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
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
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
above_o one_o viz._n the_o four_o that_o have_v not_o divers_a law_n relate_v to_o church_n affair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o capitular_o of_o charles_n the_o great_a together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o lewis_n the_o godly_a his_o son_n and_o successor_n they_o contain_v little_a else_o but_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o lindembrogius_fw-la his_o collection_n of_o ancient_a law_n together_o with_o divers_a other_o law_n of_o theodorick_n and_o other_o gothish_a king_n §_o 18._o and_o next_o to_o the_o divine_a providence_n we_o owe_v the_o settlement_n and_o preservation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a prince_n for_o by_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o primitive_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o christianity_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o the_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o its_o first_o professor_n begin_v to_o give_v place_n to_o a_o furious_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n begin_v to_o abate_v but_o the_o church_n be_v present_o shatter_v into_o swarm_n of_o faction_n by_o the_o violent_a passion_n and_o animosity_n of_o its_o member_n about_o bare_a speculation_n or_o useless_a practice_n and_o of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n that_o ever_o disturb_a the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o any_o perhaps_o so_o excuseless_a or_o so_o irregular_a as_o those_o of_o christendom_n of_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v commence_v with_o more_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n or_o pursue_v with_o more_o passion_n and_o frowardness_n the_o rage_n and_o fierceness_n of_o christian_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o fire_n in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v be_v consume_v by_o its_o own_o combustion_n have_v not_o the_o christian_a emperor_n employ_v all_o their_o power_n to_o suppress_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o flame_n and_o though_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o prudence_n and_o industry_n christianity_n be_v sad_o impair_v by_o its_o own_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o care_n of_o christian_a prince_n it_o have_v in_o all_o humane_a probability_n be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o the_o flame_n that_o have_v once_o catch_v its_o superstructure_n must_v without_o remedy_n have_v burn_v up_o its_o very_a foundation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o record_n and_o history_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a disturbance_n that_o threaten_v the_o state_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o empire_n be_v more_o shake_v by_o the_o intestine_a commotion_n that_o arise_v from_o religion_n than_o by_o foreign_a war_n and_o invasion_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v they_o so_o high_o concern_v to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o discord_n and_o allay_v all_o the_o heat_n about_o religion_n by_o silence_v needless_a and_o unprofitable_a controversy_n determine_v certain_a &_o necessary_a truth_n prescribe_v decent_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o wise_a and_o prudent_a expedient_n to_o bring_v the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n to_o sobriety_n and_o moderation_n §_o 19_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n tolerable_o well_o establish_v and_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n competent_o well_o ground_v though_o better_o or_o worse_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o vigilance_n of_o the_o several_a emperor_n till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n usurp_v one_o half_a of_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o annex_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o supremacy_n to_o their_o own_o see_n for_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o distraction_n occasion_v partly_o by_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o northern_a nation_n on_o the_o west_n partly_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o turkish_a power_n on_o the_o east_n but_o main_o by_o the_o division_n of_o the_o empire_n itself_o they_o gain_v either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n the_o whole_a dominion_n of_o religion_n to_o themselves_o and_o by_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n usurp_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a empire_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n and_o whilst_o they_o at_o first_o pretend_v no_o other_o title_n to_o their_o sovereignty_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o religion_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o serve_v up_o their_o power_n to_o a_o unmeasurable_a tyranny_n thereby_o to_o secure_v themselves_o in_o those_o insolence_n and_o indignity_n wherewith_o they_o perpetual_o affront_v the_o prince_n of_o christendom_n and_o know_v the_o freeborn_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v never_o tame_o brook_v to_o be_v enslave_v to_o so_o ignoble_a a_o tyranny_n they_o proclaim_v it_o a_o traitor_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o a_o heretic_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o by_o their_o loud_a noise_n and_o menace_n fright_v it_o out_o of_o christendom_n in_o which_o design_n they_o at_o length_n advance_v so_o far_o till_o rome_n christian_n become_v little_o less_o fond_a and_o superstitious_a than_o rome_n heathen_a and_o christianity_n itself_o be_v almost_o debauch_v to_o the_o low_a guise_n of_o paganism_n and_o europe_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o polite_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o more_o than_o african_a ignorance_n and_o barbarity_n and_o thus_o do_v they_o easy_o usher_v in_o the_o grand_a departure_n and_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n by_o the_o fall_n away_o from_o reason_n and_o found_v the_o roman_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a liberty_n §_o 20._o in_o which_o sad_a posture_n continue_v the_o affair_n of_o christendom_n till_o the_o reformation_n which_o though_o it_o have_v wrought_v wonderful_a alteration_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o be_v able_a to_o resettle_v prince_n in_o their_o full_a &_o natural_a right_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n for_o although_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o religious_a matter_n be_v express_o assert_v in_o all_o the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o content_v bare_o to_o affirm_v it_o but_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o that_o deny_v it_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o exorbitant_a power_n that_o some_o pert_a and_o pragmatical_a divine_n have_v gain_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n this_o great_a article_n have_v find_v little_a or_o no_o entertainment_n in_o their_o practice_n there_o start_v up_o a_o race_n of_o proud_a and_o imperious_a man_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o not_o regard_v the_o prince_n power_n take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o frame_v precise_a hypothesis_n of_o orthodoxy_n and_o to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o pedantic_a system_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o want_v what_o the_o other_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o prescription_n they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o pretence_n not_o only_o excuse_v but_o justify_v any_o wild_a theorem_n they_o can_v not_o prove_v by_o sober_a reason_n and_o those_o that_o will_v be_v awe_v with_o it_o they_o embrace_v for_o orthodox_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n by_o which_o little_a device_n