obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o restoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n both_o from_o press_n and_o pulpit_n party_n be_v make_v in_o the_o city_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v make_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o own_n of_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v with_o great_a confidence_n urge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o public_a and_o national_a oath_n bind_v all_o person_n of_o this_o nation_n whether_o they_o do_v swear_v it_o personal_o or_o not_o and_o all_o posterity_n after_o we_o in_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v into_o the_o public_a place_n and_o politic_a capacity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n covenant_v for_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v and_o by_o no_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n to_o be_v absolve_v or_o make_v void_a as_o among_o other_o mr._n crofton_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o famous_a write_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v the_o ground_n which_o this_o party_n of_o man_n do_v go_v upon_o what_o he_o do_v allege_v have_v great_a reason_n in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o those_o clause_n which_o he_o do_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n do_v suppose_v all_o posterity_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o this_o he_o urge_v not_o as_o his_o own_o single_a opinion_n but_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o whole_a party_n and_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o london_n minister_n dec._n 14._o 1647._o several_a of_o which_o be_v at_o this_o present_a preacher_n to_o the_o separate_a congregation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o absolve_v we_o from_o it_o nay_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n which_o in_o other_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v large_a enough_o be_v in_o this_o bind_v up_o as_o mr._n cr._n tell_v we_o p._n 139._o that_o the_o parliament_n consist_v of_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o that_o in_o their_o public_a capacity_n as_o a_o parliament_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o their_o house_n and_o in_o formality_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o their_o speaker_n before_o they_o go_v unto_o st._n margaret_n church_n in_o westminster_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n imaginable_a do_v as_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n swear_v this_o covenant_n which_o as_o a_o far_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n they_o cause_v to_o be_v print_v with_o their_o name_n subscribe_v and_o to_o be_v hang_v up_o in_o all_o church_n and_o in_o their_o own_o house_n as_o a_o compass_n whereby_o in_o conformity_n to_o right_v reason_n and_o religion_n to_o steer_v their_o then_o debate_n 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scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n in_o confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o in_o which_o article_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v many_o thing_n liable_a to_o very_o just_a and_o material_a exception_n as_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o private_a man_n in_o england_n if_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o place_n and_o call_v intermeddle_v either_o in_o the_o preservation_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nay_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o person_n in_o this_o kingdom_n whatever_o be_v he_o in_o what_o public_a capacity_n he_o will_v his_o majesty_n only_o except_v or_o those_o who_o act_n by_o commission_n from_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o concern_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o second_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o article_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n of_o scotland_n and_o withal_o to_o bring_v the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o 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among_o all_o the_o precept_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v moderation_n condescension_n bear_v with_o one_o another_o infirmity_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o not_o any_o one_o of_o they_o have_v any_o manner_n of_o relation_n to_o our_o great_a idol_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v plain_o give_v to_o private_a person_n &_o many_o time_n in_o relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o where_o not_o so_o limit_v to_o certain_a case_n occasional_a emergency_n and_o with_o a_o clear_a reference_n to_o their_o not_o have_v as_o yet_o time_n or_o opportunity_n of_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v but_o as_o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sufficient_o call_v upon_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o respective_a flock_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o wolf_n do_v not_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o exercise_v the_o whole_a power_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v viz._n the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n a_o thing_n which_o come_v so_o near_o the_o question_n now_o in_o debate_n that_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o assist_v with_o temporal_a penalty_n and_o though_o it_o be_v often_o suggest_v into_o his_o argument_n that_o the_o outward_a sword_n can_v act_v no_o more_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o upon_o a_o ghost_n yet_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n a_o phrase_n well_o know_v to_o signify_v disease_n and_o such_o like_a infliction_n on_o the_o body_n be_v a_o very_a likely_a method_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n may_v at_o length_n come_v to_o be_v save_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n though_o of_o a_o distant_a nature_n have_v so_o near_o a_o union_n such_o common_a interest_n and_o so_o great_a a_o influence_n one_o upon_o another_o that_o what_o do_v affect_v the_o one_o the_o other_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v so_o far_o concern_v in_o as_o at_o the_o least_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o this_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a experience_n and_o have_v seldom_o fail_v of_o a_o great_a effect_n whenever_o it_o have_v be_v make_v trial_n of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v not_o only_o supercede_v all_o correction_n in_o religious_a affair_n but_o in_o civil_a one_o likewise_o now_o that_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v henceforward_o without_o control_n profess_v and_o propagate_v what_o opinion_n soever_o he_o either_o do_v real_o