_v only_o able_a to_o suppress_v scandalous_a and_o confess_v villainy_n and_o have_v think_v they_o sufficient_o restrain_v by_o threaten_a punishment_n without_o inflict_v they_o and_o indeed_o in_o most_o kingdom_n so_o little_o have_v prince_n understand_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n ecclesiastical_a law_n have_v be_v set_v up_o only_o for_o scarecrow_n be_v establish_v rather_o for_o show_v and_o form_n sake_n than_o with_o any_o design_n of_o give_v they_o life_n by_o put_v they_o into_o execution_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v scare_v into_o obedience_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o threaten_n they_o have_v be_v embolden_v to_o disobedience_n by_o the_o remissness_n of_o their_o execution_n till_o they_o have_v not_o only_o play_v with_o the_o law_n itself_o as_o a_o senseless_a trifle_n but_o have_v scorn_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o power_n that_o set_v it_o up_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a in_o experience_n than_o that_o impunity_n give_v not_o only_a warranty_n but_o encouragement_n to_o disobedience_n and_o by_o habituate_a man_n to_o control_v the_o edict_n of_o authority_n teach_v they_o by_o degree_n to_o despise_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o ecclesiastical_a law_n have_v general_o prove_v such_o
ineffectual_a instrument_n of_o uniformity_n because_o they_o have_v either_o be_v weaken_v through_o want_n of_o execution_n or_o in_o a_o manner_n cancel_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o civil_a constitution_n for_o when_o law_n be_v bind_v under_o severe_a penalty_n and_o when_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o crime_n have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o punish_v it_o or_o be_v perpetual_o check_v and_o control_v by_o a_o strong_a power_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o law_n be_v affront_v and_o despise_v and_o if_o instead_o of_o bring_v man_n mind_n to_o compliance_n and_o subjection_n they_o exasperate_v they_o into_o open_a contumacy_n restraint_n provoke_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o yet_o redress_n not_o the_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o grant_v a_o uncontrolled_a liberty_n by_o declare_v for_o it_o than_o after_o have_v declare_v against_o it_o to_o grant_v it_o by_o silence_n and_o impunity_n the_o prohibition_n disoblige_v dissenter_n and_o that_o be_v one_o evil_a and_o the_o impunity_n allow_v they_o toleration_n and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a and_o where_o governor_n permit_v what_o their_o law_n forbid_v there_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v at_o once_o lose_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o restraint_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o as_o they_o will_v expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a at_o first_o to_o bind_v on_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n with_o the_o straight_a knot_n and_o afterward_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o force_n and_o countenance_n by_o the_o severe_a execution_n in_o that_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a conscience_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v curb_v with_o a_o ordinary_a severity_n &_o therefore_o their_o restraint_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o unruliness_n and_o they_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o a_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n than_o all_o other_o principle_n of_o public_a disturbance_n by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o unruly_a §_o 8._o for_o if_o conscience_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o break_v down_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n and_o all_o man_n have_v licence_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o persuasion_n the_o mischief_n be_v infinite_a and_o the_o folly_n endless_a and_o they_o seldom_o cease_v to_o wander_v from_o folly_n to_o folly_n till_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o all_o the_o whimsy_n and_o enormity_n that_o can_v debauch_v religion_n or_o annoy_v the_o public_a peace_n the_o giddy_a multitude_n be_v of_o a_o restless_a and_o straggle_a humour_n and_o yet_o withalso_fw-la ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o yet_o be_v any_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v a_o real_a liberty_n to_o man_n imagination_n that_o be_v not_o sudden_o overrun_v with_o numberless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o sect_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o the_o late_a confusion_n when_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o settlement_n how_o be_v sect_n build_v upon_o sect_n and_o church_n upon_o church_n till_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o folly_n that_o the_o usurper_n themselves_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o work_v their_o subversion_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagancy_n but_o by_o overturning_a their_o own_o foundation_n and_o check_v their_o growth_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n the_o humour_n of_o fanaticise_v be_v a_o boundless_a folly_n it_o know_v no_o restraint_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o governor_n it_o grow_v and_o increase_v without_o end_n or_o limit_n and_o never_o cease_v to_o swell_v itself_o till_o it_o have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o restraint_n of_o government_n thus_o when_o the_o disciplinarian_o have_v in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o peevish_a and_o unreasonable_a principle_n divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o upon_o a_o far_a improvement_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n subdivide_v from_o they_o every_o new_a opinion_n be_v enough_o to_o find_v a_o new_a church_n and_o sect_n be_v spawn_v out_o of_o sect_n till_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o family_n for_o when_o they_o be_v once_o part_v from_o the_o order_n &_o sobriety_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o nothing_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o wild_a and_o violent_a imagination_n §_o 9_o schismatic_n always_o run_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n in_o the_o church_n as_o rebel_n and_o seditious_a person_n do_v in_o the_o state_n who_o out_o of_o a_o hatred_n to_o tyranny_n be_v restless_a till_o they_o have_v dissolve_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o anarchy_n &_o confusion_n and_o because_o some_o kingly_a government_n have_v prove_v tyrannical_a will_v allow_v no_o free_a state_n but_o under_o republic_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o all_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o late_a usurper_n who_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o general_a that_o all_o government_n under_o a_o single_a person_n be_v slavish_a and_o oppressive_a without_o respect_n to_o its_o particular_a constitution_n and_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o sufficient_a preservation_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n notwithstanding_o that_o those_o who_o manage_v it_o be_v never_o so_o imperious_a and_o arbitrary_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o church_n dissenter_n out_o of_o abhorrency_n to_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o man_n understanding_n never_o think_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n sufficient_o secure_v till_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o her_o unreasonable_a imposition_n have_v invade_v the_o fundamental_a liberty_n of_o mankind_n they_o present_o conclude_v all_o restraint_n upon_o licentious_a practice_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n under_o the_o hate_a name_n of_o popery_n and_o some_o theological_a empiric_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o people_n head_n with_o this_o fond_a conceit_n that_o they_o will_v see_v no_o middle_a way_n between_o spiritual_a tyranny_n and_o spiritual_a anarchy_n and_o so_o brand_v all_o restraint_n of_o government_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v antichristian_a and_o never_o think_v themselves_o far_o enough_o from_o rome_n till_o they_o be_v wander_v as_o far_o as_o munster_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n be_v not_o so_o wild_a as_o to_o abolish_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o only_o remove_v it_o from_o those_o who_o have_v unjust_o usurp_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a seat_n and_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v clog_v christianity_n with_o too_o many_o garish_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o immediate_o strip_v her_o naked_a of_o all_o modest_a and_o decent_a ornament_n out_o of_o a_o overhot_a opposition_n to_o their_o too_o flaunt_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o only_o clothe_v she_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o church_n to_o preserve_v we_o sober_a between_o two_o such_o unreasonable_a extreme_n §_o 10._o but_o not_o to_o run_v too_o hasty_o into_o particular_a dispute_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a to_o have_v prove_v in_o general_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o affair_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o government_n and_o than_o if_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n i_o shall_v demand_v whether_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o former_a than_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o supreme_a but_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o superior_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o rather_o what_o be_v equal_o absurd_a there_o will_v be_v two_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n for_o it_o the_o prince_n jurisdiction_n be_v limit_v to_o civil_a affair_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o government_n then_o may_v subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v impossible_a contradictory_n command_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n require_v he_o to_o defend_v his_o country_n against_o a_o invasion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n may_v command_v he_o to_o abandon_v its_o defence_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o a_o holy_a war_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n from_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n but_o see_v no_o man_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o contradictory_n obligation_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n
above_o one_o viz._n the_o four_o that_o have_v not_o divers_a law_n relate_v to_o church_n affair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o capitular_o of_o charles_n the_o great_a together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o lewis_n the_o godly_a his_o son_n and_o successor_n they_o contain_v little_a else_o but_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o lindembrogius_fw-la his_o collection_n of_o ancient_a law_n together_o with_o divers_a other_o law_n of_o theodorick_n and_o other_o gothish_a king_n §_o 18._o and_o next_o to_o the_o divine_a providence_n we_o owe_v the_o settlement_n and_o preservation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a prince_n for_o by_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o christianity_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o the_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o its_o first_o professor_n begin_v to_o give_v place_n to_o a_o furious_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n begin_v to_o abate_v but_o the_o church_n be_v present_o shatter_v into_o swarm_n of_o faction_n by_o the_o violent_a passion_n and_o animosity_n of_o its_o member_n about_o bare_a speculation_n or_o useless_a practice_n and_o of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n that_o ever_o disturb_a the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o any_o perhaps_o so_o excuseless_a or_o so_o irregular_a as_o those_o of_o christendom_n of_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v commence_v with_o more_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n or_o pursue_v with_o more_o passion_n and_o frowardness_n the_o rage_n and_o fierceness_n of_o christian_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o fire_n in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v be_v consume_v by_o its_o own_o combustion_n have_v not_o the_o christian_a emperor_n employ_v all_o their_o power_n to_o suppress_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o flame_n and_o though_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o prudence_n and_o industry_n christianity_n be_v sad_o impair_v by_o its_o own_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o care_n of_o christian_a prince_n it_o have_v in_o all_o humane_a probability_n be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o the_o flame_n that_o have_v once_o catch_v its_o superstructure_n must_v without_o remedy_n have_v burn_v up_o its_o very_a foundation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o record_n and_o history_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a disturbance_n that_o threaten_v the_o state_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o empire_n be_v more_o shake_v by_o the_o intestine_a commotion_n that_o arise_v from_o religion_n than_o by_o foreign_a war_n and_o invasion_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v they_o so_o high_o concern_v to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o discord_n and_o allay_v all_o the_o heat_n about_o religion_n by_o silence_v needless_a and_o unprofitable_a controversy_n determine_v certain_a &_o necessary_a truth_n prescribe_v decent_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o wise_a and_o prudent_a expedient_n to_o bring_v the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n to_o sobriety_n and_o moderation_n §_o 19_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n tolerable_o well_o establish_v and_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n competent_o well_o ground_v though_o better_o or_o worse_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o several_a emperor_n till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n usurp_v one_o half_a of_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o annex_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o supremacy_n to_o their_o own_o see_n for_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o distraction_n occasion_v partly_o by_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o northern_a nation_n on_o the_o west_n partly_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o turkish_a power_n on_o the_o east_n but_o main_o by_o the_o division_n of_o the_o empire_n itself_o they_o gain_v either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n the_o whole_a dominion_n of_o religion_n to_o themselves_o and_o by_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n usurp_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a empire_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n and_o whilst_o they_o at_o first_o pretend_v no_o other_o title_n to_o their_o sovereignty_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o religion_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o serve_v up_o their_o power_n to_o a_o unmeasurable_a tyranny_n thereby_o to_o secure_v themselves_o in_o those_o insolence_n and_o indignity_n wherewith_o they_o perpetual_o affront_v the_o prince_n of_o christendom_n and_o know_v the_o freeborn_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v never_o tame_o brook_v to_o be_v enslave_v to_o so_o ignoble_a a_o tyranny_n they_o proclaim_v it_o a_o traitor_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o a_o heretic_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o by_o their_o loud_a noise_n and_o menace_n fright_v it_o out_o of_o christendom_n in_o which_o design_n they_o at_o length_n advance_v so_o far_o till_o rome_n christian_n become_v little_o less_o fond_a and_o superstitious_a than_o rome_n heathen_a and_o christianity_n itself_o be_v almost_o debauch_v to_o the_o low_a guise_n of_o paganism_n and_o europe_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o polite_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o more_o than_o african_a ignorance_n and_o barbarity_n and_o thus_o do_v they_o easy_o usher_v in_o the_o grand_a departure_n and_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n by_o the_o fall_n away_o from_o reason_n and_o found_v the_o roman_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a liberty_n §_o 20._o in_o which_o sad_a posture_n continue_v the_o affair_n of_o christendom_n till_o the_o reformation_n which_o though_o it_o have_v wrought_v wonderful_a alteration_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o be_v able_a to_o resettle_v prince_n in_o their_o full_a &_o natural_a right_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n for_o although_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o religious_a matter_n be_v express_o assert_v in_o all_o the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o content_v bare_o to_o affirm_v it_o but_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o that_o deny_v it_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o exorbitant_a power_n that_o some_o pert_a and_o pragmatical_a divine_n have_v gain_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n this_o great_a article_n have_v find_v little_a or_o no_o entertainment_n in_o their_o practice_n there_o start_v up_o a_o race_n of_o proud_a and_o imperious_a man_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o not_o regard_v the_o prince_n power_n take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o frame_v precise_a hypothesis_n of_o orthodoxy_n and_o to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o pedantic_a system_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o want_v what_o the_o other_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o prescription_n they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o pretence_n not_o only_o excuse_v but_o justify_v any_o wild_a theorem_n they_o can_v not_o prove_v by_o sober_a reason_n and_o those_o that_o will_v be_v awe_v with_o it_o they_o embrace_v for_o orthodox_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n by_o which_o little_a device_n they_o decoy_v the_o silly_a and_o ignorant_a rabble_n into_o their_o own_o party_n the_o effect_n of_o all_o which_o have_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brutish_a and_o fanatic_a ignorance_n make_v man_n to_o talk_v of_o little_a else_o but_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o a_o buzz_n and_o noise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v only_o impregnable_o possess_v with_o their_o own_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n become_v saucy_a and_o impudent_a for_o religion_n confound_v order_n and_o despise_v government_n and_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o nothing_o but_o the_o whimsy_n and_o humour_n of_o a_o unaccountable_a conscience_n §_o 21._o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o protestant_a prince_n have_v be_v fright_v not_o to_o say_v hector_v out_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o clamour_n of_o giddy_a and_o distemper_a zealot_n superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n have_v outface_v the_o law_n and_o put_v government_n out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o boldness_n of_o their_o pretension_n confident_n man_n have_v talk_v so_o loud_o of_o the_o inviolable_a sacredness_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o governor_n not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n so_o late_o restore_v to_o they_o have_v be_v almost_o scare_v from_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v upon_o this_o score_n plead_v its_o privilege_n and_o exemption_n from_o their_o command_n and_o how_o
