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
war._n it_o enervate_v all_o its_o own_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o sound_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n upon_o mere_a self-interest_n which_o false_a and_o absurd_a principle_n be_v remove_v all_o that_o be_v base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o the_o whole_a hypothesis_n be_v utter_o cashier_v §_o 1._o when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v apparent_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v here_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n no_o circumstance_n can_v alter_v the_o rule_n of_o prime_n and_o essential_a rectitude_n their_o goodness_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o in_o all_o such_o action_n disobedience_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o it_o become_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n where_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o a_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n no_o positive_a humane_a law_n can_v take_v off_o its_o morality_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o repugnant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n &_o by_o consequence_n as_o unchangeable_a as_o that_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o providence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o law_n can_v no_o more_o bind_v than_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v command_v a_o man_n to_o murder_v his_o father_n or_o to_o ravish_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o all_o such_o law_n be_v antecedent_o rescind_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o more_o indispensable_a obligation_n and_o thus_o have_v every_o man_n a_o natural_a right_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o no_o authority_n whatsoever_o can_v deny_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o act_v virtuous_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a tyranny_n and_o injustice_n not_o so_o much_o because_o subject_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n on_o earth_n as_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n and_o they_o be_v only_o then_o excuse_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_n when_o they_o can_v give_v it_o without_o rebellion_n against_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o original_o any_o right_n of_o their_o own_o that_o exempt_v they_o from_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v pure_o god_n right_a of_o govern_v his_o own_o creature_n that_o magistrate_n than_o invade_v when_o they_o make_v edict_n to_o violate_v or_o control_v his_o law_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v off_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o those_o of_o humane_a law_n instead_o of_o make_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n supreme_a absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a they_o utter_o enervate_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o set_v their_o subject_n at_o perfect_a liberty_n from_o all_o their_o command_n for_o if_o we_o once_o remove_v all_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n man_n will_v be_v no_o further_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n than_o only_o as_o themselves_o shall_v see_v convenient_a and_o if_o they_o be_v under_o no_o other_o restraint_n it_o will_v be_v their_o wisdom_n to_o rebel_v as_o oft_o as_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n in_o that_o the_o law_n of_o superior_n pass_v no_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n they_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v under_o any_o strong_a engagement_n to_o subjection_n than_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o penalty_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n may_v despise_v its_o obligation_n whenever_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o escape_v its_o punishment_n now_o how_o must_v this_o weaken_v the_o power_n and_o supplant_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n if_o every_o subject_a may_v despise_v their_o law_n or_o invade_v their_o sovereignty_n whenever_o he_o can_v hope_v to_o build_v his_o own_o fortune_n upon_o their_o ruin_n how_o will_v it_o expose_v their_o sceptre_n to_o the_o continual_a attempt_n of_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n when_o every_o one_o that_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o his_o prince_n hand_n have_v right_o and_o title_n enough_o to_o hold_v it_o what_o security_n can_v prince_n have_v of_o their_o subject_n loyalty_n that_o will_v own_v their_o power_n as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o interest_n and_o when_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o call_v it_o tyranny_n how_o shall_v they_o ever_o be_v secure_v by_o any_o promise_n oath_n and_o covenant_n of_o allegiance_n that_o have_v no_o other_o band_n but_o self-security_n or_o hope_v of_o exemption_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n will_v not_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n and_o compact_n leave_v they_o in_o as_o insecure_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o find_v they_o in_o in_o that_o self-advantage_n will_v have_v keep_v their_o subject_n loyal_a and_o obedient_a without_o oath_n and_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v it_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v add_v no_o new_a obligation_n to_o that_o of_o interest_n for_o if_o to_o perform_v their_o covenant_n be_v advantageous_a they_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n without_o the_o oath_n as_o much_o as_o with_o it_o if_o disadvantageous_a no_o oath_n can_v oblige_v they_o in_o that_o interest_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o only_a enforcement_n of_o all_o their_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o when_o that_o tie_n happen_v to_o cease_v their_o obligation_n become_v null_a and_o void_a and_o they_o may_v observe_v they_o if_o they_o please_v and_o if_o they_o please_v break_v they_o §_o 2._o but_o the_o vanity_n and_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o opinion_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o discover_v the_o lamentable_a foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o that_o be_v a_o late_a wild_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o state_n and_o posture_n of_o war_n of_o every_o man_n against_o every_o man_n in_o that_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o equality_n they_o have_v all_o a_o equal_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o all_o can_v enjoy_v all_o hence_o every_o man_n become_v a_o enemy_n to_o every_o man_n in_o which_o state_n of_o hostility_n there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o secure_v himself_o so_o reasonable_a as_o anticipation_n that_o be_v by_o force_n or_o wiles_n to_o master_v the_o person_n of_o all_o man_n he_o can_v till_o he_o see_v no_o other_o power_n great_a enough_o to_o endanger_v himself_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o contrive_v in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o security_n one_o another_o destruction_n but_o because_o in_o this_o condition_n mankind_n must_v for_o ever_o groan_v under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n therefore_o they_o have_v wise_o choose_v by_o mutual_a consent_n to_o enter_v into_o contract_n and_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n in_o which_o every_o man_n have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o security_n be_v content_a to_o relinquish_v his_o natural_a and_o unlimited_a right_n to_o every_o thing_n and_o hereby_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n in_o which_o every_o man_n engage_v by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o public_a law_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o private_a safety_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o right_n or_o wrong_a antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o all_o man_n be_v at_o absolute_a liberty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v and_o how_o cruel_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o one_o another_o they_o can_v never_o be_v injurious_a there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o what_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o which_o all_o its_o member_n covenant_n to_o submit_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o odd_a as_o it_o be_v be_v become_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o modern_a politic_n by_o which_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o real_a law_n of_o wisdom_n and_o subtlety_n must_v square_v their_o action_n and_o therefore_o be_v swallow_v down_o with_o as_o much_o greediness_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o wild_a and_o giddy_a people_n of_o the_o age._n and_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o fop_n and_o raw-brained_a fellow_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o complexion_n of_o humane_a nature_n now_o it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a
that_o distinguish_v their_o party_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o their_o prince_n to_o they_o when_o he_o neglect_v and_o discountenance_n his_o best_a subject_n only_o because_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n for_o so_o every_o party_n be_v to_o itself_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o profess_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n and_o they_o will_v be_v wonderful_o forward_a to_o assist_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o soft_a word_n that_o different_a sect_n can_v afford_v one_o another_o and_o withal_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o lie_v perpetual_o under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n permit_v different_a party_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n however_o he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o they_o he_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o all_o party_n discontent_v but_o one_o for_o if_o himself_o be_v of_o any_o he_o displease_v all_o but_o that_o if_o of_o none_o he_o displease_v all_o and_o zealous_a and_o religious_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_o in_o love_n with_o a_o atheist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o be_v think_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o distinct_a and_o visible_a profession_n chap._n vi_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o content_n the_o mystery_n of_o puritanism_n lie_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wildness_n novelty_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o make_v mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n sinful_a it_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o settlement_n in_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o main_a pretence_n of_o all_o pious_a villainy_n it_o cancel_v all_o humane_a law_n and_o make_v most_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n useless_a and_o impracticable_a it_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v seditious_a in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v not_o some_o custom_n and_o usage_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o all_o that_o pretend_v this_o principle_n do_v and_o must_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o yield_a and_o condescension_n to_o the_o man_n that_o plead_v it_o unsafe_a and_o impolitic_a wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o distinction_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n execute_v but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o the_o dangerous_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v who_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o any_o outward_a action_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o various_a the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o puritan_n upbraid_v with_o mr._n hooker_n book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o challenge_v to_o answer_v it_o their_o outcry_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n retort_v upon_o themselves_o the_o main_a objection_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n propose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a this_o objection_n lie_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n our_o inquiry_n be_v after_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v thing_n not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v though_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o it_o be_v then_o less_o mischievous_a than_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o tyranny_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o rebellion_n or_o anarchy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la confute_v that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o for_o their_o sinfulness_n but_o for_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a this_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a conscience_n sect._n 1_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o be_v not_o already_o determine_v as_o to_o their_o morality_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a duty_n by_o be_v command_v or_o sinful_a action_n by_o be_v forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v either_o way_n by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_n be_v tie_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o such_o determination_n this_o assertion_n i_o lay_v down_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o wherein_o as_o one_o observe_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o puritanism_n consist_v viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o complete_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v only_o to_o see_v that_o execute_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o nothing_o of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v tie_v up_o neither_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v neither_o in_o the_o matter_n nor_o manner_n so_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o warrant_v by_o a_o divine_a command_n how_o innocent_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o present_o upon_o that_o account_n lose_v not_o only_o its_o liberty_n but_o its_o lawfulness_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o christian_a practice_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a shall_v still_o be_v keep_v indifferent_a as_o thing_n necessary_a be_v hold_v necessary_a this_o very_a principle_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o puritanism_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v at_o last_o resolve_v a_o pretence_n so_o strange_o wild_a and_o humorsom_a that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o equal_a wonder_n either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o serious_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o thus_o long_a and_o thus_o confident_o to_o pretend_v it_o when_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o foundation_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o till_o some_o man_n have_v make_v a_o unreasonable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v force_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o as_o unreasonable_a pretence_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a shall_v become_v sinful_a upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o their_o be_v command_v i._n e._n that_o mere_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v make_v innocent_a action_n criminal_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o if_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v so_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v obedience_n so_o that_o if_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o awkard_n a_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n make_v it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christian_a rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o bind_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o forbid_v thing_n under_o that_o formality_n because_o authority_n command_v they_o now_o what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o sedition_n what_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v so_o much_o incline_v man_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o authority_n as_o their_o be_v conscientious_a what_o a_o perverse_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o but_o opposition_n to_o government_n can_v secure_v our_o liberty_n and_o
most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a of_o the_o philosopher_n can_v never_o raise_v atheism_n above_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o grand_a perhaps_o and_o therefore_o deny_v not_o but_o only_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o none_o of_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v so_o utter_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n as_o to_o attempt_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o can_v be_v no_o god_n but_o only_o by_o show_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n without_o he_o that_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v none_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a as_o to_o affront_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o think_v themselves_o as_o effectual_o oblige_v in_o prudence_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o possibility_n as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n now_o i_o say_v when_o these_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n be_v so_o modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o their_o singular_a persuasion_n what_o a_o unhandsome_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o such_o empty_a fop_n as_o you_o with_o so_o bold_a and_o frontless_a a_o confidence_n to_o defy_v the_o almighty_a to_o deride_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o law_n to_o cavil_v at_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o all_o this_o at_o all_o adventure_n and_o yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v pretty_a to_o hear_v one_o of_o these_o little_a mushroom_n wit_n charge_v religion_n with_o credulity_n and_o easiness_n of_o belief_n and_o talk_v confident_o that_o it_o be_v want_n of_o judgement_n and_o enquiry_n that_o betray_v fool_n and_o ignorant_a people_n to_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o tale_n and_o threaten_n of_o ambitious_a priest_n though_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v more_o chargeable_a with_o credulity_n than_o themselves_o and_o no_o man_n faith_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v more_o implicit_a than_o their_o unbelief_n nor_o can_v the_o most_o illiterate_a peasant_n take_v up_o his_o country_n religion_n upon_o more_o slender_a ground_n and_o motive_n than_o they_o do_v their_o infidelity_n their_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a force_n they_o to_o be_v equal_o credulous_a for_o not_o to_o repeat_v any_o of_o the_o foremention_v particular_n with_o what_o a_o greedy_a confidence_n do_v they_o swallow_v down_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o malmsbury_n philosophy_n without_o any_o chew_v or_o consideration_n how_o huss_o will_v they_o assert_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o do_v that_o man_n have_v no_o faculty_n but_o of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n that_o understanding_n be_v reaction_n and_o reason_n a_o train_n of_o phantasm_n that_o the_o will_n be_v a_o corporeal_a motion_n that_o its_o determination_n be_v fatal_a and_o mechanical_a and_o necessitate_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o external_n and_o irresistible_a cause_n that_o its_o liberty_n of_o choice_n be_v as_o absurd_a and_o insignificant_a nonsense_n as_o a_o round_a quadrangle_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o tale_n public_o allow_v that_o power_n be_v right_o and_o justify_v all_o action_n whatsoever_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o unjust_a in_o itself_o that_o all_o right_a and_o wrong_n be_v the_o result_n of_o humane_a contract_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o self-interest_n how_o bold_o do_v they_o take_v up_o with_o these_o and_o other_o resemble_v principle_n of_o baseness_n and_o irreligion_n upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o proofless_a assertion_n of_o one_o proud_a and_o haughty_a philosopher_n how_o much_o severe_a study_n and_o contemplation_n be_v require_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o with_o what_o a_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a confidence_n be_v they_o determine_v by_o these_o man_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o other_o knowledge_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a candid_a presumption_n