so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n but_o such_o of_o her_o degenerate_a and_o base_a son_n only_o as_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o their_o mother_n for_o as_o he_o have_v well_o observe_v humane_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_n but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o which_o shall_v make_v it_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a by_o all_o sincere_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o decrye_v and_o so_o high_o condemn_v blind_a obedience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_v any_o therein_o against_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a of_o blind_a obedience_n for_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n whatever_o a_o man_n do_v against_o his_o faith_n or_o conscience_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n neither_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n and_o much_o less_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v therein_o require_v to_o do_v aught_o against_o their_o light_n or_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n so_o she_o as_o little_a allow_v or_o approve_v of_o persecute_v or_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o trouble_v any_o for_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o any_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religien_n nor_o i_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v do_v any_o law_n of_o england_n allow_n or_o countenance_n much_o less_o command_n or_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n though_o too_o many_o have_v misconstrue_v and_o misapply_v the_o late_a act_n for_o prevent_v and_o supress_v seditious_a conventicle_n to_o the_o disturb_v and_o punish_v i_o may_v say_v ruine_v of_o many_o peaceable_a and_o pious_a people_n for_o meet_v only_o real_o and_o true_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o act_n do_v not_o say_v if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n above_o such_o a_o number_n shall_v meet_v to_o worship_n god_n true_o and_o sincere_o in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n they_o shall_v incur_v the_o penalty_n mention_v but_o where_o any_o person_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n the_o act_n certain_o do_v not_o prohibit_v or_o punish_v any_o real_a and_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_n and_o void_a as_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o appear_v not_o whether_o their_o worship_n be_v sincere_a or_o pretend_a only_a and_o the_o law_n prohibit_v such_o a_o number_n to_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o transgress_v the_o same_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o all_o pretence_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v believe_v where_o no_o overact_n discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a charity_n among_o man_n let_v it_o be_v show_v wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o have_v be_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o virtue_n or_o colour_n rather_o of_o that_o law_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o act_n say_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v ever_o allow_v man_n to_o pray_v even_o in_o public_a in_o other_o word_n than_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 9_o therefore_o pray_v you_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n 1._o where_o their_o prayer_n be_v often_o record_v that_o they_o ever_o pray_v by_o that_o form_n etc._n but_o in_o other_o word_n 10._o agree_v for_o matter_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v accept_v 4._o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o i_o hope_v will_v say_v they_o disobey_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n by_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o teach_v and_o command_v they_o because_o they_o pray_v not_o by_o that_o form_n no_o more_o do_v they_o transgress_v the_o law_n against_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n while_o they_o pray_v in_o other_o word_n agree_v with_o it_o for_o matter_n what_o pretence_n then_o can_v any_o have_v to_o charge_v the_o author_n of_o these_o query_n with_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o state_n since_o they_o reflect_v on_o neither_o nor_o cinsure_n or_o by_o any_o undue_a surmise_n condemn_v aught_o that_o they_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o account_v that_o a_o crime_n in_o any_o one_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o viz._n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o all_o that_o will_v may_v lead_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v who_o be_v force_v to_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o practise_v what_o they_o approve_v not_o which_o be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a lie_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o what_o be_v require_v of_o any_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a but_o whether_o they_o who_o judge_v it_o so_o be_v it_o through_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o can_v without_o sin_v conform_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o question_n but_o that_o many_o may_v and_o do_v live_v godly_a holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o to_o other_o will_v be_v damnable_a for_o to_o he_o who_o esteem_v a_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v pure_a so_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v while_o other_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o may_v safe_o use_v their_o liberty_n plead_v therefore_o against_o force_n in_o religion_n we_o neither_o condemn_v nor_o censure_v this_o or_o that_o religion_n which_o teach_v not_o that_o sanguinary_a doctrine_n but_o will_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o religion_n he_o embrace_v and_o profess_v be_v what_o god_n will_v and_o require_v of_o he_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o faithin_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o be_v of_o a_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v wish_v then_o hope_v for_o while_o there_o be_v man_n true_o fear_v god_n 187._o and_o those_o who_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n there_o be_v say_v our_o lerrned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n but_o two_o way_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v probable_a to_o reduce_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n the_o one_o by_o take_v away_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n the_o other_o by_o show_v that_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o who_o judgement_n all_o man_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o other_o way_n must_v be_v take_v and_o christian_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o these_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n wherein_o they_o agree_v than_o upon_o those_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o
to_o be_v burn_v alive_a at_o geneva_n query_n viii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o incongruous_a and_o heterogeniall_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o whether_o any_o judge_n or_o justice_n can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o man_n thought_n or_o conscience_n nor_o when_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v manifest_v by_o external_a action_n whether_o liable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o inspection_n none_o i_o think_v ever_o question_v either_o of_o they_o but_o whether_o man_n err_v spiritual_o ought_v corporal_o to_o be_v punish_v paul_n be_v reckon_a heresy_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o tell_v the_o gorinthians_n they_o be_v carnal_a from_o the_o schism_n and_o disorder_n that_o be_v among_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n certain_o any_o sensual_a sin_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n what_o think_v he_o then_o of_o hatred_n wrath_n covetousness_n emulation_n envy_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v sensual_a sin_n or_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o why_o be_v they_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o who_o gather_v church_n etc._n etc._n more_o than_o spiritual_o erroneous_a how_o come_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a errand_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n now_o to_o become_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n be_v it_o that_o man_n or_o child_n rather_o be_v now_o bear_v christian_n or_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o though_o improper_o express_v or_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o parish_n they_o do_v thereby_o become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o one_o certain_o who_o understand_v what_o either_o a_o christian_n or_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v can_v think_v so_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v despise_v government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n do_v he_o not_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n without_o government_n how_o then_o come_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n to_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n to_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o i_o