peremptory_a soever_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v in_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o their_o supreme_a power_n in_o civil_a affair_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o seem_v modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n and_o dare_v scarce_o own_o their_o legislative_a power_n in_o religious_a affair_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o saucy_a pretence_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n one_o notorious_a instance_n whereof_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la the_o wednesday_n fast_o that_o be_v enjoin_v with_o this_o clause_n of_o exception_n that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n he_o shall_v be_v punish_v like_o the_o spreader_n of_o false_a news_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o late_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n a_o direct_a artifice_n to_o evacuate_v the_o whole_a law_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o argue_v all_o humane_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o man_n he_o that_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o law_n it_o shall_v have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o then_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n then_o to_o break_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n so_o that_o a_o law_n without_o such_o a_o intention_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o law_n which_o bind_v only_o if_o we_o please_v and_o we_o may_v obey_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o to_o so_o much_o we_o be_v tie_v before_o the_o constitution_n but_o then_o if_o by_o such_o a_o declaration_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o to_o keep_v such_o fasting-day_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o direct_a commandment_n from_o god_n that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o require_v they_o by_o himself_o immediate_o and_o so_o it_o be_v abstract_v from_o that_o law_n no_o duty_n evangelical_n it_o have_v be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n pretend_v it_o no_o man_n say_v it_o no_o man_n think_v it_o and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o law_n be_v none_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o matter_n indeed_o of_o this_o law_n be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o declaration_n annex_v to_o it_o prove_v of_o a_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n for_o when_o once_o the_o unruly_a conscience_n of_o the_o puritan_n be_v get_v loose_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o authority_n nothing_o can_v give_v check_n to_o their_o giddy_a and_o furious_a zeal_n but_o they_o soon_o break_v out_o into_o the_o most_o impudent_a affront_v and_o indignity_n against_o the_o law_n and_o run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o disloyal_a outrage_n against_o the_o state_n as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o cartwright_n goodman_n whittingham_n gilby_n whitehead_n travers_n and_o other_o lead_a rabbi_n of_o the_o holy_a faction_n who_o treatise_n be_v stuff_v with_o as_o rail_v spiteful_a and_o malicious_a speech_n both_o against_o their_o prince_n the_o clergy_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n as_o be_v ever_o public_o vent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o traitor_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o method_n of_o their_o polity_n it_o be_v plain_o no_o more_o than_o this_o first_o to_o reproach_v the_o church_n with_o infamous_a and_o abusive_a dialogue_n and_o then_o to_o libel_v the_o state_n with_o bitter_a and_o scurrilous_a pamphlet_n to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o dislike_n and_o jealousy_n about_o public_a affair_n whisper_v about_o reproachful_a and_o slanderous_a report_n inveigle_v the_o people_n with_o a_o thousand_o little_a and_o malicious_a story_n enter_v into_o secret_a league_n and_o confederacy_n foment_n discontent_n and_o sedition_n and_o in_o every_o straight_a and_o exigence_n of_o state_n threaten_v and_o beleaguer_v authority_n in_o fine_a the_o scope_n of_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v their_o party_n that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n with_o direction_n of_o their_o godly_a minister_n i._n e._n themselves_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violent_a and_o forcible_a course_n and_o whither_o this_o principle_n in_o process_n of_o time_n lead_v they_o the_o story_n be_v too_o long_o too_o sad_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o repeat_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o improve_v itself_o into_o the_o great_a villainy_n &_o conclude_v in_o the_o black_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v upon_o this_o island_n §_o 22._o well_o then_o to_o sum_n up_o the_o result_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o see_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n what_o a_o powerful_a influence_n religion_n have_v upon_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o kingdom_n that_o nothing_o so_o effectual_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o so_o easy_o work_v its_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n as_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_a administration_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o settlement_n that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n which_o because_o he_o can_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o power_n and_o conduct_n of_o religion_n its_o government_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v seat_v in_o he_o and_o none_o else_o so_o that_o those_o person_n who_o will_v exempt_v conscience_n and_o all_o religious_a matter_n from_o the_o prince_n power_n must_v make_v he_o either_o a_o tyrant_n or_o a_o impotent_a prince_n for_o if_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tie_v law_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o conscience_n then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n he_o usurp_v a_o unlawful_a dominion_n violate_v the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o invade_v the_o throne_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v then_o do_v he_o clear_o pass_v away_o the_o bige_a security_n of_o his_o government_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o villainy_n that_o can_v put_v on_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v any_o prince_n through_o unhappy_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o state_n be_v bring_v into_o such_o straits_n and_o exigence_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o headstrong_a inclination_n of_o his_o subject_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o raise_v such_o commotion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o perhaps_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o allay_v and_o so_o shall_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o to_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o fancy_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n yet_o unless_o he_o will_v divest_v himself_o of_o a_o more_o material_a and_o more_o necessary_a part_n of_o his_o authority_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v grant_v away_o his_o power_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o his_o prerogative_n of_o ratify_v all_o civil_a law_n unless_o i_o say_v he_o will_v thus_o hazard_v his_o crown_n and_o make_v himself_o too_o weak_a for_o government_n by_o renounce_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o must_v lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o person_n to_o who_o he_o grant_v this_o their_o religious_a freedom_n to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o govern_v all_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o be_v either_o conducive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o declaration_n they_o will_v but_o confess_v themselves_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o refuse_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v just_a power_n to_o impose_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o parallel_n between_o matter_n relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n moral_a virtue_n the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o a_o particular_a induction_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o mankind_n a_o scheme_n of_o religion_n reduce_v all_o its_o branch_n either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o
free_a grace_n and_o goodness_n in_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a concern_v for_o its_o propagation_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inspire_v its_o convert_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n when_o he_o compile_v a_o complete_a catalogue_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n reckon_v up_o only_o moral_a virtue_n gal._n 5._o 22._o love_n joy_n or_o cheerfulness_n peaceableness_n patience_n gentleness_n goodness_n faithfulness_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n and_o elsewhere_o titus_n 2._o 11._o the_o same_o apostle_n plain_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n temperance_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o justice_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n where_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n be_v comprehend_v in_o live_v godly_o which_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humble_a gratitude_n towards_o god_n sober_o which_o contain_v the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n chastity_n modesty_n and_o all_o other_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n righteous_o which_o imply_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n as_o affability_n courtesy_n meekness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n §_o 3._o so_o destructive_a of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a goodness_n be_v the_o very_a religion_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o set_v grace_n at_o odds_o with_o virtue_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v they_o the_o same_o that_o they_o make_v they_o inconsistent_a and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v exact_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a goodness_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o graceless_a person_n i._n e._n void_a of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a godliness_n he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o clean_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o his_o conversion_n be_v more_o hopeless_a than_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o the_o moral_o righteous_a man_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o grace_n than_o the_o profane_a and_o better_o be_v lewd_a and_o debauch_a than_o live_v a_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a life_n if_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o godly_a party_n bona_fw-la opera_fw-la sunt_fw-la perniciosa_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la say_v flaccus_n illiricus_fw-la moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_a let_v to_o conversion_n and_o the_o profane_v wretch_n make_v better_a saint_n than_o your_o moral_a formalist_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v bring_v into_o fashion_n a_o godliness_n without_o religion_n zeal_n without_o humanity_n and_o grace_n without_o good_a nature_n or_o good_a manner_n have_v find_v out_o in_o lieu_n of_o moral_a virtue_n a_o spiritual_a divinity_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o else_o but_o certain_a train_n and_o scheme_n of_o effeminate_a folly_n and_o illiterate_a enthusiasm_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o sober_a devotion_n a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o intimate_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n that_o in_o truth_n consist_v in_o little_a else_o but_o meet_v together_o in_o private_a to_o prate_v phrase_n make_v face_n and_o rail_v at_o carnal_a reason_n i._n e._n in_o their_o sense_n all_o sober_a and_o sincere_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n whereby_o they_o have_v effectual_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o unaccountable_a fancy_n and_o enthusiasm_n dress_v it_o up_o with_o pompous_a and_o empty_a scheme_n of_o speech_n and_o so_o embrace_v a_o few_o gawdy_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o most_o material_a difference_n between_o the_o sober_a christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o modern_a sectary_n that_o we_o express_v the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a term_n whilst_o they_o trifle_v they_o away_o by_o childish_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n and_o will_v not_o talk_v of_o religion_n but_o in_o barbarous_a and_o uncouth_a similitude_n and_o what_o be_v more_o the_o different_a subdivision_n among_o the_o sect_n themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o distinguish_v by_o any_o real_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n as_o by_o variety_n of_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a shibboleth_n of_o each_o tribe_n one_o party_n affect_v to_o lard_v their_o discourse_n with_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a similitude_n another_o delight_n to_o roll_n in_o wanton_a and_o lascivious_a allegory_n and_o a_o three_o be_v best_a please_v with_o odd_a unusual_a unitelligible_a and_o sometime_o blasphemous_a expression_n and_o whoever_o among_o they_o can_v invent_v any_o new_a language_n present_o set_v up_o for_o a_o man_n of_o new_a discovery_n and_o he_o that_o light_v upon_o the_o pretty_a nonsense_n be_v think_v by_o the_o ignorant_a rabble_n to_o unfold_v new_a gospel-mystery_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o nation_n shatter_v into_o infinite_a faction_n with_o senseless_a and_o fantastic_a phrase_n and_o the_o most_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o they_o all_o lie_v in_o abuse_v scripture-expression_n not_o only_o without_o but_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o have_v we_o but_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o abridge_v preacher_n the_o use_n of_o fulsome_a and_o luscious_a metaphor_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o effectual_a cure_n of_o all_o our_o present_a distemper_n let_v not_o the_o reader_n smile_v at_o the_o odness_n of_o the_o proposal_n for_o be_v man_n oblige_v to_o speak_v sense_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n all_o the_o swell_a mystery_n of_o fanaticism_n will_v immediate_o sink_v into_o flat_a and_o empty_a nonsense_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o jejune_n and_o ridiculous_a stuff_n as_o their_o admire_a and_o most_o profound_a notion_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v when_o they_o want_v the_o varnish_n of_o fine_a metaphor_n and_o glitter_a allusion_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n to_o unravel_v all_o their_o affect_a phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v like_o parrot_n to_o prate_v by_o rote_n without_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v it_o will_v be_v no_o unpleasant_a task_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o by_o they_o they_o either_o mean_v nothing_o at_o all_o or_o some_o part_n or_o instrument_n of_o moral_a virtue_n so_o that_o all_o religion_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v resolve_v into_o enthusiasm_n or_o morality_n the_o former_a be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v true_a must_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o whatever_o beside_o appertain_v to_o it_o must_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n such_o be_v prayer_n hear_v sermon_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o religious_a ordinance_n that_o have_v direct_o no_o other_o place_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v instrumental_a to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n §_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a then_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o material_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v law_n concern_v they_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n so_o that_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v and_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n in_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o when_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v avowed_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n that_o yet_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impatient_a to_o exempt_v its_o mean_n and_o subordinate_a instrument_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n what_o reason_n can_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n assign_v to_o restrain_v it_o from_o one_o that_o will_v not_o much_o more_o restrain_v it_o from_o both_o be_v not_o the_o right_a practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n as_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o wrong_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o licentious_a debauchery_n be_v not_o the_o rude_a multitude_n more_o incline_v to_o disturb_v government_n by_o superstition_n than_o by_o licentiousness_n and_o be_v there_o not_o vast_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n err_v in_o matter_n of_o morality_n than_o in_o form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n in_o that_o those_o be_v the_o main_a essential_a and_o ultimate_a duty_n of_o religion_n whereas_o these_o be_v at_o high_a but_o their_o instrument_n and_o can_v challenge_v no_o other_o place_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o purpose_n of_o morality_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o still_o more_o
