commonwealth_n they_o can_v not_o want_v prudence_n to_o judge_n what_o circumstance_n be_v conducive_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n practise_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o all_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o civil_a government_n do_v and_o therefore_o to_o quarrel_v with_o those_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o authority_n only_o because_o they_o be_v humane_a institution_n be_v at_o once_o notorious_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n for_o where_o a_o religion_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n whoever_o open_o refuse_v obedience_n plain_o rebel_n against_o the_o government_n rebellion_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o can_v man_n of_o this_o principle_n live_v peaceable_o in_o any_o church_n in_o christendom_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n §_o 7._o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o account_v elsewhere_o and_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o observe_v here_o from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o use_n and_o nature_n of_o outward_a worship_n the_o prodigious_a impertinency_n of_o that_o clamour_n some_o man_n have_v for_o so_o many_o year_n keep_v up_o against_o the_o institution_n of_o significant_a ceremony_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v significant_a in_o that_o all_o worship_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a honour_n and_o be_v indifferent_o perform_v either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n for_o respect_n may_v as_o well_o be_v signify_v by_o deed_n and_o posture_n and_o visible_a solemnity_n as_o by_o solemn_a expression_n thus_o to_o approach_v the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o such_o gesture_n as_o be_v wont_a to_o betoken_v reverence_n and_o humility_n be_v as_o proper_a a_o piece_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o celebrate_v his_o greatness_n by_o solemn_a praise_n and_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n be_v among_o the_o ancient_n the_o same_o sort_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o return_v thanksgiving_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o exception_n against_o the_o signification_n of_o ceremony_n than_o of_o word_n see_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o both_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o all_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o external_n worship_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o significant_a so_o be_v they_o equal_o arbitrary_a only_o some_o happen_v to_o be_v more_o universal_o practise_v and_o other_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n kneel_v lie_v prostrate_a be_v bareheaded_a lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n be_v not_o more_o natural_o significant_a of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n than_o put_v off_o the_o shoe_n bow_v the_o head_n or_o bend_v the_o body_n and_o if_o some_o be_v more_o general_o use_v than_o other_o that_o proceed_v not_o from_o their_o natural_a significancy_n but_o from_o custom_n and_o casual_a prescription_n and_o to_o bow_v the_o body_n when_o we_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n be_v as_o much_o a_o natural_a signification_n of_o honour_n to_o his_o person_n as_o kneel_v or_o be_v bareheaded_a or_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o but_o if_o all_o outward_a action_n become_v to_o betoken_v honour_n by_o institution_n than_o whatsoever_o outward_a sign_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o commonwealth_n unless_o they_o be_v customary_a mark_n of_o contempt_n and_o so_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o antecedent_n vndecency_n be_v proper_a sign_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o action_n be_v make_v significant_a by_o agreement_n those_o be_v most_o so_o who_o signification_n be_v ratify_v by_o public_a consent_n §_o 8._o so_o that_o all_o the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o institute_v significant_a ceremony_n amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v what_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n and_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o more_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o if_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n shall_v take_v upon_o itself_o as_o some_o prince_n have_v do_v to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n for_o as_o word_n do_v not_o natural_o denote_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v but_o have_v their_o import_n stamp_v upon_o they_o by_o consent_n and_o institution_n and_o and_o may_v if_o man_n will_v agree_v to_o it_o among_o themselves_o be_v make_v mark_n of_o thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o now_o signify_v so_o the_o same_o gesture_n and_o action_n be_v indifferent_o capable_a of_o signify_v either_o honour_n or_o contumely_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a and_o settle_a meaning_n it_o be_v necessary_a their_o signification_n shall_v be_v determine_v and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o public_a consent_n or_o some_o other_o way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o usefulness_n be_v to_o express_v man_n agreement_n in_o give_v honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o sign_n by_o which_o this_o honour_n be_v signify_v be_v public_a and_o uniform_a it_o be_v not_o public_a worship_n because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a signification_n of_o honour_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v unlawful_a for_o governor_n to_o define_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o necessary_a in_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v define_v it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v public_a worship_n and_o when_o different_a man_n worship_n god_n by_o different_a action_n according_a to_o their_o different_a fancy_n it_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a worship_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a sign_n of_o honour_n so_o that_o uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v as_o certainty_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n because_o otherwise_o they_o be_v no_o public_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o to_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a result_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o all_o internal_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v beyond_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o humane_a power_n if_o by_o they_o the_o substance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v perform_v if_o all_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n have_v no_o other_o use_v than_o only_o to_o be_v instrument_n to_o express_v inward_a religion_n and_o if_o the_o signification_n of_o action_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o word_n then_o when_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o determine_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o outward_a worship_n it_o be_v after_o all_o that_o hideous_a and_o ridiculous_a noise_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o of_o no_o worse_a consequence_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o all_o word_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o action_n intrinsical_o evil_a and_o their_o exemption_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n against_o mr._n hobbs_n with_o a_o full_a confutation_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n of_o government_n the_o content_n no_o magistrate_n can_v command_v action_n internal_o evil._n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o because_o man_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o earth_n but_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n to_o take_v off_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v all_o government_n mr._n hobbs_n his_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n propose_v it_o be_v absurdity_n demonstrate_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o thing_n the_o principle_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v adapt_v not_o to_o a_o imaginary_a but_o to_o the_o real_a state_n of_o nature_n this_o hypothesis_n apparent_o deny_v either_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n it_o irrecoverable_o destroy_v the_o safety_n of_o all_o society_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o world_n it_o leave_v we_o in_o as_o miserable_a condition_n under_o the_o state_n of_o government_n as_o we_o be_v in_o his_o suppose_a natural_a state_n of_o
