a_o essay_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o right_n of_o mankind_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n with_o some_o reason_n in_o particular_a for_o the_o dissenter_n not_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o sacramental_a test_n but_o in_o their_o own_o church_n and_o for_o a_o general_n naturalisation_n together_o with_o a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n to_o a_o convocation-man_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o andrew_n bell_n at_o the_o cross-keys_n and_o bible_n in_o cornhill_n 1697._o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n part_n i._n chap._n 1._o that_o government_n be_v from_o the_o people_n who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o invest_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o power_n in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o humane_a society_n but_o not_o in_o other_o that_o be_v mere_o religious_a or_o have_v no_o such_o influence_n page_n 1_o chap._n 2._o that_o god_n have_v not_o either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o his_o positive_a law_n give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n in_o matter_n mere_o religious_a pag._n 17_o chap._n 3._o that_o a_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n tend_v to_o man_n eternal_a ruin_n pag._n 27_o chap._n 4._o that_o compulsion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n temporal_a happiness_n require_v of_o one_o towards_o another_o p._n 30_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o compulsion_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n pag._n 47_o part_n ii_o chap._n 1._o a_o answer_n to_o argument_n from_o scripture_n on_o behalf_n of_o persecution_n pag._n 68_o chap._n 2._o argument_n from_o humane_a authority_n answer_v pag._n 78_o chap._n 3._o object_n that_o compulsion_n tend_v to_o make_v people_n impartial_o consider_v examine_v pag._n 87_o chap._n 4._o object_n that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o right_a to_o use_v force_n to_o prevent_v the_o increase_n to_o those_o erroneous_a opinion_n that_o a_o toleration_n will_v produce_v examine_v pag._n 103_o chap._n 5._o that_o all_o force_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a religion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n pag._n 117_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o method_n to_o destroy_v not_o only_a schism_n and_o heresy_n but_o hatred_n and_o vncharitableness_n among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o different_a opinion_n pag._n 124_o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n oblige_v the_o magistrate_n to_o hinder_v different_a profession_n of_o religion_n examine_v pag._n 144_o chap._n 8._o some_o few_o reason_n for_o the_o dissenter_n not_o take_v the_o sacramental_a test_n but_o in_o their_o own_o church_n and_o for_o a_o general_n naturalisation_n pag._n 168_o postscript_n pag._n 176_o errata_fw-la page_n 28._o line_n 5._o for_o truth_n read_v lawfulness_n p._n 42._o l._n 12._o r._n seventy_o time_n p._n 48._o l._n ult_n r._n notion_n p._n 73._o l._n 21._o r._n one_o p._n 99_o l._n 19_o r._n betray_v he_o p._n 103._o l._n 22._o r._n if_o force_n shall_v p._n 144._o l._n 1._o r._n chap._n vii_o p._n 190._o l._n 10._o r._n create_v a_o essay_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n that_o government_n be_v from_o the_o people_n who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o invest_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o power_n in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o humane_a society_n but_o not_o in_o other_o that_o be_v mere_o religious_a or_o have_v no_o such_o influence_n 1._o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n can_v be_v unseasonable_a whilst_o so_o many_o instead_o of_o show_v their_o gratitude_n to_o the_o government_n for_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o apparent_a danger_n of_o popish_a persecution_n be_v so_o disaffect_v for_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o persecute_v their_o brethren_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o run_v the_o risk_a of_o the_o nation_n be_v be_v ruin_v by_o the_o french_a and_o themselves_o under_o popish_a persecution_n than_o to_o be_v without_o that_o power_n and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o do_v in_o their_o daily_a invective_n discourse_n and_o sermon_n beside_o a_o great_a many_o other_o malicious_a insinuation_n pretend_v the_o church_n now_o to_o be_v near_o its_o ruin_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o late_a reign_n i_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a i_o incur_v a_o great_a hazard_n of_o expose_v myself_o by_o write_v on_o a_o subject_a in_o a_o manner_n whole_o exhaust_v by_o the_o three_o incomparable_a letter_n concern_v toleration_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o do_v than_o be_v want_v in_o my_o endeavour_n to_o encourage_v impartial_a liberty_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n which_o instead_o of_o ruine_v be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v both_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n that_o engage_v i_o in_o this_o design_n for_o intend_v to_o write_v concern_v what_o be_v common_o call_v church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o better_a handle_v that_o subject_a first_o to_o examine_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n lest_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n shall_v in_o my_o discourse_n what_o in_o the_o world_n they_o frequent_o do_v clash_n one_o with_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o without_o further_a preface_v attempt_v to_o show_v what_o power_n the_o magistrate_n have_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o to_o prevent_v all_o occasion_n of_o mistake_n or_o cavil_v i_o shall_v first_o explain_v those_o term_n 2._o by_o the_o magistrate_n i_o mean_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o in_o every_o society_n have_v the_o supreme_a power_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a to_o make_v law_n and_o by_o force_n without_o which_o all_o law_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v the_o unwilling_a and_o disobedient_a to_o govern_v their_o action_n according_a to_o they_o 3._o by_o religion_n i_o understand_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o result_n from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o ourselves_o and_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o and_o our_o fellow_n creature_n or_o in_o short_a whatever_o appear_v to_o we_o from_o any_o convince_a evidence_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v or_o practice_v 4._o in_o thing_n relate_v to_o ourselves_o or_o what_o be_v in_o our_o disposal_n any_o action_n be_v lawful_a where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o forbid_v it_o but_o there_o be_v more_o than_o this_o require_v to_o invest_v a_o man_n with_o a_o right_a to_o deprive_v other_o of_o their_o natural_a freedom_n and_o make_v law_n that_o in_o conscience_n oblige_v they_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o this_o must_v have_v a_o commission_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n but_o there_o be_v no_o person_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o