to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o than_o of_o the_o law_n of_o a_o play_n or_o poem_n in_o brief_a these_o empty_a sponge_n suck_v in_o opinion_n for_o their_o agreeableness_n with_o their_o debauch_a and_o licentious_a practice_n without_o ever_o consider_v their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n for_o alas_o they_o never_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o such_o inquiry_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v not_o their_o reason_n but_o their_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o cavil_v at_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o except_v against_o it_o not_o because_o it_o contradict_v their_o understanding_n for_o that_o they_o never_o consider_v but_o their_o appetite_n it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o prejudice_n and_o bar_v up_o their_o mind_n against_o it_o and_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o truth_n they_o will_v however_o be_v infidel_n still_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n their_o irreligion_n be_v a_o aftergame_n of_o their_o debauchery_n they_o be_v force_v to_o it_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n their_o wickedness_n have_v make_v infidelity_n their_o interest_n and_o atheism_n their_o refuge_n and_o then_o they_o can_v will_v not_o believe_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o pursue_v their_o ignorance_n too_o unmerciful_o i_o will_v venture_v before_o i_o conclude_v to_o commend_v their_o skill_n for_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v they_o guilty_a of_o one_o little_a piece_n of_o art_n and_o sophistry_n viz._n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o no_o tolerable_a exception_n can_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a goodness_n they_o affect_v to_o reproach_v it_o with_o forge_a and_o disingenuous_a aspersion_n and_o witting_o disparage_v its_o native_a beauty_n and_o loveliness_n by_o represent_v it_o in_o false_a and_o uncouth_a disguise_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a more_o cheerful_a and_o sprightly_a more_o courteous_a and_o affable_a more_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a more_o sober_a and_o rational_a than_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n these_o witty_a gentleman_n be_v please_v to_o paint_v it_o out_o in_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a shape_n with_o poor_a and_o wretched_a feature_n with_o sour_a and_o anxious_a look_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o mirth_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o delight_v in_o nothing_o but_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o discolour_a face_n they_o dress_v it_o up_o in_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o superstition_n and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v make_v it_o ridiculous_a they_o make_v themselves_o sport_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o by_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o humour_n unworthy_a the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o generous_a mind_n that_o justify_v their_o contempt_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o passion_n and_o make_v a_o sumptuous_a apology_n for_o the_o gallantry_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o indeed_o if_o religion_n be_v as_o mean_v and_o absurd_a as_o these_o man_n will_v make_v it_o and_o other_o have_v make_v it_o let_v it_o not_o only_o excuse_v but_o abet_v their_o practice_n let_v it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o atheist_n let_v it_o be_v gentility_n to_o despise_v and_o wit_n to_o droll_n upon_o religion_n let_v all_o devotion_n be_v esteem_v the_o child_n of_o folly_n and_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v profane_a and_o vicious_a and_o let_v virtue_n become_v a_o name_n of_o the_o great_a reproach_n and_o infamy_n but_o alas_o when_o it_o be_v so_o demonstrative_o evident_a that_o true_a piety_n though_o it_o be_v a_o imposture_n be_v our_o great_a wisdom_n and_o perfection_n that_o it_o both_o adorn_v and_o advance_v humane_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v so_o high_o advantageous_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a all_o that_o be_v cheerful_a and_o ingenuous_a all_o that_o be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v whatever_n can_v advance_v either_o our_o content_n or_o interest_n or_o reputation_n when_o all_o this_o be_v so_o ample_o evident_a what_o can_v be_v more_o unpardonable_o base_a and_o disingenuous_a than_o for_o these_o man_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o remonstrance_n still_o to_o upbraid_v it_o with_o the_o villainy_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o blast_v its_o credit_n with_o the_o absurdity_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o debauch_n what_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o understand_v a_o little_o better_a what_o religion_n mean_v before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o disgrace_n and_o defame_v it_o and_o let_v
commonwealth_n they_o can_v not_o want_v prudence_n to_o judge_n what_o circumstance_n be_v conducive_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n practise_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o all_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o civil_a government_n do_v and_o therefore_o to_o quarrel_v with_o those_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o authority_n only_o because_o they_o be_v humane_a institution_n be_v at_o once_o notorious_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n for_o where_o a_o religion_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n whoever_o open_o refuse_v obedience_n plain_o rebel_n against_o the_o government_n rebellion_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o can_v man_n of_o this_o principle_n live_v peaceable_o in_o any_o church_n in_o christendom_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o law_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n §_o 7._o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o account_v elsewhere_o and_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o observe_v here_o from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o use_n and_o nature_n of_o outward_a worship_n the_o prodigious_a impertinency_n of_o that_o clamour_n some_o man_n have_v for_o so_o many_o year_n keep_v up_o against_o the_o institution_n of_o significant_a ceremony_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v significant_a in_o that_o all_o worship_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a honour_n and_o be_v indifferent_o perform_v either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n for_o respect_n may_v as_o well_o be_v signify_v by_o deed_n and_o posture_n and_o visible_a solemnity_n as_o by_o solemn_a expression_n thus_o to_o approach_v the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o such_o gesture_n as_o be_v wont_a to_o betoken_v reverence_n and_o humility_n be_v as_o proper_a a_o piece_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o celebrate_v his_o greatness_n by_o solemn_a praise_n and_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n be_v among_o the_o ancient_n the_o same_o sort_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o return_v thanksgiving_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o outward_a sign_n of_o inward_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o exception_n against_o the_o signification_n of_o ceremony_n than_o of_o word_n see_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o both_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o all_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o outward_a action_n of_o external_n worship_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o significant_a so_o be_v they_o equal_o arbitrary_a only_o some_o happen_v to_o be_v more_o universal_o practise_v and_o other_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n kneel_v lie_v prostrate_a be_v bareheaded_a lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n be_v not_o more_o natural_o significant_a of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n than_o put_v off_o the_o shoe_n bow_v the_o head_n or_o bend_v the_o body_n and_o if_o some_o be_v more_o general_o use_v than_o other_o that_o proceed_v not_o from_o their_o natural_a significancy_n but_o from_o custom_n and_o casual_a prescription_n and_o to_o bow_v the_o body_n when_o we_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n be_v as_o much_o a_o natural_a signification_n of_o honour_n to_o his_o person_n as_o kneel_v or_o be_v bareheaded_a or_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o but_o if_o all_o outward_a action_n become_v to_o betoken_v honour_n by_o institution_n than_o whatsoever_o outward_a sign_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o commonwealth_n unless_o they_o be_v customary_a mark_n of_o contempt_n and_o so_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o antecedent_n vndecency_n be_v proper_a sign_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o action_n be_v make_v significant_a by_o agreement_n those_o be_v most_o so_o who_o signification_n be_v ratify_v by_o public_a consent_n §_o 8._o so_o that_o all_o the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o institute_v significant_a ceremony_n amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v what_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n and_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o more_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o if_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n shall_v take_v upon_o itself_o as_o some_o prince_n have_v do_v to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n for_o as_o word_n do_v not_o natural_o denote_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v but_o have_v their_o import_n stamp_v upon_o they_o by_o consent_n and_o institution_n and_o and_o may_v if_o man_n will_v agree_v to_o it_o among_o themselves_o be_v make_v mark_n of_o thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o now_o signify_v so_o the_o same_o gesture_n and_o action_n be_v indifferent_o capable_a of_o signify_v either_o honour_n or_o contumely_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a and_o settle_a meaning_n it_o be_v necessary_a their_o signification_n shall_v be_v determine_v and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o public_a consent_n or_o some_o other_o way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o usefulness_n be_v to_o express_v man_n agreement_n in_o give_v honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o sign_n by_o which_o this_o honour_n be_v signify_v be_v public_a and_o uniform_a it_o be_v not_o public_a worship_n because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a signification_n of_o honour_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v unlawful_a for_o governor_n to_o define_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o necessary_a in_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v define_v it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v public_a worship_n and_o when_o different_a man_n worship_n god_n by_o different_a action_n according_a to_o their_o different_a fancy_n it_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a worship_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a sign_n of_o honour_n so_o that_o uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v as_o certainty_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n because_o otherwise_o they_o be_v no_o public_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o to_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a result_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o all_o internal_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v beyond_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o humane_a power_n if_o by_o they_o the_o substance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v perform_v if_o all_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n have_v no_o other_o use_v than_o only_o to_o be_v instrument_n to_o express_v inward_a religion_n and_o if_o the_o signification_n of_o action_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o word_n then_o when_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o determine_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o outward_a worship_n it_o be_v after_o all_o that_o hideous_a and_o ridiculous_a noise_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o of_o no_o worse_a consequence_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o define_v the_o signification_n of_o all_o word_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o action_n intrinsical_o evil_a and_o their_o exemption_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n against_o mr._n hobbs_n with_o a_o full_a confutation_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n of_o government_n the_o content_n no_o magistrate_n can_v command_v action_n internal_o evil._n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o because_o man_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n free_a from_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o earth_n but_o because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o superior_a in_o heaven_n to_o take_v off_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o humane_a law_n be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v all_o government_n mr._n hobbs_n his_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o government_n propose_v it_o be_v absurdity_n demonstrate_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o thing_n the_o principle_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v adapt_v not_o to_o a_o imaginary_a but_o to_o the_o real_a state_n of_o nature_n this_o hypothesis_n apparent_o deny_v either_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n it_o irrecoverable_o destroy_v the_o safety_n of_o all_o society_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o world_n it_o leave_v we_o in_o as_o miserable_a condition_n under_o the_o state_n of_o government_n as_o we_o be_v in_o his_o suppose_a natural_a state_n of_o
to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v the_o fantastic_a theory_n of_o thing_n only_o by_o demonstrate_v the_o groundlesness_n of_o the_o conceit_n it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o humour_n of_o those_o man_n i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o to_o embrace_v any_o hypothesis_n how_o precarious_a soever_o if_o it_o do_v but_o serve_v the_o purpose_n of_o baseness_n and_o irreligion_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o content_v myself_o with_o bare_o prove_v the_o weakness_n of_o its_o foundation_n but_o shall_v confute_v and_o shame_v it_o too_o by_o show_v it_o to_o be_v palpable_o false_a absurd_a and_o mischievous_a from_o these_o ensue_a consideration_n §_o 3._o first_o then_o the_o hypothesis_n which_o he_o lay_v as_o the_o basis_n of_o all_o his_o discourse_n be_v infinite_o false_a and_o absurd_a for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o incongruous_a than_o to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o natural_a frame_n of_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o though_o philosopher_n be_v so_o civil_a among_o themselves_o with_o how_o much_o reason_n i_o now_o determine_v not_o as_o to_o allow_v one_o another_o the_o liberty_n when_o they_o frame_v theory_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o thing_n to_o suppose_v some_o precarious_a principle_n yet_o be_v they_o never_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o grant_v such_o fundamental_a supposition_n as_o be_v apparent_o false_a and_o incongruous_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o real_a state_n of_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o that_o unwarrantable_a liberty_n of_o invention_n yet_o however_o it_o will_v be_v monstrous_o impertinent_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o lamentable_a fiction_n as_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o with_o this_o gross_a and_o inexcusable_a absurdity_n be_v this_o hypothesis_n most_o notorious_o chargeable_a for_o when_o it_o have_v once_o suppose_v without_o ever_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o that_o by_o nature_n all_o man_n have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n without_o any_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a justice_n and_o honesty_n it_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o in_o a_o bare_a state_n of_o nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o right_a and_o wrong_n that_o what_o mischief_n soever_o man_n may_v do_v to_o each_o other_o they_o can_v do_v no_o injury_n that_o the_o first_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o natural_a right_n be_v self-preservation_n and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o principle_n man_n enter_v into_o society_n bind_v themselves_o to_o a_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o natural_a equity_n by_o mutual_a bond_n and_o covenant_n and_o think_v themselves_o engage_v to_o observe_v they_o only_o in_o order_n to_o self-interest_n so_o that_o if_o we_o remove_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o fundamental_a falsehood_n that_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o anarchy_n all_o the_o subsequent_a proposition_n will_v immediate_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o groundless_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o there_o will_v not_o remain_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o believe_v private_a interest_n the_o only_a reason_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n or_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o author_n city_n will_v appear_v to_o stand_v upon_o no_o firm_a foundation_n than_o a_o fable_n and_o a_o falsehood_n and_o his_o hypothesis_n so_o gross_o absurd_a and_o incongruous_a as_o will_v be_v high_o unblamable_a in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o a_o dramatic_a plot._n but_o if_o instead_o of_o conform_v the_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o government_n to_o this_o false_a and_o imaginary_a state_n of_o the_o world_n we_o take_v a_o serious_a view_n of_o the_o true_a and_o real_a posture_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o must_v natural_o result_v from_o thence_o will_v be_v as_o contrary_a to_o some_o of_o those_o this_o author_n have_v assign_v as_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o this_o imaginary_a one_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o first_o cause_n of_o humane_a kind_a and_o that_o this_o first_o cause_n be_v a_o be_v endue_v with_o goodness_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o that_o when_o he_o make_v mankind_n he_o design_v their_o welfare_n and_o felicity_n and_o by_o consequence_n create_v they_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n in_o which_o they_o may_v acquire_v it_o all_o man_n therefore_o have_v by_o the_o divine_a appointment_n a_o common_a right_n and_o title_n to_o happiness_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o society_n nor_o society_n subsist_v without_o mutual_a aid_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n because_o we_o be_v not_o self-sufficient_a but_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mutual_a assistance_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_v for_o his_o own_o good_a so_o also_o to_o aim_v at_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n because_o without_o this_o the_o natural_a right_o that_o every_o individual_a man_n have_v to_o happiness_n can_v possible_o be_v obtain_v so_o that_o there_o will_v plain_o arise_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n a_o essential_a justice_n that_o demand_v of_o every_o man_n office_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o in_o that_o without_o this_o that_o common_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n which_o nature_n or_o rather_o that_o divine_a providence_n that_o make_v it_o design_v for_o all_o and_o every_o individual_a of_o mankind_n must_v become_v utter_o unattainable_a and_o hence_o the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n be_v excess_n of_o unreasonable_a self-love_n and_o neglect_v of_o all_o other_o interest_n but_o our_o own_o and_o all_o such_o as_o separate_v their_o own_o concern_v from_o the_o common_a interest_n be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o only_a aim_n of_o all_o the_o just_a law_n and_o wise_a philosophy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v reasonable_a allowance_n between_o self-love_n and_o society_n and_o if_o all_o man_n will_v be_v just_a and_o impartial_a between_o themselves_o and_o the_o public_a i._n e._n all_o other_o there_o will_v be_v no_o use_n of_o law_n nor_o judge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a office_n of_o public_a justice_n to_o balance_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n well_o then_o because_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o and_o establish_v upon_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v make_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o be_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o as_o we_o can_v subsist_v so_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v bear_v out_o of_o society_n he_o that_o make_v we_o have_v make_v this_o our_o natural_a condition_n that_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o under_o a_o state_n of_o government_n all_o child_n be_v actual_o as_o soon_o as_o bear_v under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o therefore_o as_o mankind_n can_v continue_v without_o propagation_n so_o neither_o can_v propagation_n without_o government_n and_o to_o be_v a_o subject_a be_v as_o natural_a upon_o be_v bear_v as_o to_o be_v a_o man._n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o only_o can_v be_v account_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v make_v and_o design_v by_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o that_o order_n and_o condition_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v it_o be_v preternatural_a and_o therefore_o see_v he_o do_v not_o create_v multitude_n of_o man_n together_o out_o of_o each_o other_o power_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o hostility_n but_o begin_v the_o race_n of_o humane_a kind_a in_o a_o single_a person_n by_o who_o the_o community_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v propagate_v that_o must_v be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o found_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v still_o continue_a but_o if_o man_n will_v feign_v such_o a_o imaginary_a state_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v utter_o contradictory_n to_o the_o real_a and_o then_o upon_o such_o a_o unnatural_a frame_n of_o affair_n establish_v our_o natural_a right_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o prove_v contrary_a to_o our_o common_a interest_n see_v they_o be_v suit_v to_o a_o contrary_a state_n of_o thing_n §_o 4._o second_o no_o man_n can_v serious_o embrace_v this_o hypothesis_n that_o do_v not_o firm_o believe_v either_o 1_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o author_n