hope_v neither_o this_o answerer_n nor_o any_o who_o own_o themselves_o christian_n doubt_v it_o to_o be_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n sure_a to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v the_o inticer_n to_o idolatry_n mention_v in_o deutromony_n may_v as_o well_o have_v plead_v it_o be_v only_o a_o error_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n for_o that_o none_o certain_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o they_o to_o draw_v any_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o worship_v idol_n it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o it_o may_v therefore_o for_o any_o thing_n this_o answerer_n have_v here_o say_v be_v both_o incongruous_a and_o heterogenial_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o query_n ix_o whether_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o arm_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_fw-mi inform_v we_o how_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n towards_o some_o be_v as_o he_o say_v antichristian_a and_o not_o towards_o other_o the_o difference_n not_o be_v evident_a at_o least_o to_o all_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v so_o much_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o though_o our_o answerer_n express_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o spaniard_n deal_n with_o the_o indian_n gracious_o acknowledge_v that_o propriety_n be_v not_o forfeit_v by_o unbelief_n yet_o but_o now_o speak_v of_o dissenter_n here_o he_o say_v q._n if_o they_o disapprove_v of_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o superior_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o government_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o pure_a church_n which_o be_v but_o in_o other_o word_n to_o say_v be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o country_n or_o abandon_v your_o property_n with_o the_o land_n of_o your_o nativity_n but_o shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o establishment_n of_o a_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n he_o approve_v not_o of_o if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o approve_v of_o whatever_o shall_v be_v the_o national_a religion_n will_v he_o not_o think_v himself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o to_o be_v require_v to_o conform_v or_o to_o abandon_v his_o native_a country_n he_o may_v do_v well_o therefore_o to_o meditate_v a_o little_a on_o that_o no_o less_o divine_a then_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o the_o cannon_n he_o mention_n be_v indeed_o very_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n so_o likewise_o be_v what_o he_o cites_n from_o tertullian_n and_o lactantius_n but_o then_o without_o the_o least_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n and_o perhaps_o only_o because_o grotius_n say_v 20._o it_o be_v not_o just_a or_o lawful_a to_o make_v war_n upon_o any_o because_o they_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o prince_n raise_v war_n against_o pagan_a nation_n to_o compel_v and_o force_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v very_o well_o and_o judicious_o observe_v of_o he_o that_o these_o thing_n nothing_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o universal_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o compel_v or_o force_v any_o to_o profess_v what_o all_o already_o do_v profess_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o such_o a_o kingdom_n magistrate_n he_o say_v may_v use_v compulsive_a method_n to_o secure_v their_o people_n from_o a_o total_a and_o manifest_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o will_v free_o allow_v he_o if_o compulsive_a method_n can_v secure_v a_o people_n from_o apostasy_n and_o that_o through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o truth_n magistrate_n do_v not_o too_o often_o instead_o thereof_o compel_v to_o error_n but_o none_o sure_o will_v say_v but_o that_o magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o repress_v such_o seducer_n as_o threaten_v the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o own_o government_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n too_o be_v it_o once_o determine_v which_o among_o the_o many_o that_o will_v be_v so_o account_v be_v the_o true_a what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o religious_a prince_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v to_o query_n x._o whether_o any_o one_o can_v be_v compel_v by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n to_o perform_v any_o one_o religious_a duty_n acceptable_o since_o god_n accept_v not_o of_o any_o but_o what_o be_v volâ—ntary_a and_o of_o faith_n which_o can_v be_v force_v and_o of_o what_o use_v then_o be_v secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o make_v man_n sin_n or_o suffer_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o query_n which_o this_o answerer_n say_v with_o other_o be_v forge_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n be_v with_o the_o rest_n ground_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n with_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v little_o acquaint_v or_o with_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o say_v that_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n of_o reason_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o magistrate_n use_v compulsive_a method_n towards_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n aâ—_n those_o of_o the_o first_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o force_v man_n to_o moral_a action_n and_o divine_a duty_n since_o in_o thing_n moral_a the_o action_n however_o circumstantiate_v be_v in_o itself_o positive_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a institution_n the_o manner_n only_o of_o the_o performance_n make_v the_o action_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v 3._o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o kill_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o command_n be_v not_o observe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o
matter_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o such_o gospel_n duty_n the_o goodness_n whereof_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o institution_n and_o therein_o the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v punctual_o observe_v nay_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v these_o duty_n determine_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o their_o due_a manner_n the_o action_n be_v good_a if_o not_o the_o action_n itself_o be_v sinful_a this_o answerer_n therefore_o run_v himself_o into_o this_o error_n by_o not_o distinguish_v between_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o those_o thing_n who_o goodness_n depend_v whole_o upon_o institution_n and_o consequent_o on_o their_o due_a performance_n authority_n therefore_o may_v oblige_v man_n to_o be_v loyal_a and_o peaceable_a honest_a and_o just_a which_o be_v moral_a virtue_n and_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o be_v rebellious_a and_o seditious_a injurious_a and_o theives_n which_o be_v moral_a evil_n yet_o can_v force_v any_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o a_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o abstinence_n from_o the_o other_o because_o god_n accept_v only_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o a_o hearty_a obedience_n which_o can_v be_v so_o force_v it_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n that_o magistrate_n may_v command_v their_o people_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v but_o no_o otherwise_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v to_o yet_o may_v he_o prohibit_v the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v either_o dishonour_n or_o destroy_v government_n every_o king_n be_v as_o he_o say_v both_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o people_n and_o oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n he_o mention_n as_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v nor_o be_v as_o he_o say_v our_o governor_n so_o much_o to_o consider_v our_o willingness_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o our_o benefit_n and_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o their_o duty_n to_o force_v any_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v or_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o since_o as_o have_v be_v say_v what_o be_v not_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o the_o magistrate_n by_o force_v to_o become_v guilty_a of_o nor_o be_v it_o for_o their_o people_n benefit_n to_o be_v force_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n beyond_o their_o conviction_n all_o such_o performance_n be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a and_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o say_v it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v find_v as_o great_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o force_v some_o to_o go_v to_o church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o force_v some_o boy_n to_o go_v to_o school_n speak_v he_o very_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o instructor_n and_o teacher_n of_o other_o who_o be_v himself_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o religion_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v