god_n therefore_o they_o that_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o any_o magistrate_n power_n not_o on_o a_o humane_a but_o a_o divine_a right_n destroy_v all_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n when_o he_o can_v neither_o show_v nor_o ever_o have_v any_o such_o commission_n and_o there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o subject_n but_o what_o have_v as_o good_a a_o pretence_n that_o be_v just_o none_o at_o all_o to_o a_o divine_a right_n therefore_o since_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v a_o immediate_a right_n from_o heaven_n all_o the_o right_n that_o one_o more_o than_o another_o have_v to_o command_v must_v be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o govern_v either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o give_v but_o it_o be_v say_v the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n which_o may_v very_o fit_o and_o just_o be_v say_v since_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n from_o god_n to_o choose_v they_o but_o be_v absolute_o require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o self-preservation_n imprint_v by_o god_n on_o their_o nature_n to_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o unsafe_a state_n of_o nature_n by_o place_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o in_o one_o or_o more_o hand_n in_o such_o form_n and_o under_o such_o agreement_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o suppose_v the_o power_n that_o be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o from_o god_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o the_o people_n make_v by_o they_o and_o for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o contradict_v st._n peter_n who_o call_v government_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o creature_n or_o contrivance_n of_o man_n but_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n wherein_o man_n have_v contrive_v and_o frame_v various_a sort_n
be_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o not_o to_o invade_v his_o prerogative_n the_o duty_n be_v reciprocal_a and_o consequent_o one_o party_n can_v be_v bind_v but_o the_o other_o must_v be_v so_o too_o so_o that_o both_o or_o neither_o be_v free_a to_o use_v force_n in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v say_v the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n hinder_v the_o subject_n from_o use_v force_n the_o same_o reason_n then_o must_v hinder_v the_o magistrate_n too_o because_o man_n will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o use_v force_n against_o he_o but_o when_o they_o judge_v themselves_o strong_a enough_o and_o then_o they_o will_v whatever_o passive_a principle_n they_o may_v pretend_v as_o little_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o if_o he_o persecute_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o must_v suffer_v all_o he_o will_v inflict_v which_o make_v the_o argument_n to_o conclude_v much_o strong_a against_o the_o magistrate_n the_o abuse_n of_o who_o power_n produce_v great_a and_o more_o unavoidable_a mischief_n to_o mankind_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v 15._o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n though_o they_o be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o every_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n yet_o be_v accountable_a to_o one_o another_o for_o those_o thing_n only_o that_o relate_v to_o their_o mutual_a security_n and_o welfare_n because_o every_o man_n have_v so_o much_o interest_n and_o no_o more_o in_o another_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o government_n be_v no_o further_o concern_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o as_o the_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o different_a professor_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o more_o or_o less_o fit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o society_n for_o which_o reason_n those_o opinion_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a or_o practice_n that_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a as_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o government_n aught_o to_o be_v tolerate_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v evident_o more_o unjust_a than_o for_o the_o representative_a of_o the_o civil_a society_n as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o deprive_v any_o of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o society_n who_o have_v do_v nothing_o against_o its_o interest_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o to_o suppose_v a_o man_n right_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n aught_o to_o depend_v upon_o his_o think_v just_a as_o the_o magistrate_n do_v about_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o next_o or_o that_o a_o man_n property_n in_o this_o world_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o have_v right_a notion_n of_o thing_n no_o way_n relate_v to_o it_o which_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o that_o property_n be_v found_v in_o grace_n and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o dispute_n who_o be_v in_o the_o right_a opinion_n as_o who_o have_v grace_n every_o one_o alike_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o another_o chap._n ii_o that_o god_n have_v not_o either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o his_o positive_a law_n give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n in_o matter_n mere_o religious_a since_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o his_o power_n immediate_o from_o god_n but_o from_o the_o people_n and_o that_o god_n have_v not_o authorise_a or_o capacitate_v they_o to_o bestow_v a_o right_n on_o he_o to_o use_v force_n in_o case_n of_o mere_a religion_n it_o necessary_a follow_v that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o right_n but_o however_o to_o avoid_v all_o pretence_n of_o cavil_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o government_n both_o as_o to_o the_o form_n and_o to_o the_o person_n that_o administer_v it_o be_v immediate_o from_o god_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o such_o power_n 1._o which_o thus_o i_o prove_v a_o right_a in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v for_o not_o do_v as_o he_o command_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o subject_a to_o obey_v otherwise_o he_o will_v punish_v a_o man_n for_o not_o do_v what_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o make_v law_n or_o to_o command_v there_o can_v be_v no_o disobedience_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o disobedience_n there_o punish_v on_o pretence_n of_o disobey_v be_v manifest_o unjust_a but_o that_o god_n have_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o matter_n mere_o religious_a or_o what_o only_o concern_v himself_o and_o can_v alone_o prescribe_v what_o honour_n worship_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v pay_v he_o none_o i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o legislative_a nor_o coercive_a power_n which_o can_v subsist_v without_o legislation_n to_o which_o it_o necessary_o adhere_v and_o 2._o as_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o sole_a legislature_n