of_o soul_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n now_o though_o persecution_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n than_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o man_n yet_o because_o hitherto_o we_o see_v god_n honour_n no_o otherwise_o concern_v than_o indirect_o and_o by_o consequence_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v in_o my_o next_o chap._n v._n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o compulsion_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n 1._o the_o only_a way_n that_o man_n can_v render_v immediate_a honour_n to_o god_n be_v by_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o that_o method_n they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n if_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n punish_v they_o for_o so_o do_v he_o set_v himself_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o than_o he_o must_v by_o force_n endeavour_v to_o hinder_v they_o either_o from_o worship_v god_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o downright_o irreligious_a or_o else_o force_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o way_n they_o believe_v he_o have_v forbid_v which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o neglect_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v downright_o affront_v and_o under_o pretence_n of_o appease_v his_o anger_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o solemn_a devotion_n provoke_v he_o by_o a_o notorious_a dissimulation_n and_o a_o mock-worship_n therefore_o without_o set_v himself_o against_o god_n he_o can_v deny_v they_o the_o entire_a liberty_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o they_o think_v best_a and_o that_o public_o too_o for_o the_o more_o public_a the_o worship_n be_v the_o more_o it_o tend_v to_o his_o honour_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o man_n in_o private_a aught_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o in_o public_a be_v very_o absurd_a or_o if_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_n from_o god_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n be_v more_o absurd_a in_o short_a what_o can_v show_v a_o great_a defiance_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o relish_v more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o to_o persecute_v man_n for_o express_v their_o love_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o they_o can_v no_o otherwise_o do_v than_o by_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o god_n will_v resent_v as_o do_v to_o himself_o whatever_o be_v do_v to_o a_o child_n of_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o persecutor_n do_v not_o come_v much_o behind_o that_o italian_a in_o impiety_n who_o make_v his_o enemy_n blaspheme_v god_n and_o then_o stab_v he_o when_o they_o make_v innocent_a person_n who_o be_v no_o way_n their_o enemy_n or_o have_v not_o do_v they_o the_o least_o injury_n not_o only_o once_o but_o for_o all_o their_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o most_o detestable_a apostasy_n in_o revolt_a from_o their_o conscience_n and_o instead_o of_o honour_v offer_v god_n nothing_o but_o indignity_n and_o affront_v and_o ready_a to_o commit_v the_o tie_v of_o conscience_n once_o break_v all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o villainy_n 2._o man_n can_v no_o otherwise_o honour_n god_n than_o by_o entertain_v such_o conception_n of_o he_o as_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o love_n reverence_n and_o fear_v he_o now_o the_o more_o any_o nation_n do_v this_o the_o more_o by_o it_o they_o honour_v he_o and_o since_o what_o give_v one_o a_o high_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n may_v have_v a_o different_a effect_n upon_o another_o man_n may_v have_v different_a idea_n and_o yet_o equal_o honour_n god_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a in_o the_o different_a sect_n to_o condemn_v each_o the_o other_o for_o dishonour_v god_n when_o each_o party_n prefer_v their_o own_o opinion_n because_o they_o create_v in_o they_o the_o great_a esteem_n reverence_n and_o honour_n for_o god_n and_o the_o opposite_a they_o apprehend_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o as_o injurious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o therefore_o to_o punish_v man_n for_o honour_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o idea_n or_o to_o think_v they_o can_v honour_v he_o any_o otherwise_o be_v very_o absurd_a 3._o beside_o this_o doctrine_n of_o compulsion_n reflect_v high_o on_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o make_v he_o act_v inconsistent_o by_o oblige_v man_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o honour_n god_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o judgement_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n require_v the_o magistrate_n to_o judge_n for_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o act_v according_a to_o his_o and_o not_o their_o own_o judgement_n what_o i_o pray_v can_v be_v more_o injurious_a to_o the_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o suppose_v he_o have_v expose_v the_o true_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a to_o be_v everywhere_o ill_n use_v whilst_o man_n of_o no_o religion_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o escape_v by_o outward_o comply_v with_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o none_o but_o the_o conscientious_a and_o they_o too_o for_o be_v such_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a misery_n such_o a_o impious_a doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a that_o it_o can_v owe_v its_o rise_n to_o no_o other_o than_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v his_o contrivance_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o dishonour_n god_n by_o their_o hypocrisy_n or_o else_o gratify_v his_o malice_n on_o those_o that_o refuse_v but_o 4._o it_o be_v far_a dishonourable_a to_o god_n in_o make_v the_o two_o grand_a command_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o comprehend_v all_o religion_n to_o clash_v one_o with_o the_o other_o because_o the_o magistrate_n can_v promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o use_v force_n on_o all_o he_o judge_n to_o have_v wrong_a notion_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n without_o act_v as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n but_o god_n law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a that_o there_o be_v so_o perfect_a a_o agreement_n and_o connection_n between_o they_o that_o the_o break_v one_o be_v the_o break_v all_o nay_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n do_v so_o evident_o imply_v or_o include_v each_o other_o that_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o for_o as_o our_o love_a god_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o well-being_n that_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n so_o our_o love_a our_o neighbour_n which_o include_v all_o those_o duty_n we_o owe_v one_o another_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o love_a god_n for_o if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v 1_o john_n 4._o 20._o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v honour_v god_n more_o than_o by_o make_v our_o love_n as_o extensive_a as_o all_o mankind_n because_o by_o it_o we_o imitate_v he_o who_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o who_o design_n that_o all_o man_n whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v shall_v live_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n rom._n 12._o 18._o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o promote_v our_o mutual_a happiness_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o honour_n god_n for_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o and_o consequent_o incapable_a of_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n or_o dissatisfaction_n from_o his_o creature_n can_v have_v no_o motive_n in_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o but_o as_o it_o natural_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o general_a good_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n than_o to_o use_v one_o another_o as_o it_o require_v nay_o so_o infinite_o great_a be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o lest_o we_o shall_v fail_v to_o be_v happy_a here_o he_o have_v make_v our_o temporal_a good_a which_o can_v only_o be_v procure_v by_o observe_v those_o rule_n he_o have_v prescribe_v we_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v our_o eternal_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o love_n which_o work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o charity_n be_v prefer_v before_o all_o virtue_n even_o faith_n itself_o which_o jam._n 2._o 20._o without_o good_a work_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o persecutor_n be_v not_o only_o without_o good_a work_n but_o the_o great_a incendiary_n that_o can_v be_v to_o ill_o one_o since_o nothing_o can_v qualify_v a_o man_n to_o do_v so_o much_o mischief_n as_o believe_v he_o do_v god_n service_n therein_o therefore_o his_o belief_n be_v worse_a than_o atheism_n or_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o faith_n that_o must_v save_v we_o be_v that_o which_o work_v by_o love_n but_o
