resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n now_o if_o they_o must_v obey_v the_o power_n because_o they_o be_v from_o god_n subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v as_o when_o we_o have_v not_o and_o be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n at_o this_o day_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v as_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o set_v up_o king_n now_o as_o he_o have_v then_o 2._o he_o threaten_v eternal_a damnation_n against_o those_o who_o resist_v he_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v unto_o himself_o damnation_n which_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a evil_n in_o resistance_n and_o therefore_o that_o nonresistance_n be_v a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n which_o can_v be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o resist_v when_o we_o can_v resist_v to_o some_o purpose_n when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o conquer_v it_o be_v foolish_a indeed_o to_o resist_v a_o prince_n when_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a force_n to_o oppose_v against_o he_o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v perish_v etenal_o for_o do_v a_o action_n which_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o imprudent_o undertake_v these_o man_n have_v need_n look_v well_o to_o themselves_o how_o lawful_a soever_o they_o think_v resistance_n to_o be_v if_o every_o imprudent_a and_o unfortunate_a rebel_n must_v be_v damn_v 3._o st._n paul_n add_v that_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v not_o only_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o man_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n now_o if_o resistance_n be_v not_o in_o its_o nature_n sinful_a it_o be_v a_o very_a prudential_a consideration_n not_o to_o resist_v for_o fear_n of_o wrath_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o be_v punish_v by_o man_n if_o we_o can_v conquer_v but_o there_o will_v be_v no_o conscience_n in_o the_o case_n no_o sense_n of_o any_o duty_n to_o god_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o nonresistance_n be_v our_o duty_n when_o we_o can_v conquer_v and_o resistance_n when_o we_o can_v 4._o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o subjection_n to_o king_n and_o governor_n be_v a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v it_o well-doing_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n that_o be_v by_o submit_v to_o king_n and_o governor_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v now_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n can_v alter_v with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o one_o age_n be_v so_o in_o another_o which_o show_v that_o subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n be_v not_o a_o temporary_a law_n and_o mere_a matter_n of_o prudence_n but_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n 5._o for_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o christianity_n that_o it_o make_v man_n quiet_a peaceable_a and_o governable_a by_o well-doing_n they_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n by_o their_o peaceable_a and_o obedient_a behaviour_n to_o their_o governor_n they_o shame_v those_o man_n who_o ignorant_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n now_o hence_o there_o be_v two_o plain_a consequent_n 1._o that_o subjection_n to_o government_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o good_a repute_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o credit_n to_o christianity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o subjection_n to_o government_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n because_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n and_o therefore_o become_v christian_n 4_o phil._n 8._o 2._o it_o hence_o follow_v also_o that_o subjection_n to_o government_n be_v a_o stand_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v recommend_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n by_o subjection_n to_o prince_n but_o certain_o god_n never_o intend_v they_o shall_v put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o recommend_v christianity_n to_o they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o part_n nor_o duty_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o confute_v that_o vain_a pretence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n oblige_v christian_n only_o while_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o resist_v and_o defend_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o subjection_n to_o prince_n as_o for_o their_o example_n i_o think_v there_o be_v never_o any_o dispute_n about_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o they_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o that_o and_o some_o follow_a age_n do_v without_o either_o reproach_v their_o governor_n or_o rebel_a against_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v not_o mere_o because_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v but_o out_o of_o duty_n and_o reverence_n to_o god_n who_o set_v prince_n on_o throne_n and_o have_v give_v they_o a_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o go_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o the_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n chap._n vi_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o popular_a objection_n against_o nonresistance_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n though_o methinks_v after_o such_o plain_a and_o convince_a proof_n that_o nonresistance_n be_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n though_o witty_a man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o start_v some_o objection_n yet_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o regard_v they_o for_o no_o objection_n be_v of_o any_o force_n against_o a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n indeed_o when_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o a_o thing_n but_o only_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v equal_o strong_a and_o cogent_a on_o both_o side_n it_o render_v the_o matter_n very_o doubtful_a on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o when_o on_o one_o side_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n which_o side_n we_o choose_v unless_o any_o man_n think_v it_o doubtful_a