obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o restoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n both_o from_o press_n and_o pulpit_n party_n be_v make_v in_o the_o city_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v make_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o own_n of_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v with_o great_a confidence_n urge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o public_a and_o national_a oath_n bind_v all_o person_n of_o this_o nation_n whether_o they_o do_v swear_v it_o personal_o or_o not_o and_o all_o posterity_n after_o we_o in_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v into_o the_o public_a place_n and_o politic_a capacity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n covenant_v for_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v and_o by_o no_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n to_o be_v absolve_v or_o make_v void_a as_o among_o other_o mr._n crofton_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o famous_a write_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v the_o ground_n which_o this_o party_n of_o man_n do_v go_v upon_o what_o he_o do_v allege_v have_v great_a reason_n in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o those_o clause_n which_o he_o do_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n do_v suppose_v all_o posterity_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o this_o he_o urge_v not_o as_o his_o own_o single_a opinion_n but_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o whole_a party_n and_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o london_n minister_n dec._n 14._o 1647._o several_a of_o which_o be_v at_o this_o present_a preacher_n to_o the_o separate_a congregation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n to_o dispense_v with_o or_o absolve_v we_o from_o it_o nay_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n which_o in_o other_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v large_a enough_o be_v in_o this_o bind_v up_o as_o mr._n cr._n tell_v we_o p._n 139._o that_o the_o parliament_n consist_v of_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o that_o in_o their_o public_a capacity_n as_o a_o parliament_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o their_o house_n and_o in_o formality_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o their_o speaker_n before_o they_o go_v unto_o st._n margaret_n church_n in_o westminster_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n imaginable_a do_v as_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n swear_v this_o covenant_n which_o as_o a_o far_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n they_o cause_v to_o be_v print_v with_o their_o name_n subscribe_v and_o to_o be_v hang_v up_o in_o all_o church_n and_o in_o their_o own_o house_n as_o a_o compass_n whereby_o in_o conformity_n to_o right_v reason_n and_o religion_n to_o steer_v their_o then_o debate_n 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some_o juncture_n of_o affair_n or_o other_o they_o may_v chance_v to_o make_v very_o great_a use_n of_o and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a their_o procedure_n have_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n honest_a than_o this_o amount_n to_o in_o another_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v among_o they_o and_o not_o among_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o yet_o can_v be_v never_o bring_v to_o say_v one_o word_n to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o their_o belief_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o if_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v carry_v a_o last_a obligation_n along_o with_o it_o in_o that_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o during_o that_o persuasion_n of_o they_o desire_v they_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o withal_o i_o must_v crave_v their_o leave_n to_o add_v this_o further_a that_o during_o that_o persuasion_n 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scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n in_o confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o in_o which_o article_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v many_o thing_n liable_a to_o very_o just_a and_o material_a exception_n as_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o private_a man_n in_o england_n if_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o place_n and_o call_v intermeddle_v either_o in_o the_o preservation_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nay_o by_o what_o authority_n can_v any_o person_n in_o this_o kingdom_n whatever_o be_v he_o in_o what_o public_a capacity_n he_o will_v his_o majesty_n only_o except_v or_o those_o who_o act_n by_o commission_n from_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o concern_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o second_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o article_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n of_o scotland_n and_o withal_o to_o bring_v the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v so_o that_o scotland_n must_v necessary_o be_v our_o pattern_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o reform_v england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o our_o own_o church_n as_o it_o be_v already_o by_o law_n establish_v or_o at_o least_o some_o other_o church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n may_v come_v altogether_o as_o near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o scotland_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o the_o other_o dissenter_n whatever_o beside_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o see_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o any_o obligation_n because_o that_o that_o be_v express_v for_o uniformity_n and_o as_o such_o be_v
