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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n authority_n king_n prince_n 1,000 5 5.4654 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37430 A Letter to a member of Parliament, shewing the necessity of regulating the press chiefly from the necessity of publick establishments in religion, from the rights and immunities of a national church, and the trust reposed in the Christian magistrate to protect and defend them : with a particular answer to the objections that of late have been advanced against it. Defoe, Daniel, 1661?-1731. 1699 (1699) Wing D837; ESTC R4998 24,778 72

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that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o true_o since_o both_o prince_n and_o parent_n have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n upon_o they_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strict_a affinity_n and_o correspondence_n between_o they_o from_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o thing_n if_o the_o character_n of_o a_o parent_n extend_v to_o a_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a capacity_n it_o can_v well_o be_v dispute_v but_o that_o of_o a_o prince_n carry_v the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o magistrate_n antecedent_n to_o any_o positive_a oeconomy_n of_o religion_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n if_o not_o execute_v the_o spiritual_a function_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o advance_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n 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a_o letter_n to_o a_o member_n of_o parliament_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o regulate_v the_o press_n chief_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a establishment_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o right_n and_o immunity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o with_o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o of_o late_o have_v be_v advance_v against_o it_o oxford_n print_v for_o george_n west_n and_o henry_n clements_n m._n dc_o xcix_o the_o content_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n sect._n 1_o consider_v first_o under_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n 1b_n second_o under_o a_o state_n of_o revelation_n sect._n 2._o a_o objection_n answer_v sect._n 3_o a_o enquiry_n when_o there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o sect_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o government_n why_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o protect_a or_o rather_o 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of_o the_o press_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a time_n have_v not_o prevented'em_n sect._n 10._o second_o that_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n to_o a_o party_n and_o a_o condemn_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o be_v a_o direct_a method_n to_o involve_v the_o world_n in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n sect._n 11._o the_o church_n of_o england_n deny_v no_o gospel_n mean_v of_o information_n sect._n 12._o three_o that_o every_o one_o not_o only_o of_o natural_a right_n but_o in_o point_n of_o charity_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o publish_v whatever_o appear_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n which_o abridge_n this_o right_a must_v be_v unlawful_a and_o unjust_a sect._n 13._o the_o natural_a right_n of_o private_a person_n in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o state_v sect._n 14._o the_o `_o duty_n of_o inform_v other_o state_v ib._n four_o that_o the_o 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destruction_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n again_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o heresy_n will_v come_v that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o have_v not_o only_o err_v but_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o controversy_n and_o division_n as_o well_o as_o offence_n will_v come_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o tribe_n or_o colony_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v there_o no_o judgement_n to_o be_v make_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v these_o person_n to_o be_v suffer_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o error_n and_o pervert_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o if_o this_o must_v be_v so_o for_o what_o end_n have_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n place_v governor_n and_o pastor_n in_o his_o church_n and_o enforce_v their_o authority_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o special_a censure_n they_o can_v remonstrate_v against_o they_o without_o make_v a_o judgement_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o these_o case_n and_o certain_o if_o private_a pastor_n be_v authorize_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o expect_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wait_v on_o their_o pious_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n much_o more_o may_v a_o assembly_n or_o council_n of_o church-governor_n interpose_v state_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o express_a article_n and_o decree_n and_o expect_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a performance_n certain_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o be_v for_o these_o end_v gather_v together_o it_o may_v just_o be_v presume_v god_n will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o '_o they_o these_o be_v proceed_n warrant_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o their_o day_n to_o this_o very_a hour_n such_o error_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n concern_v the_o faith_n authorize_v and_o give_v birth_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v the_o only_a barrier_n against_o heresy_n and_o error_n and_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o distraction_n and_o ruin_n to_o