which_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n scripture_n or_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o till_o man_n can_v answer_v that_o scripture-evidence_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v which_o i_o be_o not_o much_o concern_v about_o for_o i_o guess_v it_o will_v take_v they_o up_o some_o time_n to_o do_v it_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n whether_o i_o can_v answer_v they_o or_o not_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o i_o and_o aught_o to_o signify_v as_o little_a to_o any_o man_n who_o reverence_v the_o scripture_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o objection_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o formidable_a that_o we_o need_v be_v afraid_a of_o they_o now_o i_o know_v no_o body_n but_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o most_o case_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n not_o to_o resist_v their_o prince_n but_o they_o only_o pretend_v that_o this_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n when_o their_o prince_n oppress_v and_o persecute_v they_o contrary_a to_o law_n when_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n and_o property_n and_o religion_n be_v all_o secure_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n they_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v tame_o suffer_v a_o prince_n to_o usurp_v upon_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o unjust_a and_o illegal_a violence_n and_o they_o urge_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o five_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o no_o law_n to_o suffer_v against_o law_n 2._o that_o the_o prince_n have_v no_o authority_n against_o law_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a right_n of_o self-defence_n against_o unjust_a violence_n 4._o that_o otherwise_o we_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n between_o a_o absolute_a and_o limit_a monarch_n between_o a_o prince_n who_o will_n be_v his_o law_n and_o a_o prince_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o govern_v by_o law_n which_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o english_a government_n 5._o that_o if_o resistance_n in_o no_o case_n be_v allow_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o mankind_n may_v be_v intolerable_a i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v
who_o exercise_v a_o particular_a providence_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n and_o over-ruleth_a all_o external_a and_o second_o cause_n to_o set_v up_o such_o prince_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v first_o choose_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o resist_v resist_v not_o man_n but_o god_n he_o oppose_v the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o sovereign_n lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o alone_o be_v our_o natural_a lord_n and_o governor_n and_o who_o alone_o have_v right_a to_o put_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n into_o what_o hand_n he_o please_v and_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o such_o rebel_n may_v be_v in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o justice_n which_o will_v follow_v they_o into_o another_o world_n they_o shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n this_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n about_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v this_o doctrie_n himself_o but_o he_o charge_v timothy_n and_o titus_n two_o bishop_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o one_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n the_o other_o of_o crete_n to_o preach_v the_o same_o thus_o he_o charge_v titus_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 3_o titus_n 1._o when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_n he_o suppose_v that_o this_o be_v a_o know_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v frequent_o mind_v of_o it_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n ought_v frequent_o to_o preach_v of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v and_o inculcate_v it_o upon_o their_o hearer_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o observe_v and_o yet_o in_o many_o case_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v observe_v &_o require_v such_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o contempt_n of_o present_a thing_n that_o too_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v it_o and_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o it_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n give_v this_o in_o particular_a charge_n to_o titus_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o take_v special_a care_n to_o instruct_v people_n well_o in_o this_o point_n and_o frequent_o to_o renew_v and_o repeat_v their_o exhortation_n especial_o when_o they_o find_v a_o busy_a factious_a and_o seditious_a spirit_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n thus_o he_o instruct_v timothy_n the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o i_o exhort_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o such_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o prince_n as_o include_v nonresistance_n in_o it_o can_v we_o pray_v for_o any_o man_n without_o make_v he_o our_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_n lord_n be_v we_o not_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n and_o do_v our_o pray_v for_o they_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o resist_v and_o oppose_v their_o unjust_a violence_n how_o then_o can_v you_o prove_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o pray_v for_o king_n that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n lawful_a to_o resist_v they_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o resist_v tyrannical_a prince_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o prince_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v in_o no_o case_n lawful_o resist_v they_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o pray_v for_o any_o man_n nay_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o prince_n can_v of_o itself_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o resist_v they_o if_o it_o otherwise_o appear_v that_o resistance_n be_v lawful_a but_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o make_v supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n for_o persecute_v prince_n as_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n that_o be_v if_o they_o must_v beg_v all_o good_a thing_n for_o they_o a_o long_a and_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a reign_n which_o be_v include_v in_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n this_o strong_o infer_v that_o they_o must_v not_o resist_v their_o power_n nor_o undermine_v their_o throne_n for_o we_o can_v very_o well_o at_o the_o same_o time_n pray_v for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o government_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v it_o down_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o understand_v those_o conditional_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v convert_v or_o confound_v they_o a_o prayer_n which_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n be_v never_o find_v in_o any_o christian_a liturgy_n yet_o which_o possible_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o liturgy_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n direct_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o they_o must_v live_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o security_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n this_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o when_o they_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n at_o that_o time_n they_o must_v pray_v for_o persecute_v prince_n that_o god_n will_v incline_v their_o heart_n to_o favour_v his_o people_n but_o must_v not_o fight_v against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v they_o in_o the_o case_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o have_v he_o know_v any_o other_o he_o will_v not_o have_v conceal_v it_o if_o it_o be_v always_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o prosperous_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n as_o by_o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v it_o can_v never_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n for_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o any_o man_n without_o mock_v almighty_a god_n can_v pray_v for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o the_o good_a success_n of_o his_o government_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o fight_v against_o he_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v so_o free_o and_o open_o declare_v against_o resist_v the_o high_a power_n which_o timothy_n who_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o companion_n and_o fellow-labourer_n can_v not_o but_o know_v what_o other_o interpretation_n can_v he_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v live_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n but_o only_o this_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o last_o and_o only_a remedy_n that_o we_o can_v have_v against_o persecute_v prince_n have_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o resist_v it_o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o strength_n and_o courage_n and_o counsel_n to_o oppose_v all_o his_o and_o their_o enemy_n that_o he_o will_v appear_v as_o miraculous_o for_o their_o defence_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o will_v set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o make_v all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n give_v place_n to_o a_o more_o glorious_a kingdom_n time_n be_v when_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o he_o save_v with_o many_o or_o a_o few_o he_o know_v how_o to_o destroy_v potent_a and_o formidable_a army_n without_o any_o humane_a strength_n and_o power_n or_o by_o such_o weak_a &_o contemptible_a mean_n as_o reserve_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o victory_n entire_a to_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o that_o ever_o he_o be_v and_o his_o power_n be_v the_o same_o but_o st._n paul_n very_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pull_v emperor_n out_o of_o their_o throne_n to_o give_v any_o disturbance_n to_o civil_a power_n or_o to_o attempt_v any_o change_n or_o innovation_n in_o government_n and_o therefore_o since_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o such_o prince_n as_o they_o have_v there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n leave_v they_o but_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n so_o to_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o prince_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o under_o pagan_a prince_n for_o as_o much_o as_o some_o man_n of_o late_a day_n profane_o scoff_v
and_o practise_v about_o obedience_n to_o sovereign_a prince_n whereby_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o far_a christian_n be_v oblige_v by_o these_o law_n of_o subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n 1._o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n and_o here_o be_v several_a thing_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v observe_v 1._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o christ_n will_v alter_v the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n which_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o commission_n to_o change_v the_o external_a form_n and_o polity_n of_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o secular_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o a_o spiritual_a prince_n he_o who_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o decide_v a_o petty_a controversy_n or_o to_o divide_v a_o inheritance_n between_o two_o contend_a brethren_n 12_o luke_n 13_o 14._o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v attempt_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o vast_a consequence_n as_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n of_o civil_a power_n which_o will_v have_v unsettle_a the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o all_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o fill_v it_o up_o to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a it_o 5_o matth._n 17._o that_o be_v to_o fulfil_v the_o ancient_a type_n and_o prophecy_n in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o perfect_v a_o external_a and_o ceremonial_a by_o a_o real_a and_o evangelical_n righteousness_n to_o perfect_v the_o moral_a law_n with_o new_a instance_n and_o degree_n of_o virtue_n