people_n make_v a_o law_n that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 13._o and_o these_o be_v approve_v for_o so_o do_v whereas_o those_o king_n that_o take_v no_o care_n of_o religion_n but_o do_v either_o set_v up_o idolatry_n or_o do_v not_o suppress_v it_o be_v brand_v for_o such_o as_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o what_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o do_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n own_o law_n which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v but_o that_o this_o be_v no_o precedent_n for_o christian_a magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n because_o those_o law_n be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o there_o be_v no_o new_a law_n prescribe_v by_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o inflict_a of_o any_o punishment_n either_o pecuniary_a or_o corporal_a for_o any_o offence_n against_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v penal_a law_n for_o this_o end_n answ_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v no_o punishment_n for_o offence_n against_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o judicial_a law_n also_o as_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o nation_n so_o be_v not_o precise_o bind_v on_o any_o nation_n under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o magistrate_n may_v not_o make_v penal_a law_n for_o offence_n against_o religion_n for_o then_o upon_o that_o ground_n he_o may_v not_o make_v law_n for_o offence_n against_o second-table-commands_a as_o murder_n adultery_n thâ—ft_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o prescribe_v any_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n some_o have_v be_v so_o wild_a to_o think_v that_o no_o corporal_a punishment_n shall_v be_v inflict_v under_o the_o gospel_n by_o christian_a man_n but_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o the_o natural_a and_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v found_v on_o reason_n and_o moral_a justice_n be_v still_o obligatory_a on_o all_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o judicial_a law_n be_v but_o a_o exposition_n and_o enforcement_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n hence_o most_o of_o the_o penalty_n inflict_v by_o that_o law_n for_o offence_n against_o any_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n we_o may_v find_v that_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o penalty_n may_v in_o many_o thing_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o the_o crime_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n prescribe_v the_o kind_n of_o penalty_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o where_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o penalty_n for_o such_o and_o such_o offence_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a there_o those_o penal_a law_n be_v so_o far_o still_o in_o force_n that_o they_o remain_v on_o record_n both_o as_o precedent_n and_o engagement_n on_o all_o nation_n to_o make_v law_n in_o conformity_n to_o they_o and_o sure_o where_o we_o can_v so_o clear_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o penalty_n yet_o where_o the_o offence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o there_o the_o will_n of_o god_n impose_v penalty_n for_o such_o and_o such_o offence_n against_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n and_o pattern_n for_o the_o law_n of_o all_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o jevish_a pedagogy_n and_o their_o civil_a state_n for_o which_o these_o penal_a law_n be_v more_o peculiar_o adapt_v do_v not_o null_a the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o make_v penal_a law_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o second-table-commands_a as_o for_o murder_n wheredom_n theft_n etc._n etc._n why_o shall_v it_o any_o more_o null_a his_o power_n to_o make_v penal_a law_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o first-table-commands_a as_o for_o idolatry_n superstition_n blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o first-table-commands_a have_v still_o the_o precedent_a obligation_n to_o the_o second_o and_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o moral_a obliquity_n and_o gild_n as_o under_o the_o law_n therefore_o law_n to_o punish_v those_o sin_n have_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o moral_a justice_n in_o they_o as_o the_o other_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o magistrate_n be_v under_o equal_a obligation_n to_o impose_v such_o law_n as_o the_o other_o object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v further_o object_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v only_o appoint_v under_o the_o gospel_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a sword_n for_o the_o propagate_a and_o maintain_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o man_n be_v invite_v to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v this_o religion_n upon_o free_a choice_n and_o election_n and_o upon_o principle_n of_o pure_a conviction_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o compel_v or_o force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v promote_v by_o a_o temporal_a power_n or_o man_n punish_v for_o disobedience_n to_o it_o answ_n for_o answer_v this_o mistake_n of_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o not_o distinguish_v between_o those_o two_o distinct_a office_n viz._n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o magistracy_n which_o be_v office_n of_o a_o different_a order_n that_o have_v each_o their_o peculiar_a property_n and_o employment_n though_o both_o to_o the_o great_a and_o general_a end_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o also_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v proper_o found_v on_o christ_n commission_n as_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o discipline_n but_o the_o office_n of_o the_o magistracy_n be_v of_o another_o order_n and_o found_v on_o god_n law_n as_o he_o be_v rector_n of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o that_o not_o only_o between_o man_n and_o man_n but_o between_o god_n and_o man._n magistracy_n therefore_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o gospel_n but_o a_o moral_a institution_n now_o as_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o abrogate_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v