the_o magistrate_n will_v find_v the_o benefit_n by_o exercise_v his_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o alone_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v in_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o authority_n the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o wherever_o his_o authority_n interpose_v itself_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v immediate_o concern_v as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o action_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v by_o religious_a and_o pious_a person_n be_v judge_v to_o interfere_v therewith_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v contemn_v and_o disobey_v as_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n record_v in_o the_o three_o and_o six_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n and_o as_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n 4._o when_o they_o forbid_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o speak_v or_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v it_o likely_a to_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o such_o method_n be_v use_v for_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n unto_o any_o such_o end_n as_o well_o as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n thereunto_o improper_a his_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o come_v within_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n and_o reduce_v to_o sober_a apprehension_n of_o it_o then_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o schism_n and_o voluntary_a neglect_n of_o all_o piety_n be_v very_o wide_a from_o this_o question_n which_o neither_o countenance_n schism_n nor_o discountenance_n piety_n but_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v or_o they_o judge_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o nor_o be_v all_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n and_o a_o voluntary_a neglect_n of_o piety_n who_o frequent_v not_o the_o public_a worship_n wherever_o they_o live_v much_o less_o to_o be_v out_o of_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n and_o void_a of_o all_o sober_a apprehension_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o compulsion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o persuade_v or_o reduce_v any_o unto_o that_o its_o efficacy_n lie_v the_o other_o way_n it_o breed_v rather_o a_o aversion_n and_o abhorrency_n towards_o it_o and_o towards_o those_o that_o use_v it_o but_o say_v our_o answerer_n suppose_v the_o worst_a viz._n that_o compel_v man_n to_o church_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o inward_a change_n in_o their_o mind_n yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a to_o so_o bless_a a_o end_n but_o who_o i_o will_v know_v tell_v he_o so_o it_o be_v no_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a of_o christ_n appointment_n nor_o do_v he_o himself_o ever_o use_v it_o salvation_n indeed_o he_o offer_v which_o who_o so_o refuse_v at_o his_o peril_n those_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v they_o hear_v be_v the_o usual_a conclusion_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o send_v likewise_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o not_o to_o force_v or_o compel_v any_o to_o hear_v they_o 15._o but_o suppose_v say_v the_o pious_a and_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n some_o shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_a they_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o gospel_n shall_v they_o then_o exercise_v no_o temporal_a power_n none_o at_o all_o say_v he_o they_o be_v command_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n from_o their_o foot_n as_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o command_v to_o compel_v they_o by_o any_o external_a force_n or_o violence_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o this_o answerer_n shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o re-establishment_n of_o popery_n in_o this_o nation_n whether_o the_o compel_a he_o to_o church_n will_v be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a to_o his_o conversion_n if_o it_o will_v can_v he_o doubt_v but_o they_o who_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o bless_a work_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o it_o then_o as_o he_o be_v now_o perhaps_o he_o may_v say_v the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a while_o all_o other_o on_o either_o hand_n of_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n which_o be_v not_o impossible_a though_o very_o improbable_a yet_o whilst_o other_o think_v themselves_o as_o much_o in_o the_o right_a as_o he_o the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o expect_v the_o same_o measure_n he_o mete_n will_v be_v measure_v to_o he_o again_o that_o hypocrasie_n the_o sin_n against_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n denounce_v so_o many_o woe_n shall_v be_v prefer_v as_o by_o he_o it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n be_v what_o i_o have_v not_o before_o meet_v with_o such_o preacher_n therefore_o may_v well_o plead_v for_o compel_v to_o their_o church_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o likely_a to_o have_v many_o hearer_n nor_o do_v i_o understand_v the_o logic_n of_o all_o man_n be_v advantage_v by_o forceable_a method_n because_o some_o may_v be_v external_o reform_v while_o other_o again_o be_v thereby_o apparent_o injure_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o act_v their_o abominable_a lust_n which_o we_o no_o less_o wish_n than_o he_o nor_o do_v this_o query_n infer_v the_o contrary_a though_o he_o will_v have_v it_o think_v to_o countenance_v impiety_n and_o a_o scornful_a contempt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o justitution_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o aim_v only_o at_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n in_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o christ_n institution_n by_o which_o the_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o god_n
tell_v we_o his_o design_n be_v to_o ease_v man_n of_o their_o former_a burden_n and_o not_o to_o lay_v on_o more_o that_o the_o duty_n he_o require_v be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o withal_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o insupportable_a yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n certain_o do_v never_o intend_v to_o gall_v the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o another_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o give_v power_n or_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a it_o will_v be_v strange_a say_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v more_o than_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o make_v other_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n than_o our_o saviour_n do_v of_o discipleship_n then_o ask_v what_o ground_n there_o can_v be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whether_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v and_o then_o tell_v we_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o power_n or_o commission_n therefore_o any_o have_v since_o receive_v to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n may_v do_v well_o to_o inform_v we_o but_o instead_o thereof_o he_o tell_v we_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o new-testament_n than_o that_o christ_n do_v intrust_v those_o who_o he_o appoint_v in_o his_o absence_n to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o government_n of_o it_o he_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o empower_v or_o authorize_v they_o to_o institute_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a but_o say_v our_o politic_a answerer_n this_o government_n can_v not_o subsist_v without_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o church_n preservation_n for_o that_o christ_n intend_v etc._n etc._n how_o do_v that_o appear_v we_o find_v nothing_o in_o his_o gospel_n of_o any_o such_o intention_n nor_o have_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o intend_v any_o shall_v enact_v other_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n than_o what_o himself_o enact_v since_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o its_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o be_v moses_n in_o all_o his_o house_n in_o that_o he_o leave_v not_o as_o do_v moses_n a_o complete_a volume_n of_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o government_n we_o wish_v therefore_o this_o answerer_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v over_o their_o authority_n of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o their_o successor_n in_o that_o it_o will_v tend_v great_o to_o their_o conviction_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o very_o much_o deceive_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a lord_n over_o and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v delegate_n a_o legislative_a power_n to_o their_o successor_n be_v themselves_o minister_n only_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o not_o be_v a_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n but_o a_o power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v and_o those_o as_o he_o say_v not_o to_o that_o present_a age_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_v