may_v call_v it_o the_o essence_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o will_v examine_v and_o consider_v its_o manner_n of_o operation_n and_o act_n in_o all_o man_n now_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o conscience_n be_v knowledge_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o conscience_n to_o himself_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o of_o any_o thing_n further_o than_o he_o do_v know_v it_o for_o example_n i_o know_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o adore_v he_o i_o know_v that_o no_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v with_o divine_a adoration_n and_o therefore_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n if_o i_o give_v adoration_n by_o worship_v either_o man_n or_o angel_n much_o more_o if_o i_o bestow_v it_o upon_o the_o more_o ignoble_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n gold_n silver_n wood_n stone_n creep_v thing_n bird_n or_o fourfooted_a beast_n i_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v whether_o saint_n depart_v this_o life_n can_v hear_v my_o prayer_n though_o make_v to_o they_o in_o the_o most_o modest_a sense_n and_o in_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o i_o will_v do_v if_o they_o be_v alive_a beg_v of_o they_o to_o pray_v or_o intercede_v for_o i_o and_o therefore_o if_o i_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o they_o to_o pray_v for_o i_o my_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v i_o of_o have_v neglect_v a_o duty_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v or_o sin_v against_o my_o knowledge_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o to_o know_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conscience_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conscience_n without_o it_o now_o scientia_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-la certis_fw-la &_o indubitatis_fw-la all_o knowledge_n be_v of_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a thing_n and_o this_o certainty_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o knowledge_n be_v ground_v either_o upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o whatever_o i_o know_v it_o be_v because_o i_o have_v a_o certainty_n that_o it_o be_v such_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n either_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n which_o can_v deceive_v i_o or_o from_o clear_a and_o plain_a reason_n or_o else_o from_o a_o positive_a divine_a revelation_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o who_o therefore_o will_v not_o because_o he_o can_v deceive_v i_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o thing_n i_o will_v know_v be_v either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n uncertain_a as_o be_v all_o future_a contingency_n and_o many_o past_a action_n of_o former_a age_n about_o which_o i_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o a_o certain_a information_n i_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o by_o consequence_n no_o obligation_n upon_o my_o mind_n to_o believe_v they_o or_o act_n according_a to_o they_o but_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n either_o from_o sense_n reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n there_o my_o mind_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n but_o have_v a_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o it_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o my_o private_a opinion_n but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o great_a truth_n let_v the_o most_o learned_a apostle_n st._n paul_n give_v his_o testimony_n in_o that_o well_o know_a place_n ult_n rom._n 14._o ult_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n for_o by_o faith_n there_o can_v be_v mean_v that_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o believe_v to_o salvation_n because_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v or_o do_v be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o therefore_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o five_o verse_n by_o faith_n there_o he_o understand_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o man_n own_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o result_n of_o a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v and_o be_v proper_o oppose_v to_o that_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o a_o man_n mind_n occasion_v by_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o doubt_v i_o ought_v not_o for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o knowledge_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v lawful_a for_o to_o such_o a_o person_n till_o he_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n from_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v sin_n because_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o the_o rule_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o reason_n tell_v he_o tutum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la à _fw-la dextra_fw-la it_o be_v the_o best_a to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n by_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o i_o be_o not_o full_o assure_v of_o but_o it_o may_v be_v sinful_a and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o mistake_n in_o the_o church_n about_o eat_v thing_n offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n proceed_v from_o a_o want_n of_o this_o knowledge_n howbeit_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n this_o knowledge_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a that_o be_v their_o mind_n be_v doubtful_a and_o some_o be_v of_o one_o persuasion_n other_o of_o another_o about_o it_o so_o that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conscience_n and_o certainty_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o knowledge_n it_o follow_v that_o conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v be_v exercise_v but_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v which_o plain_o show_v the_o unwarrantable_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o man_n who_o impose_v many_o thing_n upon_o people_n as_o indispensible_a matter_n of_o conscience_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n admit_v of_o the_o