empty_a name_n but_o carry_v very_o momentous_a office_n and_o duty_n in_o it_o it_o imply_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o consequent_o it_o engage_v the_o magistrate_n to_o study_v such_o wholesome_a provision_n as_o will_v advance_v the_o end_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a boundary_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o those_o that_o thus_o wait_v for_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a isai._n 49._o v_o 23._o and_o now_o sir_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v prepare_v you_o for_o the_o main_a argument_n you_o propose_v by_o inform_v you_o how_o the_o magistrate_n be_v determine_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o those_o of_o this_o national_a church_n sect_n vi_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a provision_n not_o only_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o as_o profess_v in_o a_o national_a church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o public_a establishment_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n which_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n have_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v institute_v a_o govern_v power_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o accommodate_v it_o to_o the_o district_v of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o constitute_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o guardian_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o public_a establishment_n if_o not_o a_o indication_n of_o its_o necessity_n indeed_o since_o there_o be_v govern_v power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o god_n foresee_v a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o miscarriage_n under_o the_o great_a revolution_n and_o emergency_n of_o human_a affair_n which_o he_o have_v authorize_v they_o to_o adjust_a correct_v and_o remove_v and_o this_o will_v just_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o public_a decree_n article_n or_o canon_n and_o that_o too_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o practice_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o scripture_n itself_o have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o power_n and_o injunction_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o indisputable_a argument_n of_o their_o necessity_n since_o god_n never_o impart_v special_a power_n or_o function_n but_o he_o infallible_o discern_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o thus_o we_o have_v general_n rule_v direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o business_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o thing_n be_v prescribe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o no_o doubt_n st._n paul_n point_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o remind_v titus_n why_o he_o place_v he_o over_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v tit._n 1._o 5._o so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o power_n give_v to_o prescribe_v such_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o make_v such_o public_a declaration_n as_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o maintain_v the_o catholic_n law_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o first_o as_o to_z matter_n of_o faith_n indeed_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o competent_a standard_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n by_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o contain_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n again_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o heresy_n will_v come_v that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o have_v not_o only_o err_v but_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o controversy_n and_o division_n as_o well_o as_o offence_n will_v come_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o tribe_n or_o colony_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v there_o no_o judgement_n to_o be_v make_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v these_o person_n to_o be_v suffer_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o error_n and_o pervert_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o if_o this_o must_v be_v so_o for_o what_o end_n have_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n place_v governor_n and_o pastor_n in_o his_o church_n and_o enforce_v their_o authority_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o special_a censure_n they_o can_v remonstrate_v against_o they_o without_o make_v a_o judgement_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o these_o case_n and_o certain_o if_o private_a pastor_n be_v authorize_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o expect_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wait_v on_o their_o pious_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n much_o more_o may_v a_o assembly_n or_o council_n of_o church-governor_n interpose_v state_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o express_a article_n and_o decree_n and_o expect_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o whole_a performance_n certain_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o be_v for_o these_o end_v gather_v together_o it_o may_v just_o be_v presume_v god_n will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o '_o they_o these_o be_v proceed_n warrant_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n from_o their_o day_n to_o this_o very_a hour_n such_o error_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n concern_v the_o faith_n authorize_v and_o give_v birth_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v the_o only_a barrier_n against_o heresy_n and_o error_n and_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o distraction_n and_o ruin_n to_o affirm_v that_o scripture_n in_o these_o case_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o reject_v all_o interposal_n or_o determination_n pursuant_n to_o it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o