Selected quad for the lemma: nation_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nation_n law_n nature_n positive_a 2,085 5 11.0131 5 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
A70888 A discourse of ecclesiastical politie wherein the authority of the civil magistrate over the consciences of subjects in matters of external religion is asserted : the mischiefs and incoveniences of toleration are represented, and all pretenses pleaded in behalf of liberty of conscience are fully answered. Parker, Samuel, 1640-1688. 1671 (1671) Wing P460; ESTC R2071 140,332 376

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

unaccountable_a that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o the_o subordinate_a ministery_n to_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o commonwealth_n to_o determine_v the_o particular_a act_n and_o instance_n of_o these_o virtue_n themselves_o for_o example_n justice_n be_v a_o prime_n and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o yet_o its_o particular_a case_n depend_v upon_o humane_a law_n that_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la the_o divine_a law_n restrain_v titius_n from_o invade_v caius_n right_a and_o propriety_n but_o what_o that_o be_v and_o when_o it_o be_v invade_v only_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o can_v determine_v and_o there_o be_v some_o case_n that_o be_v act_n of_o injustice_n in_o england_n that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o italy_n otherwise_o all_o place_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o one_o nation_n must_v be_v so_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o nature_n determine_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o most_o virtue_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v that_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o national_a law_n they_o in_o general_n forbid_v theft_n incest_n murder_n and_o adultery_n but_o what_o these_o crime_n be_v they_o determine_v not_o in_o all_o case_n but_o be_v in_o most_o particular_n to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n reckon_v among_o these_o crime_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o nature_n forbid_v and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o strange_o humoursome_a to_o say_v that_o magistrate_n be_v entru_v with_o so_o great_a a_o power_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o these_o great_a and_o weighty_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o be_v trust_v to_o govern_v the_o indifferent_a or_o at_o least_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o no_o other_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o be_v mean_v serviceable_a to_o moral_a purpose_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v that_o a_o particular_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v the_o use_n of_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n because_o forsooth_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v it_o in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o impower_v to_o declare_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o introduce_v new_a duty_n in_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o shall_v not_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o declare_v the_o use_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o few_o circumstance_n in_o its_o subservient_fw-fr and_o less_o material_a concern_v §_o 5._o the_o whole_a state_n of_o affair_n be_v brief_o this_o man_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o live_v happy_o here_o and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o pious_a devotion_n and_o wherein_o these_o main_o consist_v almighty_a goodness_n have_v declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n but_o because_o in_o both_o there_o be_v changeable_a case_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v his_o trustee_n and_o official_o here_o on_o earth_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o both_o according_a to_o all_o accident_n and_o emergency_n of_o affair_n to_o assign_v new_a particular_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o declare_v new_a bound_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v limit_v because_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a expression_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v variable_a according_a to_o the_o accident_n of_o time_n and_o place_n entrust_v with_o less_o danger_n of_o error_n with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o what_o ceremony_n this_o appoint_v unless_o they_o be_v apparent_o repugnant_a to_o their_o prime_a end_n become_v religious_a rite_n as_o what_o particular_a action_n it_o constitute_v in_o any_o species_n of_o virtue_n become_v new_a instance_n of_o that_o virtue_n unless_o they_o apparent_o contradict_v its_o nature_n and_o tendency_n now_o the_o two_o primary_n design_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v either_o to_o express_v our_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n so_o that_o no_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n can_v be_v esteem_v unlawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o account_n that_o any_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n become_v criminal_o superstitious_a and_o such_o be_v the_o lupercalia_n the_o eleusinian_n mystery_n the_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n flora_n and_o venus_n because_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o festival_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n and_o such_o be_v the_o savage_a and_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o saturn_n bellona_n moloch_n baal-peor_n and_o all_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ancient_a paganism_n because_o they_o suppose_v the_o divine_a be_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o torture_n of_o its_o creature_n and_o such_o be_v all_o idolatry_n in_o that_o it_o either_o give_v right_a worship_n to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o wrong_a worship_n to_o a_o right_a one_o or_o at_o least_o represent_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n by_o image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o finite_a thing_n and_o so_o