be_v so_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o its_o great_a adversary_n in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o any_o reasonable_a plea_n for_o separation_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o any_o just_a exception_n which_o may_v be_v take_v against_o the_o liturgy_n and_o here_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o those_o who_o dislike_v all_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_a second_o those_o who_o be_v only_o disgu_v at_o some_o particular_a thing_n in_o we_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v against_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n i_o believe_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o among_o consider_v person_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o that_o any_o great_a regard_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o a_o reason_n which_o can_v never_o fail_v for_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o seem_v strange_o absurd_a and_o infinite_o unbecoming_a the_o great_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o we_o and_o almighty_a 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to_o abuse_v the_o people_n yet_o however_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v some_o other_o way_n and_o they_o not_o permit_v to_o bely_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o great_a reasonableness_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o they_o be_v very_o apparent_a and_o in_o scripture_n itself_o there_o be_v example_n enough_o to_o be_v produce_v and_o if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o argument_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o there_o will_v be_v those_o find_v who_o will_v debate_v it_o with_o he_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a only_o to_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v compose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o give_v it_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o use_v now_o if_o as_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n beside_o pray_v exit_fw-la tempore_fw-la than_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v say_v christ_n prayer_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n now_o as_o to_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v some_o exception_n against_o some_o expression_n in_o our_o liturgy_n those_o thing_n have_v be_v so_o full_o examine_v that_o of_o late_o we_o have_v hear_v very_o little_a of_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v all_o along_o so_o clear_o unexceptionable_a and_o so_o fit_v for_o the_o common_a use_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o all_o controversial_a expression_n be_v design_o avoid_v insomuch_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o considerable_a sect_n among_o we_o which_o may_v not_o join_v with_o we_o in_o every_o expression_n in_o it_o except_o the_o socinian_o now_o here_o perhaps_o some_o jealousy_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o real_a exception_n against_o the_o liturgy_n than_o so_o many_o good_a teacher_n will_v not_o lay_v it_o aside_o nay_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_z as_o far_o as_o man_n intention_n can_v be_v guess_v at_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n very_o much_o abhor_v it_o now_o as_o to_o the_o behaviour_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n in_o this_o particular_a i_o shall_v desire_v their_o admirer_n to_o remember_v this_o one_o thing_n that_o his_o majesty_n not_o long_o after_o his_o happy_a restauration_n do_v put_v â—orth_o a_o declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n wherein_o he_o do_v very_o gracious_o indulge_v much_o to_o the_o dissatisfied_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o hope_n thereby_o to_o win_v upon_o they_o and_o in_o that_o declaration_n he_o do_v propose_v this_o unto_o they_o as_o a_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v show_v their_o gratitude_n for_o so_o great_a a_o condescension_n that_o they_o will_v read_v so_o much_o of_o the_o liturgy_n as_o themselves_o have_v no_o exception_n against_o but_o with_o many_o of_o they_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v for_o so_o much_o as_o one_o syllable_n not_o one_o collect_v no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o one_o chapter_n according_a to_o the_o rubric_n so_o much_o do_v yield_v work_n upon_o that_o good-natured_a generation_n now_o whether_o this_o refractoriness_n as_o to_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o it_o can_v possible_o proceed_v sole_o and_o altogether_o from_o conscience_n and_o not_o very_o much_o if_o not_o altogether_o from_o design_n or_o humour_n let_v their_o best_a friend_n speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n now_o as_o to_o the_o canon_n i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o there_o do_v or_o canâ—ly_o any_o objection_n against_o they_o which_o our_o present_a debate_n be_v concern_v about_o because_o they_o be_v no_o immediate_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o the_o canon_n make_v in_o the_o year_n 1640._o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o the_o scotch_a commissioner_n do_v complain_v much_o against_o they_o and_o some_o english_a gentleman_n make_v witty_a speech_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o have_v both_o of_o they_o the_o ill_a luck_n to_o confess_v the_o real_a cause_n of_o the_o pique_n which_o they_o have_v against_o they_o viz._n the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n authority_n as_o be_v independent_a and_o above_o all_o coercion_n either_o papal_a or_o popular_a a_o doctrine_n which_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o design_n which_o those_o angry_a patriot_n be_v at_o that_o time_n carry_v on_o and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o at_o this_o very_a day_n a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o quarrel_n which_o be_v take_v up_o against_o the_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o this_o that_o it_o be_v too_o faithful_o devote_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o that_o many_o person_n be_v presbyterian_o independent_o fifth-monarchy-man_n etc._n etc._n as_o so_o many_o sanctify_a disguise_n under_o which_o they_o act_v the_o part_n of_o commonwealths-man_n in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o ceremony_n and_o there_o indeed_o the_o noise_n be_v very_o great_a a_o excellent_a person_n who_o for_o his_o pious_a labour_n upon_o a_o noble_a argument_n and_o much_o more_o worthy_a of_o his_o pen_n deserve_v much_o honour_n have_v in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o question_n express_v much_o more_o concern_v than_o i_o hope_v himself_o upon_o a_o serious_a review_n will_v admit_v the_o cause_n to_o bear_v in_o a_o book_n entitle_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n upon_o its_o true_a and_o proper_a ground_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o express_v himself_o p._n 49._o how_o may_v we_o lament_v over_o the_o present_a imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n now_o enjoin_v among_o we_o in_o england_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n nor_o any_o of_o christ_n institution_n but_o thing_n perfect_o humane_a in_o their_o creation_n