they_o decoy_v the_o silly_a and_o ignorant_a rabble_n into_o their_o own_o party_n the_o effect_n of_o all_o which_o have_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brutish_a and_o fanatic_a ignorance_n make_v man_n to_o talk_v of_o little_a else_o but_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o a_o buzz_n and_o noise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v only_o impregnable_o possess_v with_o their_o own_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n become_v saucy_a and_o impudent_a for_o religion_n confound_v order_n and_o despise_v government_n and_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o nothing_o but_o the_o whimsy_n and_o humour_n of_o a_o unaccountable_a conscience_n §_o 21._o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o protestant_a prince_n have_v be_v fright_v not_o to_o say_v hector_v out_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o clamour_n of_o giddy_a and_o distemper_a zealot_n superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n have_v outface_v the_o law_n and_o put_v government_n out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o boldness_n of_o their_o pretension_n confident_n man_n have_v talk_v so_o loud_o of_o the_o inviolable_a sacredness_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o governor_n not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n so_o late_o restore_v to_o they_o have_v be_v almost_o scare_v from_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v upon_o this_o score_n plead_v its_o privilege_n and_o exemption_n from_o their_o command_n and_o how_o
peremptory_a soever_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v in_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o their_o supreme_a power_n in_o civil_a affair_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o seem_v modest_a and_o diffident_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n and_o dare_v scarce_o own_o their_o legislative_a power_n in_o religious_a affair_n only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o saucy_a pretence_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o tumultuary_a zeal_n one_o notorious_a instance_n whereof_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v the_o jejunium_fw-la cecilianum_fw-la the_o wednesday_n fast_o that_o be_v enjoin_v with_o this_o clause_n of_o exception_n that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n he_o shall_v be_v punish_v like_o the_o spreader_n of_o false_a news_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o late_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n a_o direct_a artifice_n to_o evacuate_v the_o whole_a law_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o argue_v all_o humane_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o bind_v upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o man_n he_o that_o say_v it_o shall_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o law_n it_o shall_v have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o then_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n then_o to_o break_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n so_o that_o a_o law_n without_o such_o a_o intention_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o law_n which_o bind_v only_o if_o we_o please_v and_o we_o may_v obey_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o to_o so_o much_o we_o be_v tie_v before_o the_o constitution_n but_o then_o if_o by_o such_o a_o declaration_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o to_o keep_v such_o fasting-day_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o direct_a commandment_n from_o god_n that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o require_v they_o by_o himself_o immediate_o and_o so_o it_o be_v abstract_v from_o that_o law_n no_o duty_n evangelical_n it_o have_v be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n pretend_v it_o no_o man_n say_v it_o no_o man_n think_v it_o and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o law_n be_v none_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o matter_n indeed_o of_o this_o law_n be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o declaration_n annex_v to_o it_o prove_v of_o a_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n for_o when_o once_o the_o unruly_a conscience_n of_o the_o puritan_n be_v get_v loose_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o authority_n nothing_o can_v give_v check_n to_o their_o giddy_a and_o furious_a zeal_n but_o they_o soon_o break_v out_o into_o the_o most_o impudent_a affront_v and_o indignity_n against_o the_o law_n and_o run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o disloyal_a outrage_n against_o the_o state_n as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o cartwright_n goodman_n whittingham_n gilby_n whitehead_n travers_n and_o other_o lead_a rabbi_n of_o the_o holy_a faction_n who_o treatise_n be_v stuff_v with_o as_o rail_v spiteful_a and_o malicious_a speech_n both_o against_o their_o prince_n the_o clergy_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n as_o be_v ever_o public_o vent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o traitor_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o method_n of_o their_o polity_n it_o be_v plain_o no_o more_o than_o this_o first_o to_o reproach_v the_o church_n with_o infamous_a and_o abusive_a dialogue_n and_o then_o to_o libel_v the_o state_n with_o bitter_a and_o scurrilous_a pamphlet_n to_o possess_v man_n mind_n with_o dislike_n and_o jealousy_n about_o public_a affair_n whisper_v about_o reproachful_a and_o slanderous_a report_n inveigle_v the_o people_n with_o a_o thousand_o little_a and_o malicious_a story_n enter_v into_o secret_a league_n and_o confederacy_n foment_n discontent_n and_o sedition_n and_o in_o every_o straight_a and_o exigence_n of_o state_n threaten_v and_o beleaguer_v authority_n in_o fine_a the_o scope_n of_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v their_o party_n that_o if_o prince_n refuse_v to_o reform_v religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n with_o direction_n of_o their_o godly_a minister_n i._n e._n themselves_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o by_o violent_a and_o forcible_a course_n and_o whither_o this_o principle_n in_o process_n of_o time_n lead_v they_o the_o story_n be_v too_o long_o too_o sad_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o repeat_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o improve_v itself_o into_o the_o great_a villainy_n &_o conclude_v in_o the_o black_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v upon_o this_o island_n §_o 22._o well_o then_o to_o sum_n up_o the_o result_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o see_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n what_o a_o powerful_a influence_n religion_n have_v upon_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o kingdom_n that_o nothing_o so_o effectual_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o so_o easy_o work_v its_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n as_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_a administration_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o due_a conduct_n and_o settlement_n that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n which_o because_o he_o can_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o power_n and_o conduct_n of_o religion_n its_o government_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v seat_v in_o he_o and_o none_o else_o so_o that_o those_o person_n who_o will_v exempt_v conscience_n and_o all_o religious_a matter_n from_o the_o prince_n power_n must_v make_v he_o either_o a_o tyrant_n or_o a_o impotent_a prince_n for_o if_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tie_v law_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o conscience_n then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n he_o usurp_v a_o unlawful_a dominion_n violate_v the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o invade_v the_o