unaccountable_a that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o the_o subordinate_a ministery_n to_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o commonwealth_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a act_n and_o instance_n of_o these_o virtue_n themselves_o for_o example_n justice_n be_v a_o prime_n and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o yet_o its_o particular_a case_n depend_v upon_o humane_a law_n that_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la the_o divine_a law_n restrain_v titius_n from_o invade_v caius_n right_a and_o propriety_n but_o what_o that_o be_v and_o when_o it_o be_v invade_v only_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o can_v determine_v and_o there_o be_v some_o case_n that_o be_v act_n of_o injustice_n in_o england_n that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o italy_n otherwise_o all_o place_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o one_o nation_n must_v be_v so_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o nature_n determine_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o most_o virtue_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v that_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o national_a law_n they_o in_o general_n forbid_v theft_n incest_n murder_n and_o adultery_n but_o what_o these_o crime_n be_v they_o determine_v not_o in_o all_o case_n but_o be_v in_o most_o particular_n to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n reckon_v among_o these_o crime_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o nature_n forbid_v and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o strange_o humoursome_a to_o say_v that_o magistrate_n be_v entru_v with_o so_o great_a a_o power_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o these_o great_a and_o weighty_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o be_v trust_v to_o govern_v the_o indifferent_a or_o at_o least_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o no_o other_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o be_v mean_v serviceable_a to_o moral_a purpose_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v that_o a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v the_o use_n of_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n because_o forsooth_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v it_o in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o impower_v to_o declare_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o introduce_v new_a duty_n in_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o declare_v the_o use_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o few_o circumstance_n in_o its_o subservient_fw-fr and_o less_o material_a concern_v §_o 5._o the_o whole_a state_n of_o affair_n be_v brief_o this_o man_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o live_v happy_o here_o and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o pious_a devotion_n and_o wherein_o these_o main_o consist_v almighty_a goodness_n have_v declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n but_o because_o in_o both_o there_o be_v changeable_a case_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v his_o trustee_n and_o official_o here_o on_o earth_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o both_o according_a to_o all_o accident_n and_o emergency_n of_o affair_n to_o assign_v new_a particular_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o declare_v new_a bound_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v limit_v because_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v variable_a according_a to_o the_o accident_n of_o time_n and_o place_n entrust_v with_o less_o danger_n of_o error_n with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o what_o ceremony_n this_o appoint_v unless_o they_o be_v apparent_o repugnant_a to_o their_o prime_a end_n become_v religious_a rite_n as_o what_o particular_a action_n it_o constitute_v in_o any_o species_n of_o virtue_n become_v new_a instance_n of_o that_o virtue_n unless_o they_o apparent_o contradict_v its_o nature_n and_o tendency_n now_o the_o two_o primary_n design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v either_o to_o express_v our_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n so_o that_o no_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n can_v be_v esteem_v unlawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o account_n that_o any_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n become_v criminal_o superstitious_a and_o such_o be_v the_o lupercalia_n the_o eleusinian_n mystery_n the_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n flora_n and_o venus_n because_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o festival_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n and_o such_o be_v the_o savage_a and_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o saturn_n bellona_n moloch_n baal-peor_n and_o all_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ancient_a paganism_n because_o they_o suppose_v the_o divine_a be_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o torture_n of_o its_o creature_n and_o such_o be_v all_o idolatry_n in_o that_o it_o either_o give_v right_a worship_n to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o wrong_a worship_n to_o a_o right_a one_o or_o at_o least_o represent_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n by_o image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o finite_a thing_n and_o so_o reflect_v disparagement_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n by_o fasten_v dishonourable_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o any_o lawful_a authority_n may_v as_o well_o enjoin_v they_o as_o it_o may_v adopt_v any_o action_n whatsoever_o into_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n §_o 6._o but_o a_o little_a far_o to_o illustrate_v this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o matter_n both_o of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a worship_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o these_o can_v never_o be_v prejudice_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o necessity_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v as_o perpetual_a as_o that_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o rule_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a accident_n change_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o depend_v chief_o upon_o contract_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o kingdom_n these_o suffer_v variety_n because_o their_o matter_n and_o their_o reason_n do_v so_o thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o murder_n there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o unalterable_a nature_n and_o other_o that_o be_v changeable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a provision_n of_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v forbid_v by_o such_o a_o indispensable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v any_o way_n direct_o or_o indirect_o make_v it_o become_v lawful_a in_o that_o no_o positive_a law_n can_v so_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v this_o instance_n of_o villainy_n cease_v to_o be_v mischievous_a to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v capital_a in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o particular_a case_n of_o this_o crime_n that_o depend_v upon_o positive_a law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v liable_a to_o change_v according_a to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n man_n live_v in_o thus_o though_o in_o england_n it_o be_v murder_n for_o a_o injure_a husband_n to_o kill_v a_o adulteress_n take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o old_a roman_n it_o be_v not_o because_o their_o law_n permit_v it_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v punish_v the_o crime_n with_o death_n he_o may_v appoint_v who_o he_o please_v to_o be_v his_o executioner_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o
a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o other_o of_o a_o transient_a and_o changeable_a obligation_n thus_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a every_o rational_a creature_n shall_v make_v return_n of_o gratitude_n to_o its_o creator_n from_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v restrain_v it_o but_o then_o for_o the_o outward_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o duty_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n good_a or_o evil_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o different_a nation_n unless_o in_o the_o two_o forementioned_a case_n that_o they_o either_o countenance_n vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o ritual_n ceremony_n posture_n &_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n that_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o ministery_n of_o divine_a service_n or_o exempt_v they_o from_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o thus_o the_o parallel_n hold_v in_o all_o case_n between_o the_o secondary_a and_o emergent_a law_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o subordinate_a and_o instrumental_a rule_n of_o worship_n they_o both_o equal_o pass_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o man_n to_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v unless_o they_o direct_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o now_o from_o this_o more_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o agreement_n between_o matter_n of_o mere_a worship_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o morality_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o may_v proceed_v by_o some_o more_o particular_a account_n to_o discover_v how_o his_o dominion_n over_o both_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n and_o restrain_v within_o the_o same_o bound_n and_o measure_n and_o that_o in_o what_o case_n soever_o he_o may_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n in_o all_o the_o same_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o same_o power_n in_o concern_v of_o religious_a worship_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o what_o case_n his_o power_n over_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v restrain_v in_o all_o the_o same_o be_v it_o limit_v as_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n whence_o it_o must_v appear_v with_o a_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o man_n right_a to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o to_o all_o case_n nicety_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o may_v as_o rational_o challenge_v a_o freedom_n from_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n as_o from_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o that_o to_o grant_v it_o in_o either_o be_v equal_o destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n and_o equal_o tend_v to_o reduce_v all_o society_n to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n chap._n iii_o a_o more_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o matter_n of_o mere_a conscience_n the_o content_n mankind_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n over_o all_o their_o action_n whether_o moral_a or_o strict_o religious_a as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v their_o judgement_n but_o not_o their_o practice_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a liberty_n it_o relate_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o not_o to_o our_o action_n it_o may_v be_v preserve_v inviolable_a under_o outward_a restraint_n christian_n liberty_n consist_v proper_o in_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o its_o natural_a privilege_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o substantial_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n external_n worship_n be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n sacrifice_n the_o most_o ancient_a expression_n of_o outward_a worship_n be_v pure_o of_o humane_a institution_n though_o their_o be_v expiatory_a depend_v upon_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n yet_o their_o most_o proper_a and_o original_a use_n viz._n to_o express_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o men._n of_o their_o first_o original_a among_o the_o heathen_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n prescribe_v the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o disposal_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o the_o power_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o impertinency_n of_o man_n clamour_n against_o significant_a ceremony_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o ceremony_n to_o be_v significant_a the_o signification_n of_o all_o ceremony_n equal_o arbitrary_a the_o signification_n of_o ceremony_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o word_n and_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o §_o 1._o first_o then_o let_v all_o matter_n of_o mere_a conscience_n whether_o pure_o moral_a or_o religious_a be_v subject_a to_o conscience_n mere_o i._n e._n let_v man_n think_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o judgement_n against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n within_o its_o own_o dominion_n its_o kingdom_n be_v intellectual_a and_o seat_v in_o the_o thought_n not_o action_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o humane_a power_n do_v or_o can_v prescribe_v to_o any_o man_n opinion_n and_o secret_a thought_n but_o man_n will_v think_v as_o they_o please_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o decree_n and_o the_o understanding_n will_v remain_v free_a when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v bind_v and_o this_o sovereignty_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o entrenchment_n upon_o that_o of_o prince_n because_o it_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o their_o affair_n and_o give_v no_o restraint_n to_o their_o command_a power_n over_o the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o mere_a opinion_n whilst_o such_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o humane_a society_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o our_o thought_n be_v secret_a and_o lock_v up_o within_o our_o own_o breast_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o as_o for_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v within_o the_o territory_n of_o mere_a conscience_n but_o come_v forth_o into_o outward_a action_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o society_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o come_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o humane_a power_n because_o by_o these_o society_n subsist_v and_o humane_a affair_n be_v transact_v and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v those_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mankind_n to_o govern_v and_o manage_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a good_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n when_o man_n plead_v with_o so_o much_o noise_n and_o clamour_n for_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n of_o conscience_n and_o apparent_o invade_v or_o infringe_v the_o magistrate_n power_n by_o submit_v its_o command_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o subject_n conscience_n because_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v so_o far_o from_o invade_v its_o proper_a liberty_n that_o they_o can_v reach_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o that_o part_n of_o man_n of_o who_o transaction_n the_o civil_a power_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o man_n outward_a action_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o their_o law_n whereas_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o confine_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o whilst_o conscience_n act_v within_o its_o proper_a sphere_n that_o civil_a power_n be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o violence_n that_o it_o never_o can_v but_o when_o this_o great_a and_o imperious_a faculty_n pass_v beyond_o its_o own_o peculiar_a bound_n and_o will_v invade_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n by_o exercise_v a_o unaccountable_a dominion_n within_o his_o territory_n or_o by_o vent_v such_o wild_a opinion_n among_o his_o subject_n as_o he_o apprehend_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n then_o do_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o give_v check_n to_o its_o proceed_n as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o invasion_n for_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a good_a be_v his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o interest_n it_o can_v but_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o restrain_v or_o permit_v action_n as_o they_o be_v conducible_a to_o that_o end_n mankind_n therefore_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a right_n to_o liberty_n of_o
to_o be_v rogue_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v §_o 6._o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n mankind_n be_v leave_v in_o as_o ill_a a_o condition_n after_o they_o have_v by_o pact_n and_o covenant_n unite_v into_o society_n and_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n of_o war._n for_o all_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o rule_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n invalid_a because_o under_o that_o man_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o their_o action_n but_o their_o interest_n and_o therefore_o as_o that_o may_v invite_v they_o in_o some_o circumstance_n to_o enter_v into_o bond_n and_o contract_n so_o it_o may_v in_o other_o to_o break_v they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n all_o their_o promise_n oath_n and_o contract_n will_v prove_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n partly_o because_o the_o force_n of_o all_o contract_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n arise_v from_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o first_o compact_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o validity_n partly_o because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o tie_n but_o that_o of_o self-interest_n and_o so_o can_v lay_v no_o other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v they_o than_o they_o may_v have_v do_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o mankind_n be_v once_o suppose_v in_o this_o natural_a state_n of_o war_n they_o can_v never_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o after_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n of_o peace_n they_o will_v remain_v as_o much_o as_o before_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o war_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o same_o danger_n and_o misery_n that_o will_v have_v annoy_v they_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n for_o if_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o law_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o nature_n no_o covenant_n be_v of_o power_n enough_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o they_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_o blow_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a to_o make_v particular_a inquiry_n into_o all_o the_o flaw_n and_o folly_n of_o its_o superstructure_n see_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n stand_v and_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o its_o subsequent_a proposition_n be_v coherent_o deduce_v from_o these_o fundamental_a principle_n all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o premise_n be_v once_o convict_v of_o falsehood_n all_o pretence_n to_o truth_n in_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o vanish_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v true_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o but_o other_o principle_n thus_o though_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o assign_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n yet_o because_o upon_o those_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o assign_v they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o law_n