excuse_n or_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o separation_n this_o thing_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o however_o it_o may_v restrain_v man_n from_o something_o else_o it_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o that_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o that_o these_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o comply_v with_o and_o encourage_v the_o people_n in_o a_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a schism_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o unwarrantable_a by_o herd_v they_o into_o conventicle_n for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n and_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o authority_n whereas_o have_v they_o any_o true_a sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o dispossess_v the_o people_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o fair_a and_o candid_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o she_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o they_o themselves_o be_v convince_v in_o conscience_n be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a for_o if_o they_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o setlement_n of_o the_o nation_n before_o their_o own_o selfish_a end_n instead_o of_o keep_v up_o division_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v by_o their_o conventicle_n they_o will_v be_v as_o zealous_a as_o he_o that_o be_v most_o so_o to_o remove_v the_o ground_n of_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o to_o reunite_v their_o party_n to_o the_o church_n by_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o orderly_a and_o peaceable_a conformity_n which_o if_o it_o be_v innocent_a as_o themselves_o believe_v it_o be_v it_o must_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v any_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o church_n and_o obedient_a to_o lawful_a authority_n sect._n 6._o second_o how_o come_v the_o people_n to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o who_o be_v they_o betray_v and_o affright_v into_o their_o mistake_n who_o buzz_v their_o scruple_n and_o jealousy_n into_o their_o head_n and_o who_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o ceremony_n popish_a superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a what_o other_o inducement_n have_v they_o to_o dislike_v the_o church_n constitution_n but_o mere_o the_o example_n of_o their_o leader_n their_o practice_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o people_n opinion_n and_o when_o their_o flock_n straggle_v from_o our_o church_n it_o be_v only_a to_o follow_v their_o pastor_n they_o first_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o a_o error_n and_o then_o this_o must_v be_v a_o apology_n for_o themselves_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o thus_o whilst_o they_o dance_v in_o a_o circle_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o preacher_n follow_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n follow_v their_o preacher_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o godly_a minister_n who_o dare_v not_o conform_v for_o fear_n of_o scandalize_a the_o weak_a brethren_n will_v but_o venture_v to_o do_v it_o the_o weak_a brethren_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v scandalize_v so_o that_o these_o man_n first_o lie_v the_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o people_n way_n and_o then_o because_o it_o scare_n silly_a and_o timorous_a soul_n this_o serve_v for_o a_o pretence_n to_o startle_v &_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o themselves_o and_o withal_o to_o increase_v the_o childish_a fear_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o their_o own_o seem_n &_o counterfeit_a horror_n now_o with_o what_o a_o shameless_a brow_n do_v these_o man_n prevaricate_v with_o public_a authority_n they_o have_v deceive_v the_o people_n into_o a_o public_a error_n and_o then_o will_v not_o undeceive_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o their_o displeasure_n and_o when_o they_o have_v possess_v their_o mind_n with_o unworthy_a scruple_n and_o jealousy_n against_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n then_o must_v this_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n be_v make_v the_o formal_a excuse_n of_o their_o own_o disobedience_n and_o by_o this_o artifice_n they_o prostitute_v the_o reverence_n of_o all_o government_n to_o the_o fortuitous_a humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o their_o own_o disciple_n and_o so_o by_o make_v the_o public_a law_n submit_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o who_o they_o govern_v they_o put_v it_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o enact_v or_o repeal_v they_o as_o they_o please_v and_o no_o law_n shall_v have_v any_o force_n to_o bind_v the_o subject_a without_o their_o approbation_n because_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o power_n when_o they_o please_v to_o work_v prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o people_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o their_o be_v offend_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o their_o obligation_n it_o be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o law_n only_o as_o themselves_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o