throne_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v then_o do_v he_o clear_o pass_v away_o the_o bige_a security_n of_o his_o government_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o villainy_n that_o can_v put_v on_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v any_o prince_n through_o unhappy_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o state_n be_v bring_v into_o such_o straits_n and_o exigence_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o headstrong_a inclination_n of_o his_o subject_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o raise_v such_o commotion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o perhaps_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o allay_v and_o so_o shall_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o to_o indulge_v they_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o fancy_n and_o persuasion_n about_o religion_n yet_o unless_o he_o will_v divest_v himself_o of_o a_o more_o material_a and_o more_o necessary_a part_n of_o his_o authority_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v grant_v away_o his_o power_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o his_o prerogative_n of_o ratify_v all_o civil_a law_n unless_o i_o say_v he_o will_v thus_o hazard_v his_o crown_n and_o make_v himself_o too_o weak_a for_o government_n by_o renounce_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o must_v lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o person_n to_o who_o he_o grant_v this_o their_o religious_a freedom_n to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n to_o govern_v all_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o be_v either_o conducive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o declaration_n they_o will_v but_o confess_v themselves_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o refuse_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v just_a power_n to_o impose_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n in_o affair_n of_o religion_n the_o content_n the_o parallel_n between_o matter_n relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n moral_a virtue_n the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n 2._o by_o a_o particular_a induction_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o mankind_n a_o scheme_n of_o religion_n reduce_v all_o its_o branch_n either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o
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
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
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
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
to_o be_v rogue_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v §_o 6._o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n mankind_n be_v leave_v in_o as_o ill_a a_o condition_n after_o they_o have_v by_o pact_n and_o covenant_n unite_v into_o society_n and_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n of_o war._n for_o all_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a trust_n be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o rule_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n invalid_a because_o under_o that_o man_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o their_o action_n but_o their_o interest_n and_o therefore_o as_o that_o may_v invite_v they_o in_o some_o circumstance_n to_o enter_v into_o bond_n and_o contract_n so_o it_o may_v in_o other_o to_o break_v they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n all_o their_o promise_n oath_n and_o contract_n will_v prove_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n partly_o because_o the_o force_n of_o all_o contract_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o government_n arise_v from_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o first_o compact_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o validity_n partly_o because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o tie_n but_o that_o of_o self-interest_n and_o so_o can_v lay_v no_o other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v they_o than_o they_o may_v have_v do_v before_o and_o therefore_o if_o mankind_n be_v once_o suppose_v in_o this_o natural_a state_n of_o war_n they_o can_v never_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o after_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n of_o peace_n they_o will_v remain_v as_o much_o as_o before_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o war_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o same_o danger_n and_o misery_n that_o will_v have_v annoy_v they_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n for_o if_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o law_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o nature_n no_o covenant_n be_v of_o power_n enough_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o they_o now_o have_v thus_o clear_o blow_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a to_o make_v particular_a inquiry_n into_o all_o the_o flaw_n and_o folly_n of_o its_o superstructure_n see_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n stand_v and_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o its_o subsequent_a proposition_n be_v coherent_o deduce_v from_o these_o fundamental_a principle_n all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o premise_n be_v once_o convict_v of_o falsehood_n all_o pretence_n to_o truth_n in_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o vanish_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v true_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o but_o other_o principle_n thus_o though_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o assign_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n yet_o because_o upon_o those_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o assign_v they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o law_n that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o error_n and_o vanity_n of_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n see_v how_o good_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o upon_o the_o principle_n and_o in_o the_o method_n in_o which_o he_o propose_v they_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n the_o interest_n of_o civil_a society_n come_v thereby_o to_o be_v no_o better_o secure_v with_o than_o without_o they_o because_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o force_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_a all_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o think_v it_o advantageous_a and_o when_o they_o have_v the_o utmost_a force_n his_o principle_n can_v give_v they_o no_o man_n will_v think_v they_o oblige_v he_o when_o ever_o he_o apprehend_v they_o disadvantageous_a so_o that_o this_o malignant_a principle_n of_o mere_a self-interest_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n and_o twist_v itself_o with_o every_o branch_n of_o his_o morality_n it_o do_v not_o only_o eat_v out_o and_o enervate_a its_o native_a life_n and_o vigour_n but_o withal_o envenom_v their_o natural_a truth_n and_o soundness_n with_o its_o own_o malignity_n which_o principle_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o influence_n it_o have_v on_o other_o part_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v prevent_v and_o withal_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v ruin_v viz._n his_o absurd_a and_o imaginary_a state_n of_o nature_n we_o have_v perhaps_o cashier_v all_o that_o be_v either_o base_a or_o peculiar_a in_o it_o and_o restore_v the_o true_a account_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o right_a reason_n viz._n that_o all_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o happiness_n from_o the_o very_a design_n of_o their_o creation_n that_o this_o can_v be_v acquire_v without_o mutual_a aid_n and_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n dictate_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o concern_v for_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o because_o this_o