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england_n act_n king_n power_n 3,247 5 5.0875 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53575 Ratiocinium vernaculum, or, A reply to Ataxiae obstaculum being a pretended answer to certain queries dispersed in some parts of Gloucester-shire. Overbury, Thomas, Sir, d. 1684. 1678 (1678) Wing O612; ESTC R24104 94,328 197

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ratiocinium_fw-la vernaculum_fw-la or_o a_o reply_n to_o ataxiae_fw-la obstaculum_fw-la be_v a_o pretend_a answer_n to_o certain_a query_n disperse_v in_o some_o part_n of_o gloucester-shire_n give_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n mark_v 12._o 17._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well_o do_v you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 15._o london_n print_v for_o a._n b._n mdclxxviii_o the_o preface_n it_o be_v now_o near_o seven_o year_n since_o the_o ensue_a query_n ground_v most_o of_o they_o on_o holy_a writ_n or_o on_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v one_o morning_n cursory_o write_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o certain_a query_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o and_o answer_v by_o a_o neighbour_n minister_n and_o to_o he_o only_o private_o send_v without_o the_o least_o design_n or_o 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never_o before_o hear_v of_o they_o and_o then_o understand_v not_o his_o descant_n on_o they_o but_o the_o noise_n hereof_o soon_o make_v they_o which_o for_o some_o year_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o silence_n now_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o country_n and_o they_o be_v not_o only_o oppugn_v from_o the_o press_n the_o pulpit_n and_o the_o pen_n of_o divers_a adversary_n but_o their_o author_n prosecute_v at_o the_o assize_n as_o criminal_a though_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v difficult_a show_v as_o they_o be_v write_v and_o dispose_v of_o by_o he_o what_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n he_o therein_o transgress_v or_o what_o civil_a or_o religious_a interest_n be_v thereby_o injure_v since_o upon_o the_o severe_a examination_n and_o scrutiny_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o worse_o aim_v or_o design_n than_o to_o manifest_v how_o irrational_a it_o be_v and_o how_o ineffectual_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o all_o good_a purpose_n as_o well_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o 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those_o that_o have_v power_n and_o think_v they_o have_v ttuth_n certain_o they_o can_v with_o reason_n deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v in_o every_o place_n by_o those_o that_o have_v power_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o think_v they_o have_v truth_n as_o well_o as_o they_o what_o can_v follow_v but_o the_o maintenance_n perhaps_o of_o truth_n but_o perhaps_o only_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o oppression_n of_o it_o in_o a_o hundred_o what_o will_v follow_v from_o it_o but_o the_o preservation_n peradventure_o of_o unity_n but_o peradventure_o only_o of_o uniformity_n in_o particular_a state_n and_o church_n but_o the_o immortalise_a the_o great_a and_o more_o lamentable_a division_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o what_o can_v follow_v from_o it_o but_o perhaps_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a policy_n the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o temporal_a state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n if_o not_o the_o desolation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o well_o become_v they_o who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n who_o serve_v no_o high_a state_n than_o this_o of_o england_n or_o spain_n or_o france_n nor_o this_o neither_o any_o further_a than_o they_o serve_v themselves_o by_o it_o who_o think_v of_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o this_o world_n who_o think_v of_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v estate_n but_o humane_a power_n and_o machiuèllian_a policy_n and_o believe_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o this_o regi_fw-la aut_fw-la civitati_fw-la imperium_fw-la habenti_fw-la nihil_fw-la injustum_fw-la quod_fw-la utile_fw-la such_o man_n as_o these_o it_o may_v well_o become_v to_o maintain_v by_o worldly_a power_n and_o violence_n their_o state-instrument_n religion_n for_o if_o all_o be_v vain_a and_o false_a as_o in_o their_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o present_a whatsoever_o be_v better_a than_o any_o because_o it_o be_v already_o settle_a a_o alteration_n of_o it_o may_v draw_v with_o it_o change_v of_o state_n and_o the_o change_n of_o state_n the_o subversion_n of_o their_o fortune_n but_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o servant_n and_o lover_n of_o christ_n of_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o mankind_n aught_o with_o all_o courage_n to_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o these_o they_o that_o know_v there_o be_v a_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n by_o who_o will_n and_o pleasure_n ●_z and_o kingdom_n stand_v and_o fall_v they_o know_v that_o to_o no_o king_n or_o state_n any_o thing_n can_v be_v profitable_a which_o be_v unjust_a and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o unjust_a then_o to_o force_v weak_a man_n by_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o they_o believe_v not_o to_o loose_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n out_o of_o a_o vain_a and_o needless_a fear_n lest_o they_o may_v possible_o disturb_v their_o temporal_a quietness_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o any_o state_n from_o any_o man_n opinion_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o which_o disobedience_n to_o authority_n or_o impiety_n be_v teach_v or_o licence_v which_o sort_n i_o confess_v may_v just_o be_v punish_v as_o well_o as_o other_o fault_n or_o unless_o this_o sanguinary_a doctrine_n be_v join_v with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o by_o humane_a violence_n to_o enforce_v other_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v force_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o those_o doubtless_o who_o license_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o his_o learned_a and_o judicious_a treatise_n in_o which_o they_o unanimous_o declare_v to_o find_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n