perplex_v the_o argument_n for_o though_o scripture_n be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o god_n have_v constitute_v guardian_n and_o trustee_n to_o assert_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o enforce_v a_o faith_n and_o practice_n conformable_a to_o it_o and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o discard_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o visible_a ministry_n since_o scripture_n with_o the_o help_n of_o private_a reason_n be_v as_o much_o a_o adequate_a rule_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a ministry_n it_o be_v true_a these_o public_a determination_n these_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o establish_v upon_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o less_o necessary_a because_o not_o infallible_a god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o impart_v a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o scripture_n establish_v it_o as_o a_o stand_a ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n do_v not_o accompany_v the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o word_n then_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v decision_n ground_v on_o scripture_n support_v by_o reason_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o joint_a authority_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o early_a age_n and_o of_o saint_n confessor_n and_o martyr_n they_o be_v the_o most_o apposite_a moral_a instrument_n under_o god_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n they_o become_v indispensible_o necessary_a there_o must_v be_v some_o external_n umpire_n and_o decision_n where_o matter_n must_v at_o last_o terminate_v that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n thing_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o importance_n may_v not_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dissension_n heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o
pronounce_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n to_o have_v advance_v some_o degree_n beyond_o this_o for_o the_o fact_n with_o its_o preliminary_n be_v now_o not_o only_o level_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o consequent_o that_o blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o be_v renew_v and_o heighten_v but_o a_o manifest_a blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n be_v entail_v on_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o religion_n such_o allowance_n as_o these_o must_v cause_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o blaspheme_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o either_o worship_n we_o know_v not_o what_o or_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o mockery_n or_o at_o least_o a_o piece_n of_o lip-devotion_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v reconcilable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o or_o that_o profession_n be_v no_o long_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n than_o it_o run_v with_o the_o tide_n and_o bend_v of_o a_o community_n but_o now_o when_o thing_n discover_v such_o a_o fatal_a tendency_n as_o this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o guardian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n by_o divine_a designation_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o character_n it_o must_v be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o exert_v with_o vigour_n and_o resolution_n the_o whole_a case_n will_v turn_v upon_o a_o short_a issue_n if_o upon_o a_o due_a and_o regular_a examination_n these_o religious_a office_n be_v material_o evil_a and_o unwarrantable_a let_v they_o be_v set_v aside_o and_o abolish_v that_o god_n may_v be_v no_o long_o trifle_v with_o and_o blaspheme_v nor_o his_o pastor_n load_v with_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n by_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o warrantable_a but_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o malice_n and_o declamation_n they_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o pious_a and_o a_o just_a institution_n the_o magistrate_n if_o ever_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v a_o speedy_a redress_n and_o since_o these_o mischief_n apparent_o derive_v from_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n certain_o the_o trust_n of_o a_o guardian_n can_v never_o be_v discharge_v without_o destroy_v the_o evil_a in_o its_o cause_n and_o consequent_o without_o lay_v a_o powerful_a restraint_n on_o it_o when_o a_o mischief_n be_v thus_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a it_o become_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v with_o all_o the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o now_o sir_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n answer_v your_o demand_n and_o discover_v the_o necessity_n of_o regulate_v the_o press_n and_o that_o too_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a establishment_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o persuade_v myself_o the_o argument_n will_v have_v its_o just_a weight_n and_o influence_n on_o your_o zeal_n and_o affection_n for_o the_o public_a good_a as_o well_o as_o judgement_n but_o that_o nothing_o may_v intervene_v to_o cause_v a_o miscarriage_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v a_o short_a return_n to_o the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v advance_v against_o it_o sect_n x._o and_o first_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o press_n may_v be_v effectual_o obviate_v by_o particular_a law_n and_o that_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a time_n have_v not_o prevent_v '_o they_o now_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o law_n produce_v in_o the_o last_o parliament_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o bridle_n to_o the_o deist_n atheist_n and_o antitrinitarian_a but_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n obviate_v the_o mischief_n of_o a_o licentious_a press_n for_o