necessary_a that_o either_o the_o same_o or_o some_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v establish_v that_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o the_o end_n of_o government_n to_o punish_v enormity_n as_o to_o prevent_v disturbance_n and_o when_o they_o bring_v malefactor_n to_o justice_n as_o we_o term_v it_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o the_o crime_n for_o that_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o another_o tribunal_n as_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o cut_v off_o such_o person_n as_o be_v pest_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o punishment_n deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a practice_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o which_o governor_n take_v not_o so_o much_o notice_n that_o be_v more_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n than_o other_o that_o they_o punish_v with_o capital_a infliction_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n so_o that_o action_n be_v punishable_a by_o humane_a law_n not_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o of_o their_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v otherwise_o even_o innocent_a be_v in_o this_o regard_n injurious_a it_o as_o much_o concern_v authority_n to_o give_v it_o check_v by_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o punishment_n as_o any_o the_o foul_a immorality_n temporal_a punishment_n than_o be_v inflict_v upon_o such_o person_n that_o be_v turbulent_a against_o prescribe_a rule_n of_o public_a worship_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o they_o be_v against_o those_o that_o offend_v against_o all_o other_o public_a edict_n of_o government_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o intend_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o society_n and_o when_o either_o of_o they_o be_v violate_v they_o equal_o tend_v to_o its_o disturbance_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n act_n against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o its_o governor_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v all_o their_o offence_n against_o its_o ecclesiastical_a law_n liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o its_o last_o result_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o question_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o policy_n not_o so_o much_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o preservation_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a and_o yet_o his_o opinion_n be_v intolerable_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o its_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n for_o it_o be_v easy_o imaginable_a how_o a_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n may_v through_o mere_a ignorance_n fall_v into_o such_o error_n which_o though_o god_n will_v pardon_v yet_o governor_n must_v punish_v his_o integrity_n may_v expiate_v the_o crime_n but_o can_v prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o his_o error_n nay_o so_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o be_v government_n right_o understand_v and_o due_o manage_v mistake_v and_o abuse_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o supply_v the_o galley_n with_o vast_o great_a number_n than_o villainy_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n and_o of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o pretend_v it_o against_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n the_o content_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o silliness_n of_o the_o principle_n with_o which_o they_o abuse_v the_o people_n think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o by_o fly_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n scandal_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o occasion_n the_o sin_n of_o another_o and_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o determinate_o good_a or_o evil._n all_o scandal_n be_v equal_o take_v but_o not_o equal_o criminal_a man_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o in_o this_o affair_n by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o st._n paul_n contrary_a behaviour_n towards_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o avoid_v their_o contrary_a scandal_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o this_o point_n between_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o proper_a obligation_n of_o scandal_n be_v extend_v only_o to_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o case_n in_o which_o it_o be_v concern_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v determine_v by_o settle_a law_n and_o constitution_n how_o scandalous_o these_o man_n prevaricate_v with_o the_o world_n in_o their_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n that_o may_v excuse_v their_o refusal_n of_o conformity_n but_o give_v no_o account_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o their_o scruple_v to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o divine_a service_n into_o conventicle_n how_o shameful_o these_o man_n juggle_v with_o the_o world_n and_o impose_v upon_o their_o follower_n if_o they_o will_v but_o persuade_v their_o proselyte_n to_o be_v of_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o will_v end_v all_o our_o difference_n they_o first_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o the_o scandal_n and_o then_o make_v this_o the_o formal_a reason_n why_o they_o must_v follow_v they_o if_o the_o people_n scruple_n be_v groundless_a then_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a disobedience_n a_o further_a account_n of_o their_o shameful_a prevarication_n the_o ridiculousness_n of_o the_o people_n pretend_v it_o concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v scandalize_v by_o their_o avoid_v private_a offence_n they_o run_v into_o public_a scandal_n they_o scandalize_v their_o own_o weak_a brethren_n most_o of_o all_o by_o comply_v with_o they_o old_a and_o inveterate_a scandal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o but_o oppose_v and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o command_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n infinite_o outweigh_v and_o utter_o evacuate_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n sect._n 1_o though_o the_o former_a principle_n viz._n that_o no_o man_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v rivet_v into_o the_o people_n mind_n as_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o puritan_n separation_n yet_o their_o leader_n seem_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o be_v drive_v from_o this_o and_o all_o their_o other_o little_a hold_n and_o shelter_n they_o have_v at_o length_n think_v it_o the_o safe_a and_o the_o wise_a course_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n this_o be_v their_o fort_n royal_a in_o which_o they_o have_v at_o last_o secure_v and_o entrench_v themselves_o as_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a and_o that_o themselves_o may_v lawful_o use_v they_o be_v it_o not_o that_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o sincere_a but_o weak_a christian_n that_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o dare_v not_o conform_v to_o our_o ceremonial_a constitution_n for_o fear_v of_o ensnare_a and_o scandalize_a weak_a conscience_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n account_v of_o it_o no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n and_o whatever_o be_v due_a to_o authority_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v too_o high_a a_o tribute_n none_o can_v be_v more_o ready_a than_o themselves_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o lawful_a command_n but_o here_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v when_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o at_o the_o price_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a doom_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o offend_v any_o of_o his_o little_a one_o i._n e._n babe_n and_o weakling_n in_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o hazard_v their_o own_o life_n in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n yet_o nothing_o can_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v so_o cruel_a and_o so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o destroy_v any_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v which_o be_v certain_o do_v by_o cast_v snare_n and_o scandal_n before_o their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o examine_v its_o strength_n and_o reasonableness_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o
his_o governor_n with_o nice_a and_o curious_a dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n stifle_v all_o scruple_n and_o trifle_a objection_n and_o thus_o where_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o find_v none_o more_o compliant_a and_o conformable_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o apostle_n free_o use_v any_o custom_n of_o the_o synagogue_n or_o jewish_a church_n that_o be_v not_o express_o cancel_v by_o some_o divine_a prohibition_n but_o further_a this_o their_o apology_n be_v as_o forcible_a a_o plea_n in_o concern_v of_o civil_a justice_n and_o common_a honesty_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o hold_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o case_n of_o a_o certain_a and_o essential_a injustice_n and_o fail_v equal_o in_o both_o in_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a case_n and_o be_v as_o fair_o urge_v by_o that_o famous_a lawyer_n papinian_n who_o upon_o this_o account_n when_o the_o emperor_n command_v he_o to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o parricide_n choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o patronize_v so_o monstrous_a a_o villainy_n here_o the_o wickedness_n be_v great_a and_o palpable_a but_o in_o matter_n more_o doubtful_a and_o less_o material_a where_o the_o case_n be_v nice_a and_o curious_a and_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o great_a interest_n or_o great_a reason_n there_o obedience_n outweigh_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n and_o what_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n will_v offend_v or_o provoke_v his_o superior_n upon_o thin_a pretence_n and_o for_o little_a regard_n and_o if_o every_o man_n that_o can_v raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o nice_a exception_n against_o a_o law_n shall_v therefore_o set_v himself_o free_a from_o its_o obligation_n then_o farewell_n all_o peace_n and_o all_o government_n for_o what_o more_o easy_a to_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o fundamental_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o moral_a equity_n than_o to_o pick_v more_o material_a quarrel_n against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n than_o our_o adversary_n can_v pretend_v to_o against_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o now_o shall_v a_o philosopher_n be_v excuse_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n because_o he_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o make_v exception_n to_o their_o prudence_n and_o convenience_n and_o to_o prove_v they_o not_o so_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n as_o himself_o can_v have_v contrive_v what_o if_o i_o be_o real_o persuade_v that_o i_o can_v raise_v much_o more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o littleton_n tenor_n than_o ever_o these_o man_n have_v or_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v against_o our_o ceremonial_a constitution_n though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o my_o conceit_n yet_o whether_o i_o be_o or_o be_o not_o it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o i_o be_o confident_a and_o now_o it_o will_v be_v mighty_o conducive_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o justice_n and_o public_a peace_n for_o i_o and_o all_o other_o of_o my_o fond_a persuasion_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o make_v remonstrance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o petition_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n to_o leave_v we_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o discretion_n to_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o setlement_n of_o our_o own_o estate_n because_o we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v it_o more_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a justice_n than_o if_o we_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o land_n thus_o that_o groundless_a and_o arbitrary_a maxim_n of_o the_o law_n that_o inheritance_n may_v lineal_o descend_v but_o not_o lineal_o ascend_v whereby_o the_o father_n be_v make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v immediate_a heir_n to_o the_o son_n will_v be_v think_v by_o a_o philosopher_n prejudicial_a to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o equal_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a law_n of_o nature_n viz._n the_o gratitude_n of_o child_n to_o parent_n which_o this_o law_n seem_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o hinder_v by_o alienate_v those_o thing_n from_o they_o whereby_o we_o be_v best_a able_a to_o express_v it_o what_o if_o i_o have_v be_v happy_a in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a father_n that_o have_v be_v strange_o solicitous_a to_o leave_v i_o furnish_v with_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n that_o decline_v not_o to_o forego_v any_o share_n of_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o happiness_n to_o procure_v i_o that_o have_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o care_n and_o industry_n to_o bless_v i_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o ability_n with_o a_o good_a fortune_n and_o a_o good_a education_n and_o have_v perhaps_o out_o of_o a_o overtend_a solicitude_n for_o my_o welfare_n reduce_v himself_o to_o great_a straits_n and_o exigence_n how_o monstrous_a &_o unnatural_a must_v the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o law_n appear_v to_o i_o that_o when_o the_o bounty_n of_o providence_n have_v blessed_v i_o with_o a_o fortune_n answerable_a to_o the_o good_a old_a man_n desire_n and_o endeavour_n if_o i_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o he_o by_o a_o untimely_a death_n all_o that_o whereby_o i_o be_o able_a to_o recompense_v his_o fatherly_a tenderness_n shall_v in_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o another_o person_n the_o stream_n of_o who_o affection_n be_v confine_v to_o another_o channel_n and_o who_o be_v much_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o family_n can_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v but_o little_a concern_v for_o i_o what_o a_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a law_n be_v this_o that_o design_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o natural_a affection_n and_o dispose_v of_o our_o possession_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a first_o tendency_n and_o obligation_n of_o nature_n so_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o talk_v little_a plausibility_n against_o any_o law_n who_o obligation_n be_v positive_a and_o not_o of_o a_o prime_n and_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o yet_o downright_a rebellion_n it_o will_v be_v if_o i_o or_o any_o man_n else_o shall_v refuse_v subjection_n to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a law_n upon_o these_o &_o the_o like_a pretence_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v be_v the_o case_n all_o the_o way_n equal_a between_o law_n civil_a and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a in_o all_o matter_n great_o and_o notorious_o wicked_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n outweigh_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o in_o all_o case_n less_o certain_a and_o less_o material_a the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n outweigh_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v from_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o consideration_n great_a enough_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n to_o consider_v its_o authority_n and_o therefore_o sect._n 5._o as_o the_o object_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v of_o too_o mean_a importance_n to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disobedience_n so_o be_v its_o obligation_n too_o weak_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o command_n of_o public_a authority_n for_o when_o two_o contradictory_n obligation_n happen_v to_o encounter_v the_o great_a ever_o cancel_v the_o less_o because_o if_o all_o good_a be_v eligible_a then_o so_o be_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n too_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o great_a good_a stand_v our_o duty_n must_v ever_o incline_v otherwise_o we_o despise_v all_o those_o degree_n of_o goodness_n it_o contain_v in_o it_o above_o the_o other_o for_o in_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o goodness_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n and_o variety_n of_o degree_n some_o be_v prescribe_v for_o their_o own_o native_a excellency_n &_o usefulness_n and_o other_o pure_o for_o their_o subserviency_n to_o these_o now_o when_o a_o great_a &_o a_o lesser_a virtue_n happen_v to_o clash_v as_o it_o frequent_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o transaction_n of_o humane_a affair_n there_o the_o less_o always_o give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a because_o it_o be_v good_a only_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o where_o its_o subordination_n cease_v there_o its_o goodness_n cease_v and_o by_o consequence_n its_o obligation_n for_o no_o subordinate_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n be_v absolute_o command_v or_o commend_v but_o become_v good_a or_o evil_n by_o their_o accidental_a relation_n their_o goodness_n be_v not_o intrinsic_a but_o depend_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o end_n and_o their_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o good_a end_n if_o they_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a make_v they_o virtuous_a because_o their_o morality_n be_v entire_o relative_a and_o
