womb_n and_o again_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n and_o work_n of_o conviction_n in_o which_o state_n of_o formation_n all_o new_a convert_v must_v continue_v their_o appoint_a time_n and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v accomplish_v they_o may_v then_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n to_o get_v a_o longing_n pant_a and_o breathe_a frame_n of_o soul_n upon_o which_o follow_v the_o proper_a season_n of_o delivery_n and_o they_o may_v then_o break_v loose_a from_o the_o enclosure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o creep_v out_o from_o those_o dark_a retirement_n wherein_o the_o law_n detain_v they_o into_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n but_o of_o this_o perhaps_o our_o author_n may_v understand_v more_o before_o he_o and_o i_o part_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o follow_v our_o present_a chase_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v pleasant_a sport_n enough_o for_o never_o do_v wily_a reynard_n show_v great_a variety_n of_o shift_n wind_n and_o doubling_n than_o this_o subtle_a disputant_n §_o 2._o the_o antichristian_a error_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o have_v reduce_v to_o four_o general_a head_n the_o first_o whereof_o he_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n viz._n that_o moral_a virtue_n consist_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o transcribe_v my_o proof_n and_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o assertion_n 195._o and_o repeat_v it_o again_o in_o his_o own_o obscure_a word_n and_o flat_a expression_n and_o so_o immediate_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o viz_o that_o the_o substance_n yea_o 196._o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n consist_v in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o repeat_v that_o short_a scheme_n that_o i_o have_v draw_v up_o of_o the_o most_o material_a part_n and_o branch_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o he_o first_o talk_v and_o then_o object_n 199._o he_o wish_v i_o will_v give_v he_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o credenda_fw-la of_o my_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v do_v of_o its_o agenda_fw-la and_o so_o i_o will_v when_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o write_v impertinent_o for_o his_o humour_n but_o shall_v i_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o gratify_v he_o in_o this_o request_n though_o perhaps_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o my_o belief_n be_v not_o altogether_o so_o numerous_a as_o his_o systematick_a orthodox_n nor_o my_o creed_n so_o bulky_a as_o his_o gross_a body_n of_o dutch-divinity_n yet_o i_o can_v give_v he_o in_o such_o a_o large_a negative_a confession_n of_o faith_n as_o will_v both_o satisfy_v and_o make_v he_o repent_v his_o curiosity_n ibid._n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o ten_o commandment_n will_v have_v do_v twice_o as_o well_o on_o this_o occasion_n but_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o my_o account_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v but_o half_a as_o good_a as_o the_o ten_o commandment_n though_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v the_o decalogue_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o a_o perfect_a systeme_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n i_o can_v imagine_v that_o by_o thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o graven_n image_n be_v mean_v thou_o shall_v not_o institute_v symbolical_a ceremony_n or_o that_o by_o thou_o shall_v not_o murder_v alm_n and_o fraternal_a correption_n be_v enjoin_v nor_o can_v i_o fancy_v that_o when_o only_o one_o particular_a be_v express_v twenty_o more_o be_v intend_v that_o may_v any_o way_n be_v reduce_v to_o it_o by_o strained_a and_o far-fetched_a analogy_n ibid._n but_o if_o we_o add_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o church-catechism_n for_o which_o our_o author_n have_v no_o doubt_n a_o mighty_a fondness_n it_o will_v make_v up_o a_o much_o more_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n than_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v i_o confess_v it_o be_v contrive_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n and_o its_o exposition_n be_v easy_a natural_a and_o useful_a and_o not_o make_v out_o by_o force_a and_o uncertain_a deduction_n and_o therefore_o have_v admirable_o attain_v the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v chief_o a_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a account_n of_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o not_o a_o entire_a institution_n of_o christian_a theology_n but_o upon_o this_o he_o take_v a_o civil_a and_o seasonable_a occasion_n to_o remark_n that_o he_o fear_v the_o very_a catechism_n itself_o may_v ere_o long_o be_v esteem_v fanatical_a though_o if_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o ill_a usage_n it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o worse_o treat_v than_o it_o be_v ere_o long_o when_o it_o be_v esteem_v popish_a however_o his_o fear_n be_v of_o no_o more_o force_n than_o his_o argument_n they_o be_v equal_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a and_o prove_v nothing_o but_o his_o ill-nature_n or_o something_o worse_o and_o now_o to_o all_o this_o he_o subjoin_v a_o tedious_a story_n of_o a_o foolish_a and_o half-witted_a fellow_n that_o from_o this_o opinion_n that_o all_o religion_n consist_v in_o morality_n ibid._n proceed_v to_o a_o full_a renunciation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o either_o the_o man_n himself_o have_v make_v good_a this_o consequence_n or_o our_o author_n for_o he_o this_o tale_n may_v have_v be_v of_o more_o use_n than_o all_o his_o argument_n that_o be_v it_o may_v have_v be_v to_o the_o purpose_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v as_o mere_a tittle-tattle_n as_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o papist_n make_v use_n of_o our_o plea_n for_o government_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n i_o can_v no_o more_o prevent_v some_o man_n from_o strein_v absurd_a conclusion_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o reasonable_a premise_n than_o i_o can_v hinder_v other_o from_o preach_v treason_n or_o blasphemy_n from_o the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o skirmish_n the_o main_a battle_n follow_v and_o he_o draw_v up_o all_o his_o force_n in_o three_o objection_n i._n e._n in_o repeat_v the_o same_o objection_n three_o time_n 1._o my_o representation_n of_o religion_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n 205._o 2._o it_o carry_v in_o it_o neither_o supposition_n nor_o assertion_n of_o sin_n 3._o it_o omit_v some_o of_o the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n repentance_n humiliation_n godly_a sorrow_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o its_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n it_o be_v not_o imply_v a_o supposition_n of_o sin_n and_o its_o omit_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n be_v apparent_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_o a_o supposition_n of_o sin_n that_o make_v our_o present_a condition_n differ_v from_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o that_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o great_a objection_n in_o its_o unite_a strength_n i_o humble_o crave_v leave_v to_o remonstrate_v that_o religion_n for_o the_o substance_n and_o main_a design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n i_o design_v to_o represent_v be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o as_o then_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n that_o arise_v from_o his_o natural_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o man_n so_o all_o that_o be_v super-induced_n upon_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n be_v nothing_o but_o help_n and_o contrivance_n to_o supply_v our_o natural_a defect_n and_o recover_v our_o decay_a power_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o better_a ability_n to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o stand_v engage_v to_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a institution_n be_v not_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o any_o new_a religion_n but_o only_o a_o more_o perfect_a digest_v of_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n for_o it_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v some_o way_n suitable_a to_o and_o perfective_a of_o rational_a being_n and_o all_o its_o duty_n be_v either_o instance_n or_o instrument_n of_o moral_a goodness_n it_o prescribe_v no_o new_a rule_n and_o proportion_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o its_o addition_n to_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v but_o only_a mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o discover_v their_o obligation_n and_o improve_v their_o practice_n in_o the_o world_n all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v that_o the_o real_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o end_n be_v obtain_v by_o live_v up_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v frame_v into_o
they_o to_o his_o government_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n i._o e._n if_o he_o will_v set_v they_o at_o perfect_a liberty_n from_o all_o subjection_n and_o absolve_v they_o from_o all_o obligation_n to_o allegiance_n they_o will_v promise_v to_o be_v his_o most_o loyal_a subject_n for_o if_o you_o consider_v it_o you_o will_v find_v nothing_o in_o humane_a nature_n capable_a of_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n beside_o conscience_n for_o obligation_n be_v but_o a_o tie_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o duty_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n i._n e._n the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a action_n or_o of_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n conscience_n then_o to_o omit_v the_o equal_o nice_a and_o useless_a definition_n of_o the_o school_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o undergo_v various_a denomination_n from_o its_o various_a power_n and_o ability_n as_o when_o it_o conceive_v of_o thing_n it_o be_v call_v understanding_n when_o it_o discourse_n reason_n when_o it_o determine_v judgement_n when_o it_o choose_v will_n and_o when_o it_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o action_n conscience_n every_o man_n mind_n be_v his_o judgement_n his_o reason_n his_o will_n and_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v but_o several_a name_n of_o the_o same_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a function_n and_o way_n of_o act_v now_o though_o conscience_n in_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n may_v indifferent_o signify_v all_o reflex_n knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o common_a use_n appropriate_v to_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o capable_a of_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o reference_n to_o its_o moral_a action_n i_o say_v of_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v because_o though_o it_o be_v its_o own_o judge_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o its_o own_o rule_n but_o all_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v conduct_v be_v derive_v from_o other_o principle_n first_o there_o be_v the_o natural_a reason_n and_o proportion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o arise_v from_o the_o unalterable_a respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n to_o thing_n in_o act_v suitable_o to_o which_o consist_v the_o natural_a morality_n of_o all_o prime_a and_o essential_a goodness_n thus_o from_o the_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n spring_v the_o natural_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o religion_n i._n e._n of_o make_v grateful_a return_v and_o acknowledgement_n to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a decency_n and_o agreeableness_n that_o oblige_v every_o rational_a creature_n to_o its_o performance_n antecedent_o to_o all_o superinduce_v obligation_n of_o law_n it_o be_v therefore_o command_v because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o not_o therefore_o good_a because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o from_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o correspondency_n of_o nature_n arise_v all_o the_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o whereby_o we_o be_v to_o conduct_v all_o our_o moral_a action_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o perfective_a of_o our_o own_o nature_n or_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o now_o these_o essential_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v either_o the_o subject_a matter_n or_o the_o end_n of_o all_o law_n that_o be_v enact_v only_o to_o prescribe_v and_o enforce_v either_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o natural_a duty_n themselves_o or_o of_o something_o else_o subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o but_o as_o these_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o law_n so_o be_v law_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v its_o own_o inclination_n but_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o guide_v itself_o and_o all_o its_o action_n by_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v to_o it_o by_o its_o superior_n i._n e._n by_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n though_o indeed_o without_o these_o a_o upright_a conscience_n leave_v to_o itself_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a guide_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o if_o right_o observe_v and_o attend_v to_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n for_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o prudent_o and_o impartial_o attend_v to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o its_o action_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o some_o competent_a performance_n of_o its_o main_a duty_n in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o if_o all_o man_n conscience_n may_v have_v be_v trust_v with_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n all_o other_o government_n will_v have_v be_v useless_a and_o superfluous_a in_o that_o every_o man_n will_v have_v govern_v himself_o by_o the_o law_n of_o essential_a justice_n and_o equity_n i._n e._n if_o all_o man_n may_v be_v suppose_v wise_a and_o good_a they_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o governor_n but_o themselves_o and_o what_o they_o now_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o will_v then_o do_v out_o of_o choice_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n but_o because_o this_o supposition_n be_v become_v impossible_a and_o prove_v so_o by_o experience_n through_o the_o universal_a depravation_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o because_o few_o person_n have_v either_o leisure_n or_o ability_n to_o search_v out_o the_o original_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v discoverable_a no_o other_o way_n then_o mathematical_a problem_n and_o proposition_n be_v by_o serious_a and_o attentive_a meditation_n and_o laborious_a train_n and_o deduction_n of_o reason_n mankind_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o work_n and_o discovery_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n but_o our_o whole_a duty_n be_v digest_v to_o our_o hand_n in_o body_n and_o digest_v of_o law_n and_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v by_o express_a and_o particular_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o man_n consider_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v in_o their_o general_a demand_n of_o liberty_n and_o exemption_n of_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n itself_o be_v a_o indefinite_a principle_n and_o undetermined_a to_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o become_v so_o respective_o according_a to_o its_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o its_o rule_n if_o it_o act_v conformable_o to_o that_o its_o action_n be_v good_a if_o it_o do_v not_o its_o evil_a how_o bold_a and_o confident_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o its_o persuasion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o competent_a justification_n of_o any_o action_n to_o plead_v that_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o persuasion_n of_o my_o conscience_n unless_o i_o can_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o my_o conscience_n agree_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o duty_n and_o therefore_o conscience_n alone_o be_v no_o sufficient_a warrant_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n because_o a_o man_n may_v act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o do_v very_o ill_a by_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o rule_n but_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v right_o instruct_v and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o duty_n then_o it_o be_v a_o true_a guide_n of_o man_n action_n but_o this_o take_v in_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n as_o they_o lie_v couch_v under_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n both_o which_o in_o their_o several_a proportion_n make_v up_o the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o without_o they_o signify_v nothing_o else_o then_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n humour_n or_o inclination_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o oppose_v the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o prescription_n of_o lawful_a superior_n unless_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o express_a command_n of_o a_o high_a an_o overrule_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v the_o law_n itself_o that_o direct_v and_o warrant_v our_o action_n and_o therefore_o in_o any_o case_n to_o plead_v restraint_n of_o conscience_n without_o produce_v some_o particular_a law_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o plead_v nothing_o at_o all_o or_o at_o best_a nothing_o but_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n for_o by_o what_o name_n soever_o man_n may_v call_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o when_o it_o lie_v not_o under_o the_o direction_n of_o law_n and_o therefore_o their_o claim_n of_o liberty_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o lie_v down_o in_o all_o their_o discourse_n as_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o first_o postulatum_fw-la of_o this_o controversy_n be_v too_o exorbitant_a for_o their_o purpose_n and_o abate_v the_o whole_a plea_n by_o the_o intolerable_a unreasonableness_n of_o the_o pretence_n for_o they_o challenge_v this_o prerogative_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n action_n as_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o relation_n to_o
material_a part_n of_o religion_n than_o any_o outward_a expression_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o and_o from_o hence_o i_o think_v it_o but_o a_o very_a modest_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n that_o man_n will_v but_o yield_v to_o allow_v to_o supreme_a power_n the_o same_o authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o mean_n and_o subordinate_a instrument_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o ascribe_v to_o it_o over_o its_o more_o important_a end_n and_o design_n and_o so_o agree_v to_o set_v the_o same_o bound_n and_o measure_n to_o both_o jurisdiction_n and_o now_o have_v reduce_v they_o to_o this_o equality_n of_o power_n i_o advance_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a controversy_n by_o show_v to_o what_o affair_n in_o both_o kind_n the_o exercise_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n be_v extend_v where_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o in_o what_o case_n it_o be_v restrain_v and_o here_o i_o first_o exempt_v all_o the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o the_o cognizance_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o withal_o show_v how_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v perform_v within_o and_o so_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o how_o all_o expression_n of_o external_n worship_n as_o such_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v not_o in_o any_o capacity_n of_o do_v direct_a and_o immediate_a violence_n to_o religion_n itself_o the_o controversy_n be_v thus_o state_v as_o to_o the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v outward_a practice_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v apparent_o and_o antecedent_o evil_a and_o these_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n their_o morality_n be_v already_o so_o determine_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v alter_v their_o nature_n or_o rescind_v their_o obligation_n but_o every_o thing_n forbid_v become_v a_o intrinsical_v and_o unalterable_a sin_n and_o every_o thing_n command_v a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a duty_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o indifferency_n and_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a as_o to_o their_o morality_n either_o by_o any_o certain_a law_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o clear_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o command_n and_o determination_n of_o supreme_a authority_n and_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o humane_a law_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o restraint_n set_v to_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o countermand_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o matter_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o divine_a law_n must_v be_v suppose_v determinable_a either_o way_n by_o the_o command_v of_o sovereign_a authority_n these_o be_v the_o most_o distinct_a rule_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o enquiry_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n themselves_o but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o accessional_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v they_o and_o they_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o conception_n of_o other_o man_n which_o may_v in_o some_o case_n lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o our_o practice_n as_o in_o case_n of_o mere_a scandal_n and_o this_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v to_o excuse_v their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o church_n constitution_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v distinct_o examine_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n and_o show_v how_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n abolish_v all_o the_o pretence_n and_o supersede_n all_o the_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o apprehension_n and_o this_o take_v in_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n which_o be_v so_o zealous_o plead_v by_o most_o of_o our_o separatist_n in_o justification_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o therefore_o because_o i_o deem_v it_o be_v of_o more_o close_a and_o immediate_a concernment_n to_o our_o present_a affair_n i_o have_v with_o great_a exactness_n examine_v and_o state_v the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o have_v large_o prove_v the_o manifest_a absurdity_n of_o plead_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o show_v that_o nothing_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o check_v with_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n unless_o it_o cross_v with_o matter_n of_o certain_a and_o apparent_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o case_n capable_a of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v suppose_v of_o importance_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n so_o that_o the_o result_n of_o my_o whole_a discourse_n will_v at_o last_o run_v itself_o into_o this_o plain_a and_o easy_a proposition_n that_o obedience_n be_v indispensable_o due_a to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o supreme_a authority_n that_o