that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o error_n and_o vanity_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n see_v how_o good_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o upon_o the_o principle_n and_o in_o the_o method_n in_o which_o he_o propose_v they_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n the_o interest_n of_o civil_a society_n come_v thereby_o to_o be_v no_o better_o secure_v with_o than_o without_o they_o because_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o force_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_a all_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o think_v it_o advantageous_a and_o when_o they_o have_v the_o utmost_a force_n his_o principle_n can_v give_v they_o no_o man_n will_v think_v they_o oblige_v he_o when_o ever_o he_o apprehend_v they_o disadvantageous_a so_o that_o this_o malignant_a principle_n of_o mere_a self-interest_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n and_o twist_v itself_o with_o every_o branch_n of_o his_o morality_n it_o do_v not_o only_o eat_v out_o and_o enervate_a its_o native_a life_n and_o vigour_n but_o withal_o envenom_v their_o natural_a truth_n and_o soundness_n with_o its_o own_o malignity_n which_o principle_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o influence_n it_o have_v on_o other_o part_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v prevent_v and_o withal_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v ruin_v viz._n his_o absurd_a and_o imaginary_a state_n of_o nature_n we_o have_v perhaps_o cashier_v all_o that_o be_v either_o base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o it_o and_o restore_v the_o true_a account_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o right_a reason_n viz._n that_o all_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o happiness_n from_o the_o very_a design_n of_o their_o creation_n that_o this_o can_v be_v acquire_v without_o mutual_a aid_n and_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n dictate_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o concern_v for_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o because_o this_o be_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n man_n support_v one_o another_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n chap._n v._n a_o confutation_n of_o the_o consequence_n that_o some_o man_n draw_v from_o mr._n hobs_n principle_n in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o content_n how_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n yet_o because_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o it_o they_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o religion_n be_v useful_a or_o dangerous_a in_o a_o state_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o breed_v be_v peaceable_a or_o turbulent_a the_o dread_n of_o invisible_a power_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o awe_v people_n into_o subjection_n but_o tend_v more_o probable_o to_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n this_o large_o prove_v by_o the_o ungovernableness_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o temper_n of_o some_o sect_n fanaticism_n be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o be_v more_o mischievous_a to_o government_n than_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n how_o the_o fanatic_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o sedition_n to_o permit_v different_a sect_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v only_o to_o keep_v up_o so_o many_o incurable_a pretence_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a disturbance_n the_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n make_v toleration_n infinite_o unsafe_a toleration_n only_o cry_v up_o by_o oppress_a party_n because_o it_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o overturn_v the_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n every_o man_n that_o desire_v indulgence_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o principle_n to_o endeavour_v change_n and_o alteration_n a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o worship_n do_v but_o exasperate_v they_o against_o the_o state_n §_o 1._o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v this_o principle_n be_v because_o it_o be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a patron_n of_o the_o fanatic_a interest_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o indifferency_n or_o rather_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v now_o make_v the_o most_o effectual_a not_o to_o say_v most_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o man_n have_v once_o swallow_v this_o principle_n that_o mankind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o proceed_v suitable_o to_o its_o consequence_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o religion_n can_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n till_o it_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o supreme_a authority_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o law_n to_o any_o man_n till_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o no_o man_n be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n unless_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n require_v it_o and_o that_o set_v aside_o their_o command_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o believe_v our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o villainous_a and_o lewd_a impostor_n and_o that_o if_o the_o sovereign_a power_n will_v declare_v the_o alcoran_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o the_o
take_v care_n what_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v teach_v within_o his_o dominion_n because_o some_o be_v peculiar_o advantageous_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o other_o as_o natural_o tend_v to_o its_o disturbance_n some_o incline_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o candour_n moderation_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o work_v they_o to_o a_o gentle_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n by_o teach_v humility_n charity_n meekness_n and_o obedience_n now_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o prince_n to_o cherish_v and_o propagate_v such_o doctrine_n among_o their_o subject_n that_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o quiet_a but_o useful_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o other_o there_o be_v that_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o pride_n peevishness_n malice_n spite_n and_o envy_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o delight_v in_o detract_n from_o prince_n and_o speak_v reproachful_o of_o government_n and_o breed_v in_o they_o such_o restless_a and_o seditious_a temper_n that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n for_o any_o prince_n to_o please_v or_o oblige_v they_o now_o as_o for_o such_o perverse_a and_o arrogant_a sect_n of_o man_n it_o certain_o concer_n governor_n to_o suppress_v they_o as_o so_o many_o rout_n of_o traitor_n and_o rebel_n religion_n then_o be_v either_o useful_a or_o dangerous_a in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o breed_v be_v peaceable_a or_o turbulent_a and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o mischievous_a and_o therefore_o nothing_o more_o concern_v prince_n than_o to_o take_v care_n what_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v within_o their_o dominion_n for_o see_v religion_n have_v and_o will_v have_v the_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o that_o render_v they_o averse_a and_o troublesome_a to_o government_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o power_n nor_o policy_n in_o the_o world_n can_v keep_v they_o peaceable_a till_o such_o persuasion_n be_v root_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n by_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o penalty_n and_o as_o long_o as_o man_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o disobedience_n and_o sedition_n not_o any_o secular_a threaten_n and_o infliction_n be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o bridle_v the_o exorbitance_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v not_o any_o vice_n so_o incident_a to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o superstition_n nor_o any_o so_o mischievous_a it_o be_v infinite_o evident_a from_o the_o history_n and_o record_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o vicious_a or_o absurd_a but_o may_v pass_v for_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v worse_o the_o more_o wild_a and_o giddy_a conceit_n of_o religion_n be_v ever_o suck_v in_o by_o the_o multitude_n with_o the_o great_a passion_n and_o eagerness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o difficult_a as_o to_o bring_v the_o common_a people_n to_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v no_o paradox_n to_o affirm_v that_o religion_n i._n e._n what_o be_v mistake_v for_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o mischief_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o nothing_o require_v so_o much_o care_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o management_n so_o that_o the_o dread_n of_o invisible_a power_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o more_o serviceable_a to_o awe_v the_o people_n into_o subjection_n then_o to_o drive_v they_o into_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n and_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v accompany_v as_o it_o easy_o may_v with_o tumultuous_a and_o seditious_a persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o invincible_a obligation_n to_o villainy_n and_o rebellion_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o above_o all_o thing_n concern_v prince_n to_o look_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o man_n belief_n see_v it_o be_v so_o great_a odds_o that_o they_o prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v make_v their_o danger_n almost_o irresistible_a sect._n 4._o there_o be_v some_o sect_n who_o principle_n and_o some_o person_n who_o temper_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v peaceable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n for_o what_o if_o some_o man_n believe_v that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n themselves_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o their_o godly_a subject_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violence_n and_o force_n of_o arm_n what_o if_o they_o believe_v that_o prince_n be_v but_o executioner_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o by_o consequence_n depose_v what_o if_o they_o believe_v that_o dominion_n be_v found_v in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o wicked_a king_n forfeit_v their_o crown_n and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v they_o where_o they_o please_v and_o what_o if_o other_o believe_v that_o to_o puruse_v their_o success_n in_o villainy_n and_o rebellion_n be_v to_o follow_v providence_n and_o that_o when_o the_o event_n of_o war_n have_v deliver_v up_o king_n into_o their_o power_n than_o not_o to_o depose_v or_o murder_v they_o be_v to_o slight_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n providential_a dispensation_n be_v not_o these_o and_o the_o like_a innocent_a proposition_n think_v you_o mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o commonwealth_n such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o these_o can_v but_o make_v brave_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o powerful_a prince_n where_o such_o conceit_n be_v the_o main_a ingredient_n of_o his_o subject_n religion_n let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o what_o doctrine_n can_v have_v be_v more_o unlucky_o contrive_v to_o disturb_v government_n than_o these_o and_o if_o man_n will_v study_v on_o purpose_n to_o frame_v and_o model_n a_o rebellious_a faith_n these_o must_v have_v be_v their_o fundamental_a article_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v where_o they_o have_v be_v both_o believe_v and_o practise_v but_o further_a be_v there_o not_o a_o sort_n of_o melancholy_a religionist_n in_o the_o world_n who_o very_a genius_n incline_v they_o to_o quarrel_n and_o exception_n against_o the_o state_n and_o management_n of_o public_a affair_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o malapert_v as_o a_o splenetic_a religion_n the_o inward_a discontent_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n maintain_v itself_o upon_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o this_o humour_n be_v ever_o vent_v itself_o in_o sigh_n and_o complaint_n for_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o time_n i._n e._n in_o effect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o in_o tell_v and_o aggravate_v little_a story_n that_o may_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o ability_n of_o their_o superior_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v their_o fretful_a and_o anxious_a mind_n the_o very_a delight_n and_o recreation_n of_o the_o court_n shall_v stir_v their_o envy_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o great_a one_o grieve_v and_o wound_v their_o tender_a soul_n however_o prince_n behave_v themselves_o they_o can_v never_o win_v upon_o the_o affection_n of_o these_o people_n their_o very_a prosperity_n shall_v disoblige_v they_o and_o they_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o account_n for_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o grandee_n happen_v to_o be_v discontent_v they_o have_v here_o a_o party_n ready_a form_v for_o the_o purpose_n to_o revenge_v their_o injury_n and_o bring_v evil_a counsellor_n that_o seduce_v the_o king_n to_o justice._n and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o proud_a and_o haughty_a man_n among_o we_o not_o over-well_a affect_v to_o monarchick_a government_n who_o though_o they_o scorn_v yet_o patronize_v this_o humour_n as_o a_o check_n to_o the_o insolence_n and_o presumption_n of_o prince_n again_o be_v there_o not_o some_o whole_a sect_n of_o man_n all_o who_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o passion_n rancour_n and_o bitterness_n all_o who_o devotion_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o malecontentedness_n their_o piety_n than_o a_o sanctify_a fury_n and_o their_o zeal_n than_o a_o proud_a and_o spiteful_a malice_n and_o who_o by_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o principle_n be_v bring_v infinite_o and_o irrecoverable_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o passion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o nothing_o import_v governor_n so_o much_o as_o to_o manage_v man_n passion_n in_o that_o it_o be_v these_o rather_o than_o our_o appetite_n that_o disturb_v the_o world_n a_o person_n that_o be_v debauch_a and_o intemperate_a be_v indeed_o useless_a
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o
what_o a_o cross-grained_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o restrain_v thing_n only_o because_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o first_o to_o forbid_v prince_n to_o command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o then_o subject_n to_o do_v they_o only_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o to_o expose_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n by_o some_o more_o particular_a consideration_n §2_n first_o the_o folly_n and_o mischief_n that_o issue_n from_o it_o be_v so_o infinite_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v not_o overturn_v and_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o disturbance_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v any_o form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o all_o circumstance_n prescribe_v in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o exception_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v one_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o it_o may_v as_o occasion_n require_v serve_v as_o well_o to_o cashier_v all_o and_o by_o consequence_n take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n thus_o when_o upon_o this_o principle_n the_o disciplinarian_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o independent_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n separate_v from_o they_o the_o anabaptist_n from_o the_o independent_o the_o familist_n from_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o quaker_n from_o the_o familist_n and_o every_o faction_n divide_v and_o subdivide_v among_o themselves_o into_o innumerable_a sect_n and_o undersect_v and_o as_o long_o as_o man_n act_v up_o to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o innovation_n must_v be_v endless_a if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o lord-bishop_n it_o be_v as_o severe_a against_o lay-presbyter_n if_o against_o music_n in_o church_n than_o farewell_n sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o rhyme_n if_o against_o the_o cross_n why_o not_o against_o sprinkle_v in_o baptism_n and_o if_o against_o cathedral_n church_n than_o down_o go_v all_o steeple-house_n if_o against_o one_o thing_n then_o against_o every_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o two_o sacrament_n that_o can_v possible_o escape_v its_o impeachment_n all_o the_o pious_a villainy_n that_o have_v ever_o disturb_v the_o christian_a world_n have_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o this_o grand_a maxim_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawmaker_n to_o his_o church_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n invade_v his_o kingly_a office_n the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a so_o abuse_v this_o pretence_n to_o justify_v any_o seditious_a and_o licentious_a practice_n that_o they_o make_v heathen_a prince_n look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o government_n and_o the_o fanatic_n of_o late_a have_v so_o vex_v and_o embroil_v christendom_n with_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o christian_a prince_n themselves_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n it_o be_v become_v the_o only_a patron_n and_o pretext_n of_o sedition_n and_o when_o any_o subject_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o set_v themselves_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o can_v never_o want_v this_o pretence_n to_o warrant_v their_o disobedience_n see_v there_o be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o divers_a law_n that_o be_v not_o record_v by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o humane_a institution_n entrench_v upon_o our_o saviour_n kingly_a prerogative_n they_o be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v provide_v with_o matter_n of_o quarrel_n to_o disturb_v government_n and_o justify_v rebellion_n §_o 3._o second_o nay_o further_a this_o fond_a pretence_n if_o make_v use_v of_o to_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o may_v as_o wise_o serve_v will_v cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a which_o have_v only_o describe_v the_o general_a line_n of_o duty_n but_o leave_v their_o particular_a determination_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o humane_a law_n now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o in_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n these_o can_v be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n therefore_o if_o he_o