give_v in_o a_o public_a edict_n for_o liberty_n of_o worship_n not_o only_o to_o deprive_v and_o banish_v those_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o profess_a arianism_n but_o even_o to_o put_v all_o man_n to_o death_n on_o who_o any_o of_o arius_n his_o work_n be_v find_v 6._o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o christian_a priest_n in_o the_o first_o general_n council_n and_o all_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v for_o persecution_n there_o must_v be_v some_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o influence_n they_o i_o answer_v just_o as_o much_o as_o influence_n the_o jewish_a priest_n not_o to_o own_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o as_o they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o advance_v their_o temporal_a power_n so_o the_o christian_a priest_n have_v be_v as_o much_o prejudice_v against_o those_o gospel-method_n of_o love_n gentleness_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o pride_n ambition_n and_o that_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n they_o so_o much_o affect_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o own_o history_n which_o represent_v they_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n ever_o since_o persecution_n prevail_v as_o one_o will_v imagine_v he_o be_v read_v a_o story_n of_o devil_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n these_o shall_v prevail_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n when_o barbarity_n and_o cruelty_n be_v superad_v and_o not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a history_n but_o the_o best_a of_o the_o clergy_n almost_o as_o soon_o as_o persecution_n be_v in_o use_n give_v a_o very_a scandalous_a character_n of_o their_o body_n as_o st._n jerom_n st._n basil_n st._n ambrose_n st._n hilary_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o psalm_n scruple_n not_o to_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n who_o in_o his_o first_o oration_n among_o other_o thing_n say_v they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o they_o look_v on_o the_o priesthood_n not_o as_o a_o ministry_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n but_o as_o a_o magistracy_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o examination_n that_o no_o charity_n be_v observe_v in_o they_o but_o only_a anger_n and_o passion_n that_o their_o piety_n do_v only_o consist_v in_o condemn_v the_o impiety_n of_o other_o man_n who_o conduct_n they_o observe_v not_o to_o reclaim_v but_o to_o defame_v that_o they_o blame_v or_o praise_v man_n not_o because_o of_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a life_n but_o according_a to_o the_o party_n they_o embrace_v that_o they_o admire_v in_o themselves_o what_o they_o sharp_o censure_v in_o another_o party_n that_o they_o wrangle_v about_o trifle_n on_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o defend_v the_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v abhor_v by_o the_o heathen_a and_o despise_v by_o all_o good_a man_n among_o the_o christian_n 7._o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n from_o human_a authority_n for_o persecution_n because_o that_o destroy_v any_o argument_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o authority_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persecutor_n themselves_o for_o ask_v they_o why_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n which_o be_v double_a in_o number_n to_o that_o of_o nice_n and_o which_o even_o the_o nicene_n father_n themselves_o subscribe_v be_v not_o of_o any_o authority_n the_o answer_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o a_o free_a council_n but_o be_v overawe_v by_o the_o emperor_n but_o if_o persecution_n destroy_v their_o authority_n the_o reason_n will_v hold_v against_o any_o other_o council_n or_o meet_v of_o man_n ever_o since_o force_n have_v be_v in_o fashion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o nicene_n father_n who_o be_v so_o divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n and_o full_a of_o heat_n feud_n and_o quarrel_n as_o marvel_n in_o that_o small_a but_o admirable_a essay_n of_o creed_n and_o council_n full_o show_v shall_v revenge_v themselves_o on_o their_o adversary_n on_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o that_o the_o arian_n when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o provoke_v shall_v serve_v they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o that_o the_o different_a party_n after_o these_o precedent_n which_o must_v necessary_o increase_v their_o hatred_n and_o animosity_n shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o for_o persecute_v one_o the_o other_o but_o more_o than_o enough_o of_o human_a authority_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v examine_v what_o they_o urge_v from_o reason_n for_o the_o magistrate_n use_v force_n which_o may_v be_v conclude_v under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o that_o it_o cause_v people_n impartial_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o make_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o error_n 3._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n oblige_v the_o magistrate_n not_o to_o permit_v different_a profession_n of_o religion_n chap._n iii_o object_n that_o compulsion_n tend_v to_o make_v people_n impartial_o consider_v examine_v 1._o i_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o more_o apparent_o the_o duty_n of_o rational_a creature_n than_o to_o make_v a_o strict_a inquisition_n in_o their_o advance_a and_o capable_a year_n into_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o of_o all_o the_o use_v reason_n be_v design_v for_o the_o chief_a no_o doubt_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o happiness_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o practice_v be_v by_o mere_a accident_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n and_o reason_v for_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o as_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o consequent_o our_o reward_n from_o he_o will_v be_v in_o a_o just_a proportion_n to_o the_o use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o reason_n this_o be_v premise_v it_o be_v evident_a nothing_o can_v well_o be_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o to_o hinder_v people_n from_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o say_v nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o do_v than_o punishment_n and_o reward_n for_o what_o can_v bias_n and_o prejudice_n more_o than_o punishment_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o not_o only_a protection_n but_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n and_o advantage_n for_o as_o much_o weight_n as_o they_o carry_v in_o man_n mind_n so_o much_o will_v they_o be_v influence_v by_o they_o and_o to_o put_v discountenance_n and_o punishment_n in_o one_o scale_n and_o impunity_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o other_o be_v as_o likely_a a_o way_n to_o make_v a_o man_n judge_v impartial_o for_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v to_o bribe_v and_o threaten_v a_o judge_n to_o make_v he_o judge_v so_o for_o other_o in_o a_o word_n what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o way_n to_o make_v man_n consider_v calm_o and_o without_o prejudice_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o require_v their_o utmost_a attention_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o to_o passion_n by_o ill_a usage_n and_o to_o distract_v they_o on_o one_o hand_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o punishment_n and_o to_o agitate_v they_o as_o strong_o on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n 2._o it_o be_v usual_o say_v man_n be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a and_o of_o themselves_o unapt_a to_o make_v a_o strict_a inquisition_n into_o religion_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v force_v but_o force_n will_v make_v they_o but_o more_o so_o and_o instead_o of_o remedy_v increase_v the_o malady_n for_o man_n will_v then_o be_v afraid_a to_o examine_v the_o magistrate_n religion_n for_o fear_n of_o find_v it_o false_a and_o any_o other_o for_o fear_n of_o find_v it_o true_a both_o which_o will_v equal_o subject_v they_o to_o punishment_n in_o such_o circumstance_n if_o they_o examine_v at_o all_o it_o will_v be_v very_o slight_o and_o partial_o for_o a_o small_a a_o very_a small_a reason_n will_v make_v most_o man_n profess_v a_o religion_n on_o which_o their_o worldly_a happiness_n depend_v and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a one_o indeed_o that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o own_o rather_o than_o be_v all_o their_o life_n subject_a to_o punishment_n in_o short_a what_o can_v be_v more_o unnatural_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o to_o terrify_v people_n into_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n be_v a_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o examine_v impartial_o the_o different_a persuasion_n than_o to_o let_v they_o free_o examine_v and_o as_o free_o profess_v what_o upon_o examination_n they_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n 3._o if_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v influence_v in_o