so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n but_o such_o of_o her_o degenerate_a and_o base_a son_n only_o as_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o their_o mother_n for_o as_o he_o have_v well_o observe_v humane_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_n but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o which_o shall_v make_v it_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a by_o all_o sincere_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o decrye_v and_o so_o high_o condemn_v blind_a obedience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o force_v any_o therein_o against_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o worst_a of_o blind_a obedience_n for_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n whatever_o a_o man_n do_v against_o his_o faith_n or_o conscience_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n neither_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n and_o much_o less_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v therein_o require_v to_o do_v aught_o against_o their_o light_n or_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n so_o she_o as_o little_a allow_v or_o approve_v of_o persecute_v or_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o trouble_v any_o for_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o any_o true_o christian_a exercise_n of_o religien_n nor_o i_o dare_v presume_v to_o say_v do_v any_o law_n of_o england_n allow_n or_o countenance_n much_o less_o command_n or_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n though_o too_o many_o have_v misconstrue_v and_o misapply_v the_o late_a act_n for_o prevent_v and_o supress_v seditious_a conventicle_n to_o the_o disturb_v and_o punish_v i_o may_v say_v 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it_o be_v object_v it_o appear_v not_o whether_o their_o worship_n be_v sincere_a or_o pretend_a only_a and_o the_o law_n prohibit_v such_o a_o number_n to_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o transgress_v the_o same_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o all_o pretence_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v believe_v where_o no_o overact_n discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a charity_n among_o man_n let_v it_o be_v show_v wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o have_v be_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o virtue_n or_o colour_n rather_o of_o that_o law_n be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o act_n say_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v ever_o allow_v man_n to_o pray_v even_o in_o public_a in_o other_o word_n than_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 9_o therefore_o pray_v you_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n 1._o where_o their_o prayer_n be_v often_o record_v that_o they_o ever_o pray_v by_o that_o form_n etc._n but_o in_o other_o word_n 10._o agree_v for_o matter_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v accept_v 4._o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o i_o hope_v will_v say_v they_o disobey_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n by_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o teach_v and_o command_v they_o because_o they_o pray_v not_o by_o that_o form_n no_o more_o do_v they_o transgress_v the_o law_n against_o pray_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n while_o they_o pray_v in_o other_o word_n agree_v with_o it_o for_o matter_n what_o pretence_n then_o can_v any_o have_v to_o charge_v the_o author_n of_o these_o query_n with_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o state_n since_o they_o reflect_v on_o neither_o nor_o cinsure_n or_o by_o any_o undue_a surmise_n condemn_v aught_o that_o they_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o unreasonable_a to_o account_v that_o a_o crime_n in_o any_o one_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o viz._n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o all_o that_o will_v may_v lead_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v who_o be_v force_v to_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o practise_v what_o they_o approve_v not_o which_o be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a lie_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o what_o be_v require_v of_o any_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a but_o whether_o they_o who_o judge_v it_o so_o be_v it_o through_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o can_v without_o sin_v conform_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o question_n but_o that_o many_o may_v and_o do_v live_v godly_a holy_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o to_o other_o will_v be_v damnable_a for_o to_o he_o who_o esteem_v a_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v pure_a so_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v while_o other_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o may_v safe_o use_v their_o liberty_n plead_v therefore_o against_o force_n in_o religion_n we_o neither_o condemn_v nor_o censure_v this_o or_o that_o religion_n which_o teach_v not_o that_o sanguinary_a doctrine_n but_o will_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o religion_n he_o embrace_v and_o profess_v be_v what_o god_n will_v and_o require_v of_o he_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o faithin_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o be_v of_o a_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v wish_v then_o hope_v for_o while_o there_o be_v man_n true_o fear_v god_n 187._o and_o those_o who_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n there_o be_v say_v our_o lerrned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n but_o two_o way_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v probable_a to_o reduce_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n the_o one_o by_o take_v away_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n the_o other_o by_o show_v that_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o who_o judgement_n all_o man_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o other_o way_n must_v be_v take_v and_o christian_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o these_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n wherein_o they_o agree_v than_o upon_o those_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o