but_o he_o abrogate_a no_n moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o prince_n which_o have_v always_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o five_o commandment_n nay_o he_o abrogate_a no_o law_n but_o by_o perfect_v and_o fulfil_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n which_o be_v as_o perfect_a subjection_n as_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o sovereign_a prince_n his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o tell_v pilate_n though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n he_o neither_o be_v a_o enemy_n nor_o rival_n to_o caesar_n but_o have_v he_o absolve_v his_o disciple_n from_o their_o obedience_n to_o prince_n have_v he_o make_v it_o in_o any_o case_n lawful_a to_o resist_v which_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v the_o jew_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o which_o be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o sovereign_a power_n he_o have_v be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o a_o rival_n to_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o though_o he_o have_v set_v up_o no_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o yet_o he_o have_v pull_v down_o they_o whereas_o he_o take_v great_a care_n that_o his_o religion_n shall_v give_v no_o disturbance_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o create_v any_o reasonable_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n to_o prince_n who_o have_v be_v very_o excusable_a for_o their_o aversion_n to_o christianity_n have_v it_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o royalty_n of_o their_o crown_n this_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o civil_a power_n or_o abridge_v the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v so_o foreign_a to_o his_o design_n of_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o so_o incongruous_a to_o the_o person_n which_o he_o sustain_v and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o alter_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n but_o he_o must_v alter_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n too_o he_o must_v take_v away_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o prince_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o make_v it_o lawful_a for_o subject_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o resist_v we_o may_v safe_o then_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o find_v it_o he_o have_v indeed_o give_v such_o admirable_a law_n as_o will_v teach_v prince_n to_o govern_v and_o subject_n to_o obey_v better_a which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o happiness_n to_o prevent_v the_o oppression_n of_o subject_n and_o rebellion_n against_o prince_n but_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v in_o new_a model_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o consequence_n as_o some_o man_n imagine_v it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n but_o the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o prudence_n and_o justice_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o dutiful_a obedience_n of_o subject_n which_o can_v make_v any_o people_n happy_a if_o prince_n and_o subject_n be_v good_a christian_n they_o may_v be_v happy_a under_o most_o form_n of_o government_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o can_v be_v happy_a under_o none_o have_v our_o saviour_n give_v subject_n liberty_n to_o resist_v to_o depose_v to_o murder_v tyrannical_a prince_n he_o have_v do_v they_o no_o kindness_n at_o all_o for_o to_o give_v liberty_n to_o subject_n to_o resist_v be_v only_o to_o proclaim_v a_o universal_a licence_n to_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o civil_a war_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v think_v this_o such_o a_o mighty_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o a_o blessing_n proper_a for_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n to_o give_v but_o he_o who_o instruct_v prince_n to_o rule_v as_o god_n minister_n and_o vicegerent_n and_o to_o express_v a_o fatherly_a care_n and_o concernment_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o that_o teach_v subject_n to_o reverence_n and_o obey_v their_o prince_n as_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o quiet_o to_o submit_v and_o yield_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o enforce_v thâ—se_a law_n both_o on_o prince_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n when_o prince_n who_o abuse_v their_o power_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o their_o great_a master_n when_o subject_n who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o those_o who_o patient_o and_o quiet_o suffer_v for_o god_n sake_n shall_v have_v their_o injury_n redress_v and_o their_o obedience_n reward_v i_o say_v such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o to_o preserve_v good_a government_n in_o the_o world_n than_o all_o our_o wise_a politician_n and_o state-mender_n who_o think_v to_o reform_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o statespell_n and_o charm_n without_o reform_v those_o who_o govern_v and_o those_o who_o be_v govern_v this_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v nay_o this_o be_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o never_o usurp_v any_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o new_a model_n the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n he_o never_o offer_v any_o external_a force_n and_o compulsion_n to_o make_v man_n obey_v his_o law_n and_o therefore_o neither_o force_n prince_n to_o rule_v well_o nor_o subject_n to_o obey_v but_o he_o have_v take_v the_o same_o care_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o have_v do_v of_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v he_o have_v give_v very_o good_a law_n and_o threaten_v those_o who_o break_v they_o with_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o as_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n prevail_v so_o will_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n mend_v without_o alter_v the_o model_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o 2._o but_o yet_o we_o have_v some_o positive_a evidence_n what_o our_o saviour_n teach_v about_o obedience_n to_o the_o high_a power_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o two_o