Selected quad for the lemma: law_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
law_n great_a king_n people_n 13,648 5 4.7769 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A48197 A letter to a member of Parliament, shewing, that a restraint on the press is inconsistent with the Protestant religion, and dangerous to the liberties of the nation Tindal, Matthew, 1653?-1733.; Defoe, Daniel, 1661?-1731. 1698 (1698) Wing L1680; ESTC R10914 22,249 32

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v because_o the_o press_n may_v be_v so_o manage_v as_o to_o become_v a_o most_o powerful_a engine_n to_o overturn_v and_o subvert_v the_o very_a constitution_n for_o shall_v a_o magistrate_n arise_v with_o arbitrary_a design_n in_o his_o head_n no_o paper_n that_o plead_v the_o right_n and_o just_a privilege_n of_o the_o people_n will_v be_v stamp_v with_o a_o imprimatur_fw-la then_o the_o press_n will_v be_v employ_v only_o to_o extend_v the_o prerogative_n beyond_o all_o bound_n and_o to_o extol_v the_o promoter_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n as_o the_o chief_a patriot_n of_o their_o country_n and_o to_o expose_v and_o traduce_v those_o that_o be_v real_o so_o which_o will_v be_v the_o great_a discouragement_n not_o only_o to_o all_o brave_a and_o virtuous_a action_n but_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o people_n mistake_v their_o friend_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n to_o publish_v a_o vindication_n of_o their_o principle_n or_o action_n for_o their_o enemy_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o pulpit_n and_o westminster-hall_n as_o we_o have_v late_o see_v it_o shall_v chime_v in_o with_o a_o arbitrary_a court_n what_o can_v warn_v the_o people_n of_o their_o danger_n except_o the_o press_n but_o if_o that_o too_o be_v whole_o against_o they_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v so_o blind_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o chain_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o till_o they_o be_v fetter_v beyond_o all_o power_n of_o redemption_n for_o there_o can_v never_o be_v want_v a_o thousand_o plausible_a story_n and_o seem_o fair_a pretence_n to_o amuse_v and_o divert_v they_o from_o perceive_v their_o real_a danger_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o europe_n we_o shall_v find_v more_o nation_n wheedle_v than_o force_v out_o of_o their_o liberty_n though_o force_v afterward_o be_v necessary_a to_o maintain_v what_o be_v get_v at_o first_o by_o fraud_n 19_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o people_n may_v be_v thus_o impose_v on_o to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n that_o it_o be_v probable_a another_o generation_n see_v nothing_o but_o the_o royal_a prerogative_n high_o magnify_v may_v be_v breed_v up_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o be_v bear_v slave_n and_o be_v we_o not_o almost_o bring_v to_o that_o pass_n in_o the_o late_a reign_n when_o nothing_o come_v out_o with_o allowance_n but_o what_o be_v to_o justify_v such_o opinion_n and_o if_o some_o good_a man_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o prince_n of_o orange_n three_o declaration_n especial_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o revolution_n have_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n private_o to_o print_v some_o treatise_n to_o undeceive_v the_o people_n and_o to_o make_v they_o see_v the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o by_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n pass_v for_o divine_a and_o sacred_a truth_n the_o nation_n have_v tame_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o paper_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n open_v our_o eye_n so_o it_o may_v just_o be_v hope_v that_o none_o that_o see_v the_o miserable_a condition_n that_o the_o act_n for_o regulate_v the_o press_n will_v have_v bring_v we_o into_o will_v be_v instrumental_a in_o reestablish_v that_o law_n no_o those_o man_n sure_a who_o so_o much_o exclaim_v against_o it_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n will_v take_v all_o care_n imaginable_a to_o prevent_v it_o now_o but_o if_o these_o very_a man_n who_o may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v into_o their_o place_n and_o owe_v their_o preferment_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o examine_v those_o slavish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o former_a reign_n if_o these_o man_n i_o say_v can_v so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o as_o to_o be_v for_o a_o law_n which_o till_o themselves_o be_v uppermost_o they_o think_v tend_v only_o to_o enslave_v we_o there_o can_v be_v i_o think_v a_o great_a argument_n for_o all_o other_o to_o oppose_v it_o we_o be_v god_n be_v thank_v blessed_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o best_a of_o king_n who_o as_o he_o hazard_v every_o thing_n to_o rescue_v our_o liberty_n when_o in_o the_o extreme_a danger_n so_o he_o place_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o reign_n in_o preserve_v they_o entire_a and_o transmit_v they_o so_o to_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o none_o that_o love_v his_o glory_n can_v be_v for_o restrain_v the_o press_n which_o now_o as_o