age_n in_o which_o his_o church_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v every_a way_n sufficient_a to_o continue_v and_o preserve_v upon_o earth_n a_o visible_a church_n until_o his_o second_o come_n but_o so_o far_o this_o answerer_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o society_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o he_o shall_v withal_o have_v consider_v that_o there_o neither_o can_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a lawgiver_n the_o obligation_n of_o no_o law_n extend_v far_o than_o the_o judaization_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n so_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o but_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n since_o the_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n of_o none_o other_o can_v reach_v or_o oblige_v all_o christian_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n none_o sure_a ever_o doubt_v but_o the_o word_n quote_v by_o this_o answerer_n from_o st._n john_n gospel_n relate_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o external_a visible_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o internal_a mystical_a union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o which_o he_o will_v principal_o have_v the_o reader_n observe_v in_o they_o be_v the_o care_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n take_v for_o that_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n no_o doubt_v he_o do_v both_o for_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a unity_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o his_o frequent_a call_n on_o his_o disciple_n to_o unity_n and_o to_o love_v one_o another_o make_v it_o a_o caracteristical_a note_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o but_o also_o in_o command_v they_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o which_o will_v all_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n likewise_o observe_v and_o do_v without_o set_v up_o their_o post_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o his_o post_n unity_n will_v not_o be_v want_v among_o christian_n nor_o yet_o throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o due_a uniformity_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o particular_a church_n destroy_v and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o enough_o say_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v propagate_v and_o uphold_v by_o faith_n and_o charity_n only_o as_o they_o be_v lodge_v in_o man_n heart_n unless_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o grace_n be_v exert_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o obvious_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o outward_a worship_n be_v require_v that_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v exercise_v and_o express_v for_o to_o talk_v of_o inward_a worship_n without_o any_o outward_a expression_n thereof_o be_v but_o a_o cloak_n for_o atheism_n but_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n unity_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o christ_n take_v care_n of_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n the_o very_a be_v of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v on_o it_o and_o that_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n be_v the_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v vniform_a and_o undevide_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o one_o national_a church_n will_v cause_v division_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o affection_n be_v such_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_n administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v the_o world_n be_v never_o before_o blessed_v with_o for_o be_v it_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n only_o that_o christ_n take_v such_o care_n of_o and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n or_o be_v
wherein_o do_v this_o permit_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o this_o answerer_n very_o impertinent_o object_v and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o rational_a man_n whether_o they_o who_o insist_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n or_o they_o who_o allow_v unto_o every_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o christian_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o lead_v into_o the_o path_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o do_v gratify_v the_o old_a serpent_n in_o his_o malicious_a wile_n and_o method_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o his_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v their_o hellish_a design_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n government_n at_o one_o blow_n i_o say_v again_o let_v every_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o destroy_v judge_n god_n name_n be_v not_o indeed_o blaspheme_v as_o he_o say_v when_o his_o institution_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o uphold_v his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o institute_v the_o civil_a sword_n to_o force_v any_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o less_o to_o uphold_v whatever_o be_v teach_v or_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o his_o name_n be_v blaspheme_v when_o man_n mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o who_o use_v such_o mean_n and_o method_n for_o its_o propagation_n as_o they_o pretend_v as_o beget_v a_o aversion_n in_o many_o towards_o it_o and_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v the_o profession_n thereof_o arbitrary_a they_o who_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o every_o beâ—ted_a brain_n and_o sulphurous_a malcontent_n be_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o open_o to_o deny_v and_o blaspheme_v he_o when_o all_o we_o pray_v and_o plead_v for_o be_v but_o 3_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n without_o ever_o deny_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a evil_n and_o impiety_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a know_v from_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n how_o far_o any_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v here_o to_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v too_o hard_a thought_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o forsake_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o sacrament_n it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v one_o thing_n to_o convert_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v both_o effect_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o compel_v unto_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o but_o when_o man_n give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_o as_o he_o say_v the_o duty_n of_o churchman_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o proper_a mean_v to_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o but_o who_o be_v the_o incorrigible_a offender_n he_o speak_v of_o or_o what_o occasion_n do_v this_o query_n administer_v to_o ask_v why_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v request_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o be_v request_v to_o punish_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v no_o more_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n then_o he_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n alone_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n aught_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o reduce_v man_n to_o christianity_n and_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n now_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o its_o act_n and_o censure_n shall_v be_v second_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o disciple_n teach_v what_o he_o command_v they_o 28._o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o in_o the_o act_n and_o censure_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n have_v withdraw_v any_o of_o that_o ordinary_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n but_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o his_o promise_n in_o not_o teach_v what_o he_o command_v but_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o device_n in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o institution_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o orderly_a and_o regular_o pronounce_v now_o as_o heretofore_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o as_o then_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n what_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o body_n we_o be_v rather_o tell_v then_o convince_v of_o for_o the_o intestuous_a corinthian's_n being_n deliver_v unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v his_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n with_o the_o blindness_n of_o ellmas_n the_o sorcerer_n the_o effect_n of_o any_o church_n act_n or_o censure_n but_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n christ_n confer_v on_o his_o apostle_n to_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o church_n power_n be_v defective_a without_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n be_v high_o derogatory_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v much_o of_o christ_n glory_n to_o rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v that_o power_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a it_o be_v that_o power_n in_o all_o gospel_n institution_n that_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n carry_v the_o sting_n of_o the_o punishment_n when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o power_n do_v all_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bringin_n the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o whole_o to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v to_o aâ—m_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n what_o he_o say_v of_o dissenter_n be_v punish_v for_o endanger_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n by_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v speak_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o law_n and_o what_o church_n he_o here_o mean_v nor_o can_v we_o till_o then_o say_v how_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o society_n be_v twist_v and_o unite_v but_o do_v very_o well_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a artifices_fw-la in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o to_o twist_v the_o civil_a and_o some_o pretend_a religious_a interest_n as_o to_o preswade_v the_o world_n the_o oak_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o ivy_n but_o as_o well_o reason_n as_o experience_n