what_o a_o cross-grained_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o restrain_v thing_n only_o because_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o first_o to_o forbid_v prince_n to_o command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o then_o subject_n to_o do_v they_o only_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o to_o expose_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n by_o some_o more_o particular_a consideration_n §2_n first_o the_o folly_n and_o mischief_n that_o issue_n from_o it_o be_v so_o infinite_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v not_o overturn_v and_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o disturbance_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v any_o form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o all_o circumstance_n prescribe_v in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o exception_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v one_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o it_o may_v as_o occasion_n require_v serve_v as_o well_o to_o cashier_v all_o and_o by_o consequence_n take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n thus_o when_o upon_o this_o principle_n the_o disciplinarian_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o independent_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n separate_v from_o they_o the_o anabaptist_n from_o the_o independent_o the_o familist_n from_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o quaker_n from_o the_o familist_n and_o every_o faction_n divide_v and_o subdivide_v among_o themselves_o into_o innumerable_a sect_n and_o undersect_v and_o as_o long_o as_o man_n act_v up_o to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o innovation_n must_v be_v endless_a if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o lord-bishop_n it_o be_v as_o severe_a against_o lay-presbyter_n if_o against_o music_n in_o church_n than_o farewell_n sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o rhyme_n if_o against_o the_o cross_n why_o not_o against_o sprinkle_v in_o baptism_n and_o if_o against_o cathedral_n church_n than_o down_o go_v all_o steeple-house_n if_o against_o one_o thing_n then_o against_o every_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o two_o sacrament_n that_o can_v possible_o escape_v its_o impeachment_n all_o the_o pious_a villainy_n that_o have_v ever_o disturb_v the_o christian_a world_n have_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o this_o grand_a maxim_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawmaker_n to_o his_o church_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n invade_v his_o kingly_a office_n the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a so_o abuse_v this_o pretence_n to_o justify_v any_o seditious_a and_o licentious_a practice_n that_o they_o make_v heathen_a prince_n look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o government_n and_o the_o fanatic_n of_o late_a have_v so_o vex_v and_o embroil_v christendom_n with_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o christian_a prince_n themselves_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n it_o be_v become_v the_o only_a patron_n and_o pretext_n of_o sedition_n and_o when_o any_o subject_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o set_v themselves_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o can_v never_o want_v this_o pretence_n to_o warrant_v their_o disobedience_n see_v there_o be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o divers_a law_n that_o be_v not_o record_v by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o humane_a institution_n entrench_v upon_o our_o saviour_n kingly_a prerogative_n they_o be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v provide_v with_o matter_n of_o quarrel_n to_o disturb_v government_n and_o justify_v rebellion_n §_o 3._o second_o nay_o further_a this_o fond_a pretence_n if_o make_v use_v of_o to_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o may_v as_o wise_o serve_v will_v cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a which_o have_v only_o describe_v the_o general_a line_n of_o duty_n but_o leave_v their_o particular_a determination_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o humane_a law_n now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o in_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n these_o can_v be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n therefore_o if_o he_o can_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n to_o see_v the_o divine_a law_n put_v in_o execution_n for_o where_o be_v describe_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n where_o be_v determine_v all_o doubt_n and_o question_n of_o conscience_n where_o be_v decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n where_o be_v record_v all_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n why_o therefore_o shall_v humane_a authority_n be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v in_o these_o great_a affair_n and_o yet_o be_v deny_v it_o in_o the_o custom_n of_o church_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a reason_n to_o be_v assign_v but_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o fond_a opinion_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o be_v argument_n enough_o for_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a how_o come_v this_o proposition_n to_o be_v now_o limit_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n but_o only_o because_o this_o serve_v their_o turn_n for_o otherwise_o why_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o perfect_v a_o rule_n of_o civil_a as_o of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n as_o they_o be_v a_o canon_n of_o worship_n why_o do_v not_o these_o man_n require_v from_o the_o scripture_n express_v command_n for_o every_o action_n they_o do_v in_o common_a life_n how_o dare_v they_o take_v any_o physic_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o dare_v they_o commence_v a_o suit_n at_o law_n without_o warranty_n from_o scripture_n how_o dare_v they_o do_v any_o natural_a action_n without_o particular_a advice_n and_o direction_n of_o holy_a writ_n §_o 4._o three_o but_o as_o foolish_a as_o this_o opinion_n be_v its_o mischief_n equal_v its_o folly_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o these_o son_n of_o strife_n and_o singularity_n must_v have_v be_v troublesome_a and_o seditious_a in_o all_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v they_o live_v under_o the_o jewish_a church_n why_o then_o where_o have_v moses_n command_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n the_o fast_n of_o the_o four_o the_o five_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o ten_o month_n what_o warrant_v for_o the_o build_n of_o synagogue_n and_o what_o command_v for_o that_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o wear_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n in_o token_n of_o humiliation_n if_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n why_o then_o where_o do_v our_o saviour_n appoint_v the_o love-feast_n where_o have_v he_o institute_v the_o kiss_n of_o charity_n where_o have_v he_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n and_o easter_n where_o the_o lordsday_n sabbath_n and_o where_o all_o their_o other_o commemorative_a festival_n vide_fw-la tertull_n de_fw-fr coronâ_fw-la c._n 3._o will_v they_o retreat_v to_o the_o lutheran_n church_n they_o will_v there_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o all_o the_o same_o but_o many_o more_o antichristian_a and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n to_o offend_v their_o tender_a conscience_n and_o will_v find_v themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o government_n save_v that_o their_o superintendent_o want_v the_o antichristian_a honour_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o english_a bishop_n partly_o through_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o country_n partly_o through_o the_o injury_n of_o sacrilege_n but_o main_o because_o the_o church_n revenue_n be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o romish_a bishop_n will_v they_o to_o france_n there_o notwithstanding_o the_o unsettle_a state_n of_o the_o protestant_n of_o that_o nation_n through_o want_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o their_o liturgy_n and_o establish_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o change_v of_o apparel_n for_o divine_a service_n as_o well_o as_o at_o home_n if_o they_o will_v to_o geneva_n there_o mr._n calvin_n common-prayer-book_n be_v as_o much_o impose_v as_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o they_o be_v enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o wafercake_n the_o custom_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n bid_v of_o prayer_n proper_a psalm_n not_o only_o for_o day_n but_o for_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n with_o divers_a other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v no_o where_o record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n what_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v affirm_v these_o be_v the_o only_a custom_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n never_o use_v more_o or_o less_o than_o these_o so_o that_o these_o man_n