establish_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n rom._n 3._o 13._o so_o by_o consequence_n it_o do_v not_o null_a either_o the_o office_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o it_o do_v all_o other_o matter_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o our_o saviour_n only_o appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o propagate_v his_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o capacity_n commissionated_a and_o send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n and_o gospel-minister_n he_o do_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o office_n of_o the_o magistracy_n but_o leave_v that_o to_o stand_v on_o its_o own_o bottom_n as_o found_v on_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n yet_o his_o kingdom_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o take_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o temporal_a sword_n himself_o as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v upon_o divine_a right_n so_o he_o give_v no_o such_o power_n to_o any_o of_o the_o ministerial_a order_n and_o we_o find_v also_o that_o god_n almighty_a in_o who_o power_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v not_o use_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o promotion_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o first_o which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v by_o effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o so_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o improve_v their_o power_n and_o office_n for_o his_o glory_n as_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o he_o do_v not_o and_o that_o no_o doubt_n in_o great_a wisdom_n that_o so_o the_o gospel_n be_v propagate_v by_o such_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a instrument_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n yea_o and_o against_o such_o great_a opposition_n from_o they_o may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n one_o of_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o but_o that_o it_o be_v
ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o find_v also_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o magistracy_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o his_o providential_a allowance_n and_o toleration_n but_o by_o his_o special_a assignation_n and_o appointment_n therefore_o say_v to_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 4._o hence_o we_o find_v that_o all_o that_o justice_n which_o the_o magistrate_n execute_v be_v call_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n 19_o 6._o they_o be_v also_o call_v god_n psal_n 82._o 1_o 6._o because_o they_o be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n represent_v his_o presence_n and_o his_o power_n in_o the_o world._n now_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v thus_o delegate_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o magistrate_n and_o so_o signal_o dignify_v and_o authorise_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o some_o special_a service_n they_o be_v to_o do_v for_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o moral_o just_a that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n he_o shall_v employ_v it_o best_o for_o his_o service_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o by_o promote_a and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n second_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n to_o wit_n the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o law_n that_o give_v form_n and_o be_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o government_n hence_o be_v those_o axiom_n lex_fw-la facit_fw-la regem_fw-la rex_fw-la nihil_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la potest_fw-la now_o law_n do_v original_o derive_v all_o their_o force_n from_o religion_n because_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n which_o law_n of_o god_n we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n for_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o bottom_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o moral_a justice_n between_o man_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n strength_n and_o mind_n luk._n 10._o 27._o which_o do_v indeed_o include_v and_o prescribe_v the_o most_o exact_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v now_o this_o divine_a law_n be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o directory_n of_o all_o other_o law_n it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o humane_a law_n by_o which_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o govern_v shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n provide_v for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n and_o all_o humane_a law_n that_o have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o law_n be_v ground_v on_o it_o or_o reducible_a to_o it_o or_o else_o theyare_a but_o tyrannical_a imposition_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o political_a law_n of_o nation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o sacredness_n in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o they_o be_v found_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n &_o their_o agreement_n thereunto_o give_v force_n and_o obligation_n to_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n arise_v from_o the_o good_a end_n they_o tend_v unto_o and_o be_v useful_a for_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o lawful_a authority_n that_o impose_v they_o so_o that_o now_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o humane_a law_n whereunto_o they_o ought_v to_o correspond_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n thereof_o respective_o it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o see_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o first_o table-duty_n ought_v also_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o law_n that_o respect_v moral_a justice_n among_o man_n three_o from_o the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_v of_o magistracy_n which_o be_v threefold_a 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god._n 2._o the_o good_a of_o society_n 3._o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n first_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o man_n so_o of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v advance_v god_n then_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o his_o glory_n