reflect_v disparagement_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n by_o fasten_v dishonourable_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n no_o humane_a power_n can_v command_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o any_o lawful_a authority_n may_v as_o well_o enjoin_v they_o as_o it_o may_v adopt_v any_o action_n whatsoever_o into_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n §_o 6._o but_o a_o little_a far_o to_o illustrate_v this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o matter_n both_o of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a worship_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o these_o can_v never_o be_v prejudice_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o necessity_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v as_o perpetual_a as_o that_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o rule_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a accident_n change_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o depend_v chief_o upon_o contract_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o kingdom_n these_o suffer_v variety_n because_o their_o matter_n and_o their_o reason_n do_v so_o thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o murder_n there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o unalterable_a nature_n and_o other_o that_o be_v changeable_a according_a to_o the_o various_a provision_n of_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v forbid_v by_o such_o a_o indispensable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v any_o way_n direct_o or_o indirect_o make_v it_o become_v lawful_a in_o that_o no_o positive_a law_n can_v so_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v this_o instance_n of_o villainy_n cease_v to_o be_v mischievous_a to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v capital_a in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o particular_a case_n of_o this_o crime_n that_o depend_v upon_o positive_a law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v liable_a to_o change_v according_a to_o the_o different_a constitution_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n man_n live_v in_o thus_o though_o in_o england_n it_o be_v murder_n for_o a_o injure_a husband_n to_o kill_v a_o adulteress_n take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o old_a roman_n it_o be_v not_o because_o their_o law_n permit_v it_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o may_v punish_v the_o crime_n with_o death_n he_o may_v appoint_v who_o he_o please_v to_o be_v his_o executioner_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_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
apprehend_v that_o way_n now_o establish_v by_o law_n defective_a and_o superstitious_a they_o can_v but_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o endeavour_v its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o subversion_n which_o design_n when_o they_o have_v once_o compass_v they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o as_o they_o do_v of_o we_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o weapon_n upon_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n contrive_v each_o other_o destruction_n as_o they_o do_v we_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v eternal_o tear_v with_o intestine_a quarrel_n and_o commotion_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o wise_a again_o as_o to_o suppress_v all_o party_n but_o one_o that_o be_v till_o it_o return_v to_o that_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o whence_o it_o part_v by_o toleration_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vulgar_o observable_a than_o that_o though_o all_o party_n whilst_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o more_o prevail_a interest_n have_v cry_v up_o toleration_n as_o the_o most_o effectual_a instrument_n to_o shake_v and_o dissettle_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o thing_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o soon_o effect_v their_o design_n than_o they_o have_v immediate_o put_v in_o to_o scramble_v for_o the_o supremacy_n themselves_o which_o if_o they_o once_o obtain_v they_o have_v ever_o use_v with_o as_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n upon_o all_o dissenter_n as_o they_o ever_o feel_v themselves_o so_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n much_o resemble_v that_o of_o community_n of_o good_n for_o as_o those_o man_n cry_v up_o equality_n of_o estate_n as_o a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o justice_n that_o have_v but_o a_o small_a share_n themselves_o yet_o whenever_o their_o pretence_n succeed_v and_o they_o have_v advance_v their_o own_o fortune_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v then_o cry_v it_o down_o and_o oppress_v their_o inferior_n with_o more_o cruelty_n than_o ever_o themselves_o feel_v whilst_o in_o a_o low_a station_n so_o do_v those_o who_o private_a persuasion_n happen_v to_o cross_v the_o public_a law_n easy_o pretend_v to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n one_o must_v yield_v and_o because_o their_o stubborn_a zeal_n scorn_v to_o bend_v to_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n these_o must_v be_v force_v to_o give_v place_n to_o that_o so_o that_o when_o conscience_n and_o authority_n happen_v to_o encounter_v all_o the_o dispute_n be_v which_o shall_v have_v most_o force_n in_o public_a law_n whether_o my_o own_o or_o my_o prince_n opinion_n but_o how_o plausible_o soever_o this_o notion_n may_v be_v plead_v by_o man_n out_o of_o power_n it_o be_v ever_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o it_o when_o oppress_v be_v always_o the_o great_a zealot_n against_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v mount_v themselves_o into_o power_n as_o well_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a engine_n to_o overturn_v any_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v reformation_n man_n will_v have_v and_o not_o indulgence_n which_o they_o only_o seek_v to_o gain_v ground_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o mine_n and_o plant_v of_o their_o engine_n to_o subvert_v the_o establish_a state_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o