any_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o neither_o have_v nor_o indeed_o can_v determine_v all_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v so_o various_a and_o so_o changeable_a and_o man_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a record_n for_o the_o method_n of_o legal_a proceed_n in_o our_o common_a law_n court_v as_o for_o particular_a rubric_n and_o prescription_n of_o all_o outward_a form_n and_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n so_o that_o what_o these_o man_n demand_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a sect._n 8._o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o unparalleled_a folly_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o principle_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a i_o suppose_v it_o needless_a to_o engage_v in_o any_o further_a scholastic_a dispute_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_a action_n and_o some_o other_o less_o material_a controversy_n that_o depend_v upon_o this_o partly_o because_o this_o principle_n on_o which_o alone_o they_o stand_v be_v remove_v they_o become_v utter_o groundless_a and_o so_o by_o its_o confutation_n be_v sufficient_o confute_v and_o partly_o because_o all_o this_o have_v be_v so_o often_o so_o full_o and_o so_o infinite_o perform_v already_o and_o of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v start_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o that_o have_v be_v more_o fair_o pursue_v and_o satisfactory_o decide_v than_o this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o its_o puritan_n adversary_n that_o have_v all_o along_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dispute_n between_o rational_a learning_n and_o unreasonable_a zeal_n and_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o a_o unhappiness_n than_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o the_o defender_n of_o our_o church_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o waste_v their_o time_n and_o their_o part_n in_o baffle_v the_o idle_a cavil_n of_o a_o few_o hotheaded_a and_o brainsick_a people_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o mankind_n than_o these_o man_n folly_n in_o persist_v so_o obstinate_o in_o their_o old_a and_o pitiful_a clamour_n after_o they_o have_v be_v so_o convince_o answer_v and_o so_o demonstrative_o confute_v and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o satisfy_v such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o their_o great_a exception_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n constitution_n insomuch_o that_o if_o authority_n shall_v think_v good_a out_o of_o compliance_n with_o their_o cross_a demand_n to_o command_v what_o they_o now_o think_v necessary_a that_o must_v then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n become_v unlawful_a because_o forsooth_o where_o they_o take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o action_n they_o destroy_v its_o lawfulness_n now_o what_o possible_o can_v have_v betray_v man_n into_o so_o absurd_a a_o persuasion_n but_o a_o stubborn_a resolution_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o insolent_a humour_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o whatever_o their_o superior_n command_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v to_o decoy_n they_o into_o obedience_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o command_v what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o forbear_v and_o than_o if_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o be_v obey_v by_o disobedience_n he_o shall_v find_v they_o good_a man_n the_o most_o obedient_a subject_n in_o the_o world_n sect._n 9_o but_o to_o return_v to_o what_o i_o be_v say_v instead_o of_o trouble_v myself_o with_o any_o further_a confutation_n of_o so_o baffle_v a_o cause_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o more_o brief_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o more_o effectual_o by_o vybray_v they_o with_o their_o shameful_a overthrow_v and_o dare_v they_o but_o to_o look_v those_o enemy_n in_o the_o face_n that_o have_v so_o lamentable_o cow_v they_o by_o so_o many_o absolute_a triumph_n and_o victory_n and_o not_o to_o mention_v divers_a other_o learned_a and_o excellent_a person_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o that_o famous_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n mr._n hooker_n upon_o he_o let_v they_o try_v their_o courage_n though_o by_o so_o safe_a a_o challenge_n i_o do_v but_o give_v proof_n of_o my_o own_o cowardice_n how_o long_o have_v his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n bid_v shameful_a defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a party_n and_o yet_o never_o find_v any_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o venture_v upon_o a_o encounter_n now_o this_o author_n be_v confess_o a_o person_n of_o so_o much_o learning_n candor_n judgement_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o withal_o so_o high_o prize_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o regular_a and_o obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n cast_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n upon_o his_o performance_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o as_o the_o attempt_n of_o a_o just_a reply_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o both_o by_o their_o write_n and_o their_o action_n that_o they_o have_v not_o want_v zeal_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v escape_v so_o long_o free_a from_o all_o contradiction_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o good_a will_n but_o ability_n not_o because_o they_o will_v not_o but_o because_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o can_v not_o confute_v he_o so_o that_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v as_o full_a and_o demonstrative_a a_o confutation_n of_o their_o cause_n as_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o i._n e._n it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o unless_o perhaps_o a_o reply_n to_o it_o and_o shall_v live_v a_o eternal_a shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o their_o cause_n when_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o will_v probable_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o utter_a forgetfulness_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o trophy_n of_o success_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o until_o they_o can_v at_o least_o pretend_v to_o have_v return_v some_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o that_o discourse_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o impudence_n whilst_o they_o continual_o pelt_v we_o with_o their_o pamphlet_n and_o such_o little_a exception_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o since_o so_o shameful_o and_o demonstrative_o baffle_v sect._n 10._o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v wont_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v their_o principle_n look_v more_o plausible_o to_o stuff_v their_o discourse_n with_o frequent_a and_o tragical_a declamation_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o labour_n to_o wipe_v off_o such_o idle_a reproach_n by_o solemn_o discourse_v these_o matter_n both_o because_o this_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o perform_v already_o and_o because_o though_o these_o outcry_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o affright_v silly_a people_n yet_o few_o if_o any_o of_o their_o ringleader_n be_v still_o so_o fond_a either_o to_o own_o this_o charge_n against_o we_o or_o to_o plead_v it_o in_o their_o own_o justification_n only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v of_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o strong_a argument_n against_o themselves_o than_o their_o own_o objection_n against_o we_o for_o if_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v any_o superstition_n it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o this_o vice_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o weak_a and_o unworthy_a conceit_n of_o god_n now_o he_o that_o conform_v to_o the_o receive_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o church_n do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o intrinsic_a value_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o order_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n whereas_o he_o that_o scrupulous_o refuse_v to_o use_v and_o practise_v they_o take_v a_o wrong_a estimate_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o imagine_v that_o god_n judge_n his_o creature_n by_o nice_a and_o pettish_a law_n and_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o a_o doubtful_a or_o indifferent_a ceremony_n than_o upon_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o we_o proceed_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v prescribe_v the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o have_v leave_v its_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n