affirm_v that_o scripture_n in_o these_o case_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o reject_v all_o interposal_n or_o determination_n pursuant_n to_o it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o perplex_v the_o argument_n for_o though_o scripture_n be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o god_n have_v constitute_v guardian_n and_o trustee_n to_o assert_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o enforce_v a_o faith_n and_o practice_n conformable_a to_o it_o and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o discard_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o visible_a ministry_n since_o scripture_n with_o the_o help_n of_o private_a reason_n be_v as_o much_o a_o adequate_a rule_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a ministry_n it_o be_v true_a these_o public_a determination_n these_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o establish_v upon_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o less_o necessary_a because_o not_o infallible_a god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o impart_v a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o scripture_n establish_v it_o as_o a_o stand_a ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n do_v not_o accompany_v the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o word_n then_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v decision_n ground_v on_o scripture_n support_v by_o reason_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o joint_a authority_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o early_a age_n and_o of_o saint_n confessor_n and_o martyr_n they_o be_v the_o most_o apposite_a moral_a instrument_n under_o god_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n they_o become_v indispensible_o necessary_a there_o must_v be_v some_o external_n umpire_n and_o decision_n where_o matter_n must_v at_o last_o terminate_v that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n thing_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o importance_n may_v not_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dissension_n heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o
corrupt_a and_o restless_a spirit_n if_o such_o decree_n or_o injunction_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v as_o essential_o of_o faith_n or_o term_n of_o communion_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o injunction_n for_o the_o avoid_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o for_o establish_v consent_n touch_v true_a religion_n or_o in_o one_o word_n as_o article_n of_o peace_n so_o that_o whosoever_o public_o oppugns'em_v be_v at_o least_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o breaker_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o further_a as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a the_o great_a circumstantial_o of_o worship_n be_v no_o where_o determine_v in_o scripture_n such_o as_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o place_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v moral_a and_o inseparable_a circumstance_n without_o which'tis_o impossible_a the_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n have_v constitute_v in_o his_o church_n for_o tho'this_fw-la or_o that_o particular_a determination_n be_v not_o necessary_a till'tis_o settle_v yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v determine_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o this_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a establishment_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a assembly_n and_o public_a worship_n again_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o discipline_n how_o can_v that_o decency_n order_n and_o uniformity_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o passionate_o recommend_v be_v maintain_v without_o the_o establishment_n of_o district_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o time_n and_o place_n how_o can_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v animadvert_v on_o or_o their_o neglect_v or_o irregularity_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v censure_v what_o must_v become_v of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o external_n mean_v of_o salvation_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o offender_n remove_v of_o scandal_n and_o the_o deter_v of_o other_o these_o be_v such_o clear_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a establishment_n that_o we_o find_v they_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o civil_a government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o prophetic_a character_n be_v the_o profess_a guardian_n and_o protector_n of_o they_o sect_n vii_o it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v the_o influence_n which_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n have_v upon_o a_o establishment_n and_o certain_o where_o man_n be_v under_o a_o unlimited_a allowance_n to_o publish_v their_o sentiment_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o public_a establishment_n that_o must_v suffer_v the_o sharp_a attack_v it_o be_v this_o that_o bear_v the_o show_n of_o authority_n and_o dominion_n or_o stand_v between_o its_o adversary_n and_o some_o belove_a interest_n it_o be_v the_o only_a check_n to_o the_o ambition_n avarice_n luxury_n or_o impurity_n of_o a_o licentious_a world_n when_o this_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o calumny_n and_o sophistry_n and_o bring_v into_o disgrace_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o obstruct_v a_o general_a licentiousness_n so_o that_o the_o great_a libertine_n may_v plead_v a_o right_n not_o only_o to_o erect_v his_o own_o scheme_n but_o to_o do_v whatever_o seem_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o therefore_o the_o common_a torrent_n of_o vice_n will_v not_o only_o bear_v down_o upon_o she_o but_o those_o more_o active_a fury_n envy_n malice_n prejudice_n and_o revenge_n will_v unite_v to_o form_v a_o indictment_n in_o a_o word_n a_o establishment_n as_o such_o be_v