thus_o they_o first_o govern_v the_o common_a people_n &_o then_o sooth_n and_o flatter_v their_o pride_n by_o inveigle_v they_o into_o a_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o by_o this_o stratagem_n they_o govern_v all_o but_o however_o from_o whosoever_o these_o good_a people_n learn_v their_o idle_a &_o imaginary_a scruple_n the_o offence_n they_o have_v take_v against_o the_o custom_n and_o prescription_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o just_a and_o reasonable_a or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o the_o former_a than_o they_o have_v rational_a ground_n for_o their_o dislike_n &_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o have_v than_o these_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o comply_v with_o they_o even_o against_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n aught_o to_o plead_v those_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_o scandal_n to_o justify_v their_o disobedience_n because_o they_o must_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o of_o scandal_n in_o that_o they_o be_v suppose_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v and_o patronize_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o that_o but_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o their_o dislike_n be_v found_v that_o be_v to_o be_v plead_v in_o their_o defence_n and_o justification_n but_o if_o the_o latter_a then_o be_v their_o dislike_n groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o undeceive_v they_o by_o discover_v their_o mistake_n than_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o sinful_a disobedience_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v groundless_a by_o compliance_n with_o they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v fair_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o all_o danger_n of_o any_o criminal_a offence_n for_o however_o scandal_n groundless_o take_v and_o so_o it_o be_v always_o because_o there_o be_v never_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v possible_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o my_o liberty_n till_o i_o have_v inform_v the_o person_n of_o his_o error_n and_o disavow_v those_o ill_a consequence_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o my_o example_n and_o when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v i_o have_v prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n which_o always_o suppose_v error_n weakness_n or_o mistake_v of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o error_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o weakness_n remove_v so_o be_v the_o scandal_n too_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v still_o pretend_v to_o be_v scandalize_v it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v weak_a but_o peevish_a and_o if_o after_o this_o i_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o that_o against_o the_o command_n of_o my_o lawful_a superior_n i_o shall_v disobey_v authority_n only_o because_o my_o neighbour_n be_v unreasonable_a i._n e._n for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o this_o further_a discover_v how_o shameless_o these_o man_n shuffle_v and_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o world_n in_o that_o when_o most_o of_o they_o have_v declare_v in_o their_o private_a discourse_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o imagine_v our_o ceremony_n unlawful_a or_o antichristian_a and_o when_o their_o grandee_n and_o representative_n have_v profess_v to_o public_a authority_n in_o solemn_a conference_n that_o they_o scruple_n not_o these_o thing_n upon_o their_o own_o account_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n to_o some_o well-meaning_a people_n that_o be_v unhappy_o possess_v with_o some_o odd_a and_o groundless_a jealousy_n against_o they_o for_o if_o so_o then_o why_o be_v not_o these_o good_a people_n that_o follow_v they_o better_o inform_v why_o do_v they_o not_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o disabuse_v they_o out_o of_o their_o false_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n why_o do_v they_o connive_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o presumption_n or_o at_o least_o why_o do_v they_o not_o more_o smart_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o rashness_n to_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o their_o neighbour_n to_o condemn_v and_o revile_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o to_o scorn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n why_o do_v they_o not_o chide_v they_o out_o of_o their_o malapert_v peevish_a and_o impatient_a confidence_n and_o by_o