that_o error_n be_v restrain_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o truth_n may_v not_o suffer_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o reverend_a person_n judge_v the_o commonwealth_n in_o his_o day_n do_v well_o in_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v those_o who_o depart_v from_o our_o church_n he_o do_v not_o i_o presume_v think_v it_o do_v so_o some_o year_n before_o when_o it_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o then_o church_n so_o prefer_v the_o relation_n before_o the_o rule_n make_v the_o right_a and_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n though_o unsatisfied_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o service_n there_o use_v it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n and_o of_o very_o evil_a consequence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n ought_v all_o to_o be_v so_o compel_v by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n and_o believe_v they_o have_v truth_n also_o and_o what_o advantage_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o unjustifiablenes_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v any_o protestant_n think_v truth_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v get_v thereby_o it_o be_v therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n will_v observe_v that_o no_o less_o divine_a than_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o the_o query_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v governor_n require_v conformity_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o judgement_n of_o inferior_n dislike_v or_o disapprove_v of_o as_o unmeet_a or_o inconvenient_a but_o to_o those_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n only_o as_o inferior_n judge_v sinful_a the_o constrain_a therefore_o any_o against_o their_o will_n and_o interest_n to_o do_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v honest_a and_o just_a reach_v not_o the_o present_a question_n though_o nothing_o can_v as_o he_o say_v excuse_v subject_n from_o yield_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o what_o that_o authority_n do_v enjoin_v yet_o when_o any_o one_o be_v persuade_v the_o thing_n command_v be_v unlawful_a though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a he_o may_v not_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o a_o innocent_a or_o invincible_o err_v conscience_n 6._o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n taylor_n true_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v against_o the_o know_a commandment_n of_o our_o superior_n but_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o engage_v upon_o that_o action_n which_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v unmeet_a and_o inconvenient_a only_o not_o unlawful_a though_o he_o have_v some_o inward_a averseness_n and_o reluctancy_n in_o his_o mind_n against_o it_o and_o wish_n that_o no_o such_o obligation_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o but_o our_o answerer_n do_v very_o seasonable_o recollect_v himself_o in_o tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n do_v not_o come_v home_o to_o our_o present_a dissenter_n for_o that_o they_o judge_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v indifferent_a to_o be_v not_o only_o inconvenient_a but_o sinful_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o deny_v conformity_n in_o practice_n but_o where_o this_o have_v be_v in_o part_n answer_v as_o he_o say_v we_o have_v not_o yet_o observe_v and_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v as_o he_o promise_v consider_v in_o the_o follow_a query_n query_n xvi_o whether_o to_o punish_v any_o for_o not_o conform_v to_o such_o mode_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v sinful_a be_v not_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o not_o do_v what_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o to_o do_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n that_o it_o be_v all_o man_n duty_n as_o he_o say_v to_o obey_v lawful_a authority_n either_o active_o or_o passive_o none_o sure_a doubt_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o this_o query_n to_o say_v that_o active_a obedience_n be_v not_o require_v by_o authority_n to_o all_o its_o command_n be_v to_o say_v authority_n command_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o itself_o judge_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v so_o that_o active_a obedience_n be_v by_o authority_n require_v to_o all_o its_o command_n and_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v any_o from_o such_o obedience_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v so_o command_v but_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o loyal_a subject_n nor_o humble_a christian_a as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o to_o mistrust_v his_o own_o judgement_n as_o to_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o lawfullness_n or_o unlawfullness_n of_o whatever_o be_v command_v he_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n to_o make_v some_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o query_n which_o be_v but_o need_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n if_o that_o thing_n be_v condemn_v as_o sinful_a which_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o right_a conscience_n but_o where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o sacred_a scripture_n though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o it_o be_v conscience_n in_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o till_o convince_v of_o it_o error_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o go_v against_o and_o his_o say_n it_o may_v be_v humour_n or_o fancy_n or_o passion_n or_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o forestalement_n and_o prejudices_fw-la imbibe_v by_o ill_a education_n and_o instruction_n etc._n etc._n will_v never_o prevail_v with_o prudent_a and_o pious_a man_n to_o abandon_v conscience_n or_o in_o aught_o to_o act_v against_o it_o nor_o yet_o to_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n unto_o any_o which_o be_v indeed_o not_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n or_o act_n as_o man_n but_o like_o bruit_n rather_o bear_v whatever_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o so_o change_v their_o religion_n as_o oft_o as_o chance_v or_o providence_n shall_v change_v their_o master_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o rational_a or_o manly_a choice_n whether_o any_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o query_n which_o meddle_v not_o with_o particular_n and_o yet_o if_o no_o more_o as_o he_o say_v can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n then_o that_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n or_o no_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hinder_v his_o comformity_n notwithstanding_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o that_o weight_n as_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o his_o lawful_a superior_n lawful_a command_n for_o he_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o worship_n may_v doubt_v likewise_o whether_o his_o superior_n command_v he_o so_o to_o worship_n be_v a_o lawful_a command_n or_o whether_o his_o superior_a have_v authority_n to_o command_v he_o so_o to_o worship_n for_o where_o superior_n have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v and_o then_o such_o a_o command_n can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o supersede_n his_o doubt_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v a_o plain_a prohibition_n of_o scripture_n against_o what_o he_o be_v command_v neither_o as_o be_v say_v be_v it_o duty_n or_o any_o part_n of_o christian_a meekness_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v concern_v the_o superior_n authority_n for_o any_o therein_o to_o take_v his_o resolution_n from_o those_o claim_n that_o authority_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o dogmatize_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o do_v which_o some_o law_n of_o god_n still_o in_o force_n do_v not_o prohibit_v yet_o while_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n now_o in_o force_n prohibit_v the_o matter_n in_o doubt_n and_o which_o be_v that_o which_o occasion_n the_o doubt_n it_o can_v be_v no_o such_o sin_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o both_o that_o and_o the_o disobedience_n here_o talk_v of_o may_v still_o commence_v virtue_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o yet_o we_o deny_v it_o not_o to_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n to_o seek_v satisfaction_n from_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o but_o not_o to_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n unto_o any_o or_o obey_v they_o