so_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o right_a to_o interpret_v for_o other_o his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v on_o they_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o must_v understand_v it_o but_o he_o have_v endow_v man_n in_o general_a with_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n he_o have_v oblige_v they_o to_o follow_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o his_o law_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o degrade_n himself_o from_o the_o rank_n of_o rational_a creature_n and_o high_o offend_v god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o confirm_v by_o god_n positive_a law_n which_o frequent_o command_v we_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n seducer_n deceiver_n to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o what_o be_v right_a but_o how_o shall_v we_o judge_v and_o try_v not_o as_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n but_o as_o circumspect_a and_o wise_a that_o be_v by_o make_v use_n of_o those_o faculty_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil._n and_o he_o not_o only_o forbid_v we_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n but_o require_v we_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v before_o we_o act_n for_o he_o that_o act_n when_o he_o doubt_v be_v damn_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o reason_n be_v most_o evident_a why_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n when_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v ill_a because_o to_o judge_v a_o action_n to_o be_v ill_a or_o displease_v to_o god_n be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o that_o form_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o do_v it_o do_v know_o and_o willing_o displease_v god_n which_o be_v eternal_o and_o essential_o ill_a because_o no_o circumstance_n whatever_o can_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o judge_n will_v offend_v his_o creator_n or_o even_o to_o act_v when_o he_o doubt_n whether_o it_o will_v or_o no._n if_o then_o god_n reward_v and_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o they_o have_v follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o not_o the_o command_v of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o consequent_o the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o use_v force_n on_o a_o subject_a than_o a_o subject_n have_v on_o he_o for_o though_o he_o be_v his_o subject_n in_o other_o matter_n yet_o in_o those_o mere_o religious_a he_o be_v equal_o a_o sovereign_n equal_o independent_a as_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o because_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o judge_n on_o earth_n but_o every_o one_o be_v own_o reason_n every_o man_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n nay_o this_o sovereign_a right_n of_o judge_v every_o one_o for_o himself_o be_v so_o inherent_a that_o none_o can_v make_v this_o power_n over_o to_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o can_v claim_v a_o magisterial_a power_n in_o these_o matter_n but_o only_o a_o right_a to_o advise_v which_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o he_o and_o 3._o the_o difference_n between_o advice_n and_o command_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o advice_n one_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o person_n that_o give_v it_o but_o for_o the_o good_a that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o he_o to_o who_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v give_v be_v to_o judge_v of_o and_o consequent_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o good_a be_v not_o oblige_v to_o follow_v it_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a as_o well_o as_o unjust_a to_o use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o advice_n and_o by_o civil_a sanction_n oblige_v people_n to_o follow_v it_o
whoever_o do_v this_o do_v in_o effect_n however_o he_o may_v deny_v it_o in_o word_n claim_v a_o legislative_a power_n but_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n one_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o authority_n that_o command_v it_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n have_v such_o a_o power_n man_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v whatever_o religion_n he_o command_v they_o 4._o the_o reason_n why_o a_o judge_n be_v necessary_a in_o civil_a and_o not_o in_o religious_a controversy_n be_v because_o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o titius_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n and_o sempronius_n too_o therefore_o the_o plaintiff_n must_v injure_v the_o defendant_n by_o disquiet_v his_o possession_n or_o the_o defendant_n wrong_v the_o plaintiff_n by_o keep_v his_o right_n from_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o common_a judge_n between_o they_o who_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o both_o party_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sentence_n i_o mean_v with_o a_o external_a obedience_n so_o as_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o not_o with_o a_o internal_a so_o as_o to_o believe_v it_o always_o just_a but_o in_o religious_a controversy_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o there_o each_o may_v hold_v his_o opinion_n and_o do_v the_o other_o no_o wrong_n nor_o himself_o neither_o if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a in_o judge_v concern_v his_o opinion_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o judge_n and_o it_o be_v further_a considerable_a that_o here_o can_v be_v none_o but_o what_o be_v a_o party_n as_o be_v before_o engage_v either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v to_o be_v decide_v but_o for_o a_o party_n to_o judge_n it_o against_o all_o natural_a equity_n though_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o make_v profess_v and_o high_o interest_v party_n who_o preferment_n be_v hold_v by_o declare_v for_o such_o opinion_n to_o be_v both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n that_o be_v to_o declare_v themselves_o orthodox_n and_o therefore_o to_o engross_v all_o preferment_n and_o their_o opponent_n heterodox_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o share_v with_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judge_n to_o who_o determination_n one_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v he_o that_o be_v so_o oblige_v must_v give_v a_o internal_a consent_n because_o here_o all_o external_n compliance_n contrary_a to_o one_o judgement_n be_v a_o sin_n but_o all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n give_v a_o internal_a consent_n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o much_o less_o in_o another_o power_n to_o make_v he_o believe_v or_o think_v as_o he_o please_v yet_o be_v that_o possible_a no_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n but_o he_o that_o be_v infallible_a beside_o be_v there_o any_o such_o judge_n yet_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o except_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o be_v so_o but_o 5._o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n on_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o leave_v those_o controversy_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o