great_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n to_o establish_v as_o obligatory_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o to_o confirm_v this_o second_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o operation_n and_o act_n of_o conscience_n in_o all_o man_n now_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o inquire_v with_o myself_o whether_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o ought_v or_o abstain_v from_o what_o i_o ought_v second_o i_o inquire_v if_o i_o have_v do_v or_o abstain_v as_o i_o ought_v whether_o i_o have_v do_v it_o after_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o those_o due_a circumstance_n as_o i_o ought_v now_o in_o both_o these_o operation_n the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v my_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v so_o for_o thus_o i_o judge_v i_o have_v do_v this_o because_o i_o certain_o know_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n i_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o i_o have_v abstain_v from_o that_o because_o i_o certain_o know_v that_o i_o ought_v of_o necessity_n not_o to_o do_v it_o i_o have_v do_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n because_o i_o be_o certain_o assure_v that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o way_n direct_v by_o my_o rule_n therefore_o my_o conscience_n that_o be_v my_o power_n of_o judge_v myself_o pronounce_v for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v do_v right_a and_o well_o and_o then_o my_o mind_n or_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v i_o be_o at_o ease_n and_o quiet_a within_o myself_o and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o peace_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o i_o have_v do_v either_o what_o i_o certain_o know_v i_o ought_v not_o or_o but_o doubt_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v what_o i_o be_o assure_v i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v or_o where_o i_o have_v not_o do_v what_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v according_a as_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n with_o all_o due_a circumstance_n my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o have_v not_o do_v well_o or_o according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o my_o mind_n be_v unquiet_a and_o unsatisfied_a haunt_v with_o guilt_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o terrify_v with_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a conscience_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o conscience_n of_o evil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o act_v or_o to_o abstain_v nor_o any_o direction_n for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n
god_n glory_n and_o the_o truth_n act_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n but_o if_o at_o the_o last_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v manage_v by_o conscience_n but_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o the_o great_a severity_n and_o insufferable_a torment_n and_o agony_n of_o conscience_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v which_o shall_v put_v all_o man_n upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o themselves_o especial_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o manage_v by_o conscience_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o good_a conscience_n or_o only_o these_o deceiver_n and_o usurper_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n second_o it_o follow_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n lay_v no_o further_a obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v a_o power_n to_o put_v a_o final_a determination_n upon_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o declare_v which_o of_o all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o judge_v most_o conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o those_o under_o their_o jurisdiction_n by_o promote_a and_o preserve_a peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n therefore_o that_o all_o person_n who_o live_v under_o their_o authority_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o determination_n and_o from_o thenceforward_a to_o esteem_v that_o which_o before_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a to_o become_v necessary_a because_o hereby_o many_o know_a duty_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o happiness_n on_o earth_n be_v perform_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o conscience_n last_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o promote_v and_o endeavour_v the_o well-being_n of_o the_o lawful_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o can_v they_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o true_a religion_n or_o conscience_n whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v or_o imagine_v who_o for_o their_o private_a opinion_n make_v party_n break_v law_n despise_v government_n give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o their_o native_a country_n at_o home_n and_o by_o promote_a faction_n dissension_n and_o division_n give_v encouragement_n to_o our_o enemy_n abroad_o and_o by_o too_o just_a fear_n from_o what_o have_v be_v of_o what_o may_v be_v again_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o artifices_fw-la to_o make_v man_n mind_n uneasy_a and_o their_o life_n unhappy_a and_o shall_v their_o design_n succeed_v a_o second_o time_n to_o involve_v so_o many_o million_o in_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n confusion_n ruin_n and_o desolation_n these_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o disobedience_n to_o law_n and_o lawful_a authority_n and_o let_v all_o dissenter_n look_v well_o to_o it_o for_o they_o will_v find_v here_o be_v no_o conscience_n no_o religion_n to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o way_n and_o end_n to_o which_o their_o separation_n and_o division_n do_v most_o infallible_o lead_v they_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n and_o irresistible_a reason_n that_o all_o christian_a people_n and_o especial_o those_o dissenter_n of_o these_o nation_n will_v serious_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o these_o discord_n and_o difference_n about_o religious_a affair_n will_v