his_o bless_a will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n what_o we_o do_v he_o mean_a for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o all_o man_n duty_n with_o the_o psalmist_n still_o to_o pray_v 18._o that_o god_n will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o his_o law_n there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n necessary_a for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o revelation_n this_o answerer_n be_v yet_o unacquainted_a with_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v the_o save_a truth_n thereof_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v this_o query_n therefore_o ground_v on_o tâ—e_v apostle_n advice_n to_o the_o philippian_n 3._o intend_v only_o the_o revelation_n there_o mention_v which_o we_o hope_v be_v no_o enthusiasm_n by_o say_v in_o doubt_n relate_v to_o religion_n man_n will_v do_v better_a to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o seek_v satisfaction_n from_o the_o priests_n lip_n then_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o dark_a mind_n he_o plain_o enough_o tell_v what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o and_o that_o it_o be_v blind_a obedience_n he_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o but_o before_o we_o thus_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n unto_o any_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o who_o among_o the_o many_o pretender_n be_v those_o father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o will_v have_v we_o thus_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o 15_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n 1._o and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o belong_v by_o divine_a right_n unto_o all_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o dark_a mind_n a_o private_a discretive_a and_o self-directive_a judgement_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o not_o only_a aught_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n recommend_v to_o they_o by_o their_o teacher_n but_o even_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o teacher_n themselves_o between_o the_o true_a and_o the_o false_a between_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o antichrist_n so_o far_a be_v it_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o any_o shall_v pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o teacher_n sleeve_n captivate_v their_o judgement_n unto_o they_o and_o believe_v and_o do_v whatever_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a it_o be_v indeed_o happy_a if_o man_n can_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n as_o those_o which_o shall_v keep_v knowledge_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o too_o many_o of_o they_o in_o our_o day_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a 9_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n nant_fw-la of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o have_v i_o also_o make_v you_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o you_o have_v not_o keep_v my_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n query_n xviii_o whether_o in_o these_o duty_n whereon_o eternity_n depend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a absurdity_n to_o force_v any_o against_o their_o own_o light_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o be_v not_o infallible_a reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n it_o be_v no_o very_a please_a employment_n to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o question_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o answer_v but_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v be_v content_a with_o in_o this_o contest_v what_o this_o answerer_n find_v in_o this_o query_n infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n in_o all_o guide_n and_o governor_n whether_o sacred_a or_o civil_a we_o be_v yet_o to_o seek_v there_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v some_o difference_n between_o be_v guide_v in_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v fallible_a which_o we_o never_o think_v unreasonable_a and_o be_v force_v to_o follow_v they_o therein_o against_o a_o man_n own_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o question_v it_o be_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n only_o and_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o these_o a_o man_n act_v against_o his_o own_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o only_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n that_o this_o query_n oppose_v and_o where_o have_v this_o be_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o answer_v or_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o here_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v no_o high_a absurdity_n in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a minister_n and_o much_o more_o by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o national_a church_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o the_o priest_n mouth_n who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n since_o we_o never_o deny_v either_o but_o say_v that_o blind_a obedience_n be_v never_o to_o be_v yield_v unto_o any_o much_o less_o that_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v in_o any_o religious_a duty_n against_o their_o own_o light_n the_o priest_n lip_n indeed_o shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n but_o as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v they_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n so_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o always_o to_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v unto_o they_o 16._o their_o direction_n and_o instruction_n therefore_o with_o this_o answerer_n good_a leave_n may_v sometime_o be_v reject_v and_o since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o command_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o examine_v the_o authority_n and_o mission_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o to_o query_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o who_o the_o false_a who_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n who_o of_o antichrist_n that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o one_o and_o reject_v the_o other_o with_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n if_o upon_o trial_n they_o square_v not_o with_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o prove_v they_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o render_v as_o he_o say_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n much_o less_o all_o office_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n void_a and_o useless_a it_o only_a caution_n christian_n not_o to_o esteem_v of_o they_o above_o what_o be_v meet_v in_o yield_v that_o blind_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n prohibit_n and_o which_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o give_v when_o therefore_o god_n command_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o 17_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n their_o authority_n as_o we_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o from_o the_o reverend_n dr._n stillingfleet_n be_v only_a directive_n and_o declarative_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n can_v bind_v no_o far_o than_o reason_n and_o evidence_n bring_v from_o scripture_n by_o they_o do_v but_o he_o go_v on_o with_o his_o infallibility_n and_o say_v the_o argument_n hold_v as_o much_o against_o any_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o humane_a life_n as_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o may_v be_v therein_o mistake_v for_o it_o be_v all_o man_n interest_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o civil_a judicatories_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o humane_a life_n how_o erroneous_a or_o unjust_a soever_o they_o may_v apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o great_a good_a public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a but_o that_o will_v never_o make_v it_o reasonable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o compensation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o other_o who_o perhaps_o see_v no_o better_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o as_o himself_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v