or_o will_v pretend_v to_o believe_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o far_o from_o be_v according_a to_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o must_v profess_v myself_o to_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o thing_n be_v not_o contrary_a not_o only_o to_o some_o few_o text_n but_o to_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephes._n v._n 14._o we_o read_v of_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o they_o may_v take_v care_n of_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v henceforth_o no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a crastiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v now_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o a_o unbounded_a licence_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o opinion_n be_v ever_o intend_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n appoint_v by_o christ_n who_o duty_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o this_o consideration_n will_v be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a force_n both_o as_o to_o the_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v of_o soul_n and_o withal_o as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n if_o we_o do_v but_o keep_v in_o mind_n the_o caution_n which_o be_v here_o give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o gold_n that_o glister_v that_o fair_a pretence_n may_v have_v very_o ill_a design_n lodge_v under_o they_o the_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n be_v itself_o certain_o a_o very_a great_a evil_a and_o of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n but_o the_o delude_a person_n themselves_o have_v one_o good_a preservative_n against_o it_o when_o they_o be_v by_o such_o a_o infallible_a authority_n forewarn_v and_o assure_v that_o this_o do_v frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v now_o in_o this_o case_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n adviseable_a upon_o the_o score_n either_o of_o piety_n or_o prudence_n that_o such_o deceiver_n shall_v have_v a_o unbounded_a liberty_n to_o seduce_v all_o those_o who_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o impose_v upon_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o he_o call_v upon_o the_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n in_o this_o case_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o high_a censure_n which_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o gal._n 5._o 12._o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o when_o this_o which_o our_o apostle_n do_v advise_v be_v do_v that_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n any_o one_o or_o more_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o corruption_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o this_o person_n or_o person_n so_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n above_o suppose_a shall_v in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n nay_o in_o the_o same_o parish_n have_v a_o right_a to_o set_v up_o another_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o a_o rot_a member_n from_o one_o church_n he_o may_v from_o thence_o assume_v the_o privilege_n to_o create_v himself_o the_o pastor_n of_o another_o which_o he_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o tell_v we_o be_v a_o much_o pure_a one_o now_o the_o want_n of_o exercise_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n we_o find_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o blame-worthy_a rev._n 2._o 14._o where_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o ver._n 15._o thou_o have_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n now_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o church_n be_v not_o charge_v in_o the_o least_o that_o he_o himself_o do_v hold_v these_o false_a doctrine_n but_o that_o there_o be_v those_o within_o his_o communion_n who_o do_v hold_v they_o as_o again_o the_o complaint_n be_v renew_v v_o 20._o to_o another_o angel_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o this_o natural_a or_o christian_n right_a of_o propagate_a whatever_n opinion_n man_n do_v chance_n or_o fancy_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o st._n john_n be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o blame_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o suffer_v a_o false_a prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v the_o soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n be_v not_o lamentable_o expose_v to_o innumerable_a and_o unaccountable_a danger_n if_o so_o be_v that_o by_o public_a authority_n they_o shall_v lie_v expose_v to_o every_o one_o to_o deceive_v who_o can_v and_o will_n st._n paul_n 2_o ti_fw-mi 2._o 17._o give_v we_o notice_n of_o some_o heretic_n of_o his_o time_n who_o word_n do_v eat_v as_o do_v a_o canker_n he_o name_v the_o man_n and_o the_o doctrine_n hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n who_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o &_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o
who_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o a_o few_o harmless_a ceremony_n who_o raise_v all_o their_o causeless_a scruple_n infuse_v so_o many_o senseless_a jealousy_n and_o not_o be_v content_a to_o have_v at_o first_o infuse_v these_o needless_a fear_n do_v still_o go_v on_o to_o nurse_v up_o and_o cherish_v they_o who_o first_o betray_v great_a number_n into_o folly_n and_o ever_o after_o continue_v to_o humour_v they_o in_o it_o he_o who_o can_v conform_v himself_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o for_o fear_v lest_o his_o auditory_a and_o acquaintance_n shall_v abate_v in_o their_o esteem_n or_o contribution_n towards_o he_o if_o he_o mean_v sincere_o &_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o honest_a man_n he_o ought_v to_o deal_v faithful_o with_o his_o admirer_n &_o tell_v they_o real_o what_o himself_n think_v communicate_v the_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o be_v long_o needless_o afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v entertain_v wild_a suspicion_n about_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o a_o implicit_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o skill_n and_o honesty_n of_o their_o teacher_n such_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o very_a precious_a and_o know_a man_n and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o conform_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v conformity_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o pastor_n and_o his_o flock_n in_o this_o case_n do_v mutual_o guide_v and_o be_v guide_v by_o each_o other_o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o and_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a mark_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o