it_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o create_v jealousy_n in_o the_o people_n who_o can_v forget_v what_o former_a reign_v design_v by_o it_o so_o it_o may_v hereafter_o hazard_v all_o our_o liberty_n under_o a_o good_a king_n we_o may_v just_o expect_v such_o law_n as_o will_v not_o expose_v we_o to_o but_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o oppression_n of_o a_o ill_a one_o the_o best_a thing_n when_o pervert_v become_v the_o very_o worst_a as_o religion_n itself_o when_o it_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n so_o print_v which_o in_o itself_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o mankind_n when_o it_o be_v abuse_v may_v be_v of_o most_o fatal_a consequence_n secure_v but_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n and_o that_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n secure_v all_o other_o liberty_n but_o if_o that_o once_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o ill_a design_v man_n nothing_o that_o we_o hold_v dear_a or_o precious_a be_v safe_a and_o experience_n manifest_v that_o wheresoever_o that_o of_o the_o press_n be_v deny_v there_o no_o other_o be_v preserve_v most_o country_n in_o europe_n maintain_v their_o freedom_n tolerable_o well_o till_o the_o invention_n of_o print_v but_o when_o that_o be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o court-language_n people_n be_v by_o degree_n gull_v and_o cheat_v of_o their_o liberty_n have_v not_o the_o late_a king_n tack_v popery_n to_o slavery_n he_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n imaginable_a have_v enslave_v we_o and_o methinks_v the_o danger_n we_o have_v so_o miraculous_o escape_v shall_v fright_v we_o from_o ever_o enact_v any_o of_o those_o method_n into_o a_o law_n that_o so_o much_o contribute_v to_o that_o danger_n 20._o that_o which_o alone_o will_v engage_v i_o be_v i_o a_o senator_n to_o oppose_v the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v that_o a_o parliament_n be_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n of_o gentlemen-like_a education_n may_v not_o have_v much_o consider_v and_o therefore_o the_o peruse_v what_o those_o without_o door_n who_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n their_o business_n have_v write_v may_v be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a mean_n of_o inform_v themselves_o but_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hinder_v they_o from_o receive_v this_o satisfaction_n because_o licenser_n may_v be_v prevail_v on_o to_o suffer_v but_o one_o side_n to_o publish_v their_o sentiment_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o member_n who_o have_v frank_o own_v that_o the_o incomparable_a argument_n against_o the_o stand_a army_n give_v they_o great_a insight_n into_o that_o grand_a point_n which_o say_v they_o have_v not_o the_o press_n be_v open_a will_v never_o have_v appear_v nor_o any_o thing_n on_o that_o side_n though_o a_o number_n of_o pamphlet_n on_o the_o other_o which_o with_o the_o noise_n of_o self-interested_n person_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v carry_v thing_n quite_o otherwise_o and_o see_v they_o can_v not_o foresee_v how_o frequent_o such_o thing_n may_v happen_v this_o alone_a say_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n since_o they_o can_v not_o be_v too_o secure_a of_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n liberty_n which_o if_o once_o lose_v be_v scarce_o ever_o to_o be_v recover_v especial_o if_o seize_v by_o a_o domestic_a power_n 21._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v several_a well-meaning_a man_n for_o regulate_v the_o press_n who_o do_v they_o consider_v how_o subject_a all_o thing_n be_v to_o change_v can_v not_o but_o be_v apprehensive_a that_o this_o engine_n of_o their_o own_o contrive_n may_v be_v turn_v upon_o themselves_o and_o make_v to_o ruin_v those_o very_a design_n they_o think_v to_o promote_v by_o it_o for_o the_o press_n as_o a_o witty_a gentleman_n observe_v be_v like_o a_o jackanapes_n he_o who_o have_v he_o in_o his_o hand_n may_v make_v he_o bite_v who_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v their_o safe_a way_n to_o keep_v their_o jackanapes_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o it_o can_v but_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardiness_n to_o make_v such_o a_o law_n as_o may_v produce_v very_o fatal_a consequence_n even_o to_o the_o maker_n themselves_o who_o will_v then_o deserve_v no_o pity_n since_o they_o be_v scourge_v with_o rod_n of_o their_o own_o provide_v and_o it_o be_v