be_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o not_o to_o invade_v his_o prerogative_n the_o duty_n be_v reciprocal_a and_o consequent_o one_o party_n can_v be_v bind_v but_o the_o other_o must_v be_v so_o too_o so_o that_o both_o or_o neither_o be_v free_a to_o use_v force_n in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v say_v the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n hinder_v the_o subject_n from_o use_v force_n the_o same_o reason_n then_o must_v hinder_v the_o magistrate_n too_o because_o man_n will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o use_v force_n against_o he_o but_o when_o they_o judge_v themselves_o strong_a enough_o and_o then_o they_o will_v whatever_o passive_a principle_n they_o may_v pretend_v as_o little_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o if_o he_o persecute_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o must_v suffer_v all_o he_o will_v inflict_v which_o make_v the_o argument_n to_o conclude_v much_o strong_a against_o the_o magistrate_n the_o abuse_n of_o who_o power_n produce_v great_a and_o more_o unavoidable_a mischief_n to_o mankind_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v 15._o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n though_o they_o be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o every_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n yet_o be_v accountable_a to_o one_o another_o for_o those_o thing_n only_o that_o relate_v to_o their_o mutual_a security_n and_o welfare_n because_o every_o man_n have_v so_o much_o interest_n and_o no_o more_o in_o another_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o government_n be_v no_o further_o concern_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o as_o the_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o different_a professor_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o more_o or_o less_o fit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o society_n for_o which_o reason_n those_o opinion_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a or_o practice_n that_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a as_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o government_n aught_o to_o be_v tolerate_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v evident_o more_o unjust_a than_o for_o the_o representative_a of_o the_o civil_a society_n as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o deprive_v any_o of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o society_n who_o have_v do_v nothing_o against_o its_o interest_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o to_o suppose_v a_o man_n right_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n aught_o to_o depend_v upon_o his_o think_v just_a as_o the_o magistrate_n do_v about_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o next_o or_o that_o a_o man_n property_n in_o this_o world_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o have_v right_a notion_n of_o thing_n no_o way_n relate_v to_o it_o which_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o that_o property_n be_v found_v in_o grace_n and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o dispute_n who_o be_v in_o the_o right_a opinion_n as_o who_o have_v grace_n every_o one_o alike_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o another_o chap._n ii_o that_o god_n have_v not_o either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o his_o positive_a law_n give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n in_o matter_n mere_o religious_a since_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o his_o power_n immediate_o from_o god_n but_o from_o the_o people_n and_o that_o god_n have_v not_o authorise_a or_o capacitate_v they_o to_o bestow_v a_o right_n on_o he_o to_o use_v force_n in_o case_n of_o mere_a religion_n it_o necessary_a follow_v that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o right_n but_o however_o to_o avoid_v all_o pretence_n of_o cavil_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o government_n both_o as_o to_o the_o form_n and_o to_o the_o person_n that_o administer_v it_o be_v immediate_o from_o god_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o such_o power_n 1._o which_o thus_o i_o prove_v a_o right_a in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v for_o not_o do_v as_o he_o command_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o subject_a to_o obey_v otherwise_o he_o will_v punish_v a_o man_n for_o not_o do_v what_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o make_v law_n or_o to_o command_v there_o can_v be_v no_o disobedience_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o disobedience_n there_o punish_v on_o pretence_n of_o disobey_v be_v manifest_o unjust_a but_o that_o god_n have_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o matter_n mere_o religious_a or_o what_o only_o concern_v himself_o and_o can_v alone_o prescribe_v what_o honour_n worship_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v pay_v he_o none_o i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o legislative_a nor_o coercive_a power_n which_o can_v subsist_v without_o legislation_n to_o which_o it_o necessary_o adhere_v and_o 2._o as_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o sole_a legislature_n so_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o right_a to_o interpret_v for_o other_o his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v on_o they_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o must_v understand_v it_o but_o he_o have_v endow_v man_n in_o general_a with_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n he_o have_v oblige_v they_o to_o follow_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o his_o law_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o degrade_n himself_o from_o the_o rank_n of_o rational_a creature_n and_o high_o offend_v god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o confirm_v by_o god_n positive_a law_n which_o frequent_o command_v we_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n seducer_n deceiver_n to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o what_o be_v right_a but_o how_o shall_v we_o judge_v and_o try_v not_o as_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n but_o as_o circumspect_a and_o wise_a that_o be_v by_o make_v use_n of_o those_o faculty_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil._n and_o he_o not_o only_o forbid_v we_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n but_o require_v we_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v before_o we_o act_n for_o he_o that_o act_n when_o he_o doubt_v be_v damn_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o reason_n be_v most_o evident_a why_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n when_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v ill_a because_o to_o judge_v a_o action_n to_o be_v ill_a or_o displease_v to_o god_n be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o that_o form_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o do_v it_o do_v know_o and_o willing_o displease_v god_n which_o be_v eternal_o and_o essential_o ill_a because_o no_o circumstance_n whatever_o can_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o judge_n will_v offend_v his_o creator_n or_o even_o to_o act_v when_o he_o doubt_n whether_o it_o will_v or_o no._n if_o then_o god_n reward_v and_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o they_o have_v follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o not_o the_o command_v of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o consequent_o the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o use_v force_n on_o a_o subject_a than_o a_o subject_n have_v on_o he_o for_o though_o he_o be_v his_o subject_n in_o other_o matter_n yet_o in_o those_o mere_o religious_a he_o be_v equal_o a_o sovereign_n equal_o independent_a as_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o because_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o judge_n on_o earth_n but_o every_o one_o be_v own_o reason_n every_o man_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n nay_o this_o sovereign_a right_n of_o judge_v every_o one_o for_o himself_o be_v so_o inherent_a that_o none_o can_v make_v this_o power_n over_o to_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o can_v claim_v a_o magisterial_a power_n in_o these_o matter_n but_o only_o a_o right_a to_o advise_v which_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o he_o and_o 3._o the_o difference_n between_o advice_n and_o command_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o advice_n one_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o person_n that_o give_v it_o but_o for_o the_o good_a that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o he_o to_o who_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v give_v be_v to_o judge_v of_o and_o consequent_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o good_a be_v not_o oblige_v to_o follow_v it_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a as_o well_o as_o unjust_a to_o use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o advice_n and_o by_o civil_a sanction_n oblige_v people_n to_o follow_v it_o