can_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n to_o see_v the_o divine_a law_n put_v in_o execution_n for_o where_o be_v describe_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n where_o be_v determine_v all_o doubt_n and_o question_n of_o conscience_n where_o be_v decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n where_o be_v record_v all_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n why_o therefore_o shall_v humane_a authority_n be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v in_o these_o great_a affair_n and_o yet_o be_v deny_v it_o in_o the_o custom_n of_o church_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a reason_n to_o be_v assign_v but_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o fond_a opinion_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o be_v argument_n enough_o for_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a how_o come_v this_o proposition_n to_o be_v now_o limit_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o only_o because_o this_o serve_v their_o turn_n for_o otherwise_o why_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o perfect_v a_o rule_n of_o civil_a as_o of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n as_o they_o be_v a_o canon_n of_o worship_n why_o do_v not_o these_o man_n require_v from_o the_o scripture_n express_v command_n for_o every_o action_n they_o do_v in_o common_a life_n how_o dare_v they_o take_v any_o physic_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o dare_v they_o commence_v a_o suit_n at_o law_n without_o warranty_n from_o scripture_n how_o dare_v they_o do_v any_o natural_a action_n without_o particular_a advice_n and_o direction_n of_o holy_a writ_n §_o 4._o three_o but_o as_o foolish_a as_o this_o opinion_n be_v its_o mischief_n equal_v its_o folly_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o these_o son_n of_o strife_n and_o singularity_n must_v have_v be_v troublesome_a and_o seditious_a in_o all_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v they_o live_v under_o the_o jewish_a church_n why_o then_o where_o have_v moses_n command_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n the_o fast_n of_o the_o four_o the_o five_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o ten_o month_n what_o warrant_v for_o the_o build_n of_o synagogue_n and_o what_o command_v for_o that_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o wear_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n in_o token_n of_o humiliation_n if_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n why_o then_o where_o do_v our_o saviour_n appoint_v the_o love-feast_n where_o have_v he_o institute_v the_o kiss_n of_o charity_n where_o have_v he_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n and_o easter_n where_o the_o lordsday_n sabbath_n and_o where_o all_o their_o other_o commemorative_a festival_n vide_fw-la tertull_n de_fw-fr coronâ_fw-la c._n 3._o will_v they_o retreat_v to_o the_o lutheran_n church_n they_o will_v there_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o all_o the_o same_o but_o many_o more_o antichristian_a and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n to_o offend_v their_o tender_a conscience_n and_o will_v find_v themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o government_n save_v that_o their_o superintendent_o want_v the_o antichristian_a honour_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o english_a bishop_n partly_o through_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o country_n partly_o through_o the_o injury_n of_o sacrilege_n but_o main_o because_o the_o church_n revenue_n be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o romish_a bishop_n will_v they_o to_o france_n there_o notwithstanding_o the_o unsettle_a state_n of_o the_o protestant_n of_o that_o nation_n through_o want_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o their_o liturgy_n and_o establish_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o change_v of_o apparel_n for_o divine_a service_n as_o well_o as_o at_o home_n if_o they_o will_v to_o geneva_n there_o mr._n calvin_n common-prayer-book_n be_v as_o much_o impose_v as_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o they_o be_v enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o wafercake_n the_o custom_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n bid_v of_o prayer_n proper_a psalm_n not_o only_o for_o day_n but_o for_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n with_o divers_a other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v no_o where_o record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n what_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v affirm_v these_o be_v the_o only_a custom_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n never_o use_v more_o or_o less_o than_o these_o so_o that_o these_o man_n
of_o scruple_n that_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v do_v the_o same_o with_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o church_n in_o christendom_n who_o law_n and_o custom_n be_v not_o apparent_o liable_a either_o to_o the_o same_o or_o as_o great_a exception_n now_o magistrate_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o deal_v wonderful_a gentle_o with_o such_o tender_a conscience_n as_o these_o that_o be_v act_v by_o such_o nice_a and_o unhappy_a principle_n as_o must_v force_v they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a and_o unpeaceable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o notorious_a than_o all_o this_o these_o man_n have_v all_o along_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o principle_n run_v direct_o counter_a to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o persuasion_n for_o not_o to_o puzzle_v they_o to_o discover_v in_o which_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enjoin_v the_o form_n of_o public_a penance_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n or_o to_o find_v out_o the_o stool_n of_o repentance_n either_o among_o the_o work_n of_o bezaleel_n or_o the_o furniture_n of_o the_o temple_n we_o read_v indeed_o of_o beesom_n and_o flesh-fork_n and_o pot_n and_o shovel_n and_o candlestick_n but_o not_o one_o syllable_n of_o joynt-stool_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o precept_n or_o example_n they_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o sing_a psalm_n in_o meeter_n where_o have_v our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n enjoin_v a_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o that_o which_o themselves_o impose_v what_o divine_a authority_n can_v it_o challenge_v beside_o that_o of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o what_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v they_o produce_v for_o the_o significant_a form_n of_o swear_v by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o scruple_v what_o scripture_n command_v have_v they_o for_o the_o three_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v take_v it_o 1._o uncover_v 2._o stand_v 3._o with_o their_o right_a hand_n lift_v up_o bare_a now_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o impudence_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o have_v not_o only_o write_v so_o many_o book_n with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o three_o innocent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v significant_a but_o have_v also_o involve_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o civil_a war_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o their_o removal_n and_o have_v arm_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n against_o their_o sovereign_n with_o this_o holy_a league_n of_o rebellion_n that_o even_o then_o they_o shall_v impose_v three_o other_o so_o gross_o and_o so_o apparent_o liable_a to_o all_o their_o own_o objection_n what_o clear_a evidence_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n that_o dictate_v their_o scruple_n and_o what_o instance_n have_v we_o in_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o any_o schism_n and_o faction_n so_o unreasonable_o begin_v and_o continue_v the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n indeed_o may_v resemble_v but_o nothing_o can_v equal_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v proposal_n and_o condescension_n to_o such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o demand_n and_o suppose_v we_o shall_v yield_v and_o deliver_v up_o to_o their_o zeal_n those_o harmless_a ceremony_n they_o have_v so_o long_o worry_v with_o so_o much_o fury_n and_o impatience_n it_o will_v only_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o restless_a and_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n for_o whilst_o their_o peevish_a temper_n be_v act_v by_o this_o exorbitant_a principle_n the_o affair_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o settle_v as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n of_o quarrel_n in_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n against_o which_o this_o principle_n may_v not_o as_o rational_o be_v urge_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v religious_a worship_n without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o man_n make_v not_o use_v of_o it_o against_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v humoursom_a as_o well_o as_o seditious_a and_o so_o allow_v one_o thing_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n they_o disavow_v another_o for_o certain_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v when_o they_o pray_v refuse_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o swear_v which_o be_v but_o another_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n never_o scruple_n to_o kiss_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o whoever_o serious_o imbibe_v this_o persuasion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o understand_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o opinion_n if_o it_o do_v not_o lead_v he_o down_o to_o the_o low_a folly_n of_o quakerism_n which_o after_o divers_a gradual_a exorbitance_n of_o other_o less_o extravagant_a sect_n be_v but_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o untoward_a persuasion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o vain_a than_o to_o talk_v of_o accommodation_n or_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o possibility_n of_o quiet_a and_o setlement_n till_o authority_n shall_v see_v it_o necessary_a as_o it_o will_v first_o or_o last_o to_o scourge_v they_o into_o better_a manner_n and_o wise_a opinion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v manage_v and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unalterable_a yet_o we_o deem_v it_o apparent_o absurd_a to_o forego_v any_o of_o her_o establish_a ceremony_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o these_o man_n unreasonable_a demand_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v coarse_o impolitic_a upon_o divers_a other_o account_n so_o main_o by_o yield_v up_o her_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n submit_v her_o authority_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o must_v be_v eternal_a and_o invincible_a hindrance_n of_o peace_n and_o setlement_n this_o let_v they_o consider_v who_o it_o most_o concern_v §_o 5._o four_o as_o for_o their_o principle_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_o certain_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o when_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o thing_n necessary_a be_v as_o confident_o apply_v to_o thing_n accessary_a it_o lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n impregnable_a principle_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n for_o confound_v they_o in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n between_o the_o substantial_a duty_n and_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a value_n and_o necessity_n it_o make_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o place_n a_o religion_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o religious_a and_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o false_a and_o groundless_a fear_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o formality_n of_o superstition_n whereas_o be_v they_o due_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a and_o thing_n mere_o decent_a and_o circumstantial_a this_o will_v not_o only_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o also_o keep_v up_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n decency_n of_o worship_n and_o due_a reverence_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o these_o man_n will_v punctual_o tie_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o meaning_n be_v of_o new_a article_n of_o belief_n it_o be_v notorious_o impertinent_a because_o to_o this_o no_o civil_a magistrate_n pretend_v but_o if_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o divine_a law_n it_o be_v then_o indeed_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o as_o notorious_o false_a in_o that_o we_o be_v certain_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o every_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a by_o some_o prohibition_n for_o thing_n become_v evil_a not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o being_n not_o command_v but_o upon_o that_o of_o their_o be_v forbid_v and_o what_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v not_o it_o
and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o declamation_n against_o add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v short_a i_o appeal_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n whether_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o unwarrantable_a addition_n than_o these_o who_o forbid_v those_o thing_n as_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v what_o be_v it_o to_o teach_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n for_o doctrine_n but_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o what_o can_v more_o charge_v the_o divine_a law_n of_o imperfection_n than_o to_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v perform_v all_o that_o it_o have_v command_v and_o yet_o perish_v for_o not_o do_v something_o that_o it_o have_v not_o command_v and_o so_o do_v they_o who_o make_v it_o necessary_a not_o to_o do_v something_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o tax_v the_o church_n of_o make_v addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o all_o her_o law_n be_v impose_v not_o as_o law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o law_n of_o man_n and_o so_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n than_o iustinian_n institutes_n and_o littleton_n tenor_n and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o for_o their_o noise_n against_o popery_n a_o term_n that_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o angry_a word_n signify_v any_o thing_n that_o some_o man_n dislike_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o raise_v this_o outcry_n when_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a gentleman_n at_o rome_n to_o control_v the_o law_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o what_o do_v they_o but_o set_v up_o a_o pope_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n whilst_o they_o vest_n it_o with_o a_o power_n of_o countermand_v the_o decree_n of_o prince_n these_o thing_n can_v but_o appear_v with_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o invincible_o either_o ignorant_a or_o wilful_a or_o both_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v time_n they_o shall_v at_o least_o for_o shame_n if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o conscience_n cease_v to_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o clamour_n and_o exception_n so_o miserable_o impertinent_a that_o i_o blush_v for_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o serious_a confutation_n and_o therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o their_o impertinency_n together_o for_o i_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v these_o old_a and_o dear_a acquaintance_n part_v i_o shall_v now_o address_v myself_o to_o clear_v off_o one_o more_o material_a and_o more_o plausible_a objection_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v this_o sect._n 14._o it_o be_v possible_a the_o magistrate_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o determination_n and_o establish_v a_o worship_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a in_o which_o case_n if_o what_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v true_a all_o his_o subject_n must_v either_o be_v rebel_n or_o idolater_n if_o they_o obey_v they_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o they_o disobey_v they_o sin_n against_o their_o sovereign_n this_o be_v the_o last_o issue_n of_o all_o that_o be_v object_v in_o this_o controversy_n and_o the_o only_a argument_n that_o give_v gloss_n and_o colour_n to_o all_o their_o other_o trifle_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v as_o fair_o object_v against_o all_o government_n of_o moral_a and_o political_a affair_n for_o there_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o its_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v the_o civil_a power_n of_o prince_n because_o they_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v perhaps_o abuse_v it_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o alone_o lie_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o their_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v err_v and_o manage_v it_o to_o evil_a purpose_n but_o whatever_o force_n it_o carry_v in_o it_o it_o rather_o strike_v at_o the_o divine_a providence_n than_o my_o assertion_n and_o charge_n that_o of_o be_v defective_a in_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o have_v not_o set_v over_o we_o infallible_a judge_n and_o governor_n for_o unless_o all_o magistrate_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v act_v against_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o their_o authority_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n overthrow_v the_o power_n of_o all_o fallible_a judicature_n and_o make_v governor_n as_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o controversy_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n as_o in_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v the_o world_n that_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o if_o indeed_o mankind_n be_v infallible_a this_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o see_v that_o all_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o see_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o all_o public_a affair_n our_o question_n i_o say_v be_v what_o be_v the_o most_o prudent_a and_o expedient_a way_n of_o settle_v they_o not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v be_v to_o devolve_v their_o management_n on_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o least_o so_o and_o be_v a_o much_o better_a way_n to_o attain_v public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n than_o if_o they_o be_v entire_o leave_v to_o the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o every_o private_a man_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v pregnant_a with_o all_o manner_n of_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o this_o method_n i_o have_v assign_v be_v comparative_o the_o best_a way_n of_o government_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a affair_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o some_o inconvenience_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v embrace_v above_o all_o other_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o incomparable_o the_o few_o and_o if_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o private_a person_n suffer_v wrong_a from_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v yet_o this_o private_a injury_n have_v a_o ample_a compensation_n from_o the_o public_a benefit_n that_o arise_v from_o it_o and_o when_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o either_o the_o whole_a society_n or_o one_o individual_a must_v suffer_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v that_o better_a one_o honest_a man_n perish_v than_o a_o million_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o bad_a government_n be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o evil_n that_o fall_v upon_o particular_a man_n from_o its_o unskilful_a or_o irregular_a administration_n be_v vast_o too_o little_a to_o weigh_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o institution_n sect._n 15._o and_o upon_o this_o principle_n stand_v the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o authority_n in_o that_o though_o its_o ill_a management_n may_v happen_v to_o bring_v many_o and_o great_a inconvenience_n upon_o the_o public_a yet_o they_o can_v equal_v the_o mischief_n of_o that_o confusion_n which_o must_v necessary_o arise_v if_o subject_n be_v warrant_v to_o disobey_v or_o resist_v government_n whenever_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v it_o be_v ill_o administer_v perhaps_o never_o any_o government_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o be_v administer_v with_o exact_a justice_n and_o equity_n nor_o any_o governor_n so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o be_v chargeable_a with_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o if_o upon_o every_o quarrel_n every_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n can_v pick_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n he_o may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o a_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a dissolution_n of_o government_n when_o every_o man_n will_v be_v command_v by_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o persuasion_n that_o be_v himself_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v tie_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v mischievous_a yet_o it_o be_v less_o so_o than_o disobedience_n and_o the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v as_o it_o can_v be_v by_o man_n and_o not_o as_o it_o may_v be_v by_o angel_n the_o management_n indeed_o of_o humane_a affair_n be_v general_o bad_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o can_v probable_o