by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o clergy_n have_v get_v better_a ability_n as_o well_o as_o opportunity_n to_o impose_v on_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n and_o when_o man_n be_v once_o enslave_v in_o their_o understanding_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v most_o free_a it_o be_v scarce_a possible_a to_o preserve_v any_o other_o liberty_n the_o trust_v not_o only_o the_o pulpit_n but_o the_o press_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v cause_v the_o blind_a to_o lead_v the_o blind_a because_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o blind_a obedience_n than_o the_o laity_n since_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o they_o value_v their_o subsistence_n right_a or_o wrong_n to_o assert_v those_o religious_a tenet_n they_o find_v establish_v by_o law_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o can_v any_o more_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v impartial_o examine_v than_o a_o mercenary_a soldier_n the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o be_v send_v by_o their_o friend_n to_o the_o university_n not_o to_o try_v the_o establish_a religion_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o to_o profess_v it_o as_o a_o trade_n they_o be_v to_o earn_v their_o bread_n by_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v examine_v it_o they_o be_v even_o before_o they_o be_v capable_a shackle_a with_o early_a oath_n and_o subscription_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o priest_n be_v wondrous_a hot_a in_o every_o country_n for_o the_o opinion_n to_o which_o their_o preferment_n be_v annex_v in_o one_o place_n fierce_a calvinist_n in_o another_o violent_a lutheran_n in_o a_o three_o bigoted_a papist_n which_o can_v not_o so_o universal_o happen_v do_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v those_o opinion_n they_o be_v engage_v to_o profess_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o trust_v the_o press_n in_o hand_n of_o man_n so_o biased_a and_o prejudice_v who_o can_v but_o be_v high_o affront_v to_o see_v the_o laity_n do_v what_o they_o dare_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o not_o be_v blind_o guide_v by_o they_o who_o poor_a man_n be_v not_o trust_v to_o guide_v themselves_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o extraordinary_a precaution_n to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n right_a and_o tight_a and_o the_o great_a disproportion_n of_o number_n between_o the_o laity_n and_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o almost_o all_o the_o error_n and_o wrong_a notion_n in_o religion_n have_v have_v their_o rise_n and_o chief_a support_n from_o they_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a if_o the_o press_n shall_v be_v trust_v with_o any_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o layman_n who_o have_v no_o power_n prerogatives_n or_o privilege_n to_o gain_v by_o pervert_v of_o scripture_n since_o they_o pretend_v to_o none_o but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o society_n though_o i_o can_v but_o presume_v that_o our_o legislator_n be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o clergy_n will_v not_o enact_v such_o a_o law_n as_o suppose_v the_o great_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o print_n but_o a_o half-sheet_n in_o religion_n without_o consent_n of_o a_o lay_v licenser_n who_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n over_o their_o work_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o clergy_n will_v high_o resent_v such_o a_o law_n though_o i_o can_v see_v but_o the_o appoint_v licenser_n whether_o of_o the_o laity_n or_o clergy_n equal_o reflect_v on_o their_o body_n because_o it_o equal_o suppose_v they_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v trust_v but_o if_o they_o be_v content_a with_o that_o disgrace_n it_o must_v be_v because_o either_o they_o can_v defend_v themselves_o against-their_a adversary_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o laziness_n and_o idleness_n and_o not_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o laborious_a work_n of_o controversial_a divinity_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o on_o this_o point_n have_v already_o sufficient_o show_v how_o destructive_a the_o restrain_v the_o press_n be_v to_o religion_n which_o it_o can_v be_v without_o be_v in_o general_a prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n for_o who_o good_a it_o be_v institute_v but_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v pervert_v on_o purpose_n to_o enslave_v they_o and_o there_o never_o be_v a_o nation_n which_o lose_v their_o religious_a right_n that_o can_v long_o maintain_v their_o civil_a one_o for_o priestcraft_n and_o slavery_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o short_a on_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v on_o a_o civil_a account_n especial_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o those_o reason_n that_o show_v how_o destructive_a a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v to_o religious_a will_v equal_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o civil_a affair_n 16._o the_o great_a enjoyment_n that_o rational_a and_o sociable_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v to_o employ_v their_o thought_n on_o what_o subject_n they_o please_v and_o to_o communicate_v they_o to_o one_o another_o as_o free_o as_o they_o think_v they_o and_o herein_o consist_v the_o dignity_n and_o freedom_n of_o humane_a nature_n without_o which_o no_o other_o liberty_n can_v be_v secure_a for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o enable_v a_o few_o tyrant_n to_o keep_v almost_o all_o mankind_n in_o slavery_n but_o their_o narrow_a and_o wrong_a notion_n about_o government_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o discouragement_n they_o lie_v under_o of_o mutual_o communicate_v and_o consequent_o