affect_a and_o new-fangled_a singularity_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o governor_n enjoin_v matter_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n in_o themselves_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v the_o evil_n that_o will_v natural_o attend_v upon_o their_o being_n not_o enjoin_v so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a use_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v at_o least_o this_o considerable_a usefulness_n as_o to_o prevent_v many_o great_a mischief_n that_o will_v probable_o follow_v from_o their_o being_n not_o determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o all_o such_o law_n be_v to_o be_v value_v not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o law_n command_v as_o by_o the_o mischief_n and_o evil_a effect_n that_o it_o prevent_v or_o redress_n and_o thus_o the_o main_a decency_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n lie_v not_o so_o proper_o in_o the_o positive_a use_n of_o the_o rite_n themselves_o as_o in_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o the_o indecency_n of_o confusion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v avoid_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o peculiar_a rite_n positive_o determine_v so_o that_o the_o law_n we_o see_v may_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o the_o thing_n it_o command_v be_v but_o mere_o indifferent_a because_o some_o thing_n necessary_a can_v be_v obtain_v but_o by_o some_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o in_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n but_o order_n and_o decency_n there_o can_v be_v without_o the_o determination_n of_o some_o indifferent_a &_o particular_a circumstance_n because_o if_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o humour_n there_o can_v be_v no_o remedy_n against_o eternal_a folly_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o general_a necessary_a that_o some_o circumstance_n be_v determine_v though_o perhaps_o no_o one_o particular_a circumstance_n can_v be_v necessary_a yet_o when_o any_o one_o be_v single_v out_o by_o authority_n it_o gain_v as_o absolute_a a_o necessity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o antecedent_o because_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v indifferent_a yet_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v not_o which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v provide_v for_o but_o by_o determine_v either_o this_o or_o some_o other_o ceremony_n as_o perfect_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o now_o upon_o the_o result_n of_o these_o particular_n i_o leave_v it_o first_o to_o public_a authority_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wonderful_o wise_a piece_n of_o good_a nature_n to_o be_v tender_a &_o indulgent_a to_o these_o poor_a tender_a conscience_n and_o then_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v whether_o ever_o any_o church_n or_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o woeful_o disturb_v upon_o such_o slender_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o we_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o design_v and_o undertake_v i._n e._n i_o have_v prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o govern_v man_n conscience_n and_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n &_o the_o unavoidable_a danger_n of_o tolerate_v or_o keep_v up_o religious_a difference_n have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o possibility_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n but_o by_o uniformity_n in_o religious_a worship_n that_o religion_n may_v and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o all_o other_o affair_n &_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v do_v it_o but_o severe_a law_n nor_o they_o neither_o unless_o severe_o execute_v and_o so_o i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o be_o but_o little_a doubtful_a of_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n to_o peace_n and_o government_n but_o whatever_o the_o event_n may_v prove_v to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a satisfaction_n that_o i_o reap_v to_o myself_o in_o reflect_v upon_o that_o candour_n and_o integrity_n i_o have_v use_v through_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o that_o as_o i_o have_v free_o and_o impartial_o represent_v the_o most_o serious_a result_v of_o my_o own_o thought_n so_o withal_o have_v i_o be_v not_o a_o little_a solicitous_a not_o to_o balk_v any_o thing_n material_a in_o the_o controversy_n have_v encounter_v all_o their_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a objection_n have_v prevent_v all_o manner_n of_o escape_n and_o subterfuge_n and_o have_v not_o wave_v any_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o to_o be_v answer_v though_o some_o thing_n i_o have_v because_o too_o easy_a and_o upon_o review_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o have_v confidence_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v boldness_n enough_o to_o challenge_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o will_v but_o be_v as_o ingenuous_a as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o he_o will_v and_o in_o defiance_n to_o all_o enemy_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o what_o name_n or_o sect_n soever_o to_o conclude_v all_o in_o the_o word_n of_o pilate_n to_o the_o turbulent_a jew_n what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la vide_fw-la continuation_n of_o the_o friendly_a debate_n pag._n 120_o etc._n etc._n socr._n l._n 5._o praes_n lib._n 3._o
a_o discourse_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o external_n religion_n be_v assert_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o toleration_n be_v represent_v and_o all_o pretence_n plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v full_o answer_v the_o three_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o saint_n to_o paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o can_v imagine_v any_o thing_n that_o our_o dissent_v zealot_n will_v be_v able_a to_o object_v against_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n unless_o perhaps_o in_o some_o place_n the_o vehemence_n and_o severity_n of_o its_o style_n for_o cavil_v i_o know_v they_o must_v and_o if_o they_o can_v raise_v no_o tolerable_a exception_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o the_o author_n be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o tame_a and_o soft_o humour_n and_o so_o cold_a a_o complexion_n that_o he_o think_v himself_o scarce_o capable_a of_o hot_a and_o passionate_a impression_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v sometime_o twist_v invective_n with_o his_o argument_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o temper_v but_o from_o choice_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o tart_a and_o upbraid_v expression_n they_o be_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o anger_n or_o passion_n but_o of_o the_o just_a and_o pious_a resentment_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n who_o know_v upon_o what_o sober_a ground_n and_o principle_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n stand_v and_o how_o that_o its_o form_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o countenance_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o establish_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n whether_o he_o can_v so_o perfect_o charm_n and_o stupefy_v his_o passion_n as_o not_o to_o be_v chafe_v into_o some_o heat_n &_o briskness_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n so_o right_o constitute_v and_o so_o due_o authorise_v shall_v be_v so_o savage_o worry_v by_o a_o wild_a and_o fanatique_a rabble_n that_o this_o church_n so_o sober_o model_v so_o warrantable_o reform_v and_o so_o handsome_o settle_v shall_v have_v be_v so_o perpetual_o beleaguer_v and_o be_v yet_o not_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o be_v rifle_v if_o not_o utter_o demolish_a by_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n that_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v be_v so_o woeful_o discompose_v upon_o such_o slender_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o shameful_o baffle_v that_o both_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v so_o lamentable_o embroil_v by_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o a_o few_o peevish_a ignorant_a and_o malepert_a preacher_n and_o last_o that_o these_o brainsick_a people_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o some_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n grow_v to_o that_o power_n and_o confidence_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o use_v their_o own_o language_n to_o etc._n shut_v the_o heaven_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rain_v i._n e._n to_o restrain_v the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n and_o state_n from_o their_o wont_a influence_n and_o to_o have_v power_n over_o the_o water_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o blood_n i._n e._n to_o turn_v the_o still_a people_n of_o a_o state_n or_o nation_n into_o war_n and_o blood_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o plain_a english_a to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o authority_n to_o instigate_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o rebellion_n and_o once_o more_o involve_v the_o kingdom_n in_o blood_n and_o confusion_n let_v the_o reader_n consider_v all_o this_o as_o thorough_o and_o serious_o as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o then_o be_v a_o stoic_a if_o he_o can_v but_o beside_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n of_o true_a religion_n tell_v i_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o be_v provoke_v to_o scorn_v and_o indignation_n against_o such_o proud_a ignorant_a and_o supercilious_a hypocrite_n who_o though_o they_o utter_o defeat_v all_o the_o main_a design_n of_o religion_n yet_o boast_v themselves_o its_o only_a friend_n and_o patron_n signalise_v their_o party_n by_o distinctive_a title_n and_o character_n of_o godliness_n and_o brand_v all_o other_o howsoever_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a with_o bad_a name_n and_o worse_a suspicion_n who_o i_o say_v that_o love_v and_o adore_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v forbear_v to_o be_v sharp_a and_o severe_a to_o such_o thick_a and_o fulsome_a abuse_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n can_v so_o much_o expose_v or_o traduce_v true_a piety_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o hypocrisy_n because_o whilst_o folly_n and_o phantastry_n appear_v in_o the_o vizour_n of_o holiness_n it_o make_v that_o seem_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o itself_o and_o hence_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o true_a goodness_n have_v always_o be_v the_o severe_a satirist_n upon_o false_a godliness_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n scarce_o seem_v more_o concern_v to_o plant_v and_o propagate_v christianity_n than_o to_o explode_v the_o pharisaic_a hypocrisy_n i._n e._n religious_a pride_n and_o insolence_n i_o know_v but_o one_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o zeal_n or_o a_o high_a indignation_n be_v just_a and_o warrantable_a and_o that_o be_v when_o it_o vent_v itself_o against_o the_o arrogance_n of_o haughty_a peevish_a and_o sullen_a religionist_n that_o under_o high_a pretence_n to_o godliness_n supplant_v all_o principle_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a nature_n that_o strip_v religion_n of_o its_o outside_n to_o make_v it_o a_o cover_n for_o spite_n and_o malice_n that_o adorn_v their_o peevishness_n with_o the_o mask_n of_o piety_n and_o shroud_v their_o ill_a nature_n under_o the_o demure_a pretence_n of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o stroke_n and_o applaud_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_a darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o with_o a_o scornful_a pride_n disdain_v all_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o rout_n of_o worthless_a and_o unregenerate_a reprobate_n thus_o the_o only_a hot_a fit_n of_o zeal_n we_o find_v our_o saviour_n in_o be_v kindle_v by_o a_o indignation_n against_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o though_o they_o bear_v a_o blind_a and_o superstitious_a reverence_n towards_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o their_o own_o worship_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o outward_a court_n the_o place_n where_o the_o gentile_n and_o proselyte_n worship_v that_o be_v so_o unclean_a &_o unhallowed_a that_o they_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v profane_v by_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o exchange_n of_o usury_n now_o this_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o impudent_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n provoke_v the_o mild_a spirit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o impatience_n and_o indignation_n as_o make_v he_o with_o a_o seem_a fury_n and_o transport_v of_o passion_n whip_v the_o tradesman_n thence_o and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n so_o hateful_a be_v all_o proud_a testy_a and_o factious_a zeal_n to_o a_o love_a and_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v more_o odious_a or_o mischievous_a than_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n peevishness_n and_o animosity_n adopt_v into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o divide_v religion_n into_o faction_n and_o party_n engender_v a_o sullen_a and_o unsociable_a niceness_n towards_o all_o that_o herd_n not_o with_o themselves_o breed_v nothing_o but_o rancour_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o amity_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o people_n separate_a and_o rendezvouz_n themselves_o into_o distinct_a sect_n and_o party_n they_o always_o confine_v all_o their_o kind_a influence_n to_o their_o own_o faction_n and_o look_v with_o a_o scornful_a and_o malignant_a aspect_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n become_v enemy_n and_o outlaw_n to_o humane_a society_n and_o shatter_v in_o piece_n that_o natural_a peace_n and_o common_a love_n that_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o mind_n like_o the_o savage_a american_n be_v as_o contract_v as_o their_o herd_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o fold_n of_o their_o church_n be_v without_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o charity_n this_o be_v entire_o swallow_v up_o within_o their_o own_o combination_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o commiserate_v or_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o the_o unregenerate_a as_o the_o poet_n describe_v the_o jewish_a bigot_n non_fw
easy_o may_v they_o fire_v these_o heady_a people_n into_o tumult_n and_o outrage_n how_o eager_o will_v they_o flow_v into_o their_o party_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o how_o prodigal_o will_v they_o empty_v their_o bag_n and_o bring_v in_o even_o their_o bodkin_n and_o thimble_n and_o spoon_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n he_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a man_n and_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o folly_n passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o fee_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o ungovernable_a as_o a_o wealthy_a fanatic_a and_o therefore_o let_v not_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o idle_a hope_n of_o settlement_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o suppress_v all_o these_o dissension_n and_o reduce_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o agreement_n and_o unity_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v different_a faction_n of_o religion_n quiet_a and_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v the_o common_a people_n wise_a man_n and_o philosopher_n if_o indeed_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o sober_a and_o discreet_a it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n but_o upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n we_o may_v as_o well_o let_v they_o loose_v from_o all_o the_o law_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n because_o if_o every_o private_a man_n have_v wit_n &_o honesty_n enough_o to_o govern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o impossible_a presumption_n stand_v all_o the_o pretence_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o if_o man_n be_v permit_v it_o they_o will_v use_v it_o wise_o and_o peaceable_o than_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o suppose_v a_o great_a impossibility_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o their_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o vicious_a conscience_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a &_o foolish_a for_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o folly_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o moral_a action_n in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o as_o likely_a to_o mistake_v as_o in_o any_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n there_o be_v no_o observation_n in_o the_o world_n establish_v upon_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a experience_n than_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o any_o sort_n of_o folly_n and_o vice_n as_o to_o wild_a and_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o when_o their_o head_n be_v possess_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n so_o pregnant_a with_o mischief_n and_o disturbance_n as_o they_o and_o if_o prince_n will_v but_o consider_v how_o liable_a mankind_n be_v to_o abuse_v themselves_o with_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a villainy_n they_o will_v quick_o see_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o kingdom_n that_o there_o be_v set_v up_o a_o more_o severe_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o religious_a persuasion_n than_o over_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n for_o of_o all_o villain_n the_o well-meaning_a zealot_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a such_o man_n have_v no_o check_n of_o conscience_n nor_o fear_n of_o miscarriage_n to_o damp_n their_o industry_n but_o their_o godliness_n make_v they_o bold_a and_o furious_a and_o however_o their_o attempt_n succeed_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o what_o so_o glorious_a as_o to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n these_o man_n be_v ever_o prepare_v for_o any_o mischief_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o few_o active_a and_o crafty_a knave_n to_o manage_v and_o set_v they_o on_o and_o there_o be_v never_o want_v of_o such_o in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o any_o seditious_a attempt_n than_o to_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o than_o you_o may_v carry_v they_o wheresoever_o you_o please_v and_o they_o will_v never_o boggle_v at_o any_o mischief_n outrage_n or_o rebellion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n above_o all_o other_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v always_o ready_o form_v for_o any_o public_a disturbance_n one_o will_v think_v the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v manage_v as_o godly_a zeal_n or_o to_o be_v appease_v as_o religious_a dissension_n people_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v pursue_v such_o quarrel_n with_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o fury_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v govern_v and_o not_o be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o trouble_v our_o head_n with_o contrive_v way_n of_o settle_v a_o nation_n whilst_o it_o be_v unsettled_a by_o religion_n agreement_n in_o this_o be_v the_o first_o if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o be_v first_o establish_v upon_o firm_a and_o last_a principle_n which_o it_o easy_o may_v by_o severe_a law_n faithful_o execute_v but_o otherwise_o never_o can_v but_o till_o it_o be_v do_v it_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o a_o prince_n to_o enrich_v his_o subject_n with_o trade_n and_o commerce_n as_o it_o be_v to_o load_v weak_a and_o unfinished_a foundation_n with_o great_a and_o weighty_a superstructure_n to_o conclude_v all_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o order_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unskilful_a and_o inartificial_a way_n of_o discourse_v to_o argue_v from_o less_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a matter_n against_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o preposterous_a method_n be_v those_o man_n guilty_a who_o talk_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o trade_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o the_o like_a pretence_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n where_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a sort_n of_o anarchy_n and_o that_o prince_n may_v with_o less_o hazard_n give_v liberty_n to_o man_n vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o to_o their_o conscience_n as_o for_o my_o method_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o suit_v to_o every_o man_n capacity_n i_o have_v reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o a_o few_o easy_a and_o obvious_a proposition_n under_o these_o i_o have_v couch_v all_o the_o particular_a matter_n concern_v in_o our_o present_a debate_n and_o by_o analogy_n to_o their_o reasonableness_n have_v clear_v off_o all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n and_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o to_o prove_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v from_o the_o most_o important_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n compare_v with_o the_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o whoever_o offer_v to_o talk_v of_o these_o affair_n without_o special_a regard_n both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v amuse_v himself_o with_o the_o fine_a dream_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o warm_a brain_n but_o shall_v be_v certain_a to_o miss_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a measure_n of_o practicable_a policy_n that_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o design_v only_o to_o prevent_v their_o folly_n and_o bridle_v their_o enormity_n and_o therefore_o the_o main_a notion_n i_o have_v pursue_v have_v be_v to_o make_v out_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o tendency_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o most_o necessary_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n a_o vein_n of_o which_o reason_v i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o run_v through_o all_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o be_v vast_o the_o most_o considerable_a if_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o my_o main_a question_n so_o have_v i_o cautious_o avoid_v all_o other_o collateral_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n and_o have_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o any_o hypothesis_n nor_o determine_v any_o controversy_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v but_o have_v express_v my_o