be_v expect_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o if_o we_o go_v about_o to_o alter_v any_o present_a setlement_n we_o must_v almost_o of_o necessity_n make_v it_o worse_o and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o attempt_n have_v seldom_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o perpetual_a confusion_n till_o thing_n have_v at_o length_n resettled_a in_o the_o same_o or_o as_o bad_a if_o not_o a_o worse_o condition_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o the_o misery_n of_o tyranny_n be_v less_o than_o those_o of_o anarchy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o unreasonable_a imposition_n of_o nero_n or_o caligula_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o state_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n by_o deny_v our_o subjection_n to_o tyrant_n and_o there_o never_o be_v any_o lawful_a magistrate_n so_o bad_a who_o law_n and_o government_n be_v not_o more_o conducive_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o common_a good_a than_o his_o oppression_n be_v to_o subvert_v it_o and_o it_o be_v wise_o eligible_a to_o suffer_v a_o less_o evil_a rather_o than_o lose_v a_o great_a good_a it_o be_v a_o know_v and_o a_o wise_a say_n of_o tacitus_n bonos_fw-la principes_fw-la voto_fw-la expetere_fw-la debemus_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la pati_fw-la &_o quomodo_fw-la sterilitatem_fw-la aut_fw-la nimios_fw-la imbres_fw-la &_o cetera_fw-la naturae_fw-la mala_fw-la sic_fw-la luxum_fw-la &_o avaritiam_fw-la dominantium_fw-la tolerare_fw-la and_o this_o in_o one_o word_n be_v not_o only_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n but_o a_o ample_a confutation_n of_o that_o pestilent_a book_n vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v only_o to_o invite_v subject_n to_o rebel_v against_o tyrannical_a government_n by_o represent_v the_o evil_n of_o tyranny_n which_o though_o they_o be_v as_o great_a as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v abundant_o less_o than_o those_o that_o follow_v upon_o rebellion_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n be_v sufficient_o teach_v by_o the_o event_n and_o for_o one_o commonwealth_n he_o can_v instance_n in_o that_o have_v gain_v by_o rebellion_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v a_o hundred_o that_o it_o have_v hazard_v if_o not_o utter_o ruin_v and_o therefore_o this_o author_n not_o to_o mention_v mariana_n and_o buchanan_n and_o other_o have_v perform_v nothing_o in_o behalf_n of_o his_o cause_n by_o display_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o tyrannical_a power_n unless_o he_o have_v withal_o evince_v they_o to_o be_v more_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o war_n and_o confusion_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n can_v be_v so_o secure_o establish_v as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o sad_a inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o that_o constitution_n of_o affair_n be_v most_o eligible_a that_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o few_o and_o upon_o this_o score_n i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v so_o severe_o enjoin_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o notwithstanding_o that_o tyranny_n be_v a_o oppress_a burden_n of_o humane_a life_n yet_o it_o be_v less_o intolerable_a than_o a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n sect._n 16._o but_o to_o speak_v more_o express_o to_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v govern_v it_o can_v be_v without_o religion_n &_o religion_n as_o harmless_a and_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o when_o mix_v with_o the_o folly_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n it_o do_v not_o usual_o inspire_v they_o with_o overmuch_a gentleness_n and_o goodness_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o submit_v to_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o command_v over_o all_o the_o other_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v all_o man_n just_a and_o honest_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n cancel_v all_o the_o law_n of_o equity_n as_o suppose_v they_o wise_a and_o sober_a in_o their_o religious_a conceit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n take_v off_o all_o restraint_n from_o the_o excess_n and_o enormity_n of_o zeal_n it_o be_v therefore_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v govern_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o common_a affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o as_o for_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v from_o it_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o belong_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o be_v and_o must_v be_v unavoidable_a as_o long_o as_o mankind_n be_v endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n for_o so_o long_o he_o can_v be_v entrust_v with_o any_o power_n how_o good_a soever_o that_o he_o may_v not_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n because_o he_o may_v abuse_v it_o to_o evil_a and_o irreligious_a end_n by_o establish_v idolatry_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v pity_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o ruin_v only_o for_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v just_a as_o reasonable_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v cashier_v all_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o set_v man_n free_a from_o all_o oath_n and_o obligation_n of_o allegiance_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o usurper_n may_v gain_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o then_o force_v his_o subject_n to_o abjure_v all_o their_o former_a oath_n to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o man_n of_o the_o gallant_a and_o most_o honest_a principle_n shall_v be_v fine_v decimate_v hang_v banish_a and_o murder_v only_o for_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o thus_o will_v the_o parallel_n run_v equal_a in_o all_o case_n between_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n both_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v lamentable_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o abolish_v one_o it_o be_v so_o to_o abolish_v both_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a result_n of_o all_o amount_v only_o to_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o politic_a course_n to_o take_v away_o all_o government_n because_o all_o government_n may_v be_v abuse_v sect._n 17._o though_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o the_o objection_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a or_o unnecessary_a to_o abet_v it_o with_o this_o one_o consideration_n more_o that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v perhaps_o innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v easy_o possible_a for_o well-meaning_a people_n through_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o unhappy_a error_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a disturbance_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o crime_n as_o infelicity_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o remedy_n but_o it_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o public_a rod_n and_o axe_n magistrate_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o not_o of_o every_o particular_a man_n concern_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o law_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a that_o be_v their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o must_v secure_v and_o if_o any_o harmless_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n make_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v a_o misfortune_n they_o can_v prevent_v and_o therefore_o must_v deal_v with_o he_o as_o they_o do_v with_o all_o other_o offender_n that_o be_v pity_n and_o punish_v he_o private_a interest_n must_v yield_v to_o public_a good_a and_o therefore_o when_o they_o can_v stand_v together_o and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o one_o must_v suffer_v it_o be_v better_a certain_o that_o one_o or_o a_o few_o shall_v perish_v than_o the_o whole_a community_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o wary_o contrive_v but_o that_o some_o innocent_a person_n may_v sometime_o fall_v under_o their_o penalty_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a welfare_n that_o now_o and_o then_o a_o guiltless_a person_n shall_v suffer_v than_o that_o all_o the_o guilty_a shall_v escape_v in_o that_o the_o former_a injure_v but_o one_o the_o latter_a all_o therefore_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o govern_v all_o society_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o ill_a fortune_n that_o may_v befall_v a_o few_o single_a person_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v avoid_v whilst_o the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v
necessary_a that_o either_o the_o same_o or_o some_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v establish_v that_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o the_o end_n of_o government_n to_o punish_v enormity_n as_o to_o prevent_v disturbance_n and_o when_o they_o bring_v malefactor_n to_o justice_n as_o we_o term_v it_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o the_o crime_n for_o that_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o another_o tribunal_n as_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o cut_v off_o such_o person_n as_o be_v pest_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o punishment_n deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a practice_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o which_o governor_n take_v not_o so_o much_o notice_n that_o be_v more_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n than_o other_o that_o they_o punish_v with_o capital_a infliction_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n so_o that_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o of_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v otherwise_o even_o innocent_a be_v in_o this_o regard_n injurious_a it_o as_o much_o concern_v authority_n to_o give_v it_o check_v by_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o punishment_n as_o any_o the_o foul_a immorality_n temporal_a punishment_n than_o be_v inflict_v upon_o such_o person_n that_o be_v turbulent_a against_o prescribe_a rule_n of_o public_a worship_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o they_o be_v against_o those_o that_o offend_v against_o all_o other_o public_a edict_n of_o government_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o intend_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o society_n and_o when_o either_o of_o they_o be_v violate_v they_o equal_o tend_v to_o its_o disturbance_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n act_n against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o its_o governor_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v all_o their_o offence_n against_o its_o ecclesiastical_a law_n liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o its_o last_o result_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o question_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o policy_n not_o so_o much_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o preservation_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a and_o yet_o his_o opinion_n be_v intolerable_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o its_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n for_o it_o be_v easy_o imaginable_a how_o a_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n may_v through_o mere_a ignorance_n fall_v into_o such_o error_n which_o though_o god_n will_v pardon_v yet_o governor_n must_v punish_v his_o integrity_n may_v expiate_v the_o crime_n but_o can_v prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o his_o error_n nay_o so_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o be_v government_n right_o understand_v and_o due_o manage_v mistake_v and_o abuse_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o supply_v the_o galley_n with_o vast_o great_a number_n than_o villainy_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n and_o of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o pretend_v it_o against_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n the_o content_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o silliness_n of_o the_o principle_n with_o which_o they_o abuse_v the_o people_n think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o by_o fly_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n scandal_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o occasion_n the_o sin_n of_o another_o and_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o determinate_o good_a or_o evil._n all_o scandal_n be_v equal_o take_v but_o not_o equal_o criminal_a man_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o in_o this_o affair_n by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o st._n paul_n contrary_a behaviour_n towards_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o avoid_v their_o contrary_a scandal_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o this_o point_n between_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o proper_a obligation_n of_o scandal_n be_v extend_v only_o to_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o case_n in_o which_o it_o be_v concern_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v determine_v by_o settle_a law_n and_o constitution_n how_o scandalous_o these_o man_n prevaricate_v with_o the_o world_n in_o their_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n that_o may_v excuse_v their_o refusal_n of_o conformity_n but_o give_v no_o account_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o their_o scruple_v to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o divine_a service_n into_o conventicle_n how_o shameful_o these_o man_n juggle_v with_o the_o world_n and_o impose_v upon_o their_o follower_n if_o they_o will_v but_o persuade_v their_o proselyte_n to_o be_v of_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o will_v end_v all_o our_o difference_n they_o first_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o the_o scandal_n and_o then_o make_v this_o the_o formal_a reason_n why_o they_o must_v follow_v they_o if_o the_o people_n scruple_n be_v groundless_a then_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a disobedience_n a_o further_a account_n of_o their_o shameful_a prevarication_n the_o ridiculousness_n of_o the_o people_n pretend_v it_o concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v scandalize_v by_o their_o avoid_v private_a offence_n they_o run_v into_o public_a scandal_n they_o scandalize_v their_o own_o weak_a brethren_n most_o of_o all_o by_o comply_v with_o they_o old_a and_o inveterate_a scandal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o but_o oppose_v and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n infinite_o outweigh_v and_o utter_o evacuate_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n sect._n 1_o though_o the_o former_a principle_n viz._n that_o no_o man_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v rivet_v into_o the_o people_n mind_n as_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o puritan_n separation_n yet_o their_o leader_n seem_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o be_v drive_v from_o this_o and_o all_o their_o other_o little_a hold_n and_o shelter_n they_o have_v at_o length_n think_v it_o the_o safe_a and_o the_o wise_a course_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n this_o be_v their_o fort_n royal_a in_o which_o they_o have_v at_o last_o secure_v and_o entrench_v themselves_o as_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a and_o that_o themselves_o may_v lawful_o use_v they_o be_v it_o not_o that_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o sincere_a but_o weak_a christian_n that_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o dare_v not_o conform_v to_o our_o ceremonial_a constitution_n for_o fear_v of_o ensnare_a and_o scandalize_a weak_a conscience_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n account_v of_o it_o no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n and_o whatever_o be_v due_a to_o authority_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v too_o high_a a_o tribute_n none_o can_v be_v more_o ready_a than_o themselves_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o lawful_a command_n but_o here_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v when_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o at_o the_o price_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a doom_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o offend_v any_o of_o his_o little_a one_o i._n e._n babe_n and_o weakling_n in_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o hazard_v their_o own_o life_n in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n yet_o nothing_o can_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v so_o cruel_a and_o so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o destroy_v any_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v which_o be_v certain_o do_v by_o cast_v snare_n and_o scandal_n before_o their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o examine_v its_o strength_n and_o reasonableness_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o