be_v not_o certain_o and_o apparent_o sinful_a and_o now_o tell_v i_o how_o i_o can_v have_v draw_v up_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n in_o a_o plain_a or_o more_o familiar_a method_n for_o the_o proposition_n you_o see_v be_v distinct_a and_o comprehensive_a they_o take_v in_o all_o the_o particular_a action_n and_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o imaginable_a difficulty_n or_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o present_a matter_n in_o debate_n that_o do_v not_o apparent_o fall_v in_o under_o one_o of_o the_o forementioned_a head_n of_o action_n or_o how_o i_o can_v better_o have_v avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o both_o extreme_n and_o which_o way_n else_o i_o may_v have_v determine_v the_o matter_n by_o such_o easy_a and_o moderate_a principle_n as_o may_v fair_o satisfy_v all_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o condemn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o §_o 5._o for_o 1._o to_o vest_n the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o a_o unlimited_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n be_v clear_o to_o defeat_v the_o efficacy_n and_o obligatory_a force_n of_o all_o his_o law_n that_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o bind_a virtue_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o inducement_n to_o obedience_n than_o bare_o to_o avoid_v the_o penalty_n but_o if_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v absolute_a and_o unlimited_a it_o do_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n remove_v and_o evacuate_v all_o other_o obligation_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v restrain_v and_o conditional_a and_o if_o man_n lie_v under_o no_o other_o impulsive_a than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o they_o lie_v under_o no_o obligation_n than_o that_o of_o prudence_n and_o self-interest_n and_o it_o remain_v entire_o at_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o discretion_n whether_o they_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o obey_v and_o then_o there_o be_v neither_o government_n nor_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o man_n compliance_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o pure_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o security_n of_o government_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o its_o jurisdiction_n otherwise_o like_o the_o roman_a empire_n it_o sink_v and_o dissolve_v by_o its_o own_o weight_n no_o humane_a power_n be_v able_a to_o support_v itself_o and_o the_o throne_n of_o prince_n be_v establish_v upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n remove_v his_o authority_n and_o the_o force_n derive_v upon_o their_o law_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o command_n and_o you_o untie_v all_o the_o band_n of_o government_n and_o set_v man_n at_o liberty_n from_o all_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n or_o else_o 2._o to_o grant_v subject_n a_o lawless_a and_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n in_o all_o matter_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o dissolve_v one_o half_a of_o the_o government_n into_o to_o perfect_a anarchy_n and_o yield_v up_o the_o constitution_n of_o all_o public_a affair_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o the_o insolence_n of_o every_o wild_a enthusiast_n and_o every_o pert_a fellow_n that_o can_v abuse_v either_o himself_o or_o other_o with_o fanatic_a whimsy_n have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o expose_v the_o settle_a frame_n of_o government_n to_o the_o zealous_a folly_n of_o the_o multitude_n if_o he_o have_v but_o a_o warm_a brain_n and_o a_o bold_a face_n with_o what_o ease_n may_v he_o fire_v the_o rabble_n into_o tumult_n and_o godly_a sedition_n it_o be_v but_o pour_v forth_o dark_a prophecy_n and_o scripture-allegory_n and_o declaim_v against_o the_o oppression_n of_o earthly_a power_n and_o then_o with_o what_o
the_o same_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o government_n can_v pretend_v to_o tenderness_n and_o want_n of_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o plead_v exemption_n from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o lawful_a superior_n there_o will_v be_v no_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n must_v submit_v to_o the_o folly_n passion_n and_o extravagance_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o howsoever_o man_n may_v wind_v themselves_o up_o and_o down_o in_o maze_n of_o endless_a nicety_n and_o distinction_n they_o will_v never_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o unavoidable_a event_n of_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n as_o long_o as_o they_o promiscuous_o admit_v the_o pretension_n of_o a_o unsatisfy_a conscience_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o will_v be_v force_v to_o do_v if_o they_o stop_v not_o at_o the_o plain_a the_o easy_a and_o the_o discernible_a measure_n of_o duty_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n upon_o slender_a ground_n and_o weak_a surmise_n nor_o conclude_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v antecedent_o unlawful_a unless_o it_o be_v certain_o and_o apparent_o so_o and_o this_o will_v far_o appear_v high_o reasonable_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n law_n that_o be_v always_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v that_o be_v always_o of_o a_o great_a and_o evident_a necessity_n so_o that_o thing_n real_o liable_a to_o doubt_v and_o disputation_n be_v not_o of_o importance_n enough_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o unless_o they_o be_v clear_o and_o apparent_o evil_a that_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o so_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v to_o a_o ingenuous_a mind_n uncapable_a of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o appear_v no_o certain_a and_o express_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v presumption_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a man_n in_o their_o lawfulness_n §_o 7._o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o enquiry_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n more_o express_a and_o unavoidable_a nor_o any_o duty_n in_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v in_o more_o positive_a term_n and_o under_o more_o severe_a penalty_n than_o this_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o supreme_a authority_n and_o god_n have_v tie_v all_o their_o just_a law_n upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o his_o own_o displeasure_n and_o as_o man_n will_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n they_o be_v bind_v under_o the_o same_o sanction_n to_o acquit_v themselves_o in_o their_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o now_o upon_o this_o principle_n no_o true_o upright_a and_o conscientious_a man_n will_v ever_o go_v about_o to_o riggle_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o duty_n to_o his_o lawful_a superior_n out_o of_o any_o regard_n to_o any_o law_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v not_o as_o clear_o and_o abundant_o satisfy_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n nay_o he_o can_v with_o safety_n and_o without_o violence_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n remonstrate_v to_o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n unless_o upon_o reason_n more_o bright_a and_o forcible_a than_o the_o express_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o if_o man_n will_v as_o they_o ought_v suspend_v their_o scruple_n and_o exception_n till_o they_o can_v make_v it_o out_o to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o necessary_a and_o as_o universal_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n we_o can_v not_o desire_v a_o more_o effectual_a bar_n to_o all_o our_o schism_n and_o distraction_n for_o none_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o difference_n can_v either_o pretend_v to_o or_o be_v indeed_o capable_a of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o this_o express_a proposition_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v stand_v firm_a and_o loyal_a to_o this_o doctrine_n till_o they_o can_v produce_v more_o clear_a and_o convince_a scripture_n to_o vouch_v their_o own_o singular_a conceit_n that_o must_v for_o ever_o stifle_v all_o former_a quarrel_n and_o prevent_v all_o far_a dissension_n u.g._n whereas_o our_o author_n be_v require_v by_o his_o lawful_a superior_n to_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n he_o put_v in_o his_o exception_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n in_o that_o it_o enjoin_v a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n and_o every_o symbolical_a ceremony_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n and_o no_o sacrament_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v institute_v but_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o for_o any_o humane_a power_n to_o establish_v new_a symbolical_a ceremony_n be_v to_o invade_v god_n own_o peculiar_a royalty_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o which_o cavil_v be_v involve_v a_o great_a number_n of_o dark_a uncertain_a and_o perhaps_o indeterminable_a inquiry_n yet_o however_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o main_a pretence_n let_v he_o but_o conform_v to_o this_o injunction_n till_o he_o can_v allege_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o affirm_v in_o as_o clear_v and_o dogmatical_a word_n that_o every_o symbolical_a ceremony_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n as_o be_v those_o of_o st._n peter_n be_v you_o subject_a to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v neither_o need_v nor_o desire_v any_o far_a security_n to_o prevent_v his_o defection_n from_o the_o establish_v discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o affair_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v learn_v to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o ingenuous_a this_o plain_a and_o obvious_a principle_n will_v either_o forestall_v or_o supersede_n all_o their_o scruple_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o command_n of_o authority_n so_o much_o surmount_v their_o obligation_n and_o anticipate_v their_o pretence_n that_o the_o very_a plea_n of_o a_o tender_a and_o unsatisfied_a conscience_n in_o opposition_n to_o public_a law_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o direct_a principle_n of_o sedition_n and_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o government_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o vouch_n and_o pretend_v its_o prohibition_n to_o the_o proceed_n of_o lawful_a authority_n deserve_v for_o that_o reason_n alone_o the_o shame_n and_o correction_n of_o sturdy_a and_o irreclaimable_a schismatic_n and_o here_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a impertinence_n for_o man_n to_o oppose_v as_o our_o author_n have_v do_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o of_o conscience_n to_o that_o of_o man_n 144._o for_o that_o be_v to_o plead_v god_n and_o conscience_n against_o themselves_o in_o that_o humane_a law_n be_v as_o much_o tie_v upon_o we_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a command_n as_o his_o own_o immediate_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o lawful_a superior_n impose_v upon_o our_o practice_n that_o he_o bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o though_o their_o decree_n pass_v no_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n direct_o and_o immediate_o bind_v their_o conscience_n to_o obedience_n and_o he_o have_v threaten_v the_o same_o eternal_a penalty_n to_o our_o contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o law_n as_o he_o have_v annex_v to_o his_o own_o command_n it_o be_v enough_o therefore_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n though_o that_o obligation_n be_v tie_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a obligation_n of_o humane_a and_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o enquiry_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o both_o and_o all_o the_o contest_v lie_v entire_o between_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n viz._n whether_o god_n have_v by_o as_o certain_a as_o absolute_a and_o as_o indispensable_a a_o law_n restrain_v we_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o our_o superior_n enjoin_v as_o he_o have_v enjoin_v we_o to_o yield_v all_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o their_o command_n and_o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v shift_v to_o this_o enquiry_n it_o be_v another_o woeful_a impertinence_n to_o plead_v the_o rule_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v to_o countenance_n and_o warrant_v their_o suspension_n of_o obedience_n for_o where_o the_o doubt_n have_v but_o
censure_n of_o my_o ignorance_n and_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n he_o be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o absolute_o impossible_a but_o that_o our_o author_n may_v bold_o affirm_v what_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o prove_v and_o confident_o undertake_v what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v however_o a_o modest_a man_n will_v either_o not_o have_v mention_v this_o exception_n or_o will_v have_v make_v it_o good_a and_o not_o have_v presume_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v take_v he_o brag_v for_o argument_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o reasonable_a confutation_n of_o my_o assertion_n because_o he_o say_v he_o can_v confute_v it_o aye_o that_o he_o can_v this_o be_v the_o most_o it_o amount_v to_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n or_o no_o he_o may_v have_v say_v nothing_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n as_o to_o say_v so_o much_o and_o no_o more_o but_o other_o man_n will_v stand_v still_o as_o fast_o as_o this_o man_n gallop_v and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o career_n he_o be_v just_a where_o he_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n §_o 12._o and_o yet_o the_o next_o proof_n be_v just_a as_o wise_a and_o as_o wonderful_a as_o this_o viz._n 96._o that_o this_o power_n i_o have_v ascribe_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o christ_n or_o any_o grant_n of_o he_o but_o be_v antecedent_n to_o his_o come_n or_o any_o power_n give_v unto_o he_o or_o grant_v by_o he_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o his_o inference_n of_o the_o magistrate_n absolute_a and_o immediate_a power_n over_o conscience_n that_o power_n in_o which_o god_n vest_v prince_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v compatible_a with_o his_o own_o supremacy_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o his_o absolute_a and_o immediate_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n uncapable_a of_o be_v grant_v away_o to_o any_o subordinate_a authority_n 159._o but_o however_o you_o will_v conclude_v with_o he_o from_o this_o principle_n that_o magistrate_n owe_v no_o allegiance_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o derive_v not_o their_o authority_n from_o his_o commission_n but_o be_v instate_v in_o its_o actual_a possession_n before_o ever_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o say_v no_o for_o though_o they_o be_v vest_v in_o a_o ancient_a and_o original_a right_n yet_o its_o continuance_n ever_o since_o he_o commence_v his_o empire_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o confirmation_n in_o that_o whoever_o do_v not_o reverse_v a_o former_a grant_n confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v impower_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n antecedent_n to_o our_o saviour_n supremacy_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v still_o entrust_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n they_o owe_v entire_o to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n because_o it_o be_v now_o in_o his_o power_n to_o divest_v they_o of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o their_o ancient_a prerogative_n so_o that_o see_v he_o have_v think_v good_a to_o continue_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o posture_n he_o find_v it_o in_o prince_n be_v not_o now_o less_o indebt_v to_o he_o for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o imperial_a power_n than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v at_o first_o instate_v in_o it_o by_o his_o immediate_a and_o and_o positive_a commission_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v i_o discourse_v in_o that_o paragraph_n out_o of_o which_o he_o have_v single_v this_o proposition_n viz._n to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o demand_v a_o express_a grant_n from_o our_o saviour_n to_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n when_o they_o be_v already_o establish_v in_o the_o full_a exercise_n of_o this_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o nation_n so_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o require_v this_o of_o we_o they_o be_v rather_o oblige_v to_o show_v where_o he_o have_v express_o disrobe_v and_o alien_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n from_o the_o royal_a prerogative_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n or_o exception_n but_o that_o it_o still_o continue_v as_o inseparable_a a_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o every_o nation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v settle_v it_o upon_o he_o by_o his_o own_o positive_a and_o immediate_a institution_n his_o next_o exception_n be_v downright_o juggle_a viz._n that_o i_o assert_v ibid._n that_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o make_v that_o a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o to_o introduce_v new_a duty_n in_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n he_o know_v these_o word_n have_v no_o relation_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o stand_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o immediate_a worship_n but_o be_v speak_v only_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o morality_n which_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o main_a design_n and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o likewise_o show_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v impower_v to_o introduce_v upon_o the_o divine_a law_n new_a duty_n and_o instance_n of_o moral_a virtue_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v his_o power_n over_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o be_v but_o circumstance_n or_o at_o high_a but_o subordinate_a and_o less_o material_a duty_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o great_a and_o important_a virtue_n of_o morality_n whether_o my_o proposition_n or_o my_o inference_n be_v reasonable_a or_o no_o concern_v not_o our_o present_a enquiry_n our_o author_n in_o this_o place_n put_v in_o no_o exception_n against_o they_o but_o whether_o this_o quotation_n be_v either_o honest_o or_o pertinent_o allege_v against_o i_o do_v you_o judge_v when_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o these_o word_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a can_v have_v no_o imaginable_a reference_n to_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o be_v express_o limit_v to_o the_o instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n that_o yet_o he_o shall_v produce_v they_o in_o this_o feat_a shuffle_n and_o uncertain_a manner_n of_o expression_n only_o that_o the_o common_a people_n may_v not_o understand_v they_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o my_o account_n and_o notion_n of_o religion_n i._n e._n as_o it_o take_v in_o duty_n of_o morality_n but_o in_o the_o vulgar_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o signify_v religious_a worship_n this_o you_o see_v be_v wretched_a troth_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v glorious_a and_o undaunted_a slander_n when_o he_o immediate_o subjoin_v to_o the_o former_a word_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o public_a conscience_n which_o man_n be_v in_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o attend_v unto_o and_o not_o to_o their_o own_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o command_n he_o that_o impose_v it_o shall_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o not_o i_o who_o whole_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v this_o inference_n be_v so_o immediate_o tack_v to_o the_o former_a proposition_n its_o unavoidable_a result_n must_v be_v this_o at_o least_o that_o as_o to_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o public_a conscience_n to_o which_o man_n be_v to_o attend_v and_o not_o to_o their_o own_o this_o be_v somewhat_o rank_a doctrine_n and_o favour_v not_o a_o little_a of_o the_o leviathan_n but_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o avoid_v it_o be_v not_o these_o my_o own_o word_n though_o that_o i_o may_v deny_v yet_o be_o i_o content_a to_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v say_v something_o not_o much_o unlike_o they_o in_o the_o six_o section_n of_o my_o last_o chapter_n where_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o tender_a a_o scrupulous_a and_o a_o unsatisfy_a conscience_n among_o many_o other_o thing_n i_o have_v show_v that_o in_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a case_n of_o a_o public_a concernment_n private_a man_n be_v not_o proper_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o own_o judgement_n nor_o determine_v by_o their_o own_o will_n but_o by_o the_o command_v and_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n now_o do_v it_o not_o admirable_o become_v our_o author_n modesty_n to_o take_v this_o assertion_n concern_v such_o nice_a and_o petty_a thing_n as_o be_v liable_a to_o doubt_v scruple_n and_o disputation_n and_o couple_v it_o with_o another_o sentence_n above_o two_o hundred_o page_n distance_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o matter_n thereby_o to_o abuse_v his_o vulgar_a and_o unwary_a reader_n into_o a_o round_a