of_o employ_v their_o thought_n on_o political_a matter_n which_o do_v they_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v enslave_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n but_o the_o art_n of_o state_n in_o most_o country_n be_v to_o enslave_v the_o people_n or_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o slavery_n it_o become_v a_o crime_n to_o talk_v much_o more_o to_o write_v about_o political_a matter_n and_o ever_o since_o printing_n have_v be_v invent_v there_o have_v be_v in_o most_o place_n state-licensers_a to_o hinder_v man_n from_o free_o write_v about_o government_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o prevent_v the_o defect_n of_o either_o the_o government_n or_o the_o management_n of_o it_o from_o be_v discover_v and_o amend_v 17._o fame_n reputation_n and_o honour_n as_o they_o be_v the_o great_a incentives_n to_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n so_o they_o as_o much_o terrify_v man_n from_o commit_v base_a and_o unworthy_a one_o and_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v consider_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o the_o rich_a and_o powerful_a will_v frequent_o oppress_v those_o beneath_o they_o be_v they_o not_o afraid_a of_o lose_v their_o reputation_n and_o expose_v themselves_o either_o to_o the_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o law_n of_o reputation_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o influence_n man_n more_o than_o all_o other_o law_n whatever_o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o licenser_n of_o the_o press_n he_o may_v be_v prevail_v on_o not_o only_o to_o hinder_v the_o injure_a from_o appeal_n to_o the_o people_n by_o publish_v their_o grievance_n but_o to_o license_v such_o story_n only_o as_o mercenary_a scribbler_n will_v write_v to_o justify_v the_o oppressor_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o oppress_v which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n for_o those_o man_n that_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o law_n to_o crush_v who_o they_o please_v so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a injustice_n to_o deny_v the_o injure_v the_o last_o satisfaction_n of_o justify_v their_o innocence_n to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pass_v a_o just_a censure_n on_o the_o oppressor_n and_o this_o they_o will_v the_o more_o dread_a because_o if_o once_o they_o lose_v their_o credit_n with_o the_o people_n they_o will_v be_v very_o unfit_a instrument_n for_o a_o court_n to_o use_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o that_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o their_o power_n especial_o those_o who_o have_v cheat_v the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o abuse_v the_o people_n do_v endeavour_n with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o have_v the_o press_v regulate_v leave_v their_o crime_n be_v expose_v in_o print_n may_v not_o only_o render_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o the_o government_n in_o a_o word_n all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v not_o to_o have_v their_o action_n expose_v to_o the_o public_a which_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v no_o small_a number_n will_v be_v for_o restrain_v the_o press_n and_o perhaps_o will_v add_v iniquity_n to_o inquity_n by_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o suppress_v immorality_n and_o profaneness_n 18._o but_o this_o be_v not_o
when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o without_o any_o clergy_n at_o all_o be_v more_o likely_a not_o only_o to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o but_o to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o a_o more_o impartial_a judgement_n than_o when_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o of_o one_o sect_n who_o then_o may_v impose_v on_o they_o what_o ever_o out_o of_o interest_n they_o think_v fit_a 5._o one_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v so_o form_v mankind_n that_o each_o alone_a without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o can_v well_o subsist_v be_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o to_o contribute_v to_o one_o another_o happiness_n and_o they_o want_v each_o other_o assistance_n for_o thing_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o body_n for_o a_o man_n will_v be_v in_o a_o miserable_a state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o light_n that_o other_o afford_v he_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o increase_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v each_o other_o knowledge_n especial_o in_o religion_n which_o they_o can_v no_o otherwise_o do_v than_o by_o communicate_v to_o one_o another_o what_o they_o think_v be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o reason_n by_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o do_v this_o god_n have_v not_o only_o implant_v in_o they_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o religious_a truth_n but_o as_o great_a a_o inclination_n to_o teach_v other_o what_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a but_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o get_v it_o own_v by_o other_o