be_v matter_n whole_o relate_v to_o he_o and_o consequent_o whole_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o he_o therefore_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v any_o for_o act_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n be_v not_o only_o invade_v the_o right_n of_o his_o fellow-man_n but_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_n those_o matter_n god_n have_v reserve_v for_o his_o own_o tribunal_n nay_o he_o go_v further_a than_o this_o and_o punish_v man_n for_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o himself_o god_n require_v man_n to_o worship_v he_o as_o he_o in_o his_o conscience_n think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o the_o magistrate_n threaten_v he_o if_o he_o do_v so_o to_o fine_a imprison_v and_o ruin_v he_o which_o be_v set_v himself_o above_o god_n a_o crime_n great_a than_o that_o of_o lucifer_n who_o only_o attempt_v a_o equality_n with_o his_o maker_n not_o a_o superiority_n above_o he_o 6._o it_o be_v say_v the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o right_a to_o hinder_v his_o subject_n from_o follow_v their_o conscience_n when_o erroneous_a which_o be_v very_o absurd_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n for_o fear_n of_o its_o be_v erroneous_a no_o man_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n at_o all_o since_o the_o mistake_a person_n think_v himself_o as_o much_o in_o the_o right_n nay_o be_v general_o more_o confident_a than_o he_o that_o be_v real_o so_o so_o that_o if_o one_o must_v follow_v his_o conscience_n there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n for_o all_o because_o all_o equal_o judge_v themselves_o in_o the_o right_n but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_n who_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a than_o man_n must_v desert_v their_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o world_n over_o profess_v the_o same_o principle_n with_o the_o magistrate_n they_o live_v under_o for_o civil_a government_n be_v every_o where_o the_o same_o and_o one_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o another_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o judge_n who_o of_o his_o subject_n have_v erroneous_a conscience_n 7._o if_o it_o be_v man_n indispensible_a duty_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o conscience_n and_o that_o public_o too_o for_o the_o more_o public_a the_o worship_n be_v the_o more_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v their_o duty_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n and_o consequent_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a oppose_v force_n to_o force_v for_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n beyond_o his_o commission_n be_v but_o a_o private_a person_n and_o people_n do_v no_o injustice_n in_o defend_v that_o right_o none_o can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o deprive_v they_o of_o and_o which_o themselves_o can_v part_v with_o it_o be_v the_o essential_a right_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o conviction_n which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o government_n and_o can_v never_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o but_o 8._o if_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o right_a to_o use_v force_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n he_o must_v have_v this_o right_n by_o god_n positive_a law_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o power_n by_o god_n positive_a law_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o one_o consideration_n that_o all_o mankind_n except_o the_o jew_n who_o law_n be_v not_o obligatory_a to_o other_o nation_n be_v under_o no_o law_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o christ_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o who_o disclaim_v all_o civil_a power_n make_v no_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o civil_a right_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o must_v have_v do_v have_v he_o make_v man_n property_n depend_v upon_o their_o think_n or_o act_v in_o matter_n pure_o religious_a according_a to_o the_o magistrate_n judgement_n as_o christ_n and_o the_o magistrate_n have_v each_o their_o distinct_a kingdom_n so_o they_o must_v have_v each_o their_o limit_n and_o bound_n the_o magistrate_n kingdom_n its_o true_a must_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n in_a punish_a vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o in_o preserve_v people_n from_o be_v molest_v in_o their_o civil_a right_n for_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o conscience_n and_o here_o he_o still_o keep_v within_o the_o confine_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n but_o if_o he_o exercise_v a_o legislature_n in_o christ_n and_o make_v use_v of_o violence_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o execution_n he_o assume_v a_o great_a power_n than_o christ_n himself_o claim_v but_o 9_o if_o the_o magistrate_n claim_v such_o a_o right_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o right_o ought_v full_o to_o be_v make_v appear_v because_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o law_n but_o what_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o prove_v he_o have_v such_o a_o power_n it_o be_v usual_o urge_v that_o if_o parent_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v a_o right_a to_o use_v force_n on_o their_o child_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n the_o magistrate_n who_o power_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n have_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o right_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o parent_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n for_o which_o they_o be_v fit_v by_o their_o natural_a love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o understanding_n until_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n for_o themselves_o before_o which_o time_n parent_n no_o
according_a to_o the_o submission_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o clergy_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o attempt_v etc._n etc._n unless_o they_o have_v the_o king_n be_v most_o royal_a assent_n and_o licence_n to_o make_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o king_n licence_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o their_o make_n or_o even_o attempt_v which_o include_v all_o confer_v or_o debate_v in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n any_o new_a canon_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v unless_o they_o have_v the_o king_n authority_n on_o that_o behalf_n and_o none_o but_o our_o author_n can_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o think_v the_o king_n be_v confirm_v the_o canon_n the_o convocation_n have_v make_v be_v a_o licence_n to_o they_o to_o make_v or_o attempt_v the_o make_v new_a one_o be_v the_o king_n be_v sign_v a_o act_n a_o licence_n to_o the_o parliament_n to_o make_v a_o new_a one_o but_o the_o author_n ingenuity_n in_o recite_v this_o act_n and_o his_o reason_v upon_o it_o be_v much_o alike_o 14._o the_o author_n demand_v why_o be_v the_o clergy_n call_v to_o a_o convocation_n if_o when_o they_o come_v they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v