must_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n now_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n and_o use_v of_o religion_n to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o actual_o adore_v and_o advance_v if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n be_v to_o advance_v and_o set_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o ought_v to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n as_o the_o great_a glory_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o god_n in_o this_o world._n second_o the_o good_a of_o society_n be_v the_o subordinate_a end_n of_o magistracy_n for_o as_o the_o fundamental_a humane_a cause_n of_o government_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o public_a good_a so_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v that_o the_o temporal_a good_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o society_n may_v be_v promote_v and_o preserve_v now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o high_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o magistracy_n than_o this_o as_o we_o have_v already_o and_o shall_v further_o prove_v there_o be_v yet_o nevertheless_o it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o take_v care_n for_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o true_a religion_n do_v best_a of_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n this_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o the_o scripture_n that_o assure_v we_o that_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o but_o also_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o we_o see_v that_o even_o in_o those_o nation_n that_o be_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v legistator_n and_o governor_n among_o they_o always_o with_o their_o law_n mix_v some_o precept_n of_o religion_n and_o opinion_n of_o god_n some_o pretend_v they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o god_n himself_o whereby_o we_o see_v that_o they_o think_v that_o law_n and_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v without_o something_o of_o religion_n which_o though_o their_o religious_a precept_n be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a in_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o thence_o appear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o government_n and_o law_n but_o also_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o government_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v then_o best_a of_o all_o and_o most_o necessary_a that_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o virtue_n from_o whence_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v not_o only_o the_o best_a direction_n for_o but_o the_o strong_a motive_n and_o engagement_n unto_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o charity_n among_o man_n which_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a even_o to_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o true_a religion_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a foundation_n of_o all_o political_a government_n and_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n the_o obedience_n of_o subject_n and_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o justice_n and_o charity_n between_o man_n which_o only_o can_v render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n peaceable_a and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o world._n if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o magistracy_n and_o civil_a government_n be_v only_o for_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o society_n yet_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o advance_v and_o maintain_v true_a religion_n because_o it_o chief_o conduce_v and_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o this_o end._n
four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v wherein_o be_v discourse_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o toleration_n and_o general_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a the_o unlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o preface_n it_o can_v but_o be_v general_o understand_v what_o a_o abundance_n of_o heat_n and_o animostty_n have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o nation_n about_o a_o toleration_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n about_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o by_o many_o whether_o with_o great_a vehemency_n or_o with_o great_a absurdity_n be_v hard_o to_o say_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o have_v rather_o be_v suppose_v than_o prove_v by_o any_o for_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v consider_v how_o to_o secure_v a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_v the_o law_n that_o establish_v religion_n they_o never_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o do_v either_o one_o or_o the_o other_o though_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n do_v carry_v in_o it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v no_o authority_n nor_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o take_v care_n for_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o if_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v will_v be_v indeed_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o all_o for_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o unless_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v whatever_o argument_n else_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o from_o other_o respect_n and_o consideration_n they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o this_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o government_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o weighty_a argument_n against_o such_o a_o toleration_n and_o repeal_n the_o law_n draw_v from_o the_o ill_a effect_n mean_n &_o end_v of_o it_o yet_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o of_o great_a force_n that_o be_v drawnfrom_o the_o fundamental_a and_o principal_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v unlawful_a namely_o be_v against_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a magistracy_n upon_o this_o principle_n therefore_o i_o have_v always_o be_v persuade_v â—…at_v not_o only_o a_o general_a toleration_n but_o repeal_n the_o law_n be_v â—…orally_o unlawful_a unless_o better_a law_n can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o government_n to_o secure_a