there_o be_v other_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o establish_v church_n which_o if_o public_o oppugn_v must_v prove_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grance_n or_o divine_a assistance_n how_o these_o have_v of_o late_o suffer_v the_o public_a have_v be_v too_o late_o make_v a_o witness_n if_o not_o a_o judge_n but_o certain_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o press_n can_v never_o be_v full_o obviate_v unless_o by_o the_o restraint_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o by_o such_o a_o law_n as_o make_v it_o high_o penal_a to_o publish_v any_o thing_n in_o write_v that_o be_v level_v against_o any_o branch_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n for_o since_o national_a establishment_n appear_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o which_o be_v amiss_o be_v to_o be_v regular_o correct_v and_o after_o this_o be_v do_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v suffer_v that_o any-wise_a invade_v the_o peace_n of_o such_o a_o establishment_n but_o after_o all_o penal_a law_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a instrument_n to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n that_o usual_o spring_v from_o the_o press_n as_o a_o absolute_a restraint_n of_o it_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o licence_n or_o imprimatur_fw-la be_v want_v such_o a_o restraint_n destroy_v the_o mischief_n in_o its_o seed_n and_o principle_n it_o stop_v the_o contagion_n in_o the_o very_a spring_n or_o fountain_n whereas_o such_o law_n take_v place_n at_o a_o distance_n it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o infection_n be_v propagate_v to_o a_o considerable_a degree_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a process_n and_o a_o great_a many_o formality_n and_o step_v to_o be_v make_v which_o may_v serve_v as_o so_o many_o advantage_n or_o chance_n to_o escape_v the_o force_n of_o the_o law_n the_o author_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v discover_v but_o a_o information_n give_v in_o and_o receive_v too_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o consequent_o the_o undertaker_n must_v have_v courage_n enough_o to_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o informer_n a_o office_n which_o as_o the_o world_n go_v neither_o the_o justice_n nor_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n can_v secure_v from_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n again_o there_o must_v be_v a_o prosecution_n by_o course_n of_o law_n and_o the_o case_n examine_v and_o try_v whether_o it_o fall_v within_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o this_o perhaps_o without_o the_o least_o recompense_n to_o the_o prosecutor_n for_o expense_n or_o attendance_n in_o a_o word_n a_o verbal_a recantation_n after_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o conviction_n may_v render_v the_o author_n rectum_fw-la in_o curia_fw-la and_o after_o this_o he_o may_v under_o disguise_n go_v afresh_o to_o work_v at_o the_o small_a hazard_n of_o the_o least_o of_o punishment_n i_o wish_v some_o provision_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o the_o late_a act_n against_o profaneness_n and_o immorality_n whereby_o a_o pious_a design_n may_v become_v insignificant_a and_o useless_a for_o upon_o this_o bottom_n while_o the_o press_n be_v open_a i_o be_o afraid_a the_o enemy_n of_o our_o establishment_n will_v publish_v their_o notion_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o secret_a smile_n and_o triumph_n but_o now_o if_o the_o press_n be_v shut_v till_o a_o imprimatur_fw-la be_v obtain_v the_o mere_a want_n of_o one_o be_v a_o competent_a evidence_n for_o conviction_n and_o though_o some_o may_v be_v so_o dare_v to_o expose_v their_o notion_n at_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o safety_n yet_o such_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n give_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n that_o whatever_o come_v forth_o without_o authority_n carry_v its_o own_o mark_n in_o the_o title-page_n and_o consequent_o give_v a_o alarm_n to_o the_o incautious_a reader_n of_o infection_n and_o mischief_n sect_n xi_o but_o second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o such_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o give_v up_o the_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n to_o a_o party_n and_o a_o condemn_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o be_v a_o direct_a method_n to_o involve_v the_o world_n in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n as_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n if_o a_o orthodox_n national_a church_n be_v the_o party_n intend_v i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o person_n within_o her_o communion_n to_o conform_v to_o her_o faith_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o i_o hope_v it_o already_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a duty_n in_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o church_n governor_n not_o only_o to_o enforce_v all_o gospel_n mean_v to_o bring_v every_o soul_n into_o the_o pale_a of_o it_o but_o