be_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n man_n support_v one_o another_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n chap._n v._n a_o confutation_n of_o the_o consequence_n that_o some_o man_n draw_v from_o mr._n hobs_n principle_n in_o behalf_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o content_n how_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n yet_o because_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v without_o it_o they_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o government_n that_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o religion_n be_v useful_a or_o dangerous_a in_o a_o state_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o breed_v be_v peaceable_a or_o turbulent_a the_o dread_n of_o invisible_a power_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o awe_v people_n into_o subjection_n but_o tend_v more_o probable_o to_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n this_o large_o prove_v by_o the_o ungovernableness_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o temper_n of_o some_o sect_n fanaticism_n be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o common_a people_n as_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o be_v more_o mischievous_a to_o government_n than_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n how_o the_o fanatic_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o sedition_n to_o permit_v different_a sect_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v only_o to_o keep_v up_o so_o many_o incurable_a pretence_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a disturbance_n the_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n make_v toleration_n infinite_o unsafe_a toleration_n only_o cry_v up_o by_o oppress_a party_n because_o it_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o overturn_v the_o settle_a frame_n of_o thing_n every_o man_n that_o desire_v indulgence_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o principle_n to_o endeavour_v change_n and_o alteration_n a_o bare_a indulgence_n of_o man_n in_o any_o religion_n different_a from_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o worship_n do_v but_o exasperate_v they_o against_o the_o state_n §_o 1._o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v this_o principle_n be_v because_o it_o be_v become_v the_o most_o powerful_a patron_n of_o the_o fanatic_a interest_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o indifferency_n or_o rather_o imposture_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v now_o make_v the_o most_o effectual_a not_o to_o say_v most_o fashionable_a argument_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o man_n have_v once_o swallow_v this_o principle_n that_o mankind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o obligation_n antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o proceed_v suitable_o to_o its_o consequence_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o religion_n can_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n till_o it_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o supreme_a authority_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o law_n to_o any_o man_n till_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o no_o man_n be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n unless_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n require_v it_o and_o that_o set_v aside_o their_o command_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o believe_v our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o villainous_a and_o lewd_a impostor_n and_o that_o if_o the_o sovereign_a power_n will_v declare_v the_o alcoran_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o the_o
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
allow_v and_o what_o it_o allow_v be_v not_o unlawful_a and_o what_o be_v not_o unlawful_a may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o conform_v to_o all_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n if_o they_o be_v not_o antecedent_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o determine_v remain_v indifferent_a what_o be_v indifferent_a be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v lawful_a the_o magistrate_n may_v lawful_o command_v and_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o to_o obey_v he_o at_o all_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v either_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o thing_n lawful_a too_o then_o be_v all_o obedience_n sinful_a §_o 6._o five_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v indeed_o to_o see_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o make_v none_o of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v a_o distinction_n without_o a_o difference_n for_o if_o he_o may_v provide_v for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n then_o may_v he_o make_v law_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v execute_v this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v their_o execution_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o to_o deny_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n a_o power_n of_o make_v law_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o to_o allow_v he_o a_o authority_n to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o religion_n execute_v because_o that_o be_v so_o apparent_o employ_v in_o this_o in_o that_o whoever_o have_v a_o power_n to_o see_v that_o law_n be_v execute_v can_v be_v without_o a_o power_n to_o command_v their_o execution_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v only_o determine_v the_o substance_n and_o morality_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v leave_v the_o order_n of_o its_o circumstance_n to_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o lawful_a authority_n &_o whatever_o they_o determine_v about_o they_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o whatever_o they_o enjoin_v can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n without_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o reduce_v to_o some_o particular_a case_n thus_o when_o the_o holy_a apostle_n set_v we_o down_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n without_o determine_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o be_v conducive_a to_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o rule_n when_o it_o be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n must_v be_v entire_o leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o must_v judge_v what_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a and_o what_o law_n it_o establish_v in_o order_n to_o it_o though_o they_o be_v but_o further_a pursuance_n of_o the_o apostolical_a precept_n yet_o be_v they_o new_a and_o distinct_a command_n by_o themselves_o and_o enjoin_v something_o that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o command_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v general_a and_o general_a law_n not_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o in_o particular_a case_n and_o instance_n he_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o look_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o general_a law_n must_v withal_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o determine_v with_o what_o particular_a instance_n case_n and_o circumstance_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n and_o execution_n and_o here_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o take_v order_n himself_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o immediate_o concern_v his_o own_o worship_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o determine_v all_o particular_a rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v discharge_v his_o office_n with_o less_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n than_o moses_n who_o order_v every_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n even_o as_o far_o as_o the_o pin_n and_o nail_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n with_o divers_a