a_o infallible_a token_n of_o their_o election_n to_o admire_v he_o but_o if_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o our_o brethren_n have_v so_o great_a a_o privilege_n entail_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o which_o they_o have_v take_v a_o fancy_n against_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n must_v immediate_o become_v unlawful_a if_o so_o be_v that_o any_o scrupulous_a man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o entertain_v a_o foolish_a jealousy_n about_o it_o then_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o weakness_n endue_v with_o a_o very_a strange_a degree_n of_o omnipotence_n because_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o very_a mistake_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n a_o thing_n in_o itself_o innocent_a do_v according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n immediate_o become_v unlawful_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o that_o any_o fanciful_a delude_a man_n do_v erroneous_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o methinks_v that_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o eager_a asserter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v always_o do_v shall_v of_o all_o other_o person_n the_o least_o endure_v to_o have_v it_o thus_o trifle_v with_o as_o to_o have_v it_o believe_v to_o be_v open_o expose_v to_o lie_v perpetual_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o all_o the_o humour_n melancholy_n artifice_n cheat_n and_o discontent_n in_o the_o whole_a nation_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o avoid_v the_o give_n of_o scandal_n as_o most_o certain_o and_o evident_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o action_n of_o all_o private_a man_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o public_a constitution_n must_v be_v as_o often_o overrule_v as_o any_o single_a person_n be_v either_o by_o his_o own_o folly_n or_o by_o the_o art_n of_o other_o man_n impose_v upon_o to_o believe_v evil_a of_o they_o then_o can_v no_o man_n tell_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o action_n sacred_a or_o civil_a except_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o immediate_a and_o plain_a divine_a precept_n what_o one_o thing_n shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o moment_n but_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o mistake_n of_o other_o man_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v well-meaning_a one_o be_v to_o have_v so_o uncontrollable_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o all_o private_a person_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o all_o public_a one_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v it_o will_v thence_o follow_v very_o apparent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n lie_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o take_v care_n what_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v entrust_v with_o teach_v the_o people_n for_o if_o conscience_n though_o never_o so_o erroneous_a be_v of_o right_n and_o by_o apostolical_a appointment_n to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o regard_n have_v unto_o they_o then_o of_o all_o thing_n great_a circumspection_n shall_v be_v use_v and_o security_n take_v for_o the_o understanding_n and_o honesty_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v to_o be_v guide_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n be_v thing_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v a_o immediate_a supersedeas_fw-la to_o our_o whole_a christian_a liberty_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a law_n than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a frenzy_n imaginable_a to_o grant_v a_o promiscuous_a liberty_n to_o whoever_o please_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n alas_o the_o vulgar_a be_v easy_o impose_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o day_n what_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o his_o that_o there_o be_v those_o who_o will_v speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n because_o of_o advantage_n and_o bring_v their_o auditory_n to_o admire_v those_o very_a doctrine_n which_o themselves_o do_v hearty_o despise_v outward_o court_v their_o hearer_n and_o inward_o laugh_v at_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v not_o religion_n and_o government_n like_o to_o be_v at_o a_o very_a fine_a pass_n when_o who_o so_o please_v shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o make_v all_o possible_a advantage_n of_o that_o very_a scruple_n which_o himself_o be_v author_n of_o and_o when_o all_o other_o objection_n fail_v shall_v be_v allow_v to_o plead_v his_o own_o exemption_n from_o all_o obedience_n to_o the_o settle_a constitution_n from_o the_o dissatisfaction_n of_o other_o man_n who_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o he_o have_v never_o entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o be_v dissatisfy_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v frequent_o urge_v that_o those_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a which_o be_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o in_o former_a day_n but_o there_o be_v new_a and_o straight_a bond_n add_v to_o they_o a_o new_a declaration_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_v and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v provoke_v which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v remain_v silent_a if_o not_o satisfy_v new_a scruple_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o before_o lay_v bury_v and_o which_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v quite_o forget_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a that_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v formal_o renounce_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v require_v that_o man_n must_v swear_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o that_o no_o man_n else_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o now_o after_o all_o this_o wonder_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o easy_o account_v for_o for_o sure_o it_o have_v be_v among_o man_n not_o at_o all_o unusual_a nor_o in_o itself_o strange_a that_o where_o former_a security_n have_v be_v find_v too_o slight_a to_o add_v other_o to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o declaration_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_n the_o addition_n which_o it_o do_v make_v to_o the_o former_a subscription_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o to_o raise_v a_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o man_n who_o be_v real_a in_o they_o and_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o great_a mystery_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o terribie_n sound_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_n which_o the_o people_n be_v teach_v to_o be_v affright_v at_o as_o if_o some_o dismal_a meaning_n be_v hide_v under_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o art_n to_o raise_v their_o jealousy_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v for_o the_o find_v out_o some_o plot_n or_o other_o in_o the_o follow_a renunciation_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v order_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a that_o that_o cause_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v but_o increase_n as_o appear_v but_o too_o plain_o from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o clamour_n raise_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o cause_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o themselves_o and_o that_o great_a stir_n which_o they_o make_v about_o the_o
