four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v wherein_o be_v discourse_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o toleration_n and_o general_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a the_o unlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o preface_n it_o can_v but_o be_v general_o understand_v what_o a_o abundance_n of_o heat_n and_o animostty_n have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o nation_n about_o a_o toleration_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n about_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o by_o many_o whether_o with_o great_a vehemency_n or_o with_o great_a absurdity_n be_v hard_o to_o say_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o have_v rather_o be_v suppose_v than_o prove_v by_o any_o for_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v consider_v how_o to_o secure_v a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_v the_o law_n that_o establish_v religion_n they_o never_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o do_v either_o one_o or_o the_o other_o though_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n do_v carry_v in_o it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v no_o authority_n nor_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o take_v care_n for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o if_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v will_v be_v indeed_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o all_o for_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o unless_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v whatever_o argument_n else_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o from_o other_o respect_n and_o consideration_n they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o this_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o government_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o weighty_a argument_n against_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n draw_v from_o the_o ill_a effect_n mean_n &_o end_v of_o it_o yet_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o of_o great_a force_n that_o be_v drawnfrom_o the_o fundamental_a and_o principal_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v unlawful_a namely_o be_v against_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n upon_o this_o principle_n therefore_o i_o have_v always_o be_v persuade_v â—…at_v not_o only_o a_o general_a toleration_n but_o repeal_n the_o law_n be_v â—…orally_o unlawful_a unless_o better_a law_n can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o government_n to_o secure_a religion_n which_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v think_v unless_o such_o law_n have_v also_o a_o penalty_n for_o what_o force_n or_o obligation_n can_v law_n have_v to_o this_o end_n without_o a_o penalty_n i_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n under_o the_o follow_a question_n as_o compendious_o as_o possible_a prove_v the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o duty_n about_o religion_n to_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n only_o from_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n i_o have_v argue_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o a_o general_a toleration_n and_o of_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o nevertheless_o lest_o any_o shall_v hence_o conclude_v that_o a_o humane_a authority_n can_v impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n not_o necessary_a or_o command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a especial_o if_o the_o same_o indifference_n be_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o scandal_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o restrain_v by_o law_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n give_v nor_o any_o assent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n or_o the_o dispense_v power_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n and_o answer_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n allege_v for_o it_o if_o that_o which_o be_v here_o brief_o discourse_v may_v obtain_v its_o design_a end_n to_o set_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o man_n right_a in_o those_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n the_o author_n will_v have_v his_o end_n in_o expose_v the_o same_o to_o public_a view_n which_o be_v first_o compose_v for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n now_o to_o the_o king-eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v viz._n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n ii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o what_o liberty_n in_o religion_n he_o ought_v to_o allow_v iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o give_v their_o actual_a consent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n iv_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o repeal_n these_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o before_o we_o proceed_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n what_o we_o understand_v by_o magistrate_n and_o what_o by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o here_o we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o divers_a form_n of_o lawful_a government_n but_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o our_o own_o form_n of_o government_n be_v either_o best_a in_o itself_o consider_v or_o at_o least_o best_a for_o we_o by_o magistrate_n therefore_o we_o understand_v chief_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o body_n politic_a not_o exclude_v subordinate_a magistrate_n also_o within_o their_o respective_a limit_n by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n we_o understand_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o those_o essential_a matter_n of_o protestant_a faith_n worship_n and_o discipline_n wherein_o it_o be_v true_o such_o now_o that_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v found_v both_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o moral_a law_n and_o also_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n i_o take_v for_o a_o grant_v truth_n and_o will_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o few_o all_o the_o question_n then_o before_o we_o be_v about_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n some_o will_v have_v it_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o respect_v only_o civil_a matter_n and_o moral_a justice_n between_o man_n but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o reveal_v religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v by_o law_n the_o gospel-institution_n but_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o that_o by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 2._o from_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 3._o from_o the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_v of_o magistracy_n 4._o from_o scripture-precept_n and_o precedent_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o so_o the_o author_n of_o magistracy_n in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n viz._n by_o his_o law_n natural_a moral_a and_o positive_a 1._o by_o his_o law_n natural_a implant_v and_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v enable_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v both_o the_o reasonableness_n necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o political_a government_n in_o order_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v the_o good_a of_o society_n 2._o by_o his_o law_n moral_a thus_o the_o five_o commandment_n establisn_v the_o relation_n and_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n between_o political_a father_n and_o subject_n as_o well_o as_o between_o natural_a parent_n and_o their_o child_n 3._o god_n be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o magistracy_n by_o his_o positive_a ordinance_n and_o appointment_n thus_o he_o appoint_v magistrate_n both_o
ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o find_v also_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o magistracy_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o his_o providential_a allowance_n and_o toleration_n but_o by_o his_o special_a assignation_n and_o appointment_n therefore_o say_v to_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 4._o hence_o we_o find_v that_o all_o that_o justice_n which_o the_o magistrate_n execute_v be_v call_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n 19_o 6._o they_o be_v also_o call_v god_n psal_n 82._o 1_o 6._o because_o they_o be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n represent_v his_o presence_n and_o his_o power_n in_o the_o world._n now_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v thus_o delegate_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o magistrate_n and_o so_o signal_o dignify_v and_o authorise_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o some_o special_a service_n they_o be_v to_o do_v for_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o moral_o just_a that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n he_o shall_v employ_v it_o best_o for_o his_o service_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o by_o promote_a and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n second_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n to_o wit_n the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o law_n that_o give_v form_n and_o be_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o government_n hence_o be_v those_o axiom_n lex_fw-la facit_fw-la regem_fw-la rex_fw-la nihil_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la potest_fw-la now_o law_n do_v original_o derive_v all_o their_o force_n from_o religion_n because_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n which_o law_n of_o god_n we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n for_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o bottom_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o moral_a justice_n between_o man_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n strength_n and_o mind_n luk._n 10._o 27._o which_o do_v indeed_o include_v and_o prescribe_v the_o most_o exact_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v now_o this_o divine_a law_n be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o directory_n of_o all_o other_o law_n it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o humane_a law_n by_o which_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o govern_v shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n provide_v for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n and_o all_o humane_a law_n that_o have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o law_n be_v ground_v on_o it_o or_o reducible_a to_o it_o or_o else_o theyare_a but_o tyrannical_a imposition_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o political_a law_n of_o nation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o sacredness_n in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o they_o be_v found_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n &_o their_o agreement_n thereunto_o give_v force_n and_o obligation_n to_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n arise_v from_o the_o good_a end_n they_o tend_v unto_o and_o be_v useful_a for_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o lawful_a authority_n that_o impose_v they_o so_o that_o now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o humane_a law_n whereunto_o they_o ought_v to_o correspond_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n thereof_o respective_o it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o see_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o first_o table-duty_n ought_v also_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o law_n that_o respect_v moral_a justice_n among_o man_n three_o from_o the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_v of_o magistracy_n which_o be_v threefold_a 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god._n 2._o the_o good_a of_o society_n 3._o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n first_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o man_n so_o of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v advance_v god_n then_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o his_o glory_n must_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n now_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n and_o use_v of_o religion_n to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o actual_o adore_v and_o advance_v if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v to_o advance_v and_o set_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o ought_v to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n as_o the_o great_a glory_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o god_n in_o this_o world._n second_o the_o good_a of_o society_n be_v the_o subordinate_a end_n of_o magistracy_n for_o as_o the_o fundamental_a humane_a cause_n of_o government_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o public_a good_a so_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v