person_n have_v any_o serious_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n they_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o confident_a in_o any_o action_n as_o when_o they_o obey_v because_o than_o they_o have_v the_o public_a wisdom_n to_o warrant_v they_o and_o their_o own_o folly_n to_o excuse_v they_o that_o be_v they_o follow_v the_o best_a guide_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n when_o he_o resign_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o superior_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a be_v in_o effect_n govern_v by_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n which_o unless_o it_o be_v harden_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n can_v but_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o presume_v they_o more_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o expediency_n of_o public_a law_n who_o work_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o than_o himself_o who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o management_n and_o transaction_n of_o public_a affair_n this_o be_v the_o most_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o all_o man_n practice_v by_o it_o in_o all_o their_o concern_v but_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v debauch_v with_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o frenzy_n because_o silly_a people_n will_v not_o submit_v their_o conscience_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o giddy_a imagination_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v but_o condescend_v to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o their_o other_o affair_n obedience_n to_o authority_n may_v be_v secure_v without_o any_o violence_n to_o conscience_n see_v no_o conscience_n that_o be_v act_v by_o wise_a and_o sober_a persuasion_n will_v ever_o be_v stiff_a in_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a case_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a wisdom_n because_o such_o man_n be_v sensible_a how_o unable_a they_o be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o they_o know_v they_o can_v never_o act_v more_o safe_o than_o when_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o superior_n and_o be_v they_o can_v pretend_v to_o trust_v confident_o enough_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n how_o can_v they_o proceed_v upon_o wise_a and_o more_o reasonable_a ground_n than_o by_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n in_o which_o though_o possible_o they_o may_v be_v misguide_v yet_o they_o may_v secure_v themselves_o that_o god_n who_o value_v integrity_n more_o than_o subtlety_n will_v pardon_v their_o weakness_n and_o reward_v their_o meekness_n and_o humility_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o plead_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n for_o disobedience_n to_o government_n be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o child_n in_o minority_n shall_v reject_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o guardian_n because_o he_o have_v not_o wit_n enough_o to_o know_v when_o he_o be_v well_o advise_v or_o as_o if_o a_o fool_n shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v because_o he_o have_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o discern_v when_o he_o be_v well_o manage_v or_o as_o if_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o guide_n because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v when_o he_o be_v mislead_v humility_n and_o condescension_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a duty_n of_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n the_o only_a ornament_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n who_o confidence_n exceed_v not_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v strange_o wary_a of_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a odd_a pretence_n to_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o appear_v in_o nothing_o but_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o government_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o serious_o believe_v himself_o if_o he_o presume_v he_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o govern_v his_o governor_n and_o so_o do_v every_o one_o that_o think_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o command_n it_o be_v a_o handsome_a piece_n of_o modesty_n for_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n when_o his_o prince_n require_v his_o obedience_n to_o give_v he_o counsel_n to_o advise_v he_o how_o to_o govern_v the_o kingdom_n to_o blame_v and_o correct_v the_o law_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o this_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v mend_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o to_o see_v man_n under_o pretence_n of_o great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n of_o conscience_n to_o cherish_v stubbornness_n and_o vanity_n and_o to_o endure_v neither_o law_n nor_o superior_n because_o they_o be_v proud_a enough_o to_o think_v themselves_o more_o holy_a than_o their_o neighbour_n what_o a_o malapert_a and_o insolent_a piece_n of_o pride_n be_v it_o for_o every_o prate_a gossip_n and_o illiterate_a mechanic_n that_o can_v mark_v themselves_o with_o some_o distinctive_a name_n and_o character_n of_o godliness_n to_o scoff_n and_o jibe_v at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o public_a authority_n to_o affront_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n to_o pity_v and_o disdain_v the_o lamentable_a ignorance_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o to_o libel_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o rendezvous_fw-fr especial_o their_o superior_n with_o slander_n and_o idle_a story_n what_o strange_a effect_n be_v these_o of_o a_o diffident_a and_o timorous_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o know_v itself_o to_o be_v act_v by_o certain_a and_o infallible_a principle_n how_o can_v it_o be_v more_o headstrong_a and_o confident_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o man_n practice_n with_o their_o pretence_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n that_o embolden_v they_o to_o fall_v out_o with_o all_o the_o world_n but_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o insolence_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v possible_o drive_v they_o on_o with_o so_o peremptory_a a_o sail_n against_o so_o strong_a and_o so_o unite_v a_o torrent_n for_o a_o conscience_n that_o be_v only_o weak_a and_o tender_a be_v of_o a_o yield_a and_o pliable_a temper_n it_o be_v soft_a and_o innocent_a modest_a and_o teachable_a apt_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_v of_o its_o superior_n and_o easy_o capable_a of_o all_o impression_n tend_v to_o peace_n and_o