law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n they_o be_v banish_v that_o society_n only_o who_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o submit_v not_o unto_o and_o so_o this_o answerer_n say_v well_o non_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la habere_fw-la civem_fw-la qui_fw-la parere_fw-la nescit_fw-la neither_o church_n nor_o commonwealth_n have_v need_n of_o those_o person_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o obey_v but_o till_o there_o be_v a_o due_a distinction_n make_v between_o the_o church_n and_o state_n between_o civil_a and_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o liberty_n in_o religion_n allow_v unto_o all_o man_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n allow_v and_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o see_v religion_n flourish_v nor_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o christendom_n query_n vi._n whether_o be_v there_o any_o visible_a live_a judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n any_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n guide_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o light_n and_o knowledge_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n a_o clear_a and_o positive_a answer_n to_o this_o query_n will_v go_v far_o towards_o the_o end_n our_o great_a difference_n and_o dispute_n in_o religion_n for_o either_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o be_v here_o inquire_v after_o if_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v let_v he_o be_v produce_v and_o his_o determination_n in_o all_o controversial_a point_n be_v make_v know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v submit_v to_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n why_o be_v any_o molest_v and_o trouble_v for_o go_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v what_o be_v say_v of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o every_o society_n may_v agree_v upon_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o all_o difference_n arise_v in_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v that_o may_v probable_o violatate_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o the_o present_a question_n which_o be_v only_o concern_v such_o a_o judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o his_o own_o judgement_n we_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n and_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n assume_v no_o other_o power_n or_o privilege_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n or_o exception_n against_o she_o for_o that_o but_o whereas_o he_o say_v she_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n own_o any_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n if_o he_o mean_v infallible_a judge_n like_o the_o papist_n none_o say_v she_o do_v or_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o she_o own_v no_o such_o judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o to_o oblige_v any_o to_o acquiess_n in_o her_o determination_n against_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o his_o say_n she_o require_v none_o of_o her_o member_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o determination_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n why_o do_v he_o molest_v and_o trouble_v any_o for_o not_o yield_v such_o obedience_n and_o if_o all_o she_o demand_v as_o he_o say_v be_v but_o that_o obedience_n be_v give_v to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v undoubted_o divine_a a_o acquiescence_n yield_v to_o some_o disputable_a point_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o against_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o a_o conformity_n to_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o all_o judge_n to_o be_v indifferent_a no_o rational_a man_n can_v sure_o except_v against_o any_o of_o this_o nor_o deny_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o much_o umpire_n and_o judge_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n in_o any_o of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o plead_v that_o they_o make_v conscience_n their_o guide_n unless_o they_o take_v scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v lawful_a authority_n in_o thing_n innocent_a and_o indifferent_a where_o they_o judge_v the_o thing_n command_v to_o be_v so_o but_o what_o some_o may_v count_v indifferent_a other_o may_v judge_v sinful_a the_o scripture_n command_v obedience_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o none_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o comply_v in_o any_o thing_n against_o conscience_n since_o none_o against_o conscience_n can_v be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o immorality_n have_v be_v act_v under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o where_o any_o plead_v conscience_n against_o all_o sense_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o a_o reprobate_a state_n of_o mind_n but_o some_o man_n abandon_v or_o abuse_v conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v other_o despise_v and_o deride_v of_o it_o whether_o dissenter_n endeavour_v after_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n do_v their_o duty_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o query_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v too_o blame_v and_o will_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v for_o another_o day_n and_o can_v with_o that_o satisfaction_n bear_v their_o present_a suffering_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v as_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n whether_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v it_o or_o excuse_v they_o of_o schism_n will_v be_v more_o seasonable_o argue_v when_o this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n shall_v tell_v we_o of_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o in_o the_o query_n be_v inquire_v after_o to_o determine_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o who_o in_o the_o wrong_n who_o keep_v to_o and_o who_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n query_n vii_o whether_o to_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o any_o as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n which_o no_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o have_v authority_n to_o pronounce_v a_o judicial_a difinitive_a sentence_n in_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o any_o man_n duty_n to_o yield_v his_o assent_n or_o obedience_n thereunto_o be_v not_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o whether_o to_o do_v so_o be_v not_o against_o all_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o justice_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n have_v not_o this_o officious_a person_n take_v on_o he_o the_o answer_a question_n before_o he_o understand_v they_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o