his_o faith_n destroy_v his_o love_n the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 1._o v._n 27._o tell_v we_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n but_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o bring_v affliction_n to_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o every_o one_o else_o that_o have_v a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o himself_o in_o a_o word_n if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n in_o the_o jew_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v forgive_v in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o next_o to_o impute_v the_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o devil_n not_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o to_o that_o of_o beelzebub_n can_v it_o be_v much_o less_o to_o impute_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o doctrine_n which_o destroy_v the_o end_n and_o intent_n of_o all_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o reveal_v religion_n and_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o dishonour_n god_n destroy_v conscience_n and_o confound_v mankind_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o provoke_v to_o the_o supreme_a protector_n of_o mankind_n than_o to_o pervert_v the_o knowledge_n he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o himself_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o their_o ruin_n and_o make_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n a_o pretence_n for_o destroy_v the_o welfare_n of_o human_a society_n beside_o 5._o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o that_o in_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n wherein_o we_o differ_v from_o brute_n we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o brutal_a force_n which_o be_v the_o high_a indignity_n that_o can_v be_v put_v not_o only_o on_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o upon_o religion_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o exalt_a reason_n and_o even_o upon_o the_o infinite_o rational_a nature_n of_o god_n which_o can_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n but_o in_o a_o rational_a service_n which_o must_v be_v free_a and_o spontaneous_a force_n have_v only_o a_o natural_a tendency_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o lawful_o be_v use_v to_o cure_v brutal_a passion_n where_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o in_o defiance_n to_o their_o reason_n where_o the_o inconvenience_n they_o suffer_v may_v overbalance_n the_o pleasure_n they_o receive_v in_o indulge_v their_o unlawful_a appetite_n but_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o understanding_n himself_o who_o by_o force_n attempt_n to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n if_o reason_n and_o argument_n can_v convince_v it_o be_v downright_a madness_n to_o think_v fine_n imprisonment_n or_o torture_n can_v 6._o the_o destroy_a man_n when_o the_o public_a good_a do_v not_o require_v it_o on_o pretence_n its_o please_a to_o god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o in_o effect_n imagine_v he_o delight_v in_o man_n blood_n and_o human_a sacrifice_n and_o as_o under_o the_o law_n none_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v but_o unspotted_a and_o clean_a beast_n so_o here_o none_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v but_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a man_n who_o prefer_v the_o honour_n and_o obey_v god_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n before_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n whatever_o even_o the_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o as_o the_o heathen_a priest_n among_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n introduce_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n not_o so_o much_o to_o gratify_v their_o god_n as_o their_o own_o ambition_n there_o be_v no_o way_n more_o effectual_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n who_o otherwise_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v mark_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n into_o perfect_a subjection_n so_o the_o christian_a priest_n who_o have_v give_v the_o world_n as_o little_a reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o neglect_v any_o mean_n that_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n promote_v the_o sacrifice_a the_o people_n life_n and_o property_n much_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o have_v obtain_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o sword_n make_v it_o fall_v with_o unparalleled_a cruelty_n on_o all_o that_o oppose_a or_o by_o a_o separation_n disown_v their_o usurp_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v the_o people_n on_o who_o they_o impose_v what_o doctrine_n they_o think_v fit_a absolute_a slave_n and_o magistrate_n no_o better_o than_o their_o executioner_n who_o dare_v not_o refuse_v to_o put_v their_o sentence_n in_o force_n 7._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o deprive_v people_n of_o their_o life_n or_o property_n do_v not_o offer_v they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n but_o as_o god_n vicar_n in_o spiritual_n execute_v his_o wrath_n on_o those_o that_o offend_v he_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v those_o offence_n that_o relate_v mere_o to_o god_n it_o can_v be_v presume_v but_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o qualify_v he_o for_o that_o employ_v which_o how_o can_v it_o be_v whilst_o he_o be_v incapable_a of_o know_v not_o only_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o action_n but_o all_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n in_o which_o alone_o consist_v by_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o offence_n against_o he_o nay_o to_o qualify_v the_o magistrate_n for_o this_o employ_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a he_o know_v the_o present_a but_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v discern_v the_o future_a thought_n of_o man_n and_o how_o god_n himself_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o for_o if_o god_n instead_o of_o punish_v will_v high_o reward_v those_o that_o come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o first_o hour_n it_o will_v be_v unjust_a in_o the_o substitute_n to_o punish_v where_o the_o principal_a for_o who_o sake_n alone_o he_o punish_v will_v not_o only_o pardon_v but_o high_o reward_v but_o 8._o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v so_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v oblige_v to_o punish_v not_o only_o those_o that_o will_v be_v but_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o innocent_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n otherwise_o he_o can_v punish_v no_o criminal_a at_o all_o because_o there_o be_v none_o but_o will_v pretend_v he_o have_v true_o repent_v of_o his_o crime_n and_o consequent_o be_v whole_o innocent_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o discerner_n of_o heart_n can_v punish_v none_o for_o fear_n of_o punish_v such_o a_o one_o have_v he_o not_o a_o right_a to_o punish_v those_o who_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n be_v entire_o innocent_a so_o vice_n versa_fw-la have_v he_o not_o a_o power_n to_o forgive_v those_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n be_v as_o nocent_a it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o forgive_v any_o one_o nay_o the_o magistrate_n may_v just_o be_v the_o occasion_n even_o of_o the_o death_n not_o only_o of_o those_o that_o have_v repent_v of_o their_o crime_n but_o even_o of_o innocent_a person_n as_o he_o be_v by_o force_v his_o innocent_a subject_n into_o the_o war_n where_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o number_n must_v be_v slay_v and_o in_o attacking_z ship_n and_o town_n of_o enemy_n where_o child_n that_o never_o offend_v either_o god_n or_o man_n be_v very_o often_o destroy_v and_o this_o without_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o magistrate_n because_o protect_v the_o commonwealth_n be_v his_o indispensible_a duty_n any_o lesser_a good_a in_o competition_n with_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o sub_fw-la ratione_fw-la mali._n all_o which_o sufficient_o show_v that_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o concern_v himself_o with_o as_o magistrate_n be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n and_o that_o he_o reward_v and_o punish_v his_o subject_n only_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n without_o respect_n to_o their_o be_v either_o innocent_a or_o nocent_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o when_o he_o punish_v any_o sin_n he_o do_v it_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o as_o it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o society_n and_o consequent_o he_o do_v not_o act_n as_o god_n deputy_n in_o punish_v offence_n mere_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o he_o but_o to_o make_v this_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a more_o plain_a 10._o the_o magistrate_n as_o he_o have_v no_o right_a so_o he_o pretend_v to_o none_o to_o punish_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v own_v by_o all_o to_o be_v notorious_a offence_n against_o god_n and_o where_o man_n can_v plead_v conscience_n to_o justify_v themselves_o such_o as_o pride_n ambition_n ingratitude_n breach_n of_o promise_n lie_v uncharitableness_n envy_n ill-nature_n covetousness_n prodigality_n