demand_v wherefore_o they_o will_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o their_o dissension_n from_o our_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o answer_v because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o it_o in_o conscience_n i._n e._n because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o sinful_a for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v think_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o intolerable_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n to_o create_v faction_n and_o division_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n when_o they_o may_v avoid_v it_o without_o any_o violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o if_o they_o apprehend_v our_o way_n of_o worship_n upon_o any_o account_n sinful_a then_o be_v they_o plain_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o root_v it_o out_o as_o displease_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o its_o stead_n to_o plant_v and_o establish_v their_o own_o and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o principle_n let_v magistrate_n consider_v how_o fatal_a and_o hazardous_a alteration_n in_o religion_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o can_v pluck_v a_o pin_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o state_n immediate_o shake_v and_o totter_v and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v their_o subject_n the_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o innovate_a in_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v if_o they_o allow_v they_o their_o pretence_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n they_o do_v but_o give_v they_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a popular_a commotion_n and_o disturbance_n sect._n 7._o four_o a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o public_a profession_n can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o party_n perhaps_o when_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o law_n under_o which_o they_o have_v smart_v a_o while_n be_v at_o first_o relax_v this_o indeed_o they_o may_v at_o present_a take_v for_o a_o kindness_n because_o it_o be_v real_o a_o favour_n in_o comparison_n to_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o remain_v fresh_a upon_o their_o mind_n it_o may_v possible_o affect_v they_o with_o some_o grateful_a resentment_n but_o alas_o these_o affection_n quick_o vanish_v and_o then_o what_o before_o be_v favour_n be_v now_o become_v justice_n and_o their_o prince_n do_v but_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o just_a and_o lawful_a right_n when_o he_o take_v off_o his_o tyrannical_a law_n and_o imposition_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o best_a subject_n while_o those_o unjust_a law_n be_v in_o force_n he_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o cancel_v they_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v only_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v no_o favour_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o obligation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a all_o the_o dissent_v party_n he_o permit_v and_o do_v not_o countenance_n he_o disoblige_v be_v this_o all_o the_o kindness_n say_v they_o he_o can_v afford_v the_o godly_a not_o to_o persecute_v they_o by_o law_n and_o force_n to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n be_v we_o behold_v to_o he_o bare_o for_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v in_o our_o native_a soil_n and_o enjoy_v only_o our_o fundamental_a privilege_n be_v this_o all_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n we_o deserve_v be_v not_o we_o the_o pray_v and_o serious_a people_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o who_o sake_n only_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o stay_v among_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o we_o will_v he_o not_o perfect_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v it_o and_o be_v this_o all_o our_o requital_n to_o be_v thus_o slight_v and_o thus_o despise_v only_o for_o our_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o public_a by_o that_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o have_v in_o he_o to_o keep_v he_o among_o we_o whilst_o vain_a and_o useless_a person_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v with_o all_o place_n of_o office_n and_o employment_n these_o be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o scorn_v and_o disrespect_a especial_o when_o flush_v with_o any_o conceit_n and_o high_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o godliness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o godly_a party_n not_o to_o be_v uppermost_a be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v persecution_n for_o nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o all_o man_n entertain_v the_o best_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o party_n otherwise_o they_o have_v never_o enroll_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o state_n value_v they_o not_o at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o they_o do_v themselves_o they_o be_v scorn_v and_o injure_v because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o favour_n and_o countenance_n they_o deserve_v and_o so_o unless_o they_o have_v public_a encouragement_n as_o well_o as_o indulgence_n they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v discontent_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o due_n and_o if_o the_o prince_n do_v not_o espouse_v their_o party_n he_o undervalue_v and_o consequent_o disgust_n they_o and_o if_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o other_o as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_v some_o profession_n he_o do_v not_o only_o disoblige_v but_o alienate_v their_o affection_n by_o embrace_v a_o interest_n they_o both_o hate_n and_o scorn_n for_o wherever_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v opposition_n too_o because_o man_n will_v never_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o but_o upon_o ground_n of_o real_a dislike_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o contrary_a in_o those_o difference_n
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