in_o the_o end_n lead_v they_o and_o in_o time_n turn_v back_o again_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o dismal_a brink_n of_o those_o precipice_n misery_n here_o and_o damnation_n hereafter_o which_o when_o by_o a_o too_o late_a repentance_n they_o will_v avoid_v they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a i_o wish_v they_o will_v no_o long_o abuse_v that_o glorious_a name_n of_o conscience_n to_o countenance_v those_o irreligious_a practice_n of_o disobedience_n uncharitableness_n dissension_n and_o separation_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v most_o desirable_a and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o act_v point_n blank_a contrary_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o direct_o against_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o community_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o just_o fear_v that_o by_o these_o dangerous_a and_o unlawful_a practice_n they_o shall_v so_o far_o exasperate_v authority_n as_o to_o exercise_v its_o utmostrigor_n and_o severity_n upon_o they_o as_o be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n to_o reclaim_v they_o by_o gentle_a mean_n and_o just_o jealous_a of_o their_o malicious_a secret_a and_o ill_a design_n in_o reality_n against_o the_o state_n though_o the_o pretence_n be_v only_o against_o the_o present_a church_n and_o its_o government_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v peace_n within_o their_o private_a wall_n and_o plenteousness_n within_o their_o stately_a palace_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v quiet_a of_o mind_n at_o home_n tranquillity_n peace_n and_o unity_n one_o among_o another_o that_o justice_n shall_v run_v down_o as_o a_o river_n and_o righteousness_n we_o a_o mighty_a stream_n that_o truth_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o righteousness_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o mercy_n and_o truth_n shall_v meet_v together_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n shall_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o that_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v safe_a from_o intestine_a and_o domestic_a trouble_n secure_a from_o foreign_a force_n and_o invasion_n to_o be_v love_v respect_a and_o honour_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o ally_n dread_v by_o their_o great_a enemy_n to_o be_v great_a in_o riches_n great_a in_o fame_n and_o great_a in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n if_o they_o desire_v these_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o obtain_v they_o but_o by_o unite_n ourselves_o with_o this_o common_a bond_n and_o indissoluble_a chain_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o all_o man_n which_o will_v teach_v every_o man_n his_o duty_n keep_v every_o man_n quiet_o peaceable_o and_o content_o in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o secure_a unto_o we_o all_o those_o dear_a delight_n of_o humane_a nature_n peace_n property_n and_o religion_n if_o they_o desire_v these_o thus_o must_v they_o endeavour_v after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o endeavour_v after_o they_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v they_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v these_o blessing_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o all_o other_o they_o neither_o deserve_v they_o nor_o any_o love_n pity_n favour_n countenance_n or_o kindness_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o man_n but_o fierce_a and_o savage_a beast_n wolf_n tiger_n and_o bear_n give_v to_o prey_n rapine_n and_o ravage_n and_o they_o may_v easy_o guess_v what_o will_v follow_v if_o once_o they_o come_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o esteem_v such_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o love_n or_o kindness_n for_o their_o soul_n or_o ever_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_v without_o obedience_n to_o god_n obedience_n to_o government_n and_o obedience_n to_o conscience_n after_o all_o this_o i_o will_v hope_v that_o those_o happy_a day_n will_v shine_v upon_o we_o 3._o psal_n 122_o 3._o in_o which_o we_o may_v say_v our_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v or_o at_o unity_n with_o it_o self_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v that_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a song_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n 48.1_o psal_n 48.1_o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o his_o holiness_n beautiful_a for_o situation_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v mount_n zion_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n god_n be_v well_o know_v in_o her_o palace_n as_o a_o sure_a refuge_n to_o hasten_v which_o bless_v and_o happy_a age_n let_v every_o good_a christian_a lie_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n and_o his_o pray_a heart_n by_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v and_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o keep_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o all_o men._n finis_fw-la
of_o my_o action_n i_o find_v no_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o no_o absolute_a necessity_n within_o myself_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v or_o if_o i_o do_v any_o such_o action_n where_o i_o be_o leave_v at_o liberty_n i_o find_v no_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o this_o way_n or_o the_o other_o but_o be_o leave_v to_o my_o own_o freedom_n because_o i_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o rule_n to_o determine_v i_o so_o that_o if_o i_o do_v it_o my_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v i_o if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o i_o find_v no_o uneasy_a guilt_n to_o sit_v heavy_a upon_o my_o mind_n for_o the_o neglect_n and_o what_o way_n soever_o i_o perform_v it_o still_o my_o mind_n be_v at_o peace_n and_o quiet_a with_o itself_o and_o all_o because_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o no_o necessity_n or_o determination_n and_o so_o by_o plain_a consequence_n no_o part_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o conscience_n for_o this_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o law_n of_o