in_o deny_v more_o than_o one_o to_o be_v god_n and_o the_o protestant_n the_o papist_n for_o worship_v a_o bit_n of_o bread_n and_o the_o papist_n they_o for_o blaspheme_v their_o breaden_a god_n and_o the_o different_a party_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n not_o only_o the_o antitrinitarian_n but_o each_o the_o other_o since_o they_o condemn_v one_o the_o other_o of_o either_o idolatry_n or_o blasphemy_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gospel_n express_o require_v the_o christian_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o those_o without_o that_o they_o give_v offence_n neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o justify_v any_o violent_a mean_n against_o they_o that_o it_o require_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o allow_v they_o the_o narrow_a measure_n of_o justice_n but_o that_o charity_n liberality_n and_o bounty_n must_v be_v superad_v we_o must_v do_v good_a not_o only_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o all_o men._n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o method_n the_o gospel_n require_v christian_n shall_v observe_v to_o infidel_n it_o can_v be_v presume_v they_o ought_v to_o treat_v one_o another_o less_o kind_o for_o lesser_a difference_n and_o when_o the_o first_o christian_n differ_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a rite_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v about_o the_o controversy_n themselves_o as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o any_o uncharitableness_n unkindness_n variance_n and_o strife_n therefore_o he_o frequent_o recommend_v to_o they_o love_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o most_o passionate_a term_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n bear_v one_o another_o burden_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o can_v walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o vocation_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v but_o with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o bond_n of_o peace_n love_n and_o concord_n can_v be_v preserve_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n the_o apostle_n give_v that_o the_o strong_a shall_v bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o weak_a not_o judge_v the_o strong_a and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o judge_n his_o brother_n but_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o judgement_n but_o to_o god_n and_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n for_o what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v the_o servant_n of_o another_o to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o according_a to_o these_o direction_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v the_o gentile_a church_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o jewish_a for_o follow_v their_o superstition_n though_o it_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n make_v void_a the_o death_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o order_v the_o gentile_n to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o several_a thing_n rather_o than_o give_v a_o offence_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o way_n of_o manage_v controversy_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v the_o measure_n by_o which_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o or_o not_o ought_v to_o have_v form_v themselves_o and_o when_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v a_o infallible_a assistance_n think_v fit_a to_o treat_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o such_o a_o oblige_a method_n as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o maintain_v christian_a charity_n and_o to_o lead_v man_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n those_o who_o can_v pretend_v to_o such_o a_o direction_n but_o be_v as_o subject_a to_o be_v mistake_v as_o those_o they_o differ_v from_o ought_v not_o imperious_o to_o dictate_v much_o less_o urge_v the_o magistrate_n to_o force_v their_o dictate_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n who_o though_o weak_a they_o be_v to_o receive_v etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_n upon_o a_o ecclesiastical_a account_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o punish_v man_n because_o they_o be_v either_o schismatic_n heretic_n or_o infidel_n be_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n for_o which_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o because_o the_o church_n power_n whole_o consist_v in_o put_v man_n out_o of_o her_o communion_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_n those_o that_o be_v without_o and_o consequent_o can_v authorise_v the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v they_o ill_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v such_o a_o right_n upon_o his_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o the_o use_n of_o violence_n he_o make_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o carnal_a and_o reprobate_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n that_o persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o persecute_v be_v impossible_a because_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n meekness_n which_o be_v certain_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n which_o where_o it_o prevail_v destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v natural_o as_o impossible_a to_o love_v persecutor_n as_o persecution_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o retaliation_n make_v man_n hate_v those_o they_o ill_o use_v as_o much_o as_o those_o they_o be_v ill_o use_v by_o 5._o to_o evade_v the_o almost_o innumerable_a text_n that_o be_v level_v against_o persecution_n and_o show_v after_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o their_o sentiment_n from_o we_o it_o be_v say_v they_o concern_v private_a christian_n only_o but_o do_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o use_v contrary_a method_n when_o the_o magistrate_n require_v they_o but_o how_o can_v the_o magistrate_n by_o become_a subject_n to_o christ_n law_n have_v a_o right_a to_o oblige_v his_o subject_n to_o act_v direct_o against_o they_o no_o those_o gospel-rule_n be_v eternal_o obligatory_a as_o be_v build_v not_o only_o on_o the_o general_a good_a of_o mankind_n the_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n man_n owe_v one_o another_o but_o upon_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v rather_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o way_n instrumental_a in_o put_v any_o persecute_v law_n in_o execution_n which_o be_v null_n and_o void_a in_o themselves_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o that_o assist_v he_o in_o deprive_v any_o of_o their_o life_n or_o property_n on_o this_o account_n be_v as_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o robbery_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v serve_v man_n so_o for_o not_o commit_v perjury_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n that_o be_v both_o against_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man._n beside_o this_o supposition_n render_v the_o christian_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o heathen_n most_o vile_a and_o scandalous_a hypocrite_n in_o be_v kind_n and_o oblige_v to_o they_o only_o when_o they_o can_v not_o well_o help_v it_o but_o no_o soon_o be_v their_o circumstance_n change_v but_o the_o disguise_n be_v to_o be_v throw_v off_o and_o all_o their_o former_a most_o endear_n rule_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o the_o poor_a pagan_n who_o before_o be_v to_o be_v use_v so_o tender_o be_v to_o be_v strip_v not_o only_o of_o their_o property_n but_o even_o of_o their_o life_n chap._n ii_o argument_n from_o humane_a authority_n answer_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o christian_n ever_o since_o they_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n have_v not_o only_o punish_v blasphemer_n and_o common_a swearer_n but_o the_o erroneous_a whether_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o discipline_n 1._o if_o by_o blasphemer_n they_o mean_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o formal_a blasphemy_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o society_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o well_o as_o atheist_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n too_o which_o also_o require_v that_o common_a swearer_n who_o can_v no_o more_o pretend_v conscience_n than_o blasphemer_n or_o atheist_n shall_v be_v restrain_v by_o penalty_n because_o otherwise_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o humane_a society_n will_v have_v but_o small_a force_n on_o those_o who_o by_o frequent_a swear_n run_v the_o risk_a of_o break_v they_o daily_o and_o beside_o give_v