positive_a precept_n because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o essential_o serviceable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v any_o new_a precept_n of_o moral_a goodness_n but_o only_o to_o retrieve_v the_o old_a rule_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o evil_a custom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o reinforce_v their_o obligation_n by_o endear_n our_o duty_n with_o better_a promise_n and_o urge_v our_o obedience_n upon_o severe_a penalty_n and_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o restitution_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o nature_n so_o be_v all_o its_o positive_a command_n and_o institute_v duty_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n thus_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o pure_a institution_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o a_o subordinate_a usefulness_n and_o design_v only_o for_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o improvement_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n for_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o be_v these_o outward_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n a_o great_a security_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v solemn_a engagement_n and_o stipulation_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o its_o command_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o express_v and_o signify_v our_o grateful_a sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o our_o serious_a resolution_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o new_a contract_n and_o intercourse_n with_o mankind_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v duty_n of_o a_o prime_a importance_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o matter_n of_o any_o essential_a goodness_n but_o because_o of_o that_o peculiar_a relation_n they_o have_v to_o the_o very_o be_v and_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o its_o institution_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o establish_v this_o covenant_n require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o its_o condition_n to_o profess_v and_o avow_v their_o assent_n to_o it_o by_o these_o rite_n and_o instrument_n of_o stipulation_n so_o that_o to_o refuse_v their_o use_n be_v interpret_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o reject_v the_o whole_a religion_n but_o if_o the_o entire_a usefulness_n of_o these_o and_o any_o other_o institute_v mystery_n consist_v in_o their_o great_a subserviency_n to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o moral_a goodness_n then_o do_v it_o natural_o resolve_v itself_o into_o that_o short_a analysis_n i_o have_v give_v of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o suppose_v the_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n or_o suppose_v it_o not_o every_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o it_o will_v in_o the_o last_o issue_n of_o thing_n prove_v either_o a_o part_n or_o a_o instrument_n of_o moral_a virtue_n 204._o §_o 3._o but_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o particular_n in_o the_o first_o place_n gratitude_n be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a description_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o say_v he_o it_o have_v respect_n only_o to_o god_n benefit_n and_o not_o to_o his_o nature_n and_o therefore_o omit_v all_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v eternal_o necessary_a upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o himself_o such_o as_o fear_v love_n trust_v affiance_n perhaps_o this_o word_n may_v not_o in_o its_o rigorous_a acceptation_n express_v all_o the_o distinct_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o definition_n that_o i_o immediate_o subjoin_v to_o explain_v its_o meaning_n may_v abundant_o have_v prevent_v this_o cavil_v be_v not_o our_o author_n resolve_v to_o draw_v his_o saw_n upon_o word_n viz._n a_o thankful_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n greatness_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o term_n that_o so_o full_o express_v that_o duty_n and_o homage_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o this_o of_o gratitude_n for_o by_o what_o other_o name_n soever_o we_o may_v call_v it_o this_o will_v be_v its_o main_a and_o most_o fundamental_a ingredient_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o pertinent_a to_o describe_v its_o nature_n by_o that_o than_o by_o any_o other_o property_n that_o be_v more_o remote_a and_o less_o material_a because_o the_o divine_a bounty_n be_v the_o first_o reason_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o divine_a worship_n in_o that_o natural_a justice_n oblige_v every_o man_n to_o a_o grateful_a and_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o our_o happiness_n that_o aught_o without_o any_o far_a regard_n to_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o worthy_a resentment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o the_o word_n piety_n which_o in_o its_o genuine_a acceptation_n denote_v a_o grateful_a and_o observant_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o benefactor_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o most_o proper_a expression_n of_o that_o duty_n that_o be_v owe_v from_o child_n to_o parent_n but_o because_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o his_o bounty_n more_o peculiar_o deserve_v our_o respect_n and_o observation_n it_o be_v in_o a_o more_o signal_n and_o remarkable_a sense_n appropriate_v to_o he_o so_o that_o gratitude_n be_v the_o first_o property_n and_o radical_a ingredient_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o its_o other_o act_n and_o office_n be_v but_o secondary_a and_o consequential_a and_o that_o veneration_n we_o give_v the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n follow_v that_o gratitude_n we_o owe_v he_o for_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v this_o that_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o other_o endowment_n it_o be_v this_o that_o endear_v his_o nature_n to_o we_o and_o from_o this_o result_n all_o those_o duty_n we_o owe_v he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o by_o that_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o his_o bounty_n and_o by_o that_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o his_o other_o attribute_n into_o which_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o this_o experience_n come_v we_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o trust_v and_o affiance_n in_o he_o so_o that_o gratitude_n express_o imply_v all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o it_o chief_o denote_v its_o prime_n and_o most_o essential_a duty_n yet_o in_o that_o it_o full_o express_v the_o reason_n and_o original_a obligation_n of_o all_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n 205._o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o reckon_v up_o repentance_n conversion_n conviction_n of_o sin_n humiliation_n godly_a sorrow_n as_o deficient_a grace_n in_o my_o scheme_n and_o duty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n though_o as_o for_o repentance_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o exchange_n of_o vicious_a custom_n of_o life_n for_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o virtue_n i_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o new_a species_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o he_o can_v inform_v i_o what_o man_n repent_v of_o beside_o their_o vice_n and_o what_o they_o reform_v in_o their_o repentance_n beside_o their_o moral_a iniquity_n it_o have_v neither_o end_n nor_o object_n but_o moral_a virtue_n and_o be_v only_o another_o word_n peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o signify_v its_o first_o beginning_n and_o as_o for_o conversion_n the_o next_o deficient_a it_o be_v co-incident_a with_o repentance_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o no_o less_o difficult_a to_o discover_v any_o difference_n between_o they_o than_o between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o remain_v grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n conviction_n humiliation_n godly_a sorrow_n and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v add_v compunction_n self-abhorrency_a self-despair_n and_o threescore_o word_n more_o that_o be_v frequent_a in_o their_o mouth_n they_o be_v all_o but_o different_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v either_o part_n or_o concomitant_a circumstance_n of_o repentance_n after_o so_o crude_a and_o careless_a a_o rate_n do_v this_o man_n of_o word_n pour_v forth_o his_o talk_n 206_o in_o the_o next_o rank_n come_v in_o self-denial_n a_o readiness_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n and_o mortification_n as_o new_a law_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o for_o self-denial_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o restrain_v our_o appetite_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v our_o brutish_a pleasure_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n as_o for_o a_o readiness_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o constant_a and_o generous_a loyalty_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n
a_o passable_a proof_n and_o so_o satisfactory_a that_o our_o author_n have_v nothing_o to_o except_v against_o it_o 352_o but_o by_o pretend_v its_o inconsistency_n with_o some_o other_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n but_o for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o positive_a truth_n and_o direct_a reason_n of_o the_o argument_n itself_o and_o in_o short_a it_o be_v this_o all_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o posture_n and_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v not_o from_o their_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o be_v part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o use_v and_o impose_v they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v lamentable_o precarious_a to_o charge_v their_o determination_n with_o will-worship_n because_o that_o consist_v in_o make_v those_o thing_n part_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o so_o that_o when_o the_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o this_o use_n of_o they_o and_o profess_v to_o enjoin_v they_o only_o as_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o can_v by_o impose_v they_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o provide_v that_o what_o god_n have_v require_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o real_a difference_n between_o the_o christian_a and_o mosaic_a ceremony_n in_o that_o they_o be_v make_v last_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o same_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n whereas_o we_o be_v not_o any_o integral_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o pure_o accidental_a and_o alterable_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a service_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o stand_a necessity_n and_o obligation_n as_o be_v the_o mosaic_a rite_n but_o as_o they_o be_v first_o establish_v by_o our_o superior_n according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o discretion_n so_o may_v they_o be_v reverse_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o obligation_n with_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o humane_a law_n that_o be_v only_o dispose_v of_o by_o the_o public_a wisdom_n as_o it_o shall_v by_o the_o common_a notice_n of_o thing_n judge_v they_o most_o convenient_a to_o public_a ends._n §_o 4._o and_o now_o upon_o this_o bottom_n we_o may_v fair_o wind_v up_o this_o controversy_n for_o i_o be_o secure_a this_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v its_o real_a issue_n but_o our_o author_n cry_v no_o no._n for_o if_o this_o principle_n shall_v fail_v we_o 306_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o general_a maxim_n which_o nonconformist_n adhere_v unto_o and_o suppose_v not_o just_o questionable_a which_o they_o can_v firm_o stand_v and_o build_v upon_o in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o plea_n as_o to_o all_o difference_n between_o i_o and_o they_o i._n e._n he_o be_v a_o resolve_v and_o incorrigible_a schismatic_a and_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o these_o word_n be_v only_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o stand_v firm_a to_o their_o principle_n what_o though_o we_o may_v be_v storm_v out_o of_o our_o old_a elsibeth-pretension_n let_v we_o not_o immediate_o resign_v up_o our_o colour_n and_o march_v out_o of_o our_o cause_n we_o have_v when_o all_o be_v lose_v unknown_a retreat_n and_o fastness_n as_o all_o banditi_n and_o moss-trooper_n have_v to_o secure_v ourselves_o from_o perfect_a discovery_n and_o destruction_n this_o man_n be_v a_o demetrius_n a_o ringleader_n in_o sedition_n and_o therefore_o it_o more_o peculiar_o concern_v he_o to_o bestir_v himself_o and_o keep_v the_o mutineer_n together_o and_o raise_v and_o animate_v their_o faint_a spirit_n against_o discouragement_n and_o despondency_n the_o people_n may_v murmur_v among_o themselves_o be_v this_o poor_a pretence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o our_o schism_n and_o disturbance_n have_v our_o leader_n no_o great_a grievance_n against_o the_o public_a law_n than_o this_o lank_a and_o pitiful_a story_n which_o themselves_o it_o seem_v dare_v not_o own_o without_o mince_v and_o disguise_v it_o with_o their_o own_o shuffle_n and_o to_o we_o unintelligible_a reservation_n be_v this_o all_o the_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o which_o they_o be_v still_o inveigh_v with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o bitterness_n at_o the_o meeting_n must_v all_o this_o noise_n and_o stir_v be_v make_v and_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n thus_o disturb_v for_o this_o neighbour_n let_v we_o be_v advise_v and_o not_o create_v all_o this_o needless_a trouble_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o only_o to_o countenance_v their_o pride_n and_o peevishness_n the_o plain_a troth_n be_v their_o zeal_n be_v so_o flush_v with_o success_n in_o the_o late_a tumult_n as_o transport_v they_o to_o too_o much_o outrage_n and_o cruelty_n against_o the_o church_n and_o now_o because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n and_o folly_n for_o what_o disgrace_n so_o grievous_a to_o proud_a and_o self-opinionated_a man_n as_o to_o confess_v a_o error_n we_o fool_n as_o we_o be_v must_v be_v inveigle_v and_o draw_v in_o to_o bear_v out_o their_o extravagance_n come_v come_v this_o be_v the_o true_a mystery_n of_o separation_n for_o you_o may_v see_v they_o themselves_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v the_o public_a worship_n popish_a and_o idolatrous_a do_v we_o not_o know_v that_o the_o chief_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o come_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o to_o common_a prayer_n till_o of_o late_a and_o those_o that_o be_v more_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a do_v so_o still_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v have_v they_o real_o deem_v it_o idolatry_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o justify_v ourselves_o in_o run_v thus_o giddy_o into_o these_o wild_a and_o unwarrantable_a schism_n do_v not_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o though_o perhaps_o we_o understand_v nor_o their_o school_n subtlety_n that_o it_o be_v a_o base_a and_o unworthy_a thing_n thus_o insolent_o to_o affront_v the_o king_n law_n when_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o without_o break_a god_n and_o therefore_o see_v whatever_o reason_n they_o may_v have_v for_o their_o own_o nonconformity_n we_o be_v satisfy_v by_o their_o own_o example_n they_o have_v none_o big_a enough_o to_o warrant_v our_o separation_n let_v we_o then_o resolve_v with_o one_o consent_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o return_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o home_n and_o his_o own_o parish-church_n but_o bear_v back_o this_o great_a chieftain_n appear_v for_o he_o be_v still_o upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o most_o bold_a and_o forward_a orator_n to_o hearten_v his_o backslide_n brethren_n against_o doubt_n and_o despondency_n witness_n january_n 31._o in_o the_o year_n 48._o when_o those_o wretched_a miscreant_n want_v some_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o cordial_n against_o the_o horror_n of_o their_o yesterday_n villainy_n and_o thus_o he_o appear_v in_o this_o present_a straight_o and_o thus_o you_o may_v suppose_v he_o after_o preface_n of_o solemn_a wink_n to_o bespeak_v the_o mutinous_a church_n worcester_n my_o friend_n do_v you_o consider_v what_o you_o attempt_v do_v you_o know_v what_o dreadful_a and_o horrible_a thing_n be_v still_o behind_o alas_o false_a worship_n superstition_n tyranny_n and_o cruelty_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o when_o these_o have_v possess_v the_o governor_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o wrap_v in_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n who_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o people_n and_o nation_n assure_v yourselves_o without_o unpresidented_a mercy_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o remediless_a ruin_n if_o you_o think_v babylon_n be_v confine_v to_o rome_n and_o its_o open_a idolatry_n you_o know_v nothing_o of_o babylon_n or_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n no_o no_o their_o darling_n error_n be_v stone_n of_o the_o old_a babel_n close_v and_o couple_v with_o that_o tremendous_a fabric_n which_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v erect_v to_o dethrone_v jesus_n christ._n you_o may_v venture_v to_o taste_v if_o you_o please_v but_o remember_v who_o forewarn_v you_o there_o be_v death_n in_o the_o episcopal_a pot._n but_o as_o for_o your_o own_o part_n let_v all_o the_o world_n know_v and_o let_v the_o house_n of_o england_n know_v this_o day_n that_o you_o lie_v unthankful_o under_o as_o full_a a_o dispensation_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n as_o ever_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n enjoy_v well_o you_o will_v one_o day_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o undervalue_v the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o e._n the_o seditious_a preach_n of_o i.o._n good_a lord_n what_o will_v helpless_a macedonian_n give_v for_o one_o of_o your_o enjoyment_n o_o that_o wales_n o_o that_o ireland_n o_o
the_o most_o clamorous_a of_o the_o herd_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v the_o least_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o displeasure_n but_o run_v away_o with_o any_o pitiful_a and_o unintelligible_a pretence_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v good_a the_o cause_n at_o all_o adventure_n by_o heat_n and_o noise_n and_o passion_n how_o do_v they_o dread_v the_o superstition_n of_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n though_o they_o as_o little_o understand_v the_o true_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n as_o they_o do_v the_o orthodox_n notion_n of_o a_o procatarctick_a cause_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o this_o hard_a word_n that_o scare_n they_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n but_o it_o be_v their_o own_o conceit_a and_o pragmatical_a humour_n that_o affect_v and_o triumph_n in_o contradiction_n they_o think_v it_o a_o gallant_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fine_a thing_n indeed_o this_o extravagant_a pride_n be_v strange_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a itch_n and_o vanity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o mankind_n then_o the_o folly_n of_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o inclination_n that_o be_v so_o difficult_a either_o to_o govern_v or_o to_o vanquish_v as_o this_o petulancy_n of_o spirit_n and_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o very_a serious_a to_o get_v the_o mastery_n of_o so_o fierce_a and_o impetuous_a a_o instinct_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o insensible_a the_o people_n be_v of_o the_o enticement_n of_o this_o spiritual_a lewdness_n and_o how_o unconcern_v to_o resist_v the_o importunity_n of_o its_o desire_n or_o to_o subdue_v the_o force_n and_o vigour_n of_o its_o inclination_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o so_o vehement_a a_o passion_n gain_v without_o their_o own_o express_a allowance_n so_o entire_a and_o absolute_a a_o power_n over_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o action_n so_o easy_a you_o see_v it_o be_v for_o well-meaning_a man_n to_o mistake_v humour_n for_o conscience_n though_o not_o out_o of_o deliberate_a malice_n yet_o through_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n and_o therefore_o think_v not_o sir_n that_o it_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o my_o design_n to_o scoff_n at_o their_o fault_n and_o upbraid_v their_o folly_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cordial_a love_n to_o virtue_n and_o themselves_o that_o put_v i_o upon_o these_o free_a open_a and_o ingenuous_a reprehension_n for_o can_v we_o but_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o their_o spiritual_a wickedness_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o reason_n and_o christian_a prudence_n for_o the_o mortification_n of_o their_o original_a pride_n and_o sullenness_n and_o can_v we_o but_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o softness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o a_o christian_a temper_n how_o ashamed_a will_v they_o be_v of_o this_o brawl_a and_o contentious_a humour_n and_o they_o will_v then_o scarce_o think_v it_o decent_a to_o be_v bold_a and_o malapert_a to_o their_o superior_n for_o any_o cause_n of_o religion_n nor_o will_v they_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o every_o scruple_n and_o weak_a proposition_n nor_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n nor_o affront_v the_o public_a law_n for_o impertinency_n and_o trifle_a opinion_n they_o will_v then_o live_v quiet_o in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o neighbourhood_n and_o pursue_v the_o interest_n and_o employment_n of_o their_o calling_n instead_o of_o carry_v tale_n and_o sow_v dissension_n and_o the_o precious_a time_n they_o now_o be_v in_o quarrel_v for_o opinion_n and_o in_o arguing_n and_o dispute_n for_o trifle_n and_o impotent_a fancy_n they_o will_v then_o improve_v in_o office_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n among_o their_o neighbour_n in_o relieve_v the_o necessitous_a in_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o stifle_a slander_n and_o in_o clear_v injure_a reputation_n to_o conclude_v so_o far_o will_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v from_o plead_v scruple_n and_o nicety_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o curious_a of_o any_o duty_n than_o obedience_n and_o humility_n the_o serious_a sense_n of_o its_o own_o weakness_n its_o reverence_n to_o the_o person_n and_o authority_n of_o superior_n its_o love_n of_o modesty_n meekness_n humility_n peace_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v easy_o prevail_v with_o it_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o its_o private_a conceit_n and_o uncertain_a opinion_n to_o so_o many_o advantage_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o many_o virtue_n of_o obedience_n §_o 10._o ii_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o run_v down_o the_o author_n with_o lie_n and_o calumny_n but_o to_o make_v sure_a work_n they_o will_v slander_v his_o reason_n and_o raise_v false_a witness_n against_o his_o argument_n they_o will_v alter_v and_o pervert_v his_o smart_a and_o most_o convictive_a proof_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o as_o weak_a and_o trifle_a as_o their_o own_o pretence_n with_o whatsoever_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o express_v his_o thought_n it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o undaunted_a and_o shameless_a brow_n they_o will_v look_v truth_n and_o reason_n out_o of_o countenance_n they_o will_v insult_v over_o his_o modesty_n will_v triumph_v in_o their_o own_o insolence_n and_o silence_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n with_o affront_v and_o rude_a behaviour_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o join_v throat_n to_o vote_n he_o down_o and_o if_o they_o do_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o complain_v or_o remonstrate_v all_o he_o shall_v gain_v by_o it_o be_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o for_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o attempt_n they_o blush_v not_o to_o commit_v a_o public_a rape_n upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o with_o that_o boisterous_a rudeness_n as_o if_o they_o conspire_v to_o force_v all_o the_o world_n out_o of_o their_o common_a sense_n no_o author_n must_v challenge_v the_o liberty_n of_o be_v his_o own_o interpreter_n the_o power_n of_o expound_v assertion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o if_o they_o please_v they_o can_v enforce_v any_o writer_n to_o accept_v a_o sense_n that_o contradict_v his_o word_n and_o if_o they_o do_v there_o be_v neither_o remedy_n nor_o appeal_n their_o judgement_n be_v final_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o what_o they_o will_v have_v they_o will_v have_v no_o caution_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prevent_v their_o clamour_n their_o leader_n can_v easy_o descry_v a_o foul_a design_n under_o the_o fair_a disguise_n and_o it_o be_v but_o set_v themselves_o to_o contrive_v some_o dull_a and_o malicious_a mistake_v and_o obtrude_a they_o upon_o their_o blind_a and_o sturdy_a proselyte_n and_o then_o they_o be_v confident_a and_o impatient_a against_o his_o whole_a discourse_n and_o the_o poor_a man_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n be_v knock_v down_o with_o grievous_a and_o dead-doing_a objection_n if_o master_n john_n do_v but_o whisper_v some_o ugly_a and_o ill-contrived_a suggestion_n away_o it_o be_v carry_v with_o clamour_n and_o tragical_a declamation_n the_o noise_n propagate_v like_o thunder_n and_o spread_v like_o lightning_n and_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v fill_v with_o tumult_n and_o uproar_v and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o rail_v at_o my_o book_n than_o it_o be_v to_o read_v it_o no_o it_o be_v profane_a it_o be_v stuff_v with_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a opinion_n it_o strike_v at_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o let_v i_o affirm_v and_o deny_v say_v and_o prove_v what_o i_o can_v the_o people_n must_v and_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o anger_n and_o their_o clamour_n they_o will_v refuse_v to_o be_v satisfy_v affront_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o turn_v recusant_n to_o their_o own_o conviction_n only_o that_o they_o may_v not_o want_v pretence_n and_o opportunity_n to_o rail_v at_o i_o now_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o only_a antidote_n against_o the_o venom_n of_o malicious_a tongue_n and_o let_v your_o own_o innocence_n be_v your_o defence_n and_o apology_n but_o alas_o this_o morality_n be_v too_o high_a a_o cordial_n for_o my_o present_a exigence_n my_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o faint_v as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o philosophy_n to_o relieve_v and_o support_v they_o i_o be_o too_o proud_a you_o know_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o noise_n and_o clamour_n nothing_o but_o reason_n can_v ever_o move_v or_o