all_o he_o have_v here_o say_v have_v only_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o gentleman_n be_v mean_o read_v as_o he_o say_v but_o the_o clergyman_n not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v that_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o error_n and_o absurdity_n we_o here_o meet_v with_o the_o query_n not_o be_v so_o impertinent_a as_o his_o ignorance_n apprehend_v it_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_o unjust_a then_o that_o any_o shall_v suffer_v as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o in_o none_o be_v authorise_v to_o pass_v a_o judicial_a definitive_a sentence_n whether_o they_o have_v therein_o transgress_v or_o not_o in_o which_o case_n to_o punish_v be_v to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o that_o we_o say_v be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o have_v we_o not_o then_o to_o do_v with_o a_o ingenious_a and_o pleasant_a person_n who_o have_v spend_v above_o twenty_o page_n to_o no_o purpose_n be_v whole_o from_o the_o question_n have_v at_o last_o the_o face_n or_o folly_n rather_o to_o tell_v we_o he_o hope_v now_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o every_o child_n that_o can_v but_o read_v english_a will_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o not_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o
charge_v not_o this_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o have_v we_o say_v that_o they_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o her_o liturgy_n be_v false-worshipper_n these_o be_v but_o the_o uncharitable_a inference_n and_o surmise_n of_o a_o strange_o ignorant_a or_o immeasurable_o malicious_a person_n who_o want_v strength_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n he_o like_v not_o thus_o load_v they_o with_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v nothing_o still_o to_o this_o query_n that_o there_o be_v no_o congregat_v independent_a congregation_n in_o england_n but_o the_o respective_a pastor_n of_o it_o assume_v to_o himself_o more_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v the_o swear_a member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o great_a prelate_n in_o our_o church_n do_v in_o his_o province_n or_o diocese_n unless_o to_o manifest_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o write_v one_o true_a period_n there_o be_v among_o they_o no_o such_o swear_a member_n as_o he_o mention_n and_o whether_o of_o they_o exercise_n most_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v their_o respective_a member_n in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n let_v those_o concern_v determine_v but_o this_o he_o say_v he_o will_v not_o prove_v from_o their_o practice_n the_o thing_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o independency_n which_o aim_v at_o little_a else_o but_o turanny_n and_o pre_n eminence_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o independent_a pastor_n exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a i_o hope_v he_o do_v not_o mean_a here_o that_o in_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n impossible_a they_o exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n they_o do_v not_o yet_o exclude_v any_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o if_o the_o condition_n be_v impossible_a the_o communion_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o well_o know_v and_o so_o in_o good_a time_n will_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o reporter_n likewise_o be_v but_o as_o a_o far_a instance_n of_o their_o tyranny_n and_o pre-eminence_n he_o tell_v we_o they_o pry_v into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o man_n soul_n life_n and_o action_n by_o severe_a scrutiny_n and_o examination_n if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o oath_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v hear_v much_o talk_n of_o but_o they_o will_v not_o he_o say_v admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o gather_a church_n till_o they_o have_v satisfy_v the_o curiosity_n of_o their_o guide_n that_o be_v they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o unbeliever_n nor_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n a_o great_a crime_n and_o worthy_a this_o answerer_n rebuke_n but_o be_v it_o more_o than_o probable_a as_o he_o politic_o observe_v that_o this_o and_o not_o meanness_n of_o trade_n impoverish_v city_n and_o country_n or_o suppose_v they_o who_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thing_n 27._o shall_v according_a to_o duty_n administer_v unto_o they_o in_o carnal_a thing_n how_o shall_v this_o occasion_n the_o nation_n poverty_n what_o do_v they_o receive_v which_o they_o give_v not_o again_o or_o which_o of_o they_o have_v such_o plenty_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o hoard_v up_o any_o thing_n no_o no_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o more_o pious_a politician_n that_o a_o fruitful_a land_n be_v turn_v into_o barrenness_n 34._o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o holy_a prophet_n tell_v we_o 4._o the_o land_n mourn_v and_o the_o herb_n of_o every_o field_n wither_v not_o for_o people_n meeting_n together_o to_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o land_n of_o their_o nativity_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n still_o of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o person_n differ_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o passion_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o query_n charge_v in_o the_o rear_n with_o blind_a leader_n and_o follower_n he_o wish_v the_o gentleman_n will_v not_o make_v such_o sly_a and_o unworthy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o conformable_a laity_n and_o clergy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o gentleman_n wish_v likewise_o this_o answerer_n will_v also_o forbear_v apply_v to_o particular_n what_o be_v indefinite_o speak_v and_o be_v not_o by_o he_o intend_v to_o one_o party_n more_o than_o another_o but_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o some_o very_a sore_a place_n in_o the_o ass_n that_o kick_v and_o winche_n upon_o every_o approach_n before_o he_o be_v touch_v query_n xx._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n to_o tie_v man_n by_o temporal_a penalty_n to_o fallible_a guide_n who_o to_o follow_v may_v be_v their_o eternal_a to_o forsake_v their_o temporal_a ruin_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n he_o have_v nothing_o it_o seem_v to_o say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o very_o