conscience_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n 4.15_o rom._n 4.15_o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n no_o obligation_n nor_o afflict_a guilt_n let_v not_o any_o person_n now_o think_v that_o i_o have_v straighten_a the_o diocese_n of_o this_o universal_a bishop_n or_o to_o speak_v without_o offence_n this_o overseer_n of_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o far_o his_o proper_a and_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v itself_o but_o conscience_n have_v likewise_o a_o collateral_a dominion_n over_o all_o indifferent_a action_n which_o be_v thus_o all_o our_o action_n which_o may_v be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o sin_n on_o either_o part_n be_v call_v indifferent_a as_o for_o example_n if_o for_o my_o health_n or_o pleasure_n i_o design_n to_o take_v the_o air_n it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o i_o ride_v or_o walk_v or_o whether_o i_o go_v into_o that_o fair_a field_n or_o this_o fresh_a meadow_n now_o all_o these_o action_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n free_a and_o indifferent_a have_v yet_o this_o necessity_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o carry_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o forementioned_a great_a design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v address_v to_o those_o end_n and_o manage_v according_o and_o if_o any_o indifferent_a action_n do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n contribute_v to_o these_o end_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n not_o to_o do_v it_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a severity_n our_o saviour_n pronounce_v against_o idle_a word_n 12.36_o s_o matth_n 12.36_o not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o end_n but_o such_o as_o by_o their_o be_v uncapable_a of_o contribute_v to_o those_o great_a design_n be_v therefore_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a because_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a thus_o for_o i_o to_o ride_v or_o walk_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o fresh_a and_o free_a air_n though_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n free_a and_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n yet_o i_o have_v this_o obligation_n upon_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o choose_v that_o part_n which_o either_o from_o my_o own_o or_o better_a judgement_n may_v be_v think_v most_o proper_a and_o conducive_a to_o my_o health_n that_o so_o i_o may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o praise_n and_o glorify_v my_o creator_n for_o and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o health_n strength_n vigour_n and_o alacrity_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o that_o by_o these_o i_o may_v be_v enable_v both_o for_o my_o own_o part_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o bountiful_a happiness_n which_o kind_a heaven_n have_v so_o plentiful_o bestow_v upon_o this_o life_n and_o also_o that_o i_o may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o my_o fellow_n creature_n so_o far_o as_o my_o power_n do_v extend_v itself_o and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o be_o not_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o any_o person_n nor_o in_o take_v the_o air_n to_o ride_v or_o walk_v over_o the_o ear_a corn_n or_o full_o grow_v meadow_n and_o all_o this_o not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o obligation_n to_o humane_a law_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o action_n of_o trespass_n a_o clausum_fw-la fregit_fw-la or_o pedibus_fw-la ambulando_fw-la but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o the_o rule_n to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o but_o injury_n to_o none_o and_o this_o true_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o those_o two_o place_n 10.31_o 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v let_v all_o be_v do_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n ult_n rom._n 14._o ult_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o indifferent_a action_n i_o do_v i_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a but_o conducive_a to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o creation_n chap._n vi_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o difference_n among_o we_o about_o matter_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o opinion_n and_o private_a persuasion_n for_o conscience_n what_o opinion_n be_v and_o what_o persuasion_n and_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o conscience_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v it_o be_v clear_v what_o conscience_n be_v and_o how_o far_o its_o proper_a dominion_n do_v extend_v now_o that_o conscience_n thus_o right_o understand_v do_v universal_o and_o absolute_o oblige_v all_o man_n i_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o will_v make_v the_o least_o scruple_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n and_o give_v up_o to_o that_o unthinking_a sense_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v past_a feeling_n i_o do_v not_o address_v myself_o or_o this_o discourse_n but_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o age_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o this_o particular_a we_o may_v have_v some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o conscience_n but_o we_o have_v multitude_n of_o other_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v none_o that_o they_o be_v all_o conscience_n who_o strain_n at_o every_o gnat_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n a_o scruple_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v whilst_o they_o do_v so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o swallow_v many_o a_o camel_n and_o in_o the_o end_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o true_a faith_n charity_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o such_o as_o these_o be_v be_v these_o paper_n intend_v with_o all_o christian_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n if_o possible_a to_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o what_o be_v so_o infinite_a dear_a and_o tender_a to_o they_o for_o to_o my_o certain_a knowledge_n as_o by_o much_o