that_o the_o temporal_a good_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o society_n may_v be_v promote_v and_o preserve_v now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o high_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o magistracy_n than_o this_o as_o we_o have_v already_o and_o shall_v further_o prove_v there_o be_v yet_o nevertheless_o it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o take_v care_n for_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o true_a religion_n do_v best_a of_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n this_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o the_o scripture_n that_o assure_v we_o that_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o but_o also_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o we_o see_v that_o even_o in_o those_o nation_n that_o be_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v legistator_n and_o governor_n among_o they_o always_o with_o their_o law_n mix_v some_o precept_n of_o religion_n and_o opinion_n of_o god_n some_o pretend_v they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o god_n himself_o whereby_o we_o see_v that_o they_o think_v that_o law_n and_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v without_o something_o of_o religion_n which_o though_o their_o religious_a precept_n be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a in_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o thence_o appear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o government_n and_o law_n but_o also_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o government_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v then_o best_a of_o all_o and_o most_o necessary_a that_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o virtue_n from_o whence_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v not_o only_o the_o best_a direction_n for_o but_o the_o strong_a motive_n and_o engagement_n unto_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o charity_n among_o man_n which_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a even_o to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o true_a religion_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a foundation_n of_o all_o political_a government_n and_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n the_o obedience_n of_o subject_n and_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o justice_n and_o charity_n between_o man_n which_o only_o can_v render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n peaceable_a and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o world._n if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n and_o civil_a government_n be_v only_o for_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n yet_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o advance_v and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n because_o it_o chief_o conduce_v and_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o this_o end._n
three_o and_o last_o the_o special_a end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o magistracy_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a natural_a and_o humane_a policy_n but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n still_o remain_v such_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 13._o 1._o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n both_o moral_a and_o evangelical_n do_v now_o in_o special_a belong_v to_o the_o gospel-church_n for_o whatever_o advantage_n any_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n do_v receive_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n as_o particular_o by_o this_o of_o magistracy_n it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o child_n crumb_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o so_o also_o all_o the_o precept_n promise_n right_n privilege_n &_o ordinance_n grant_v and_o confirm_v thereby_o or_o contain_v therein_o belong_v primary_o and_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god._n so_o that_o magistracy_n then_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v especial_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o for_o the_o world._n as_o for_o that_o lawful_a magistracy_n that_o may_v be_v find_v in_o heathen_a nation_n or_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o power_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v from_o god_n because_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v found_v on_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n but_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o most_o nation_n wicked_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v from_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a end_n of_o it_o appoint_v of_o god_n to_o serve_v the_o ambition_n tyranny_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o common_a original_a with_o all_o other_o immorality_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o defection_n of_o mankind_n from_o god_n and_o the_o depravity_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n by_o sin._n but_o as_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v pervert_v especial_o in_o those_o nation_n that_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n so_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o magistracy_n be_v only_o for_o the_o world_n as_o some_o suppose_v and_o not_o especial_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o to_o this_o end_n be_v magistracy_n appoint_v by_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o while_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o in_o small_a family_n &_o sometime_o only_o in_o one_o family_n their_o civil_a government_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v call_v political_n belong_v to_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o oeconomical_a or_o the_o government_n of_o a_o family_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o then_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o family_n and_o indeed_o all_o lawful_a government_n whatsoever_o be_v from_o god_n do_v carry_v in_o it_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o under_o their_o power_n thus_o god_n say_v of_o abraham_n gen._n 18._o 19_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o israelite_n be_v multiply_v into_o a_o body_n of_o people_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o so_o capable_a of_o be_v form_v into_o a_o political_a body_n or_o commonwealth_n god_n himself_o institute_v a_o ordinary_a state_n of_o magistracy_n