the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o no_o other_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o right_o can_v the_o magistrate_n have_v to_o make_v they_o do_v otherwise_o by_o the_o awe_v and_o bribe_n of_o this_o world_n to_o pretend_v to_o establish_v a_o church_n by_o penal_a law_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a society_n that_o meet_v for_o no_o other_o intent_n than_o to_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will._n if_o man_n therefore_o associate_v not_o for_o this_o consideration_n but_o because_o of_o penal_a law_n they_o may_v be_v call_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o a_o church_n 4._o if_o worldly_a awe_v and_o bribe_n be_v away_o there_o can_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o prejudice_n man_n in_o their_o grand_a choice_n education_n will_v not_o then_o make_v half_a so_o deep_a a_o impression_n for_o it_o be_v persecution_n that_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o people_n of_o different_a persuasion_n contract_v so_o early_o and_o so_o great_a a_o aversion_n one_o for_o the_o other_o that_o it_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n part_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o make_v it_o so_o very_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hear_v with_o tolerable_a patience_n what_o their_o adversary_n have_v to_o offer_v but_o be_v they_o teach_v to_o have_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o be_v due_a from_o different_a sect_n to_o each_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o be_v frighten_v from_o be_v hearty_o advise_v to_o examine_v and_o impartial_o consider_v other_o persuasion_n beside_o those_o they_o be_v breed_v in_o education_n can_v create_v little_a or_o no_o prejudice_n in_o man_n mind_n who_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o in_o a_o error_n as_o what_o think_v man_n do_v not_o discover_v some_o imbibe_v in_o their_o green_a year_n will_v then_o as_o free_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o do_v now_o their_o diet_n or_o physic_n when_o they_o judge_v the_o health_n of_o their_o body_n require_v it_o nor_o will_v other_o then_o be_v more_o disturb_v or_o concern_v at_o the_o one_o than_o at_o the_o other_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v more_o reason_n to_o change_v in_o one_o case_n than_o in_o the_o other_o since_o the_o profess_v a_o opinion_n one_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v he_o good_a that_o that_o alone_o turn_v it_o to_o rank_a poison_n which_o be_v otherwise_o in_o physic_n where_o a_o man_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o medicine_n he_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o force_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cause_v people_n impartial_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o can_v only_o serve_v either_o to_o prejudice_v they_o as_o they_o become_v capable_a of_o judge_v or_o else_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v make_v they_o act_v against_o their_o judgement_n 5._o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n himself_o his_o use_v force_n will_v contribute_v to_o make_v other_o to_o be_v so_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o consider_v since_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n so_o to_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n that_o make_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n that_o the_o magistrate_n use_v force_n when_o he_o be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n tend_v to_o make_v other_o profess_v it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v by_o make_v they_o impartial_o consider_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v since_o we_o find_v it_o as_o effectual_a to_o make_v they_o embrace_v a_o false_a as_o a_o true_a religion_n else_o the_o french_a tyrant_n have_v not_o force_v above_o a_o million_o to_o turn_v papist_n and_o therefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o number_n of_o the_o erroneous_a magistrate_n be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o so_o much_o more_o it_o cause_v the_o profession_n of_o false_a persuasion_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v what_o may_v by_o what_o have_v already_o happen_v not_o only_o before_o but_o since_o christ_n come_n it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o all_o magistrate_n may_v use_v force_n to_o promote_v error_n as_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o propagate_v truth_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v persecution_n make_v man_n impartial_o consider_v because_o they_o general_o look_v on_o it_o as_o so_o just_a a_o prejudice_n against_o any_o religion_n that_o use_v it_o that_o it_o tempt_v they_o without_o any_o further_a look_v into_o it_o to_o conclude_v it_o want_v reason_n to_o support_v itself_o and_o therefore_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o have_v recourse_n to_o brutal_a force_n to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o way_n that_o persecutor_n take_v to_o make_v man_n hate_v their_o person_n be_v a_o very_a improper_a way_n to_o take_v off_o the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v to_o their_o opinion_n and_o as_o suffer_v prejudices_fw-la they_o against_o the_o religion_n that_o cause_v it_o so_o it_o strange_o endear_v to_o they_o the_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o think_v nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v cause_v they_o to_o adhere_v so_o firm_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v the_o persecution_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o convince_v they_o they_o have_v suffer_v for_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o 7._o as_o to_o the_o spectator_n it_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o horror_n and_o indignation_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o man_n as_o go_v about_o to_o ruin_v innocent_a person_n for_o serve_a god_n according_a to_o conscience_n and_o make_v they_o judge_n as_o favourable_o of_o the_o sufferer_n for_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a compassion_n that_o follow_v all_o in_o misery_n which_o create_v likeness_n of_o affection_n and_o this_o very_a often_o likeness_n of_o persuasion_n especial_o when_o they_o suppose_v the_o sufferer_n will_v not_o expose_v themselves_o to_o those_o punishment_n which_o by_o a_o compliance_n they_o may_v easy_o avoid_v be_v they_o not_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o quaker_n to_o give_v no_o other_o instance_n have_v not_o be_v so_o very_o numerous_a have_v not_o the_o suffering_n which_o they_o general_o bear_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a resolution_n create_v in_o many_o of_o the_o bystander_n not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o the_o church_n that_o persecute_v they_o but_o a_o very_a great_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n of_o their_o opinion_n 8._o that_o violent_a and_o rough_a method_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o make_v prejudice_v person_n impartial_o consider_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o contrary_a method_n that_o all_o man_n take_v when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v and_o they_o be_v but_o little_o acquaint_v with_o mankind_n who_o do_v not_o know_v how_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n by_o all_o insinuate_a way_n to_o ingratiate_v himself_o with_o those_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o falseness_n of_o a_o opinion_n they_o have_v a_o long_a time_n imbibe_v nay_o i_o desire_v no_o body_n to_o go_v further_o than_o his_o own_o breast_n for_o a_o experiment_n whether_o ever_o violence_n gain_v any_o thing_n on_o his_o opinion_n or_o whether_o argument_n manage_v but_o with_o heat_n do_v not_o lose_v somewhat_o of_o their_o efficacy_n and_o have_v not_o make_v he_o even_o the_o more_o obstinate_a in_o his_o opinion_n so_o much_o concern_v be_v human_a nature_n to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o that_o part_n wherein_o lie_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n which_o can_v it_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o force_n will_v make_v he_o but_o very_o little_a different_a from_o a_o beast_n the_o proper_a mean_n to_o maintain_v any_o thing_n be_v those_o that_o first_o make_v it_o grow_v if_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n have_v owe_v its_o first_o increase_n and_o progress_n to_o force_n that_o have_v be_v still_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o support_v it_o but_o since_o it_o be_v nurse_v and_o grow_v up_o by_o fair_a mean_n they_o must_v be_v the_o fit_a to_o preserve_v it_o the_o apostle_n in_o conquer_a the_o almost_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o all_o those_o endear_n method_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o force_v and_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a converter_n of_o the_o gentile_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o and_o he_o tell_v timothy_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o must_v be_v gentle_a to_o all_o man_n