peremptory_a soever_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v in_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o their_o supreme_a power_n in_o civil_a affair_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o seem_v modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n and_o dare_v scarce_o own_o their_o legislative_a power_n in_o religious_a affair_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o saucy_a pretence_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n one_o notorious_a instance_n whereof_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la the_o wednesday_n fast_o that_o be_v enjoin_v with_o this_o clause_n of_o exception_n that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n he_o shall_v be_v punish_v like_o the_o spreader_n of_o false_a news_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o late_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n a_o direct_a artifice_n to_o evacuate_v the_o whole_a law_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o argue_v all_o humane_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o man_n he_o that_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o law_n it_o shall_v have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o then_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n then_o to_o break_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n so_o that_o a_o law_n without_o such_o a_o intention_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o law_n which_o bind_v only_o if_o we_o please_v and_o we_o may_v obey_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o to_o so_o much_o we_o be_v tie_v before_o the_o constitution_n but_o then_o if_o by_o such_o a_o declaration_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o to_o keep_v such_o fasting-day_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o direct_a commandment_n from_o god_n that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o require_v they_o by_o himself_o immediate_o and_o so_o it_o be_v abstract_v from_o that_o law_n no_o duty_n evangelical_n it_o have_v be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n pretend_v it_o no_o man_n say_v it_o no_o man_n think_v it_o and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o law_n be_v none_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o matter_n indeed_o of_o this_o law_n be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o declaration_n annex_v to_o it_o prove_v of_o a_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n for_o when_o once_o the_o unruly_a conscience_n of_o the_o puritan_n be_v get_v loose_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o authority_n nothing_o can_v give_v check_n to_o their_o giddy_a and_o furious_a zeal_n but_o they_o soon_o break_v out_o into_o the_o most_o impudent_a affront_v and_o indignity_n against_o the_o law_n and_o run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o disloyal_a outrage_n against_o the_o state_n as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o cartwright_n goodman_n whittingham_n gilby_n whitehead_n travers_n and_o other_o lead_a rabbi_n of_o the_o holy_a faction_n who_o treatise_n be_v stuff_v with_o as_o rail_v spiteful_a and_o malicious_a speech_n both_o against_o their_o prince_n the_o clergy_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n as_o be_v ever_o public_o vent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o traitor_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o method_n of_o their_o polity_n it_o be_v plain_o no_o more_o than_o this_o first_o to_o reproach_v the_o church_n with_o infamous_a and_o abusive_a dialogue_n and_o then_o to_o libel_v the_o state_n with_o bitter_a and_o scurrilous_a pamphlet_n to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o dislike_n and_o jealousy_n about_o public_a affair_n whisper_v about_o reproachful_a and_o slanderous_a report_n inveigle_v the_o people_n with_o a_o thousand_o little_a and_o malicious_a story_n enter_v into_o secret_a league_n and_o confederacy_n foment_n discontent_n and_o sedition_n and_o in_o every_o straight_a and_o exigence_n of_o state_n threaten_v and_o beleaguer_v authority_n in_o fine_a the_o scope_n of_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v their_o party_n that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n with_o direction_n of_o their_o godly_a minister_n i._n e._n themselves_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violent_a and_o forcible_a course_n and_o whither_o this_o principle_n in_o process_n of_o time_n lead_v they_o the_o story_n be_v too_o long_o too_o sad_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o repeat_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o improve_v itself_o into_o the_o great_a villainy_n &_o conclude_v in_o the_o black_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v upon_o this_o island_n §_o 22._o well_o then_o to_o sum_n up_o the_o result_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o see_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n what_o a_o powerful_a influence_n religion_n have_v upon_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o kingdom_n that_o nothing_o so_o effectual_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o so_o easy_o work_v its_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n as_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_a administration_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o settlement_n that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n which_o because_o he_o can_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o power_n and_o conduct_n of_o religion_n its_o government_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v seat_v in_o he_o and_o none_o else_o so_o that_o those_o person_n who_o will_v exempt_v conscience_n and_o all_o religious_a matter_n from_o the_o prince_n power_n must_v make_v he_o either_o a_o tyrant_n or_o a_o impotent_a prince_n for_o if_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tie_v law_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o conscience_n then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n he_o usurp_v a_o unlawful_a dominion_n violate_v the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o invade_v the_o throne_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v then_o do_v he_o clear_o pass_v away_o the_o bige_a security_n of_o his_o government_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o villainy_n that_o can_v put_v on_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v any_o prince_n through_o unhappy_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o state_n be_v bring_v into_o such_o straits_n and_o exigence_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o headstrong_a inclination_n of_o his_o subject_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o raise_v such_o commotion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o perhaps_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o allay_v and_o so_o shall_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o to_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o fancy_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n yet_o unless_o he_o will_v divest_v himself_o of_o a_o more_o material_a and_o more_o necessary_a part_n of_o his_o authority_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v grant_v away_o his_o power_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o his_o prerogative_n of_o ratify_v all_o civil_a law_n unless_o i_o say_v he_o will_v thus_o hazard_v his_o crown_n and_o make_v himself_o too_o weak_a for_o government_n by_o renounce_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o must_v lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o person_n to_o who_o he_o grant_v this_o their_o religious_a freedom_n to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o govern_v all_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o be_v either_o conducive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o declaration_n they_o will_v but_o confess_v themselves_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o refuse_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v just_a power_n to_o impose_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o parallel_n between_o matter_n relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n moral_a virtue_n the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o a_o particular_a induction_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o mankind_n a_o scheme_n of_o religion_n reduce_v all_o its_o branch_n either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o