if_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a argument_n return_v and_o as_o to_o one_o half_a of_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n there_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a anarchy_n and_o no_o government_n at_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n to_o be_v make_v against_o all_o those_o public_a mischief_n and_o disturbance_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o error_n and_o enormity_n in_o religion_n the_o commonwealth_n must_v for_o ever_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o folly_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o villainy_n of_o impostor_n and_o any_o man_n that_o can_v but_o pretend_v conscience_n may_v whenever_o he_o please_v endeavour_v its_o ruin_n so_o that_o if_o prince_n shall_v forego_v their_o sovereignty_n over_o man_n conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o leave_v themselves_o less_o power_n than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n &_o defence_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o govern_v in_o brief_a the_o supreme_a government_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n wherever_o it_o be_v lodge_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v universal_a absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a in_o all_o afair_n whatsoever_o that_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o end_n of_o government_n for_o if_o it_o be_v limit_v it_o may_v be_v control_v but_o it_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o palpable_a contradiction_n to_o call_v such_o a_o power_n supreme_a in_o that_o whatever_o control_v it_o must_v as_o to_o that_o case_n be_v its_o superior_a and_o therefore_o affair_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o strong_o influential_a upon_o affair_n of_o state_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o power_n either_o to_o advance_v or_o hinder_v the_o public_a felicity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o must_v be_v as_o uncontrollable_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n as_o all_o other_o civil_a concern_v because_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o secure_v the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o society_n to_o attain_v the_o necessary_a and_o most_o important_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n §_o 11._o now_o from_o these_o premise_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o supreme_a power_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n issue_n from_o the_o same_o original_a and_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o thing_n namely_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o society_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o government_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n a_o supreme_a power_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o those_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n that_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o the_o passion_n appetite_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o end_v their_o difference_n but_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o final_a &_o unappealable_a judicature_n for_o if_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n man_n determination_n will_v be_v as_o contradictory_n as_o their_o judgement_n &_o their_o judgement_n as_o their_o humour_n or_o interest_n and_o so_o must_v their_o dissension_n of_o necessity_n be_v endless_a and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v these_o and_o all_o other_o inconvenience_n that_o will_v natural_o follow_v upon_o a_o state_n of_o war_n it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a and_o public_a judgement_n to_o who_o determination_n the_o private_a judgement_n of_o every_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v itself_o and_o hence_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n know_v to_o what_o passion_n and_o irregularity_n mankind_n be_v obnoxious_a never_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v without_o the_o restraint_n of_o government_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o thing_n so_o order_v affair_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n without_o be_v subject_n to_o some_o superior_a every_o father_n be_v by_o nature_n vest_v with_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v his_o child_n and_o the_o first_o government_n in_o the_o world_n be_v establish_v pure_o upon_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o paternal_a authority_n which_o afterward_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o kingly_a power_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o posterity_n and_o he_o that_o be_v at_o first_o but_o father_n of_o a_o family_n in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o that_o multiply_v become_v father_n of_o a_o city_n or_o province_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n monarchy_n be_v its_o only_a government_n necessary_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v so_o natural_a for_o family_n to_o enlarge_v themselves_o into_o city_n by_o unite_n into_o a_o body_n according_a to_o their_o several_a kindred_n whence_o by_o consequence_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o those_o family_n must_v become_v prince_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o large_a &_o more_o diffuse_a society_n and_o therefore_o cedrenus_n make_v adam_n the_o first_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o afterward_o in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n the_o head_n of_o family_n become_v king_n and_o monarch_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v founder_n from_o whence_o be_v propagate_v the_o several_a kingdom_n of_o the_o first_o and_o elder_a time_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o mosaic_a history_n but_o also_o from_o all_o other_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o for_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v comparative_o of_o a_o very_a late_a discovery_n be_v first_o contrive_v among_o the_o grecian_n who_o democracy_n and_o optimacy_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o monarchick_a government_n which_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o the_o proud_a factious_a and_o capricious_a humour_n of_o that_o nation_n where_o scarce_o any_o one_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o little_a skill_n in_o poetry_n or_o wrestle_a their_o two_o great_a accomplishment_n but_o he_o must_v immediate_o be_v a_o undertaker_n for_o new_a model_v the_o commonwealth_n which_o doubtless_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o perpetual_a confusion_n and_o frequent_a charge_n in_o government_n §_o 12._o have_v thus_o firm_o found_v all_o civil_a government_n upon_o paternal_a authority_n i_o may_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n bottom_n upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n for_o as_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o father_n of_o family_n be_v vest_v with_o a_o kingly_a power_n over_o their_o own_o posterity_n so_o also_o be_v they_o with_o the_o priestly_a office_n execute_v all_o the_o holy_a function_n of_o priesthood_n in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o history_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a thus_o we_o find_v all_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n priest_n to_o their_o own_o family_n which_o office_n descend_v together_o with_o the_o royal_a dignity_n to_o the_o first-born_a of_o each_o family_n and_o this_o custom_n of_o invest_v the_o sovereign_a power_n with_o the_o supreme_a priesthood_n be_v as_o divers_a author_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a observe_v universal_o practise_v over_o all_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o well_o nigh_o 2500_o year_n without_o any_o one_o precedent_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o that_o among_o all_o society_n of_o man_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n as_o of_o public_a justice_n the_o power_n whereof_o because_o it_o must_v be_v seat_v somewhere_o can_v proper_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o in_o who_o the_o supreme_a power_n reside_v in_o that_o he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o assign_v to_o every_o subject_a his_o proper_a function_n and_o among_o other_o this_o of_o the_o priesthood_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o as_o he_o have_v power_n to_o transfer_v to_o another_o so_o may_v he_o if_o he_o please_v reserve_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o elder_a age_n always_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a security_n of_o their_o government_n as_o well_o know_v the_o tendency_n of_o superstition_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n to_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o disturbance_n that_o may_v spring_v from_o faction_n in_o religion_n they_o be_v solicitous_a to_o keep_v its_o management_n in_o their_o own_o immediate_a disposal_n and_o though_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n the_o priestly_a office_n be_v upon_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o that_o state_n separate_v by_o a_o divine_a positive_a command_n from_o the_o kingly_a power_n yet_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o priest_n remain_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o sovereign_a prince_n their_o king_n always_o exercise_v a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unquestionable_a than_o the_o precedent_n of_o david_n solomon_n hezekiah_n jehu_n jehosaphat_n josiah_n etc._n etc._n who_o exercise_v as_o full_a a_o legislative_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o
and_o such_o other_o irreligious_a debauchery_n if_o he_o may_v why_o then_o they_o be_v matter_n that_o as_o direct_o and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n as_o any_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o which_o they_o be_v as_o utter_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o more_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n it_o will_v equal_o deprive_v the_o magistrate_n of_o any_o power_n to_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o secular_a law_n and_o punishment_n because_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o do_v it_o especial_o when_o all_o matter_n of_o morality_n do_v as_o real_o belong_v to_o our_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o divine_a worship_n and_o affair_n of_o mere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v his_o subject_n to_o a_o right_a way_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o civil_a sword_n because_o this_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a concernment_n as_o be_v pretend_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o may_v he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o force_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o duty_n of_o morality_n because_o they_o also_o equal_o relate_v to_o their_o spiritual_a interest_n beside_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o both_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n viz._n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o due_a management_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o derive_v not_o therefore_o his_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n from_o any_o grant_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o from_o a_o antecedent_n right_a wherewith_o all_o sovereign_a power_n be_v endue_v before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o entrust_v prince_n with_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v vest_v they_o in_o at_o least_o as_o much_o power_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n §_o 15._o but_o further_a yet_o all_o the_o way_n our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o religion_n be_v prescribe_v to_o subject_n &_o not_o to_o governor_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o private_a person_n can_v have_v any_o power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v upon_o that_o very_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o private_a person_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o civil_a power_n but_o that_o no_o magistrate_n may_v do_v this_o will_v remain_v to_o be_v prove_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o express_a prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o restrain_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v but_o a_o strange_a rate_n of_o argue_v when_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o magistrate_n may_v not_o use_v any_o coercive_a power_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v forbid_v to_o their_o subject_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o subject_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o live_v in_o and_o so_o can_v neither_o use_v themselves_o nor_o impart_v to_o other_o any_o coercive_a power_n for_o the_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o prudent_a and_o peaceable_a method_n as_o be_v lawful_a for_o person_n in_o their_o condition_n to_o make_v use_n of_o i._n e._n humble_a entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n our_o saviour_n never_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o that_o score_n can_v not_o make_v penal_a and_o coercive_a law_n the_o power_n of_o coercion_n be_v so_o certain_o inseparable_a from_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n but_o though_o he_o back_v not_o his_o commandment_n with_o temporal_a punishment_n because_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o enforce_v they_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternity_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o more_o compulsion_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o any_o civil_a sanction_n can_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o punishment_n be_v annex_v to_o law_n be_v because_o they_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o savour_n tie_v his_o law_n upon_o mankind_n under_o eternal_a penalty_n he_o use_v as_o much_o force_n to_o drive_v we_o to_o obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v abet_v they_o with_o temporal_a infliction_n so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o bind_v not_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o any_o secular_a compulsory_n be_v not_o because_o compulsion_n be_v a_o improper_a way_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o execution_n for_o than_o he_o have_v never_o establish_v they_o with_o more_o enforce_v sanction_n but_o only_o because_o himself_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o any_o secular_a power_n and_o so_o can_v not_o use_v those_o method_n of_o government_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o jurisdiction_n §_o 16._o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n or_o to_o force_v man_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o canon_n law_n and_o penalty_n they_o only_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n annex_v to_o they_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o declare_v and_o leave_v the_o event_n of_o their_o censure_n to_o the_o divine_a jurisdiction_n though_o alas_o all_o this_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n viz._n to_o reclaim_v the_o offend_a person_n and_o by_o example_n of_o his_o censure_n to_o awe_v other_o into_o obedience_n and_o can_v have_v but_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o notorious_a offender_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o drive_v one_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v already_o renounce_v it_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o deny_v he_o the_o instrument_n and_o ministry_n of_o religion_n that_o care_v not_o for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o their_o society_n that_o have_v already_o prevent_v they_o by_o forsake_v it_o how_o shall_v offender_n be_v reclaim_v by_o be_v condemn_v to_o what_o they_o choose_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v scare_v by_o threaten_n that_o they_o neither_o fear_v nor_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v apostate_n how_o can_v they_o be_v awe_v back_o into_o their_o faith_n by_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o spiritual_a government_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o because_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o those_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o coercive_a power_n it_o be_v wonderful_o remarkable_a how_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a providence_n and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n they_o denounce_v that_o if_o their_o censure_n can_v not_o affright_v refractory_a offender_n into_o obedience_n his_o dreadful_a execution_n of_o they_o might_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a age_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o abet_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n by_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a infliction_n from_o heaven_n in_o those_o time_n torment_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o usual_a consequent_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o be_v as_o effectual_a to_o awe_v man_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n for_o this_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o anathema_n of_o the_o church_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o infliction_n criminal_n must_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o dread_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v temporal_a penalty_n either_o of_o death_n as_o on_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n or_o of_o disease_n as_o on_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherewith_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o threaten_v to_o lash_v the_o factious_a corinthian_n into_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n thus_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o what_o will_v you_o shall_v i_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o a_o