religion_n which_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v think_v unless_o such_o law_n have_v also_o a_o penalty_n for_o what_o force_n or_o obligation_n can_v law_n have_v to_o this_o end_n without_o a_o penalty_n i_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n under_o the_o follow_a question_n as_o compendious_o as_o possible_a prove_v the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o duty_n about_o religion_n to_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n administration_n only_o from_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n i_o have_v argue_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o a_o general_a toleration_n and_o of_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o nevertheless_o lest_o any_o shall_v hence_o conclude_v that_o a_o humane_a authority_n can_v impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n not_o necessary_a or_o command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a especial_o if_o the_o same_o indifference_n be_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o scandal_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o restrain_v by_o law_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n give_v nor_o any_o assent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n or_o the_o dispense_v power_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o have_v prove_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o repeal_n the_o law_n against_o popery_n and_o idolatry_n and_o answer_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n allege_v for_o it_o if_o that_o which_o be_v here_o brief_o discourse_v may_v obtain_v its_o design_a end_n to_o set_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o man_n right_a in_o those_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n the_o author_n will_v have_v his_o end_n in_o expose_v the_o same_o to_o public_a view_n which_o be_v first_o compose_v for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n now_o to_o the_o king-eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n four_o grand_a question_n propose_v and_o brief_o answer_v viz._n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n ii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o general_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o what_o liberty_n in_o religion_n he_o ought_v to_o allow_v iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o give_v their_o actual_a consent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n iv_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o repeal_n these_o law_n that_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o before_o we_o proceed_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n what_o we_o understand_v by_o magistrate_n and_o what_o by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n but_o here_o we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o divers_a form_n of_o lawful_a government_n but_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o our_o own_o form_n of_o government_n be_v either_o best_a in_o itself_o consider_v or_o at_o least_o best_a for_o we_o by_o magistrate_n therefore_o we_o understand_v chief_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o body_n politic_a not_o exclude_v subordinate_a magistrate_n also_o within_o their_o respective_a limit_n by_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n we_o understand_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o those_o essential_a matter_n of_o protestant_a faith_n worship_n and_o discipline_n wherein_o it_o be_v true_o such_o now_o that_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n be_v found_v both_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o moral_a law_n and_o also_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n i_o take_v for_o a_o grant_v truth_n and_o will_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o few_o all_o the_o question_n then_o before_o we_o be_v about_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n some_o will_v have_v it_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o respect_v only_o civil_a matter_n and_o moral_a justice_n between_o man_n but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o reveal_v religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v by_o law_n the_o gospel-institution_n but_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o that_o by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 2._o from_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n 3._o from_o the_o final_a cause_n or_o end_v of_o magistracy_n 4._o from_o scripture-precept_n and_o precedent_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v by_o law_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o magistracy_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o so_o the_o author_n of_o magistracy_n in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n viz._n by_o his_o law_n natural_a moral_a and_o positive_a 1._o by_o his_o law_n natural_a implant_v and_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v enable_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v both_o the_o reasonableness_n necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o political_a government_n in_o order_n to_o promote_v and_o preserve_v the_o good_a of_o society_n 2._o by_o his_o law_n moral_a thus_o the_o five_o commandment_n establisn_v the_o relation_n and_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n between_o political_a father_n and_o subject_n as_o well_o as_o between_o natural_a parent_n and_o their_o child_n 3._o god_n be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o magistracy_n by_o his_o positive_a ordinance_n and_o appointment_n thus_o he_o appoint_v magistrate_n both_o