whereas_o it_o be_v their_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o keep_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o new_a notion_n obtrude_v on_o the_o public_a whilst_o a_o opinion_n rest_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o private_a person_n the_o public_a peace_n be_v not_o expose_v but_o when_o it_o be_v press_v upon_o mankind_n in_o public_a harangue_n and_o transmit_v from_o the_o press_n too_o it_o give_v umbrage_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o weal_n of_o the_o community_n and_o consequent_o call_v for_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n appear_v as_o guardian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o vigorous_o exert_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o maintain_v its_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n sect_n fourteen_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o communicate_v our_o opinion_n to_o other_o with_o a_o design_n of_o information_n it_o be_v indisputable_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o two_o consideration_n first_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o second_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o first_o if_o the_o opinion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o affect_v any_o considerable_a interest_n of_o mankind_n or_o correct_v or_o remove_v any_o dangerous_a error_n but_o rather_o serve_v to_o entertain_v our_o speculation_n and_o curiosity_n than_o regulate_v our_o conscience_n or_o practice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o disturb_v the_o world_n by_o oppose_v establish_v doctrine_n or_o notion_n when_o after_o all_o they_o may_v carry_v in_o they_o great_a mark_n or_o evidence_n of_o truth_n than_o a_o private_a judgement_n can_v reasonable_o pretend_v to_o second_o unless_o our_o opinion_n be_v support_v by_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n undoubted_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a plea_n for_o duty_n to_o engage_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o become_v disciple_n or_o follower_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v high_o unreasonable_a that_o private_a person_n shall_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o other_o by_o obtrude_a new_a notion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v they_o rest_v upon_o bare_a probability_n or_o no_o high_a evidence_n than_o those_o that_o have_v be_v peaceable_o receive_v from_o public_a authority_n in_o church_n and_o state_n if_o the_o projection_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o these_o maxim_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n when_o it_o be_v thereby_o only_o commit_v to_o the_o inspection_n of_o public_a authority_n will_v seldom_o be_v interpret_v a_o breach_n of_o any_o natural_a right_n or_o duty_n sect_n xv._n there_o now_o only_o remain_v a_o objection_n no_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o except_o for_o its_o popularity_n and_o modern_a fashionableness_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o englishman_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v before_o the_o objection_n can_v just_o take_v place_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o press_n shall_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la though_o it_o be_v some_o century_n before_o printing_n have_v its_o beginning_n but_o in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o power_n of_o legislation_n be_v to_o be_v cramp_v and_o fetter_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o every_o authoritative_a regulation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o a_o english_a subject_n may_v be_v dispute_v as_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o englishman_n and_o consequent_o no_o law_n can_v be_v establish_v without_o first_o obtain_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n sect_n xvi_o and_o now_o sir_n i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n dispatch_v what_o i_o propose_v and_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v demand_v and_o though_o i_o have_v not_o express_o reply_v to_o your_o inquiry_n in_o the_o very_a term_n or_o order_n they_o be_v propose_v yet_o i_o have_v the_o vanity_n to_o presume_v that_o i_o have_v not_o only_o make_v return_n to_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o they_o but_o dispel_v that_o cloud_n of_o objection_n that_o of_o late_o have_v be_v raise_v to_o obstruct_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n if_o therefore_o what_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o carry_v the_o balance_n against_o your_o former_a sentiment_n be_v please_v to_o suffer_v a_o short_a address_n on_o my_o part_n in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o as_o a_o hearty_a advocate_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n sir_n we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o engage_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o method_n of_o its_o preservation_n and_o support_n and_o the_o late_a passionate_a address_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n and_o his_o majesty_n most_o gracious_a answer_n to_o it_o seem_v to_o authorize_v the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o venerable_a body_n wise_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o sovereign_n to_o consult_v his_o pleasure_n as_o well_o as_o excite_v his_o zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o signify_v his_o concurrence_n and_o remit_v the_o managery_n of_o the_o affair_n to_o his_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o formation_n of_o a_o just_a law_n it_o be_v true_a that_o honourable_a house_n form_v a_o bill_n upon_o the_o present_a argument_n but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o it_o wherever_o just_o to_o be_v fix_v can_v conclude_v against_o the_o reasonableness_n or_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o eye_n and_o heart_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o every_o englishman_n that_o be_v act_v with_o a_o true_a concern_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v fix_v on_o the_o ensue_a session_n and_o pardon_v i_o if_o i_o flatter_v myself_n that_o the_o argument_n already_o suggest_v demonstrate_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o restrain_v the_o press_n as_o a_o effectual_a expedient_a to_o preserve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o the_o liberty_n of_o print_v without_o licence_n or_o inspection_n have_v sufficient_o discharge_v its_o poisonous_a influence_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o establish_v religion_n and_o a_o small_a tract_n of_o time_n in_o the_o same_o allowance_n will_v demonstrate_v its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a polity_n as_o establish_v in_o a_o monarchy_n i_o wish_v some_o late_a essay_n have_v not_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n