a_o discourse_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o external_n religion_n be_v assert_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o toleration_n be_v represent_v and_o all_o pretence_n plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v full_o answer_v the_o three_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o saint_n to_o paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o can_v imagine_v any_o thing_n that_o our_o dissent_v zealot_n will_v be_v able_a to_o object_v against_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n unless_o perhaps_o in_o some_o place_n the_o vehemence_n and_o severity_n of_o its_o style_n for_o cavil_v i_o know_v they_o must_v and_o if_o they_o can_v raise_v no_o tolerable_a exception_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o the_o author_n be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o tame_a and_o soft_o humour_n and_o so_o cold_a a_o complexion_n that_o he_o think_v himself_o scarce_o capable_a of_o hot_a and_o passionate_a impression_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v sometime_o twist_v invective_n with_o his_o argument_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o temper_v but_o from_o choice_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o tart_a and_o upbraid_v expression_n they_o be_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o anger_n or_o passion_n but_o of_o the_o just_a and_o pious_a resentment_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n who_o know_v upon_o what_o sober_a ground_n and_o principle_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n stand_v and_o how_o that_o its_o form_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o countenance_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o establish_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n whether_o he_o can_v so_o perfect_o charm_n and_o stupefy_v his_o passion_n as_o not_o to_o be_v chafe_v into_o some_o heat_n &_o briskness_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n so_o right_o constitute_v and_o so_o due_o authorise_v shall_v be_v so_o savage_o worry_v by_o a_o wild_a and_o fanatique_a rabble_n that_o this_o church_n so_o sober_o model_v so_o warrantable_o reform_v and_o so_o handsome_o settle_v shall_v have_v be_v so_o perpetual_o beleaguer_v and_o be_v yet_o not_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o be_v rifle_v if_o not_o utter_o demolish_a by_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v be_v so_o woeful_o discompose_v upon_o such_o slender_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o shameful_o baffle_v that_o both_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v so_o lamentable_o embroil_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o a_o few_o peevish_a ignorant_a and_o malepert_a preacher_n and_o last_o that_o these_o brainsick_a people_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o some_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n grow_v to_o that_o power_n and_o confidence_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o use_v their_o own_o language_n to_o etc._n shut_v the_o heaven_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rain_v i._n e._n to_o restrain_v the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n and_o state_n from_o their_o wont_a influence_n and_o to_o have_v power_n over_o the_o water_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o blood_n i._n e._n to_o turn_v the_o still_a people_n of_o a_o state_n or_o nation_n into_o war_n and_o blood_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o plain_a english_a to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o authority_n to_o instigate_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o rebellion_n and_o once_o more_o involve_v the_o kingdom_n in_o blood_n and_o confusion_n let_v the_o reader_n consider_v all_o this_o as_o thorough_o and_o serious_o as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o then_o be_v a_o stoic_a if_o he_o can_v but_o beside_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n of_o true_a religion_n tell_v i_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o be_v provoke_v to_o scorn_v and_o indignation_n against_o such_o proud_a ignorant_a and_o supercilious_a hypocrite_n who_o though_o they_o utter_o defeat_v all_o the_o main_a design_n of_o religion_n yet_o boast_v themselves_o its_o only_a friend_n and_o patron_n signalise_v their_o party_n by_o distinctive_a title_n and_o character_n of_o godliness_n and_o brand_v all_o other_o howsoever_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a with_o bad_a name_n and_o worse_a suspicion_n who_o i_o say_v that_o love_v and_o adore_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v forbear_v to_o be_v sharp_a and_o severe_a to_o such_o thick_a and_o fulsome_a abuse_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n can_v so_o much_o expose_v or_o traduce_v true_a piety_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o hypocrisy_n because_o whilst_o folly_n and_o phantastry_n appear_v in_o the_o vizour_n of_o holiness_n it_o make_v that_o seem_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o itself_o and_o hence_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o true_a goodness_n have_v always_o be_v the_o severe_a satirist_n upon_o false_a godliness_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n scarce_o seem_v more_o concern_v to_o plant_v and_o propagate_v christianity_n than_o to_o explode_v the_o pharisaic_a hypocrisy_n i._n e._n religious_a pride_n and_o insolence_n i_o know_v but_o one_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o zeal_n or_o a_o high_a indignation_n be_v just_a and_o warrantable_a and_o that_o be_v when_o it_o vent_v itself_o against_o the_o arrogance_n of_o haughty_a peevish_a and_o sullen_a religionist_n that_o under_o high_a pretence_n to_o godliness_n supplant_v all_o principle_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a nature_n that_o strip_v religion_n of_o its_o outside_n to_o make_v it_o a_o cover_n for_o spite_n