experience_n and_o frequent_a conference_n with_o many_o of_o they_o i_o be_o able_a to_o affirm_v most_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v act_v by_o conscience_n in_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n what_o conscience_n be_v it_o be_v something_o within_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o some_o of_o they_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v some_o live_a thing_n within_o they_o distinct_a from_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o i_o remember_v a_o quaker_n to_o who_o i_o put_v the_o question_n a_o little_a hasty_o what_o be_v conscience_n after_o he_o have_v show_v his_o great_a surprise_n and_o ignorance_n by_o be_v in_o every_o joint_n a_o quaker_n and_o the_o first_o that_o ever_o i_o see_v do_v the_o trick_n he_o very_o confident_o as_o well_o as_o blasphemous_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o demand_v if_o he_o mean_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o third_z person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v yea._n which_o make_v i_o fear_v that_o more_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o persuasion_n yet_o may_v be_v of_o his_o sense_n and_o believe_v what_o they_o call_v conscience_n within_o they_o to_o be_v some_o omnipotent_a thing_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n ought_v to_o bow_v and_o obey_v there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o age_n some_o man_n who_o do_v ill_a with_o a_o design_n and_o knowledge_n of_o do_v ill_o other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v ill_a with_o a_o design_n of_o do_v well_o to_o both_o these_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v ascribe_v those_o unhappy_a division_n among_o we_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v they_o take_v half_a that_o pain_n and_o care_n right_o to_o instruct_v people_n what_o conscience_n be_v that_o they_o have_v
do_v positive_o to_o tell_v they_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whilst_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v either_o not_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v such_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o all_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_v in_o contrary_a to_o both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n i_o say_v have_v they_o do_v this_o which_o be_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v have_v do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o promote_v our_o common_a happiness_n by_o peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n which_o now_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n and_o decay_v of_o christian_a religion_n and_o true_a piety_n and_o irreparable_a mischief_n in_o our_o politic_a capacity_n be_v almost_o grow_v stranger_n among_o we_o for_o whosoever_o shall_v without_o partiality_n consider_v the_o affair_n of_o these_o nation_n for_o this_o last_o century_n shall_v find_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n have_v introduce_v among_o we_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o now_o have_v more_o votary_n than_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o all_o other_o put_v together_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o of_o late_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o whether_o ignorant_o or_o malicious_o god_n he_o know_v under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o conscience_n and_o these_o be_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o this_o luckless_a mother_n and_o fatal_a daughter_n we_o owe_v all_o those_o division_n that_o strife_n those_o bitter_a envy_n debate_n variance_n and_o in_o truth_n all_o those_o intolerable_a mischief_n under_o which_o both_o church_n and_o state_n have_v for_o many_o year_n so_o heavy_o groan_v and_o so_o deep_o suffer_v some_o man_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v out_o of_o pride_n avarice_n ambition_n or_o desire_v of_o novelty_n have_v embrace_v such_o opinion_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o private_a interest_n or_o design_n present_o usurp_v heaven_n royal_a prerogative_n and_o stamp_v these_o courser_n metal_n with_o the_o divine_a impress_n of_o conscience_n which_o immediate_o make_v they_o currant_n coin_n among_o vulgar_a and_o undistinguish_a judgement_n these_o opinion_n countenance_v by_o the_o success_n of_o numerous_a disciple_n and_o warrant_v by_o zealous_a defender_n and_o over-eager_a promoter_n grow_v among_o many_o into_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o have_v be_v root_v by_o long_a continuance_n and_o naturalize_v by_o custom_n than_o they_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n than_o they_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o all_o and_o give_v indispensible_a law_n to_o all_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v with_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o support_v with_o no_o less_o rigorous_a penalty_n than_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v this_o golden_a image_n of_o conscience_n i_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o opinion_n and_o what_o persuasion_n be_v and_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o conscience_n how_o far_o they_o do_v oblige_v and_o wherein_o their_o lawful_a right_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o management_n of_o humane_a action_n do_v consist_v let_v we_o act_v like_o man_n and_o christian_n with_o prudence_n and_o justice_n let_v we_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n let_v we_o not_o blind_o injurious_o and_o dangerous_o transfer_v the_o title_n dignity_n power_n and_o supremacy_n of_o conscience_n the_o immediate_a vicegerent_n of_o our_o almighty_a sovereign_n unto_o these_o two_o usurper_n who_o in_o reality_n be_v but_o his_o subject_n i_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o opinion_n as_o be_v the_o elder_a of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v far_o inferior_a unto_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o description_n which_o the_o learned_a aquinas_n give_v of_o it_o opinio_fw-la est_fw-la dispositio_fw-la ad_fw-la scientiam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o knowledge_n that_o be_v opinion_n