mark_v out_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n against_o who_o every_o tribe_n and_o sect_n of_o how_o different_a a_o make_n and_o complexion_n soever_o be_v prepare_v to_o unite_v and_o arm_v and_o when_o they_o may_v do_v it_o at_o so_o easy_a a_o expense_n of_o danger_n or_o rather_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o shoot_v forth_o their_o arrow_n even_o bitter_a word_n and_o be_v content_a with_o nothing_o less_o than_o reduce_v the_o whole_a oeconomy_n to_o desolation_n and_o ruin_n sect_n viii_o god_n know_v we_o be_v not_o now_o leave_v to_o view_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n in_o empty_a theory_n and_o notion_n since_o we_o may_v read_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o observation_n what_o branch_n of_o our_o establishment_n of_o moment_n and_o importance_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n leave_v free_a and_o untouched_a have_v not_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o ever-blessed_n trinity_n as_o deliver_v in_o our_o article_n be_v run_v down_o and_o discard_v by_o a_o whole_a shoal_n of_o pamphlet_n have_v not_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o christ_n mission_n be_v industrious_o overturn_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o redemption_n and_o satisfaction_n by_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o himself_o be_v peremptory_o reject_v as_o groundless_a absurd_a and_o impossible_a see_v atheist_n turn_v deist_n sect._n 42_o 43_o 47._o have_v not_o reason_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o whatever_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v from_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n christianity_n not_o mysterious_a have_v not_o a_o assent_n to_o this_o single_a proposition_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a explicit_a article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n p._n 43_o 49._o 192._o have_v not_o revelation_n itself_o be_v dispute_v and_o reject_v as_o a_o incompetent_a rule_n to_o mankind_n oracle_n of_o reason_n let._n 3._o 14._o last_o as_o to_o our_o office_n of_o public_a worship_n have_v not_o the_o press_n bring_v scandal_n and_o reproach_n upon_o two_o of_o the_o anniversary_n solemnity_n of_o this_o church_n though_o enjoin_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n viz._n the_o martyrdom_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o the_o restauration_n of_o this_o church_n and_o monarchy_n in_o the_o return_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o for_o do_v we_o not_o find_v it_o express_o vindicate_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o violence_n transact_v in_o that_o bloody_a war_n against_o the_o king_n and_o stigmatise_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o restoration_n nay_o more_o we_o find_v the_o very_a author_n applaud_v himself_o as_o have_v a_o point_n of_o honour_n do_v he_o by_o be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o king_n judge_n see_v milton_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d false_o pretend_v to_o be_v print_v at_o amsterdam_n and_o ludlow'_v memoir_n london_n vol._n 2d_o p._n 871._o these_o be_v the_o bless_a product_n of_o the_o press_n lay_v open_a and_o prostitute_v to_o the_o wit_n and_o malice_n of_o design_v man_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o the_o small_a glean_n of_o that_o mass_n of_o filth_n and_o corruption_n it_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o what_o can_v more_o direct_o tend_v to_o a_o total_a subversion_n of_o a_o establishment_n and_o more_o effectual_o prepare_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o repeat_v declamation_n viz._n that_o creed_n and_o system_n be_v only_o profitable_a invention_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o establishment_n be_v but_o secular_a policy_n and_o the_o art_n of_o priestcraft_n the_o press_n have_v already_o public_o declare_v thus_o much_o and_o that_o coldness_n or_o rather_o air_n of_o contempt_n that_o too_o general_o prevail_v against_o that_o of_o this_o church_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o it_o but_o now_o to_o improve_v the_o argument_n it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o ecclesiastical_a establishment_n or_o national_a church_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a they_o rest_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o apostolic_a institution_n and_o be_v confirm_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n constitute_v a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n of_o national_a church_n within_o his_o respective_a dominion_n it_o be_v a_o stand_a trust_n commit_v to_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o reveal_v religion_n if_o therefore_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n be_v high_o destructive_a of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o as_o it_o be_v cultivate_v in_o national_a church_n if_o it_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o magistrate_n who_o by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v constitute_v a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o remove_v the_o mischief_n by_o lay_v a_o powerful_a restraint_n on_o the_o press_n in_o a_o