and_o malice_n that_o adorn_v their_o peevishness_n with_o the_o mask_n of_o piety_n and_o shroud_v their_o ill_a nature_n under_o the_o demure_a pretence_n of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o stroke_n and_o applaud_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_a darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o with_o a_o scornful_a pride_n disdain_v all_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o rout_n of_o worthless_a and_o unregenerate_a reprobate_n thus_o the_o only_a hot_a fit_n of_o zeal_n we_o find_v our_o saviour_n in_o be_v kindle_v by_o a_o indignation_n against_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o though_o they_o bear_v a_o blind_a and_o superstitious_a reverence_n towards_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o their_o own_o worship_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o outward_a court_n the_o place_n where_o the_o gentile_n and_o proselyte_n worship_v that_o be_v so_o unclean_a &_o unhallowed_a that_o they_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v profane_v by_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o exchange_n of_o usury_n now_o this_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o impudent_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n provoke_v the_o mild_a spirit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o impatience_n and_o indignation_n as_o make_v he_o with_o a_o seem_a fury_n and_o transport_v of_o passion_n whip_v the_o tradesman_n thence_o and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n so_o hateful_a be_v all_o proud_a testy_a and_o factious_a zeal_n to_o a_o love_a and_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v more_o odious_a or_o mischievous_a than_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n peevishness_n and_o animosity_n adopt_v into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o divide_v religion_n into_o faction_n and_o party_n engender_v a_o sullen_a and_o unsociable_a niceness_n towards_o all_o that_o herd_n not_o with_o themselves_o breed_v nothing_o but_o rancour_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o amity_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o people_n separate_a and_o rendezvouz_n themselves_o into_o distinct_a sect_n and_o party_n they_o always_o confine_v all_o their_o kind_a influence_n to_o their_o own_o faction_n and_o look_v with_o a_o scornful_a and_o malignant_a aspect_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n become_v enemy_n and_o outlaw_n to_o humane_a society_n and_o shatter_v in_o piece_n that_o natural_a peace_n and_o common_a love_n that_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o mind_n like_o the_o savage_a american_n be_v as_o contract_v as_o their_o herd_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o fold_n of_o their_o church_n be_v without_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o charity_n this_o be_v entire_o swallow_v up_o within_o their_o own_o combination_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o commiserate_v or_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o the_o unregenerate_a as_o the_o poet_n describe_v the_o jewish_a bigot_n non_fw
punish_v those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o propagate_v irreligious_a principle_n as_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n to_o the_o state_n but_o my_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n against_o the_o presumptuous_a lavishness_n of_o these_o redoubt_a wight_n swell_v this_o preface_n to_o too_o large_a and_o tedious_a a_o length_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o crave_v leave_n to_o premise_v this_o one_o caution_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o so_o have_v do_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o debate_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o weighty_a and_o most_o material_a consideration_n and_o have_v industrious_o wave_v all_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o subordinate_a importance_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o examine_v every_o little_a exception_n and_o every_o gay_a and_o plausible_a appearance_n when_o the_o enquiry_n be_v so_o clear_o determinable_a by_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o concernment_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v only_o represent_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n with_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o government_n in_o which_o if_o i_o have_v speak_v reason_n i_o have_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n carry_v the_o cause_n if_o i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o content_a to_o lose_v my_o labour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o consideration_n of_o equal_a evidence_n and_o importance_n with_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o society_n so_o that_o if_o those_o i_o have_v urge_v prove_v ineffectual_a all_o other_o draw_v from_o less_o considerable_a topic_n will_v have_v be_v impertinent_a and_o so_o far_o from_o strengthen_v my_o discourse_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v abate_v of_o its_o demonstrative_a truth_n and_o evidence_n for_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n not_o capable_a of_o such_o enforce_n and_o convictive_a proof_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o