whosoever_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v man_n from_o communicate_v their_o thought_n as_o they_o notorious_o do_v that_o be_v for_o restrain_v the_o press_n invade_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o mankind_n and_o destroy_v the_o common_a tie_n of_o humanity_n if_o we_o must_v early_a and_o late_o according_a to_o the_o wise_a man_n direction_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n as_o after_o a_o hide_a treasure_n i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o will_v become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o endeavour_v by_o a_o law_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o know_v more_o than_o the_o scanty_a measure_n a_o party-licenc_a will_v afford_v we_o not_o only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o write_a word_n levit_fw-la 19_o 17._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 14._o heb._n 3._o 13._o oblige_v every_o one_o lay_v as_o well_o as_o clergy_n to_o exhort_v warn_v rebuke_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o bring_v his_o mistake_a brother_n into_o the_o right_a way_n which_o he_o can_v no_o otherwise_o do_v than_o by_o first_o judge_v himself_o what_o be_v right_a and_o wrong_n and_o then_o by_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o who_o he_o judge_n in_o the_o wrong_n to_o desist_v from_o it_o and_o if_o as_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v no_o man_n can_v neglect_v to_o do_v this_o without_o hate_v his_o brother_n every_o one_o have_v a_o right_a to_o print_v his_o sentiment_n as_o the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a way_n to_o exhort_v rebuke_n reprove_v myriad_o of_o brethren_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o short_a in_o all_o age_n the_o great_a man_n zeal_n have_v be_v towards_o god_n and_o the_o more_o inflame_v their_o love_n to_o their_o neighbour_n the_o more_o they_o have_v think_v it_o their_o duty_n though_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n to_o communicate_v to_o other_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o all_o sect_n how_o different_a so_o ever_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v agree_v in_o think_v themselves_o bind_v thereto_o as_o to_o the_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n that_o hinder_v other_o from_o publish_v what_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v truth_n but_o sin_n against_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n and_o break_v that_o golden_a rule_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o morality_n of_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o for_o though_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o impious_a and_o tyrannical_a for_o any_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o doctrine_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o themselves_o will_v hinder_v all_o other_o who_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o communicate_v to_o other_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o religious_a truth_n what_o can_v be_v more_o inhuman_a as_o well_o as_o ungrateful_a than_o to_o punish_v that_o person_n who_o out_o of_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brethren_n bestow_v his_o time_n perhaps_o to_o the_o detriment_n of_o his_o health_n and_o fortune_n in_o publish_v what_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v for_o their_o eternal_a good_a if_o this_o be_v a_o just_a reward_n for_o such_o a_o undertake_n i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o clergy_n can_v deserve_v such_o riches_n and_o honour_n for_o do_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o instruct_v other_o in_o that_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v true_a nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n than_o to_o bar_v up_o the_o way_n to_o religious_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n which_o man_n have_v no_o way_n to_o propagate_v but_o by_o offer_v one_o another_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o do_v this_o by_o restrain_v the_o press_n but_o what_o will_v as_o strong_o forbid_v they_o do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n in_o a_o word_n man_n have_v the_o same_o right_a to_o communicate_v their_o thought_n as_o to_o think_v themselves_o and_o where_o the_o one_o be_v deny_v the_o other_o be_v seldom_o use_v or_o to_o little_a purpose_n for_o man_n as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o hinder_v from_o communicate_v their_o thought_n be_v more_o or_o less_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a and_o their_o religion_n more_o or_o less_o corrupt_a and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a with_o relation_n to_o mahometan_n and_o pagan_n who_o suffer_v no_o print_n at_o all_o except_o the_o chinese_n who_o knowledge_n above_o other_o eastern_a nation_n seem_v to_o be_v owe_v to_o that_o art_n though_o among_o they_o wonderful_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a but_o with_o respect_n to_o christian_n among_o who_o one_o will_v think_v it_o almost_o impossible_a consider_v what_o light_n and_o knowledge_n the_o gospel_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a as_o the_o papist_n be_v or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o