word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o four_o gospel_n leviath_n p._n 3._o c._n 33._o for_o if_o sovereign_n in_o their_o own_o dominion_n be_v the_o sole_a legislator_n than_o those_o book_n only_o be_v canonical_a that_o be_v law_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v in_o reality_n nothing_o but_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o at_o best_a but_o so_o many_o tale_n of_o imaginary_a and_o invisible_a power_n public_o allow_v and_o encourage_v to_o awe_v the_o common_a people_n to_o obedience_n leviath_n p._n 1._o c._n 12._o who_o be_v betray_v into_o it_o by_o these_o four_o folly_n a_o false_a opinion_n of_o ghost_n and_o immaterial_a substance_n that_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v ignorance_n of_o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n groundless_o fear_v and_o mistake_v thing_n casual_a for_o divine_a prognostic_n in_o brief_a all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cheat_n of_o policy_n and_o be_v at_o first_o invent_v by_o the_o founder_n and_o legislator_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o they_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o credulous_a rabble_n for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o though_o prince_n may_v wise_o make_v use_n of_o the_o fable_n of_o religion_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n upon_o the_o silly_a multitude_n yet_o it_o be_v below_o their_o wisdom_n to_o be_v serious_o concern_v themselves_o for_o such_o foolery_n so_o that_o provide_v their_o subject_n will_v befool_v themselves_o with_o any_o one_o imposture_n it_o be_v not_o material_a which_o they_o single_v out_o in_o that_o all_o religion_n equal_o oblige_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o invisible_a power_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o design_n of_o policy_n and_o as_o long_o as_o a_o prince_n can_v keep_v up_o any_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n it_o be_v no_o policy_n to_o disoblige_v and_o exasperate_v any_o of_o they_o by_o interess_v his_o power_n for_o one_o party_n more_o than_o another_o and_o by_o force_v all_o other_o sect_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n to_o conform_v their_o belief_n to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o one_o faction_n but_o rather_o to_o endear_v they_o all_o to_o himself_o by_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o different_a folly_n and_o so_o he_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n secure_v his_o government_n by_o abuse_v all_o and_o yet_o disoblige_v none_o §_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n large_o to_o examine_v &_o refute_v these_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a pretence_n by_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v only_o let_v i_o observe_v that_o this_o discourse_n lie_v under_o no_o less_o prejudice_n than_o this_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v all_o these_o man_n policy_n false_a but_o wave_v this_o too_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o only_o to_o discover_v of_o what_o noisome_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n such_o principle_n be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o imposture_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v without_o remind_v the_o reader_n how_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v this_o objection_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n when_o i_o show_v what_o good_a or_o bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o state_n man_n persuasion_n about_o religion_n have_v by_o these_o four_o ensue_a consideration_n first_o then_o methinks_v his_o majesty_n be_v bind_v to_o con_v these_o man_n thanks_o for_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n suspect_v and_o to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v false_a whereby_o they_o effectual_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o best_a security_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o strong_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n there_o be_v for_o certain_a nothing_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o reverence_n of_o government_n the_o peace_n of_o society_n and_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o only_o support_v of_o government_n without_o it_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_o weak_a and_o precarious_a and_o lie_v always_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o subject_n passion_n and_o private_a interest_n for_o when_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n be_v cashier_v man_n can_v have_v no_o high_a inducement_n to_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o private_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o then_o wherever_o these_o happen_v to_o fail_v and_o interest_n and_o advantage_n invite_v to_o disobedience_n man_n may_v do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o have_v power_n to_o shake_v off_o authority_n they_o have_v right_a too_o and_o a_o prosperous_a usurper_n shall_v have_v as_o fair_a a_o title_n to_o his_o crown_n as_o the_o most_o lawful_a prince_n all_o government_n will_v be_v found_v upon_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o king_n nothing_o but_o terrible_a man_n with_o long_a sword_n but_o when_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n be_v superinduce_v upon_o those_o of_o secular_a interest_n this_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o secure_v they_o as_o much_o from_o the_o very_a thought_n as_o attempt_n of_o treason_n for_o nothing_o so_o strong_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o so_o authoritative_o command_v their_o passion_n and_o inclination_n as_o religion_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o fear_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o considerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o rude_a sort_n so_o vehement_a as_o those_o of_o hell_n nor_o hope_n so_o active_a as_o those_o of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n of_o religion_n be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a sanction_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v infinite_o more_o force_n to_o awe_n or_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o compliance_n than_o any_o secular_a interest_n whereas_o those_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o above_o the_o folly_n of_o conscience_n and_o either_o believe_v or_o regard_v not_o the_o evil_n threaten_v hereafter_o a_o attainment_n to_o which_o these_o our_o modern_a politician_n do_v not_o blush_v to_o pretend_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o odd_a piece_n of_o policy_n open_o to_o own_o and_o proclaim_v it_o must_v make_v their_o present_a interest_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o obligation_n to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a superior_n in_o what_o they_o command_v than_o they_o have_v to_o disobey_v they_o viz._n their_o own_o security_n and_o self-preservation_n whereas_o if_o these_o man_n live_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o religion_n and_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o under_o the_o threaten_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n their_o loyalty_n will_v be_v tie_v upon_o they_o by_o all_o that_o man_n can_v either_o hope_v or_o fear_n and_o they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o engagement_n to_o obedience_n that_o the_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o dependence_n upon_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o nothing_o be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o secure_a obedience_n but_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n if_o all_o humane_a law_n have_v their_o main_a force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n if_o oath_n promise_n and_o covenant_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o whereby_o civil_a society_n be_v uphold_v be_v make_v firm_a by_o nothing_o but_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n then_o let_v authority_n judge_v how_o much_o it_o be_v behold_v to_o those_o man_n who_o labour_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o public_a disreputation_n and_o to_o possess_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n whereby_o they_o not_o only_o set_v they_o loose_v from_o their_o authority_n but_o enrage_v they_o against_o it_o by_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o that_o the_o magistrate_n build_v his_o dominion_n upon_o their_o folly_n and_o simplicity_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o hateful_a to_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o that_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n they_o be_v apparent_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o §_o 3._o but_o second_o nothing_o more_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n than_o to_o