the_o convocation_n be_v once_o a_o limb_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o writ_n they_o be_v now_o summon_v by_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o commons_o and_o no_o doubt_n do_v then_o meet_v be_v adjourn_v prorogue_v dissolve_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o this_o continue_a till_o h._n 8._o when_o they_o lose_v all_o their_o parliamentary_a right_n but_o of_o tax_v themselves_o for_o the_o do_v of_o which_o they_o be_v still_o summon_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a form_n and_o though_o they_o have_v now_o lose_v that_o right_o too_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n of_o summon_v whole_o cease_v yet_o the_o writ_n be_v issue_v out_o still_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o their_o be_v summon_v by_o this_o writ_n that_o alone_o make_v they_o a_o synod_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n for_o in_o the_o popish_a time_n they_o be_v always_o summon_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o synod_n nor_o can_v not_o act_v as_o such_o without_o authority_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o instead_o of_o any_o such_o authority_n now_o the_o king_n make_v they_o a_o synod_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o enact_v canon_n by_o licence_n under_o the_o broad-seal_n and_o this_o with_o submission_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n 15._o as_o to_o the_o three_o that_o a_o convocation_n be_v as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o constitution_n and_o bind_v all_o people_n in_o ecclesiastical_n as_o a_o parliament_n do_v in_o temporal_n i_o answer_v if_o the_o clergy_n have_v another_o right_n to_o make_v canon_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n viz._n a_o divine_a right_n their_o canon_n will_v be_v valid_a without_o the_o king_n be_v confirm_v they_o nor_o can_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n abrogate_v or_o annul_v any_o of_o those_o canon_n make_v by_o a_o spiritual_a authority_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o depend_v on_o they_o that_o the_o parliament_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o in_o those_o matter_n nor_o can_v they_o hinder_v they_o from_o sit_v when_o and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o because_o they_o that_o have_v a_o divine_a right_o to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n must_v have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o sit_v in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o the_o make_v they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o must_v be_v as_o absolute_a and_o independent_a in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o ecclesiastical_n as_o the_o lay-state_n be_v in_o civil_n but_o there_o can_v be_v two_o independent_a or_o legislative_a power_n about_o the_o same_o or_o different_a thing_n for_o then_o people_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v contrary_a command_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n or_o different_a command_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o power_n which_o can_v annul_v the_o command_n of_o the_o other_o must_v be_v able_a to_o command_v in_o all_o case_n and_o be_v alone_o supreme_a because_o as_o great_a a_o power_n be_v require_v to_o take_v off_o as_o to_o lay_v on_o if_o therefore_o the_o civil_a power_n can_v annul_v any_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o convocation_n can_v have_v no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v dependent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o can_v abridge_v curtail_v or_o annul_v as_o they_o think_v fit_a therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o a_o convocation_n have_v the_o same_o right_n or_o privilege_n or_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n as_o a_o parliament_n without_o who_o authority_n no_o law_n relate_v to_o church_n or_o state_n can_v be_v make_v and_o a_o convocation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v usurp_v the_o right_n of_o the_o english_a church_n or_o christian_a people_n of_o england_n who_o be_v to_o be_v tie_v up_o by_o no_o law_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o alone_o be_v subject_a to_o humane_a empire_n whether_o of_o a_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a nature_n but_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n give_v in_o parliament_n and_o i_o know_v no_o law_n of_o christianity_n that_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o right_n which_o from_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n here_o they_o have_v always_o claim_v there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o the_o british_a and_o saxon_a time_n that_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n but_o as_o our_o historian_n testify_v be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o make_v the_o temporal_a law_n and_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o same_o person_n the_o tear_v the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n from_o the_o temporal_a be_v the_o curse_a root_n of_o antichrist_n those_o power_n be_v not_o distinct_a in_o england_n nor_o in_o most_o nation_n till_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n get_v the_o ascendant_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o do_v the_o clergy_n attempt_v to_o bind_v the_o laity_n by_o those_o law_n they_o never_o consent_v to_o but_o their_o design_n be_v never_o bring_v to_o perfection_n for_o such_o be_v the_o genius_n of_o a_o government_n build_v upon_o this_o noble_a foundation_n that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o a_o law_n he_o do_v not_o consent_n to_o that_o as_o muffle_v up_o in_o darkness_n and_o superstition_n as_o our_o ancestor_n be_v yet_o that_o notion_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o strong_o engrave_v in_o their_o nature_n that_o nothing_o can_v deface_v it_o and_o according_o we_o often_o find_v they_o protest_v that_o this_o and_o the_o other_o thing_n do_v not_o bind_v they_o because_o do_v without_o their_o consent_n 62._o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o clergy_n without_o their_o assent_n that_o they_o will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o clergy_n no_o more_o than_o their_o ancestor_n have_v do_v and_o 25_o h._n 8._o cap._n 21._o they_o tell_v the_o king_n that_o beside_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o people_n be_v bind_v by_o no_o other_o law_n but_o what_o they_o have_v take_v at_o their_o free_a liberty_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n to_o be_v use_v among_o they_o and_o have_v bind_v themselves_o by_o long_a use_n and_o custom_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o no_o marvel_n if_o we_o find_v this_o people_n submit_v to_o nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o themselves_o de_fw-fr majoribus_fw-la omnes_fw-la be_v one_o of_o their_o fundamental_a constitution_n before_o they_o come_v hither_o 11._o and_o so_o it_o have_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v among_o their_o majora_fw-la even_o before_o they_o receive_v christianity_n and_o what_o neither_o the_o pagan_a nor_o popish_a priest_n can_v cheat_v or_o scare_v they_o from_o our_o author_n will_v