deprave_v as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o and_o what_o be_v this_o owe_v to_o but_o the_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n and_o all_o other_o way_n of_o free_o debate_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o invention_n whereby_o man_n have_v such_o a_o easy_a way_n of_o communicate_v their_o thought_n nothing_o but_o a_o second_o revelation_n can_v have_v free_v they_o from_o that_o mass_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o christian_a world_n lie_v under_o and_o which_o be_v every_o day_n increase_v and_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n in_o those_o country_n that_o groan_v under_o restraint_n as_o portugal_n spain_n italy_n which_o last_o suitable_o to_o the_o freedom_n once_o it_o enjoy_v abound_v with_o man_n eminent_a in_o all_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n and_o bravery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o much_o degenerate_v now_o the_o climate_n and_o the_o make_v of_o their_o body_n be_v still_o the_o same_o be_v owe_v to_o nothing_o but_o that_o priest-craft_n which_o forbid_v all_o freedom_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o ancient_a rome_n where_o to_o think_v on_o what_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o and_o to_o speak_v one_o thought_n as_o free_o as_o to_o think_v they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a blessing_n of_o a_o free_a government_n it_o be_v not_o only_a in_o popish_a but_o in_o protestant_a country_n too_o that_o according_a to_o the_o restraint_n man_n lay_v under_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o bigotry_n do_v more_o or_o less_o abound_v denmark_n sweden_n and_o several_a other_o country_n be_v undeniable_a instance_n of_o this_o and_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o there_o be_v little_a difference_n between_o have_v no_o reason_n and_o not_o exercise_v it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o more_o know_v and_o reason_n much_o better_o but_o be_v much_o more_o sober_a careful_a and_o exemplary_a where_o liberty_n of_o debate_v be_v allow_v than_o where_o deny_v from_o what_o have_v be_v urge_v i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o man_n if_o they_o
since_o go_v back_o both_o in_o esteem_n and_o interest_n and_o at_o last_o if_o man_n do_v not_o change_v their_o conduct_n will_v be_v quite_o lose_v for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o since_o that_o method_n protestantism_n and_o popery_n be_v so_o opposite_a that_o preserve_v the_o one_o must_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o other_o the_o take_v a_o contrary_a method_n not_o only_o hinder_v the_o far_a spread_v of_o the_o reformation_n but_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o where_o it_o do_v prevail_v it_o be_v no_o more_o perfect_a for_o though_o the_o reformer_n deserve_v just_a commendation_n for_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o so_o much_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n they_o can_v not_o remove_v those_o vast_a load_n of_o corruption_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o gather_n but_o if_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o have_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n in_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o do_v their_o predecessor_n opinion_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o time_n must_v have_v discover_v the_o truth_n and_o make_v they_o agree_v at_o least_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o moment_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o become_v as_o guilty_a of_o a_o blind_a obedience_n as_o the_o papist_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n among_o the_o different_a sect_n if_o luther_n calvin_n church_n of_o england_n say_v so_o nothing_o more_o common_a than_o that_o i_o submit_v all_o to_o mother_n church_n and_o such_o like_a phrase_n which_o that_o man_n shall_v effectual_o do_v there_o be_v penal_a law_n enact_v to_o force_v they_o and_o no_o print_v or_o preach_v allow_v to_o those_o that_o dare_v see_v far_o than_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o eye_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o half_a open_a though_o they_o see_v very_o well_o for_o those_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o may_v just_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v quite_o blind_a the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o several_a sect_n be_v widen_v and_o they_o all_o run_v daily_o far_o and_o far_o into_o uncharitableness_n ignorance_n superstition_n and_o fanaticism_n 9_o whosoever_o observe_v with_o what_o zeal_n our_o divine_n condemn_v the_o popish_a clergy_n for_o not_o suffer_v their_o laity_n to_o read_v protestant_a author_n will_v hardly_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v so_o difingenuous_a as_o to_o appoint_v some_o spiritual_a dragon_n to_o watch_v the_o press_n lest_o any_o thing_n shall_v steal_v from_o thence_o that_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n let_v we_o hear_v only_o for_o they_o all_o write_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o learned_a dr._n clegget_n who_o in_o