be_v a_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n where_o still_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v that_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n may_v not_o be_v exact_o true_a as_o for_o example_n that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o high_a noon_n this_o be_v demonstrative_a knowledge_n but_o because_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v do_v communicate_v both_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o therefore_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o vast_a globe_n of_o fire_n this_o be_v but_o opinion_n because_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o or_o that_o the_o moon_n be_v people_v with_o inhabitant_n be_v but_o opinion_n because_o be_v capable_a of_o doubt_n i_o can_v have_v no_o way_n to_o ascertain_v myself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o of_o these_o whether_o in_o reality_n the_o sun_n be_v a_o ball_n of_o flame_n or_o the_o moon_n another_o habitable_a region_n so_o that_o opinion_n be_v that_o private_a judgement_n which_o a_o man_n make_v of_o thing_n or_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n without_o any_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n where_o he_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o rule_n or_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o certainty_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o give_v only_a instance_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o hell_n the_o residence_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o a_o future_a estate_n but_o whether_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n be_v material_a or_o sigurative_a or_o both_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o believe_v either_o or_o both_o because_o i_o be_o not_o positive_o direct_v to_o believe_v either_o of_o they_o more_o than_o the_o other_o neither_o if_o i_o do_v believe_v one_o of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o be_v any_o other_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o upon_o my_o affirmation_n of_o one_o part_n to_o be_v my_o opinion_n but_o be_v still_o leave_v at_o his_o liberty_n so_o he_o believe_v any_o to_o follow_v that_o part_n of_o the_o opinion_n which_o to_o he_o appear_v most_o robable_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o want_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o determine_v i_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a revelation_n of_o it_o nor_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o further_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o appear_v indifferent_a whether_o those_o infernal_a flame_n be_v material_a or_o figurative_a or_o both_o since_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v god_n almighty_n be_v thereby_o able_a to_o accomplish_v his_o design_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o such_o of_o mankind_n as_o must_v there_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a and_o torment_v because_o they_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o happiness_n upon_o god_n term_n and_o condition_n come_v we_o now_o from_o opinion_n to_o persuasion_n which_o as_o before_o be_v say_v be_v the_o child_n of_o opinion_n and_o be_v nothing_o more_o but_o that_o belief_n which_o a_o man_n embrace_n of_o any_o opinion_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n or_o action_n which_o be_v undetermined_a by_o any_o certain_a way_n or_o rule_v of_o knowledge_n where_o the_o mind_n follow_v that_o part_n which_o appear_v most_o probable_a and_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o in_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n to_o determine_v the_o mind_n only_a man_n sit_v down_o with_o that_o as_o a_o determination_n for_o the_o present_a which_o carry_v the_o fair_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o that_o rest_n satisfy_v though_o still_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n to_o change_v their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n so_o soon_o as_o a_o clear_a evidence_n or_o better_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n about_o which_o they_o be_v uncertain_a offer_v itself_o unto_o they_o thus_o to_o one_o man_n the_o flame_n of_o hell_n appear_v most_o probable_o to_o be_v material_a sire_n because_o the_o body_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n must_v be_v there_o most_o exquisite_o torment_v and_o for_o that_o purpose_n he_o think_v this_o sort_n of_o sire_n most_o proper_a and_o therefore_o that_o part_n of_o the_o opinion_n pass_v with_o he_o into_o his_o persuasion_n to_o another_o who_o consider_v that_o the_o condemn_a spirit_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n must_v there_o be_v punish_v as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n a_o figurative_a fire_n appear_v most_o probable_a and_o that_o be_v his_o persuasion_n to_o a_o three_o who_o consider_v that_o both_o soul_n body_n and_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n must_v have_v their_o share_n of_o pain_n and_o torment_n both_o
this_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v so_o loud_o about_o conscience_n i_o mean_v the_o vulgar_a who_o have_v little_a to_o say_v for_o themselves_o beside_o that_o do_v scarce_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o be_v absolute_a stranger_n to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o such_o therefore_o as_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o be_v wilful_a may_v be_v undeceive_v and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o give_v to_o this_o pretend_a conscience_n a_o great_a sovereignty_n than_o ever_o god_n almighty_a do_v design_n the_o true_a one_o by_o set_v it_o up_o as_o a_o omnipotent_a idol_n in_o their_o heart_n i_o offer_v this_o follow_a discourse_n which_o if_o peruse_v with_o that_o sobriety_n and_o impartiality_n of_o consideration_n as_o become_v a_o concern_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n may_v i_o hope_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o many_o and_o the_o public_a advantage_n of_o my_o native_a country_n by_o remove_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o heat_n and_o animosity_n separation_n and_o division_n as_o draw_v their_o