charity_n but_o when_o it_o be_v stubborn_a and_o confident_a in_o its_o own_o apprehension_n than_o it_o be_v not_o tender_a but_o hardy_a and_o humoursom_a and_o as_o queasy_a as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o its_o superior_n command_n it_o be_v usual_o strong_a enough_o to_o digest_v rebellion_n and_o villainy_n and_o whilst_o it_o rise_v against_o a_o poor_a innocent_a ceremony_n it_o be_v scarce_o ever_o stir_v with_o schism_n faction_n and_o cruelty_n now_o to_o permit_v these_o man_n their_o liberty_n who_o mistake_v insolence_n for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o easy_a or_o more_o natural_a for_o people_n that_o be_v both_o proud_a and_o simple_a be_v to_o suffer_v ignorance_n to_o ride_v in_o triumph_n because_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o confident_a and_o to_o indulge_v zealous_a idiot_n in_o their_o folly_n because_o they_o threaten_v authority_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o scrupulous_a to_o their_o law_n and_o to_o infest_v their_o government_n with_o a_o sullen_a and_o cross-grained_a godliness_n a_o artifice_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o trick_n of_o some_o froward_a child_n and_o therefore_o such_o untoward_a and_o humoursom_a saint_n must_v be_v lash_v out_o of_o their_o sullenness_n as_o child_n be_v into_o compliance_n and_o better_a manner_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v a_o eternal_a annoyance_n to_o all_o government_n with_o the_o childish_a and_o whine_a pretence_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o crazy_a conscience_n in_o brief_a i_o appeal_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o have_v but_o any_o tolerable_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o become_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n that_o be_v not_o apparent_o sinful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o setlement_n of_o the_o church_n than_o to_o disturb_v its_o quiet_a by_o a_o stubborn_a and_o peremptory_a adherence_n to_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o christianity_n of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n and_o in_o what_o can_v these_o great_a duty_n more_o discover_v themselves_o than_o in_o the_o office_n and_o civility_n of_o humble_a obedience_n that_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v most_o amiable_a and_o most_o useful_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o
rod_n or_o in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n i._o e._n consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o see_v i_o have_v determine_v to_o visit_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o when_o i_o come_v you_o have_v rather_o i_o shall_v chastise_v you_o with_o the_o apostolical_a rod_n by_o exercise_v my_o power_n of_o inflict_a punishment_n and_o by_o consign_v the_o refractory_a to_o those_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a disease_n that_o be_v wont_n immediate_o to_o follow_v apostolical_a censure_n or_o whether_o i_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o more_o gentle_a and_o merciful_a design_n without_o be_v force_v by_o your_o stubborness_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o use_v this_o severity_n among_o you_o as_o you_o behave_v yourselves_o so_o may_v you_o expect_v to_o find_v i_o at_o my_o come_n and_o thus_o again_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 6._o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o his_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n if_o he_o shall_v come_v among_o they_o to_o revenge_v all_o their_o disobedience_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o immediate_o profess_v himself_o not_o ashamed_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o again_o shake_v the_o same_o rod_n over_o they_o threaten_v that_o if_o their_o refractoriness_n force_v he_o to_o strike_v they_o with_o some_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a one_o if_o i_o come_v again_o i_o will_v not_o spare_v since_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o these_o extraordinary_a infliction_n be_v sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o he_o will_v make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o be_v commissioned_n by_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o make_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n if_o nothing_o else_o will_v satisfy_v they_o about_o the_o right_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o same_o apostle_n command_v to_o the_o same_o church_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o that_o they_o shall_v deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o they_o shall_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o which_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o small_a a_o punishment_n than_o his_o be_v resign_v up_o to_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o some_o evil_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost._n in_o 1._o ad_fw-la cor._n hom._n 15._o to_o be_v torment_v with_o ulcer_n or_o some_o other_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infliction_n which_o be_v then_o the_o usual_a consequent_a of_o excommunication_n the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v as_o immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i._n e._n that_o be_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o sadness_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o this_o cruel_a executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n this_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o work_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n do_v the_o same_o apostle_n deliver_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v vex_v and_o torment_v by_o some_o evil_a spirit_n this_o may_v take_v down_o their_o proud_a and_o haughty_a stomach_n and_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o traduce_v and_o disparage_v his_o apostolical_a authority_n when_o they_o have_v smart_v so_o severe_o for_o contradict_v it_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o divine_a providence_n please_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o his_o own_o almighty_a power_n so_o necessary_a be_v a_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n to_o the_o due_a government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v fain_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o primitive_a discipline_n maintain_v by_o miracle_n of_o severity_n as_o long_o as_o it_o want_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n but_o when_o christianity_n have_v once_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o have_v gain_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n into_o its_o own_o possession_n and_o be_v become_v the_o imperial_a