his_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n p._n 28._o tell_v we_o they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n more_o than_o light_n if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v own_v this_o to_o be_v a_o just_a character_n of_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o law_n to_o restrain_v the_o press_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v do_v they_o apprehend_v any_o such_o design_n to_o oppose_v it_o to_o their_o utmost_a and_o to_o encourage_v their_o adversary_n to_o print_v their_o sentiment_n and_o the_o people_n to_o read_v they_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n reason_n and_o sophistry_n orthodoxy_n and_o heterodoxy_n dissent_v and_o conform_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n take_v a_o contrary_a method_n only_o afford_v a_o new_a argument_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n because_o they_o give_v their_o follower_n a_o just_a cause_n to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o by_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_a they_o be_v to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n do_v the_o protestant_a guide_n act_n as_o such_o instead_o of_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v their_o auditor_n the_o great_a sin_n of_o be_v biased_a by_o they_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o that_o the_o more_o important_a any_o controversy_n be_v the_o more_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n that_o they_o may_v examine_v with_o all_o the_o diligence_n imaginable_a the_o tenet_n of_o their_o adversary_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o guide_n and_o that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o one_o party_n the_o more_o they_o shall_v read_v the_o other_o and_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o any_o error_n by_o so_o do_v they_o will_v not_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o for_o though_o there_o be_v not_o as_o the_o papist_n vain_o imagine_v such_o a_o guide_n as_o will_v infallible_o lead_v every_o man_n into_o every_o truth_n yet_o that_o every_o one_o reason_n as_o a_o guide_n be_v infallible_a because_o god_n that_o design_n that_o all_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a have_v give_v they_o no_o other_o guide_n but_o their_o reason_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o that_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o sure_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v infallible_a the_o follow_v that_o guide_n must_v bring_v they_o to_o that_o happy_a state_n god_n design_v the_o follow_v it_o shall_v bring_v they_o to_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o those_o only_a that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v condemn_v they_o as_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o instead_o of_o use_v their_o talent_n to_o find_v out_o his_o will_n do_v abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o uncertain_a chance_n of_o education_n and_o the_o religion_n in_o fashion_n which_o vary_v with_o every_o age_n and_o every_o country_n as_o thus_o they_o ought_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n so_o they_o shall_v as_o little_a scruple_n to_o tell_v the_o magistrate_n that_o by_o permit_v a_o entire_a liberty_n he_o do_v nothing_o but_o his_o duty_n but_o by_o a_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n he_o do_v not_o only_o show_v himself_o guilty_a of_o a_o blind_a obedience_n but_o do_v endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a nation_n so_o and_o be_v to_o answer_v not_o only_o for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o other_o ill_a consequence_n himself_o cause_v by_o a_o restraint_n but_o likewise_o of_o abet_v all_o other_o magistrate_n that_o think_v themselves_o in_o the_o right_n in_o do_v the_o like_a and_o that_o though_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n himself_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o know_v how_o many_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o be_v all_o their_o life_n in_o the_o wrong_n who_o may_v be_v so_o only_o because_o not_o have_v liberty_n to_o publish_v the_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o embrace_v such_o opinion_n they_o can_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o can_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o in_o truth_n write_v against_o any_o opinion_n where_o man_n have_v not_o the_o liberty_n to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v but_o write_v at_o random_n because_o man_n reason_n can_v be_v confute_v till_o they_o be_v know_v such_o argument_n as_o these_o a_o protestant_a clergy_n that_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n aught_o to_o use_v both_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o not_o prevaricate_v with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o talk_v backward_o and_o forward_o just_a as_o it_o serve_v their_o turn_n if_o baal_n be_v god_n serve_v he_o if_o not_o serve_v the_o lord_n 10._o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o that_o be_v for_o tie_v man_n to_o that_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n a_o licencer_n shall_v approve_v and_o therefore_o put_v it_o