be_v rule_v by_o demetrius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o silversmith_n in_o punish_v paul_n who_o preach_v spoil_v their_o trade_n 8._o do_v the_o clergy_n but_o consider_v the_o ill_a effect_n that_o persecution_n have_v all_o along_o have_v on_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n there_o never_o be_v a_o council_n but_o what_o be_v a_o imperial_a machine_n either_o for_o or_o against_o a_o trinity_n or_o worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o seem_v good_a not_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o those_o emperor_n and_o when_o the_o priest_n by_o their_o cunning_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n have_v by_o degree_n advance_v their_o own_o power_n above_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o their_o head_n have_v the_o summon_n of_o council_n then_o they_o be_v mere_a papal_a engine_n and_o in_o their_o synod_n vote_v and_o act_v as_o they_o be_v influence_v from_o the_o vatican_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o remote_a the_o english_a history_n afford_v we_o fresh_a example_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n the_o 8_o edward_n the_o 6_o mary_n and_o elizabeth_n how_o easy_o and_o how_o smooth_o do_v the_o clergy_n then_o change_v their_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n nay_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o those_o king_n and_o queen_n but_o we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o back_o for_o example_n let_v we_o but_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o we_o can_v but_o see_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o much_o as_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n be_v every_o where_o such_o as_o the_o term_n of_o preferment_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o each_o country_n require_v of_o they_o be_v they_o not_o in_o italy_n and_o in_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o spain_n zealous_a and_o thorough_a roman-catholic_n in_o france_n catholic_n though_o with_o reserve_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n and_o the_o regality_n or_o rather_o be_v they_o not_o whatever_o that_o absolute_a king_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v as_o we_o see_v by_o their_o act_n with_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o be_v they_o not_o in_o one_o half_a of_o germany_n papist_n in_o the_o other_o protestant_n in_o denmark_n and_o sweedland_n lutheran_n in_o the_o alps_n calvinist_n &_o c._n this_o be_v impossible_a shall_v so_o universal_o happen_v if_o interest_n have_v not_o too_o great_a a_o influence_n over_o they_o which_o make_v they_o very_o unfit_a instrument_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n or_o if_o find_v sincere_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v fit_a guide_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o trust_v to_o guide_v themselves_o but_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v oblige_v to_o assert_v such_o opinion_n or_o else_o to_o starve_v which_o certain_o destroy_v all_o manner_n of_o argument_n from_o their_o authority_n since_o interest_v person_n be_v of_o no_o credit_n and_o therefore_o be_v every_o where_o repel_v from_o give_v their_o testimony_n but_o 9_o the_o clergy_n have_v a_o quite_o different_a design_n by_o such_o imposition_n viz._n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o what_o they_o so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o whether_o con_n or_o transubstantiation_n or_o any_o other_o such_o point_n which_o have_v have_v the_o design_a effect_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o laity_n have_v be_v in_o pay_v a_o servile_a and_o blind_a deference_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o as_o mr._n hales_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o schism_n speak_v of_o the_o laity_n even_o of_o the_o second_o century_n express_v it_o through_o sloth_n and_o blind_a obedience_n they_o examine_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v teach_v but_o like_o beast_n of_o burden_n patient_o couch_v down_o and_o indifferent_o undergo_v whatever_o their_o superior_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o do_v the_o clergy_n of_o each_o sect_n object_n to_o the_o laity_n of_o those_o sect_n they_o differ_v with_o and_o though_o the_o laity_n be_v so_o much_o more_o numerous_a and_o it_o be_v their_o business_n as_o well_o as_o the_o clergy_n to_o examine_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o practice_v yet_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o error_n schism_n heresy_n that_o have_v confound_v the_o christian_a world_n have_v have_v their_o origin_n and_o chief_a support_n from_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o the_o laity_n have_v be_v with_o much_o ado_n pervert_v and_o as_o they_o have_v hold_v out_o long_a against_o false_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n so_o they_o have_v be_v always_o the_o first_o and_o most_o forward_o for_o a_o reformation_n 10._o it_o be_v to_o the_o clergy_n be_v every_o where_o oblige_v to_o defend_v the_o establish_a opinion_n we_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v that_o in_o the_o write_n of_o controversial_a point_n the_o word_n there_o use_v be_v much_o more_o obscure_a uncertain_a and_o undetermined_a than_o they_o be_v even_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o talk_v eternal_o in_o oppose_v or_o defend_v any_o proposition_n though_o never_o so_o absurd_a for_o man_n may_v wrangle_v perpetual_o if_o they_o affect_v a_o obscurity_n and_o a_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o word_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o whole_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n be_v only_o dispute_v about_o word_n there_o a_o man_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o several_a word_n without_o idea_n annex_v to_o they_o and_o nothing_o so_o common_a as_o distinction_n without_o any_o difference_n but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o intolerable_a if_o this_o sort_n of_o jargon_n have_v be_v confine_v to_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o have_v not_o obscure_v the_o material_a truth_n of_o law_n and_o religion_n nor_o invade_v the_o concernment_n of_o human_a life_n and_o society_n bring_v confusion_n disorder_n and_o uncertainty_n into_o all_o affair_n of_o moment_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o on_o this_o point_n only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v imposition_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o excommunication_n for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o first_o bring_v in_o uncharitableness_n envy_n strife_n feud_n faction_n among_o christian_n and_o after_o that_o persecution_n not_o only_o heighten_v they_o but_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o all_o other_o wickedness_n by_o force_v man_n to_o break_v the_o tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o immorality_n must_v abound_v whilst_o imposition_n prevail_v which_o eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o best_a make_v man_n profess_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o form_n whatever_o opinion_n they_o find_v necessary_a for_o their_o worldly_a convenience_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o execrableness_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o protestant_n who_o principle_n it_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o chap._n iu._n that_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n oblige_v the_o magistrate_n to_o hinder_v different_a profession_n of_o religion_n examine_v 1._o and_o now_o i_o be_o at_o leisure_n to_o examine_v the_o only_a remain_a pretence_n for_o the_o magistrate_n use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n that_o without_o this_o power_n he_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v tumult_n disturbance_n commotion_n war_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o a_o toleration_n not_o to_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v chap._n 1._o §_o 22._o or_o chapter_n the_o four_o of_o the_o horrible_a mischief_n of_o persecution_n nor_o to_o mention_v that_o what_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v can_v no_o wise_a contribute_v to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o mankind_n i_o say_v if_o the_o profess_v of_o any_o religion_n that_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n be_v different_a from_o that_o establish_v by_o law_n will_v cause_v these_o dismal_a effect_n than_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n in_o popish_a country_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a will_v produce_v they_o but_o if_o persecutor_n can_v affirm_v this_o it_o be_v false_a to_o say_v that_o any_o religion_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o public_a tend_v to_o create_v disturbance_n therefore_o if_o they_o have_v any_o value_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o