instrument_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o villainy_n of_o those_o man_n religion_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o distinguish_v between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n they_o exchange_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a goodness_n for_o mere_a metaphor_n and_o allegory_n metaphor_n the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o the_o different_a subdivision_n among_o the_o schismatic_n themselves_o the_o vnaccountableness_n of_o man_n conceit_n that_o when_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v undoubted_o subject_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o eager_a to_o exempt_v its_o mean_n and_o circumstance_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v determine_v new_a instance_n of_o virtue_n how_o much_o more_o new_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o he_o may_v enjoin_v any_o thing_n in_o morality_n that_o contradict_v not_o the_o end_n of_o morality_n so_o may_v be_v in_o religious_a worship_n if_o he_o oppose_v not_o its_o design_n he_o may_v command_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n practice_n or_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o the_o subordinate_a duty_n both_o of_o morality_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v equal_o subject_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a authority_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n sufficient_o make_v out_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n shall_v be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v viz._n that_o those_o who_o will_v deprive_v the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n of_o its_o authority_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v force_v to_o allow_v it_o in_o other_o more_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v both_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n and_o objection_n where_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o state_n the_o true_a extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n over_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a worship_n by_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o his_o power_n over_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o it_o strike_v i_o with_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o consider_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o shy_a of_o grant_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n a_o power_n over_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o ritual_n and_o external_n circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o free_a of_o force_v it_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o essential_a duty_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a and_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o any_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v both_o perfective_a of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n consist_v in_o live_v suitable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n &_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o main_a design_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o become_v creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o in_o way_n suitable_a to_o rational_a being_n to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o mankind_n may_v live_v happy_o here_o and_o happy_o hereafter_o so_o to_o this_o end_n nothing_o contribute_v more_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n which_o will_v effectual_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o advance_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n every_o particular_a virtue_n be_v therefore_o such_o because_o it_o be_v a_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n so_o that_o moral_a virtue_n have_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n viz._n man_n happiness_n it_o be_v not_o only_a its_o most_o material_a and_o useful_a part_n but_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o its_o other_o duty_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o either_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n itself_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o instrument_n that_o contribute_v to_o it_o §_o 2._o and_o this_o beside_o the_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o appear_v with_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n from_o the_o best_a of_o demonstration_n i._n e._n a_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n refer_v either_o to_o his_o creator_n or_o his_o neighbour_n or_o himself_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o two_o last_o be_v confess_o of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o first_o consist_v either_o in_o praise_v of_o god_n or_o pray_v to_o he_o the_o former_a be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o gratitude_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o thankful_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n greatness_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o devotion_n issue_v from_o the_o same_o virtuous_a quality_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o other_o resentment_n and_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n only_o those_o act_n of_o it_o that_o be_v terminate_v on_o god_n as_o their_o object_n be_v style_v religious_a and_o therefore_o gratitude_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o divers_a thing_n but_o only_o different_a name_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n devotion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n the_o latter_a viz._n prayer_n be_v either_o put_v up_o in_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n behalf_n if_o for_o other_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o that_o virtue_n we_o call_v kindness_n or_o charity_n if_o for_o ourselves_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o unless_o they_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v some_o or_o other_o virtuous_a quality_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a and_o direct_a use_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o virtue_n of_o morality_n so_o that_o all_o duty_n of_o devotion_n except_v only_o our_o return_n of_o gratitude_n be_v not_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o it_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n and_o their_o goodness_n be_v derive_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o moral_a virtue_n to_o which_o they_o contribute_v and_o in_o the_o same_o proportion_n they_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v among_o the_o ministery_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n then_o i_o mean_v the_o practical_a part_n be_v either_o virtue_n itself_o or_o some_o of_o its_o instrument_n and_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o be_v virtuous_a and_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v he_o beside_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o what_o else_o do_v we_o find_v enforce_v and_o recommend_v in_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n beside_o height_n of_o morality_n what_o do_v st._n paul_n discourse_n of_o to_o felix_n but_o moral_a matter_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n set_v up_o against_o morality_n but_o a_o few_o figurative_a expression_n of_o itself_o that_o without_o it_o be_v utter_o insignificant_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o say_v they_o to_o be_v complete_o virtuous_a unless_o we_o have_v grace_n too_o but_o when_o we_o have_v set_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v call_v grace_n and_o give_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o it_o distinct_a from_o all_o morality_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o government_n of_o our_o action_n in_o all_o our_o relation_n and_o so_o comprehend_v all_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o if_o grace_n be_v not_o include_v in_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o phantasm_n and_o a_o imaginary_a thing_n so_o that_o if_o we_o strip_v those_o definition_n that_o some_o man_n of_o late_a have_v bestow_v upon_o it_o of_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n it_o will_v plain_o signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o virtuous_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n intend_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o virtuous_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v therefore_o style_v grace_n because_o they_o be_v derive_v pure_o from_o god_n
conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n i._n e._n a_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n but_o not_o of_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o inviolable_a freedom_n to_o examine_v the_o goodness_n of_o all_o law_n moral_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n and_o all_o outward_a action_n either_o of_o virtue_n or_o devotion_n they_o be_v equal_o governable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o man_n may_v with_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o reason_n challenge_v a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o common_a honesty_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o they_o plead_v a_o liberty_n from_o all_o authority_n in_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n because_o they_o have_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n in_o both_o but_o of_o practice_n in_o neither_o §_o 2._o and_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v found_v the_o duty_n or_o rather_o privilege_n of_o christian_n liberty_n viz._n to_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o a_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o humane_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v so_o high_o solicitous_a not_o to_o have_v it_o far_o restrain_v than_o needs_o must_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o pure_a speculation_n it_o leave_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n entire_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v usurp_v upon_o by_o any_o authority_n whatsoever_o and_o whatsoever_o opinion_n any_o man_n entertain_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o injure_v no_o man_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o commence_v any_o quarrel_n with_o he_o for_o it_o every_o man_n here_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o other_o and_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n have_v no_o reference_n to_o the_o public_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o public_a judgement_n to_o determine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o those_o action_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a good_a or_o ill_a of_o mankind_n though_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a law_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v far_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o have_v grant_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o power_n over_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n it_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o exercise_v any_o authority_n over_o their_o judgement_n but_o leave_v they_o utter_o free_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v object_n of_o mere_a opinion_n and_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o hence_o though_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lawful_a superior_n may_v change_v indifferent_a thing_n into_o necessary_a duty_n yet_o they_o can_v restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o judge_a thing_n thus_o determine_v to_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o do_v they_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o any_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o superven_a command_n of_o authority_n to_o which_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o that_o christian_a liberty_n or_o the_o inward_a freedom_n of_o our_o judgement_n may_v be_v preserve_v inviolable_a under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o be_v outward_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o action_n not_o judgement_n of_o man_n because_o the_o outward_a determination_n to_o one_o particular_a rather_o than_o another_o do_v not_o abrogate_v the_o inward_a indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o either_o from_o some_o emergent_a and_o changeable_a circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n or_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o absolute_a indispensableness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n therefore_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o christian_a liberty_n relate_v only_o to_o our_o inward_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o provide_v this_o be_v keep_v inviolate_a it_o matter_n not_o as_o to_o that_o concern_v what_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o our_o cutward_a action_n in_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_v our_o conscience_n from_o the_o power_n of_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o from_o that_o of_o government_n we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o matter_n but_o not_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o obey_v the_o determination_n of_o our_o superior_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o retain_v the_o power_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o be_v still_o free_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n though_o not_o as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n §_o 3._o neither_o be_v this_o prerogative_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n so_o much_o any_o new_a favour_n grant_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o its_o natural_a privilege_n by_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereby_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o as_o indispensable_a a_o obligation_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a goodness_n &_o equity_n during_o the_o whole_a period_n of_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n which_o be_v cancel_v by_o the_o gospel_n those_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v make_v necessary_a by_o a_o divine_a positive_a command_n return_v to_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v or_o omit_v only_o as_o occasion_n shall_v direct_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a a_o assertor_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n never_o scruple_v to_o use_v they_o when_o ever_o he_o think_v it_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o circumcision_n of_o timothy_n to_o which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v condescend_v out_o of_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_n to_o do_v it_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n shall_v direct_v he_o and_o though_o in_o his_o discourse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n he_o instance_n only_o in_o circumcision_n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a ordinance_n which_o be_v then_o the_o particular_n most_o in_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o jew_n yet_o by_o the_o clear_a analogy_n of_o reason_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o judicial_a law_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n command_v by_o moses_n that_o be_v not_o either_o rule_n of_o eternal_a goodness_n or_o express_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v its_o clear_a and_o most_o important_a design_n to_o reprieve_v mankind_n from_o all_o the_o burdensome_a and_o arbitrary_a imposition_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o goodness_n than_o their_o be_v instance_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o tie_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o we_o than_o such_o who_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a goodness_n shall_v carry_v with_o they_o their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o our_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o whether_o in_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o morality_n it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o entrenchment_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o impose_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o §_o 4._o now_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v upon_o this_o article_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o show_v the_o manifest_a impertinency_n of_o all_o those_o little_a objection_n man_n force_v from_o it_o against_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o religion_n whereas_o this_o relate_v entire_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o the_o inward_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o withal_o my_o purpose_n be_v main_o by_o exempt_n all_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o
of_o humane_a nature_n but_o that_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n happen_v by_o chance_n to_o arise_v like_o mushroom_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n altogether_o who_o out_o of_o diffidence_n and_o jealousy_n one_o of_o another_o for_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n shun_v society_n and_o withdraw_v like_o all_o other_o beast_n of_o prey_n into_o den_n and_o secret_a retirement_n where_o they_o live_v poor_a and_o solitary_a as_o bat_n and_o owl_n and_o subsist_v like_o vermin_n by_o rob_v and_o filch_v from_o one_o another_o till_o find_v this_o way_n of_o live_v lamentable_o unsafe_a and_o uneasy_a every_o man_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n against_o every_o man_n and_o in_o continual_a fear_n and_o danger_n from_o the_o whole_a community_n they_o grow_v weary_a of_o this_o forlorn_a and_o comfortless_a way_n of_o live_v and_o thence_o some_o that_o be_v more_o wise_a or_o more_o cowardly_a than_o other_o when_o they_o chance_v to_o meet_v in_o their_o wild_a ranging_n after_o prey_n instead_o of_o belabour_v one_o another_o with_o snagstick_n and_o beat_v out_o each_o other_o brain_n make_v sign_n of_o parley_n and_o so_o begin_v to_o treat_v of_o term_n of_o mutual_a peace_n and_o assistance_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o win_v other_o into_o their_o party_n till_o they_o herd_v together_o in_o small_a rendezvouse_n like_o the_o little_a commonwealth_n of_o the_o savage_a american_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n grow_v up_o into_o large_a society_n from_o whence_o at_o length_n come_v the_o different_a nation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o this_o fortuitous_a original_a of_o humane_a nature_n be_v too_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o be_v assert_v then_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o first_o author_n and_o creator_n of_o mankind_n and_o if_o there_o be_v than_o whoever_o believe_v this_o hypothesis_n must_v withal_o believe_v that_o he_o contrive_v thing_n so_o ill_o that_o unless_o his_o creature_n have_v by_o chance_n be_v more_o provident_a than_o himself_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v perish_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v entire_o attribute_v to_o man_n wit_n and_o not_o to_o god_n providence_n who_o send_v his_o creature_n into_o it_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o shall_v oblige_v they_o to_o seek_v their_o own_o mutual_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o have_v they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n of_o war_n he_o leave_v they_o in_o they_o must_v have_v live_v and_o die_v like_o gladiator_n and_o have_v unavoidable_o perish_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o one_o another_o sword_n and_o therefore_o that_o mankind_n owe_v the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n not_o at_o all_o to_o their_o creator_n but_o entire_o to_o themselves_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o world_n be_v preserve_v be_v not_o establish_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n but_o be_v only_o so_o many_o rule_n of_o art_n be_v as_o all_o other_o maxim_n of_o prudence_n and_o policy_n be_v invention_n of_o humane_a wit_n and_o suppose_v man_n not_o in_o the_o natural_a state_n and_o posture_n of_o war_n in_o which_o god_n leave_v he_o but_o in_o a_o preternatural_a one_o of_o his_o own_o contrive_n but_o certain_o the_o deity_n that_o make_v we_o if_o we_o suppose_v he_o good_a make_v we_o not_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o so_o we_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a state_n of_o war_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v he_o both_o make_v and_o leave_v we_o in_o that_o condition_n be_v direct_o to_o deny_v our_o creator_n goodness_n and_o then_o if_o we_o suppose_v he_o wise_a we_o can_v imagine_v he_o will_v frame_v a_o creation_n to_o destroy_v itself_o unless_o we_o can_v believe_v his_o only_a design_n be_v to_o sport_v himself_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o his_o creature_n by_o behold_v they_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o force_n and_o fraud_n to_o conspire_v their_o own_o mutual_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n be_v a_o product_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o goodness_n his_o natural_a state_n must_v have_v be_v a_o condition_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o such_o a_o state_n of_o war_n that_o shall_v natural_o tend_v to_o his_o misery_n ruin_n and_o utter_a destruction_n §_o 5._o 3._o this_o hypothesis_n irrecoverable_o destroy_v the_o safety_n of_o all_o society_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o