who_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o a_o few_o harmless_a ceremony_n who_o raise_v all_o their_o causeless_a scruple_n infuse_v so_o many_o senseless_a jealousy_n and_o not_o be_v content_a to_o have_v at_o first_o infuse_v these_o needless_a fear_n do_v still_o go_v on_o to_o nurse_v up_o and_o cherish_v they_o who_o first_o betray_v great_a number_n into_o folly_n and_o ever_o after_o continue_v to_o humour_v they_o in_o it_o he_o who_o can_v conform_v himself_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o for_o fear_v lest_o his_o auditory_a and_o acquaintance_n shall_v abate_v in_o their_o esteem_n or_o contribution_n towards_o he_o if_o he_o mean_v sincere_o &_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o honest_a man_n he_o ought_v to_o deal_v faithful_o with_o his_o admirer_n &_o tell_v they_o real_o what_o himself_n think_v communicate_v the_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o be_v long_o needless_o afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v entertain_v wild_a suspicion_n about_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o a_o implicit_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o skill_n and_o honesty_n of_o their_o teacher_n such_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o very_a precious_a and_o know_a man_n and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o conform_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v conformity_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o pastor_n and_o his_o flock_n in_o this_o case_n do_v mutual_o guide_v and_o be_v guide_v by_o each_o other_o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o and_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a mark_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o a_o infallible_a token_n of_o their_o election_n to_o admire_v he_o but_o if_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o our_o brethren_n have_v so_o great_a a_o privilege_n entail_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o which_o they_o have_v take_v a_o fancy_n against_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n must_v immediate_o become_v unlawful_a if_o so_o be_v that_o any_o scrupulous_a man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o entertain_v a_o foolish_a jealousy_n about_o it_o then_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o weakness_n endue_v with_o a_o very_a strange_a degree_n of_o omnipotence_n because_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o very_a mistake_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n a_o thing_n in_o itself_o innocent_a do_v according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n immediate_o become_v unlawful_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o that_o any_o fanciful_a delude_a man_n do_v erroneous_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o methinks_v that_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o eager_a asserter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v always_o do_v shall_v of_o all_o other_o person_n the_o least_o endure_v to_o have_v it_o thus_o trifle_v with_o as_o to_o have_v it_o believe_v to_o be_v open_o expose_v to_o lie_v perpetual_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o all_o the_o humour_n melancholy_n artifice_n cheat_n and_o discontent_n in_o the_o whole_a nation_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o avoid_v the_o give_n of_o scandal_n as_o most_o certain_o and_o evident_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o action_n of_o all_o private_a man_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o public_a constitution_n must_v be_v as_o often_o overrule_v as_o any_o single_a person_n be_v either_o by_o his_o own_o folly_n or_o by_o the_o art_n of_o other_o man_n impose_v upon_o to_o believe_v evil_a of_o they_o then_o can_v no_o man_n tell_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o action_n sacred_a or_o civil_a except_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o immediate_a and_o plain_a divine_a precept_n what_o one_o thing_n shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o moment_n but_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o mistake_n of_o other_o man_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v well-meaning_a one_o be_v to_o have_v so_o uncontrollable_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o all_o private_a person_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o all_o public_a one_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v it_o will_v thence_o follow_v very_o apparent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n lie_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o take_v care_n what_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v entrust_v with_o teach_v the_o people_n for_o if_o conscience_n though_o never_o so_o erroneous_a be_v of_o right_n and_o by_o apostolical_a appointment_n to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o regard_n have_v unto_o they_o then_o of_o all_o thing_n great_a circumspection_n shall_v be_v use_v and_o security_n take_v for_o the_o understanding_n and_o honesty_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v to_o be_v guide_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n be_v thing_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v a_o immediate_a supersedeas_fw-la to_o our_o whole_a christian_a liberty_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a law_n than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a frenzy_n imaginable_a to_o grant_v a_o promiscuous_a liberty_n to_o whoever_o