they_o not_o indifferent_o serviceable_a to_o that_o end_n whether_o they_o be_v design_v to_o deter_v the_o person_n himself_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n or_o any_o other_o by_o his_o example_n from_o the_o like_a practice_n temporal_a infliction_n be_v but_o accessional_a strength_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n that_o man_n may_v be_v concern_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n as_o well_o as_o the_o crime_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v punishable_a to_o affright_v other_o from_o the_o same_o enormity_n what_o hinder_v but_o that_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v they_o under_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o high_a penalty_n the_o pure_a reason_n of_o all_o humane_a punishment_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o therefore_o their_o measure_n be_v ever_o proportion_v to_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o crime_n have_v upon_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o community_n and_o malefactor_n be_v execute_v not_o to_o revenge_v their_o injury_n but_o to_o prevent_v those_o mischief_n the_o public_a will_v sustain_v by_o their_o impunity_n and_o if_o this_o be_v any_o reason_n why_o humane_a law_n shall_v not_o pass_v any_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n because_o their_o penalty_n be_v inflict_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o than_o no_o capital_a law_n can_v ever_o bind_v the_o conscience_n because_o all_o capital_a infliction_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o other_o end_n but_o what_o relate_v to_o other_o what_o else_o can_v this_o man_n design_n by_o such_o crude_a and_o blundr_a cavil_n but_o mere_o to_o amuse_v or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o satisfy_v the_o people_n they_o run_v over_o these_o line_n and_o because_o they_o can_v find_v where_o the_o crisis_n of_o the_o exception_n lie_v they_o pass_v it_o by_o for_o a_o deep_a and_o scholastic_a subtlety_n though_o all_o the_o mystery_n lie_v in_o the_o palpable_a folly_n and_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o amaze_v the_o common_a reader_n be_v its_o have_v none_o at_o all_o this_o be_v a_o essay_n of_o his_o skill_n but_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o his_o courage_n for_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o heroic_a act_n of_o boldness_n to_o dare_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o public_a with_o mere_a and_o ungrounded_a forgery_n and_o such_o be_v that_o assertion_n he_o will_v fasten_v upon_o i_o as_o a_o further_a proof_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o my_o thought_n viz._n 85_o that_o i_o confine_v the_o whole_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n this_o in_o downright_a english_a be_v a_o shameless_a lye_n sir_n you_o must_v pardon_v my_o rudeness_n for_o i_o will_v assure_v you_o after_o long_a meditation_n i_o can_v not_o devise_v a_o more_o pertinent_a answer_n to_o so_o bold_a a_o one_o as_o this_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v no_o extraordinary_a conceit_n but_o it_o be_v the_o best_a repartee_n my_o barren_a fancy_n be_v able_a to_o suggest_v to_o i_o upon_o so_o rude_a a_o occasion_n suppose_v it_o be_v your_o own_o case_n that_o you_o can_v be_v so_o ill-advised_n as_o to_o print_v book_n shall_v any_o person_n be_v so_o bold_a and_o disingenuous_a as_o not_o only_o to_o pervert_v your_o meaning_n and_o disturb_v your_o method_n but_o what_o be_v base_a without_o allay_n fasten_v upon_o you_o assertion_n equal_o false_a and_o wicked_a without_o any_o reference_n to_o page_n or_o section_n and_o without_o any_o imaginable_a foundation_n of_o his_o mistake_n what_o other_o return_n will_v you_o vouchsafe_v to_o make_v to_o such_o a_o unmannerly_a attempt_n than_o what_o i_o have_v make_v mere_a calumny_n as_o it_o deserve_v no_o more_o serious_a resentment_n than_o utter_a neglect_n so_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o more_o civil_a confutation_n than_o flat_a denial_n i_o can_v take_v occasion_n from_o this_o falsehood_n to_o add_v some_o reflection_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o groundless_a that_o it_o needs_o and_o so_o gross_o disingenuous_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o other_o baffle_v but_o pure_a disdain_n perhaps_o a_o scotchman_n will_v only_o have_v tell_v he_o as_o the_o bishop_n of_o derry_n tell_v a_o man_n of_o as_o lavish_a a_o pen_n as_o my_o author_n that_o he_o be_v very_o good_a company_n but_o i_o be_o a_o blunt_a englishman_n and_o hate_v a_o lie_n as_o i_o do_v idolatry_n or_o witchcraft_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v pardon_v my_o plainness_n if_o i_o call_v a_o fable_n a_o fable_n now_o beside_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o a_o topick_n so_o vile_a that_o you_o see_v i_o be_o almost_o ashamed_a to_o name_v it_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o other_o exception_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o i_o do_v not_o define_v when_o i_o argue_v nor_o distinct_o state_n my_o own_o determination_n when_o i_o remonstrate_v to_o other_o man_n that_o i_o do_v not_o propound_v and_o solve_v difficulty_n in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o that_o my_o answer_n contradict_v my_o objection_n that_o every_o paragraph_n do_v not_o discharge_v the_o undertake_n of_o my_o whole_a book_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o each_o chapter_n be_v not_o full_o and_o distinct_o express_a in_o its_o short_a and_o general_a content_n and_o that_o all_o the_o particular_a notion_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o comprise_v in_o the_o title-page_n in_o brief_a that_o i_o have_v fail_v of_o the_o glory_n to_o dispatch_v all_o difficulty_n and_o decide_v all_o controversy_n in_o one_o breath_n woeful_a misadventure_n these_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o present_v you_o with_o vast_a heap_n of_o instance_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o i_o have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o patience_n to_o reckon_v up_o more_o particularity_n to_o spare_v hard_a expression_n of_o his_o folly_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o his_o whole_a book_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o treasury_n of_o cavil_n and_o that_o he_o draw_v his_o argument_n not_o from_o any_o principle_n of_o sincere_a reason_n but_o from_o the_o topic_n of_o prate_v and_o vulgar_a talk_n you_o can_v dip_v into_o a_o page_n but_o you_o will_v light_v upon_o some_o such_o lank_a and_o windy_a exception_n as_o i_o have_v above_o recite_v and_o yet_o i_o must_v not_o stay_v to_o glance_v at_o they_o they_o be_v so_o innumerable_a these_o that_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v lie_v first_o in_o my_o way_n and_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n and_o upon_o the_o very_a threshold_n of_o his_o book_n and_o they_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o short_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o singular_a logic_n he_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n as_o i_o fear_v he_o will_v not_o to_o compare_v his_o cavil_n with_o my_o reply_v that_o will_v infinite_o satisfy_v he_o of_o the_o impertinency_n of_o this_o man_n way_n of_o scribble_a but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o entertain_v he_o so_o long_o with_o such_o poor_a and_o unedifying_a remark_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o waste_v more_o time_n in_o pursue_v such_o slender_a trifle_n but_o shall_v rather_o to_o prevent_v he_o hereafter_o from_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o these_o and_o the_o like_a mean_v artifices_fw-la set_v down_o a_o short_a model_n of_o the_o part_n the_o coherence_n &_o the_o design_n of_o my_o former_a treatise_n for_o few_o vulgar_a reader_n i_o perceive_v have_v either_o patience_n or_o ability_n to_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o the_o method_n and_o connexion_n of_o a_o large_a discourse_n §_o 4._o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o i_o begin_v with_o a_o more_o general_a account_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o invest_v sovereign_a prince_n with_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o i_o prove_v at_o large_a by_o represent_v what_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a influence_n it_o cast_v upon_o all_o the_o most_o important_a end_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n so_o that_o to_o exempt_v its_o due_a conduct_n and_o management_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n be_v apparent_o to_o strip_v it_o of_o its_o great_a security_n to_o disable_v it_o from_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o its_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o public_a setlement_n to_o the_o whimsy_n and_o exorbitance_n of_o every_o crazy_a zealot_n and_o have_v lay_v this_o large_a foundation_n upon_o the_o firm_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o most_o undeniable_a experience_n of_o mankind_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o erect_v a_o more_o particular_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n where_o i_o run_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o affair_n immediate_o relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o morality_n prove_v moral_a virtue_n to_o be_v more_o
belief_n as_o if_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v the_o subjection_n of_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n in_o less_o important_a matter_n to_o the_o command_v of_o public_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o religion_n do_v i_o not_o forewarn_v you_o of_o what_o height_n and_o depth_n of_o ingenuity_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o before_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o paragraph_n and_o now_o do_v you_o tell_v i_o whether_o you_o ever_o observe_v in_o any_o writer_n more_o generous_a strain_n of_o candour_n and_o civility_n do_v ever_o man_n treat_v adversary_n with_o fair_a and_o more_o ingenuous_a usage_n than_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o from_o this_o candid_a author_n disputant_n of_o a_o more_o sullen_a humour_n will_v have_v throw_v more_o knotty_a objection_n in_o my_o way_n that_o will_v have_v cost_v some_o pain_n and_o sweat_n to_o assoil_v their_o difficulty_n but_o he_o deal_v tender_o with_o i_o as_o a_o young_a beginner_n and_o will_v not_o dishearten_v my_o industry_n by_o set_v too_o hard_a a_o task_n to_o my_o raw_a and_o unimproved_a ability_n that_o by_o my_o conquest_n and_o triumph_n over_o such_o weak_a opposition_n i_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o great_a undertake_n §_o 13._o and_o therefore_o he_o proceed_v to_o tempt_v my_o weak_a and_o juvenile_a essay_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o skill_n by_o seem_v serious_a and_o eager_a in_o the_o far_a pursuit_n of_o these_o vain_a and_o trifle_a advantage_n and_o raise_v more_o vehement_a slander_n upon_o more_o unreasonable_a ground_n and_o the_o next_o article_n of_o his_o charge_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v 97._o that_o i_o maintain_v that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o every_o nation_n have_v power_n to_o order_n and_o appoint_v what_o religion_n his_o subject_n shall_v profess_v and_o observe_v provide_v he_o enjoin_v nothing_o that_o countenance_v vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n our_o author_n be_v old_a excellent_a at_o cavil_v and_o calumny_n but_o here_o he_o excel_v himself_o he_o give_v in_o a_o brisk_a and_o rattle_a indictment_n without_o any_o shadow_n of_o proof_n to_o justify_v the_o allegation_n it_o be_v draw_v up_o in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o form_n of_o expression_n and_o only_o one_o poor_a line_n of_o i_o bob_v in_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o such_o a_o horrid_a and_o shameless_a falsification_n viz._n provide_v that_o he_o injoin_v nothing_o that_o either_o countenance_v vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n this_o i_o have_v and_o still_o do_v affirm_v concern_v ritual_n ceremony_n and_o posture_n of_o outward_a worship_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o unlawful_a unless_o they_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o ministries_n of_o divine_a service_n or_o exempt_v they_o from_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a power_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o chaste_a and_o a_o modest_a truth_n but_o for_o our_o author_n to_o apply_v this_o power_n that_o i_o have_v ascribe_v to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n only_o over_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o ceremonial_a expression_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o the_o appointment_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n itself_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v it_o entire_o at_o his_o disposal_n to_o order_n and_o appoint_v what_o religion_n his_o subject_n shall_v profess_v and_o observe_v be_v and_o i_o can_v say_v no_o worse_o but_o like_o himself_o and_o agreeable_a to_o that_o character_n i_o have_v often_o suggest_v to_o you_o of_o his_o way_n of_o writing_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o falsehood_n so_o coarse_o lewd_a and_o barbarous_a that_o nothing_o but_o a_o incorrigible_a brow_n can_v have_v venture_v to_o obtrude_v it_o upon_o the_o world_n much_o less_o to_o persist_v in_o it_o so_o long_o and_o repeat_v it_o so_o often_o as_o he_o have_v do_v as_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o bear_v down_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o unyield_a gallantry_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o confidence_n but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o passage_n in_o my_o whole_a discourse_n that_o have_v be_v so_o serviceable_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o this_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a allegation_n it_o vouch_v every_o clamour_n and_o every_o impertinency_n and_o every_o slander_n and_o false_a report_n shrowd_v itself_o under_o its_o protection_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o forge_v and_o fasten_v any_o extravagant_a conceit_n upon_o i_o it_o be_v but_o devise_v some_o wild_a proposition_n and_o twist_v it_o with_o these_o word_n and_o then_o he_o may_v expatiate_v against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o so_o dangerous_a a_o error_n with_o a_o grave_n and_o solemn_a invective_n and_o i_o be_o as_o confident_o conclude_v guilty_a as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v my_o own_o express_a and_o positive_a assertion_n thus_o this_o passage_n be_v produce_v against_o i_o 125._o that_o whilst_o man_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v or_o what_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o practice_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o their_o ruler_n though_o every_o way_n contrary_a unto_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o thing_n that_o countenance_n vice_n and_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o distinct_a character_n and_o the_o reader_n if_o he_o be_v courteous_a be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v faithful_o transcribe_v out_o of_o my_o book_n though_o you_o can_v find_v a_o syllable_n of_o it_o there_o except_o only_o the_o last_o word_n of_o restriction_n but_o however_o it_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o ungodly_a assertion_n and_o therefore_o away_o he_o fly_v with_o it_o what_o it_o defeat_v all_o effectual_a obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o enervate_v all_o real_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o cast_v off_o all_o serious_a regard_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o upon_o this_o principle_n man_n may_v profess_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v and_o turn_v mahumetan_n papist_n and_o apostate_n for_o their_o own_o convenience_n these_o indeed_o be_v sad_a and_o woeful_a inference_n but_o let_v he_o look_v to_o that_o for_o the_o premise_n be_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o conclusion_n though_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o boldness_n that_o he_o shall_v so_o rash_o so_o confident_o and_o so_o groundless_o charge_v i_o with_o such_o knavish_a and_o dishonest_a principle_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o unless_o such_o crafty_a artist_n as_o know_v how_o to_o sing_v their_o song_n upon_o sigionoth_n and_o believe_v that_o god_n abet_n and_o own_v every_o interest_n that_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o they_o dance_v to_o the_o tune_n of_o the_o time_n have_v the_o face_n to_o look_v demure_o and_o to_o profess_v they_o only_o follow_v the_o pipe_n of_o providential_a dispensation_n but_o now_o if_o we_o take_v this_o mangle_a and_o dismember_a sentence_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a place_n there_o be_v neither_o harm_n nor_o heresy_n i._n e._n if_o we_o affirm_v that_o no_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a for_o i_o here_o speak_v only_o of_o thing_n as_o consider_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tend_v to_o countenance_v vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n here_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o encourage_v or_o make_v apostate_n for_o the_o material_a and_o divide_v difference_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n consist_v not_o in_o ritual_n and_o ceremonial_n but_o in_o article_n of_o belief_n and_o object_n of_o worship_n we_o condemn_v neither_o turk_n nor_o papist_n for_o their_o form_n and_o posture_n of_o adoration_n unless_o they_o fall_v under_o one_o or_o both_o of_o the_o obliquity_n aforesaid_a but_o for_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o lewd_a impostor_n and_o to_o a_o senseless_a piece_n of_o matter_n let_v they_o but_o address_v the_o same_o worship_n to_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a object_n and_o we_o will_v never_o stand_v stiff_o with_o they_o about_o the_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o its_o expression_n but_o will_v free_o allow_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o significant_a custom_n of_o their_o own_o country_n as_o we_o do_v to_o those_o of_o we_o now_o it_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o at_o least_o
objection_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o my_o persuasion_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o enquiry_n that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o imaginable_a answer_n to_o it_o than_o that_o man_n who_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o light_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o therein_o have_v indeed_o no_o conscience_n at_o all_o when_o this_o answer_n be_v so_o infinite_o silly_a that_o we_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o pretend_v it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v other_o very_a pertinent_a reply_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o obvious_a viz._n that_o they_o may_v possible_o have_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v or_o at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v abuse_v with_o foolish_a or_o debauch_v with_o wicked_a principle_n and_o so_o may_v plot_v or_o practice_v sedition_n against_o the_o state_n under_o pretence_n or_o mistake_n of_o conscience_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o plead_v its_o authority_n against_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a superior_n in_o fine_a to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o so_o brisk_o taunt_v i_o for_o thwart_v my_o own_o principle_n 135._o because_o i_o have_v censure_v the_o impertinency_n of_o a_o needless_a provision_n in_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n i_o may_v obey_v the_o law_n though_o i_o may_v be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o the_o lawgiver_n in_o a_o opinion_n remote_a and_o impertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o nay_o i_o may_v condemn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o enact_v it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n think_v myself_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o for_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o obligatory_a power_n as_o any_o casuist_n will_v inform_v he_o be_v not_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n but_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n there_o be_v abundance_n more_o of_o this_o slender_a stuff_n wherewith_o as_o himself_o brag_v he_o have_v load_v this_o principle_n though_o alas_o be_v its_o foundation_n never_o so_o weak_a and_o tremble_a it_o may_v secure_o enough_o support_v so_o light_a a_o burden_n and_o though_o it_o be_v real_o bottom_v upon_o the_o sand_n there_o be_v but_o little_a danger_n that_o such_o a_o shallow_a stream_n of_o talk_n shall_v overturn_v it_o so_o that_o though_o i_o stand_v upon_o such_o advantageous_a ground_n if_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o a_o strict_a and_o particular_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o flaw_n and_o folly_n of_o his_o tattle_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o apparent_o false_a or_o impertinent_a or_o both_o and_o afford_v so_o little_a occasion_n for_o useful_a and_o material_a discourse_n that_o i_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o forego_v my_o own_o advantage_n than_o spoil_v my_o book_n and_o tire_v my_o reader_n by_o insist_v too_o tedious_o upon_o such_o empty_a trifle_n and_o dream_n of_o shadow_n to_o conclude_v this_o author_n be_v so_o accustom_a to_o popular_a impertinency_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o hate_v severe_a discourse_n as_o much_o as_o carnal_a reason_n and_o both_o as_o much_o as_o idolatry_n so_o that_o he_o only_o prate_v when_o he_o shall_v argue_v and_o inveigh_v when_o he_o shall_v confute_v give_v he_o what_o advantage_n you_o will_v he_o regard_v it_o not_o but_o jog_v on_o in_o his_o road_n of_o talk_v and_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o you_o take_v the_o right_a or_o wrong_a handle_n of_o the_o question_n it_o may_v be_v either_o for_o any_o thing_n material_a that_o he_o have_v to_o except_v against_o it_o nay_o you_o may_v suffer_v he_o to_o lime-twig_n you_o with_o ink_n and_o paper_n and_o gag_n you_o with_o a_o quill_n and_o put_v what_o word_n he_o please_v into_o