advise_o send_v his_o reader_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o for_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o know_v not_o what_o query_n xxi_o whether_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v not_o be_v by_o add_v and_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o enquiry_n here_o be_v only_o into_o the_o original_n of_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n i._n e._n among_o christian_n or_o such_o as_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n not_o of_o the_o persecution_n raise_v against_o they_o by_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n the_o ten_o persecution_n therefore_o against_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o inroad_n of_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n into_o italy_n come_v not_o within_o this_o enquiry_n but_o say_v this_o answerer_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v very_o great_a mistake_n in_o it_o for_o that_o severe_a proceed_n of_o christian_a emperor_n against_o heretic_n and_o of_o heretic_n against_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v not_o for_o innovation_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n as_o condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o query_n and_o wherein_o ●y_a the_o great_a mistake_n in_o ask_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v pardon_v this_o for_o so_o ingenious_o profess_v himself_o ignorant_a of_o any_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v ever_o raise_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o add_v and_o require_v new_a or_o unheard_a of_o condition_n of_o church_n fellowship_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o western_a and_o eastern_a church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o constantine_n constantius_n and_o some_o follow_a emperor_n upon_o the_o imposition_n of_o differ_v if_o not_o contradictory_n creed_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n as_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o cause_v the_o breach_n of_o communion_n and_o church-fellowship_n between_o the_o arian_n and_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o the_o orthodox_n force_v the_o arian_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o new_o invent_a homoousian_n as_o do_v afterward_o the_o arian_n where_o they_o prevail_v require_v the_o orthodox_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o homoiousian_n whereas_o as_o a_o learned_a prelate_n have_v well_o observe_v have_v both_o party_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n expression_n without_o their_o own_o addition_n they_o may_v have_v live_v peacable_o and_o quiet_o together_o and_o the_o arian_n heresy_n probable_o have_v soon_o expire_v error_n divest_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o support_v not_o be_v long_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o ●ower_n of_o truth_n he_o be_v it_o seem_v likewise_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a division_n which_o after_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereas_o as_o the_o say_v learned_a person_n likewise_o observe_v have_v they_o acquiesce_v also_o in_o what_o the_o
scripture_n plain_o declare_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o the_o father_n and_o also_o by_o the_o son_n but_o whether_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n or_o by_o the_o son_n the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o too_o as_o to_o that_o question_n and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v avoid_v the_o unhappy_a breach_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a this_o answerer_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sad_a persecution_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n impose_v as_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o require_v for_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o those_o between_o austin_n and_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n with_o other_o we_o read_v of_o in_o ancient_a story_n what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o unhappy_a breach_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v thereby_o occasion_v even_o in_o this_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o i_o be_o here_o willing_a to_o express_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n nor_o have_v i_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o ever_o so_o apply_v it_o and_o yet_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v be_v applicable_a enough_o for_o his_o presume_v do_v not_o prove_v that_o every_o national_a church_n have_v a_o more_o indispencible_a power_n over_o its_o own_o member_n if_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o take_v every_o one_o for_o such_o who_o be_v bear_v or_o inhabit_v within_o that_o nat●on_n than_o either_o the_o 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of_o communion_n than_o their_o member_n shall_v approve_v of_o or_o judge_v lawful_a it_o will_v undoubted_o cause_n difference_n and_o division_n among_o they_o what_o rite_n the_o church_n of_o england_n tender_v as_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n to_o those_o within_o her_o pale_a we_o meddle_v not_o with_o our_o query_n be_v only_o whether_o the_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v have_v not_o be_v the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o but_o for_o ask_v we_o be_v judge_v criminal_a though_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n still_v fleet_n stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v irenicon_n that_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o have_v this_o answerer_n the_o confidence_n or_o impudence_n rather_o to_o suppose_v this_o reverend_a dr._n herein_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o all_o the_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o now_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n or_o that_o he_o causeless_o and_o false_o accuse_v a_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o abound_v in_o it_o or_o will_v he_o not_o himself_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o false_a accuser_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v in_o this_o assertion_n or_o query_n than_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n or_o the_o church_n at_o geneva_n or_o any_o other_o church_n whatever_o unless_o this_o answerer_n will_v say_v she_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v which_o neither_o the_o doctor_n nor_o the_o gentleman_n have_v yet_o say_v but_o to_o conclude_v he_o tell_v we_o st._n