personal_a safety_n and_o private_a interest_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o principle_n of_o equity_n i._n e._n if_o man_n endeavour_v peace_n and_o enter_v into_o contract_n of_o mutual_a trust_n if_o they_o invade_v not_o the_o propriety_n of_o other_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n if_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o they_o practise_v justice_n equity_n mercy_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n if_o they_o refrain_v from_o cruelty_n pride_n revenge_n and_o all_o other_o vice_n only_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o personal_a safety_n and_o interest_n then_o whenever_o this_o obligation_n cease_v all_o the_o tie_v to_o justice_n and_o equity_n that_o derive_v all_o their_o force_n and_o reason_n from_o it_o must_v also_o cease_v and_o when_o any_o single_a person_n can_v hope_v to_o advance_v his_o own_o private_a interest_n by_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o public_a it_o will_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o effect_v it_o and_o war_n rebellion_n and_o injury_n will_v be_v at_o least_o as_o innocent_a as_o faith_n justice_n and_o obedience_n because_o these_o be_v good_a only_o in_o order_n to_o private_a interest_n and_o therefore_o when_o those_o chance_n to_o be_v as_o conducive_a to_o it_o they_o will_v then_o be_v as_o just_a and_o lawful_a so_o that_o this_o single_a principle_n do_v as_o effectual_o work_v the_o subversion_n of_o all_o government_n as_o if_o man_n be_v teach_v the_o most_o profess_a principle_n of_o rebellion_n as_o that_o all_o government_n be_v tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n that_o his_o majesty_n possession_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v his_o best_a title_n that_o whoever_o have_v wit_n or_o strength_n enough_o to_o wrest_v his_o sceptre_n from_o he_o have_v right_a to_o hold_v it_o for_o as_o man_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a persuasion_n will_v never_o act_v they_o but_o when_o opportunity_n invite_v and_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o any_o government_n till_o they_o can_v destroy_v it_o so_o will_v those_o other_o rebel_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o think_v it_o their_o interest_n for_o when_o ever_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o mend_v their_o fortune_n by_o rebellion_n the_o same_o obligation_n that_o restrain_v they_o from_o it_o do_v now_o as_o forcible_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o that_o be_v self-interest_n i._n e._n they_o can_v but_o think_v rebellion_n lawful_a as_o oft_o as_o they_o think_v it_o safe_a and_o there_o be_v no_o villain_n so_o mad_a or_o foolish_a as_o to_o attempt_v it_o upon_o other_o ground_n so_o that_o though_o this_o author_n have_v assign_v we_o some_o not_o unuseful_a law_n of_o nature_n yet_o have_v he_o effectual_o enervate_v their_o force_n and_o usefulness_n by_o resolve_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n into_o self-interest_n and_o so_o lay_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o injustice_n as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o justice_n to_o maintain_v the_o common_a right_n of_o all_o and_o to_o secure_v my_o neighbour_n happiness_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o so_o the_o formal_a obliquity_n of_o all_o injustice_n lie_v in_o pursue_v of_o a_o private_a interest_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o therefore_o if_o private_a interest_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o enforcement_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n man_n will_v have_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o obey_v their_o constitution_n than_o what_o will_v as_o strong_o oblige_v to_o break_v they_o i._n e._n if_o man_n be_v just_a and_o honest_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n then_o when_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n they_o may_v and_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a will_n be_v unjust_a and_o dishonest_a and_o so_o man_n that_o own_o the_o law_n of_o 〈…〉_z this_o principle_n may_v be_v villain_n 〈…〉_z of_o all_o their_o restraint_n and_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o profligate_v wretch_n will_v as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a as_o it_o serve_v their_o turn_n for_o this_o principle_n that_o engage_v man_n to_o be_v honest_a only_o as_o long_o as_o they_o must_v will_v as_o effectual_o oblige_v they_o
enemy_n to_o the_o faith_n beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o more_o zealous_a about_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v than_o about_o those_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v opposition_n whet_v and_o sharpen_v their_o zeal_n because_o it_o endanger_v the_o truth_n they_o contend_v for_o whereas_o those_o that_o be_v not_o oppose_v be_v secure_a and_o out_o of_o hazard_n of_o be_v stifle_v by_o the_o adverse_a party_n that_o be_v concern_v equal_o with_o themselves_o for_o their_o preservation_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o man_n who_o be_v tame_a and_o cool_a enough_o in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v yet_o utter_o impatient_a about_o their_o own_o unlearned_a and_o impertinent_a wrangling_n and_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o speculation_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n than_o upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n only_o because_o those_o be_v contradict_v by_o their_o adversary_n and_o these_o be_v not_o well_o then_o see_v all_o dissent_v party_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o furious_a and_o passionate_a zeal_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o see_v they_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o zeal_n be_v in_o god_n cause_n and_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n how_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o expect_v peace_n and_o settlement_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o their_o religion_n keep_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n where_o zeal_n be_v arm_v against_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n encounter_v conscience_n where_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o where_o curse_v you_o meroz_n be_v the_o word_n of_o both_o party_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o project_n fansiful_a man_n may_v propose_v to_o themselves_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o long_o as_o difference_n and_o competition_n in_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v down_o mutual_a hatred_n jealousy_n and_o animosity_n and_o so_o many_o divide_a church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o state_n there_o will_v ever_o be_v so_o many_o different_a army_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o in_o actual_a fight_n be_v always_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o it_o beside_o where_o there_o be_v divide_v interest_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n how_o shall_v the_o prince_n behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o if_o he_o go_v about_o to_o balance_v they_o against_o one_o another_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o they_o all_o and_o whilst_o he_o seem_v concern_v for_o no_o party_n no_o party_n will_v be_v real_o concern_v for_o he_o every_o one_o have_v so_o much_o esteem_n for_o itself_o as_o to_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o enjoy_v more_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o countenance_n than_o any_o other_o and_o withal_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n to_o poise_v they_o so_o equal_o but_o that_o one_o party_n shall_v grow_v more_o strong_a and_o numerous_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o appease_v their_o zeal_n till_o it_o have_v destroy_v and_o swallow_v up_o all_o the_o weak_a interest_n but_o suppose_v he_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v they_o so_o prudent_o as_o always_o to_o keep_v the_o balance_n equal_a he_o do_v thereby_o but_o keep_v up_o so_o many_o party_n that_o be_v ready_a form_v to_o join_v with_o any_o emergent_a quarrel_n of_o state_n and_o whenever_o the_o grandee_n fall_v out_o it_o be_v but_o head_v one_o of_o these_o and_o there_o be_v a_o army_n and_o let_v man_n but_o reflect_v upon_o all_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n and_o rebellion_n of_o christendom_n and_o then_o tell_v i_o which_o way_n they_o can_v either_o have_v be_v commence_v or_o continue_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o different_a faction_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o side_n with_o one_o party_n and_o by_o his_o favour_n mount_v it_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o not_o only_o discontent_n but_o combine_v all_o the_o other_o dissent_v faction_n into_o a_o unite_a opposition_n against_o his_o own_o and_o it_o become_v their_o common_a interest_n to_o work_v and_o contrive_v its_o ruin_n its_o prosperity_n do_v but_o exasperate_v the_o competition_n of_o all_o its_o rival_n into_o rage_n and_o indignation_n and_o as_o success_n make_v itself_o more_o secure_a in_o its_o settlement_n so_o it_o make_v they_o more_o restless_a and_o industrious_a to_o overturn_v it_o no_o party_n can_v ever_o be_v quiet_a or_o content_a as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v under_o any_o other_o but_o will_v ever_o be_v heave_v and_o struggle_v to_o dismount_v the_o power_n that_o keep_v it_o down_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o dissenter_n from_o the_o establish_a frame_n of_o thing_n be_v always_o assault_v it_o with_o open_a violence_n or_o undermine_v it_o by_o secret_a practice_n and_o will_v hazard_v the_o state_n and_o all_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o oppression_n and_o oppress_v they_o be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v the_o weak_a party_n and_o therefore_o we_o never_o find_v this_o way_n of_o toleration_n put_v in_o practice_n under_o any_o government_n but_o where_o other_o exigence_n of_o state_n require_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o stand_a army_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o prevent_v the_o broil_n and_o contention_n of_o zeal_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o more_o violent_a way_n of_o govern_v man_n conscience_n and_o instead_o of_o restrain_v they_o by_o law_n &_o penalty_n it_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o fort_n and_o citadel_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v ourselves_o to_o the_o expense_n and_o hazard_n of_o keep_v up_o stand_v force_n indulgence_n to_o dissent_v zealot_n do_v but_o expose_v the_o state_n to_o the_o perpetual_a squabble_n and_o war_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v all_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n cancel_v all_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o civil_a government_n as_o imagine_v where_o there_o be_v divide_v faction_n in_o religion_n that_o man_n will_v be_v temperate_a and_o peaceable_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o not_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n to_o promote_v and_o establish_v they_o when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o nothing_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a engine_n to_o work_v popular_a commotion_n than_o change_n and_o reformation_n in_o religion_n sect._n 6._o so_o that_o though_o the_o state_n think_v itself_o unconcern_v to_o restrain_v man_n persuasion_n and_o opinion_n yet_o methinks_v they_o shall_v be_v a_o little_a concern_v to_o prevent_v the_o tumult_n and_o disturbance_n that_o natural_o arise_v from_o their_o propagation_n and_o can_v it_o be_v secure_v that_o if_o all_o man_n be_v indulge_v their_o liberty_n they_o will_v use_v it_o modest_o and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o freedom_n than_o i_o confess_v toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n as_o if_o all_o man_n be_v as_o wise_a and_o honest_a as_o socrates_n they_o may_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v their_o own_o law_n and_o leave_v entire_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n as_o to_o all_o the_o intercourse_n and_o transaction_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v make_v infinite_o impossible_a from_o the_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n all_o sect_n ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v fierce_a and_o unruly_a to_o enlarge_v their_o own_o interest_n invade_v or_o supplant_n whatever_o oppose_v their_o increase_n and_o will_v all_o certain_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o that_o party_n that_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o rest_n every_o faction_n ever_o apprehend_v it_o its_o due_a to_o be_v supreme_a and_o there_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n as_o long_o as_o all_o faction_n be_v not_o uppermost_a and_o it_o will_v be_v crime_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o party_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o another_o so_o that_o if_o all_o our_o dissent_v sectary_n be_v allow_v their_o entire_a liberty_n nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v especial_o from_o people_n of_o their_o complexion_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o plot_n together_o against_o the_o present_a establishment_n of_o the_o church_n every_o combination_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o worthlesness_n in_o comparison_n to_o itself_o for_o unless_o they_o have_v apprehend_v their_o own_o way_n more_o excellent_a they_o have_v never_o divide_v from_o we_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n that_o run_v through_o all_o their_o sect_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o labour_v their_o utmost_a to_o establish_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o in_o its_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n and_o withal_o
be_v expect_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o if_o we_o go_v about_o to_o alter_v any_o present_a setlement_n we_o must_v almost_o of_o necessity_n make_v it_o worse_o and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o attempt_n have_v seldom_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o perpetual_a confusion_n till_o thing_n have_v at_o length_n resettled_a in_o the_o same_o or_o as_o bad_a if_o not_o a_o worse_o condition_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o the_o misery_n of_o tyranny_n be_v less_o than_o those_o of_o anarchy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o unreasonable_a imposition_n of_o nero_n or_o caligula_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o state_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n by_o deny_v our_o subjection_n to_o tyrant_n and_o there_o never_o be_v any_o lawful_a magistrate_n so_o bad_a who_o law_n and_o government_n be_v not_o more_o conducive_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o common_a good_a than_o his_o oppression_n be_v to_o subvert_v it_o and_o it_o be_v wise_o eligible_a to_o suffer_v a_o less_o evil_a rather_o than_o lose_v a_o great_a good_a it_o be_v a_o know_v and_o a_o wise_a say_n of_o tacitus_n bonos_fw-la principes_fw-la voto_fw-la expetere_fw-la debemus_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la pati_fw-la &_o quomodo_fw-la sterilitatem_fw-la aut_fw-la nimios_fw-la imbres_fw-la &_o cetera_fw-la naturae_fw-la mala_fw-la sic_fw-la luxum_fw-la &_o avaritiam_fw-la dominantium_fw-la tolerare_fw-la and_o this_o in_o one_o word_n be_v not_o only_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n but_o a_o ample_a confutation_n of_o that_o pestilent_a book_n vindiciae_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v only_o to_o invite_v subject_n to_o rebel_v against_o tyrannical_a government_n by_o represent_v the_o evil_n of_o tyranny_n which_o though_o they_o be_v as_o great_a as_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v abundant_o less_o than_o those_o that_o follow_v upon_o rebellion_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n be_v sufficient_o teach_v by_o the_o event_n and_o for_o one_o commonwealth_n he_o can_v instance_n in_o that_o have_v gain_v by_o rebellion_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v a_o hundred_o that_o it_o have_v hazard_v if_o not_o utter_o ruin_v and_o therefore_o this_o author_n not_o to_o mention_v mariana_n and_o buchanan_n and_o other_o have_v perform_v nothing_o in_o behalf_n of_o his_o cause_n by_o display_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o tyrannical_a power_n unless_o he_o have_v withal_o evince_v they_o to_o be_v more_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o war_n and_o confusion_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n can_v be_v so_o secure_o establish_v as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o sad_a inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o that_o constitution_n of_o affair_n be_v most_o eligible_a that_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o few_o and_o upon_o this_o score_n i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v so_o severe_o enjoin_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n because_o notwithstanding_o that_o tyranny_n be_v a_o oppress_a burden_n of_o humane_a life_n yet_o it_o be_v less_o intolerable_a than_o a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n sect._n 16._o but_o to_o speak_v more_o express_o to_o the_o particular_a matter_n in_o debate_n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v govern_v it_o can_v be_v without_o religion_n &_o religion_n as_o harmless_a and_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o when_o mix_v with_o the_o folly_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n it_o do_v not_o usual_o inspire_v they_o with_o overmuch_a gentleness_n and_o goodness_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o submit_v to_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o command_v over_o all_o the_o other_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v all_o man_n just_a and_o honest_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n cancel_v all_o the_o law_n of_o equity_n as_o suppose_v they_o wise_a and_o sober_a in_o their_o religious_a conceit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n take_v off_o all_o restraint_n from_o the_o excess_n and_o enormity_n of_o zeal_n it_o be_v therefore_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v govern_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o common_a affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o as_o for_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v from_o it_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o belong_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o be_v and_o must_v be_v unavoidable_a as_o long_o as_o mankind_n be_v endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n for_o so_o long_o he_o can_v be_v entrust_v with_o any_o power_n how_o good_a soever_o that_o he_o may_v not_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n because_o he_o may_v abuse_v it_o to_o evil_a and_o irreligious_a end_n by_o establish_v idolatry_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v pity_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o ruin_v only_o for_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v just_a as_o reasonable_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v cashier_v all_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o set_v man_n free_a from_o all_o oath_n and_o obligation_n of_o allegiance_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o usurper_n may_v gain_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o then_o force_v his_o subject_n to_o abjure_v all_o their_o former_a oath_n to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o man_n of_o the_o gallant_a and_o most_o honest_a principle_n shall_v be_v fine_v decimate_v hang_v banish_a and_o murder_v only_o for_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o thus_o will_v the_o parallel_n run_v equal_a in_o all_o case_n between_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n both_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v lamentable_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o abolish_v one_o it_o be_v so_o to_o abolish_v both_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a result_n of_o all_o amount_v only_o to_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o politic_a course_n to_o take_v away_o all_o government_n because_o all_o government_n may_v be_v abuse_v sect._n 17._o though_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o the_o objection_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a or_o unnecessary_a to_o abet_v it_o with_o this_o one_o consideration_n more_o that_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v man_n for_o such_o persuasion_n into_o which_o they_o have_v perhaps_o innocent_o abuse_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v easy_o possible_a for_o well-meaning_a people_n through_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o unhappy_a error_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a disturbance_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o crime_n as_o infelicity_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o remedy_n but_o it_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o public_a rod_n and_o axe_n magistrate_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o not_o of_o every_o particular_a man_n concern_v and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o law_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a that_o be_v their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o must_v secure_v and_o if_o any_o harmless_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n make_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v a_o misfortune_n they_o can_v prevent_v and_o therefore_o must_v deal_v with_o he_o as_o they_o do_v with_o all_o other_o offender_n that_o be_v pity_n and_o punish_v he_o private_a interest_n must_v yield_v to_o public_a good_a and_o therefore_o when_o they_o can_v stand_v together_o and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o one_o must_v suffer_v it_o be_v better_a certain_o that_o one_o or_o a_o few_o shall_v perish_v than_o the_o whole_a community_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o wary_o contrive_v but_o that_o some_o innocent_a person_n may_v sometime_o fall_v under_o their_o penalty_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a welfare_n that_o now_o and_o then_o a_o guiltless_a person_n shall_v suffer_v than_o that_o all_o the_o guilty_a shall_v escape_v in_o that_o the_o former_a injure_v but_o one_o the_o latter_a all_o therefore_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o govern_v all_o society_n by_o law_n and_o penalty_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o ill_a fortune_n that_o may_v befall_v a_o few_o single_a person_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v avoid_v whilst_o the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v