in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o or_o that_o any_o humane_a power_n have_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a and_o unlimited_a authority_n of_o impose_v right_n and_o ceremony_n on_o the_o church_n as_o they_o think_v good_a which_o principle_n have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o so_o many_o corruption_n impose_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o indeed_o upon_o which_o principle_n may_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o restraint_n of_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o ceremony_n a_o great_a yoke_n and_o burden_n than_o be_v impose_v by_o god_n own_o law._n but_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o free_v the_o christian_a religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o his_o own_o ceremony_n and_o yet_o leave_v they_o under_o a_o humane_a power_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o think_v good_a but_o we_o desire_v that_o what_o be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_a by_o way_n of_o argumentation_n may_v not_o be_v interpret_v a_o prescribe_v to_o authority_n or_o limit_v their_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o impose_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a certain_a and_o necessary_a hence_o than_o he_o may_v not_o enjoin_v in_o religion_n thing_n that_o be_v either_o 1._o sinful_a 2._o doubtful_a 3._o mere_o indifferent_a first_o not_o thing_n sinful_a this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v lawful_o require_v to_o be_v do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a and_o if_o any_o such_o law_n be_v make_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v void_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o any_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n have_v not_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o law_n which_o must_v always_o be_v some_o useful_a good._n second_o not_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o religion_n and_o such_o thing_n we_o call_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a that_o real_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n have_v no_o apparent_a foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o magistrate_n can_v make_v law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o to_o do_v they_o decent_o and_o orderly_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o legislator_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n christ_n jesus_n jam._n 4._o 18._o and_o humane_a authority_n have_v no_o proper_a dictatory_n or_o legislative_a power_n but_o only_o a_o ministratory_n and_o directive_n one_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n therefore_o whatever_o the_o magistrate_n command_v in_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o his_o own_o law_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o like_o a_o civil_a body_n that_o humane_a law_n be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o it_o but_o the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o law_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n be_v all_o sound_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god._n thus_o as_o under_o the_o law_n all_o that_o power_n which_o the_o magistrate_n than_o have_v about_o religion_n be_v direct_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o his_o worship_n to_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o it_o but_o be_v not_o to_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o by_o evident_a consequence_n deducible_a from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o may_v be_v call_v a_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a at_o the_o best_a and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v enforce_v by_o law_n three_o nor_o in_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a by_o thing_n indifferent_a i_o mean_v thing_n not_o necessary_a nor_o require_v by_o any_o divine_a law._n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n of_o thing_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o intrinfical_a the_o other_o circumstantial_a or_o accidental_a only_a and_o of_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o call_v that_o so_o that_o be_v intrinsical_a and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n about_o necessary_a thing_n or_o by_o accident_n may_v become_v either_o inexpedient_a and_o also_o scandalous_a and_o so_o unlawful_a or_o they_o may_v become_v expedient_a and_o so_o circumstantial_o necessary_a now_o that_o in_o religion_n that_o intrinsical_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v necessary_a or_o else_o be_v necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n or_o accident_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a matter_n of_o law_n &_o what_o be_v not_o such_o i_o call_v a_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a now_o such_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v put_v into_o law_n that_o be_v either_o 1._o mere_o indifferent_a 2._o much_o less_o when_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be-become_a inexpedient_a and_o 3._o lest_o of_o all_o when_o they_o become_v scandalous_a first_o such_o thing_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o have_v no_o circumstantial_a necessity_n attend_v it_o that_o require_v a_o restraint_n be_v that_o wherein_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o liberty_n and_o not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n because_o if_o authority_n can_v restrain_v christian_a liberty_n further_o than_o in_o thing_n necessary_a bare_o upon_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o will_n they_o may_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n take_v off_o all_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o this_o they_o can_v do_v just_o without_o wrong_n because_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o christian_a liberty_n we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v a_o appendix_n to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n gal._n 5._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o now_o as_o the_o magistrate_n can_v just_o deprive_v any_o man_n of_o any_o of_o his_o civil_a right_n and_o property_n without_o just_a reason_n and_o cause_n much_o less_o may_v he_o deprive_v we_o of_o any_o of_o our_o religious_a right_n and_o privilege_n without_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n and_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v one_o of_o these_o right_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o a_o rest_n raint_n therein_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o all_o thing_n he_o mean_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o lawful_a only_o and_o not_o necessary_a yet_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o of_o these_o which_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v bring_v by_o law_n under_o a_o power_n either_o of_o do_v or_o not_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o use_n only_o indifferent_a and_o lawful_a and_o the_o scripture_n in_o divers_a place_n assert_n the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o rom._n 14._o 3_o 