same_o liberty_n from_o their_o imposition_n which_o they_o have_v both_o of_o they_o before_o join_v in_o desire_v from_o the_o national_a settlement_n their_o pretence_n be_v at_o least_o equal_a they_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a right_n to_o freedom_n which_o any_o other_o man_n have_v they_o have_v the_o same_o plea_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o they_o have_v another_o very_a good_a title_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v expect_v indulgence_n from_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o point_n of_o merit_n the_o same_o argument_n the_o sectary_n show_v to_o be_v in_o common_a between_o they_o both_o and_o withal_o have_v this_o to_o add_v far_o that_o their_o arm_n add_v that_o assistance_n without_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v bring_v themselves_o into_o a_o condition_n to_o have_v enjoy_v that_o liberty_n as_o to_o themselves_o which_o the_o other_o sect_n by_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n do_v put_v they_o into_o a_o condition_n to_o grant_v and_o therefore_o very_a well_o deserve_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o but_o in_o those_o day_n their_o dear_a brethren_n to_o who_o they_o be_v much_o behold_v for_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o prayer_n and_o arm_n their_o mutual_a contribution_n of_o blood_n and_o treasure_n and_o who_o at_o present_a they_o smile_v most_o sweet_o upon_o do_v receive_v the_o harsh_a usage_n which_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o give_v they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o public_a complaint_n that_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o handle_v they_o with_o much_o great_a roughness_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o there_o then_o come_v out_o a_o book_n entitle_v wholesome_a severity_n reconcile_v with_o christian_a liberty_n license_v by_o ja._n cranford_n wherein_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o liberty_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o but_o that_o under_o these_o fair_a colour_n and_o handsome_a pretext_n sectary_n infuse_v their_o poison_n their_o pernicious_a god-provoking_a truth-defacing_a church-ruinating_a and_o state-shaking_a toleration_n to_o which_o author_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o more_o public_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n as_o also_o against_o the_o error_n heresy_n blasphemy_n of_o these_o time_n and_o the_o toleration_n of_o they_o subscribe_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n within_o the_o province_n of_o london_n december_n 14._o 1647._o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v but_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n shall_v insist_v something_o more_o large_o upon_o because_o they_o be_v such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n as_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o very_o considerable_a and_o sufficient_o qualify_v to_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o whole_a party_n to_o great_a advantage_n and_o beside_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o live_v and_o preacher_n at_o this_o day_n to_o the_o separate_a congregation_n about_o the_o town_n now_o i_o will_v â—ain_o know_v of_o these_o gentleman_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n now_o about_o toleration_n as_o they_o be_v then_o if_o they_o be_v then_o methinks_v they_o shall_v do_v very_o well_o to_o declare_v it_o and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o that_o by_o their_o behaviour_n one_o will_v guess_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v alter_v in_o that_o they_o do_v so_o far_o comply_v as_o to_o join_v counsel_n and_o interest_n with_o those_o who_o former_o they_o bear_v testimony_n against_o again_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n about_o toleration_n now_o as_o they_o be_v former_o then_o all_o the_o under_o sect_n have_v great_a cause_n in_o time_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o aught_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o very_o false_a brethren_n who_o want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n to_o take_v away_o that_o liberty_n which_o now_o indeed_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o they_o never_o intend_v it_o for_o any_o but_o themselves_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n about_o toleration_n now_o as_o they_o be_v former_o then_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o honesty_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o much_o they_o be_v former_o mistake_v in_o that_o they_o raise_v such_o fearful_a outcry_n against_o that_o toleration_n which_o be_v a_o innocent_a and_o a_o useful_a thing_n the_o give_v of_o which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o say_v the_o duty_n and_o interest_n of_o all_o government_n be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o permit_v to_o we_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n make_v we_o free_a or_o rather_o which_o be_v the_o right_n of_o nature_n the_o common_a birth_n right_a of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a testimony_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o spread_a heresy_n and_o curse_a blasphemy_n of_o those_o time_n which_o have_v bear_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n very_o fit_o joyn_v and_o then_o they_o add_v but_o above_o all_o our_o soul_n be_v wound_v to_o think_v with_o whaâ—_n hope_n and_o industry_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v endeavour_v and_o with_o what_o a_o wellcomed_a boldness_n sundry_a odious_a heretic_n which_o in_o other_o place_n have_v be_v banish_v and_o brand_v with_o infamy_n do_v vent_v their_o poisonous_a opinion_n among_o we_o as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v england_n a_o common_a receptacle_n of_o