proud_a ignorant_a and_o seditious_a preacher_n against_o who_o if_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n be_v particular_o level_v how_o easy_a will_v it_o be_v in_o some_o competent_a time_n to_o reduce_v the_o people_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n and_o to_o make_v all_o our_o present_a schism_n that_o may_v otherwise_o prove_v eternal_a expire_v with_o or_o before_o the_o present_a age_n the_o want_n or_o neglect_v of_o which_o method_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o have_v give_v they_o so_o much_o strength_n &_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n §_o 8._o four_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o give_v place_n to_o old_a and_o inveterate_a scandal_n but_o rather_o aught_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n to_o oppose_v they_o with_o a_o public_a defiance_n and_o to_o shame_v those_o that_o pretend_v they_o out_o of_o their_o confidence_n for_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n in_o these_o case_n be_v tenderness_n and_o compassion_n to_o some_o man_n infirmity_n and_o as_o long_o as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v this_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v scandalize_v so_o long_o be_o i_o bind_v by_o charity_n and_o good_a nature_n to_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o no_o long_o for_o after_o they_o have_v have_v a_o competent_a time_n and_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n i_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v not_o ignorance_n that_o be_v the_o gound_z of_o their_o take_a offence_n but_o pride_n or_o peevishness_n or_o something_o worse_o so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o disabuse_v the_o weak_a by_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n remove_v his_o scruple_n declare_v the_o innocence_n of_o my_o action_n clear_v it_o of_o all_o sinister_a suspicion_n and_o protest_v against_o all_o those_o abuse_n he_o will_v put_v upon_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n and_o when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v i_o have_v clear_v myself_o from_o all_o his_o ill-natured_a jealousy_n and_o surmise_n and_o discharge_v all_o the_o office_n and_o obligation_n of_o charity_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o my_o offend_a neighbour_n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o his_o perverse_a misinterpretation_n of_o my_o action_n and_o pretend_v that_o they_o still_o gall_n and_o ensnare_v his_o tender_a conscience_n the_o man_n be_v peevish_a and_o refractory_a and_o only_o make_v use_v of_o this_o precarious_a pretence_n to_o justify_v his_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o my_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o then_o be_o i_o so_o far_o from_o be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o peevishness_n and_o insolence_n of_o his_o humour_n that_o i_o be_o strong_o bind_v to_o thwart_v and_o oppose_v it_o for_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v but_o betray_v my_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o his_o wilful_a and_o imperious_a ignorance_n and_o give_v superstitious_a folly_n the_o advantage_n and_o authority_n of_o prescription_n for_o if_o that_o prevail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v yield_v and_o condescend_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a it_o must_v in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o it_o can_v plead_v that_o than_o it_o become_v necessary_a inveterate_a error_n be_v ever_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o what_o prescription_n warrant_v it_o always_o impose_v custom_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v rule_v and_o preside_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n because_o it_o be_v popular_a and_o be_v ever_o attend_v with_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o follower_n it_o grow_v proud_a and_o confident_a and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o upbraid_v free_a reason_n with_o singularity_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o all_o i_o can_v gain_v by_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o my_o own_o liberty_n to_o another_o man_n folly_n will_v be_v only_o to_o give_v he_o a_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o claim_v a_o right_n of_o command_n and_o dominion_n over_o i_o and_o to_o make_v myself_o subject_a to_o his_o humour_n by_o my_o own_o civility_n and_o thus_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o a_o time_n permit_v the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v or_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v it_o owe_v they_o so_o much_o civility_n and_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v not_o give_v check_n to_o their_o stubborn_a persuasion_n they_o have_v give_v they_o authority_n and_o by_o too_o long_a a_o compliance_n will_v have_v vouch_v and_o abet_v their_o error_n and_o adopt_a judaisme_n into_o christianity_n and_o circumcision_n not_o only_a might_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o as_o firm_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o baptism_n and_o this_o show_v we_o how_o wayward_a and_o unreasonable_a those_o man_n be_v who_o still_o persevere_v to_o object_v scandal_n against_o the_o church_n constitution_n after_o she_o have_v so_o often_o protest_v against_o this_o exception_n by_o so_o many_o solemn_a declaration_n when_o at_o first_o it_o be_v pretend_v it_o may_v perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n excuse_n or_o alleviate_v their_o disobedience_n but_o after_o authority_n have_v so_o sufficient_o satisfy_v their_o scruple_n and_o remove_v their_o suspicion_n and_o so_o ample_o clear_v the_o innocence_n of_o its_o own_o intention_n if_o man_n will_v still_o continue_v jealous_a and_o quarrelsome_a they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o if_o they_o smart_v for_o their_o own_o presumption_n and_o folly_n and_o prince_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o lawful_a power_n only_o because_o some_o of_o their_o subject_n will_v not_o learn_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v think_v good_a to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o these_o man_n peevishness_n as_o to_o reverse_v his_o law_n against_o they_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o they_o this_o will_v but_o feed_v and_o cherish_v their_o insolence_n and_o only_o encourage_v they_o to_o proceed_v if_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o more_o unreasonable_a demand_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o insist_v upon_o these_o they_o may_v when_o they_o be_v grant_v they_o go_v on_o to_o make_v new_a remonstrance_n i._n e._n upon_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o beside_o this_o will_v but_o give_v the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n to_o their_o scruple_n and_o superstitious_a pretence_n and_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o all_o those_o calumny_n to_o posterity_n with_o which_o themselves_o or_o their_o follower_n labour_v to_o charge_v it_o and_o oblige_v future_a age_n to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v these_o peevish_a and_o seditious_a person_n as_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o more_o godly_a and_o thorough_a reformation_n not_o to_o mention_v how_o much_o prince_n have_v ever_o gain_v by_o their_o concession_n to_o the_o demand_n of_o fanatic_a zealot_n they_o may_v easy_o embolden_v but_o hardly_o satisfy_v they_o and_o if_o they_o yield_v up_o but_o one_o jewel_n of_o their_o imperial_a diadem_n to_o their_o importunity_n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o they_o to_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v gain_v crown_n and_o all_o and_o perhaps_o the_o head_n that_o wear_v it_o too_o for_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n how_o happy_a will_v the_o world_n be_v if_o wise_a man_n be_v but_o wise_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n but_o every_o age_n live_v as_o much_o at_o all_o adventure_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o first_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o warning_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o former_a age_n sect._n 9_o five_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n infinite_o outweigh_v and_o utter_o evacuate_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n for_o the_o matter_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v concern_v be_v only_a thing_n indifferent_a but_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o antecedent_o sinful_a remain_v so_o after_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v superinduce_v upon_o it_o these_o change_n thing_n indifferent_a as_o to_o their_o nature_n into_o necessary_a duty_n as_o to_o their_o use_n and_o therefore_o place_v they_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n that_o may_v in_o many_o case_n extend_v to_o the_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o never_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hindrance_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o no_o obedience_n how_o offensive_a soever_o unless_o it_o be_v upon_o some_o other_o account_v faulty_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v criminal_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o scandal_n the_o obligation_n whereof_o be_v but_o accidental_a
changeable_a and_o so_o alter_v its_o colour_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n by_o its_o several_a aspect_n and_o posture_n to_o various_a and_o different_a end_n and_o therefore_o they_o never_o carry_v any_o obligation_n in_o they_o when_o they_o interfere_v with_o high_a &_o more_o useful_a duty_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v because_o though_o two_o inferior_a and_o subordinate_a duty_n may_v sometime_o happen_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o each_o other_o or_o with_o some_o duty_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o unalterable_a goodness_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o handsome_o contrive_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o thing_n shall_v ever_o happen_v so_o cross_o as_o to_o make_v two_o essential_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n stand_v at_o mutual_a opposite_a on_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v force_v to_o act_v against_o one_o out_o of_o compliance_n with_o the_o other_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o contrariety_n between_o a_o natural_a and_o instrumental_a duty_n there_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a evacuate_v the_o less_o if_o between_o two_o instrumental_a duty_n it_o can_v scarce_o so_o fall_v out_o but_o that_o some_o emergent_a circumstance_n shall_v make_v one_o of_o they_o the_o more_o necessary_a but_o if_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o eligible_a there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n and_o a_o man_n may_v do_v as_o he_o please_v it_o be_v indeed_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n to_o entangle_v himself_o in_o this_o sad_a perplexity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o culpable_a error_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o every_o sinful_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v voluntary_a and_o vincible_a and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o sinful_a error_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o avoid_v they_o and_o if_o they_o resolve_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o no_o wonder_n if_o their_o sin_n be_v unavoidable_a but_o then_o the_o necessity_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o so_o all_o sin_n be_v inevitable_a when_o the_o peremptory_a determination_n of_o the_o will_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a but_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o goodness_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v so_o wise_o contrive_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a any_o circumstance_n shall_v ever_o fall_v out_o so_o awkardly_a as_o to_o make_v one_o sin_n the_o only_a way_n to_o escape_v another_o or_o a_o necessary_a passage_n to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o general_a rule_n of_o conscience_n to_o our_o particular_a case_n there_o be_v not_o any_o precept_n in_o the_o gospel_n set_v down_o in_o more_o positive_a and_o unlimited_a expression_n or_o urge_v with_o more_o vehement_a motive_n and_o persuasion_n than_o obedience_n to_o government_n because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o duty_n of_o a_o weighty_a and_o more_o important_a necessity_n than_o this_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v enjoin_v it_o with_o such_o a_o absolute_a and_o unrestrained_a severity_n thereby_o to_o intimate_v that_o nothing_o can_v restrain_v the_o universality_n of_o its_o obligatory_a power_n but_o evident_a &_o unquestionable_a disobedience_n to_o himself_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o original_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o only_a advantage_n that_o distinguish_v government_n from_o anarchy_n this_o take_v away_o all_o dissension_n by_o reduce_v every_o man_n private_a will_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o public_a authority_n whereas_o without_o it_o every_o single_a person_n be_v his_o own_o governor_n and_o no_o man_n else_o have_v any_o power_n or_o command_v over_o his_o action_n i._n e._n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o government_n and_o society_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v obedience_n and_o condescension_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o public_a authority_n one_o of_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n now_o a_o conscience_n that_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o its_o governor_n subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o civil_a society_n that_o subsist_v upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o man_n submit_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o authority_n in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o setlement_n without_o which_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v eternal_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o private_a conscience_n happen_v to_o thwart_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a law_n they_o in_o that_o case_n lose_v their_o bind_a power_n because_o if_o in_o that_o case_n they_o shall_v oblige_v it_o will_v unavoidable_o involve_v all_o society_n in_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o disorder_n whereas_o the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o humane_a law_n be_v the_o prosperity_n and_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n so_o that_o where_o any_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o government_n and_o undermine_v of_o humane_a happiness_n though_o in_o other_o circumstance_n it_o be_v virtuous_a yet_o in_o this_o it_o become_v criminal_a as_o destroy_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a goodness_n than_o itself_o and_o hence_o though_o a_o doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n shall_v oblige_v in_o all_o other_o case_n yet_o when_o its_o command_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n there_o its_o obligatory_a power_n immediate_o cease_v because_o to_o act_v against_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o vast_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a purpose_n than_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o that_o every_o man_n that_o thwart_v and_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n do_v his_o part_n to_o disturb_v its_o public_a peace_n that_o be_v maintain_v by_o nothing_o else_o but_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o its_o law_n now_o this_o be_v manifest_o a_o big_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n than_o the_o forego_n of_o any_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n can_v amount_v to_o and_o therefore_o unless_o authority_n impose_v upon_o i_o something_o that_o carry_v with_o it_o more_o evil_a and_o mischief_n than_o there_o be_v convenience_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n i_o be_o indispensable_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o though_o i_o scrupulous_o fear_v lest_o the_o magistrate_n injunction_n shall_v be_v superstitious_a yet_o because_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a they_o be_v so_o and_o because_o a_o little_a irregularity_n in_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n carry_v with_o it_o less_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n than_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n i_o be_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o lay_v aside_o my_o doubt_n rather_o than_o disobey_v the_o law_n because_o to_o preserve_v it_o natural_o tend_v to_o vast_a mischief_n and_o confusion_n whereas_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o my_o act_n against_o it_o be_v but_o doubtful_a and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a yet_o it_o be_v small_a and_o comparative_o inconsiderable_a and_o therefore_o to_o act_v against_o the_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v criminal_a that_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o imply_v in_o it_o beside_o its_o subserviency_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o modesty_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n and_o as_o for_o what_o some_o be_v forward_o enough_o to_o object_n that_o this_o be_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a exception_n and_o prevent_v in_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v in_o that_o that_o rule_n be_v concern_v only_o in_o thing_n absolute_o and_o essential_o evil_a who_o nature_n no_o case_n can_v alter_v no_o circumstance_n can_v extenuate_v and_o no_o end_n can_v sanctify_v but_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o subservient_o good_a or_o evil_n derive_v all_o their_o virtue_n from_o the_o great_a virtue_n they_o wait_v upon_o and_o therefore_o where_o a_o mean_a or_o a_o instrumental_a duty_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o a_o essential_a virtue_n its_o contrariety_n destroy_v its_o goodness_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v less_o virtuous_a become_v altogether_o sinful_a for_o though_o it_o have_v abstract_o some_o degree_n of_o goodness_n yet_o when_o it_o chance_v to_o oppose_v any_o duty_n that_o have_v more_o and_o more_o excellent_a degree_n it_o become_v evil_a and_o unreasonable_a by_o as_o many_o degree_n as_o that_o excel_v it_o and_o one_o will_v think_v this_o case_n shall_v be_v past_a dispute_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a controversy_n that_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o