5._o and_o we_o see_v also_o that_o our_o saviour_n vindicate_v his_o disciple_n in_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o the_o forbearance_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a though_o enjoin_v by_o authority_n mat._n 15._o which_o prove_v also_o that_o authority_n as_o it_o may_v not_o impose_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a so_o can_v make_v they_o necessary_a when_o impose_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a to_o restrain_v christian_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o easy_a have_v it_o bâ—en_o for_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o have_v silence_v all_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o meat_n and_o day_n and_o suchlike_a indifferent_a thing_n by_o determinine_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o thing_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o by_o some_o law_n or_o canon_n and_o by_o direct_v the_o church_n in_o aftertime_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o make_v law_n in_o order_n to_o heal_v and_o take_v off_o such_o difference_n but_o because_o he_o do_v not_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v so_o frequent_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o every_o christian_a in_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o use_v with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o such_o law_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v which_o violate_v and_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n second_o but_o much_o less_o may_v indifferent_a thing_n be_v impose_v when_o they_o become_v inexpedient_a which_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o tend_v not_o to_o edisication_n thus_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a
for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o where_o the_o latter_a clause_n expound_v the_o former_a such_o lawful_a thing_n as_o do_v not_o edify_v be_v not_o expedient_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o law_n because_o all_o humane_a authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 13._o 10._o therefore_o such_o constitution_n about_o religion_n cease_v to_o oblige_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o edify_v because_o the_o obligation_n to_o obey_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n can_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v which_o we_o see_v be_v only_a thing_n for_o edification_n three_o lest_o of_o all_o shall_v indifferent_a thing_n be_v impose_v when_o they_o become_v scandalous_a for_o then_o the_o use_n of_o they_o become_v in_o most_o case_n unlawful_a and_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o unlawful_a to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v rare_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n because_o scandal_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o use_v our_o liberty_n or_o to_o deny_v it_o according_a as_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n require_v for_o the_o avoid_n of_o scandal_n for_o we_o may_v not_o do_v a_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a to_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o brother_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v authority_n therefore_o can_v just_o command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v apparent_a thereby_o scandal_n will_v follow_v for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o command_v of_o man_n the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v give_v no_o offence_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o and_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v obligatory_a on_o ruler_n in_o make_v law_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o on_o private_a christian_n in_o their_o practice_n towards_o each_o other_o if_o ruler_n therefore_o command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o many_o without_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n command_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a rom._n 14._o 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o authority_n have_v then_o command_v he_o to_o eat_v and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o have_v be_v to_o command_v a_o scandal_n and_o so_o unlawful_a it_o be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v command_v by_o authority_n there_o if_o scandal_n follow_v it_o be_v scandal_n take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o the_o fault_n be_v whole_o in_o he_o that_o take_v the_o offence_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a indifferent_a thing_n it_o be_v scandal_n give_v by_o the_o authority_n that_o impose_v it_o and_o also_o hereby_o they_o not_o only_o give_v scandal_n to_o the_o doubt_v but_o oblige_v all_o other_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o indifference_n to_o give_v scandal_n also_o for_o to_o say_v that_o humane_a authority_n make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o necessary_a use_n to_o become_v necessary_a in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n be_v to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o supersede_n the_o law_n of_o god_n no_o certain_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v real_o scandalous_a antecedent_n to_o the_o command_n or_o the_o use_n of_o it_o will_v be_v so_o be_v it_o not_o command_v there_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v put_v such_o a_o necessity_n into_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v when_o scandal_n follow_v because_o the_o obligation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n will_v supersede_n any_o obligation_n that_o result_v from_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a ritual_a and_o ritual_n must_v give_v place_n to_o moral_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v unnecessary_a in_o religion_n much_o more_o if_o inexpedient_a and_o scandalous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o plead_v for_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o thing_n in_o religion_n either_o necessary_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o circumstance_n and_o thus_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o serve_v for_o the_o order_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o decent_a and_o comely_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v so_o far_o lawful_a to_o be_v impose_v as_o they_o