find_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o harangue_n they_o out_o of_o if_o no_o canon_n be_v valid_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n or_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n how_o can_v a_o canon_n oblige_v contrary_a to_o this_o most_o ancient_a custom_n and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v by_o no_o law_n but_o of_o their_o own_o make_n what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o boast_a english_a liberty_n if_o they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o consequent_o imprison_v for_o contempt_n or_o disobedience_n to_o a_o law_n they_o never_o make_v this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o frivolousness_n of_o our_o author_n reason_n for_o make_v his_o majesty_n guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o coronation-oath_n in_o deny_v those_o right_n to_o the_o convocation_n he_o pretend_v be_v their_o due_n which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o realm_n i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v pray_v that_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n will_v grant_v that_o no_o priest_n of_o this_o man_n principle_n in_o or_o out_o of_o convocation_n may_v hinder_v man_n from_o be_v likeminded_a one_o to_o another_o nor_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n or_o state_n finis_fw-la book_n sell_v by_o andrew_n bell_n at_o the_o cross-keys_n and_o bible_n in_o cornhill_n a_o new_a history_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o life_n and_o write_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n a_o abridgement_n and_o catalogue_n of_o all_o their_o work_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o compendious_a history_n of_o the_o council_n etc._n etc._n write_a in_o french_a by_o lewis_n ellies_n du_fw-fr pin_n doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n in_o seven_o volume_n fol._n a_o detection_n of_o the_o court_n and_o state_n of_o england_n during_o the_o four_o last_o reign_n and_o the_o interregnum_fw-la consist_v of_o private_a memoir_n etc._n etc._n with_o observation_n and_o reflection_n and_o a_o appendix_n discover_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o nation_n wherein_o be_v many_o secret_n never_o before_o make_v public_a as_o also_o a_o more_o impartial_a account_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n in_o england_n than_o have_v yet_o be_v give_v by_o rog._n coke_n esq_n the_o three_o edition_n much_o correct_v with_o a_o alphabetical_a table_n advice_n to_o the_o young_a or_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a conversion_n in_o three_o sermon_n on_o eccles._n 12._o 1._o by_o joseph_n stennett_n his_o sermon_n at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n john_n belcher_n scotland_n sovereignty_n assert_v a_o dispute_n whether_o the_o k._n of_o scot_n owe_v homage_n to_o the_o k._n of_o england_n write_a in_o latin_a by_o sir_n tho._n craig_n translate_v by_o geo._n ridpath_n with_o a_o preface_n against_o mr._n rymer_n answ._n 1._o 1._o d_o r._n burnet_n be_v hist._n reform_v part_v 1_o collect_v n._n 17._o 17._o rot._n parl._n 40_o edw._n 3._o num._n 7_o 8._o rot._n parl._n 5._o edw._n 3._o art_n 46._o rot._n parl._n 6_o rich._n 2._o num._n 62._o 62._o tacitus_n de_fw-fr moribus_fw-la germanorum_n c._n 11._o
enable_v they_o though_o they_o stand_v alone_o to_o be_v a_o match_n for_o their_o most_o potent_a enemy_n when_o perhaps_o otherwise_o we_o may_v sometime_o or_o other_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v oppress_v by_o he_o and_o when_o a_o troublesome_a neighbour_n increase_v in_o riches_n and_o strength_n we_o be_v very_o much_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o to_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o same_o all_o that_o the_o government_n will_v suffer_v by_o a_o naturalisation_n will_v be_v to_o have_v not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o its_o subject_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o riches_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o nation_n increase_v and_o they_o also_o under_o as_o strict_a a_o obligation_n of_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n as_o any_o of_o the_o native_a subject_n but_o its_o revenue_n also_o augment_v by_o not_o only_o more_o of_o the_o exciseable_a commodity_n be_v consume_v but_o by_o the_o vast_a increase_n of_o trade_n which_o must_v proportionable_o increase_v the_o custom_n all_o the_o disadvantage_n the_o native_n will_v receive_v by_o such_o a_o act_n will_v be_v that_o by_o a_o quick_a vent_n and_o consumption_n of_o the_o product_n of_o the_o country_n the_o value_n of_o all_o home_n commodity_n will_v be_v raise_v land_n and_o house_n yield_v great_a rent_n and_o money_n by_o its_o increase_n and_o quick_a circulation_n be_v plenty_n and_o those_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o estate_n will_v the_o number_n of_o the_o chapman_n be_v so_o much_o increase_v sell_v to_o a_o much_o great_a advantage_n and_o all_o the_o purchase-money_n the_o foreigner_n give_v will_v be_v a_o additional_a treasure_n to_o the_o nation_n but_o it_o require_v a_o just_a treatise_n to_o show_v what_o i_o have_v not_o as_o much_o as_o time_n to_o hint_n at_o here_o all_o the_o advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v by_o a_o naturalisation_n act_n therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o answer_v a_o objection_n of_o some_o who_o though_o they_o can_v but_o own_o that_o it_o will_v be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o nation_n yet_o be_v against_o it_o upon_o a_o apprehension_n it_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o religion_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o no_o part_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v opposite_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o good_a of_o society_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promote_a the_o public_a good_a be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o and_o if_o to_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a be_v the_o great_a duty_n viz._n of_o charity_n and_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o order_n to_o relieve_v their_o necessity_n be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o prevent_v peoples_n fall_v into_o want_n and_o poverty_n and_o whatever_o contribute_v to_o this_o especial_o when_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o support_n not_o only_o of_o a_o few_o but_o of_o a_o whole_a nation_n must_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o promote_v that_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o his_o god_n his_o king_n and_o his_o country_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o do_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o by_o the_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o become_v so_o and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o good_a of_o a_o nation_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o strange_a than_o to_o suppose_v god_n have_v command_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o public_a good_a yet_o without_o this_o supposition_n not_o only_a persecution_n humane_a sacrifice_n and_o absolute_a passive_a obedience_n the_o