and_o not_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o and_o will_v not_o because_o some_o have_v be_v feed_v from_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a sustenance_n that_o other_o therefore_o shall_v refuse_v their_o daily_a bread_n no_o certain_o no_o wise_a or_o sober_a man_n will_v ever_o do_v that_o but_o rather_o thankful_o accept_v of_o the_o magistrate_n favour_n and_o assistance_n if_o he_o will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v the_o church_n daily_a bread_n though_o i_o shall_v have_v think_v the_o divine_a presence_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v rather_o have_v be_v so_o esteem_v and_o to_o substitute_n in_o the_o place_n thereof_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a and_o compulsive_a power_n savour_v more_o of_o mahumetism_n than_o of_o christianity_n so_o little_a reverence_n have_v he_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o with_o a_o seem_a contempt_n of_o he_o that_o true_a religion_n flourish_v before_o ever_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n though_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a protection_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o israelite_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n the_o true_a religion_n he_o say_v no_o long_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v among_o they_o than_o it_o be_v encourage_v and_o protect_v against_o all_o false_a and_o foreign_a religion_n by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n god_n have_v then_o as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v withdraw_v his_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a assistance_n from_o it_o commit_v the_o sole_a care_n and_o concern_v thereof_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n what_o then_o become_v of_o religion_n when_o those_o magistrate_n neglect_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o it_o and_o towards_o god_n be_v there_o then_o no_o true_a religion_n in_o israel_n or_o do_v he_o think_v it_o do_v not_o then_o thrive_v or_o prosper_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o religion_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o godliness_n be_v great_a gain_n but_o gain_n with_o some_o be_v the_o only_a godliness_n and_o they_o think_v religion_n never_o thrive_v or_o prosper_v but_o in_o the_o outward_a prosperity_n of_o its_o professor_n though_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a and_o so_o david_n tell_v we_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v say_v he_o i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o keep_v thy_o word_n and_o again_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v 71._o that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o example_n and_o countenance_n of_o superior_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o behaviour_n and_o conversation_n of_o inferior_n according_a to_o the_o old_a say_n regis_fw-la ad_fw-la exemplum_fw-la totus_fw-la componitur_fw-la orbis_fw-la yet_o religion_n do_v not_o stand_v and_o fall_v with_o they_o for_o even_o in_o ahabâ—_n reign_n there_o be_v 7000_o who_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n who_o yet_o be_v neither_o schismatic_n nor_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o disobedient_a to_o superior_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o then_o establish_v national_a religion_n but_o to_o conclude_v our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n although_o christianity_n be_v plant_v by_o miracle_n i.e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o its_o protection_n only_o without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n yet_o its_o preservation_n can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o law_n forget_v what_o he_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v secure_v and_o uphold_v by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n and_o method_n by_o which_o they_o be_v acquire_v but_o mahumâ—â—atism_n prevail_v have_v it_o seem_v alter_v his_o mind_n and_o now_o he_o judge_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n unable_a to_o preserve_v christianity_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n and_o that_o christ_n promise_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n together_o with_o the_o gift_n he_o give_v unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o christianity_n yea_o he_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o have_v sleep_v for_o these_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n judge_v it_o seem_v other_o as_o thing_n be_v now_o among_o we_o such_o as_o himself_o and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n continue_v not_o his_o gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o end_n beforementioned_a nor_o yet_o his_o presence_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n above_o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n so_o leave_v she_o for_o a_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n without_o either_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a mean_n for_o her_o preservation_n it_o be_v 300_o year_n after_o christ_n before_o she_o have_v the_o aid_n or_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n such_o a_o excellent_a advocate_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n have_v this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n approve_v himself_o query_n xxvi_o whether_o to_o persecute_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o indication_n of_o a_o cainish_a ishmalitish_n and_o wolvish_a nature_n and_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n be_v sure_a the_o first_o that_o ever_o quarrel_v at_o the_o severity_n of_o any_o expression_n against_o such_o as_o persecute_v on_o the_o accowt_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v certain_o no_o vile_a miscreant_n on_o the_o earth_n than_o they_o who_o molest_v or_o trouble_v any_o for_o render_v only_o unto_o god_n the_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o though_o he_o know_v of_o none_o of_o the_o socinian_n writer_n that_o press_v as_o he_o say_v this_o argument_n with_o that_o bitterness_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o query_n yet_o he_o may_v soon_o find_v some_o among_o the_o orthodox_n who_o have_v press_v it_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o from_o who_o indeed_o the_o query_n be_v but_o borrow_v the_o reverend_n learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n henry_n more_o of_o cambridge_n 48._o have_v declare_v liberty_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o common_a and_o natural_a right_n of_o alâ—_n nation_n and_o person_n tell_v we_o how_o grotious_a give_v several_a instance_n thereof_o in_o his_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belli_fw-la &_o pacis_fw-la where_o he_o cite_v one_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n praecipit_fw-la sancta_fw-la synodus_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o holy_a synod_n decree_v that_o none_o hereafter_o shall_v by_o force_n he_o compel_v to_o the_o faith_n for_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v be_v harden_v also_o tertullian_n lex_fw-la nova_fw-la non_fw-la se_fw-la vindicat_fw-la ultore_fw-la gladio_fw-la the_o gospel_n support_v not_o itself_o by_o the_o punish_a sword_n he_o cites_n also_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n athanasius_n and_o chrysostom_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n who_o express_o exclude_v force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o bring_v over_o to_o christianity_n and_o certain_o they_o who_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o it_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v treat_v with_o less_o of_o reason_n and_o moderation_n that_o also_o say_v our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a doctor_n be_v remarkable_a which_o bishop_n jewel_n note_v out_o of_o chrysostom_n in_o the_o 19_o homily_n on_o st._n matthew_n nunquid_fw-la ovis_fw-la lupum_fw-la persequitur_fw-la aliquando_fw-la etc._n etc._n do_v the_o sheep_n ever_o persecute_v the_o wolf_n no_o but_o the_o wolf_n the_o sheep_n so_o cain_n persecute_v abel_n not_o abel_n cain_n so_o ishmael_n persecute_v isaac_n not_o isaac_n ishmael_n so_o the_o jew_n persecute_v christ_n not_o christ_n the_o jew_n heretic_n persecute_v christian_n not_o christian_n heretic_n by_o their_o fruit_n therefore_o you_o shall_v know_v they_o whereby_o he_o plain_o imply_v that_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v a_o very_a unchristian_a or_o antichrstian_a symptom_n and_o smart_o again_o in_o the_o same_o homily_n quem_fw-la vides_fw-la in_o sangnine_a persecutionis_fw-la gaudeâ—â—tem_fw-la lupus_fw-la est_fw-la he_o that_o be_v a_o persecutor_n be_v no_o sheep_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o wolf_n and_o last_o for_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a business_n say_v he_o to_o prosecute_v this_o common_a place_n that_o be_v a_o shrewd_a intimation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n so_o great_a a_o antipathy_n be_v there_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o true_o regenerate_v christian_n which_o shall_v make_v any_o man_n afraid_a to_o feel_v any_o persecute_v motion_n arise_v in_o his_o breast_n as_o be_v indication_n of_o a_o cainish_a ishmaelitish_n