your_o mouth_n and_o yet_o easy_o defend_v yourself_o against_o all_o his_o faint_a assault_n and_o impertinent_a objection_n in_o so_o much_o that_o i_o dare_v undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o thick_a and_o most_o defenceless_a imposture_n in_o the_o world_n against_o his_o weak_a and_o miserable_a way_n of_o confutation_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o can_v produce_v as_o strong_a and_o enforce_v evidence_n for_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o some_o body_n have_v for_o the_o self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n iu._n the_o content_n no_o difference_n among_o the_o ancient_n between_o moral_a virtue_n and_o evangelical_n grace_n the_o vanity_n and_o novelty_n of_o our_o late_a spiritual_a divinity_n our_o author_n fond_a tittle-tattle_n against_o my_o scheme_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v now_o the_o same_o for_o design_n and_o substance_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o gospel_n be_v chief_o design_v as_o a_o restitution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n our_o duty_n to_o god_n best_o describe_v by_o gratitude_n repentance_n conversion_n humiliation_n self-denial_n mortification_n faith_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n prove_v to_o be_v moral_a virtue_n our_o author_n after_o his_o rate_n of_o cavil_v will_v have_v quarrel_v our_o saviour_n for_o his_o short_a account_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o man._n his_o intolerable_a slander_n in_o charge_v i_o of_o confine_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n his_o prodigious_a impudence_n in_o ascribe_v all_o his_o own_o folly_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n prove_v itself_o by_o some_o evident_a miracle_n the_o ordinary_a work_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perform_v pure_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n our_o author_n himself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o assign_v any_o real_a difference_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n their_o mere_a distinguish_n between_o they_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o real_a goodness_n a_o account_n of_o the_o mechanical_a enthusiasm_n of_o their_o spiritual_a divinity_n our_o author_n own_o account_n of_o their_o spiritual_a godliness_n be_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o its_o folly_n moral_a virtue_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o hindrance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a preparative_n to_o conversion_n it_o be_v not_o moral_a goodness_n but_o immoral_a godliness_n that_o keep_v off_o the_o pharisee_n from_o close_v with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o argument_n from_o the_o magistrate_n power_n over_o moral_a duty_n to_o his_o power_n over_o religious_a worship_n clear_v and_o vindicate_v the_o difference_n assign_v for_o this_o purpose_n between_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n false_a and_o impertinent_a their_o vain_a resolution_n to_o find_v out_o particular_a rule_n of_o institute_v worship_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o their_o folly_n religious_a worship_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o earthly_a power_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o moral_a virtue_n be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o some_o of_o our_o author_n faint_a essay_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n give_v a_o account_n large_a enough_o of_o our_o author_n way_n of_o confutation_n by_o shuffle_a cavil_n and_o bold_a calumny_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o forbear_v to_o cloy_v the_o reader_n or_o tire_v myself_o with_o any_o far_a regard_n to_o such_o trifle_a exception_n as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o more_o useful_a and_o edify_a discourse_n and_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o such_o particular_n as_o may_v be_v considerable_a enough_o to_o recompense_v the_o pain_n of_o our_o enquiry_n my_o design_n then_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n which_o our_o wise_a objector_n except_v against_o be_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n how_o they_o be_v equal_o subject_a to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o for_o a_o more_o ample_a confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o give_v such_o a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n as_o reduce_v all_o its_o part_n and_o branch_n either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o the_o instrument_n of_o moral_a goodness_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v as_o i_o think_v fair_o enough_o that_o see_v prince_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o avow_a principle_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o sovereign_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o moral_a virtue_n that_o be_v the_o most_o material_a duty_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a they_o shall_v be_v allow_v at_o least_o the_o same_o authority_n over_o the_o outward_a matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o be_v but_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n or_o instrument_n of_o morality_n but_o our_o author_n startle_v at_o the_o strangeness_n
and_o novelty_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o grant_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o bold_o charge_v i_o with_o fall_v rude_o upon_o christianity_n itself_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n 180._o according_a to_o its_o avow_a principle_n never_o before_o contradict_v make_v a_o distinction_n between_o moral_a virtue_n and_o evangelical_n grace_n this_o affirmation_n he_o suppose_v bold_a and_o sturdy_a enough_o to_o maintain_v its_o own_o ground_n and_o if_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o confidence_n it_o may_v perish_v for_o any_o proof_n or_o relief_n that_o he_o will_v afford_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o unmerciful_a as_o to_o fall_v foul_a or_o fierce_o upon_o a_o naked_a and_o desert_a assertion_n but_o shall_v only_o challenge_v he_o to_o produce_v one_o ancient_a author_n that_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o evangelical_n grace_n evangelical_n grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o in_o their_o account_n but_o moral_a virtue_n heighten_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o which_o be_v external_n consideration_n to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o the_o christian_a institution_n do_v not_o introduce_v any_o new_a duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o strengthen_v they_o by_o new_a obligation_n and_o improve_v they_o upon_o new_a principle_n for_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n encourage_v we_o and_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o discharge_v our_o respective_a duty_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o at_o all_o change_n their_o nature_n because_o it_o ease_v their_o performance_n so_o that_o evangelical_n grace_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n with_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o evangelical_n virtue_n the_o same_o with_o moral_a one_o that_o be_v style_v evangelical_n for_o no_o other_o regard_n than_o because_o of_o that_o peculiar_a influence_n the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o procure_v their_o effectual_a practice_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o establish_v real_a righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n the_o virtue_n of_o charity_n meekness_n patience_n and_o humility_n be_v esteem_v the_o distinguish_a grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o professor_n measure_v their_o godliness_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n and_o not_o of_o their_o ordinance_n in_o those_o day_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o morality_n and_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o do_v they_o despise_v the_o plain_a the_o humble_a and_o the_o downright_a christian_a as_o a_o mere_a moralist_n and_o a_o carnal_a gospeller_n the_o father_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o teach_v their_o proselyte_n the_o trick_n how_o to_o spirit_n themselves_o into_o heaven_n and_o presume_v themselves_o into_o salvation_n by_o a_o stout_a belief_n but_o to_o purchase_v their_o future_a hope_n by_o live_v up_o to_o the_o severe_a and_o most_o exalt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o real_a and_o inherent_a righteousness_n but_o only_o imply_v a_o high_a pitch_n and_o improvement_n of_o moral_a goodness_n then_o they_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a account_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o only_o think_v it_o a_o discovery_n of_o such_o principle_n as_o will_v more_o effectual_o oblige_v &_o enable_v mankind_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o any_o other_o institution_n can_v effect_v or_o philosophy_n pretend_v nor_o do_v they_o prescribe_v long_o and_o tedious_a train_n of_o conversion_n nor_o set_v down_o nice_a and_o subtle_a process_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o fill_v people_n head_n with_o innumerable_a swarm_n of_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o scruple_n about_o the_o due_a degree_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o the_o certain_a symptom_n of_o a_o thorough_a humiliation_n but_o in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o their_o divinity_n to_o be_v reform_v be_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n to_o be_v regenerate_v nor_o do_v they_o amuse_v silly_a and_o well-meaning_a people_n with_o fond_a story_n of_o unaccountable_a horror_n and_o desertion_n of_o soul_n but_o turn_v they_o over_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o suspend_v the_o quietness_n of_o their_o mind_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o integrity_n and_o always_o confine_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o method_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n they_o never_o dream_v there_o can_v be_v any_o disagreement_n between_o its_o impression_n and_o the_o result_v of_o our_o own_o thought_n or_o that_o it_o will_v ever_o bereave_v a_o upright_a soul_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o reflection_n of_o a_o exact_a conscience_n these_o and_o infinite_a more_o be_v the_o trick_n and_o frenzy_n of_o a_o new-fangled_a divinity_n that_o i_o may_v confident_o aver_v be_v scarce_o hear_v of_o fifty_o year_n ago_o and_o may_v as_o confident_o presume_v will_v be_v forget_v fifty_o year_n hence_o for_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o preach_a man_n among_o we_o who_o superficial_a fancy_n be_v more_o tickle_v with_o metaphor_n and_o gay_a resemblance_n than_o with_o sober_a and_o substantial_a sense_n begin_v according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o own_o little_a wit_n to_o clothe_v and_o express_v the_o most_o weighty_a argument_n in_o divinity_n with_o little_a allusion_n and_o this_o take_n with_o the_o rude_a and_o undiscerning_a multitude_n other_o that_o want_v better_a accomplishment_n to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o wise_a man_n study_v this_o way_n of_o trifle_a labour_v to_o imitate_v their_o pretty_a phrase_n and_o to_o improve_v their_o wit_n by_o more_o childish_a fancy_n beat_v about_o upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n use_v they_o to_o all_o purpose_n wrap_v up_o the_o clear_a notion_n in_o cloudy_a word_n cast_v darkness_n and_o mystery_n about_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o confound_a man_n apprehension_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o wildness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o expression_n and_o then_o the_o ignorant_a people_n fancy_n there_o be_v mystery_n and_o secret_a sense_n in_o every_o phrase_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o frame_v some_o confuse_a and_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o fancy_n to_o which_o they_o suit_n and_o accommodate_v all_o their_o after-conception_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v at_o length_n make_v such_o a_o uncouth_a representation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o will_v not_o many_o year_n ago_o have_v be_v think_v a_o new_a and_o distinct_a religion_n from_o that_o establish_v by_o the_o bless_a jesus_n it_o be_v scarce_o a_o age_n since_o this_o inward_a and_o practical_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v first_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o it_o will_v puzzle_v any_o man_n that_o compare_v the_o account_n give_v by_o the_o ancient_n of_o christianity_n with_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a description_n of_o it_o how_o it_o be_v ever_o possible_a to_o derive_v such_o unrelated_a notion_n and_o principle_n from_o the_o same_o original_a and_o if_o their_o new_a account_n of_o divinity_n be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v preach_v somewhere_o else_o and_o not_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v propagate_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n over_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v scarce_o ever_o hear_v of_o out_o of_o our_o own_o these_o man_n be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o attempt_v to_o divorce_v grace_n from_o virtue_n and_o to_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a christian_a from_o the_o moral_a man_n they_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o man_n conversion_n not_o by_o the_o outward_a and_o visible_a reformation_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o far_o say_v they_o formal_a professor_n and_o common_a grace_n may_v go_v but_o by_o their_o orderly_a passage_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o conviction_n and_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o have_v observe_v and_o experience_v in_o himself_o all_o their_o imaginary_a rule_n and_o method_n of_o regeneration_n they_o immediate_o call_v into_o question_n his_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o affright_v he_o with_o sad_a story_n of_o have_v miscarry_v of_o grace_n and_o the_o new-creature_n &_o he_o be_v lose_v &_o undo_v for_o ever_o unless_o he_o begin_v all_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n anew_o and_o he_o must_v as_o it_o be_v re-enter_v into_o the_o
rather_o than_o betray_v or_o forsake_v so_o excellent_a a_o institution_n and_o therefore_o its_o peculiar_a excellency_n consist_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o moral_a precept_n to_o continue_v faithful_a to_o that_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o upright_a to_o the_o best_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o last_o as_o for_o mortification_n it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o the_o very_a formality_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o subdue_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o affection_n to_o our_o superior_a faculty_n in_o the_o method_n of_o reason_n and_o prudent_a discipline_n but_o the_o main_a instance_n of_o defect_n be_v that_o dear_a and_o darling_a article_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n 208._o as_o our_o author_n word_n it_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o here_o i_o must_v confess_v as_o they_o have_v mistake_v the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o this_o grace_n it_o be_v neither_o virtue_n nor_o virtue_n friend_n though_o in_o its_o plain_a and_o primitive_a account_n it_o be_v evident_o both_o for_o i_o know_v but_o two_o acceptation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n 1._o either_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o serious_a and_o a_o hearty_a assent_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o it_o have_v a_o mighty_a force_n to_o engage_v as_o serious_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n for_o what_o more_o effectual_a and_o irresistible_a inducement_n can_v man_n have_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o then_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n viz._n it_o be_v mighty_a influence_n upon_o a_o christian_a life_n 2._o or_o else_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o person_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o that_o moral_a worship_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o discourse_v for_o though_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v particular_a and_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o passion_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o relate_v to_o the_o essential_a truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o declaration_n and_o engagement_n to_o accept_v the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n as_o a_o atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o into_o this_o we_o must_v resolve_v the_o virtue_n and_o morality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n viz._n it_o be_v worthy_a opinion_n of_o and_o strong_a confidence_n in_o god_n essential_a truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o our_o author_n himself_o though_o upon_o what_o ground_n i_o know_v not_o esteem_v it_o a_o part_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o moral_a worship_n of_o god_n â—68_n and_o so_o i_o remember_v do_v 1_n o._n in_o that_o notable_a treatise_n of_o distinct_a communion_n with_o each_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n distinct_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v 8._o from_o all_o these_o premise_n you_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o the_o supposition_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o bring_v in_o any_o new_a religion_n but_o only_o make_v new_a circumstance_n and_o name_n of_o old_a thing_n and_o require_v new_a help_n and_o advantage_n to_o improve_v our_o power_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o endeavour_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o law_n of_o grace_n nothing_o but_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n all_o the_o prime_a duty_n it_o prescribe_v be_v but_o result_v and_o pursuance_v of_o our_o natural_a obligation_n and_o all_o its_o additional_a institution_n be_v but_o help_v and_o assistance_n to_o encourage_v and_o secure_v their_o performance_n to_o conclude_v have_v this_o man_n be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi in_o our_o saviour_n time_n how_o pert_o will_v he_o have_v taunt_v he_o for_o reduce_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o two_o head_n love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o what_o sir_n have_v we_o not_o six_o hundred_o and_o thirteen_o precept_n in_o our_o law_n be_v there_o not_o twelve_o house_n of_o affirmative_a and_o as_o many_o of_o negative_a commandment_n and_o be_v there_o not_o large_a catalogue_n of_o particular_a law_n range_v under_o each_o of_o these_o general_a head_n and_o must_v all_o save_v only_o two_o be_v reverse_v for_o your_o pleasure_n if_o this_o be_v all_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v our_o phylactery_n once_o i_o remember_v you_o reprove_v we_o for_o make_v they_o so_o large_a now_o you_o have_v best_o quarrel_v we_o for_o make_v they_o at_o all_o be_v this_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o you_o pretend_v to_o abridge_v his_o whole_a volume_n into_o a_o single_a text_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v 194._o that_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o rude_a most_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a scheme_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o ever_o yet_o i_o see_v so_o far_o from_o comprise_v a_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n belong_v to_o it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v constitutive_a of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o such_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n now_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v vouchsafe_v to_o reply_v to_o such_o a_o prate_a and_o impertinent_a rabbi_n what_o other_o answer_n can_v we_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v return_v than_o that_o all_o the_o other_o commandment_n how_o numerous_a soever_o be_v but_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o these_o under_o various_a denomination_n arise_v from_o emergent_a respect_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o how_o infinite_a soever_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o life_n may_v be_v they_o be_v but_o prosecution_n of_o these_o general_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o result_v from_o those_o obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o from_o our_o natural_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o i_o define_v love_n to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n because_o all_o other_o command_n be_v but_o several_a instrument_n or_o expression_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o love_v to_o your_o neighbour_n signify_v every_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n 12._o but_o have_v in_o his_o own_o fancy_n for_o there_o he_o do_v wondrous_a feat_n demolish_v my_o frame_n of_o religion_n he_o proceed_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a model_n of_o his_o own_o but_o whether_o coherent_a or_o not_o concern_v not_o my_o enquiry_n my_o business_n be_v to_o defend_v my_o own_o discourse_n and_o not_o to_o run_v after_o every_o bubble_n of_o his_o blow_n only_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o whereas_o i_o design_v to_o represent_v the_o short_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a scheme_n of_o the_o practical_a duty_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o can_v contrive_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n be_v make_v up_o of_o article_n of_o mere_a belief_n which_o i_o purposely_o omit_v as_o whole_o impertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o my_o enquiry_n and_o the_o other_o material_n that_o he_o have_v cast_v in_o relate_v to_o practice_n be_v so_o crude_o and_o confuse_o huddle_v together_o that_o they_o rather_o make_v a_o heap_n of_o rubbish_n than_o any_o consistent_a fabric_n of_o thing_n insomuch_o that_o one_o single_a branch_n of_o his_o analysis_n comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n viz._n a_o universal_a observance_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n and_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n 212._o it_o will_v be_v a_o admirable_a way_n no_o doubt_n to_o represent_v a_o exact_a anatomy_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n to_o lay_v the_o body_n itself_o before_o you_o and_o only_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v it_o no_o man_n doubt_n whether_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o shall_v i_o assert_v it_o i_o know_v who_o will_v contradict_v it_o and_o object_v its_o be_v impossible_a but_o what_o these_o particular_a command_n be_v and_o what_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o and_o connexion_n to_o each_o other_o some_o man_n you_o see_v can_v avoid_v run_v into_o absurdity_n when_o it_o do_v they_o no_o service_n §_o 4._o my_o three_o heresy_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o there_o be_v no_o actual_a concurrence_n of_o present_a grace_n enable_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n 213._o or_o to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o now_o he_o return_v to_o his_o old_a vomit_n of_o calumny_n and_o falsification_n here_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o own_o dunghill_n and_o therefore_o here_o he_o crow_n and_o insult_v and_o i_o be_o catechise_v like_o any_o