other_o the_o like_a idle_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n who_o argue_v at_o this_o rate_n have_v already_o at_o least_o discover_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o complete_a form_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o eternal_a universal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o till_o they_o can_v believe_v this_o themselves_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o other_o instead_o of_o return_v solemn_a answer_n to_o such_o baffle_v and_o intolerable_a impertinency_n i_o shall_v only_o advise_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o unlucky_a consequent_n of_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v when_o instead_o of_o produce_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o public_a worship_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o they_o with_o their_o wont_a modesty_n prove_v he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o that_o unless_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o his_o care_n &_o providence_n over_o his_o church_n for_o what_o can_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o be_v but_o that_o god_n be_v chargeable_a with_o want_n of_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n or_o with_o some_o other_o defect_n even_o by_o certain_a and_o infallible_a experience_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o determine_v every_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n than_o he_o must_v stand_v charge_v with_o all_o the_o absurdity_n they_o object_n against_o their_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o therefore_o if_o no_o such_o prescribe_a form_n can_v be_v produce_v as_o it_o be_v infinite_o certain_a none_o ever_o can_v then_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o follow_v so_o unhappy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o when_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v dispute_v against_o experience_n who_o evidence_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o forcible_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o demonstration_n itself_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o cope_v with_o it_o how_o much_o less_o the_o weak_a and_o puny_a argument_n wherewith_o these_o man_n assault_v it_o sect._n 7._o six_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a action_n but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a variety_n of_o circumstance_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o outward_a worship_n but_o may_v be_v do_v after_o a_o thousand_o different_a modes_n and_o fashion_n in_o that_o as_o every_o action_n be_v clothe_v with_o natural_a and_o emergent_a circumstance_n so_o be_v every_o circumstance_n with_o its_o circumstance_n every_o one_o of_o which_o may_v be_v modify_v in_o sundry_a way_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o infinite_a variety_n of_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o god_n prescribe_v only_o the_o general_a line_n of_o duty_n and_o rare_o descend_v to_o their_o particular_a determination_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n by_o choice_n and_o custom_n by_o law_n and_o prescription_n and_o by_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o humane_a affair_n be_v govern_v and_o transact_v thus_o for_o example_n the_o divine_a law_n have_v make_v charity_n a_o stand_n and_o eternal_a duty_n but_o have_v leave_v its_o particular_a way_n of_o expression_n undetermined_a and_o uncommand_v and_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o building_n of_o college_n or_o church_n or_o hospital_n by_o repair_v of_o bridge_n or_o river_n or_o highway_n by_o redeem_v of_o slave_n and_o prisoner_n by_o hospitality_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o provision_n for_o orphan_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n of_o public_a or_o private_a bounty_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o thought_n have_v determine_v his_o own_o choice_n to_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o particular_n even_o that_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o strange_a number_n of_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o discretion_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o moral_a virtue_n so_o in_o that_o of_o religious_a gratitude_n or_o divine_a worship_n this_o duty_n itself_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a and_o essential_a necessity_n but_o yet_o may_v and_o must_v be_v perform_v with_o a_o unconceivable_a variety_n of_o dress_n custom_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n that_o be_v leave_v utter_o free_a and_o undetermined_a in_o scripture_n any_o of_o which_o may_v be_v decent_o use_v provide_v they_o do_v not_o make_v debase_v representation_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o proper_a folly_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o order_n and_o solemnity_n wherewith_o religion_n may_v be_v prudent_o adorn_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o decent_a although_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o
any_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o neither_o have_v nor_o indeed_o can_v determine_v all_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v so_o various_a and_o so_o changeable_a and_o man_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a record_n for_o the_o method_n of_o legal_a proceed_n in_o our_o common_a law_n court_v as_o for_o particular_a rubric_n and_o prescription_n of_o all_o outward_a form_n and_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n so_o that_o what_o these_o man_n demand_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a sect._n 8._o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o unparalleled_a folly_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o principle_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a i_o suppose_v it_o needless_a to_o engage_v in_o any_o further_a scholastic_a dispute_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_a action_n and_o some_o other_o less_o material_a controversy_n that_o depend_v upon_o this_o partly_o because_o this_o principle_n on_o which_o alone_o they_o stand_v be_v remove_v they_o become_v utter_o groundless_a and_o so_o by_o its_o confutation_n be_v sufficient_o confute_v and_o partly_o because_o all_o this_o have_v be_v so_o often_o so_o full_o and_o so_o infinite_o perform_v already_o and_o of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v start_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o that_o have_v be_v more_o fair_o pursue_v and_o satisfactory_o decide_v than_o this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o its_o puritan_n adversary_n that_o have_v all_o along_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dispute_n between_o rational_a learning_n and_o unreasonable_a zeal_n and_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o a_o unhappiness_n than_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o the_o defender_n of_o our_o church_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o waste_v their_o time_n and_o their_o part_n in_o baffle_v the_o idle_a cavil_n of_o a_o few_o hotheaded_a and_o brainsick_a people_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o mankind_n than_o these_o man_n folly_n in_o persist_v so_o obstinate_o in_o their_o old_a and_o pitiful_a clamour_n after_o they_o have_v be_v so_o convince_o answer_v and_o so_o demonstrative_o confute_v and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o satisfy_v such_o unreasonable_a man_n when_o their_o great_a exception_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n constitution_n insomuch_o that_o if_o authority_n shall_v think_v good_a out_o of_o compliance_n with_o their_o cross_a demand_n to_o command_v what_o they_o now_o think_v necessary_a that_o must_v then_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n become_v unlawful_a because_o forsooth_o where_o they_o take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o action_n