to_o continue_v in_o all_o their_o gate_n deut._n 16._o 18._o beside_o extraordinary_a magistrate_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o moses_n joshua_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n especial_o be_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o civil_a justice_n between_o man_n by_o which_o example_n god_n himself_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o have_v a_o magistracy_n over_o a_o body_n of_o people_n but_o also_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o though_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ever_o since_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o have_v thus_o pervert_v their_o power_n that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v apply_v for_o the_o church_n good_a under_o the_o gospel_n for_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o king_n and_o promise_v also_o to_o the_o gospel-church_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v her_o nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n her_o nursing-mothers_n isa_n 49._o 23._o and_o this_o prediction_n and_o promise_n have_v in_o it_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o command_n upon_o all_o king_n and_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o become_v nursing-fathers_n to_o the_o church_n which_o expression_n can_v imply_v less_o in_o it_o than_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n and_o care_n as_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v succour_n and_o defend_v the_o church_n hence_o king_n be_v exhort_v to_o kiss_v the_o son_n ps_n 2._o 12._o which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o homage_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n rev._n 19_o 16._o and_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o mat._n 28._o 18._o and_o therefore_o some_o will_v have_v all_o magistratical_a power_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o church_n moreover_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o good_a pious_a and_o godly_a magistrate_n may_v do_v to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v from_o thence_o further_o appear_v that_o magistracy_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n as_o by_o promote_a its_o interest_n preserve_v its_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n suppress_v heresy_n purge_v out_o corruption_n oppose_v its_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n now_o we_o argue_v thus_o that_o if_o god_n have_v make_v the_o christ_n a_o magistrate_n by_o his_o power_n and_o place_n in_o the_o world_n capable_a of_o do_v so_o much_o good_a for_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a then_o that_o he_o be_v moral_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o for_o that_o every_o person_n in_o his_o place_n and_o call_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n to_o seek_v its_o good._n psal_n 122._o 9_o because_o of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good._n four_o the_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v true_a religion_n be_v draw_v both_o from_o scripture-precept_n and_o precedent_n as_o for_o scripture-precept_n we_o find_v that_o by_o the_o low_a of_o god_n sin_n against_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n which_o respect_v the_o first_o table_n command_v be_v to_o be_v severe_o punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o the_o blasphemer_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n leu._n 24._o 16._o the_o false_a prophetor_n teacher_n that_o will_v draw_v off_o any_o from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o he_o or_o she_o that_o commit_v idolatry_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n deut._n 13._o 9_o 17._o and_o the_o city_n that_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n be_v to_o be_v smite_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n deut._n 13._o 15._o now_o the_o magistrate_n bear_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o god_n against_o evil_a doer_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o direction_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o scripture-precedent_n we_o find_v that_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n purge_v the_o church_n from_o idolatry_n when_o corrupt_v and_o restore_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n cause_v both_o priest_n and_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o good_a hezekiah_n suppress_v idolatry_n and_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 18._o 4._o josias_n do_v the_o like_a and_o slay_v all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o high_a place_n 2_o king._n 23._o 20._o jehu_n destroy_v all_o the_o worshipper_n of_o baal_n 2_o king._n 10._o 25._o and_o king_n asa_n with_o the_o
for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o where_o the_o latter_a clause_n expound_v the_o former_a such_o lawful_a thing_n as_o do_v not_o edify_v be_v not_o expedient_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o law_n because_o all_o humane_a authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 13._o 10._o therefore_o such_o constitution_n about_o religion_n cease_v to_o oblige_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o edify_v because_o the_o obligation_n to_o obey_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n can_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v which_o we_o see_v be_v only_a thing_n for_o edification_n three_o lest_o of_o all_o shall_v indifferent_a thing_n be_v impose_v when_o they_o become_v scandalous_a for_o then_o the_o use_n of_o they_o become_v in_o most_o case_n unlawful_a and_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o unlawful_a to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v rare_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n because_o scandal_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o use_v our_o liberty_n or_o to_o deny_v it_o according_a as_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n require_v for_o the_o avoid_n of_o scandal_n for_o we_o may_v not_o do_v a_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a to_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o brother_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v authority_n therefore_o can_v just_o command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v apparent_a thereby_o scandal_n will_v follow_v for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o command_v of_o man_n the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v give_v no_o