religion_n than_o begin_v its_o government_n to_o re-settle_a where_o nature_n have_v place_v it_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n thought_n themselves_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o its_o government_n and_o protection_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o abet_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o their_o secular_a authority_n then_o begin_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o withdraw_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v by_o degree_n all_o the_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n as_o their_o necessity_n cease_v as_o be_v now_o as_o well_o supply_v by_o the_o natural_a &_o ordinary_a power_n of_o the_o prince_n so_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o person_n that_o be_v thereunto_o original_o commissioned_n by_o our_o saviour_n the_o exercise_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o imperial_a diadem_n and_o the_o bishop_n become_v then_o as_o they_o be_v now_o minister_n of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o challenge_v not_o any_o secular_a power_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o prince_n who_o suppose_v they_o best_a able_a to_o understand_v and_o manage_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n grant_v they_o commission_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o himself_o and_o vest_v they_o with_o as_o much_o coercive_a power_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o judge_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o inflict_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o delinquent_n so_o that_o bishop_n neither_o have_v nor_o ever_o have_v any_o temporal_a authority_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a judge_n appoint_v by_o he_o to_o govern_v affair_n of_o religion_n as_o civil_a or_o secular_a judge_n be_v to_o govern_v affair_n of_o justice_n §_o 17._o and_o now_o that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n devolve_v upon_o the_o royal_a authority_n assoon_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o all_o the_o law_n and_o record_n of_o the_o empire_n praes_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_a the_o disposal_n and_o government_n of_o church_n affair_n depend_v entire_o on_o their_o authority_n constantine_n be_v no_o soon_o settle_v in_o his_o imperial_a throne_n but_o he_o take_v the_o settlement_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n into_o his_o own_o cognizance_n he_o call_v synod_n and_o council_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ratify_v their_o canon_n into_o law_n he_o prohibit_v the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o demolish_v their_o meeting-house_n he_o make_v edict_n concern_v festival_n the_o rite_n of_o sepulture_n the_o immunity_n of_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o divers_a other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o outward_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o jurisdiction_n he_o be_v careful_o follow_v by_o all_o his_o successor_n which_o can_v but_o be_v know_v to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v not_o as_o utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o he_o in_o the_o comedy_n who_o suppose_v corpus_fw-la juris_fw-la civilis_fw-la to_o be_v a_o dutchman_n the_o code_n the_o authentic_o the_o french_a capitular_o be_v full_a of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o constitution_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o code_n treat_v of_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o privilege_n of_o ecclesiastical_a man_n and_o thing_n the_o distinct_a office_n and_o function_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n and_o infinite_a other_o thing_n that_o immediate_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o authentic_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v every_o where_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o through_o the_o whole_a volume_n which_o be_v divide_v into_o nine_o collation_n have_v not_o
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
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
and_o by_o consequence_n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o all_o i_o will_v persuade_v man_n to_o be_v only_o that_o they_o will_v do_v as_o much_o out_o of_o duty_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v out_o of_o civility_n that_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o jew_n retain_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o will_v whatever_o their_o own_o persuasion_n be_v of_o some_o thing_n not_o clear_o and_o absolute_o sinful_a comply_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o governor_n when_o it_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o noble_a end_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n a_o thing_n in_o itself_o so_o good_a and_o so_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o action_n that_o it_o will_v not_o render_v virtuous_a whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o whenever_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v useful_a and_o instrumental_a to_o its_o attainment_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v no_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o act_n cross_v to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n have_v no_o sense_n either_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o order_n and_o government_n or_o great_a duty_n of_o humanity_n modest_a peaceableness_n meekness_n and_o civility_n i._n e._n he_o be_v a_o proud_a and_o factious_a person_n and_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v peevish_a and_o disobedient_a in_o fine_a there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o conscience_n the_o former_a consist_v in_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o man_n own_o judgement_n and_o of_o this_o no_o magistrate_n can_v deprive_v we_o in_o that_o he_o can_v tie_v up_o any_o man_n understanding_n from_o judge_v of_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v but_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a that_o consist_v in_o the_o power_n over_o man_n outward_a action_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v all_o public_a affair_n every_o man_n do_v and_o of_o necessity_n must_v pass_v away_o to_o the_o ruler_n of_o that_o society_n he_o live_v in_o because_o though_o i_o have_v say_v it_o often_o enough_o already_o yet_o too_o often_o i_o can_v say_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o main_a key_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o yet_o but_o little_a if_o at_o all_o regard_v by_o our_o adversary_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o government_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o