distance_n and_o disproportion_n forasmuch_o as_o obedience_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o so_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o so_o diffusive_a usefulness_n whereas_o the_o goodness_n of_o those_o little_a thing_n they_o oppose_v to_o it_o be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v confess_o scarce_a discernible_a and_o their_o conscience_n as_o nice_a and_o curious_a as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o determine_v positive_o whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o prodigious_a madness_n be_v it_o to_o weigh_v such_o trifle_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n against_o the_o vast_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o disobedience_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o public_a law_n can_v but_o drown_v the_o uncertain_a whisper_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n all_o its_o scruple_n be_v hush_v and_o silence_v by_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n it_o dare_v not_o whimper_v when_o that_o forbid_v and_o the_o nod_n of_o a_o prince_n awe_v it_o into_o silence_n and_o submission_n but_o if_o they_o dare_v to_o murmur_v and_o their_o proud_a stomach_n will_v swell_v against_o the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o superior_n then_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o the_o rod_n and_o correction_n they_o must_v be_v chastise_v out_o of_o their_o peevishness_n and_o lash_v into_o obedience_n in_o a_o word_n though_o religion_n so_o high_o consult_v the_o interest_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o peace_n &_o happiness_n of_o kingdom_n yet_o so_o monstrous_o have_v it_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o and_o wickedness_n of_o other_o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o more_o mischief_n to_o government_n the_o main_a cause_n of_o which_o have_v be_v man_n not_o observe_v the_o due_a scale_n and_o subordination_n of_o duty_n and_o that_o in_o case_n of_o competition_n the_o great_a always_o destroy_v the_o less_o for_o hence_o have_v they_o oppose_v the_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o society_n for_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o ceremony_n or_o a_o subordinate_a instrumental_a duty_n whereas_o have_v they_o sober_o consider_v the_o important_a necessity_n of_o their_o obedience_n they_o will_v scarce_o have_v find_v any_o duty_n of_o moment_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o it_o for_o see_v almost_o all_o virtue_n be_v enjoin_v we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n and_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o conducive_a to_o it_o than_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a weal_n and_o good_a of_o all_o and_o see_v this_o be_v the_o design_n and_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o public_a law_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o that_o have_v need_n be_v huge_o certain_o and_o absolute_o evil_a that_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n and_o dispense_v with_o our_o obedience_n and_o not_o a_o form_n or_o a_o ceremony_n or_o a_o outward_a expression_n or_o any_o other_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o some_o menthink_v it_o better_a to_o be_v disputative_a than_o peaceable_a and_o that_o there_o be_v more_o godliness_n in_o be_v captious_a and_o talkative_a than_o in_o be_v humble_a and_o obedient_a it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n to_o they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a to_o authority_n they_o beat_v about_o and_o search_v into_o every_o little_a corner_n for_o doubt_n &_o exception_n against_o their_o command_n and_o how_o do_v they_o triumph_v when_o they_o can_v but_o start_v a_o scruple_n they_o labour_v to_o stumble_v at_o atom_n to_o boggle_v at_o straw_n and_o shadow_n and_o cherish_v their_o scruple_n till_o they_o become_v as_o big_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o outweigh_v the_o great_a and_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v prodigious_o strange_a and_o yet_o as_o common_a too_o to_o consider_v how_o most_o man_n who_o pretend_v and_o that_o perhaps_o sincere_o to_o great_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o scruple_n posture_n and_o innocent_a ceremony_n be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o digest_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o most_o mischievous_a villainy_n they_o can_v dispense_v with_o spightfulness_n malice_n disobedience_n schism_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o all_o to_o nourish_v a_o weak_a and_o a_o impotent_a scruple_n and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o any_o little_a conceit_n they_o will_v run_v themselves_o into_o the_o great_a and_o most_o palpable_a enormity_n and_o will_v cherish_v it_o till_o it_o weigh_v down_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n find_v i_o a_o man_n that_o be_v obstinate_o scrupulous_a and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o one_o that_o be_v incurable_o seditious_a and_o whoever_o will_v prefer_v his_o scruple_n before_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n peace_n quietness_n and_o humility_n can_v avoid_v be_v often_o betray_v into_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n but_o if_o we_o will_v resolve_v to_o be_v tender_a of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o great_a undoubted_a and_o unalterable_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o will_v defend_v our_o conscience_n against_o the_o vexation_n of_o scruple_n and_o little_a inadvertency_n protect_v the_o public_a from_o all_o the_o disturbance_n of_o a_o peevish_a and_o wayward_a godliness_n and_o secure_v our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n without_o be_v so_o punctual_a and_o exact_a in_o the_o offering_n of_o mint_n and_o cummin_n sect._n 6._o in_o case_n and_o dispute_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v private_a man_n be_v not_o proper_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la they_o have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o own_o judgement_n or_o determine_v by_o their_o own_o will_n but_o by_o the_o command_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o command_n he_o that_o impose_v it_o shall_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o not_o i_o who_o whole_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n will_v warrant_v my_o obedience_n my_o obedience_n will_v hallow_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v my_o action_n and_o so_o secure_v i_o from_o sin_n if_o not_o from_o error_n because_o i_o follow_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o most_o probable_a direction_n i_o be_o capable_a of_o and_o though_o i_o may_v mistake_v my_o integrity_n shall_v preserve_v my_o innocence_n and_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a case_n it_o be_v better_a to_o err_v with_o authority_n than_o be_v in_o the_o right_n against_o it_o not_o only_o because_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o little_a error_n and_o so_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v disputable_a be_v outweigh_v by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o more_o nice_a and_o exact_a way_n of_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o government_n but_o also_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v the_o fit_a judge_n of_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o understand_v public_a affair_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n their_o command_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o public_a concern_v than_o man_n own_o private_a persuasion_n and_o so_o must_v have_v a_o superior_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o their_o determination_n and_o if_o we_o take_v away_o this_o condescension_n of_o our_o private_a conscience_n to_o public_a authority_n we_o immediate_o dissolve_v all_o government_n for_o in_o case_n of_o dissension_n unless_o we_o submit_v our_o persuasion_n to_o their_o command_n their_o command_n must_v submit_v to_o our_o persuasion_n and_o then_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o wherein_o consist_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n when_o it_o may_v be_v control_v by_o every_o subject_n opinion_n and_o what_o can_v follow_v but_o perfect_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n when_o every_o man_n will_v be_v govern_v by_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o if_o subject_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o dispute_v the_o prudence_n and_o convenience_n of_o all_o law_n government_n will_v be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o helpless_a thing_n and_o prince_n will_v command_v at_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o therefore_o people_n be_v never_o curious_a in_o their_o exception_n against_o any_o public_a law_n unless_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o case_n they_o study_v for_o reason_n to_o disobey_v because_o it_o gratify_v their_o pride_n &_o vanity_n to_o seem_v more_o know_v than_o their_o governor_n in_o that_o part_n of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o think_v most_o valuable_a self-conceit_n and_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v strange_a temptation_n to_o disobedience_n and_o be_v there_o not_o something_o of_o this_o in_o it_o man_n will_v find_v out_o other_o command_v more_o liable_a to_o their_o exception_n for_o how_o seldom_o be_v it_o that_o
and_o by_o consequence_n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o all_o i_o will_v persuade_v man_n to_o be_v only_o that_o they_o will_v do_v as_o much_o out_o of_o duty_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v out_o of_o civility_n that_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o jew_n retain_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o will_v whatever_o their_o own_o persuasion_n be_v of_o some_o thing_n not_o clear_o and_o absolute_o sinful_a comply_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o governor_n when_o it_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o noble_a end_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n a_o thing_n in_o itself_o so_o good_a and_o so_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o action_n that_o it_o will_v not_o render_v virtuous_a whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o whenever_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v useful_a and_o instrumental_a to_o its_o attainment_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v no_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o act_n cross_v to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n have_v no_o sense_n either_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o order_n and_o government_n or_o great_a duty_n of_o humanity_n modest_a peaceableness_n meekness_n and_o civility_n i._n e._n he_o be_v a_o proud_a and_o factious_a person_n and_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v peevish_a and_o disobedient_a in_o fine_a there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o conscience_n the_o former_a consist_v in_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o man_n own_o judgement_n and_o of_o this_o no_o magistrate_n can_v deprive_v we_o in_o that_o he_o can_v tie_v up_o any_o man_n understanding_n from_o judge_v of_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v but_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a that_o consist_v in_o the_o power_n over_o man_n outward_a action_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v all_o public_a affair_n every_o man_n do_v and_o of_o necessity_n must_v pass_v away_o to_o the_o ruler_n of_o that_o society_n he_o live_v in_o because_o though_o i_o have_v say_v it_o often_o enough_o already_o yet_o too_o often_o i_o can_v say_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o main_a key_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o yet_o but_o little_a if_o at_o all_o regard_v by_o our_o adversary_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o government_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o power_n of_o command_n over_o man_n action_n and_o therefore_o unless_o all_o man_n grant_v it_o away_o to_o their_o governor_n they_o live_v not_o under_o government_n but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o anarchy_n every_o man_n will_v be_v prince_n and_o monarch_n to_o himself_o and_o as_o free_v from_o all_o command_n as_o if_o he_o live_v out_o of_o all_o society_n see_v only_a himself_o shall_v have_v any_o real_a dominion_n over_o his_o own_o action_n and_o his_o governor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o command_v he_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o himself_n first_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n so_o that_o when_o man_n will_v be_v the_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o action_n it_o be_v not_o the_o freedom_n of_o conscience_n but_o its_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v they_o will_v endure_v none_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o but_o themselves_o and_o force_v prince_n to_o submit_v their_o law_n to_o their_o saucy_a and_o imperious_a humour_n and_o it_o be_v this_o they_o mean_v by_o their_o pretence_n to_o a_o tender_a conscience_n i._n e._n a_o conscience_n that_o scruple_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o government_n that_o will_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o public_a law_n be_v entire_o at_o its_o own_o liberty_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v itself_o to_o any_o rule_n but_o its_o own_o private_a persuasion_n that_o affect_v to_o be_v nice_a and_o squeamish_a against_o all_o the_o command_n of_o its_o superior_n and_o love_v to_o censure_v they_o upon_o the_o light_a and_o most_o slender_a presumption_n and_o that_o will_v not_o yield_v up_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o own_o fantastic_a humour_n to_o its_o prince_n will_v or_o the_o church_n peace_n i._n e._n in_o effect_n the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o which_o forsooth_o they_o must_v be_v bear_v with_o consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o their_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o notorious_a heretic_n for_o the_o rank_a sort_n of_o heresy_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o a_o peevish_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n and_o a_o heretic_n be_v one_o that_o delight_v in_o quarrel_n and_o faction_n whence_o erasmus_n render_v s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sectarum_fw-la author_n a_o man_n that_o love_v to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o a_o party_n it_o be_v peevishness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o will_n that_o turn_v small_a error_n into_o great_a heresy_n pride_n and_o passion_n and_o whatsoever_o can_v make_v a_o opinion_n vicious_a be_v its_o fundamental_a ingredient_n and_o give_v it_o its_o essential_a formality_n this_o vice_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o opinion_n as_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a disposition_n of_o mind_n or_o a_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n own_o conception_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o saint_n paul_n reckon_v among_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o brutish_a peevishness_n that_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o that_o lenity_n and_o yieldingness_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n whence_o he_o advise_v not_o to_o confute_v but_o to_o admonish_v such_o a_o one_o i_o e._n that_o be_v quarrelsome_a and_o boisterous_a for_o every_o trifle_n and_o every_o fancy_n because_o through_o pride_n and_o perverseness_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v advise_v and_o not_o dispute_v into_o sobriety_n or_o to_o use_v the_o phrase_n of_o saint_n paul_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fellow_n that_o be_v troublesome_a and_o contentious_a especial_o about_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o malapert_a nonconformist_a he_o suppose_v dispute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o their_o woman_n ought_v contrary_a to_o their_o receive_a custom_n to_o be_v uncover_v at_o divine_a service_n but_o he_o take_v he_o up_o with_o this_o short_a and_o peremptory_a answer_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o thing_n neither_o moral_o good_a nor_o evil_a as_o few_o external_a rite_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o decency_n and_o that_o be_v satisfaction_n enough_o to_o any_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a mind_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v refractory_o persist_v to_o control_v it_o must_v be_v treat_v as_o a_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n i._n e._n pity_v and_o punish_v as_o be_v all_o other_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n when_o man_n conscience_n be_v so_o squeamish_a or_o so_o humoursome_a as_o that_o they_o will_v rise_v against_o the_o custom_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o she_o must_v scourge_v they_o into_o order_n and_o chastise_v they_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o fond_a persuasion_n as_o for_o their_o troublesome_a peevishness_n and_o this_o use_n of_o the_o church_n rod_n and_o censure_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a effectual_a way_n to_o preserve_v she_o from_o faction_n and_o contention_n not_o only_o because_o upon_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n soft_a method_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n but_o also_o because_o if_o we_o remove_v the_o limit_n and_o boundary_n of_o discipline_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o frenzy_n of_o brainsick_a people_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o let_v loose_a who_o then_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o the_o wildness_n of_o godly_a madness_n for_o this_o we_o have_v too_o clear_a a_o proof_n in_o the_o frantic_a practice_n of_o our_o modern_a sectary_n who_o when_o they_o have_v inflame_v their_o little_a zeal_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a gesture_n they_o measure_v the_o simplicity_n of_o christ_n worship_n by_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n all_o institution_n of_o order_n be_v unwarrantable_a invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n all_o custom_n be_v superstition_n and_o all_o discipline_n be_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a novelty_n how_o uncouth_a and_o fantastic_a soever_o be_v their_o only_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o every_o sect_n distinguish_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o by_o some_o