please_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n alas_o the_o vulgar_a be_v easy_o impose_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o day_n what_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o his_o that_o there_o be_v those_o who_o will_v speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n because_o of_o advantage_n and_o bring_v their_o auditory_n to_o admire_v those_o very_a doctrine_n which_o themselves_o do_v hearty_o despise_v outward_o court_v their_o hearer_n and_o inward_o laugh_v at_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v not_o religion_n and_o government_n like_o to_o be_v at_o a_o very_a fine_a pass_n when_o who_o so_o please_v shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o make_v all_o possible_a advantage_n of_o that_o very_a scruple_n which_o himself_o be_v author_n of_o and_o when_o all_o other_o objection_n fail_v shall_v be_v allow_v to_o plead_v his_o own_o exemption_n from_o all_o obedience_n to_o the_o settle_a constitution_n from_o the_o dissatisfaction_n of_o other_o man_n who_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o he_o have_v never_o entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o be_v dissatisfy_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v frequent_o urge_v that_o those_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a which_o be_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o in_o former_a day_n but_o there_o be_v new_a and_o straight_a bond_n add_v to_o they_o a_o new_a declaration_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_v and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v provoke_v which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v remain_v silent_a if_o not_o satisfy_v new_a scruple_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o before_o lay_v bury_v and_o which_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v quite_o forget_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a that_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v formal_o renounce_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v require_v that_o man_n must_v swear_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o that_o no_o man_n else_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o now_o after_o all_o this_o wonder_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o easy_o account_v for_o for_o sure_o it_o have_v be_v among_o man_n not_o at_o all_o unusual_a nor_o in_o itself_o strange_a that_o where_o former_a security_n have_v be_v find_v too_o slight_a to_o add_v other_o to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o declaration_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_n the_o addition_n which_o it_o do_v make_v to_o the_o former_a subscription_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o to_o raise_v a_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o man_n who_o be_v real_a in_o they_o and_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o great_a mystery_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o terribie_n sound_n of_o assent_n and_o consent_n which_o the_o people_n be_v teach_v to_o be_v affright_v at_o as_o if_o some_o dismal_a meaning_n be_v hide_v under_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o art_n to_o raise_v their_o jealousy_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v for_o the_o find_v out_o some_o plot_n or_o other_o in_o the_o follow_a renunciation_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v order_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a that_o that_o cause_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v but_o increase_n as_o appear_v but_o too_o plain_o from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o clamour_n raise_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o cause_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o themselves_o and_o that_o great_a stir_n which_o they_o make_v about_o the_o
of_o devil_n as_o saint_n paul_n do_v upon_o occasion_n declare_v some_o doctrine_n to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o preach_v any_o such_o in_o his_o kingdom_n what_o now_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v conscience_n on_o both_o side_n the_o king_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v as_o i_o be_o and_o think_v himself_o as_o well_o inform_v as_o i_o either_o be_o or_o can_v be_v if_o the_o king_n restrain_v i_o from_o preach_v after_o my_o own_o way_n than_o i_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o be_v a_o persecutor_n he_o reply_v that_o i_o be_o a_o seducer_n nay_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o aught_o to_o suffer_v any_o such_o in_o his_o country_n either_o his_o conscience_n or_o i_o must_v over-rule_v both_o can_v be_v satisfy_v one_o or_o other_o must_v necessary_o either_o yield_v or_o alter_v or_o else_o i_o must_v preach_v and_o he_o must_v punish_v and_o the_o almighty_a must_v at_o his_o own_o time_n be_v judge_n between_o we_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o world_n the_o king_n conscience_n have_v reason_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v more_o authoritative_a than_o i_o and_o withal_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o take_v care_n both_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o other_o man_n to_o judge_n both_o as_o to_o his_o own_o particular_a and_o likewise_o as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o whole_a nation_n if_o it_o be_v reply_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o king_n conscience_n ought_v to_o yield_v because_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o he_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o point_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o religion_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o look_v after_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n a_o pretence_n frequent_o insist_v on_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v enlarge_v upon_o as_o to_o many_o particular_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o religion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a influence_n upon_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v within_o his_o care_n then_o religion_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o it_o