power_n of_o command_n over_o man_n action_n and_o therefore_o unless_o all_o man_n grant_v it_o away_o to_o their_o governor_n they_o live_v not_o under_o government_n but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o anarchy_n every_o man_n will_v be_v prince_n and_o monarch_n to_o himself_o and_o as_o free_v from_o all_o command_n as_o if_o he_o live_v out_o of_o all_o society_n see_v only_a himself_o shall_v have_v any_o real_a dominion_n over_o his_o own_o action_n and_o his_o governor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o command_v he_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o himself_n first_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n so_o that_o when_o man_n will_v be_v the_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o action_n it_o be_v not_o the_o freedom_n of_o conscience_n but_o its_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v they_o will_v endure_v none_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o but_o themselves_o and_o force_v prince_n to_o submit_v their_o law_n to_o their_o saucy_a and_o imperious_a humour_n and_o it_o be_v this_o they_o mean_v by_o their_o pretence_n to_o a_o tender_a conscience_n i._n e._n a_o conscience_n that_o scruple_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o government_n that_o will_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o public_a law_n be_v entire_o at_o its_o own_o liberty_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v itself_o to_o any_o rule_n but_o its_o own_o private_a persuasion_n that_o affect_v to_o be_v nice_a and_o squeamish_a against_o all_o the_o command_n of_o its_o superior_n and_o love_v to_o censure_v they_o upon_o the_o light_a and_o most_o slender_a presumption_n and_o that_o will_v not_o yield_v up_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o own_o fantastic_a humour_n to_o its_o prince_n will_v or_o the_o church_n peace_n i._n e._n in_o effect_n the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o which_o forsooth_o they_o must_v be_v bear_v with_o consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o their_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o notorious_a heretic_n for_o the_o rank_a sort_n of_o heresy_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o a_o peevish_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n and_o a_o heretic_n be_v one_o that_o delight_v in_o quarrel_n and_o faction_n whence_o erasmus_n render_v s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sectarum_fw-la author_n a_o man_n that_o love_v to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o a_o party_n it_o be_v peevishness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o will_n that_o turn_v small_a error_n into_o great_a heresy_n pride_n and_o passion_n and_o whatsoever_o can_v make_v a_o opinion_n vicious_a be_v its_o fundamental_a ingredient_n and_o give_v it_o its_o essential_a formality_n this_o vice_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o opinion_n as_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a disposition_n of_o mind_n or_o a_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n own_o conception_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o saint_n paul_n reckon_v among_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o brutish_a peevishness_n that_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o that_o lenity_n and_o yieldingness_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n whence_o he_o advise_v not_o to_o confute_v but_o to_o admonish_v such_o a_o one_o i_o e._n that_o be_v quarrelsome_a and_o boisterous_a for_o every_o trifle_n and_o every_o fancy_n because_o through_o pride_n and_o perverseness_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v advise_v and_o not_o dispute_v into_o sobriety_n or_o to_o use_v the_o phrase_n of_o saint_n paul_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fellow_n that_o be_v troublesome_a and_o contentious_a especial_o about_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o malapert_a nonconformist_a he_o suppose_v dispute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o their_o woman_n ought_v contrary_a to_o their_o receive_a custom_n to_o be_v uncover_v at_o divine_a service_n but_o he_o take_v he_o up_o with_o this_o short_a and_o peremptory_a answer_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o thing_n neither_o moral_o good_a nor_o evil_a as_o few_o external_a rite_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o decency_n and_o that_o be_v satisfaction_n enough_o to_o any_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a mind_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v refractory_o persist_v to_o control_v it_o must_v be_v treat_v as_o a_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n i._n e._n pity_v and_o punish_v as_o be_v all_o other_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a person_n when_o man_n conscience_n be_v so_o squeamish_a or_o so_o humoursome_a as_o that_o they_o will_v rise_v against_o the_o custom_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o she_o must_v scourge_v they_o into_o order_n and_o chastise_v they_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o fond_a persuasion_n as_o for_o their_o troublesome_a peevishness_n and_o this_o use_n of_o the_o church_n rod_n and_o censure_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a effectual_a way_n to_o preserve_v she_o from_o faction_n and_o contention_n not_o only_o because_o upon_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n soft_a method_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n but_o also_o because_o if_o we_o remove_v the_o limit_n and_o boundary_n of_o discipline_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o frenzy_n of_o brainsick_a people_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o let_v loose_a who_o then_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o the_o wildness_n of_o godly_a madness_n for_o this_o we_o have_v too_o clear_a a_o proof_n in_o the_o frantic_a practice_n of_o our_o modern_a sectary_n who_o when_o they_o have_v inflame_v their_o little_a zeal_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n run_v themselves_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a gesture_n they_o measure_v the_o simplicity_n of_o christ_n worship_n by_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n all_o institution_n of_o order_n be_v unwarrantable_a invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n all_o custom_n be_v superstition_n and_o all_o discipline_n be_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a novelty_n how_o uncouth_a and_o fantastic_a soever_o be_v their_o only_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o every_o sect_n distinguish_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o by_o some_o