they_o destroy_v its_o lawfulness_n now_o what_o possible_o can_v have_v betray_v man_n into_o so_o absurd_a a_o persuasion_n but_o a_o stubborn_a resolution_n to_o be_v refractory_a to_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o insolent_a humour_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o whatever_o their_o superior_n command_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v to_o decoy_n they_o into_o obedience_n but_o by_o forbid_v what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o command_v what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o forbear_v and_o than_o if_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o be_v obey_v by_o disobedience_n he_o shall_v find_v they_o good_a man_n the_o most_o obedient_a subject_n in_o the_o world_n sect._n 9_o but_o to_o return_v to_o what_o i_o be_v say_v instead_o of_o trouble_v myself_o with_o any_o further_a confutation_n of_o so_o baffle_v a_o cause_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o more_o brief_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o more_o effectual_o by_o vybray_v they_o with_o their_o shameful_a overthrow_v and_o dare_v they_o but_o to_o look_v those_o enemy_n in_o the_o face_n that_o have_v so_o lamentable_o cow_v they_o by_o so_o many_o absolute_a triumph_n and_o victory_n and_o not_o to_o mention_v divers_a other_o learned_a and_o excellent_a person_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o that_o famous_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n mr._n hooker_n upon_o he_o let_v they_o try_v their_o courage_n though_o by_o so_o safe_a a_o challenge_n i_o do_v but_o give_v proof_n of_o my_o own_o cowardice_n how_o long_o have_v his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n bid_v shameful_a defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a party_n and_o yet_o never_o find_v any_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o venture_v upon_o a_o encounter_n now_o this_o author_n be_v confess_o a_o person_n of_o so_o much_o learning_n candor_n judgement_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o withal_o so_o high_o prize_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o regular_a and_o obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n cast_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n upon_o his_o performance_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o as_o the_o attempt_n of_o a_o just_a reply_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o both_o by_o their_o write_n and_o their_o action_n that_o they_o have_v not_o want_v zeal_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v escape_v so_o long_o free_a from_o all_o contradiction_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o good_a will_n but_o ability_n not_o because_o they_o will_v not_o but_o because_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o can_v not_o confute_v he_o so_o that_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v as_o full_a and_o demonstrative_a a_o confutation_n of_o their_o cause_n as_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o i._n e._n it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o unless_o perhaps_o a_o reply_n to_o it_o and_o shall_v live_v a_o eternal_a shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o their_o cause_n when_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o will_v probable_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o utter_a forgetfulness_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o trophy_n of_o success_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o until_o they_o can_v at_o least_o pretend_v to_o have_v return_v some_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o that_o discourse_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o impudence_n whilst_o they_o continual_o pelt_v we_o with_o their_o pamphlet_n and_o such_o little_a exception_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o since_o so_o shameful_o and_o demonstrative_o baffle_v sect._n 10._o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v wont_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v their_o principle_n look_v more_o plausible_o to_o stuff_v their_o discourse_n with_o frequent_a and_o tragical_a declamation_n against_o popery_n will-worship_n superstition_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o labour_n to_o wipe_v off_o such_o idle_a reproach_n by_o solemn_o discourse_v these_o matter_n both_o because_o this_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o perform_v already_o and_o because_o though_o these_o outcry_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o affright_v silly_a people_n yet_o few_o if_o any_o of_o their_o ringleader_n be_v still_o so_o fond_a either_o to_o own_o this_o charge_n against_o we_o or_o to_o plead_v it_o in_o their_o own_o justification_n only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v of_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a pretence_n that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o strong_a argument_n against_o themselves_o than_o their_o own_o objection_n against_o we_o for_o if_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v any_o superstition_n it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o this_o vice_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o weak_a and_o unworthy_a conceit_n of_o god_n now_o he_o that_o conform_v to_o the_o receive_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o church_n do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o intrinsic_a value_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o order_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n whereas_o he_o that_o scrupulous_o refuse_v to_o use_v and_o practise_v they_o take_v a_o wrong_a estimate_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o imagine_v that_o god_n judge_n his_o creature_n by_o nice_a and_o pettish_a law_n and_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o a_o doubtful_a or_o indifferent_a ceremony_n than_o upon_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o we_o proceed_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v prescribe_v the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o have_v leave_v its_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n
undetermined_a but_o because_o every_o action_n must_v be_v do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o be_v vest_v with_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o and_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v with_o fantastic_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o all_o the_o folly_n &_o indecency_n that_o ignorance_n and_o superstitious_a zeal_n will_v introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o the_o public_a law_n shall_v determine_v some_o circumstance_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o have_v at_o least_o this_o advantage_n that_o they_o provide_v against_o the_o mischief_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o we_o place_v no_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n but_o only_o think_v it_o high_o convenient_a if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o some_o be_v prescribe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o handsomeness_n and_o beauty_n in_o these_o that_o be_v prescribe_v and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o be_v determine_v and_o because_o these_o be_v rather_o than_o divers_a other_o already_o settle_v we_o think_v they_o have_v a_o indispensable_a necessity_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o consequent_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n no_o man_n affirm_v that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o without_o a_o surplice_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v but_o requisite_a that_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v perform_v with_o beauty_n and_o solemnity_n and_o because_o the_o use_n of_o this_o vestment_n be_v but_o handsome_a and_o beautiful_a and_o prevent_v slovenliness_n and_o indecency_n