clear_a and_o more_o certain_a reason_n be_v only_o to_o allay_v their_o strength_n and_o dilute_v their_o perspicuity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n have_v i_o purposely_o omit_v the_o examination_n of_o that_o argument_n that_o so_o strong_o possess_v the_o warm_a and_o busy_a brain_n of_o some_o undertake_v man_n viz._n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n for_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o so_o it_o matter_n not_o after_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v apparent_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o conceit_n yet_o after_o this_o performance_n it_o will_v be_v at_o least_o a_o trifle_a and_o frivolous_a undertake_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o reason_n and_o discretion_n as_o to_o think_v of_o promote_a traffic_n by_o any_o way_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a speculation_n after_o that_o to_o inquire_v what_o service_n it_o will_v do_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n because_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o great_a good_a than_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o commerce_n can_v amount_v to_o so_o that_o grant_v these_o project_v people_n all_o they_o can_v demand_v and_o suppose_v their_o design_n as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o benefit_n of_o trade_n as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o what_o can_v be_v more_o shameful_o imprudent_a than_o to_o put_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o hazard_n for_o so_o small_a a_o advantage_n certain_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o any_o advantage_n of_o wealth_n and_o trade_n and_o therefore_o if_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o government_n as_o it_o can_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o wealth_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o peace_n so_o vast_a a_o mischief_n must_v infinite_o outweigh_v this_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o lesser_a advantage_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n of_o value_n enough_o to_o balance_v against_o peace_n but_o peace_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o smile_v when_o i_o observe_v how_o some_o that_o will_v be_v think_v wonderful_o grave_a and_o solemn_a statesman_n labour_n with_o mighty_a project_n of_o set_v up_o this_o and_o that_o manufacture_n in_o their_o several_a respective_a town_n and_o corporation_n and_o how_o eager_o they_o pursue_v these_o petty_a attempt_n beyond_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o a_o more_o public_a and_o universal_a concernment_n and_o how_o wise_o they_o neglect_v the_o settlement_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o village_n or_o burrough_n if_o indeed_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o establish_a condition_n these_o attempt_n may_v then_o have_v be_v seasonable_a and_o the_o enrich_n of_o particular_a place_n will_v be_v a_o accession_n to_o the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o whilst_o we_o be_v distract_v among_o ourselves_o with_o such_o a_o strange_a variety_n of_o jealousy_n and_o animosity_n whilst_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n be_v so_o unlucky_o defeat_v by_o quarrel_n and_o mutiny_n of_o religion_n and_o whilst_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v act_v by_o such_o peevish_a and_o ungovernable_a principle_n to_o erect_v and_o encourage_v trade_n combination_n be_v only_o to_o build_v so_o many_o nest_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o to_o enable_v these_o giddy_a and_o humoursom_a people_n to_o create_v public_a disturbance_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n so_o inclinable_a to_o seditious_a practice_n as_o the_o trade_n part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o their_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n natural_o increase_v with_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o stock_n and_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o late_a miserable_a distraction_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o the_o quarrel_n be_v chief_o hatch_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o tradesman_n and_o cherish_v by_o the_o zeal_n of_o prentice-boy_n and_o city-gossip_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o fanatic_a party_n appear_v so_o vast_o numerous_a and_o considerable_a above_o and_o beyond_o their_o real_a number_n partly_o because_o these_o bold_a and_o giddy_a people_n live_v in_o great_a society_n of_o man_n and_o so_o be_v more_o observable_a whereas_o in_o country_n town_n and_o village_n their_o account_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o arise_v not_o to_o speak_v within_o compass_n above_o the_o proportion_n of_o one_o to_o twenty_o and_o partly_o because_o in_o those_o place_n where_o these_o vermin_n natural_o breed_v and_o swarm_n they_o be_v always_o most_o talkative_a and_o clamorous_a and_o full_a of_o buzz_v and_o therefore_o though_o their_o party_n be_v much_o the_o least_o and_o the_o mean_a interest_n yet_o whilst_o their_o number_n be_v conjecture_v by_o their_o noise_n they_o make_v a_o great_a appearance_n than_o twice_o as_o many_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a man_n riot_n