whereas_o it_o be_v their_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o new_a notion_n obtrude_v on_o the_o public_a whilst_o a_o opinion_n rest_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o private_a person_n the_o public_a peace_n be_v not_o expose_v but_o when_o it_o be_v press_v upon_o mankind_n in_o public_a harangue_n and_o transmit_v from_o the_o press_n too_o it_o give_v umbrage_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o weal_n of_o the_o community_n and_o consequent_o call_v for_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n appear_v as_o guardian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o vigorous_o exert_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o maintain_v its_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n sect_n fourteen_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o communicate_v our_o opinion_n to_o other_o with_o a_o design_n of_o information_n it_o be_v indisputable_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o two_o consideration_n first_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o second_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o first_o if_o the_o opinion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o affect_v any_o considerable_a interest_n of_o mankind_n or_o correct_v or_o remove_v any_o dangerous_a error_n but_o rather_o serve_v to_o entertain_v our_o speculation_n and_o curiosity_n than_o regulate_v our_o conscience_n or_o practice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o disturb_v the_o world_n by_o oppose_v establish_v doctrine_n or_o notion_n when_o after_o all_o they_o may_v carry_v in_o they_o great_a mark_n or_o evidence_n of_o truth_n than_o a_o private_a judgement_n can_v reasonable_o pretend_v to_o second_o unless_o our_o opinion_n be_v support_v by_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n undoubted_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a plea_n for_o duty_n to_o engage_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o become_v disciple_n or_o follower_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v high_o unreasonable_a that_o private_a person_n shall_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o other_o by_o obtrude_a new_a notion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v they_o rest_v upon_o bare_a probability_n or_o no_o high_a evidence_n than_o those_o that_o have_v be_v peaceable_o receive_v from_o public_a authority_n in_o church_n and_o state_n if_o the_o projection_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o these_o maxim_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n when_o it_o be_v thereby_o only_o commit_v to_o the_o inspection_n of_o public_a authority_n will_v seldom_o be_v interpret_v a_o breach_n of_o any_o natural_a right_n or_o duty_n sect_n xv._n there_o now_o only_o remain_v a_o objection_n no_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o except_o for_o its_o popularity_n and_o modern_a fashionableness_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o englishman_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v before_o the_o objection_n can_v just_o take_v place_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o press_n shall_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la though_o it_o be_v some_o century_n before_o printing_n have_v its_o beginning_n but_o in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o power_n of_o legislation_n be_v to_o be_v cramp_v and_o fetter_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o every_o authoritative_a regulation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o a_o english_a subject_n may_v be_v dispute_v as_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o englishman_n and_o consequent_o no_o law_n can_v be_v establish_v without_o first_o obtain_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n sect_n xvi_o and_o now_o sir_n i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n dispatch_v what_o i_o propose_v and_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v demand_v and_o though_o i_o have_v not_o express_o reply_v to_o your_o inquiry_n in_o the_o very_a term_n or_o order_n they_o be_v propose_v yet_o i_o have_v the_o vanity_n to_o presume_v that_o i_o have_v not_o only_o make_v return_n to_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o they_o but_o dispel_v that_o cloud_n of_o objection_n that_o of_o late_o have_v be_v raise_v to_o obstruct_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n if_o therefore_o what_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o carry_v the_o balance_n against_o your_o former_a sentiment_n be_v please_v to_o suffer_v a_o short_a address_n on_o my_o part_n in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o as_o a_o hearty_a advocate_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n sir_n we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o engage_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o method_n of_o its_o preservation_n and_o support_n and_o the_o late_a passionate_a address_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n and_o his_o majesty_n most_o gracious_a answer_n to_o it_o seem_v to_o authorize_v the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o venerable_a body_n wise_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o sovereign_n to_o consult_v his_o pleasure_n as_o well_o as_o excite_v his_o zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o signify_v his_o concurrence_n and_o remit_v the_o managery_n of_o the_o affair_n to_o his_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o formation_n of_o a_o just_a law_n it_o be_v true_a that_o honourable_a house_n form_v a_o bill_n upon_o the_o present_a argument_n but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o it_o wherever_o just_o to_o be_v fix_v can_v conclude_v against_o the_o reasonableness_n or_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o eye_n and_o heart_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o every_o englishman_n that_o be_v act_v with_o a_o true_a concern_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v fix_v on_o the_o ensue_a session_n and_o pardon_v i_o if_o i_o flatter_v myself_n that_o the_o argument_n already_o suggest_v demonstrate_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o restrain_v the_o press_n as_o a_o effectual_a expedient_a to_o preserve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o the_o liberty_n of_o print_v without_o licence_n or_o inspection_n have_v sufficient_o discharge_v its_o poisonous_a influence_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n and_o a_o small_a tract_n of_o time_n in_o the_o same_o allowance_n will_v demonstrate_v its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a polity_n as_o establish_v in_o a_o monarchy_n i_o wish_v some_o late_a essay_n have_v