james_n acquaint_v we_o with_o another_o cause_n of_o war_n and_o persecution_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v from_o man_n lust_n which_o war_n in_o their_o member_n but_o may_v not_o the_o imposition_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n proceed_v from_o those_o lust_n they_o first_o rebel_n against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o whether_o argue_v the_o great_a pride_n the_o impose_v upon_o man_n judgement_n or_o the_o leave_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a bishop_n davenant_n have_v tell_v we_o hold_v those_o excuse_v who_o with_o a_o blind_a zeal_n follow_v their_o leader_n the_o remove_n old_a landmark_n with_o innocent_a and_o useful_a constitution_n be_v but_o the_o old_a objection_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o reformer_n and_o of_o they_o borrow_v by_o this_o answerer_n to_o help_v to_o fill_v up_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o though_o he_o can_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o forbear_v mention_v one_o passage_n more_o it_o 〈◊〉_d seem_v to_o be_v but_o to_o usher_v in_o his_o follow_a rhyme_n as_o a_o grave_n and_o gracious_a author_n have_v it_o one_o verse_n for_o sense_n and_o one_o for_o rhyme_n be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o time_n yet_o be_v we_o more_o behold_v to_o he_o for_o this_o than_o for_o most_o of_o his_o precede_a answer_n which_o have_v neither_o rhyme_n nor_o reason_n in_o they_o query_n xxii_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o yoke_n and_o burden_v of_o jewish_a ceremony_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o holy_a writ_n than_o that_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v 1._o but_o in_o the_o way_n 4._o and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n 7._o and_o that_o no_o service_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o 10_o but_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n it_o may_v not_o therefore_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o unseasonable_a to_o ask_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v power_n or_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o to_o this_o our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o he_o from_o mr._n hooker_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n which_o we_o deny_v not_o according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o method_n of_o answer_v query_n otherwise_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o it_o for_o though_o many_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v have_v be_v change_v and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a they_o have_v be_v still_o change_v by_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o if_o seven_o church_n as_o he_o say_v have_v declare_v that_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n be_v lawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n as_o he_o affirm_v to_o some_o person_n to_o institute_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o present_a question_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ingenious_a gentleman_n he_o commend_v to_o his_o reader_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v as_o more_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n the_o word_n of_o the_o but_o now_o mention_v reverend_a and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n who_o iren._n speak_v of_o the_o meekness_n sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n
be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o 2._o so_o far_o be_v the_o apostle_n from_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o contradiction_n interminis_fw-la for_o if_o they_o have_v apostolical_a warrant_n and_o command_v they_o be_v not_o abrogate_a but_o we_o must_v bear_v with_o small_a slip_n if_o we_o will_v not_o create_v to_o ourselves_o endless_a trouble_n but_o it_o be_v at_o length_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o our_o answerer_n hope_v to_o salve_v all_o in_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v it_o seem_v institute_n such_o and_o so_o many_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o if_o so_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o other_o church_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o she_o also_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o how_o come_v he_o to_o censure_v she_o as_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a and_o superstitious_a while_o she_o exercise_v but_o the_o authority_n he_o allow_v she_o institute_v no_o other_o ceremony_n than_o she_o judge_v conducive_a to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n as_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o which_o render_v religion_n amiable_a by_o its_o external_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n but_o what_o may_v this_o answerer_n mean_v by_o the_o essentials_n of_o worship_n 4_o a_o dear_a friend_n of_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o essence_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o grateful_a sense_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n towards_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o as_o for_o all_o that_o concern_v external_a worship_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o judgement_n also_o he_o may_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o yet_o retain_v a_o liberty_n of_o introduce_v all_o the_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a superstitious_a ceremony_n now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o judge_v they_o to_o render_v religion_n amiable_a and_o beautiful_a but_o certain_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o outward_a institution_n in_o religion_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o do_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o old_a and_o so_o do_v the_o present_a sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v and_o be_v part_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o i_o suppose_v of_o religion_n too_o and_o whatever_o be_v make_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o without_o it_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v be_v thereby_o make_v a_o essential_a of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o without_o it_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o thing_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o be_v plead_v be_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o same_o privilege_n which_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n assume_v to_o themselves_o viz._n