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o
of_o scruple_n that_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v do_v the_o same_o with_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o church_n in_o christendom_n who_o law_n and_o custom_n be_v not_o apparent_o liable_a either_o to_o the_o same_o or_o as_o great_a exception_n now_o magistrate_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o deal_v wonderful_a gentle_o with_o such_o tender_a conscience_n as_o these_o that_o be_v act_v by_o such_o nice_a and_o unhappy_a principle_n as_o must_v force_v they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a and_o unpeaceable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o notorious_a than_o all_o this_o these_o man_n have_v all_o along_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o principle_n run_v direct_o counter_a to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o persuasion_n for_o not_o to_o puzzle_v they_o to_o discover_v in_o which_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enjoin_v the_o form_n of_o public_a penance_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n or_o to_o find_v out_o the_o stool_n of_o repentance_n either_o among_o the_o work_n of_o bezaleel_n or_o the_o furniture_n of_o the_o temple_n we_o read_v indeed_o of_o beesom_n and_o flesh-fork_n and_o pot_n and_o shovel_n and_o candlestick_n but_o not_o one_o syllable_n of_o joynt-stool_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o precept_n or_o example_n they_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o sing_a psalm_n in_o meeter_n where_o have_v our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n enjoin_v a_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o that_o which_o themselves_o impose_v what_o divine_a authority_n can_v it_o challenge_v beside_o that_o of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o what_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v they_o produce_v for_o the_o significant_a form_n of_o swear_v by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o scruple_v what_o scripture_n command_v have_v they_o for_o the_o three_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n viz._n that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v take_v it_o 1._o uncover_v 2._o stand_v 3._o with_o their_o right_a hand_n lift_v up_o bare_a now_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o impudence_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o have_v not_o only_o write_v so_o many_o book_n with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n against_o three_o innocent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v significant_a but_o have_v also_o involve_v the_o nation_n in_o a_o civil_a war_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o their_o removal_n and_o have_v arm_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n against_o their_o sovereign_n with_o this_o holy_a league_n of_o rebellion_n that_o even_o then_o they_o shall_v impose_v three_o other_o so_o gross_o and_o so_o apparent_o liable_a to_o all_o their_o own_o objection_n what_o clear_a evidence_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n that_o dictate_v their_o scruple_n and_o what_o instance_n have_v we_o in_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o any_o schism_n and_o faction_n so_o unreasonable_o begin_v and_o continue_v the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n indeed_o may_v resemble_v but_o nothing_o can_v equal_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v proposal_n and_o condescension_n to_o such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o demand_n and_o suppose_v we_o shall_v yield_v and_o deliver_v up_o to_o their_o zeal_n those_o harmless_a ceremony_n they_o have_v so_o long_o worry_v with_o so_o much_o fury_n and_o impatience_n it_o will_v only_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o restless_a and_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n for_o whilst_o their_o peevish_a temper_n be_v act_v by_o this_o exorbitant_a principle_n the_o affair_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o settle_v as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n of_o quarrel_n in_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n against_o which_o this_o principle_n may_v not_o as_o rational_o be_v urge_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v religious_a worship_n without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o man_n make_v not_o use_v of_o it_o against_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v humoursom_a as_o well_o as_o seditious_a and_o so_o allow_v one_o thing_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n they_o disavow_v another_o for_o certain_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v when_o they_o pray_v refuse_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o swear_v which_o be_v but_o another_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n never_o scruple_n to_o kiss_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o whoever_o serious_o imbibe_v this_o persuasion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o understand_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o opinion_n if_o it_o do_v not_o lead_v he_o down_o to_o the_o low_a folly_n of_o quakerism_n which_o after_o divers_a gradual_a exorbitance_n of_o other_o less_o extravagant_a sect_n be_v but_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o untoward_a persuasion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o vain_a than_o to_o talk_v of_o accommodation_n or_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o possibility_n of_o quiet_a and_o setlement_n till_o authority_n shall_v see_v it_o necessary_a as_o it_o will_v first_o or_o last_o to_o scourge_v they_o into_o better_a manner_n and_o wise_a opinion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v manage_v and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unalterable_a yet_o we_o deem_v it_o apparent_o absurd_a to_o forego_v any_o of_o her_o establish_a ceremony_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o these_o man_n unreasonable_a demand_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v coarse_o impolitic_a upon_o divers_a other_o account_n so_o main_o by_o yield_v up_o her_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n submit_v her_o authority_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o must_v be_v eternal_a and_o invincible_a hindrance_n of_o peace_n and_o setlement_n this_o let_v they_o consider_v who_o it_o most_o concern_v §_o 5._o four_o as_o for_o their_o principle_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_o certain_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o when_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o thing_n necessary_a be_v as_o confident_o apply_v to_o thing_n accessary_a it_o lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n impregnable_a principle_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n for_o confound_v they_o in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n between_o the_o substantial_a duty_n and_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a value_n and_o necessity_n it_o make_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o place_n a_o religion_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o religious_a and_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o false_a and_o groundless_a fear_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o formality_n of_o superstition_n whereas_o be_v they_o due_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a and_o thing_n mere_o decent_a and_o circumstantial_a this_o will_v not_o only_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o also_o keep_v up_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n decency_n of_o worship_n and_o due_a reverence_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o these_o man_n will_v punctual_o tie_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o meaning_n be_v of_o new_a article_n of_o belief_n it_o be_v notorious_o impertinent_a because_o to_o this_o no_o civil_a magistrate_n pretend_v but_o if_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o divine_a law_n it_o be_v then_o indeed_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o as_o notorious_o false_a in_o that_o we_o be_v certain_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o every_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a by_o some_o prohibition_n for_o thing_n become_v evil_a not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o being_n not_o command_v but_o upon_o that_o of_o their_o be_v forbid_v and_o what_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v not_o it_o