a_o pernicious_a example_n to_o other_o but_o if_o man_n out_o of_o conscience_n worship_v false_a god_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o what_o be_v call_v material_a blasphemy_n the_o reason_n for_o punish_v they_o whole_o cease_v for_o force_n can_v convince_v but_o only_o make_v they_o false_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o will_v never_o be_v true_a to_o the_o public_a therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o right_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o honour_v those_o false_a god_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o punish_v those_o who_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o worship_v they_o do_v dishonour_n they_o by_o blasphemy_n perjury_n or_o any_o other_o manifest_a contempt_n nay_o god_n himself_o will_v punish_v such_o contempt_n as_o if_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o consequent_o will_v punish_v the_o magistrate_n for_o hinder_v they_o from_o worship_v those_o false_a god_n when_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a one_o 2._o but_o as_o to_o christian_a magistrate_n punish_v for_o matter_n wherein_o conscientious_a person_n may_v and_o do_v differ_v it_o show_v their_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o mere_a human_a authority_n i_o may_v add_v contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n who_o we_o do_v not_o find_v but_o be_v all_o unanimous_a in_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v they_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o those_o frequent_a address_n they_o make_v to_o the_o heathen_a for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n as_o long_o as_o they_o reject_v what_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o urge_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o but_o a_o shameless_a beg_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n which_o the_o magistrate_n the_o proper_a judge_n have_v determine_v against_o they_o and_o to_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o be_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o serve_v they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n can_v not_o but_o encourage_v the_o heathen_a in_o their_o persecution_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o such_o thought_n that_o even_o when_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n the_o very_a heathen_a worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o sarum_n observe_v in_o his_o most_o excellent_a preface_n to_o lactantius_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v for_o a_o whole_a age_n together_o but_o the_o heathen_n continue_v to_o be_v in_o the_o chief_a employment_n of_o the_o empire_n 3._o compulsion_n be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o though_o the_o difference_n among_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n and_o wide_a than_o those_o among_o the_o christian_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o use_v force_n to_o compel_v one_o another_o socrates_n its_o true_a be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o religion_n but_o be_v not_o the_o people_n though_o still_o averse_a to_o his_o principle_n as_o soon_o as_o their_o fury_n be_v abate_v sensible_a of_o the_o crime_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o of_o the_o injury_n do_v he_o therefore_o to_o make_v he_o what_o amends_o they_o can_v they_o erect_v a_o statue_n to_o his_o memory_n and_o most_o of_o those_o that_o set_v they_o on_o be_v so_o abhor_v that_o this_o together_o with_o their_o own_o remorse_n make_v they_o become_v their_o own_o executioner_n but_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v about_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v better_a know_v than_o from_o the_o sentiment_n of_o gallio_n the_o town-clerk_n of_o ephesus_n agrippa_z and_o felix_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o so_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o heathen_n that_o we_o find_v themistius_n and_o other_o philosopher_n use_v all_o their_o eloquence_n to_o persuade_v the_o christian_a emperor_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o different_a sect_n of_o christian_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o bishop_n be_v urge_v they_o to_o persecute_v their_o brethren_n if_o the_o heathen_n will_v have_v persecute_v any_o it_o will_v have_v be_v the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o religion_n they_o most_o dislike_v yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o be_v so_o use_v by_o the_o various_a master_n they_o be_v under_o from_o their_o first_o be_v subject_n unto_o foreigner_n until_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o being_n no_o long_o a_o nation_n but_o by_o the_o mad_a antiochus_n who_o at_o last_o grievous_o lament_v that_o crime_n nay_o nero_n himself_o the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n dare_v not_o do_v it_o barefaced_a but_o pretend_v they_o be_v incendiary_n and_o set_v rome_n on_o fire_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v their_o be_v so_o represent_v that_o be_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o suffering_n for_o trajan_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o disobey_v no_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n but_o those_o that_o forbid_v their_o worship_n straight_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o inquire_v after_o and_o adrian_n under_o severe_a penalty_n forbid_v any_o to_o accuse_v they_o the_o same_o do_v antoninus_n pius_n and_o aurelius_n go_v further_o and_o make_v it_o death_n to_o inform_v against_o they_o nay_o commodus_n himself_o as_o great_a a_o tyrant_n as_o he_o be_v otherwise_o enact_v the_o same_o most_o just_a law_n so_o that_o it_o be_v then_o no_o less_o than_o a_o capital_a crime_n to_o cause_v any_o to_o be_v molest_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n though_o suppose_v never_o so_o false_a 4._o nay_o i_o think_v i_o may_v add_v that_o persecutor_n act_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n but_o their_o own_o sentiment_n for_o ask_v any_o of_o they_o why_o the_o swift_a and_o sudden_a increase_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n for_o its_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v for_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n they_o straightway_o answer_v that_o maugre_o its_o swift_a progress_n it_o be_v little_a less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o falsehood_n that_o it_o have_v the_o character_n of_o persecution_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o make_v use_v of_o violence_n as_o a_o lawful_a mean_n for_o its_o promotion_n which_o answer_v of_o they_o show_v that_o themselves_o believe_v force_v a_o unlawful_a mean_n of_o promote_a religion_n for_o how_o else_o can_v that_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o any_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v a_o mean_v ordain_v by_o god_n to_o promote_v the_o true_a and_o therefore_o the_o mahometan_n may_v just_o say_v how_o can_v the_o christian_n condemn_v they_o for_o use_v that_o method_n which_o themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o get_v power_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o mahometan_n can_v do_v it_o no_o soon_o practise_v with_o far_o great_a cruelty_n even_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o thus_o they_o give_v occasion_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o triumph_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confident_o by_o how_o much_o less_o christian_n suffer_v under_o they_o for_o religion_n than_o they_o do_v under_o one_o another_o 5._o nay_o i_o may_v go_v further_o and_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o party_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o have_v ever_o since_o persecution_n have_v be_v in_o use_n express_o condemn_v it_o and_o have_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o though_o the_o orthodox_n make_v use_v of_o persecution_n as_o well_o as_o the_o arian_n yet_o they_o not_o only_o condemn_v it_o but_o think_v it_o so_o very_o odious_a that_o they_o suppose_v it_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o they_o can_v brand_v their_o adversary_n with_o and_o athanasius_n in_o epist._n ad_fw-la solit._n say_v persecution_n alone_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n that_o they_o the_o arian_n have_v neither_o piety_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o add_v he_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o piety_n not_o to_o force_v any_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o come_v with_o violent_a mean_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o alexandria_n condemn_v all_o force_n in_o religion_n and_o reproach_n the_o arian_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o very_o forgetful_a as_o not_o to_o mind_v that_o the_o nicene_n father_n over-persuade_v constantine_n contrary_a to_o his_o faith_n