all_o the_o sinful_a dregs_o of_o foreign_a country_n as_o well_o as_o former_a age_n pag._n 29._o as_o if_o all_o the_o error_n heresy_n sect_n schism_n division_n looseness_n profaneness_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n among_o we_o be_v small_a matter_n what_o secret_a and_o public_a endeavour_n project_n method_n and_o practice_n be_v there_o among_o we_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o universal_a boundless_a lawless_a abominable_a and_o intolerable_a toleration_n to_o the_o fill_v up_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o the_o pull_v down_o god_n fierce_a indignation_n upon_o this_o nation_n and_o pag._n 30._o instead_o of_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n with_o destructive_a schism_n separation_n division_n and_o subdivision_n etc._n etc._n and_o instead_o of_o extirpation_n of_o heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n we_o have_v such_o a_o impudent_a and_o general_a inundation_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n that_o multitude_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o press_v and_o plead_v for_o a_o public_a formal_a universal_a toleration_n and_o have_v thus_o show_v how_o great_a their_o zeal_n be_v in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v likewise_o lay_v down_o their_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o with_o great_a earnestness_n they_o do_v express_v in_o these_o follow_a word_n pag._n 32._o a_o public_a and_o a_o general_a toleration_n will_v prove_v a_o hideous_a and_o complexive_a evil_n of_o most_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n if_o ever_o which_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v consent_v to_o by_o authority_n for_o hereby_o first_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n will_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a dust_n second_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n yea_o all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n will_v be_v râ—â—ed_v to_o the_o very_a ground_n three_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n office_n worship_n religion_n yea_o and_o the_o very_a power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v utter_o overthroâ—â—_n four_o thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o poor_a soul_n which_o christ_n have_v ransom_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n shall_v be_v hereby_o betray_v seduce_v and_o endanger_v to_o be_v undo_v to_o all_o eternity_n five_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o with_o they_o all_o religious_a and_o comely_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o very_a root_n six_o reformation_n in_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n shall_v be_v utter_o make_v void_a seven_o england_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o sect_n schism_n division_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o become_v a_o odious_a sink_n and_o a_o common_a receptacle_n of_o all_o the_o prodigious_a error_n lie_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n libertinism_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o rome_n itself_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o more_o odious_a puddle_n and_o cage_n of_o all_o abomination_n and_o uncleanness_n eight_o the_o godly_a shall_v sit_v down_o and_o lament_v among_o we_o nineth_o the_o wicked_a shall_v rise_v up_o and_o insult_v over_o we_o ten_o all_o the_o nation_n about_o we_o shall_v be_v amaze_v at_o we_o eleven_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v we_o they_o shall_v all_o cry_v out_o against_o we_o be_v this_o england_n that_o covenant_v and_o swear_v to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n such_o
of_o devil_n as_o saint_n paul_n do_v upon_o occasion_n declare_v some_o doctrine_n to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o preach_v any_o such_o in_o his_o kingdom_n what_o now_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v conscience_n on_o both_o side_n the_o king_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v as_o i_o be_o and_o think_v himself_o as_o well_o inform_v as_o i_o either_o be_o or_o can_v be_v if_o the_o king_n restrain_v i_o from_o preach_v after_o my_o own_o way_n than_o i_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o be_v a_o persecutor_n he_o reply_v that_o i_o be_o a_o seducer_n nay_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o aught_o to_o suffer_v any_o such_o in_o his_o country_n either_o his_o conscience_n or_o i_o must_v over-rule_v both_o can_v be_v satisfy_v one_o or_o other_o must_v necessary_o either_o yield_v or_o alter_v or_o else_o i_o must_v preach_v and_o he_o must_v punish_v and_o the_o almighty_a must_v at_o his_o own_o time_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o world_n the_o king_n conscience_n have_v reason_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v more_o authoritative_a than_o i_o and_o withal_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o take_v care_n both_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o other_o man_n to_o judge_n both_o as_o to_o his_o own_o particular_a and_o likewise_o as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o whole_a nation_n if_o it_o be_v reply_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o king_n conscience_n ought_v to_o yield_v because_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o he_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o point_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o religion_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o look_v after_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n a_o pretence_n frequent_o insist_v on_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v enlarge_v upon_o as_o to_o many_o particular_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a influence_n upon_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v within_o his_o care_n then_o religion_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o it_o as_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o to_o the_o pretence_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o a_o error_n if_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o concern_v in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o that_o very_a pretence_n will_v upon_o examination_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a error_n and_o in_o general_a the_o subject_n be_v no_o more_o free_a from_o error_n than_o the_o sovereign_n and_o this_o need_v not_o seem_v news_n to_o we_o of_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sad_o evidence_v that_o seducer_n will_v quick_o be_v find_v in_o great_a abundance_n where_o liberty_n have_v be_v give_v for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o and_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v no_o impossible_a