original_n principal_o from_o these_o mistake_n about_o matter_n of_o conscience_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o great_a influence_n which_o the_o true_a conscience_n have_v upon_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a necessity_n there_o be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v right_o inform_v concern_v it_o have_v now_o show_v the_o great_a power_n of_o a_o pretend_a conscience_n before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o show_v of_o what_o concern_v it_o be_v for_o all_o man_n right_o to_o understand_v themselves_o in_o this_o affair_n of_o conscience_n which_o can_v be_v better_a do_v than_o by_o display_v the_o powerful_a influence_n which_o conscience_n challenge_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n we_o will_v therefore_o brief_o trace_v it_o through_o its_o vast_a dominion_n of_o economic_n ethic_n politic_n and_o divinity_n we_o will_v begin_v then_o with_o private_a family_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v conscience_n to_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o union_n the_o only_a maintainer_n and_o preserver_n of_o those_o respective_a duty_n which_o be_v owe_v from_o one_o to_o another_o in_o those_o little_a primitive_a society_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v where_o this_o bear_v the_o sway_n there_o be_v always_o the_o most_o domestic_a peace_n concord_n and_o tranquillity_n on_o the_o contrary_a where_o this_o principle_n be_v want_v neither_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n education_n or_o reason_n be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o cain_n shall_v imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o his_o only_a brother_n abel_n amnon_n shall_v commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o his_o beautiful_a sister_n tamar_n absalon_n shall_v rebel_v against_o and_o endeavour_v to_o depose_v his_o father_n in_o short_a without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n will_v be_v unkind_a to_o the_o wife_n of_o his_o bosom_n cruel_a to_o his_o child_n tyrannical_a to_o his_o servant_n the_o wife_n will_v be_v false_a and_o treacherous_a the_o child_n will_v be_v undutiful_a and_o unnatural_a the_o servant_n will_v be_v negligent_a faithless_a and_o disobedient_a and_o all_o extreme_o vicious_a and_o in_o a_o word_n there_o will_v be_v neither_o order_n government_n peace_n nor_o any_o kind_n of_o happiness_n in_o these_o little_a community_n without_o conscience_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o private_a door_n into_o the_o wide_a world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o without_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a duty_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o virtue_n to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o humane_a race_n and_o one_o may_v as_o successful_o seek_v and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o probable_o find_v temperance_n chastity_n justice_n fortitude_n prudence_n magnanimity_n fidelity_n and_o gratitude_n among_o the_o savage_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o wood_n and_o desert_n without_o this_o man_n resign_v themselves_o up_o so_o whole_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o blind_a passion_n of_o lust_n hatred_n anger_n jealousy_n fear_v and_o despair_n that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o divest_v of_o all_o morality_n but_o even_o of_o humanity_n itself_o let_v the_o late_o discover_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o western_a world_n attest_v this_o truth_n among_o who_o for_o want_v of_o this_o there_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v find_v of_o morality_n that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o humane_a shape_n and_z among_o some_o of_o they_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o so_o near_o relate_v brute_n some_o of_o which_o want_v little_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o a_o language_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o leave_v these_o barbarous_a region_n if_o we_o come_v where_o morality_n have_v civilise_a and_o common_a necessity_n have_v unite_v man_n into_o combination_n and_o society_n where_o there_o be_v the_o best_a establish_a government_n the_o most_o prudent_a and_o excellent_a law_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o common_a good_a and_o secure_v every_o man_n particular_a interest_n and_o property_n yet_o still_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o these_o law_n and_o this_o government_n must_v be_v conscience_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n in_o imitation_n of_o moses_n have_v pretend_v a_o familiarity_n and_o frequent_a intercourse_n with_o the_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o propose_v their_o law_n to_o the_o people_n as_o the_o will_n of_o the_o god_n as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o no_o other_o principle_n be_v capable_a of_o lay_v such_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n to_o duty_n and_o obedience_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o such_o a_o belief_n for_o all_o obedience_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o one_o of_o these_o principle_n hope_v of_o advantage_n fear_v of_o punishment_n or_o conscience_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n now_o if_o either_o hope_n of_o advantage_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o only_a inducement_n to_o order_n and_o obedience_n less_o degree_n of_o this_o fear_n or_o however_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n or_o great_a though_o only_a hope_n of_o private_a advantage_n shall_v cancel_v all_o the_o obligation_n to_o humane_a law_n and_o the_o public_a advantage_n and_o like_o a_o impetuous_a torrent_n shall_v violent_o break_v all_o the_o bank_n of_o law_n and_o government_n and_o tear_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o whatever_o do_v oppose_v its_o furious_a rage_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o popular_a insurrection_n disorder_n or_o rebellion_n in_o any_o nation_n but_o take_v its_o original_n from_o one_o of_o these_o tempestuous_a principle_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a no_o hope_n of_o