undetermined_a but_o because_o every_o action_n must_v be_v do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o be_v vest_v with_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v with_o fantastic_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o the_o folly_n &_o indecency_n that_o ignorance_n and_o superstitious_a zeal_n will_v introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o the_o public_a law_n shall_v determine_v some_o circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o have_v at_o least_o this_o advantage_n that_o they_o provide_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o we_o place_v no_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n but_o only_o think_v it_o high_o convenient_a if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o some_o be_v prescribe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o handsomeness_n and_o beauty_n in_o these_o that_o be_v prescribe_v and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o be_v determine_v and_o because_o these_o be_v rather_o than_o divers_a other_o already_o settle_v we_o think_v they_o have_v a_o indispensable_a necessity_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o consequent_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n no_o man_n affirm_v that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o without_o a_o surplice_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v but_o requisite_a that_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v perform_v with_o beauty_n and_o solemnity_n and_o because_o the_o use_n of_o this_o vestment_n be_v but_o handsome_a and_o beautiful_a and_o prevent_v slovenliness_n and_o indecency_n it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v enjoin_v as_o any_o other_o decent_a habit_n may_v have_v be_v and_o when_o this_o be_v single_v out_o by_o authority_n it_o than_o become_v consequential_o necessary_a whereas_o those_o who_o forbid_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o sinful_a and_o lay_v obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o make_v that_o necessary_a not_o to_o be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o make_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v usurp_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o impose_v fetter_n on_o they_o where_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o free_a and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o palpable_a piece_n of_o superstition_n by_o teach_v their_o own_o prohibition_n for_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o make_v it_o a_o mortal_a and_o damnable_a sin_n to_o do_v what_o be_v innocent_a and_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v or_o at_o least_o just_o may_v inflict_v eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o make_v their_o address_n to_o he_o rather_o in_o a_o cleanly_a white_a vestment_n than_o in_o a_o tailor_n cloak_n or_o perhaps_o in_o mechanical_a querpo_n sect._n ii_o and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o outcry_n against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o against_o superstition_n for_o it_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o it_o and_o be_v criminal_a no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v superstitious_a now_o when_o they_o exclaim_v against_o superstition_n they_o mean_v only_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o consist_v in_o will-worship_n and_o when_o against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v only_a as_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o superstition_n so_o that_o these_o two_o impertinent_a clamour_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a denomination_n and_o so_o amount_v but_o to_o one_o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o will-worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o than_o in_o man_n make_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o invention_n necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n whereby_o they_o make_v that_o requisite_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o this_o be_v do_v by_o injunction_n or_o prohibition_n and_o they_o that_o affirm_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o action_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_a to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n and_o therefore_o if_o these_o man_n make_v it_o necessary_a to_o forbear_v what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v they_o teach_v their_o own_o fancy_n for_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v something_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n on_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n conscience_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o impose_v and_o withal_o so_o unworthy_o misrepresent_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v such_o a_o abhorrency_n to_o a_o thing_n so_o innocent_a as_o a_o white_a garment_n that_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o under_o his_o everlasting_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a be_v as_o well_o in_o their_o as_o our_o esteem_v mortal_a &_o damnable_a but_o then_o as_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o guilty_a of_o this_o piece_n of_o folly_n than_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o innocent_a from_o its_o very_a suspicion_n because_o all_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o posture_n and_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o be_v part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o use_v and_o impose_v they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v lamentable_o precarious_a to_o charge_v the_o determination_n of_o they_o with_o will-worship_n because_o that_o consist_v in_o make_v those_o thing_n part_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o so_o that_o when_o the_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o this_o use_n of_o they_o and_o only_o injoin_v they_o as_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o can_v by_o impose_v they_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o provide_v that_o what_o god_n have_v require_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o orderly_a manner_n sect._n 12._o and_o then_o as_o for_o christian_a liberty_n why_o shall_v we_o suffer_v they_o so_o far_o to_o invade_v we_o as_o to_o renounce_v those_o thing_n as_o criminal_a which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o if_o thing_n indifferent_a when_o enjoin_v lose_v not_o only_o their_o liberty_n but_o their_o lawfulness_n then_o why_o not_o when_o forbid_v and_o that_o by_o a_o incompetent_a authority_n when_o our_o superior_n impose_v rule_n of_o decency_n and_o law_n of_o discipline_n they_o do_v not_o infringe_v our_o christian_a liberty_n because_o they_o do_v not_o abolish_v the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o alone_o it_o consist_v and_o though_o they_o become_v thereby_o necessary_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n or_o some_o emergent_a reason_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o abridge_v our_o liberty_n but_o also_o lay_v insolent_a confinement_n upon_o the_o supreme_a power_n by_o make_v thing_n indifferent_a so_o absolute_o unlawful_a that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o just_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinful_a how_o oft_o and_o how_o plain_o have_v they_o be_v tell_v that_o when_o authority_n injoin_v thing_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o encroach_a upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n that_o it_o rather_o confirm_v it_o in_o that_o this_o suppose_n that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v either_o do_v or_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o determine_v by_o public_a law_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v indifferent_a yet_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v not_o whereas_o when_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v their_o governor_n to_o enjoin_v these_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o do_v will_v not_o obey_v their_o injunction_n do_v they_o not_o apparent_o entrench_v upon_o our_o liberty_n by_o make_v what_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a necessary_a and_o under_o pretence_n of_o assert_v their_o christian_a liberty_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o confine_v the_o right_n of_o authority_n but_o to_o all_o this_o as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v they_o attend_v but_o they_o still_o deaf_o proceed_v in_o their_o old_a clamour_n which_o be_v too_o clear_a a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o dictate_v their_o exception_n but_o humour_n prejudice_n and_o peevishness_n sect._n 13