witness_v those_o gross_a insinuation_n the_o press_n have_v present_v we_o with_o for_o the_o preference_n of_o a_o republic_n to_o that_o of_o monarchy_n see_v ludlow_n memoir_n witness_v those_o base_a and_o unwarrantable_a character_n vent_v in_o a_o late_a paper_n wherein_o the_o present_a reign_n seem_v to_o be_v blacken_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o make_v it_o a_o accessary_a to_o what_o may_v come_v hereafter_o where_o every_o estate_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o every_o order_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n be_v describe_v like_o ruffian_n and_o paltroon_n rather_o than_o person_n of_o dignity_n and_o honour_n what_o can_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o such_o unmannerly_a declamation_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o english_a constitution_n into_o disgrace_n and_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n for_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n see_v the_o short_a history_n of_o stand_v army_n in_o england_n but_o to_o return_v you_o sir_n and_o your_o honourable_a brethren_n be_v concern_v as_o trustee_n and_o guardian_n in_o part_n for_o religion_n and_o since_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o national_a establishment_n be_v full_o demonstrate_v all_o disintere_v person_n must_v conclude_v that_o your_o special_a care_n and_o inspection_n shall_v be_v engage_v to_o advance_v that_o of_o this_o nation_n of_o which_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n and_o from_o who_o communion_n by_o civil_a appointment_n you_o receive_v qualification_n for_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o public_a employ_v a_o temporary_a interest_n may_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o man_n to_o declare_v '_o emselve_n member_n of_o her_o communion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a test_n of_o membership_n be_v to_o use_v all_o imaginable_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v her_o right_n and_o support_v her_o constitution_n whenever_o she_o be_v public_o attack_v in_o any_o branch_n of_o it_o to_o have_v the_o press_v regulate_v by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o a_o national_a establish_v mean_v be_v to_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o her_o undoubted_a right_n and_o immunity_n and_o therefore_o when_o invasion_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v daily_o make_v she_o may_v just_o expect_v the_o interposal_n of_o authority_n but_o if_o she_o can_v not_o challenge_v thus_o much_o of_o right_n yet_o since_o the_o dissent_v sectary_n have_v receive_v very_o ample_a act_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o present_a government_n the_o establish_v religion_n one_o will_v think_v may_v reasonable_o expect_v her_o tail_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o command_v the_o press_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o first_o act_n of_o grace_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o former_a reign_n by_o a_o indisputable_a authority_n afford_v she_o but_o to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o sir_n if_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o way_n of_o right_n nor_o grace_n and_o favour_n i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o fatal_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o morality_n and_o religion_n be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o accomplish_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o resume_v the_o argument_n i_o have_v already_o enlarge_v on_o but_o certain_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o suppress_v immorality_n and_o profaneness_n and_o establish_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o piety_n whilst_o a_o latitude_n be_v permit_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n to_o dispute_v the_o most_o sacred_a point_n of_o religion_n to_o decry_v national_a establishment_n arraign_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n under_o these_o instruction_n can_v entertain_v any_o serious_a thought_n concern_v religion_n but_o be_v rather_o prepare_v to_o contemn_v and_o vilify_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o therefore_o if_o morality_n and_o strict_a virtue_n be_v pursue_v on_o these_o term_n it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o happy_a genius_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n then_o if_o the_o honourable_a assembly_n of_o commons_o be_v in_o earnest_n for_o reformation_n as_o i_o question_v not_o but_o they_o be_v what_o have_v already_o be_v offer_v seem_v to_o bespeak_v the_o regulation_n of_o the_o press_n to_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a introduction_n to_o it_o and_o now_o sir_n i_o have_v deliver_v my_o sentiment_n with_o as_o much_o sincerity_n as_o freedom_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v if_o they_o happen_v to_o make_v you_o a_o proselyte_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v employ_v your_o hearty_a endeavour_n in_o the_o post_n you_o be_v fix_v to_o make_v the_o argument_n the_o subject_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o care_n be_v take_v not_o only_o that_o a_o law_n be_v form_v which_o will_v effectual_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o form_n of_o it_o be_v do_v with_o that_o prudence_n and_o caution_n as_o not_o to_o give_v a_o handle_n to_o crush_v it_o in_o its_o first_o production_n when._n this_o be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v lay_v perpetual_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n and_o respect_n towards_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o on_o all_o those_o in_o who_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o government_n apparent_o consist_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 1._o lin_v 1._o read_v solicit_v p._n 24._o l._n 20._o read_v eternal_a p_o 49._o l._n 4._o deal_n absolute_o p._n 65._o l._n 20._o read_v tale._n