appropriate_a to_o some_o extraordinary_a circumstance_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v so_o that_o in_o answer_n to_o his_o severe_a interrogatory_n see_v my_o reputation_n and_o something_o else_o lie_v at_o stake_n i_o must_v profess_v that_o though_o i_o believe_v the_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a immission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o have_v be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n yet_o be_o i_o as_o far_o and_o perhaps_o far_o than_o himself_o from_o deny_v that_o its_o ordinary_a assistance_n be_v equal_o bestow_v upon_o and_o continue_v to_o all_o successive_a period_n of_o the_o church_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v entail_v agree_v equal_o to_o christian_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n man_n shall_v address_v their_o devotion_n to_o heaven_n either_o for_o grace_n or_o virtue_n i_o care_v not_o which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o effect_v they_o but_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o do_v i_o not_o believe_v its_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o will_v listen_v myself_o among_o the_o follower_n of_o i._n o._n and_o explode_v the_o lord_n prayer_n itself_o as_o a_o foolish_a and_o insignificant_a form_n see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o its_o petition_n be_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v accomplish_v any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o we_o in_o short_a the_o whole_a state_n of_o this_o question_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o divine_a spirit_n prove_v itself_o by_o some_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n but_o in_o our_o day_n it_o proceed_v in_o a_o humane_a and_o a_o rational_a way_n and_o do_v neither_o drive_v nor_o second_v we_o with_o unaccountable_a rapture_n and_o inspiration_n but_o join_v in_o with_o our_o understanding_n and_o lead_v we_o forward_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o sobriety_n by_o threaten_n and_o by_o promise_n by_o instruct_v our_o faculty_n in_o the_o right_a perception_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o discover_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o strong_a connexion_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o whatever_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v now_o afford_v we_o they_o work_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o all_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o pretend_v to_o its_o guidance_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o some_o evident_a miracle_n or_o at_o least_o justify_v it_o either_o by_o some_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n or_o some_o rational_a argument_n and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o which_o warrant_v the_o action_n and_o not_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o as_o for_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o its_o immediate_a and_o unaccountable_a work_n and_o confine_v they_o not_o to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o method_n of_o prudence_n they_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o all_o the_o mischief_n and_o frenzy_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a that_o they_o may_v not_o believe_v or_o so_o wicked_a that_o they_o may_v not_o practice_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o noise_n and_o cavil_v i_o and_o my_o adversary_n be_v full_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o the_o quarrel_n viz._n that_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o all_o the_o difference_n he_o assign_v between_o they_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o to_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o issue_n viz._n that_o the_o same_o instance_n and_o duty_n of_o moral_a goodness_n that_o be_v call_v virtue_n when_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o strength_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a ability_n be_v call_v grace_n when_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o assistance_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o that_o even_o in_o his_o account_n grace_n be_v nothing_o but_o infuse_a virtue_n and_o infuse_v virtue_n be_v virtue_n still_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n that_o i_o assign_v between_o they_o and_o thus_o my_o challenge_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o object_n of_o all_o this_o zeal_n and_o indignation_n stand_v firm_a and_o unattempted_a viz._n that_o when_o they_o have_v set_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n they_o will_v tell_v i_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v call_v grace_n and_o give_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o it_o distinct_a from_o all_o morality_n he_o that_o can_v do_v this_o shall_v be_v great_a than_o apollo_n and_o all_o his_o muse_n and_o whereas_o for_o a_o far_a proof_n that_o the_o grace_n or_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v nothing_o but_o moral_a or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o homespun_a language_n of_o our_o forefather_n ghostly_a virtue_n i_o allege_v two_o evident_a text_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n 220._o with_o the_o first_o he_o quarrel_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o i_o have_v not_o either_o through_o my_o own_o or_o the_o printer_n neglect_v express_v the_o word_n in_o a_o different_a character_n though_o i_o have_v quote_v both_o chapter_n and_o verse_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o see_v it_o be_v the_o first_o he_o have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v i_o hope_v i_o may_v easy_o obtain_v it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o except_v that_o in_o render_v the_o word_n i_o use_v peaceableness_n in_o stead_n of_o peace_n and_o cheerfulness_n as_o equivalent_a with_o joy._n the_o cavil_v be_v but_o a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o fortune_n of_o caesar_n and_o the_o roman_a empire_n depend_v not_o upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o critical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o translation_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o these_o word_n may_v and_o often_o be_v use_v promiscuous_o and_o differ_v no_o more_o than_o reason_n and_o reason_v the_o other_o text_n be_v tit._n 2.11_o in_o which_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n temperance_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o justice_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n no_o say_v he_o 221_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o that_o grace_n consist_v in_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o teach_v these_o thing_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_v not_o so_o subtle_a and_o scholastical_a as_o to_o distinguish_v between_o subjective_a grace_n as_o he_o there_o speak_v and_o effective_a grace_n because_o they_o be_v but_o different_a term_n of_o logic_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o grace_n that_o teach_v we_o these_o thing_n consist_v in_o do_v they_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o the_o principle_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n and_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n may_v there_o intend_v by_o grace_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pat_o to_o my_o purpose_n than_o that_o he_o place_v its_o whole_a design_n in_o teach_v and_o promote_a the_o practice_n of_o those_o moral_a virtue_n this_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o vulgar_a eye_n but_o our_o author_n be_v force_v for_o want_v of_o better_a employment_n to_o see_v the_o air._n §_o 5._o my_o last_o crime_n be_v that_o i_o slander_v they_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o charge_v they_o of_o make_v virtue_n and_o grace_n inconsistent_a whilst_o they_o teach_v that_o though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v exact_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a goodness_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o graceless_a person_n i._n e._n void_a of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a godliness_n he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o clean_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o the_o moral_o righteous_a man_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o grace_n than_o the_o profane_a though_o be_v i_o destitute_a of_o all_o other_o proof_n their_o very_a distinguish_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o direct_o destructive_a of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a goodness_n for_o if_o they_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a appellation_n then_o whilst_o this_o doctrine_n press_v man_n to_o a_o pursuit_n and_o acquisition_n of_o excellency_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a holiness_n over_o and_o above_o the_o common_a virtue_n of_o morality_n it_o engage_v their_o main_a industry_n and_o their_o big_a endeavour_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o dream_n and_o shadow_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o chimera_n and_o fly_a dragon_n illusion_n of_o fancy_n and_o imposture_n of_o
branch_n of_o godliness_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o as_o for_o spiritual_a evangelical_n obedience_n it_o be_v but_o a_o cant_a phrase_n if_o by_o it_o he_o intend_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o sincere_a and_o habitual_a conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o spiritual_a evangelical_n obedience_n be_v but_o coincident_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o last_o as_o for_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o discourse_n of_o it_o it_o require_v nothing_o but_o a_o bold_a confidence_n set_v up_o with_o god_n irrespective_a decree_n and_o trade_v in_o his_o absolute_a promise_n for_o i._o o._n as_o well_o as_o w._n b._n inform_v we_o 28._o that_o the_o promise_v comprehensive_a of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v absolute_a which_o as_o to_o all_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o that_o covenant_n do_v hold_v out_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v certain_o accomplish_v in_o and_o towards_o they_o all_o but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o belong_v to_o this_o covenant_n he_o answer_v every_o poor_a soul_n that_o will_v venture_v to_o trust_v itself_o on_o these_o absosolute_a promise_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n ibid._n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v inseparable_a he_o that_o believe_v shall_v enjoy_v and_o this_o whole_o shut_v up_o the_o spirit_n from_o any_o occasion_n of_o stagger_v o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v you_o doubt_v ah_o lest_o our_o share_n be_v not_o in_o this_o promise_n poor_a creature_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o keep_v you_o off_o from_o it_o i._n e._n dispute_v it_o in_o yourselves_o by_o unbelief_n so_o that_o the_o only_a condition_n he_o require_v to_o vest_n man_n in_o a_o right_a to_o these_o absolute_a promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a confidence_n though_o there_o can_v be_v more_o horrid_a nonsense_n in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o faith_n or_o boldness_n shall_v be_v require_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o absolute_a promise_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o well_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o absolute_a as_o demand_v no_o better_a qualification_n for_o their_o accomplishment_n than_o a_o bold_a face_n 47._o and_o suitable_a to_o this_o it_o follow_v some_o page_n after_o that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o other_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o doubt_n but_o unbelief_n it_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n of_o sin_n nor_o continuance_n in_o sin_n nor_o backslide_v into_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o thy_o stagger_a whatever_o thou_o pretend_v but_o sole_o from_o thy_o unbelief_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n persevere_v in_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o undeniable_a claim_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o will_v at_o all-adventure_n resolve_v to_o be_v stomachful_a in_o his_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v particular_o make_v and_o design_v to_o himself_o now_o if_o this_o be_v one_o as_o it_o be_v the_o choice_a one_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o new_a godliness_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o invent_v any_o doctrine_n more_o apparent_o destructive_a of_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v plain_o nor_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o god_n stipulation_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o of_o a_o habitual_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o all_o these_o spiritual_a grace_n resolve_v themselves_o so_o easy_o either_o into_o duty_n or_o help_v or_o hindrance_n of_o morality_n he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o abundant_a proof_n of_o their_o cant_a and_o imaginary_a godliness_n when_o he_o produce_v these_o instance_n as_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o precious_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n than_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o unless_o they_o signify_v they_o they_o signify_v nothing_o §_o 6._o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o my_o charge_n against_o they_o for_o make_v a_o inconsistency_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o they_o make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o great_a let_v to_o conversion_n insomuch_o that_o in_o their_o case-divinity_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o moral_o righteous_a man_n be_v judge_v more_o hopeless_a than_o that_o of_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n than_o which_o our_o author_n affirm_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o open_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n 227._o than_o which_o i_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n more_o gross_o false_a and_o wicked_a for_o what_o vile_a and_o more_o dishonourable_a representation_n can_v man_n make_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o make_v virtue_n the_o great_a prejudice_n to_o its_o entertainment_n be_v that_o institution_n worthy_a the_o divine_a contrivance_n that_o be_v more_o befriend_v by_o debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n than_o by_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o essential_a law_n of_o goodness_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v destructive_a of_o its_o own_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o that_o man_n shall_v indispose_v themselves_o for_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n by_o be_v adorn_v with_o its_o best_a and_o choice_a qualification_n we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v hinder_v from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o any_o of_o his_o good_a quality_n cornelius_n integrity_n in_o fear_v god_n and_o work_a righteousness_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v he_o to_o conversion_n and_o the_o young_a gentleman_n in_o the_o gospel_n want_v but_o one_o moral_a virtue_n to_o make_v he_o a_o entire_a christian_a he_o be_v upon_o the_o border_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o step_n more_o will_v have_v place_v he_o in_o it_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o keep_v he_o out_o be_v covetousness_n which_o though_o it_o may_v in_o some_o person_n escape_v for_o a_o infirmity_n be_v never_o yet_o rank_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o moral_a virtue_n the_o usefulness_n the_o purity_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v but_o endear_v it_o to_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o goodness_n and_o to_o a_o virtuous_a soul_n the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o its_o law_n be_v its_o strong_a and_o most_o effectual_a obligation_n it_o be_v this_o that_o ravish_v some_o of_o the_o first_o father_n out_o of_o their_o state_n of_o heathenism_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n their_o mind_n be_v prepare_v to_o embrace_v true_a goodness_n by_o the_o study_n of_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n they_o be_v only_o at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a religion_n and_o that_o establish_v upon_o such_o firm_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n it_o be_v scarce_a to_o be_v conceive_v with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n and_o zeal_n they_o run_v into_o its_o profession_n in_o brief_a the_o gospel_n be_v all_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o my_o neighbour_n and_o to_o the_o security_n and_o happiness_n of_o society_n and_o all_o this_o it_o enforce_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o endear_v by_o the_o noble_a promise_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o which_o way_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o virtue_n to_o tempt_v aside_o from_o such_o a_o admirable_a and_o godlike_a institution_n how_o 127._o say_v our_o author_n be_v not_o the_o pharisee_n a_o people_n moral_o righteous_a and_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o at_o a_o far_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n the_o vile_a and_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n because_o they_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n yes_o yes_o they_o be_v right-worthy_a moral_a man_n bright_a and_o shine_a example_n of_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o pride_n peevishness_n malice_n revenge_n injustice_n covetousness_n rapine_n cruelty_n and_o unmercifulness_n these_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o those_o precious_a and_o holy_a one_o go_v thy_o way_n for_o a_o woeful_a guesser_n no_o man_n live_v beside_o thyself_o can_v ever_o have_v have_v the_o ill_a fortune_n to_o pitch_v upon_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n for_o moral_a philosopher_n and_o sir_n be_v any_o of_o they_o now_o alive_a they_o will_v tell_v he_o to_o his_o tooth_n they_o be_v no_o more_o moralist_n than_o himself_o their_o part_n and_o virtue_n lay_v another_o way_n they_o be_v a_o fast_v and_o
exemplify_v by_o a_o particular_a comparison_n of_o the_o convenience_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o will_v probable_o ensue_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o respective_a jurisdiction_n show_v how_o in_o every_o instance_n the_o advantage_n be_v still_o on_o the_o side_n of_o morality_n as_o to_o the_o plea_n of_o exemption_n and_o that_o there_o be_v vast_o less_o danger_n in_o yield_v to_o its_o pretence_n for_o liberty_n from_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a law_n than_o in_o grant_v the_o same_o measure_n of_o indulgence_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o outward_a religion_n most_o of_o which_o our_o author_n have_v gentle_o slip_v over_o according_a to_o his_o prudent_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o overlook_v what_o he_o can_v answer_v and_o then_o last_o to_o improve_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o discourse_n beyond_o the_o attempt_n of_o cavil_v and_o exception_n i_o explain_v as_o well_o as_o argue_v its_o reasonableness_n by_o run_v a_o general_a parallel_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o of_o moral_a virtue_n where_o i_o have_v more_o at_o large_a represent_v their_o agreement_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o show_v how_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o dominion_n over_o both_o be_v extend_v to_o and_o restrain_v within_o the_o same_o bound_n and_o limit_n viz._n that_o in_o both_o there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o goodness_n of_o a_o universal_a necessity_n and_o unchangeable_a usefulness_n and_o these_o god_n himself_o have_v bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o goodness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a accident_n change_n and_o emergency_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o government_n of_o these_o he_o have_v entrust_v with_o his_o deputy_n and_o lieutenant_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o settle_v and_o determine_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o affair_n shall_v require_v and_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o discretion_n shall_v direct_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o have_v admirable_o provide_v both_o for_o the_o peaceable_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o the_o inviolable_a security_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o contexture_n of_o my_o argument_n to_o all_o which_o what_o be_v reply_v by_o our_o author_n â—30_n why_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o represent_v its_o sum_n and_o substance_n in_o his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o complain_v of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o term_n and_o this_o fill_v above_o half_a a_o page_n full_a of_o triumph_n to_o insult_v over_o the_o absurdity_n of_o his_o own_o expression_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o except_v against_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o consequence_n 231._o that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o subject_n in_o moral_n that_o therefore_o he_o have_v so_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o institute_v worship_n though_o this_o objection_n be_v so_o pregnant_o answer_v to_o his_o hand_n for_o do_v i_o not_o in_o that_o very_a paragraph_n demand_v of_o he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o to_o assign_v any_o tolerable_a reason_n that_o shall_v restrain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n from_o meddle_v with_o one_o that_o shall_v not_o much_o more_o restrain_v it_o from_o meddle_v with_o both_o do_v i_o not_o inquire_v whether_o the_o right_a practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o piece_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o part_n of_o outward_a or_o institute_v worship_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o wrong_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o as_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o setlement_n of_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o licentious_a debauchery_n whether_o the_o rude_a multitude_n be_v not_o more_o incline_v to_o disturb_v government_n by_o superstition_n than_o by_o licentiousness_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o vast_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n err_v in_o matter_n of_o morality_n than_o in_o form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n in_o that_o those_o be_v the_o main_a essential_a and_o ultimate_a duty_n of_o religion_n whereas_o these_o be_v at_o high_a but_o their_o mean_n and_o instrument_n and_o can_v challenge_v no_o other_o place_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o purpose_n of_o morality_n what_o then_o shall_v the_o reason_n be_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o tender_a of_o thing_n of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n than_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o natural_a and_o essential_a goodness_n that_o whilst_o he_o trust_v these_o great_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o the_o disposal_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n why_o shall_v he_o not_o for_o the_o same_o regard_n commit_v the_o management_n of_o the_o less_o weighty_a affair_n of_o external_n worship_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o all_o which_o be_v it_o not_o think_v you_o a_o wise_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v or_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o matter_n of_o moral_a and_o positive_a obligation_n without_o attempt_v to_o assign_v any_o particular_a reason_n of_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o suppose_v it_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o what_o be_v that_o to_o our_o purpose_n unless_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o royal_a supremacy_n so_o that_o suppose_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o demand_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o institute_v worship_n that_o shall_v exempt_v it_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o be_v not_o as_o much_o or_o more_o discernible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o till_o this_o be_v assign_v the_o argument_n stand_v firm_a as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n whatever_o other_o difference_n metaphysic_n wit_n may_v be_v able_a to_o descry_v between_o they_o but_o our_o author_n add_v in_o answer_n to_o one_o of_o the_o forementioned_a inquiry_n 4._o viz._n whether_o there_o be_v not_o more_o danger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n err_v or_o mistake_v about_o moral_a virtue_n than_o about_o rite_n of_o worship_n that_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a and_o formal_a difference_n between_o they_o in_o that_o one_o depend_v as_o to_o their_o be_v and_o discovery_n on_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o common_a to_o all_o the_o other_o on_o pure_a revelation_n which_o may_v be_v and_o be_v various_o apprehend_v but_o §_o 8.1_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o what_o way_n soever_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n the_o revelation_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o evident_a so_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o institute_v worship_n be_v after_o their_o institution_n no_o less_o certain_a than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n to_o express_v his_o law_n with_o as_o much_o fullness_n and_o as_o little_a ambiguity_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unmannerly_a reflection_n upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o conceive_v he_o have_v not_o declare_v any_o of_o his_o command_n with_o all_o the_o plainness_n imaginable_a so_o that_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o what_o way_n soever_o discover_v be_v after_o their_o discovery_n equal_o bright_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o full_o declare_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o force_n and_o sense_n of_o this_o answer_n if_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o resolve_v itself_o into_o that_o popish_a tenet_n of_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o forsooth_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o duty_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n rather_o than_o those_o of_o a_o moral_a and_o natural_a obligation_n because_o one_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o intention_n he_o talk_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o that_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o grant_v all_o this_o that_o the_o law_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o so_o discernible_a as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o understand_v not_o where_o the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n lie_v that_o therefore_o man_n persuasion_n about_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v