and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o declamation_n against_o add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v short_a i_o appeal_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n whether_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o unwarrantable_a addition_n than_o these_o who_o forbid_v those_o thing_n as_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v what_o be_v it_o to_o teach_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n for_o doctrine_n but_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o what_o can_v more_o charge_v the_o divine_a law_n of_o imperfection_n than_o to_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v perform_v all_o that_o it_o have_v command_v and_o yet_o perish_v for_o not_o do_v something_o that_o it_o have_v not_o command_v and_o so_o do_v they_o who_o make_v it_o necessary_a not_o to_o do_v something_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o tax_v the_o church_n of_o make_v addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o all_o her_o law_n be_v impose_v not_o as_o law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o law_n of_o man_n and_o so_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n than_o iustinian_n institutes_n and_o littleton_n tenor_n and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o for_o their_o noise_n against_o popery_n a_o term_n that_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o angry_a word_n signify_v any_o thing_n that_o some_o man_n dislike_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o raise_v this_o outcry_n when_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a gentleman_n at_o rome_n to_o control_v the_o law_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o what_o do_v they_o but_o set_v up_o a_o pope_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n whilst_o they_o vest_n it_o with_o a_o power_n of_o countermand_v the_o decree_n of_o prince_n these_o thing_n can_v but_o appear_v with_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o invincible_o either_o ignorant_a or_o wilful_a or_o both_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v time_n they_o shall_v at_o least_o for_o shame_n if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o conscience_n cease_v to_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o clamour_n and_o exception_n so_o miserable_o impertinent_a that_o i_o blush_v for_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o serious_a confutation_n and_o therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o their_o impertinency_n together_o for_o i_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v these_o old_a and_o dear_a acquaintance_n part_v i_o shall_v now_o address_v myself_o to_o clear_v off_o one_o more_o material_a and_o more_o plausible_a objection_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v this_o sect._n 14._o it_o be_v possible_a the_o magistrate_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o determination_n and_o establish_v a_o worship_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a in_o which_o case_n if_o what_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v true_a all_o his_o subject_n must_v either_o be_v rebel_n or_o idolater_n if_o they_o obey_v they_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o they_o disobey_v they_o sin_n against_o their_o sovereign_n this_o be_v the_o last_o issue_n of_o all_o that_o be_v object_v in_o this_o controversy_n and_o the_o only_a argument_n that_o give_v gloss_n and_o colour_n to_o all_o their_o other_o trifle_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v as_o fair_o object_v against_o all_o government_n of_o moral_a and_o political_a affair_n for_o there_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o its_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v the_o civil_a power_n of_o prince_n because_o they_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v perhaps_o abuse_v it_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o alone_o lie_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o their_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v err_v and_o manage_v it_o to_o evil_a purpose_n but_o whatever_o force_n it_o carry_v in_o it_o it_o rather_o strike_v at_o the_o divine_a providence_n than_o my_o assertion_n and_o charge_n that_o of_o be_v defective_a in_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o have_v not_o set_v over_o we_o infallible_a judge_n and_o governor_n for_o unless_o all_o magistrate_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v act_v against_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o their_o authority_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n overthrow_v the_o power_n of_o all_o fallible_a judicature_n and_o make_v governor_n as_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o controversy_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n as_o in_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v the_o world_n that_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o if_o indeed_o mankind_n be_v infallible_a this_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o see_v that_o all_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o see_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o all_o public_a affair_n our_o question_n i_o say_v be_v what_o be_v the_o most_o prudent_a and_o expedient_a way_n of_o settle_v they_o not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v be_v to_o devolve_v their_o management_n on_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o least_o so_o and_o be_v a_o much_o better_a way_n to_o attain_v public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n than_o if_o they_o be_v entire_o leave_v to_o the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o every_o private_a man_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v pregnant_a with_o all_o manner_n of_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o this_o method_n i_o have_v assign_v be_v comparative_o the_o best_a way_n of_o government_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a affair_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o some_o inconvenience_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v embrace_v above_o all_o other_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o incomparable_o the_o few_o and_o if_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o private_a person_n suffer_v wrong_a from_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v yet_o this_o private_a injury_n have_v a_o ample_a compensation_n from_o the_o public_a benefit_n that_o arise_v from_o it_o and_o when_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o either_o the_o whole_a society_n or_o one_o individual_a must_v suffer_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v that_o better_a one_o honest_a man_n perish_v than_o a_o million_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o bad_a government_n be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o evil_n that_o fall_v upon_o particular_a man_n from_o its_o unskilful_a or_o irregular_a administration_n be_v vast_o too_o little_a to_o weigh_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o institution_n sect._n 15._o and_o upon_o this_o principle_n stand_v the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o authority_n in_o that_o though_o its_o ill_a management_n may_v happen_v to_o bring_v many_o and_o great_a inconvenience_n upon_o the_o public_a yet_o they_o can_v equal_v the_o mischief_n of_o that_o confusion_n which_o must_v necessary_o arise_v if_o subject_n be_v warrant_v to_o disobey_v or_o resist_v government_n whenever_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v it_o be_v ill_o administer_v perhaps_o never_o any_o government_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o be_v administer_v with_o exact_a justice_n and_o equity_n nor_o any_o governor_n so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o be_v chargeable_a with_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o if_o upon_o every_o quarrel_n every_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n can_v pick_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n he_o may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o a_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a dissolution_n of_o government_n when_o every_o man_n will_v be_v command_v by_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o persuasion_n that_o be_v himself_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v tie_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v mischievous_a yet_o it_o be_v less_o so_o than_o disobedience_n and_o the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v as_o it_o can_v be_v by_o man_n and_o not_o as_o it_o may_v be_v by_o angel_n the_o management_n indeed_o of_o humane_a affair_n be_v general_o bad_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o can_v probable_o