most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n that_o can_v be_v but_o no_o other_o destructive_a one_o can_v have_v prevail_v and_o it_o be_v this_o monstrous_a absurdity_n that_o jacobite_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o think_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o sacrifice_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o particular_a person_n but_o i_o shall_v conclude_v only_o add_v that_o i_o hope_v what_o i_o have_v say_v will_v not_o displease_v the_o magistrate_n since_o i_o have_v no_o other_o intent_n than_o to_o hinder_v he_o from_o commit_v one_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o can_v but_o turn_v to_o his_o prejudice_n here_o as_o well_o as_o hereafter_o and_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n this_o can_v displease_v those_o that_o have_v what_o the_o bishop_n of_o sarum_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o lactantius_n call_v lay_v pity_n since_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o abhor_v persecution_n and_o how_o causeless_o they_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n hate_v as_o general_o they_o be_v by_o their_o brethren_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v for_o persecution_n the_o great_a kindness_n i_o can_v do_v they_o be_v to_o represent_v as_o full_o as_o i_o can_v in_o so_o short_a a_o discourse_n the_o fatal_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n of_o that_o doctrine_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v of_o it_o which_o if_o i_o any_o way_n contribute_v to_o i_o think_v my_o pain_n happy_o bestow_v if_o not_o i_o yet_o hope_v a_o reward_n from_o he_o who_o accept_v the_o hearty_a sincere_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o do_v their_o best_a to_o promote_v peace_n and_o charity_n which_o if_o any_o hinder_v or_o obstruct_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v abate_v their_o pride_n assuage_v their_o malice_n and_o confound_v their_o device_n that_o there_o may_v be_v glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o men._n a_o postscript_n concern_v the_o letter_n to_o a_o convocation-man_n i_o must_v beg_v the_o reader_n be_v pardon_n for_o further_a trespass_v on_o his_o patience_n in_o make_v some_o remark_n on_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o letter_n to_o a_o convocation-man_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o sit_v of_o a_o convocation_n rail_v at_o a_o toleration_n in_o matter_n simple_o religious_a and_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o right_n of_o judge_v for_o themselves_o about_o religious_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o letter_n p._n 3._o affirm_v that_o the_o indifference_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o plea_n for_o the_o justice_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a unlimited_a toleration_n which_o assertion_n be_v it_o true_a will_v make_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n indifferent_a whether_o they_o be_v quaker_n since_o they_o have_v give_v they_o a_o toleration_n but_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o can_v well_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o man_n not_o think_v all_o religion_n indifferent_a than_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o they_o judge_v the_o best_a do_v they_o suppose_v all_o religion_n equal_a it_o will_v be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n since_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v all_o persecution_n by_o be_v of_o the_o magistrate_n religion_n 2._o the_o author_n p._n 19_o say_v though_o the_o clergy_n have_v no_o power_n of_o change_v add_v or_o diminish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o apply_v this_o law_n to_o particular_a case_n explain_v the_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v concern_v it_o deduce_v consequence_n from_o it_o in_o thing_n not_o explicit_o determine_v already_o by_o that_o law_n and_o the_o enforce_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o determination_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n who_o be_v to_o act_v by_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a mean_n such_o as_o assemble_v debate_v and_o by_o majority_n of_o voice_n decide_v but_o here_o i_o must_v demand_v who_o shall_v judge_n whether_o what_o the_o clergy_n thus_o determine_v be_v either_o add_v change_a or_o diminish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v not_o say_v their_o determination_n be_v so_o but_o if_o i_o must_v judge_v than_o i_o ought_v to_o reject_v their_o determination_n if_o i_o believe_v they_o not_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n but_o if_o i_o think_v they_o agreeable_a to_o it_o than_o i_o must_v believe_v they_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o because_o i_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o i_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o my_o own_o reason_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o religion_n if_o by_o the_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v be_v mean_v any_o thing_n that_o admit_v of_o dispute_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n so_o clear_a but_o what_o may_v or_o do_v and_o if_o in_o all_o such_o case_n i_o
otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o have_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n stamp_v upon_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n heb._n 8._o speak_v of_o the_o gospel-time_n and_o covenant_n say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a and_o to_o interpret_v this_o law_n which_o be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o which_o we_o can_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o fail_v to_o discover_v if_o we_o attend_v to_o our_o own_o mind_n by_o father_n council_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o interpret_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a in_o itself_o by_o what_o be_v most_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o any_o it_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a the_o babe_n the_o simple_a but_o the_o pretender_n to_o vain_a philosophy_n and_o science_n false_o so_o call_v the_o wrangler_n and_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n who_o will_v fain_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o as_o it_o be_v their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n make_v they_o esteem_v the_o gospel_n the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v so_o it_o afterward_o make_v some_o of_o they_o corrupt_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v with_o their_o wise_a unintelligible_a philosophy_n and_o their_o successor_n by_o follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o first_o reformer_n despise_v any_o authority_n but_o that_o of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o have_v those_o that_o succeed_v they_o follow_v their_o example_n they_o have_v no_o doubt_n destroy_v popery_n who_o chief_a support_n consist_v in_o human_a tradition_n as_o father_n council_n etc._n etc._n 6._o the_o subject_a of_o this_o book_n show_v how_o little_a be_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o man_n on_o which_o they_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n to_o rely_v