be_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a to_o those_o end_n for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o impose_v what_o god_n have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n be_v only_o in_o order_v what_o god_n have_v so_o command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o decent_a and_o comely_a manner_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o as_o such_o thing_n appertain_v to_o god_n worship_n be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a nature_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o their_o particular_n when_o they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n and_o accident_n become_v necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o nature_n of_o indifference_n and_o become_v necessary_a antecedent_n to_o any_o imposition_n of_o they_o by_o authority_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o determination_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n unless_o in_o these_o case_n viz._n 1._o unless_o the_o necessity_n of_o impose_v they_o be_v great_a apparent_a and_o certain_a and_o not_o pretend_v only_o 2._o unless_o the_o good_a that_o be_v bring_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o evil_a of_o scandal_n it_o bring_v with_o it_o 3._o and_o unless_o the_o good_a end_n they_o be_v necessary_a for_o can_v be_v by_o some_o other_o mean_v so_o well_o attain_v without_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n but_o where_o be_v no_o such_o necessary_a good_a or_o but_o little_a comparative_a to_o the_o evil_a of_o scandal_n or_o if_o the_o good_a end_n design_v may_v be_v by_o other_o mean_v attain_v without_o so_o great_a scandal_n there_o certain_o in_o reason_n scandal_n shall_v be_v avoid_v because_o because_o tâ—s_n so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o so_o much_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n obj._n but_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n see_v they_o necessary_a for_o say_v they_o who_o shall_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o religion_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n but_o ruler_n themselves_o for_o if_o a_o liberty_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o necessity_n of_o what_o be_v command_v and_o according_o to_o obey_v or_o not_o obey_v as_o they_o judge_v of_o they_o this_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o require_v and_o the_o people_n have_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o obey_v and_o though_o both_o these_o may_v be_v abuse_v yet_o both_o may_v very_o well_o stand_v together_o without_o either_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o government_n or_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o very_o ill_a consequence_n will_v follow_v on_o deny_v either_o for_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n to_o command_v this_o indeed_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o people_n judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n be_v both_o to_o take_v off_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o to_o lay_v upon_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v for_o if_o only_a the_o judgement_n and_o will_n of_o authority_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o law_n or_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v whatever_o they_o command_v though_o sinful_a if_o they_o judge_v it_o not_o so_o but_o as_o the_o magistrate_n authoritative_a judgement_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o obedience_n when_o he_o judge_v erroneous_o in_o that_o which_o be_v require_v so_o though_o
people_n judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n do_v not_o disoblige_v they_o from_o obedience_n nor_o render_v they_o inculpable_a when_o they_o judge_v erroneous_o of_o what_o be_v require_v therefore_o each_o party_n both_o ruler_n and_o subject_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o judge_v aright_o namely_o the_o ruler_n in_o judge_v nothing_o fit_a to_o be_v command_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v evident_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o then_o their_o command_n be_v bind_v and_o the_o subject_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o judge_v erroneous_o of_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n for_o than_o they_o just_o suffer_v for_o disobedience_n each_o party_n indeed_o must_v judge_v for_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n both_o authority_n in_o command_v and_o the_o people_n in_o obey_v but_o the_o judgement_n of_o neither_o do_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o make_v that_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a or_o unlawful_a and_o not_o necessary_a that_o be_v not_o real_o so_o in_o themselves_o but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o argument_n of_o enforce_v obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n mere_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n be_v never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o when_o man_n want_v sufficient_a force_n of_o argument_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o than_o they_o flee_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o obligation_n of_o authority-commanding_a which_o indeed_o will_v equal_o hold_v in_o popery_n itself_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o authority_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n that_o command_v but_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v beside_o the_o will_n of_o authority_n command_v it_o there_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n be_v urge_v mere_o from_o the_o will_n of_o authority_n require_v it_o and_o not_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o necessary_a usefulness_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o what_o force_n and_o obligation_n the_o mere_a will_n of_o authority_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n without_o sound_a reason_n from_o the_o matter_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v somewhat_o unto_o under_o the_o next_o question_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n to_o demonstrate_v what_o that_o lawful_a liberty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v which_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v just_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n but_o to_o allow_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a