instance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o express_v as_o can_v be_v desire_v 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o answer_v our_o saviour_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n and_o herodian_o when_o they_o consult_v together_o to_o entangle_v he_o in_o his_o talk_n 22_o matth._n 15._o etc._n etc._n they_o come_v to_o he_o with_o great_a ceremony_n and_o address_n as_o to_o a_o infallible_a oracle_n to_o consult_v he_o in_o a_o very_a weighty_a case_n of_o conscience_n they_o express_v a_o great_a esteem_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o courage_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o unerring_a judgement_n in_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o master_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v true_a and_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n neither_o care_v thou_o for_o any_o man_n for_o thou_o regard_v not_o the_o person_n
all_o case_n to_o give_v to_o caesar_n what_o be_v coesar_n due_a and_o when_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v coesar_n without_o tell_v we_o what_o coesar_n thing_n be_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v his_o answer_n doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a and_o of_o no_o use_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n that_o it_o suggest_v to_o we_o three_o plain_a and_o natural_a consequence_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o end_v this_o whole_a dispute_n 1._o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n but_o what_o right_n he_o find_v sovereign_a prince_n possess_v of_o he_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o for_o have_v he_o intend_v to_o make_v any_o change_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v such_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v coesar_n without_o specify_v what_o these_o thing_n be_v 2._o and_o therefore_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v coesar_n right_a whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o sovera_v power_n whatever_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n determine_v to_o be_v coesar_n right_a that_o they_o must_v render_v to_o he_o for_o he_o will_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o subjection_n to_o prince_n and_o nonresistance_n be_v as_o plain_o determine_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o law_n as_o pay_v tribute_n for_o subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o right_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o as_o inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v so_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o 3._o i_o observe_v far_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n join_v our_o duty_n to_o our_o prince_n with_o our_o duty_n to_o our_o god_n render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v coesars_n and_o to_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n he_o except_v nothing_o from_o coesar_n right_a which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n be_v due_a to_o sovereign_a prince_n but_o what_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o and_o a_o encroachment_n on_o god_n right_a and_o sovereignty_n that_o be_v we_o must_v pay_v all_o that_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o prince_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o only_a limit_n our_o saviour_n set_v to_o our_o duty_n to_o prince_n if_o they_o shall_v command_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o religion_n and_o worship_v false_a god_n if_o they_o shall_v challenge_v divine_a honour_n to_o themselves_o as_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v this_o we_o must_v not_o do_v because_o it_o be_v to_o renounce_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n who_o have_v a_o more_o sovereign_a power_n and_o a_o great_a right_n in_o we_o than_o our_o prince_n but_o all_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o require_v of_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n and_o the_o essential_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n be_v what_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o prince_n and_o what_o by_o our_o saviour_n command_n we_o must_v render_v to_o he_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n and_o herodian_o which_o evident_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o prince_n enforce_v on_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o our_o saviour_n rebuke_n to_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o draw_v his_o sword_n and_o strike_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o smite_v off_o his_o ear_n be_v as_o plain_a a_o declaration_n against_o resistance_n as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o 26_o mat._n 52._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o he_o put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o his_o place_n for_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v with_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v upon_o what_o occasion_n st._n peter_n draw_v his_o sword_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v absolute_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v all_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o proclaim_v impunity_n to_o all_o the_o villainy_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n the_o sword_n be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o to_o protect_v the_o innocent_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o prince_n it_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o justice_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a 13_o rom._n 4._o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a person_n it_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o self-defence_n thus_o our_o saviour_n a_o little_a before_o his_o crucifixion_n give_v commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o sword_n though_o they_o part_v with_o their_o garment_n for_o the_o purchase_n 22_o luke_n 36._o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v be_v not_o design_v as_o a_o mere_a modish_n and_o fashionable_a thing_n but_o to_o defend_v themselves_o from_o the_o private_a assault_n of_o robber_n and_o suchlike_a common_a enemy_n who_o as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o be_v very_o numerous_a at_o that_o