task_n to_o make_v out_o that_o magistrate_n be_v oblige_v not_o only_o in_o interest_n but_o likewise_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o use_v that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n so_o far_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o suffer_v his_o truth_n to_o lie_v all_o open_o expose_v to_o all_o the_o lust_n design_n and_o mistake_v of_o man_n to_o all_o the_o knavery_n and_o all_o the_o folly_n of_o every_o one_o who_o be_v either_o willing_a to_o deceive_v or_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o here_o a_o great_a many_o rub_n be_v throw_v in_o our_o way_n by_o the_o forementioned_a author_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n upon_o its_o true_a and_o proper_a ground_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v prove_v that_o no_o prince_n nor_o state_n ought_v by_o force_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 london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1668._o which_o methinks_v be_v not_o very_o different_a from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bloody_a tenent_n dedicate_v to_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1644._o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n that_o since_o the_o come_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n a_o permission_n of_o the_o most_o paganish_a jewish_a turkish_a or_o antichristian_a conscience_n and_o worship_n be_v grant_v to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n but_o whatever_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o author_n be_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o in_o its_o consequence_n i_o shall_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o argument_n he_o bring_v for_o it_o pag._n 25._o that_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v thing_n perfect_o in_o themselves_o distinct_a and_o aught_o in_o their_o excercise_n to_o be_v keep_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o magistrate_n have_v way_n such_o as_o christ_n think_v sufficient_a to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o propagate_a the_o growth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o draw_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o will_v make_v no_o more_o impression_n in_o spiritual_a concern_v than_o it_o will_v do_v upon_o a_o ghost_n which_o have_v no_o real_a body_n etc._n etc._n and_o p._n 28._o to_o use_v force_n in_o religion_n be_v whole_o unlawful_a in_o any_o hand_n whatever_o because_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o bring_v about_o any_o gospel-end_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o enforce_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o temporal_a power_n or_o to_o compel_v man_n into_o the_o gospel_n by_o such_o a_o power_n be_v to_o act_v without_o the_o least_o precept_n or_o precedent_n to_o induce_v a_o engine_n to_o execute_v the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o gospel-institution_n do_v not_o paul_n positive_o deliver_v this_o that_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o mighty_a through_o god_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o weapon_n by_o which_o christ_n do_v all_o yea_o by_o which_o he_o will_v destroy_v antichrist_n the_o great_a gospel-enemy_n the_o world_n have_v produce_v the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v brief_o this_o 1._o that_o force_n be_v a_o very_a incompetent_a method_n to_o be_v use_v in_o matter_n of_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a 1._o because_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o command_v it_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o 2._o because_o st._n paul_n have_v plain_o forbid_v it_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a now_o as_o to_o these_o suggestion_n which_o do_v frequent_o recur_v in_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o brief_o touch_v upon_o they_o premise_v this_o that_o our_o author_n like_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v deal_v in_o this_o cause_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o answer_v these_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o argument_n against_o use_v the_o secular_a interposition_n in_o matter_n of_o belief_n as_o any_o of_o those_o he_o write_v against_o because_o he_o himself_o do_v very_o much_o approve_v and_o commend_v such_o interposition_n where_o he_o like_v the_o cause_n in_o behalf_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o now_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a because_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o whole_a book_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o i_o shall_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o my_o bare_a word_n but_o desire_v the_o author_n himself_o or_o any_o one_o beside_o who_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o to_o consider_v these_o word_n which_o we_o have_v pag._n 24._o constantine_n and_o the_o christian_a emperor_n after_o he_o till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v cheat_v they_o into_o subjection_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o all_o religious_a thing_n among_o ourselves_o we_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o our_o king_n and_o prince_n care_n and_o concern_v in_o that_o enjoyment_n we_o have_v of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n now_o this_o assertion_n of_o that_o learned_a gentleman_n be_v evident_o true_a but_o than_o it_o happen_v here_o as_o
that_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o indeed_o of_o another_o way_n viz._n he_o be_v to_o see_v it_o do_v by_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v p._n 24._o but_o if_o this_o be_v all_o which_o he_o may_v do_v this_o may_v be_v too_o little_a for_o suppose_v those_o spiritual_a weapon_n do_v meet_v with_o such_o person_n who_o do_v slight_a undervalue_v and_o stand_v in_o open_a defiance_n of_o they_o do_v all_o that_o concern_v and_o care_n which_o our_o author_n but_o one_o page_n before_o assert_n the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v entrust_v with_o in_o look_v after_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o bare_o this_o that_o he_o be_v to_o see_v the_o spiritual_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o and_o if_o man_n have_v no_o more_o religion_n than_o to_o despise_v and_o laugh_v at_o they_o he_o be_v to_o stand_v still_o and_o look_v on_o while_o they_o be_v so_o do_v this_o learned_a gentleman_n confess_v and_o contend_v for_o it_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o his_o station_n bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o god_n honour_n p._n 23._o and_o yet_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n he_o be_v ever_o afterward_o very_o zealous_a that_o