vain_a and_o frivolous_a as_o all_o their_o other_o cavil_n and_o shuffle_a pretence_n sect._n 2._o scandal_n then_o be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a and_o ambiguous_a signification_n and_o the_o thing_n it_o import_v be_v not_o determinate_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v sometime_o innocent_a and_o sometime_o criminal_a according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o those_o thing_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v or_o of_o those_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o be_v attend_v for_o in_o the_o full_a and_o proper_a extent_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v any_o thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a that_o occasion_n the_o fall_n or_o sin_n of_o another_o now_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scandal_n or_o that_o which_o occasion_n another_o sin_n be_v in_o itself_o good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o casual_a event_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o reflect_v any_o charge_n or_o disparagement_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o attribute_v to_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n to_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o criminal_a though_o it_o be_v chief_o unblamable_a upon_o its_o own_o account_n yet_o this_o usual_o aggravate_v and_o enhance_v the_o original_a guilt_n of_o the_o action_n but_o last_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o a_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n then_o be_v it_o either_o faultless_a or_o chargeable_a according_a to_o its_o different_a case_n and_o circumstance_n as_o christian_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n shall_v determine_v so_o various_a and_o contingent_a a_o thing_n not_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o fix_a and_o settle_a measure_n some_o be_v scandalize_v out_o of_o weakness_n and_o some_o out_o of_o peevishness_n some_o before_o due_a information_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o some_o after_o it_o some_o because_o they_o do_v not_o and_o some_o because_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v all_o which_o with_o infinite_a other_o circumstance_n man_n ought_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o suitable_o to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n that_o determine_v they_o in_o all_o the_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o the_o action_n it_o self_n be_v only_o the_o remote_a occasion_n and_o not_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o scandal_n in_o that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o by_o consequence_n innocent_a it_o can_v be_v direct_o and_o from_o itself_o productive_a of_o any_o criminal_a effect_n and_o therefore_o its_o be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v to_o purpose_n and_o opportunity_n of_o sin_n be_v pure_o accidental_a and_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o every_o man_n fall_v be_v something_o within_o himself_o it_o be_v either_o folly_n or_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n or_o wilfulness_n too_o little_a understanding_n or_o too_o much_o passion_n that_o betray_v some_o man_n into_o sin_n by_o occasion_n of_o other_o man_n action_n so_o that_o the_o school_n distinction_n of_o scandal_n into_o passive_a or_o that_o which_o be_v take_v and_o active_a or_o that_o which_o be_v give_v be_v apparent_o false_a and_o impertinent_a and_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o have_v perplex_v and_o intricate_v all_o discourse_n of_o this_o article_n because_o scandal_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v never_o give_v but_o when_o it_o be_v take_v as_o be_v only_o a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n take_v by_o one_o manfrom_o the_o action_n of_o another_o now_o if_o his_o take_a offence_n where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v proceed_v from_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n then_o be_v his_o case_n pitiable_a and_o a_o good-natured_a man_n will_v out_o of_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o seize_v on_o to_o abuse_v to_o his_o own_o destruction_n for_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o scandal_n proceed_v pure_o from_o that_o extraordinary_a height_n of_o charity_n and_o tenderness_n of_o good_a nature_n that_o be_v so_o signal_o recommend_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n that_o we_o may_v lawful_o omit_v when_o we_o know_v it_o will_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o mischief_n to_o some_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o know_a christian_n but_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o humour_n or_o pride_n or_o wilfulness_n or_o any_o other_o vicious_a principle_n then_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o peevish_a and_o stubborn_a person_n and_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o part_n with_o his_o own_o freedom_n because_o his_o neighbour_n be_v froward_a and_o humorous_a and_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o fall_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n i_o shall_v forego_v the_o use_n of_o my_o liberty_n because_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v that_o his_o stumbling-block_n so_o that_o we_o see_v all_o scandal_n be_v equal_o take_v but_o not_o equal_o criminal_a in_o that_o some_o take_v it_o only_o because_o they_o be_v weak_a and_o some_o because_o they_o be_v peevish_a according_a to_o which_o different_a case_n we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o a_o different_a demeanour_n in_o this_o affair_n §_o 3._o and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v variety_n of_o example_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o action_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o opposite_a scandal_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n if_o they_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o rigorous_a observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a rite_n this_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o false_a and_o mischievous_a opinion_n of_o their_o necessity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o comply_v then_o that_o prove_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o right_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o so_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o fall_v back_o from_o that_o religion_n that_o incline_v man_n to_o a_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o between_o these_o two_o extreme_n they_o be_v force_v to_o walk_v with_o great_a prudence_n and_o wariness_n incline_v sometime_o to_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o the_o other_o as_o they_o apprehend_v most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o end_n &_o interest_n of_o christianity_n thus_o though_o st._n paul_n condescend_v to_o the_o circumcision_n of_o timothy_n to_o humour_n and_o gratify_v the_o jew_n who_o can_v not_o be_v so_o sudden_o wrought_v off_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o strong_a impression_n of_o their_o education_n and_o therefore_o be_v for_o a_o time_n indulge_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ancient_a rite_n and_o custom_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o yield_v so_o far_o to_o the_o jewish_a obstinacy_n as_o to_o suffer_v the_o circumcision_n of_o titus_n but_o oppose_v it_o with_o his_o utmost_a zeal_n and_o vehemence_n because_o this_o will_v in_o probability_n have_v frustrate_v the_o success_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n in_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n among_o foreign_a nation_n if_o he_o who_o have_v before_o so_o vehement_o assert_v their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o particular_o from_o this_o ceremony_n shall_v now_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o by_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o former_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v man_n into_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n after_o himself_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v its_o be_v reverse_v and_o superannuated_a for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v probable_o expect_v than_o that_o his_o gentile_a proselyte_n be_v discourage_v partly_o by_o his_o prevarication_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o noke_n to_o which_o they_o foresee_v or_o at_o least_o suspect_v they_o must_v submit_v shall_v be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o a_o utter_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o wise_o weigh_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o scandal_n be_v less_o dangerous_a in_o anger_v the_o jew_n than_o in_o hazard_v the_o gentile_n he_o choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o peevishness_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o revolt_n of_o these_o gal._n 2._o 4_o 5._o §_o 4._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n as_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v of_o this_o great_a apostle_n different_a deportment_n in_o this_o particular_a towards_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n because_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n there_o live_v no_o small_a number_n of_o natural_a jew_n who_o when_o they_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n the_o method_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n invite_v they_o at_o first_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v bare_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o its_o evidence_n and_o divine_a authority_n
and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o declamation_n against_o add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v short_a i_o appeal_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n whether_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o unwarrantable_a addition_n than_o these_o who_o forbid_v those_o thing_n as_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v what_o be_v it_o to_o teach_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n for_o doctrine_n but_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o what_o can_v more_o charge_v the_o divine_a law_n of_o imperfection_n than_o to_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v perform_v all_o that_o it_o have_v command_v and_o yet_o perish_v for_o not_o do_v something_o that_o it_o have_v not_o command_v and_o so_o do_v they_o who_o make_v it_o necessary_a not_o to_o do_v something_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o tax_v the_o church_n of_o make_v addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o all_o her_o law_n be_v impose_v not_o as_o law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o law_n of_o man_n and_o so_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n than_o iustinian_n institutes_n and_o littleton_n tenor_n and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o for_o their_o noise_n against_o popery_n a_o term_n that_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o angry_a word_n signify_v any_o thing_n that_o some_o man_n dislike_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o raise_v this_o outcry_n when_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a gentleman_n at_o rome_n to_o control_v the_o law_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o what_o do_v they_o but_o set_v up_o a_o pope_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n whilst_o they_o vest_n it_o with_o a_o power_n of_o countermand_v the_o decree_n of_o prince_n these_o thing_n can_v but_o appear_v with_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o invincible_o either_o ignorant_a or_o wilful_a or_o both_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v time_n they_o shall_v at_o least_o for_o shame_n if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o conscience_n cease_v to_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o clamour_n and_o exception_n so_o miserable_o impertinent_a that_o i_o blush_v for_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o serious_a confutation_n and_o therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o their_o impertinency_n together_o for_o i_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v these_o old_a and_o dear_a acquaintance_n part_v i_o shall_v now_o address_v myself_o to_o clear_v off_o one_o more_o material_a and_o more_o plausible_a objection_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o particular_a and_o it_o be_v this_o sect._n 14._o it_o be_v possible_a the_o magistrate_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o determination_n and_o establish_v a_o worship_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a and_o superstitious_a in_o which_o case_n if_o what_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v true_a all_o his_o subject_n must_v either_o be_v rebel_n or_o idolater_n if_o they_o obey_v they_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o they_o disobey_v they_o sin_n against_o their_o sovereign_n this_o be_v the_o last_o issue_n of_o all_o that_o be_v object_v in_o this_o controversy_n and_o the_o only_a argument_n that_o give_v gloss_n and_o colour_n to_o all_o their_o other_o trifle_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v as_o fair_o object_v against_o all_o government_n of_o moral_a and_o political_a affair_n for_o there_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o its_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v the_o civil_a power_n of_o prince_n because_o they_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v perhaps_o abuse_v it_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o alone_o lie_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o their_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v err_v and_o manage_v it_o to_o evil_a purpose_n but_o whatever_o force_n it_o carry_v in_o it_o it_o rather_o strike_v at_o the_o divine_a providence_n than_o my_o assertion_n and_o charge_n that_o of_o be_v defective_a in_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o have_v not_o set_v over_o we_o infallible_a judge_n and_o governor_n for_o unless_o all_o magistrate_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v act_v against_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o their_o authority_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n overthrow_v the_o power_n of_o all_o fallible_a judicature_n and_o make_v governor_n as_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o controversy_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n as_o in_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o best_a way_n of_o settle_v the_o world_n that_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o if_o indeed_o mankind_n be_v infallible_a this_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o see_v that_o all_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o see_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o all_o public_a affair_n our_o question_n i_o say_v be_v what_o be_v the_o most_o prudent_a and_o expedient_a way_n of_o settle_v they_o not_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o that_o real_o be_v and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v be_v to_o devolve_v their_o management_n on_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o least_o so_o and_o be_v a_o much_o better_a way_n to_o attain_v public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n than_o if_o they_o be_v entire_o leave_v to_o the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o every_o private_a man_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v pregnant_a with_o all_o manner_n of_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o this_o method_n i_o have_v assign_v be_v comparative_o the_o best_a way_n of_o government_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a affair_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o some_o inconvenience_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v embrace_v above_o all_o other_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o incomparable_o the_o few_o and_o if_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o private_a person_n suffer_v wrong_a from_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v yet_o this_o private_a injury_n have_v a_o ample_a compensation_n from_o the_o public_a benefit_n that_o arise_v from_o it_o and_o when_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o either_o the_o whole_a society_n or_o one_o individual_a must_v suffer_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o determine_v that_o better_a one_o honest_a man_n perish_v than_o a_o million_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o bad_a government_n be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o evil_n that_o fall_v upon_o particular_a man_n from_o its_o unskilful_a or_o irregular_a administration_n be_v vast_o too_o little_a to_o weigh_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o institution_n sect._n 15._o and_o upon_o this_o principle_n stand_v the_o necessity_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o authority_n in_o that_o though_o its_o ill_a management_n may_v happen_v to_o bring_v many_o and_o great_a inconvenience_n upon_o the_o public_a yet_o they_o can_v equal_v the_o mischief_n of_o that_o confusion_n which_o must_v necessary_o arise_v if_o subject_n be_v warrant_v to_o disobey_v or_o resist_v government_n whenever_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v it_o be_v ill_o administer_v perhaps_o never_o any_o government_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o be_v administer_v with_o exact_a justice_n and_o equity_n nor_o any_o governor_n so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o be_v chargeable_a with_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o if_o upon_o every_o quarrel_n every_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n can_v pick_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n he_o may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o a_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a dissolution_n of_o government_n when_o every_o man_n will_v be_v command_v by_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o persuasion_n that_o be_v himself_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v tie_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v mischievous_a yet_o it_o be_v less_o so_o than_o disobedience_n and_o the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v as_o it_o can_v be_v by_o man_n and_o not_o as_o it_o may_v be_v by_o angel_n the_o management_n indeed_o of_o humane_a affair_n be_v general_o bad_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o can_v probable_o