time_n for_o no_o man_n want_v authority_n to_o defend_v his_o life_n against_o he_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o take_v it_o away_o but_o the_o case_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v very_o different_a he_o draw_v his_o sword_n indeed_o in_o his_o master_n defence_n but_o against_o a_o lawful_a authority_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n come_v with_o judas_n to_o the_o place_n where_o jesus_n be_v to_o seize_v on_o he_o this_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n though_o employ_v upon_o a_o very_a unjust_a errand_n but_o authority_n must_v not_o be_v resist_v though_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o great_a innocence_n man_n who_o draw_v their_o sword_n against_o lawful_a power_n shall_v perish_v with_o the_o sword_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v what_o the_o event_n shall_v always_o be_v but_o what_o be_v the_o desert_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o action_n rebel_n may_v sometime_o be_v prosperous_a but_o they_o always_o deserve_v punishment_n and_o if_o they_o escape_v the_o sword_n in_o this_o world_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o they_o shall_v receive_v damnation_n in_o the_o next_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o express_o against_o resistance_n than_o this_o st._n peter_n never_o can_v have_v draw_v his_o sword_n in_o a_o better_a cause_n never_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o more_o sacred_a person_n if_o we_o may_v defend_v oppress_v innocence_n against_o a_o lawful_a authority_n if_o we_o may_v oppose_v unjust_a and_o illegal_a violence_n if_o any_o obligation_n of_o friendship_n gratitude_n or_o religion_n itself_o can_v justify_v resistance_n st._n peter_n have_v not_o meet_v with_o this_o rebuke_n what_o shall_v he_o tame_o suffer_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o be_v betray_v the_o most_o admirable_a example_n of_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v one_o who_o have_v do_v no_o evil_n who_o have_v neither_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n who_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a time_n in_o do_v good_a be_v so_o barbarous_o use_v and_o treat_v like_o the_o vile_a malefactor_n shall_v he_o who_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o miracle_n who_o give_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o foot_n to_o the_o lame_a shall_v he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n send_v from_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n shall_v their_o dear_a master_n be_v hale_v away_o from_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v by_o and_o see_v it_o &_o suffer_v it_o thus_o might_n s._n peter_n have_v argue_v for_o himself_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unjust_a action_n yet_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o just_a authority_n and_o lawful_a power_n must_v not_o be_v resist_v though_o it_o be_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o st._n peter_n may_v not_o use_v the_o sword_n in_o defence_n of_o christ_n person_n there_o be_v much_o less_o pretence_n to_o fight_v for_o his_o religion_n for_o though_o some_o call_v this_o fight_n for_o religion_n it_o be_v only_o fight_v for_o themselves_o man_n may_v keep_v their_o religion_n if_o they_o please_v in_o despite_n of_o earthly_a power_n and_o therefore_o no_o power_n can_v hurt_v religion_n though_o they_o may_v persecute_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o man_n take_v up_o arm_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n it_o
again_o when_o he_o please_v or_o however_o he_o must_v be_v a_o unfortunate_a prince_n who_o all_o his_o own_o officer_n and_o minister_n conspire_v against_o and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a weak_a prince_n who_o have_v not_o force_n and_o power_n to_o oppose_v they_o for_o what_o do_v the_o discontent_n of_o the_o great_a minister_n signify_v who_o can_v raise_v no_o force_n to_o oppose_v their_o prince_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o force_n to_o be_v raise_v if_o private_a man_n must_v not_o resist_v when_o inferior_a magistrate_n must_v submit_v or_o rebel_v alone_o as_o they_o must_v do_v if_o private_a man_n must_v not_o rebel_v whatever_o authority_n they_o have_v to_o control_v their_o prince_n they_o will_v want_v force_n and_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o lewd_a way_n of_o burlesque_a this_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n to_o make_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o when_o st._n paul_n so_o severe_o threaten_v damnation_n against_o those_o who_o resist_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o private_a subject_n must_v not_o resist_v their_o prince_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o discontent_a and_o factious_a magistrate_n to_o head_n they_o but_o how_o shall_v these_o subordinate_a governor_n come_v by_o this_o power_n to_o resist_v their_o prince_n they_o must_v either_o have_v it_o from_o god_n or_o from_o their_o prince_n not_o from_o god_n for_o sovereign_n prince_n receive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o if_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_n power_n on_o the_o prince_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v advance_v his_o own_o minister_n and_o officer_n above_o he_o which_o will_v be_v to_o place_v a_o superior_a power_n over_o the_o supreme_a nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o inferior_a magistrate_n receive_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o from_o their_o prince_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v no_o power_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o he_o for_o notwithstanding_o trajan_n compliment_n which_o he_o never_o intend_v shall_v be_v make_v a_o law_n for_o himself_o or_o other_o sovereign_n prince_n no_o prince_n can_v give_v such_o power_n as_o this_o to_o a_o subject_a without_o give_v he_o his_o crown_n he_o give_v away_o his_o sovereign_n power_n when_o he_o give_v any_o subject_a authority_n to_o resist_v he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sovereign_n prince_n if_o he_o make_v any_o man_n his_o superior_a for_o he_o can_v give_v away_o sovereign_n power_n and_o yet_o keep_v it_o himself_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a