it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v enjoin_v as_o any_o other_o decent_a habit_n may_v have_v be_v and_o when_o this_o be_v single_v out_o by_o authority_n it_o than_o become_v consequential_o necessary_a whereas_o those_o who_o forbid_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o sinful_a and_o lay_v obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o make_v that_o necessary_a not_o to_o be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o make_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v usurp_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o impose_v fetter_n on_o they_o where_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o free_a and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o palpable_a piece_n of_o superstition_n by_o teach_v their_o own_o prohibition_n for_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o make_v it_o a_o mortal_a and_o damnable_a sin_n to_o do_v what_o be_v innocent_a and_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v or_o at_o least_o just_o may_v inflict_v eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o make_v their_o address_n to_o he_o rather_o in_o a_o cleanly_a white_a vestment_n than_o in_o a_o tailor_n cloak_n or_o perhaps_o in_o mechanical_a querpo_n sect._n ii_o and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o outcry_n against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o against_o superstition_n for_o it_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o it_o and_o be_v criminal_a no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v superstitious_a now_o when_o they_o exclaim_v against_o superstition_n they_o mean_v only_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o consist_v in_o will-worship_n and_o when_o against_o will-worship_n it_o be_v only_a as_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o superstition_n so_o that_o these_o two_o impertinent_a clamour_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a denomination_n and_o so_o amount_v but_o to_o one_o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o will-worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o than_o in_o man_n make_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o invention_n necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n whereby_o they_o make_v that_o requisite_a to_o procure_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o this_o be_v do_v by_o injunction_n or_o prohibition_n and_o they_o that_o affirm_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o a_o action_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_a to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n and_o therefore_o if_o these_o man_n make_v it_o necessary_a to_o forbear_v what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v they_o teach_v their_o own_o fancy_n for_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v something_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n on_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n conscience_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o impose_v and_o withal_o so_o unworthy_o misrepresent_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v such_o a_o abhorrency_n to_o a_o thing_n so_o innocent_a as_o a_o white_a garment_n that_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o under_o his_o everlasting_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a be_v as_o well_o in_o their_o as_o our_o esteem_v mortal_a &_o damnable_a but_o then_o as_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o guilty_a of_o this_o piece_n of_o folly_n than_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o innocent_a from_o its_o very_a suspicion_n because_o all_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o posture_n and_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o be_v part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o use_v and_o impose_v they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v lamentable_o precarious_a to_o charge_v the_o determination_n of_o they_o with_o will-worship_n because_o that_o consist_v in_o make_v those_o thing_n part_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o so_o that_o when_o the_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o this_o use_n of_o they_o and_o only_o injoin_v they_o as_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o can_v by_o impose_v they_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o provide_v that_o what_o god_n have_v require_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o orderly_a manner_n sect._n 12._o and_o then_o as_o for_o christian_a liberty_n why_o shall_v we_o suffer_v they_o so_o far_o to_o invade_v we_o as_o to_o renounce_v those_o thing_n as_o criminal_a which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o if_o thing_n indifferent_a when_o enjoin_v lose_v not_o only_o their_o liberty_n but_o their_o lawfulness_n then_o why_o not_o when_o forbid_v and_o that_o by_o a_o incompetent_a authority_n when_o our_o superior_n impose_v rule_n of_o decency_n and_o law_n of_o discipline_n they_o do_v not_o infringe_v our_o christian_a liberty_n because_o they_o do_v not_o abolish_v the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o alone_o it_o consist_v and_o though_o they_o become_v thereby_o necessary_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n or_o some_o emergent_a reason_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n whereas_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o abridge_v our_o liberty_n but_o also_o lay_v insolent_a confinement_n upon_o the_o supreme_a power_n by_o make_v thing_n indifferent_a so_o absolute_o unlawful_a that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o just_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinful_a how_o oft_o and_o how_o plain_o have_v they_o be_v tell_v that_o when_o authority_n injoin_v thing_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o encroach_a upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n that_o it_o rather_o confirm_v it_o in_o that_o this_o suppose_n that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v either_o do_v or_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o determine_v by_o public_a law_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v indifferent_a yet_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v not_o whereas_o when_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v their_o governor_n to_o enjoin_v these_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o do_v will_v not_o obey_v their_o injunction_n do_v they_o not_o apparent_o entrench_v upon_o our_o liberty_n by_o make_v what_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a necessary_a and_o under_o pretence_n of_o assert_v their_o christian_a liberty_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o confine_v the_o right_n of_o authority_n but_o to_o all_o this_o as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v they_o attend_v but_o they_o still_o deaf_o proceed_v in_o their_o old_a clamour_n which_o be_v too_o clear_a a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o dictate_v their_o exception_n but_o humour_n prejudice_n and_o peevishness_n sect._n 13
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