more_o especial_o to_o abet_v this_o wild_a and_o unaccountable_a principle_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a adequate_a rule_n of_o institute_v worship_n which_o they_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o positive_a divinity_n at_o which_o they_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a doctor_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o only_a unquestionable_a postulatum_fw-la of_o all_o their_o discourse_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o rational_a argument_n and_o particular_a instance_n they_o talk_v it_o and_o talk_v it_o but_o as_o for_o proof_n and_o evidence_n they_o never_o can_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o produce_v any_o other_o beside_o the_o proleptick_a certainty_n of_o the_o maxim_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v for_o ever_o bar_v their_o general_a plea_n and_o pretence_n draw_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o institute_v worship_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o in_o case_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n though_o as_o to_o they_o too_o all_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o posture_n of_o celebration_n be_v whole_o undetermined_a in_o the_o scripture_n till_o they_o shall_v specify_v some_o particular_a instance_n there_o direct_v and_o prescribe_v under_o a_o stand_a obligation_n however_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o our_o present_a controversy_n when_o it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v as_o certain_a and_o complete_a a_o rule_n of_o moral_a virtue_n as_o they_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o institute_v worship_n and_o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v any_o ground_n of_o exception_n that_o whilst_o the_o former_a be_v subject_n to_o the_o latter_a shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n so_o lamentable_o absurd_a be_v the_o main_a and_o darling_a principle_n of_o these_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o logic_n or_o sophistry_n to_o do_v they_o any_o kindness_n and_o the_o more_o they_o stir_v in_o their_o defence_n the_o more_o they_o expose_v their_o folly_n §_o 9_o and_o now_o have_v so_o woeful_o hurt_v and_o prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o this_o rash_a and_o indiscreet_a attempt_n upon_o my_o inference_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o rush_n with_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a dilemma_n upon_o my_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n 9_o this_o power_n say_v he_o be_v either_o over_o moral_a virtue_n as_o virtue_n and_o as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n or_o on_o some_o other_o account_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o humane_a society_n the_o former_a he_o gore_v through_o and_o through_o and_o that_o horn_n of_o the_o dilemma_n be_v above_o two_o page_n long_o and_o here_o he_o have_v exact_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o custom_n of_o scholastic_a dispute_n that_o be_v always_o prodigal_a of_o confutation_n where_o there_o be_v no_o need_n and_o niggardly_o where_o there_o be_v for_o when_o he_o proceed_v to_o the_o latter_a which_o he_o know_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n i_o all_o along_o assert_v he_o free_o grant_v all_o i_o can_v desire_v or_o demand_v 239._o for_o moral_a virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o peculiar_a tendency_n unto_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v instrument_n and_o ligament_n of_o humane_a society_n also_o now_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o respect_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v in_o their_o latter_a use_n very_o good_a and_o the_o case_n be_v absolute_o the_o same_o as_o to_o all_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o though_o they_o as_o well_o as_o moral_a virtue_n chief_o relate_v to_o our_o future_a concern_v yet_o have_v they_o also_o a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o present_a welfare_n and_o if_o right_o manage_v be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o there_o lie_v the_o very_a strength_n and_o sinew_n of_o my_o argument_n that_o if_o magistrate_n be_v vest_v with_o so_o much_o power_n over_o moral_a virtue_n that_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o needful_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o society_n and_o the_o security_n of_o government_n how_o much_o more_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o same_o power_n over_o matter_n of_o external_a worship_n that_o be_v but_o its_o subordinate_a instrument_n and_o outward_a circumstance_n whenever_o they_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o advantage_n and_o disparity_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v apparent_o on_o this_o side_n for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o moral_a virtue_n be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n and_o religion_n much_o more_o likely_a to_o create_v public_a disturbance_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o both_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o relation_n to_o these_o different_a end_n and_o therefore_o that_o both_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v subject_a to_o these_o different_a power_n you_o see_v how_o shameful_o this_o man_n be_v repulse_v by_o his_o own_o attempt_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o needful_a to_o beat_v back_o his_o answer_n but_o the_o argument_n themselves_o against_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o now_o have_v spend_v his_o main_a strength_n in_o this_o successless_a shock_n it_o be_v piteous_a to_o observe_v how_o he_o faint_v in_o his_o follow_a assay_n he_o inquire_v whether_o this_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n over_o moral_a virtue_n be_v such_o as_o to_o make_v that_o virtue_n which_o be_v not_o virtue_n before_o 239._o or_o which_o be_v vice_n it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n with_o his_o authority_n over_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v already_o state_v it_o but_o however_o to_o this_o impertinent_a enquiry_n he_o need_v not_o have_v seek_v far_o for_o a_o pertinent_a answer_n it_o lay_v before_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o object_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o write_v blindfold_a viz._n pol._n that_o in_o matter_n both_o of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a worship_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o these_o can_v be_v never_o prejudice_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o rule_n that_o be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a accident_n change_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o make_v that_o a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o 240._o in_o answer_n to_o which_o he_o wish_v i_o have_v declare_v myself_o how_o and_o wherein_o so_o i_o have_v viz._n in_o all_o the_o peculiar_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o nation_n and_o give_v he_o instance_n in_o no_o less_o matter_n than_o of_o murder_n theft_n and_o incest_n and_o produce_v several_a particular_a case_n in_o which_o the_o civil_a power_n superinduce_v new_a obligation_n upon_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o repeat_v to_o one_o that_o wink_v against_o the_o light_n you_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o if_o you_o think_v it_o needful_a but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o bold_a man_n to_o challenge_v i_o with_o such_o a_o scornful_a assurance_n to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v i_o have_v already_o perform_v some_o man_n be_v confident_a enough_o to_o put_v out_o the_o day_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o sun_n he_o add_v the_o divine_a law_n be_v divine_a ibid._n and_o so_o be_v every_o particular_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v new_a particular_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n grant_v my_o assertion_n as_o a_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a truth_n if_o i_o only_o intend_v by_o make_v a_o thing_n a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n no_o more_o than_o to_o make_v the_o divine_a law_n require_v that_o in_o particular_a of_o a_o man_n which_o it_o do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o before_o though_o that_o man_n must_v have_v a_o wild_a understanding_n that_o can_v mean_v any_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n be_v there_o not_o between_o make_v a_o new_a particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o make_v the_o divine_a law_n require_v that_o in_o particular_a which_o it_o do_v not_o require_v before_o but_o say_v he_o these_o new_a particular_n refer_v only_o to_o the_o act_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o particular_a ibid._n it_o be_v no_o matter_n for_o that_o whatever_o they_o refer_v
civil_a power_n as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o public_a tranquillity_n though_o how_o far_o that_o may_v reach_v as_o it_o be_v here_o assert_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n more_o large_o prove_v and_o state_v however_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o manifest_a scope_n and_o the_o last_o issue_n of_o my_o whole_a discourse_n that_o i_o stand_v not_o oblige_v to_o ascribe_v any_o more_o absolute_a power_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o warrant_v that_o authority_n they_o exercise_v in_o prescribe_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v enjoin_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o at_o present_a and_o will_v as_o for_o what_o concern_v this_o dispute_n be_v content_a to_o lop_v off_o any_o other_o branch_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n that_o relate_v not_o to_o this_o enquiry_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v justify_v unless_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o command_v of_o sovereign_a power_n must_v always_o over-rule_v all_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n then_o i_o confess_v i_o must_v submit_v to_o this_o disadvantage_n that_o this_o man_n will_v impose_v upon_o i_o but_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v no_o part_n either_o of_o my_o duty_n or_o my_o interest_n to_o assert_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v neither_o true_a in_o itself_o or_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n but_o whether_o it_o can_v or_o can_v i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o account_v for_o both_o in_o that_o treatise_n and_o in_o this_o rejoinder_n for_o what_o our_o author_n will_v here_o charge_v upon_o i_o as_o my_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o have_v heretofore_o charge_v upon_o i_o as_o my_o doctrine_n viz._n 97._o that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o his_o subject_n to_o observe_v what_o be_v by_o he_o appoint_v to_o be_v profess_v and_o observe_v in_o religion_n and_o nothing_o else_o be_v they_o to_o observe_v make_v it_o their_o duty_n in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o high_a crime_n or_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o whatever_o the_o precise_a truth_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v or_o whatever_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n concern_v they_o the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o horrid_a calumny_n i_o have_v there_o baffle_v with_o so_o much_o evidence_n and_o reprove_v with_o so_o much_o severity_n that_o after_o that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o reader_n understanding_n to_o warn_v he_o against_o every_o repetition_n of_o so_o foul_a and_o groundless_a a_o slander_n though_o it_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o every_o page_n §_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o paragraph_n i_o proceed_v to_o account_v for_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o christian_a liberty_n where_o i_o both_o found_v our_o right_n to_o it_o upon_o this_o natural_a and_o inward_a freedom_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v sometime_o coincident_a with_o it_o but_o say_v our_o nicodemus_n for_o he_o be_v very_o thick_a of_o understanding_n when_o he_o please_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v 259._o when_o christian_a liberty_n as_o i_o have_v state_v it_o be_v a_o privilege_n whereas_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v common_a unto_o all_o mankind_n this_o liberty_n be_v necessary_a unto_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v divest_v of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n that_o include_v a_o specialty_n in_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o natural_a liberty_n be_v a_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o general_a and_o christian_a liberty_n be_v the_o same_o freedom_n from_o the_o mosaic_a law_n in_o particular_a which_o because_o it_o be_v bind_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v a_o restraint_n not_o only_o upon_o their_o practice_n but_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o inward_a thought_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a action_n they_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o goodness_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n that_o these_o reach_n only_o to_o our_o will_n and_o those_o affect_v our_o judgement_n and_o determine_v our_o apprehension_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v our_o obedience_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n though_o we_o understand_v not_o their_o reason_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o law_n come_v with_o the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n it_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o it_o and_o supersedes_o all_o the_o weak_a dispute_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o little_a understanding_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v it_o proceed_v from_o god_n that_o alone_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n give_v our_o mind_n infinite_a satisfaction_n of_o its_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o that_o during_o the_o whole_a period_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n all_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o particular_a command_n of_o his_o law_n be_v retrench_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o when_o their_o obligation_n be_v repeal_v and_o the_o impress_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v take_v off_o then_o do_v the_o thing_n themselves_o return_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n to_o the_o indifferency_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o though_o christian_a liberty_n be_v a_o privilege_n with_o a_o specialty_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o liberty_n that_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o its_o native_a freedom_n which_o though_o it_o can_v be_v devest_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n yet_o it_o may_v than_o be_v and_o always_o be_v abridge_v by_o divine_a command_n in_o that_o they_o pass_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o account_n alone_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o exempt_a both_o from_o our_o natural_a and_o our_o christian_a liberty_n but_o when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reverse_v his_o own_o obligation_n and_o to_o leave_v thing_n to_o their_o original_a indifferency_n that_o be_v a_o restitution_n to_o our_o natural_a liberty_n and_o that_o be_v our_o christian_a liberty_n but_o for_o a_o more_o full_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o true_a signification_n of_o this_o pretence_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v how_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v there_o discourse_v of_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o relate_v mere_o to_o those_o privilege_n that_o be_v grant_v or_o restore_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o repeal_n and_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a case_n whereof_o be_v plain_o this_o this_o law_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n by_o divine_a authority_n and_o be_v the_o only_a covenant_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o be_v at_o first_o consign_v with_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o ratify_v to_o after-age_n with_o their_o great_a sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o jew_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a obligation_n but_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v down_o this_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o the_o mosaic_a religion_n and_o in_o its_o stead_n to_o set_v up_o a_o better_a and_o more_o manly_a institution_n of_o thing_n to_o repeal_v the_o law_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n by_o new_a measure_n of_o duty_n and_o new_a condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o it_o comprehend_v all_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n and_o exemption_n grant_v to_o mankind_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n it_o be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n from_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a observance_n these_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o those_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v to_o bring_v we_o under_o any_o of_o these_o old_a fetter_n and_o hard_a service_n be_v attempt_n of_o jewish_a bondage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o the_o whole_a dispute_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v only_o a_o controversy_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n concern_v