and_o tumult_n be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a than_o society_n of_o quiet_a and_o compose_a people_n and_o a_o rout_n of_o unlucky_a boy_n and_o girl_n raise_v a_o great_a noise_n especial_o when_o they_o wrangle_v among_o themselves_o than_o all_o the_o parish_n beside_o but_o whether_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o considerable_a it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o preposterous_a piece_n of_o policy_n to_o design_n the_o enrich_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n whilst_o their_o head_n be_v distemper_v with_o religious_a lunacy_n for_o it_o only_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o madman_n wherewith_o they_o may_v assault_v their_o governor_n their_o fundamental_a principle_n incline_v they_o to_o perverse_a and_o restless_a disposition_n that_o never_o be_v nor_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o establish_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o exact_o model_v to_o their_o own_o nice_a and_o peremptory_a conception_n that_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o overturn_v the_o present_a settlement_n and_o to_o new_a model_n the_o church_n by_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n now_o whilst_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o proud_a and_o peevish_a humour_n wealth_n do_v but_o only_o pamper_v and_o encourage_v their_o presumption_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o a_o great_a boldness_n and_o insolence_n against_o authority_n and_o if_o their_o seditious_a preacher_n do_v but_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n to_o reformation_n i._n e._n to_o have_v every_o thing_n alter_v they_o dislike_v how_o
word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o four_o gospel_n leviath_n p._n 3._o c._n 33._o for_o if_o sovereign_n in_o their_o own_o dominion_n be_v the_o sole_a legislator_n than_o those_o book_n only_o be_v canonical_a that_o be_v law_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v in_o reality_n nothing_o but_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o at_o best_a but_o so_o many_o tale_n of_o imaginary_a and_o invisible_a power_n public_o allow_v and_o encourage_v to_o awe_v the_o common_a people_n to_o obedience_n leviath_n p._n 1._o c._n 12._o who_o be_v betray_v into_o it_o by_o these_o four_o folly_n a_o false_a opinion_n of_o ghost_n and_o immaterial_a substance_n that_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v ignorance_n of_o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n groundless_o fear_v and_o mistake_v thing_n casual_a for_o divine_a prognostic_n in_o brief_a all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cheat_n of_o policy_n and_o be_v at_o first_o invent_v by_o the_o founder_n and_o legislator_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o they_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o credulous_a rabble_n for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o though_o prince_n may_v wise_o make_v use_n of_o the_o fable_n of_o religion_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n upon_o the_o silly_a multitude_n yet_o it_o be_v below_o their_o wisdom_n to_o be_v serious_o concern_v themselves_o for_o such_o foolery_n so_o that_o provide_v their_o subject_n will_v befool_v themselves_o with_o any_o one_o imposture_n it_o be_v not_o material_a which_o they_o single_v out_o in_o that_o all_o religion_n equal_o oblige_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o invisible_a power_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o design_n of_o policy_n and_o as_o long_o as_o a_o prince_n can_v keep_v up_o any_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n it_o be_v no_o policy_n to_o disoblige_v and_o exasperate_v any_o of_o they_o by_o interess_v his_o power_n for_o one_o party_n more_o than_o another_o and_o by_o force_v all_o other_o sect_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n to_o conform_v their_o belief_n to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o one_o faction_n but_o rather_o to_o endear_v they_o all_o to_o himself_o by_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o different_a folly_n and_o so_o he_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n secure_v his_o government_n by_o abuse_v all_o and_o yet_o disoblige_v none_o §_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n large_o to_o examine_v &_o refute_v these_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a pretence_n by_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v only_o let_v i_o observe_v that_o this_o discourse_n lie_v under_o no_o less_o prejudice_n than_o this_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v all_o these_o man_n policy_n false_a but_o wave_v this_o too_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o only_o to_o discover_v of_o what_o noisome_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n such_o principle_n be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o imposture_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v without_o remind_v the_o reader_n how_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v this_o objection_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n when_o i_o show_v what_o good_a or_o bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o state_n man_n persuasion_n about_o religion_n