be_v modesty_n it_o be_v meekness_n it_o be_v humility_n it_o be_v love_n it_o be_v peacebleness_n it_o be_v ingenuity_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o pregnant_a with_o virtue_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o anything_o can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o who_o obligation_n it_o will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n utter_o cancel_v and_o evacuate_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o ensue_a proposition_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o tender_a conscience_n if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n they_o will_v not_o desire_v liberty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o will_v not_o deserve_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a they_o will_v choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n rather_o than_o by_o thwart_v they_o do_v what_o in_o themselves_o lie_v to_o discompose_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v rather_o venture_v to_o embroil_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o contradict_v authority_n than_o forego_v their_o own_o peremptory_a determination_n and_o make_v their_o superior_n comply_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o confidence_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v criminal_o bold_a and_o imperious_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n too_o stubborn_a insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o society_n of_o man_n sect._n 4._o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a warranty_n of_o disobedience_n that_o they_o be_v outweigh_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o if_o i_o doubt_v concern_v the_o injustice_n of_o my_o action_n i_o must_v also_o of_o necessity_n doubt_v of_o the_o injustice_n of_o my_o disobedience_n and_o unless_o i_o be_o absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v evil_a i_o be_o sure_a disobedience_n to_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o always_o as_o forcible_o bind_v to_o obey_v a_o scruple_v law_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n as_o to_o disobey_v it_o for_o fear_v it_o command_v a_o essential_a evil_n so_o that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n must_v always_o at_o least_o as_o much_o fright_v we_o from_o disobey_v as_o from_o obey_v any_o humane_a law_n though_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v proper_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n perfect_o determine_v and_o evacuate_v all_o doubtfulness_n and_o irresolution_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o it_o before_o hang_v in_o suspense_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o unresolved_a whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o not_o have_v competent_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o authority_n cast_v its_o command_n into_o the_o scale_n if_o in_o some_o man_n conscience_n they_o weigh_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v but_o add_v weight_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o incline_v the_o balance_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a before_o than_o thet_o side_n that_o gain_v this_o accession_n have_v most_o reason_n now_o so_o that_o law_n do_v not_o force_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o remove_v our_o doubt_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o require_v our_o obedience_n because_o they_o destroy_v the_o equal_a probability_n of_o the_o two_o opinion_n and_o determine_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o confidence_n of_o act_v by_o direct_v it_o to_o follow_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o that_o no_o practice_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n or_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v of_o equal_a importance_n with_o the_o prime_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v ever_o of_o too_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o consequence_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a mischief_n of_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n enjoin_v any_o thing_n absolute_o and_o apparent_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o great_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o exigent_n dam_fw-ge veniam_fw-la imperator_fw-la will_v be_v a_o fair_a and_o civil_a excuse_n but_o matter_n of_o a_o less_o importance_n will_v not_o pay_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o suffer_v for_o little_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n have_v but_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n that_o will_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o metaphysical_a notion_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o optatus_n to_o the_o donatist_n who_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o little_a schism_n be_v smart_a and_o severe_a 3._o nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la nega_fw-la deum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la incende_fw-la testamentum_fw-la nulli_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la thus_o pone_fw-la aut_fw-la basilicas_fw-la dirue_fw-la istae_fw-la enim_fw-la res_fw-la solent_fw-la martyria_fw-la generare_fw-la matter_n wherein_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v direct_o concern_v be_v worth_a the_o die_n for_o and_o will_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o no_o indifferent_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n be_v of_o value_n enough_o to_o pay_v for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o zealot_n of_o the_o parson_n donati_n who_o be_v so_o ambitious_a to_o suffer_v imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n banishment_n and_o death_n itself_o out_o of_o a_o pertinacious_a resolution_n against_o some_o establish_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v reward_v in_o any_o other_o heaven_n but_o the_o paradise_n of_o fool_n thing_n that_o be_v essential_o evil_a no_o change_n or_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v make_v good_a and_o therefore_o no_o command_n of_o any_o superior_a can_v ever_o warrant_v or_o legitimate_a their_o practice_n but_o then_o these_o be_v always_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o weighty_a importance_n and_o of_o a_o apparent_a and_o palpable_a obliquity_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n murder_n injustice_n cruelty_n ingratitude_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o clear_o and_o intrinsical_o evil_a that_o no_o end_n how_o good_a or_o great_a soever_o can_v ever_o carry_v with_o it_o goodness_n enough_o to_o abate_v or_o evacuate_v their_o malice_n but_o as_o for_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o so_o apparent_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n their_o morality_n be_v of_o so_o small_a importance_n that_o it_o can_v never_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o obligation_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n to_o preach_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 5._o 29._o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o of_o a_o express_a command_n from_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o apparent_a necessity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o commission_n from_o its_o supreme_a governor_n to_o make_v law_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n from_o his_o great_a manifest_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a credential_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o his_o message_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o out_o of_o duty_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o who_o unquestionable_a law_n no_o other_o authority_n can_v ever_o derogate_v because_o it_o be_v all_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o case_n of_o certain_a absolute_a and_o notorious_a injustice_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o small_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o quiet_a of_o government_n and_o infinite_o distant_a from_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o plea_n be_v in_o a_o case_n of_o great_a evident_a and_o unquestionable_a necessity_n but_o what_o warrant_n be_v that_o for_o my_o disobedience_n when_o i_o only_o fear_v or_o fancy_v the_o law_n to_o be_v unjust_a which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n enough_o to_o weigh_v against_o the_o mischief_n and_o enormity_n that_o follow_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o doubtful_a and_o less_o considerable_a case_n that_o side_n on_o which_o obedience_n stand_v must_v ever_o carry_v it_o and_o no_o man_n that_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o good_a will_v ever_o trouble_v
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