not_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n witness_v those_o gross_a insinuation_n the_o press_n have_v present_v we_o with_o for_o the_o preference_n of_o a_o republic_n to_o that_o of_o monarchy_n see_v ludlow_n memoir_n witness_v those_o base_a and_o unwarrantable_a character_n vent_v in_o a_o late_a paper_n wherein_o the_o present_a reign_n seem_v to_o be_v blacken_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o make_v it_o a_o accessary_a to_o what_o may_v come_v hereafter_o where_o every_o estate_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o every_o order_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n be_v describe_v like_o ruffian_n and_o paltroon_n rather_o than_o person_n of_o dignity_n and_o honour_n what_o can_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o such_o unmannerly_a declamation_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o english_a constitution_n into_o disgrace_n and_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n for_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n see_v the_o short_a history_n of_o stand_v army_n in_o england_n but_o to_o return_v you_o sir_n and_o your_o honourable_a brethren_n be_v concern_v as_o trustee_n and_o guardian_n in_o part_n for_o religion_n and_o since_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o national_a establishment_n be_v full_o demonstrate_v all_o disintere_v person_n must_v conclude_v that_o your_o special_a care_n and_o inspection_n shall_v be_v engage_v to_o advance_v that_o of_o this_o nation_n of_o which_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n and_o from_o who_o communion_n by_o civil_a appointment_n you_o receive_v qualification_n for_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o public_a employ_v a_o temporary_a interest_n may_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o man_n to_o declare_v '_o emselve_n member_n of_o her_o communion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a test_n of_o membership_n be_v to_o use_v all_o imaginable_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v her_o right_n and_o support_v her_o constitution_n whenever_o she_o be_v public_o attack_v in_o any_o branch_n of_o it_o to_o have_v the_o press_v regulate_v by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o a_o national_a establish_v mean_v be_v to_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o her_o undoubted_a right_n and_o immunity_n and_o therefore_o when_o invasion_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v daily_o make_v she_o may_v just_o expect_v the_o interposal_n of_o authority_n but_o if_o she_o can_v not_o challenge_v thus_o much_o of_o right_n yet_o since_o the_o dissent_v sectary_n have_v receive_v very_o ample_a act_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o present_a government_n the_o establish_v religion_n one_o will_v think_v may_v reasonable_o expect_v her_o tail_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o command_v the_o press_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o first_o act_n of_o grace_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o former_a reign_n by_o a_o indisputable_a authority_n afford_v she_o but_o to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o sir_n if_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o way_n of_o right_n nor_o grace_n and_o favour_n i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o fatal_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o morality_n and_o religion_n be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o accomplish_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o resume_v the_o argument_n i_o have_v already_o enlarge_v on_o but_o certain_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o suppress_v immorality_n and_o profaneness_n and_o establish_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o piety_n whilst_o a_o latitude_n be_v permit_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n to_o dispute_v the_o most_o sacred_a point_n of_o religion_n to_o decry_v national_a establishment_n arraign_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n under_o these_o instruction_n can_v entertain_v any_o serious_a thought_n concern_v religion_n but_o be_v rather_o prepare_v to_o contemn_v and_o vilify_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o therefore_o if_o morality_n and_o strict_a virtue_n be_v pursue_v on_o these_o term_n it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o happy_a genius_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n then_o if_o the_o honourable_a assembly_n of_o commons_o be_v in_o earnest_n for_o reformation_n as_o i_o question_v not_o but_o they_o be_v what_o have_v already_o be_v offer_v seem_v to_o bespeak_v the_o regulation_n of_o the_o press_n to_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a introduction_n to_o it_o and_o now_o sir_n i_o have_v deliver_v my_o sentiment_n with_o as_o much_o sincerity_n as_o freedom_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v if_o they_o happen_v to_o make_v you_o a_o proselyte_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v employ_v your_o hearty_a endeavour_n in_o the_o post_n you_o be_v fix_v to_o make_v the_o argument_n the_o subject_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o care_n be_v take_v not_o only_o that_o a_o law_n be_v form_v which_o will_v effectual_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o form_n of_o it_o be_v do_v with_o that_o prudence_n and_o caution_n as_o not_o to_o give_v a_o handle_n to_o crush_v it_o in_o its_o first_o production_n when._n this_o be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v lay_v perpetual_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n and_o respect_n towards_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o on_o all_o those_o in_o who_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o government_n apparent_o consist_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 1._o lin_v 1._o read_v solicit_v p._n 24._o l._n 20._o read_v eternal_a p_o 49._o l._n 4._o deal_n absolute_o p._n 65._o l._n 20._o read_v tale._n