of_o impose_v unnecessary_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o much_o of_o that_o mistake_n that_o have_v be_v about_o a_o toleration_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o not_o due_o consider_v this_o golden_a mean_a of_o liberty_n only_o in_o unnecessary_a thing_n in_o religion_n between_o the_o two_o extreme_n of_o unnecessary_a imposition_n and_o a_o unlimited_a toleration_n but_o as_o the_o former_a be_v bad_a be_v against_o christian_a liberty_n and_o charity_n yet_o the_o latter_a be_v much_o worse_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n quest_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o give_v their_o actual_a consent_n to_o a_o general_a toleration_n answ_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o they_o may_v not_o and_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v occasion_n to_o say_v but_o little_a in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n for_o have_v before_o prove_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o forego_n question_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o lawful_o allow_v such_o a_o toleration_n it_o will_v thence_o follow_v that_o the_o subject_n may_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o for_o by_o consent_v to_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_o do_v by_o other_o we_o become_v partly_o guilty_a of_o the_o evil_a so_o do_v but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o we_o under_o this_o question_n to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o may_v come_v under_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o assent_n to_o such_o a_o toleration_n to_o practice_v some_o liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n when_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n i_o shall_v answer_v this_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o that_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n unnecessary_a doubtful_a or_o scandalous_a may_v lawful_o be_v practise_v though_o the_o same_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n give_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n 3._o nor_o any_o assent_n thereby_o to_o a_o general_a toleration_n 1._o that_o such_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o exemption_n or_o omission_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n unnecessary_a doubtful_a or_o scandalous_a may_v lawful_o be_v practise_v though_o the_o same_o be_v restrain_v by_o law_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o such_o law_n can_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o the_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n upon_o which_o to_o bottom_n &_o authorise_v such_o law_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o law_n about_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v before_o note_v and_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o require_v therein_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o command_n to_o obey_v and_o the_o mere_a will_n of_o authority_n can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o much_o more_o when_o any_o humane_a law_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v interfere_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n there_o certain_o such_o law_n do_v lose_v their_o force_n and_o obligation_n because_o the_o obligation_n from_o humane_a authority_n cease_v and_o become_v void_a when_o a_o previous_a and_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v to_o take_v place_n by_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o do_v that_o about_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o not_o necessary_a be_v in_o its_o use_n scandalous_a to_o many_o and_o indeed_o such_o law_n that_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o scandalous_a in_o religion_n seem_v to_o lose_v the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o to_o be_v void_a in_o themselves_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a matter_n nor_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o law_n and_o therefore_o a_o liberty_n in_o omit_v such_o thing_n though_o enjoin_v by_o law_n be_v lawful_a to_o be_v practise_v 2._o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n give_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n either_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v or_o from_o authority_n require_v it_o to_o use_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n yet_o they_o be_v indifferent_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v they_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o authority_n and_o to_o other_o that_o will_v be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o omit_v they_o and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o ground_n divers_a learned_a conformist_n have_v think_v it_o lawful_a to_o omit_v the_o ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o law_n when_o scandal_n do_v not_o follow_v be_v neither_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o nor_o from_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n any_o further_a than_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o such_o as_o esteem_v such_o thing_n not_o mere_o indifferent_a but_o doubtful_a in_o themselves_o if_o not_o unlawful_a can_v be_v oblige_v to_o use_v they_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o other_o but_o if_o they_o be_v but_o mere_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o prove_v scandalous_a to_o many_o and_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n from_o authority_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o become_v scandalous_a it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o scandal_n give_v by_o omit_v they_o though_o scandal_n be_v take_v or_o though_o in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o unnecessary_a thing_n in_o religion_n we_o real_o give_v scandal_n yet_o by_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v now_o give_v though_o scandal_n may_v be_v take_v thereupon_o because_o scandal_n give_v arise_v either_o out_o of_o the_o omission_n of_o something_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v or_o do_v something_o either_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a though_o lawful_a now_o if_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n do_v not_o make_v that_o in_o religion_n not_o necessary_a in_o itself_o to_o become_v necessary_a when_o scandal_n follow_v as_o