to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o it_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o justice_n be_v deny_v then_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n prevail_v in_o those_o instance_n and_o rite_n where_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n to_o warrant_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o instance_v in_o the_o worship_n perform_v as_o he_o say_v by_o independent_o ask_v what_o scripture_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o covenant_n which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n swear_v to_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n though_o he_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o covenant_n swear_v to_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o their_o church_n wherein_o as_o well_o their_o order_n as_o common_a faith_n be_v declare_v neither_o of_o which_o do_v they_o or_o do_v they_o ever_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o impose_v upon_o any_o and_o yet_o be_v able_a 15_o i_o presume_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v he_o for_o far_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o particular_n he_o mention_n if_o he_o desire_v it_o and_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v only_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v article_n of_o faith_n yea_o or_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o will_v he_o now_o say_v in_o verbo_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la or_o upon_o his_o reputation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v of_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o then_o appoint_v circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o why_o do_v he_o thus_o impose_v upon_o his_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a reader_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v command_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n than_o dissenter_n have_v some_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o obey_v yea_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o dark_a mind_n which_o take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o liberty_n of_o separate_a but_o even_o of_o examine_v the_o command_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v thus_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n he_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v as_o many_o or_o more_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o very_a age_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o institute_v by_o they_o than_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o instance_n in_o half_a a_o score_n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o after_o all_o his_o boldness_n he_o speak_v but_o faint_o in_o say_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o conjecture_n about_o this_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o present_a power_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v symbolical_a or_o significative_a ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v much_o like_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o egyptian_a bondage_n rather_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v curious_a about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n thereof_o and_o will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o pretend_a christian_n in_o these_o day_n more_o concern_v about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n as_o they_o term_v they_o of_o religion_n then_o to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v thereof_o and_o how_o unhandsome_o do_v he_o reflect_v here_o on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o say_v when_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v christian_a than_o they_o begin_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o their_o body_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o till_o then_o they_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o body_n 10_o and_o in_o their_o spirit_n or_o what_o think_v he_o of_o those_o who_o before_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n 6._o and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v do_v not_o they_o as_o much_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n as_o those_o who_o adorn_v temple_n but_o such_o gross_a and_o carnal_a thought_n have_v some_o of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n 48._o as_o to_o think_v he_o still_o delight_v and_o please_v with_o man_n erect_v dedicate_a and_o adorn_v of_o temple_n in_o which_o they_o general_o place_n more_o of_o their_o religion_n than_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o
this_o answerer_n that_o the_o not_o punish_v of_o these_o be_v prejudicial_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n the_o one_o be_v thereby_o overrun_v with_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o the_o other_o as_o woeful_a experience_n tell_v we_o with_o schism_n heresy_n and_o contention_n but_o our_o answerer_n grow_v pleasant_a and_o play_v with_o his_o reader_n in_o tell_v he_o dissenter_n be_v persecute_v to_o what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v persecute_v from_o viz._n their_o church_n or_o public_a place_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o dissenter_n be_v not_o certain_o persecute_v to_o their_o church_n though_o some_o may_v account_v it_o a_o persecution_n to_o be_v compel_v unto_o he_o there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o degree_n of_o persecution_n but_o whoever_o suffer_v in_o any_o kind_n for_o his_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o his_o heavenly_a sovereign_n the_o ●_z thereof_o will_v not_o be_v excuse_v because_o other_o have_v be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a than_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o even_o these_o be_v not_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a may_v be_v ascribe_v rather_o to_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o moderation_n of_o those_o in_o authority_n restrain_v they_o than_o to_o their_o good_a will_n or_o desire_n the_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o a_o father_n correct_v his_o child_n and_o the_o child_n cry_v out_o m●ther_o be_v very_o impertinent_a here_o parent_n may_v correct_v their_o child_n and_o prince_n their_o subject_n but_o as_o the_o cause_n make_v the_o martyr_n so_o it_o be_v that_o must_v denominate_v it_o either_o persecution_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yet_o thus_o much_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o persecute_v he_o in_o his_o member_n