he_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n use_v the_o sword_n in_o order_n to_o it_o now_o how_o a_o magistrate_n can_v in_o his_o station_n act_n where_o this_o be_v interdict_v he_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_o apprehend_v when_o a_o magistrate_n as_o such_o declare_v his_o pleasure_n common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v a_o fit_a regard_n to_o that_o his_o declaration_n it_o must_v be_v at_o our_o own_o peril_n and_o without_o this_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v how_o his_o authority_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v any_o great_a than_o that_o of_o any_o other_o man_n again_o if_o the_o king_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o people_n religion_n must_v then_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o his_o care_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n wherein_o his_o government_n will_v find_v itself_o to_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o very_o high_o concern_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a nor_o experience_v than_o this_o that_o according_a to_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_a measure_n which_o may_v be_v take_v of_o religion_n the_o people_n may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o do_v either_o very_a much_o good_a or_o very_a much_o evil_n even_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o doctrine_n which_o this_o nation_n be_v no_o stranger_n to_o which_o be_v a_o prince_n have_v not_o power_n to_o forbid_v the_o spread_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v extreme_o dishonour_v himself_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v depose_v and_o his_o subject_n ruin_v and_o he_o shall_v plain_o see_v all_o this_o and_o upon_o these_o meâ—s_n term_n not_o in_o the_o least_o be_v able_a to_o help_v it_o and_o this_o natural_o lead_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o next_o consideration_n the_o many_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o attend_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o religion_n and_o government_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n i_o must_v again_o return_v so_o far_o back_o as_o to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o that_o common_a rumour_n about_o the_o town_n of_o such_o a_o project_n in_o hand_n as_o will_v if_o the_o success_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o answer_v the_o great_a hope_n which_o be_v conceive_v of_o it_o make_v all_o that_o labour_v needless_a and_o that_o be_v the_o forementioned_a comprehension_n in_o behalf_n of_o which_o the_o undertaker_n be_v say_v usual_o and_o open_o to_o allege_v this_o that_o if_o that_o be_v yield_v to_o there_o will_v be_v then_o no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o toleration_n for_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o strong_a by_o the_o accession_n of_o her_o new_a â—_z that_o she_o may_v safe_o contemn_v and_o by_o their_o help_n easy_o overcome_v all_o her_o other_o enemy_n and_o withal_o they_o be_v person_n already_o so_o very_a near_o we_o that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o inconsiderable_a matter_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o for_o they_o allow_v episcopacy_n approve_v the_o liturgy_n abhor_v sacrilege_n believe_v our_o article_n and_o already_o can_v and_o often_o do_v communicate_v in_o our_o public_a worship_n now_o as_o plausible_a and_o take_v soever_o this_o plea_n be_v yet_o methinks_v that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o part_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o carry_v something_o of_o wonder_n in_o it_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v join_v with_o invite_v encourage_v and_o protect_v all_o other_o sectary_n that_o by_o their_o assistance_n they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o consider_v upon_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o that_o their_o mind_n come_v now_o to_o be_v so_o fâ—r_v alter_v as_o that_o they_o will_v now_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o suppression_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sect_n nay_o and_o very_o late_o the_o lead_a person_n of_o that_o way_n do_v join_v interest_n with_o the_o papists_n and_o mutual_o engage_v for_o assistance_n to_o pâ—â—liament_n other_o in_o stop_v of_o bill_n in_o 〈◊〉_d prepare_v against_o both_o of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a as_o they_o pretend_v then_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o last_o war_n upon_o any_o religious_a account_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o grievous_a complaint_n against_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o preacher_n at_o this_o day_n in_o aldersgate-street_n make_v before_o a_o mock-parliament_n september_n 24._o 1656._o praise_v be_v that_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o imposition_n of_o prelatical_a innovation_n altar-genâ—-flections_a and_o criâ—gings_n with_o cross_n and_o all_o that_o popist_o trash_n and_o trumpery_n and_o true_o i_o speak_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o have_v often_o think_v and_o say_v the_o removal_n of_o those_o insupportable_a burden_n counter_a 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o blood_n and_o treasure_n shed_v and_o spend_v in_o these_o late_a distraction_n nor_o do_v i_o as_o yet_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o godly_a man_n that_o desire_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o purchase_v their_o friend_n or_o money_n again_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o with_o the_o return_n of_o these_o as_o have_v those_o 〈◊〉_d antichristian_a yoke_n reiâ—posâ—â—_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o that_o desire_n be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o i_o profess_v myself_o in_o that_o to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o number_n here_o we_o see_v that_o mr._n jeâ—kin_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o express_a in_o the_o case_n that_o the_o difference_n be_v so_o great_a between_o we_o that_o all_o the_o blood_n shed_v whether_o in_o the_o field_n or_o on_o the_o scaffold_n be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o be_v shed_v in_o order_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o so_o great_a evil_n and_o yet_o there_o wâ—â—_n shed_v in_o this_o quarrel_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o king_n many_o of_o the_o noble_n and_o gentry_n &_o of_o vast_a number_n of_o all_o other_o rank_n order_n and_o degree_n among_o 〈◊〉_d if_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a as_o it_o be_v now_o say_v then_o methinks_v there_o be_v but_o little_a cause_n for_o that_o great_a zeal_n of_o mr._n calamy_n which_o he_o express_v in_o