have_v by_o these_o four_o ensue_a consideration_n first_o then_o methinks_v his_o majesty_n be_v bind_v to_o con_v these_o man_n thanks_o for_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n suspect_v and_o to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v false_a whereby_o they_o effectual_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o best_a security_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o strong_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n there_o be_v for_o certain_a nothing_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o reverence_n of_o government_n the_o peace_n of_o society_n and_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o only_o support_v of_o government_n without_o it_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_o weak_a and_o precarious_a and_o lie_v always_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o subject_n passion_n and_o private_a interest_n for_o when_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n be_v cashier_v man_n can_v have_v no_o high_a inducement_n to_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o private_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o then_o wherever_o these_o happen_v to_o fail_v and_o interest_n and_o advantage_n invite_v to_o disobedience_n man_n may_v do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o have_v power_n to_o shake_v off_o authority_n they_o have_v right_a too_o and_o a_o prosperous_a usurper_n shall_v have_v as_o fair_a a_o title_n to_o his_o crown_n as_o the_o most_o lawful_a prince_n all_o government_n will_v be_v found_v upon_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o king_n nothing_o but_o terrible_a man_n with_o long_a sword_n but_o when_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n be_v superinduce_v upon_o those_o of_o secular_a interest_n this_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o secure_v they_o as_o much_o from_o the_o very_a thought_n as_o attempt_n of_o treason_n for_o nothing_o so_o strong_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o so_o authoritative_o command_v their_o passion_n and_o inclination_n as_o religion_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o fear_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o considerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o rude_a sort_n so_o vehement_a as_o those_o of_o hell_n nor_o hope_n so_o active_a as_o those_o of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n of_o religion_n be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a sanction_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v infinite_o more_o force_n to_o awe_n or_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o compliance_n than_o any_o secular_a interest_n whereas_o those_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o above_o the_o folly_n of_o conscience_n and_o either_o believe_v or_o regard_v not_o the_o evil_n threaten_v hereafter_o a_o attainment_n to_o which_o these_o our_o modern_a politician_n do_v not_o blush_v to_o pretend_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o odd_a piece_n of_o policy_n open_o to_o own_o and_o proclaim_v it_o must_v make_v their_o present_a interest_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o obligation_n to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a superior_n in_o what_o they_o command_v than_o they_o have_v to_o disobey_v they_o viz._n their_o own_o security_n and_o self-preservation_n whereas_o if_o these_o man_n live_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o religion_n and_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o under_o the_o threaten_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n their_o loyalty_n will_v be_v tie_v upon_o they_o by_o all_o that_o man_n can_v either_o hope_v or_o fear_n and_o they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o engagement_n to_o obedience_n that_o the_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o dependence_n upon_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o nothing_o be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o secure_a obedience_n but_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n if_o all_o humane_a law_n have_v their_o main_a force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n if_o oath_n promise_n and_o covenant_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o whereby_o civil_a society_n be_v uphold_v be_v make_v firm_a by_o nothing_o but_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n then_o let_v authority_n judge_v how_o much_o it_o be_v behold_v to_o those_o man_n who_o labour_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o public_a disreputation_n and_o to_o possess_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n whereby_o they_o not_o only_o set_v they_o loose_v from_o their_o authority_n but_o enrage_v they_o against_o it_o by_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o that_o the_o magistrate_n build_v his_o dominion_n upon_o their_o folly_n and_o simplicity_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o hateful_a to_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o that_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n they_o be_v apparent_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o §_o 3._o but_o second_o nothing_o more_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n than_o to_o