their_o duty_n to_o follow_v any_o far_o than_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o require_v more_o of_o any_o be_v indeed_o as_o the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v in_o his_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n to_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o infallible_o to_o involve_v those_o that_o so_o do_v in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o text_n cite_v but_o have_v this_o answerer_n the_o vanity_n to_o think_v his_o illogical_a and_o undue_a inference_n false_a suggestion_n impertinent_a and_o ridiculous_a reason_n and_o nonsensical_a answer_n shall_v convince_v any_o of_o guilt_n yet_o if_o he_o know_v of_o any_o who_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o work_n or_o otherwise_o want_v in_o their_o duty_n let_v he_o not_o spare_v to_o charge_n and_o charge_v they_o home_o and_o if_o they_o can_v acquit_v themselves_o let_v not_o reproach_n and_o shame_n only_o befall_v they_o but_o whatever_o severity_n law_n and_o justice_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o so_o learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o person_n have_v write_v in_o the_o church_n vindication_n any_o shall_v yet_o reply_v the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o constitution_n do_v little_a or_o no_o good_a and_o therefore_o be_v better_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v to_o be_v repeal_v against_o which_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v already_o say_v he_o add_v the_o say_n of_o a_o roman_a when_o rome_n as_o he_o say_v resemble_v england_n by_o the_o ill_a government_n of_o galba_n that_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o live_v where_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a then_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v such_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o government_n as_o those_o query_n with_o all_o their_o sedition_n shall_v i_o hope_v never_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o but_o what_o may_v be_v the_o instance_n of_o ill_a government_n which_o be_v here_o so_o severe_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v upon_o inquiry_n be_v find_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o majesty_n late_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n in_o religion_n the_o which_o though_o it_o secure_v to_o the_o church_n all_o its_o right_n privilege_n and_o emolument_n be_v yet_o so_o intolerable_a to_o some_o churchman_n in_o restrain_v they_o only_o from_o fall_v upon_o and_o ruine_v their_o poor_a peaceable_a and_o pious_a neighbour_n that_o none_o have_v more_o and_o few_o i_o think_v so_o much_o reflect_v on_o authority_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v thereon_o do_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n what_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n they_o will_v quick_o be_v shall_v authority_n deal_v with_o they_o as_o it_o have_v do_v with_o some_o other_o for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v loyal_a to_o kind_a and_o bountiful_a master_n wolf_n and_o tiger_n be_v so_o to_o those_o who_o feed_v and_o favour_v they_o but_o they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v account_v loyal_a subject_n who_o be_v so_o for_o conscience-sake_n to_o severe_a and_o froward_a governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n and_o courteous_a and_o not_o as_o their_o benefactor_n but_o as_o god_n minister_n which_o be_v a_o loyalty_n few_o of_o these_o loyalist_n can_v boast_v of_o but_o he_o again_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o army_n which_o it_o do_v for_o terror_n but_o not_o for_o be_v alike_o officer_v and_o for_o a_o army_n say_v he_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o its_o own_o liberty_n and_o every_o common_a soldier_n to_o observe_v no_o order_n nor_o live_v under_o any_o discipline_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o expose_v it_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o first_o invader_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o who_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o will_v have_v no_o common_a soldier_n observe_v any_o order_n nor_o live_v under_o any_o discipline_n not_o they_o certain_o who_o will_v have_v both_o the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o this_o army_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o chief_a commander_n the_o officer_n in_o command_v as_o well_o as_o soldier_n in_o obey_v which_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o order_n and_o discipline_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o this_o answerer_n tell_v we_o the_o little_a good_a that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o their_o due_a execution_n which_o be_v still_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o government_n as_o be_v his_o elsewhere_o say_v the_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o one_o law_n will_v do_v more_o good_a than_o a_o million_o of_o proclamation_n etc._n etc._n or_o from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o those_o person_n who_o expect_v protection_n from_o law_n without_o pay_v any_o reverence_n or_o obedience_n to_o they_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v never_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o civil_a and_o secular_a affair_n and_o concern_v force_n and_o compulsion_n be_v and_o must_v be_v use_v or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n or_o government_n among_o man_n but_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n abstract_v from_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v otherwise_o man_n be_v therein_o to_o be_v gain_v and_o govern_v by_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n only_o religion_n can_v be_v impose_v nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absurd_a than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n virga_fw-la regum_fw-la as_o rupertus_n true_o tell_v we_o est_fw-la virga_fw-la dominationis_fw-la virga_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la christi_fw-la virga_fw-la est_fw-la dilectionis_fw-la or_o as_o hieron_n have_v it_o rex_fw-la praeest_fw-la nolentibus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la volentibus_fw-la 10._o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o bring_v every_o thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o that_o victory_n be_v atcheive_v be_v not_o carnal_a which_o be_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o little_a good_a that_o be_v therein_o do_v by_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n this_o answerer_n may_v therefore_o very_a well_o ask_v what_o effect_v ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v have_v upon_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o the_o world_n second_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v or_o convert_v one_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n hypocrity_n or_o dissemble_a professor_n they_o may_v indeed_o make_v but_o can_v never_o make_v one_o true_a or_o sincere_a christian_a penal_a law_n therefore_o concern_v religion_n have_v ever_o respect_v more_o the_o civil_a peace_n and_o interest_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o right_n of_o prince_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o invade_v or_o injure_v then_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v not_o by_o those_o mean_n or_o method_n to_o be_v preserve_v or_o propagate_v so_o a_o late_a great_a minister_n of_o state_n speak_v of_o penal_a law_n against_o papist_n tell_v they_o 11._o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o opinion_n of_o purgatory_n or_o transubstantiation_n though_o error_n but_o against_o their_o own_v the_o personal_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n within_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n as_o dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n that_o those_o law_n be_v provide_v disclaim_v therefore_o of_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o at_o great_a ease_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n order_n to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o none_o ever_o suffer_v in_o england_n for_o religion_n but_o for_o treason_n or_o treasonable_a practice_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v we_o believe_v some_o late_a law_n concern_v religion_n be_v ever_o intend_v to_o molest_v or_o punish_v any_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o true_o religious_a duty_n but_o of_o such_o only_a as_o under_o pretence_n thereof_o meet_v to_o contrive_v insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n and_o thereby_o become_v dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n and_o such_o certain_o of_o all_o man_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o severe_o deal_v with_o as_o well_o for_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o abuse_v of_o religion_n as_o for_o such_o their_o disloyal_a practice_n for_o none_o sure_a can_v imagine_v his_o majesty_n will_v ever_o have_v indulge_v dissenter_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v it_o be_v against_o that_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v and_o not_o rather_o against_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v from_o some_o meeting_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o public_a the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v the_o ground_n both_o of_o those_o law_n and_o likewise_o of_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n of_o indulgence_n upon_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o