case_n with_o prince_n have_v they_o as_o many_o judge_n and_o master_n as_o they_o have_v officer_n and_o minister_n of_o state_n indeed_o no_o prince_n without_o part_v with_o his_o crown_n can_v grant_v such_o a_o extravagant_a power_n to_o any_o subject_a for_o while_o he_o continue_v sovereign_n god_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o great_a subject_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v for_o as_o for_o trajan_n say_v to_o one_o of_o his_o commander_n when_o he_o deliver_v he_o the_o sword_n use_v this_o for_o i_o if_o i_o govern_v well_o and_o against_o i_o if_o i_o govern_v ill_a it_o only_o signify_v his_o fix_a resolution_n to_o govern_v well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v employ_v it_o in_o no_o ill_a service_n but_o it_o convey_v no_o more_o power_n to_o he_o to_o rebel_v if_o he_o shall_v govern_v ill_a than_o a_o father_n say_v to_o his_o son_n that_o he_o shall_v forgive_v his_o disobedience_n if_o ever_o he_o will_v prove_v unkind_a will_v justify_v the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o son_n if_o his_o father_n shall_v prove_v unkind_a the_o duty_n of_o these_o relation_n be_v fix_v by_o god_n and_o can_v be_v alter_v by_o man_n a_o prince_n may_v divest_v himself_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o royal_a power_n but_o while_o he_o continue_v sovereign_a he_o can_v give_v liberty_n to_o any_o man_n to_o resist_v he_o 4._o there_o be_v another_o objection_n not_o only_o to_o invalidate_v st._n peter_n authority_n but_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v produce_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o enforce_v this_o duty_n of_o nonresistance_n and_o subjection_n to_o prince_n and_o that_o be_v that_o these_o command_n be_v only_o temporary_a and_o oblige_v christian_n while_o they_o want_v force_n and_o power_n to_o resist_v but_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o conquer_v too_o i_o have_v sometime_o think_v that_o this_o objection_n ought_v to_o be_v answer_v only_o with_o indignation_n and_o abhorrence_n as_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v indict_v but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v better_a to_o answer_v and_o expose_v it_o and_o let_v the_o world_n see_v beside_o the_o notorious_a folly_n of_o it_o how_o near_o a_o kin_n the_o doctrine_n of_o resistance_n be_v to_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o blasphemy_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o very_a objection_n suppose_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v against_o resistance_n for_o those_o who_o evade_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o say_v that_o christian_n be_v then_o forbid_v to_o resist_v because_o they_o want_v power_n to_o conquer_v must_v grant_v that_o resistance_n be_v forbid_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o all_o the_o art_n they_o have_v use_v to_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v their_o sense_n and_o justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o resistance_n will_v not_o do_v and_o therefore_o when_o man_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o last_o refuge_n to_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v against_o they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o modesty_n leave_v they_o ought_v never_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o cause_n more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v resist_v their_o prince_n without_o disobey_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v law_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o be_v a_o bold_a man_n who_o will_v venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o plead_v his_o exemption_n from_o any_o express_a law_n 2._o i_o will_v desire_v all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o reverence_n leave_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o consider_v serious_o how_o this_o pretence_n do_v disparage_v and_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v it_o a_o very_a imperfect_a and_o a_o very_a uncertain_a rule_n of_o life_n which_o every_o man_n may_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o inclination_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n and_o under_o the_o most_o severe_a penalty_n forbid_v the_o resistance_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n but_o say_v these_o man_n this_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o now_o though_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n for_o our_o circumstance_n be_v much_o change_v and_o alter_v the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n be_v weak_a and_o unable_a to_o resist_v and_o therefore_o be_v teach_v to_o suffer_v patient_o without_o resistance_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n the_o case_n be_v not_o thus_o now_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v vindicate_v our_o natural_a and_o religious_a right_n and_o liberty_n against_o all_o unjust_a violence_n now_o observe_v what_o follow_v from_o hence_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a rule_n of_o life_n that_o it_o absolute_o forbid_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o evil_a but_o sometime_o lawful_a without_o allow_v for_o such_o a_o difference_n that_o it_o give_v general_a law_n which_o oblige_v only_o at_o certain_a time_n or_o in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o give_v any_o notice_n in_o what_o case_n they_o do_v not_o oblige_v which_o be_v a_o mighty_a snare_n to_o man_n conscience_n or_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o their_o christian_a liberty_n it_o impose_v this_o hard_a necessity_n upon_o they_o either_o to_o make_v bold_a with_o a_o divine_a law_n if_o they_o do_v resist_v tyrannical_a power_n which_o be_v grievous_a to_o a_o tender_a conscience_n which_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o god_n or_o to_o suffer_v injurious_o when_o they_o need_v not_o have_v they_o be_v plain_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o acquaint_v in_o what_o case_n they_o may_v resist_v and_o in_o what_o not_o and_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o make_v it_o such_o a_o imperfect_a and_o ensnare_a rule_n 2._o nay_o this_o charge_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o either_o they_o know_v that_o