offence_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o and_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v obligatory_a on_o ruler_n in_o make_v law_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o on_o private_a christian_n in_o their_o practice_n towards_o each_o other_o if_o ruler_n therefore_o command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o many_o without_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n command_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a rom._n 14._o 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o authority_n have_v then_o command_v he_o to_o eat_v and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o have_v be_v to_o command_v a_o scandal_n and_o so_o unlawful_a it_o be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v command_v by_o authority_n there_o if_o scandal_n follow_v it_o be_v scandal_n take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o the_o fault_n be_v whole_o in_o he_o that_o take_v the_o offence_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a indifferent_a thing_n it_o be_v scandal_n give_v by_o the_o authority_n that_o impose_v it_o and_o also_o hereby_o they_o not_o only_o give_v scandal_n to_o the_o doubt_v but_o oblige_v all_o other_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o indifference_n to_o give_v scandal_n also_o for_o to_o say_v that_o humane_a authority_n make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o necessary_a use_n to_o become_v necessary_a in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n be_v to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o supersede_n the_o law_n of_o god_n no_o certain_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v real_o scandalous_a antecedent_n to_o the_o command_n or_o the_o use_n of_o it_o will_v be_v so_o be_v it_o not_o command_v there_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v put_v such_o a_o necessity_n into_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v when_o scandal_n follow_v because_o the_o obligation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n will_v supersede_n any_o obligation_n that_o result_v from_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a ritual_a and_o ritual_n must_v give_v place_n to_o moral_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v unnecessary_a in_o religion_n much_o more_o if_o inexpedient_a and_o scandalous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o plead_v for_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o thing_n in_o religion_n either_o necessary_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o circumstance_n and_o thus_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o serve_v for_o the_o order_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o decent_a and_o comely_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v so_o far_o lawful_a to_o be_v impose_v as_o they_o be_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a to_o those_o end_n for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o impose_v what_o god_n have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n be_v only_o in_o order_v what_o god_n have_v so_o command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o decent_a and_o comely_a manner_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o as_o such_o thing_n appertain_v to_o god_n worship_n be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a nature_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o their_o particular_n when_o they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n and_o accident_n become_v necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o nature_n of_o indifference_n and_o become_v necessary_a antecedent_n to_o any_o imposition_n of_o they_o by_o authority_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o determination_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n unless_o in_o these_o case_n viz._n 1._o unless_o the_o necessity_n of_o impose_v they_o be_v great_a apparent_a and_o certain_a and_o not_o pretend_v only_o 2._o unless_o the_o good_a that_o be_v bring_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o evil_a of_o scandal_n it_o bring_v with_o it_o 3._o and_o unless_o the_o good_a end_n they_o be_v necessary_a for_o can_v be_v by_o some_o other_o mean_v so_o well_o attain_v without_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n but_o where_o be_v no_o such_o necessary_a good_a or_o but_o little_a comparative_a to_o the_o evil_a of_o scandal_n or_o if_o the_o good_a end_n design_v may_v be_v by_o other_o mean_v attain_v without_o so_o great_a scandal_n there_o certain_o in_o reason_n scandal_n shall_v be_v avoid_v because_o because_o tâ—s_n so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o so_o much_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n obj._n but_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n see_v they_o necessary_a for_o say_v they_o who_o shall_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o religion_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n but_o ruler_n themselves_o for_o if_o a_o liberty_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o necessity_n of_o what_o be_v command_v and_o according_o to_o obey_v or_o not_o obey_v as_o they_o judge_v of_o they_o this_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o require_v and_o the_o people_n have_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o obey_v and_o though_o both_o these_o may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o both_o may_v very_o well_o stand_v together_o without_o either_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o government_n or_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o very_o ill_a consequence_n will_v follow_v on_o deny_v either_o for_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n to_o command_v this_o indeed_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o people_n judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n be_v both_o to_o take_v off_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o to_o lay_v upon_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v for_o if_o only_a the_o judgement_n and_o will_n of_o authority_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o law_n or_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v whatever_o they_o command_v though_o sinful_a if_o they_o judge_v it_o not_o so_o but_o as_o the_o magistrate_n authoritative_a judgement_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o obedience_n when_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o in_o that_o which_o be_v require_v so_o though_o