with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o now_o from_o hence_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a institution_n consist_v in_o their_o imposition_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o that_o imposition_n when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n stand_v not_o at_o a_o wide_a distance_n than_o these_o proposition_n no_o train_n of_o consequence_n nothing_o but_o jacob_n ladder_n unless_o our_o author_n be_v able_a to_o fly_v can_v ever_o convey_v he_o from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v undertake_v to_o make_v good_a the_o logic_n of_o his_o conclusion_n i_o will_v cross_v myself_o at_o his_o confidence_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v perform_v it_o i_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n for_o to_o i_o it_o will_v be_v prodigy_n and_o miracle_n and_o that_o man_n need_v not_o in_o my_o opinion_n despair_n of_o remove_v mountain_n who_o think_v he_o can_v prove_v that_o because_o humane_a authority_n can_v impair_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o by_o pretence_n of_o a_o antecedent_n obligation_n to_o its_o command_n that_o therefore_o when_o god_n himself_o abridge_n it_o he_o must_v do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o authoritative_a obligation_n antecedent_n to_o his_o own_o imposition_n when_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o first_o fountain_n and_o original_a reason_n of_o all_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o talk_v of_o any_o authority_n antecedent_n or_o superior_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o evident_a reason_n of_o my_o conclusion_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o internal_a liberty_n relate_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o so_o be_v in_o its_o self_n uncapable_a of_o be_v restrain_v or_o impose_v upon_o by_o any_o other_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o restraint_n our_o superior_n may_v lay_v upon_o our_o practice_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o bind_v we_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o some_o necessity_n stamp_v upon_o the_o thing_n themselves_o antecedent_n to_o their_o command_n that_o be_v no_o abatement_n to_o the_o inward_a liberty_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o nothing_o can_v abridge_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o pretend_v a_o antecedent_n and_o authoritative_a obligation_n tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o explicit_a command_n whatever_o they_o may_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n though_o it_o may_v be_v unblamable_a upon_o other_o account_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v of_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n so_o that_o though_o their_o law_n can_v of_o themselves_o restrain_v it_o unless_o by_o pretence_n of_o a_o antecedent_n necessity_n imprint_v upon_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n may_v because_o they_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o their_o restraint_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o necessity_n but_o he_o add_v 264._o that_o when_o st._n peter_n dispute_v against_o the_o mosaic_a rite_n and_o call_v they_o a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o fathers-were_a able_a to_o bear_v and_o st._n paul_n charge_v believer_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a they_o respect_v only_a man_n practice_n with_o regard_n unto_o a_o authoritative_a obligation_n thereunto_o which_o they_o plead_v to_o be_v now_o expire_v and_o remove_v whereby_o however_o he_o intend_v to_o shuffle_v with_o his_o vulgar_a reader_n he_o apparent_o grant_v all_o that_o be_v desire_v or_o demand_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o apostolical_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n respect_v not_o the_o bare_a practice_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o authoritative_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o nothing_o less_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v they_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o claim_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o necessity_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o antecedent_n obligation_n which_o be_v repeal_v their_o practice_n upon_o other_o ground_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o think_v to_o infringe_v or_o check_v with_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o unquestionable_a warrant_n of_o their_o own_o example_n when_o they_o not_o only_o submit_v to_o restraint_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o prescribe_v it_o in_o some_o case_n and_o circumstance_n as_o a_o duty_n to_o other_o christian_n â—_o that_o they_o will_v take_v heed_n lest_o their_o liberty_n shall_v become_v a_o stumble_v block_n to_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a though_o they_o be_v entire_o free_a from_o any_o obligation_n tie_v upon_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o do_v st._n paul_n seâ—_n fresh_a restraint_n upon_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o yield_v more_o to_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o peevish_a jew_n than_o to_o the_o command_v of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o impose_v their_o obligation_n be_v then_o nothing_o but_o mere_a prudence_n and_o condescension_n to_o their_o folly_n but_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o less_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o jewish_a christian_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o ceremony_n than_o the_o unchangeable_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n they_o will_v submit_v so_o far_o to_o their_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la as_o outward_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o weak_a demand_n though_o it_o be_v with_o some_o hazard_n of_o forfeit_v their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o their_o compliance_n may_v have_v confirm_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o have_v draw_v in_o the_o gentile_n to_o a_o imitation_n of_o their_o example_n and_o so_o have_v begin_v a_o prescription_n for_o the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n whereas_o in_o our_o case_n the_o danger_n of_o that_o pretence_n be_v as_o much_o abolish_v as_o circumcision_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o grant_v and_o establish_v truth_n among_o all_o the_o dissent_v party_n of_o christendom_n unless_o we_o may_v except_v the_o judaise_n sabbatarian_n who_o do_v somewhat_o more_o than_o squint_a towards_o moses_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v for_o ever_o rescind_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o no_o magistrate_n pretend_v a_o power_n of_o impose_v thing_n indifferent_a by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n but_o only_o by_o force_n of_o a_o transient_a and_o temporary_a institution_n of_o humane_a authority_n for_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o security_n of_o government_n §_o 4._o and_o therefore_o our_o author_n next_o inference_n be_v either_o a_o woeful_a impertinence_n to_o our_o present_a enquiry_n or_o a_o bold_a affront_n and_o calumny_n to_o the_o public_a declaration_n of_o our_o church_n when_o he_o conclude_v 264_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o necessary_a practice_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n institute_v by_o god_n it_o be_v at_o least_o of_o equal_a efficacy_n to_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o necessary_a practice_n of_o thing_n impose_v on_o we_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o men._n this_o imply_v as_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v the_o same_o necessity_n upon_o its_o own_o determination_n as_o upon_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o it_o so_o industrious_o disclaim_v all_o divine_a imposition_n either_o for_o legal_a or_o evangelical_n ceremony_n and_o so_o express_o declare_v all_o its_o own_o institution_n to_o bind_v only_o with_o a_o humane_a temporary_a and_o changeable_a obligation_n whereas_o they_o for_o so_o it_o still_o happen_v that_o their_o dear_a pretence_n be_v always_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o unhappy_a objection_n against_o themselves_o will_v needs_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o singular_a conceit_n as_o our_o saviour_n own_o command_n and_o institution_n and_o call_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n their_o departure_n from_o antichristian_a idolatry_n and_o whoredom_n to_o the_o chastity_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o as_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o i._n o._n they_o who_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n 171._o be_v
sacramenta_fw-la unless_o he_o will_v have_v vouchsafe_v a_o particular_a reference_n that_o may_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o own_o quotation_n we_o have_v no_o engagement_n to_o examine_v its_o truth_n or_o regard_v its_o authority_n for_o our_o author_n have_v give_v i_o as_o little_a reason_n to_o trust_v his_o word_n as_o he_o have_v the_o public_a to_o trust_v his_o oath_n however_o it_o be_v neither_o civil_a nor_o ingenuous_a to_o trouble_v i_o with_o such_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v answer_v without_o read_v over_o eight_o or_o ten_o large_a volume_n in_o folio_n though_o i_o be_o pretty_o well_o satisfy_v aforehand_o from_o that_o good_a father_n sense_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o consult_v he_o about_o this_o passage_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o as_o little_a favour_n this_o notion_n of_o sacrament_n as_o i_o do_v the_o magistrate_n unlimited_a and_o immediate_a power_n over_o conscience_n and_o religion_n nay_o i_o shall_v have_v odds_o and_o advantage_n on_o my_o side_n shall_v i_o lay_v a_o wager_n with_o he_o though_o that_o be_v no_o creditable_a way_n of_o argue_v and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v quick_o grow_v rich_a by_o dispute_v with_o this_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o passage_n in_o all_o the_o volume_n of_o st._n austin_n for_o alas_o he_o never_o read_v it_o in_o the_o father_n himself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o pregnant_a invention_n it_o be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o ames_n or_o bradshaw_n or_o some_o other_o of_o the_o puritan_n father_n he_o be_v a_o admirable_a second-hand_n man_n and_o seem_v somewhat_o akin_a to_o a_o certain_a late_a author_n that_o by_o the_o help_n and_o perusal_n of_o a_o few_o of_o our_o modern_a spicilegious_a man_n can_v compose_v a_o book_n of_o 500_o page_n in_o quarto_n to_o prove_v independency_n to_o have_v always_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o then_o after_o the_o dutch_a fashion_n of_o brag_v and_o ostentation_n add_v a_o swell_a catalogue_n of_o 500_o old_a author_n that_o be_v press_v for_o journeyman_n to_o bring_v in_o material_n to_o his_o work_n though_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o quotation_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n that_o five_o new_a one_o will_v not_o have_v furnish_v he_o with_o nay_o that_o have_v not_o be_v late_o transcribe_v five_o time_n over_o so_o unhappy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o confident_a man_n be_v vainglorious_a they_o open_o betray_v their_o ambition_n by_o too_o bold_a and_o foolish_a attempt_n and_o melt_v their_o wing_n by_o venture_v at_o too_o high_a a_o flight_n but_o i_o begin_v to_o preach_v apophthegm_n and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v we_o will_v not_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v st._n augustine_n opinion_n in_o this_o case_n till_o we_o be_v better_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o pertinency_n of_o this_o citation_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o shift_v off_o the_o task_n he_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o i_o upon_o his_o own_o shoulder_n for_o i_o believe_v he_o be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o this_o passage_n in_o st._n austin_n as_o myself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o may_v observe_v this_o man_n wretched_a way_n of_o talk_n and_o shuffle_v when_o he_o make_v such_o continual_a and_o importunate_a demand_n of_o appeal_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o present_a argument_n that_o be_v now_o almost_o their_o only_a survive_a pretence_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o put_v in_o a_o demur_n to_o this_o plea_n till_o they_o shall_v attempt_v to_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o significant_a ceremony_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n and_o nature_n with_o divine_a sacrament_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o undertake_v this_o argument_n it_o will_v give_v we_o no_o less_o pleasant_a divertisement_n than_o that_o learned_a dispute_n manage_v so_o hot_o between_o two_o of_o their_o lead_a rabbi_n ainsworth_n and_o broughton_n whether_o the_o colour_n of_o aaron_n linen_n ephod_n be_v of_o blue_n or_o a_o sea-water-green_a a_o controversy_n of_o that_o mighty_a importance_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n that_o beside_o that_o it_o occasion_v some_o bloody_a nose_n it_o create_v new_a schism_n and_o found_v new_a church_n and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o blue_a separation_n i_o can_v at_o present_v call_v to_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o sea-water-green_a communion_n they_o crumble_v into_o as_o many_o schism_n and_o church_n as_o there_o be_v colour_n in_o the_o rainbow_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o speculation_n in_o nature_n so_o frivolous_a or_o metaphysical_a for_o which_o these_o people_n will_v not_o bandy_v into_o party_n yes_o and_o raise_v army_n too_o as_o they_o once_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o great_a moloch_n of_o public_a faith_n their_o wedding-ring_n the_o symbol_n and_o pledge_n of_o their_o matrimonial_a engagement_n to_o abolish_v their_o expensive_a use_n and_o custom_n and_o tie_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o three_o new_a significant_a ceremony_n to_o venture_v life_n and_o fortune_n to_o cashier_v three_o old_a one_o and_o the_o angel_n that_o they_o say_v can_v wage_v war_n and_o fight_v pitch_v battle_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o a_o needle_n be_v not_o at_o a_o less_o distance_n from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o engagement_n than_o these_o man_n be_v in_o their_o dispute_n and_o controversial_a dissension_n and_o into_o this_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n of_o thing_n do_v all_o their_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v itself_o a_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o little_a conceit_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n §_o 13._o 279._o in_o the_o next_o place_n our_o author_n distinguish_v between_o customary_a sign_n that_o have_v prevail_v by_o custom_n and_o usage_n to_o signify_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v no_o absolute_a natural_a coherence_n with_o or_o relation_n unto_o such_o be_v put_v off_o the_o hat_n in_o sign_n of_o reverence_n with_o other_o innumerable_a and_o these_o sort_n of_o sign_n may_v have_v some_o use_n about_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o may_v be_v manifest_v in_o instance_n but_o the_o sign_n we_o inquire_v after_o be_v voluntary_a arbitrary_a and_o institute_v such_o as_o neither_o natural_o nor_o mere_o by_o custom_n and_o usage_n come_v to_o be_v significant_a but_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v these_o that_o be_v dread_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o such_o illegal_a and_o unwarrantable_a addition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n where_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v this_o distinction_n and_o where_o have_v it_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o former_a and_o disavow_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n of_o ceremony_n or_o can_v they_o assign_v any_o natural_a immorality_n in_o institute_v more_o than_o in_o customary_a signification_n or_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o chance_n and_o custom_n for_o all_o prescription_n that_o be_v not_o institute_v be_v pure_o casual_a more_o sacred_a and_o obligatory_a than_o the_o command_v of_o prince_n and_o council_n of_o senate_n or_o why_o shall_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o public_a law_n make_v unallowable_a sacrament_n rather_o than_o the_o prevalency_n of_o custom_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o the_o institution_n of_o usage_n i_o can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o mystery_n unless_o it_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n need_v not_o be_v so_o very_o tender_a and_o curious_a in_o any_o case_n but_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o harmless_a upon_o all_o other_o account_n shall_v become_v so_o horrid_o criminal_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o they_o please_v our_o governor_n for_o example_n let_v we_o take_v our_o author_n instance_n of_o uncover_v the_o head_n in_o sign_n of_o reverence_n in_o these_o european_a part_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o the_o eastern_a nation_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o contrary_a custom_n and_o yet_o both_o in_o our_o author_n opinion_n be_v lawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o warrant_v by_o topical_a usage_n now_o suppose_v his_o majesty_n shall_v enjoin_v their_o custom_n upon_o we_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o christian_a prince_n in_o asia_n shall_v impose_v we_o upon_o his_o subject_n will_v that_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o morality_n and_o make_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v antecedent_o to_o the_o command_v decent_a and_o innocent_a expression_n of_o reverence_n in_o divine_a
the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v so_o immediate_o subject_a to_o his_o authority_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v privilege_v from_o all_o the_o power_n of_o all_o other_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o logical_a deduction_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v to_o conclude_v that_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v in_o all_o its_o action_n exempt_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a or_o accountable_a to_o any_o other_o power_n but_o the_o divine_a majesty_n see_v in_o all_o the_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n it_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o regard_v the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o its_o reference_n to_o its_o future_a account_n be_v sufficient_a in_o any_o one_o case_n to_o give_v it_o protection_n against_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o §_o 18._o but_o further_a what_o if_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o conscience_n be_v abuse_v by_o false_a and_o evil_a persuasion_n than_o it_o unavoidable_o lead_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o mischievous_a or_o so_o exorbitant_a to_o which_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o betray_v we_o for_o when_o it_o have_v once_o entertain_v wicked_a and_o seditious_a principle_n there_o mischief_n become_v irresistible_a rogue_n and_o outlaw_n be_v under_o some_o possibility_n of_o reformation_n because_o they_o never_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o duty_n to_o their_o villainy_n and_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o baseness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o stand_v in_o some_o awe_n of_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o debauch_a conscience_n be_v bold_a and_o confident_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o their_o gild_n be_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n their_o innocence_n and_o their_o crime_n their_o duty_n and_o if_o authority_n ever_o punish_v their_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n they_o suffer_v with_o the_o confidence_n of_o martyr_n and_o they_o die_v for_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n god_n have_v give_v they_o if_o they_o rebel_v it_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n god_n and_o religion_n be_v ever_o concern_v in_o their_o quarrel_n and_o when_o they_o fight_v against_o their_o lawful_a superior_n they_o only_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o they_o embroil_v kingdom_n in_o war_n and_o confusion_n they_o only_o wage_v war_n against_o babylon_n and_o antichrist_n and_o whatever_o they_o attempt_v be_v it_o never_o so_o vile_a and_o wicked_a it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o now_o consider_v how_o few_o they_o be_v that_o pursue_v the_o right_a method_n of_o knowledge_n and_o upon_o what_o innumerable_a account_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v abuse_v and_o misguide_a vulgar_a conscience_n will_v be_v find_v the_o most_o mistake_v most_o mischievous_a and_o most_o unreasonable_a guide_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o a_o right_a conscience_n be_v acquire_v only_o by_o a_o sincere_a regular_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n so_o be_v a_o wrong_a one_o by_o all_o the_o possible_a way_n and_o cause_n of_o error_n viz._n ignorance_n fancy_n prejudice_n partiality_n self-love_n envy_n ambition_n pride_n passion_n and_o superstition_n any_o of_o which_o though_o they_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n may_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o then_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o sacredness_n and_o authority_n of_o conscience_n for_o every_o man_n error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n become_v his_o duty_n and_o pride_n and_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n and_o any_o thing_n else_o if_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a dress_n immediate_o become_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a and_o now_o when_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n be_v debauch_v with_o absurd_a and_o seditious_a prejudices_fw-la the_o contradictory_n of_o moral_a truth_n and_o goodness_n become_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o man_n think_v themselves_o direct_o oblige_v to_o what_o direct_o oppose_v the_o high_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o main_a obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v so_o vulgar_a a_o phaenomenon_n in_o the_o world_n that_o sacrilege_n be_v transform_v into_o reformation_n inhumanity_n into_o zeal_n perjury_n into_o religion_n faction_n into_o humility_n and_o rebellion_n itself_o into_o loyalty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o the_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n to_o cancel_v the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o pervert_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o be_v man_n bring_v under_o all_o the_o obligation_n that_o conscience_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o wickedness_n and_o villainy_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n be_v not_o only_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a but_o in_o effect_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v so_o because_o this_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o profligate_n conscience_n that_o effectual_o bind_v they_o to_o follow_v its_o own_o wretched_a and_o unreasonable_a dictate_v so_o that_o the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o folly_n or_o wickedness_n how_o lewd_a or_o extravagant_a soever_o that_o may_v not_o patronize_v itself_o under_o mistake_n of_o conscience_n sometime_o and_o always_o unless_o by_o a_o mighty_a chance_n it_o be_v ignorance_n and_o popular_a folly_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o multitude_n to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o foolish_a or_o to_o use_v false_a and_o incompetent_a method_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o determine_v their_o notion_n of_o thing_n upon_o unreasonable_a ground_n and_o motive_n their_o judgement_n be_v dispose_v of_o by_o chance_n and_o accidental_a principle_n and_o their_o fancy_n and_o fond_a persuasion_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o they_o pursue_v thing_n for_o their_o agreeableness_n with_o weak_a and_o vulgar_a prejudices_fw-la without_o ever_o proceed_v to_o a_o impartial_a deliberation_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n opinion_n they_o say_v be_v the_o guide_n of_o fool_n and_o such_o be_v the_o vulgar_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o mankind_n that_o general_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o trifle_v and_o impertinent_a conceit_n and_o then_o force_v their_o reason_n to_o follow_v as_o chance_v and_o folly_n shall_v command_v they_o and_o then_o all_o this_o be_v their_o conscience_n that_o must_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o its_o exorbitance_n be_v suffer_v to_o do_v as_o it_o please_v folly_n especial_o in_o divine_a matter_n be_v always_o in_o conjunction_n with_o confidence_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o obstinate_a and_o inflexible_a then_o religious_a ignorance_n and_o man_n never_o play_v the_o fool_n with_o great_a assurance_n and_o satisfaction_n then_o in_o sacred_a matter_n insomuch_o that_o some_o who_o be_v always_o tell_v tragical_a story_n of_o the_o ruin_n and_o desperate_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o if_o it_o have_v irrecoverable_o lose_v all_o power_n of_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n that_o if_o they_o will_v understand_v the_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n yet_o be_v as_o confident_a in_o all_o their_o persuasion_n as_o if_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v oracle_n and_o a_o person_n that_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v act_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n can_v not_o be_v more_o peremptory_a in_o his_o sentiment_n of_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o rash_a and_o ungrounded_a prejudices_fw-la now_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o vulgar_a rout_n or_o the_o drove_n of_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v so_o troublesome_a and_o wayward_a to_o government_n they_o be_v zealous_a and_o confident_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o they_o be_v therefore_o impatient_a of_o all_o contradiction_n in_o their_o mistake_n because_o they_o have_v fasten_v upon_o they_o at_o all_o adventure_n be_v not_o commonwealth_n then_o likely_a to_o be_v admirable_o govern_v when_o their_o peace_n and_o setlement_n must_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o cross-grained_a and_o insolent_a fool_n sometime_o it_o be_v superstition_n and_o nothing_o more_o vulgar_a than_o for_o man_n to_o abuse_v their_o conscience_n with_o this_o unquiet_a and_o impotent_a passion_n for_o when_o their_o mind_n be_v possess_v and_o it_o be_v a_o epidemical_a malady_n with_o wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o hard_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n this_o can_v but_o make_v they_o apprehend_v her_o law_n