as_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o to_o the_o pretence_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o a_o error_n if_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o concern_v in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o that_o very_a pretence_n will_v upon_o examination_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a error_n and_o in_o general_a the_o subject_n be_v no_o more_o free_a from_o error_n than_o the_o sovereign_n and_o this_o need_v not_o seem_v news_n to_o we_o of_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sad_o evidence_v that_o seducer_n will_v quick_o be_v find_v in_o great_a abundance_n where_o liberty_n have_v be_v give_v for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o and_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v no_o impossible_a task_n to_o make_v out_o that_o magistrate_n be_v oblige_v not_o only_o in_o interest_n but_o likewise_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o use_v that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n so_o far_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o suffer_v his_o truth_n to_o lie_v all_o open_o expose_v to_o all_o the_o lust_n design_n and_o mistake_v of_o man_n to_o all_o the_o knavery_n and_o all_o the_o folly_n of_o every_o one_o who_o be_v either_o willing_a to_o deceive_v or_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o here_o a_o great_a many_o rub_n be_v throw_v in_o our_o way_n by_o the_o forementioned_a author_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n upon_o its_o true_a and_o proper_a ground_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v prove_v that_o no_o prince_n nor_o state_n ought_v by_o force_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1668._o which_o methinks_v be_v not_o very_o different_a from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bloody_a tenent_n dedicate_v to_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1644._o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n that_o since_o the_o come_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n a_o permission_n of_o the_o most_o paganish_a jewish_a turkish_a or_o antichristian_a conscience_n and_o worship_n be_v grant_v to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n but_o whatever_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o author_n be_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o in_o its_o consequence_n i_o shall_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o argument_n he_o bring_v for_o it_o pag._n 25._o that_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v thing_n perfect_o in_o themselves_o distinct_a and_o aught_o in_o their_o excercise_n to_o be_v keep_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o magistrate_n have_v way_n such_o as_o christ_n think_v sufficient_a to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o propagate_a the_o growth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o draw_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o will_v make_v no_o more_o impression_n in_o spiritual_a concern_v than_o it_o will_v do_v upon_o a_o ghost_n which_o have_v no_o real_a body_n etc._n etc._n and_o p._n 28._o to_o use_v force_n in_o religion_n be_v whole_o unlawful_a in_o any_o hand_n whatever_o because_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o bring_v about_o any_o gospel-end_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o enforce_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o temporal_a power_n or_o to_o compel_v man_n into_o the_o gospel_n by_o such_o a_o power_n be_v to_o act_v without_o the_o least_o precept_n or_o precedent_n to_o induce_v a_o engine_n to_o execute_v the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o gospel-institution_n do_v not_o paul_n positive_o deliver_v this_o that_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o mighty_a through_o god_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o weapon_n by_o which_o christ_n do_v all_o yea_o by_o which_o he_o will_v destroy_v antichrist_n the_o great_a gospel-enemy_n the_o world_n have_v produce_v the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v brief_o this_o 1._o that_o force_n be_v a_o very_a incompetent_a method_n to_o be_v use_v in_o matter_n of_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a 1._o because_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o command_v it_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o 2._o because_o st._n paul_n have_v plain_o forbid_v it_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a now_o as_o to_o these_o suggestion_n which_o do_v frequent_o recur_v in_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o brief_o touch_v upon_o they_o premise_v this_o that_o our_o author_n like_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v deal_v in_o this_o cause_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o answer_v these_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o argument_n against_o use_v the_o secular_a interposition_n in_o matter_n of_o belief_n as_o any_o of_o those_o he_o write_v against_o because_o he_o himself_o do_v very_o much_o approve_v and_o commend_v such_o interposition_n where_o he_o like_v the_o cause_n in_o behalf_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o now_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a because_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o whole_a book_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o i_o shall_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o my_o bare_a word_n but_o desire_v the_o author_n himself_o or_o any_o one_o beside_o who_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o to_o consider_v these_o word_n which_o we_o have_v pag._n 24._o constantine_n and_o the_o christian_a emperor_n after_o he_o till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v cheat_v they_o into_o subjection_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o all_o religious_a thing_n among_o ourselves_o we_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o our_o king_n and_o prince_n care_n and_o concern_v in_o that_o enjoyment_n we_o have_v of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n now_o this_o assertion_n of_o that_o learned_a gentleman_n be_v evident_o true_a but_o than_o it_o happen_v here_o as_o