will_v not_o speed_v better_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n than_o they_o who_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v then_o reject_v but_o for_o not_o visit_v and_o relieve_v his_o poor_a member_n 25._o when_o in_o want_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o any_o other_o adversity_n query_n xxviii_o whether_o since_o offence_n will_v come_v it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o concern_n to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v matt._n 18._o 7._o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n quote_v the_o text_n may_v have_v satisfy_v this_o answerer_n that_o by_o offence_n here_o no_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v when_o he_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a woe_n against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o persecution_n which_o discourage_n christian_n from_o own_v of_o his_o name_n attend_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n adhere_v unto_o his_o truth_n or_o ought_v else_o that_o administer_v occasion_n to_o another_o to_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o obstruct_v he_o in_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n it_o certain_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v the_o query_n indeed_o caution_n all_o to_o beware_v split_v on_o so_o dangerous_a a_o rock_n but_o charge_v none_o with_o run_v or_o drive_v other_o upon_o it_o evil_n therefore_o be_v to_o he_o that_o evil_n think_v mr._n baxter_n as_o quote_v by_o he_o say_v very_o well_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o more_o fear_n offend_v his_o particular_a flock_n than_o offend_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o excuse_v his_o offend_n of_o either_o and_o notwithstanding_o this_o answerer_n hope_n he_o will_v not_o find_v a_o national_a church_n of_o humane_a institution_n to_o have_v that_o authority_n over_o its_o member_n even_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v who_o be_v so_o as_o a_o private_a minister_n have_v over_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n whether_o dissenter_n take_v no_o offence_n as_o he_o say_v but_o what_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pervert_v judgement_n etc._n etc._n let_v they_o see_v too_o who_o be_v therein_o concern_v and_o must_v one_o day_n answer_v for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o one_o man_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n and_o yet_o the_o guilt_n of_o he_o who_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v change_v upon_o he_o who_o action_n occasion_v it_o which_o yet_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o many_o may_v likewise_o occasion_v other_o to_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v accountable_a and_o yet_o none_o sure_a doubt_n but_o that_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n authority_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o will_v please_v the_o humour_n as_o advance_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o under_o its_o charge_n and_o protection_n nor_o can_v we_o have_v so_o hard_a thought_n of_o any_o in_o authority_n as_o to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v make_v law_n thwart_v or_o contradict_v those_o that_o be_v divine_a nor_o yet_o who_o take_v or_o give_v offence_n 12._o for_o as_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n so_o let_v every_o one_o look_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o all_o man_n disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v be_v pull_v off_o and_o their_o most_o retire_a thought_n and_o action_n lay_v open_a and_o manifest_a to_o man_n and_o angel_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o man_n have_v a_o serious_a and_o due_a sense_n thereof_o and_o so_o live_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o think_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o profess_v but_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libellous_a answerer_n accuse_v of_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o offence_n and_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o by_o law_n declare_v these_o query_n be_v no_o way_n guilty_a thereof_o for_o as_o they_o respect_v so_o they_o be_v direct_v only_o to_o such_o as_o himself_o who_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n require_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o worse_o than_o blind_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n and_o malice_n to_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n according_a to_o law_n who_o scruple_n not_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o and_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libeler_n will_v have_v to_o question_n not_o only_o the_o king_n coercive_a authority_n but_o the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o accuse_v her_o government_n of_o more_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n than_o ever_o yet_o be_v object_v against_o she_o by_o the_o most_o violent_a of_o her_o romish_a adversary_n not_o those_o sure_a who_o be_v against_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a import_n of_o these_o query_n for_o then_o the_o charge_n will_v reach_v all_o those_o reverend_n and_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o mention_v with_o most_o other_o of_o name_n and_o fame_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o have_v decry_v the_o same_o as_o unscriptural_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o will_v indeed_o argue_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o deprave_a temper_n of_o spirit_n he_o speak_v of_o yet_o i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o man_n eminent_a in_o their_o country_n and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v do_v more_o good_a by_o their_o example_n than_o in_o this_o age_n the_o church_n can_v do_v with_o its_o censure_n or_o churchman_n with_o their_o instruction_n but_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v none_o shall_v ever_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n who_o give_v not_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n as_o unto_o caesar_n thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_v and_o honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o let_v he_o not_o deceive_v himself_o in_o think_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o separate_v from_o some_o churchman_n of_o vicious_a and_o deprave_a spirit_n or_o to_o have_v enmity_n against_o that_o because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o these_o it_o not_o be_v