guildâ—hall_n october_n 6._o 〈◊〉_d in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v the_o city_n unto_o a_o liberal_a contribution_n towards_o bring_v in_o the_o scot_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d he_o several_a time_n express_v himself_o in_o that_o speech_n as_o if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o his_o esteem_n and_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o that_o grave_a and_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o minister_n there_o present_a with_o he_o so_o very_o considerable_a that_o the_o chief_a concern_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v depend_v upon_o they_o and_o according_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n as_o his_o chief_a art_n whereby_o to_o wheedle_n the_o city_n out_o of_o their_o money_n at_o that_o time_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o if_o ever_o gentleman_n you_o may_v use_v this_o speech_n o_o happy_a penny_n you_o may_v use_v it_o now_o happy_a money_n that_o will_v purchase_v my_o gospel_n happy_a money_n that_o will_v purchase_v religion_n and_o purchase_v a_o reformation_n to_o my_o posterity_n o_o happy_a money_n and_o bless_a be_v god_n that_o i_o have_v it_o to_o lend_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v these_o gentleman_n have_v two_o measure_n which_o upon_o different_a
by_o their_o admission_n become_v divide_v against_o itself_o the_o pulpit_n may_v quick_o be_v bring_v to_o speak_v in_o very_o different_a language_n and_o the_o hearer_n strange_o distract_v between_o the_o several_a abettor_n of_o the_o very_a distant_a measure_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a conformity_n they_o who_o have_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n thus_o long_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v not_o have_v their_o will_n in_o such_o and_o such_o matter_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o be_v yield_v to_o in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o with_o the_o same_o art_n and_o industry_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o good_a opinion_n of_o that_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o contend_v for_o at_o the_o least_o they_o will_v take_v what_o care_n they_o can_v that_o those_o of_o their_o former_a hearer_n who_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v along_o with_o 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sectary_n who_o can_v pretend_v as_o great_a grievance_n and_o allege_v as_o plausible_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v gratify_v so_o that_o the_o work_n of_o coalition_n as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o new_a word_n as_o often_o soever_o as_o it_o be_v do_v will_v be_v just_a as_o often_o to_o begin_v again_o as_o to_o any_o other_o particular_n of_o that_o comprehension_n which_o be_v now_o so_o much_o endeavour_v see_v they_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v we_o know_v they_o i_o shall_v not_o venture_v to_o make_v a_o guess_n at_o they_o but_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o another_o contrivance_n and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o a_o more_o promise_v one_o and_o that_o be_v toleration_n which_o be_v frequent_o say_v to_o be_v a_o expedient_a which_o will_v gratify_v many_o more_o and_o more_o considerable_a person_n than_o can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o one_o comprehension_n now_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o thing_n to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o proposal_n of_o toleration_n be_v in_o itself_o at_o the_o first_o view_n very_o plausible_a and_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o very_a many_o person_n exceed_v acceptable_a it_o look_v like_o a_o privilege_n which_o every_o man_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o which_o see_v it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o alike_o no_o man_n shall_v take_v himself_o to_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o envy_v it_o to_o any_o other_o now_o this_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n however_o it_o have_v obtain_v to_o be_v the_o general_a darling_n yet_o methinks_v in_o the_o very_a name_n there_o be_v something_o which_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o consideration_n which_o be_v at_o least_o worth_a our_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o very_a demand_n do_v not_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o exception_n against_o itself_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o conscience_n have_v any_o such_o absolute_a right_n to_o liberty_n have_v it_o no_o rule_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o have_v it_o no_o 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be_v very_o clear_a that_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a rule_n for_o any_o man_n to_o act_v by_o in_o his_o private_a capacity_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o conscience_n be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n for_o any_o man_n to_o act_v by_o in_o his_o private_a capacity_n so_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n advisable_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o trust_v as_o to_o teach_v according_a to_o it_o in_o any_o public_a place_n st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o by_o this_o permission_n dangerous_a contention_n shall_v arise_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o perverseness_n of_o man_n when_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o real_a cause_n for_o they_o â—_o tim._n 2._o 14._o they_o will_v strive_v about_o word_n to_o no_o purpose_n to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o â—earers_n and_o â—_o tim._n 4._o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o of_o seduce_a spirit_n who_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n tim._n 3._o for_o many_o verse_n together_o he_o describe_v a_o sort_n of_o very_o wicked_a man_n of_o who_o in_o the_o close_a he_o give_v this_o character_n that_o they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o that_o they_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lâ—ad_a captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o divers_a lust_n and_o again_o we_o read_v of_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o again_o which_o direct_o come_v up_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n about_o toleration_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v thus_o far_o therefore_o our_o way_n be_v clear_a 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conscience_n be_v not_o its_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o entire_o leave_v to_o itself_o in_o its_o own_o way_n of_o act_v 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v