for_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o place_v man_n in_o such_o a_o helpless_a condition_n that_o he_o can_v subsist_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o do_v oblige_v all_o man_n except_o he_o that_o be_v orthodox_n to_o himself_o be_v all_o sufficient_a for_o himself_o to_o be_v most_o kind_a love_a and_o friendly_a one_o to_o another_o and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o the_o scripture_n most_o passionate_o recommend_v the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n but_o most_o frequent_o and_o zealous_o when_o we_o differ_v from_o he_o and_o though_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o command_n have_v at_o all_o time_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a the_o christian_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o sentiment_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o never_o be_v a_o convocation_n of_o priest_n but_o what_o notorious_o break_v this_o rule_n by_o not_o only_o most_o uncharitable_o anathematise_v and_o damn_v those_o that_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o sentiment_n but_o by_o oblige_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o commerce_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o treat_v they_o most_o inhumane_o and_o barbarous_o and_o by_o degree_n the_o clergy_n so_o intoxicated_a the_o people_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o gospel_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o this_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a crime_n imaginable_a the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n concern_v toleration_n be_v if_o not_o absolute_o the_o first_o the_o first_o that_o among_o we_o have_v venture_v to_o assert_v the_o justice_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o toleration_n in_o its_o due_a and_o full_a extent_n a_o author_n that_o on_o more_o account_n than_o one_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o patron_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o a_o guardian_n of_o the_o happiness_n and_o safety_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o who_o have_v by_o his_o write_n be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o mankind_n in_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o in_o improve_n their_o understanding_n for_o which_o he_o must_v never_o expect_v forgiveness_n by_o man_n of_o the_o pamphleteer_n principle_n 7._o but_o to_o return_v though_o our_o author_n suppose_v it_o no_o small_a crime_n p._n 15._o for_o the_o parliament_n to_o judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o he_o grievous_o complain_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o urgency_n of_o the_o occasion_n no_o relief_n have_v be_v effect_v that_o way_n and_o though_o the_o commons_o have_v a_o stand_a committee_n for_o religion_n nothing_o as_o i_o remember_v have_v since_o the_o revolution_n be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o behalf_n of_o it_o but_o what_o can_v man_n in_o a_o legislative_a capacity_n do_v more_o for_o religion_n than_o beside_o punish_v vice_n and_o immorality_n to_o protect_v every_o one_o in_o worship_v god_n as_o they_o judge_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o give_v they_o the_o best_a opportunity_n of_o inform_v themselves_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o have_v they_o not_o do_v this_o by_o grant_v a_o toleration_n and_o by_o refuse_v a_o bill_n for_o restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n 8._o in_o short_a when_o the_o clergy_n have_v corrupt_v the_o christian_a as_o much_o as_o the_o heathen_a priest_n have_v natural_a religion_n it_o please_v god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a goodness_n that_o the_o noble_a art_n of_o printing_n shall_v be_v discover_v whereby_o man_n can_v with_o ease_n communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n and_o some_o free-spirited_n man_n who_o dare_v judge_n with_o their_o own_o understanding_n do_v this_o and_o copy_n of_o their_o work_n be_v disperse_v it_o cause_v many_o to_o perceive_v how_o miserable_o they_o have_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n which_o as_o it_o may_v well_o be_v imagine_v strange_o alarm_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n cardinal_n woolsey_n lord_n herb._n hist._n of_o h._n 8._o in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o pope_n tell_v he_o that_o his_o holiness_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o divers_a effect_n the_o new_a invention_n of_o print_v have_v produce_v that_o it_o have_v bring_v in_o and_o restore_v book_n and_o learning_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o sect_n and_o schism_n that_o daily_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o chief_o in_o germany_n where_o man_n begin_v to_o question_v the_o faith_n and_o tenet_n of_o the_o church_n that_o if_o this_o be_v suffer_v the_o common_a people_n beside_o other_o danger_n may_v come_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o need_v of_o the_o clergy_n the_o priest_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o any_o harm_n from_o this_o new_a invention_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o be_v print_v but_o what_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o turn_v this_o dreadful_a engine_n on_o their_o enemy_n which_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v quick_o and_o steady_o put_v in_o execution_n have_v its_o desire_a effect_n in_o preserve_v of_o popery_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o by_o the_o connivance_n of_o the_o government_n or_o otherwise_o this_o method_n be_v not_o strict_o observe_v the_o people_n throw_v off_o the_o popish_a yoke_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v force_v to_o comply_v yet_o loath_a to_o forgo_v their_o belove_a empire_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n they_o quick_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n pay_v the_o same_o obedience_n to_o their_o determination_n as_o they_o former_o do_v to_o the_o romish_a clergy_n and_o as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o the_o very_a same_o method_n to_o enslave_v they_o so_o they_o be_v no_o less_o zealous_a to_o hinder_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n which_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o le_fw-fr clere_n observe_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o nazianzen_n that_o though_o theology_n be_v subject_a to_o revolution_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n and_o have_v undergo_v considerable_a change_n yet_o that_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o divine_n be_v not_o much_o alter_v but_o the_o power_n the_o clergy_n claim_v to_o themselves_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o in_o england_n with_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o that_o power_n the_o law_n have_v invest_v the_o king_n with_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contradictory_n as_o their_o pretend_a power_n and_o that_o which_o they_o be_v force_v to_o own_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o our_o high_a churchman_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o no_o not_o in_o one_o point_n but_o what_o be_v worse_o assert_v such_o principle_n