impunity_n from_o humane_a law_n no_o private_a interest_n or_o ambition_n can_v persuade_v a_o man_n from_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o law_n and_o government_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n nay_o we_o have_v further_o see_v that_o cruelty_n itself_o with_o all_o its_o terror_n and_o tormentor_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v man_n off_o from_o this_o firm_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o fix_a obedience_n thus_o we_o see_v conscience_n the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o threaten_a danger_n of_o intestine_a mischief_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o available_a against_o foreign_a force_n for_o unity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o conscience_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a policy_n as_o well_o as_o strength_n of_o any_o people_n whereas_o discord_n division_n and_o mutual_a dissension_n give_v all_o the_o hope_n and_o encouragement_n to_o a_o foreign_a power_n to_o invade_v and_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o subdue_v this_o make_v the_o roman_a eagle_n stretch_v their_o victorious_a pinion_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o civil_a dissension_n of_o their_o neighbour_n among_o themselves_o make_v many_o potent_a and_o otherwise_o invincible_a people_n become_v a_o easy_a quarry_n to_o their_o ambitious_a arm_n and_o whilst_o with_o a_o show_n of_o justice_n they_o pretend_v to_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o weak_a part_n by_o overpoise_v of_o the_o balance_n both_o side_n at_o last_o become_v their_o prey_n and_o thrust_v their_o own_o neck_n under_o the_o fatal_a yoke_n which_o by_o unity_n they_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v it_o be_v to_o this_o the_o ottoman_n owe_v the_o prodigious_a success_n of_o their_o prevail_a crescent_n which_o have_v either_o never_o be_v so_o or_o have_v long_o since_o be_v in_o their_o wain_n again_o if_o the_o division_n among_o the_o christian_a prince_n have_v
breach_n of_o communion_n and_o i_o know_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o have_v whole_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n of_o divinity_n without_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n in_o regard_n they_o defend_v they_o only_o as_o their_o private_a persuasion_n and_o be_v both_o too_o modest_a prudent_a and_o charitable_o honest_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n by_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v their_o particular_a judgement_n in_o thing_n not_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o other_o men._n the_o main_a and_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o discover_v by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o several_a party_n be_v either_o about_o the_o government_n itself_o or_o about_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n in_o the_o church_n i_o suppose_v all_o party_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v because_o a_o great_a apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n 39_o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o 39_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o under_o government_n or_o which_o countenance_n confusion_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n absolute_o command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o with_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v complain_v of_o be_v that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o the_o episcopal_a hierarchy_n be_v no_o where_n in_o plain_a and_o positive_a word_n and_o command_n thus_o set_v down_o order_v and_o establish_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v tyrannical_o and_o imperious_o upon_o man_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n especial_o when_o another_o and_o better_a way_n of_o government_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v for_o though_o government_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o where_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v any_o positive_a command_n or_o direction_n as_o he_o do_v concern_v the_o jewish_a church_n there_o this_o or_o that_o government_n be_v equal_o indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o prefer_v before_o the_o rest_n how_o weak_a a_o plea_n and_o refuge_n this_o be_v to_o call_v for_o and_o expect_v plain_a and_o express_v word_n command_n or_o direction_n from_o scripture_n for_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v or_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v who_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o we_o owe_v even_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o plain_a positive_a and_o express_v word_n as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n which_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a canon_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o expect_v express_a word_n and_o command_n of_o scripture_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o inferior_a concern_v than_o faith_n and_o how_o dangerous_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v a_o clear_a and_o positive_a place_n of_o scripture_n let_v all_o christian_n judge_n and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v as_o hearty_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o man_n vigorous_o press_v it_o will_v not_o root_v out_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o we_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o point_n and_o give_v they_o a_o fair_a trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n their_o own_o judge_n upon_o their_o own_o assertion_n if_o therefore_o government_n be_v undetermined_a by_o scripture_n be_v indifferent_a whether_o this_o or_o that_o and_o the_o best_a to_o be_v prefer_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v determine_v and_o by_o what_o authority_n which_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a for_o till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o determination_n as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o private_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o can_v lay_v no_o more_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o than_o any_o other_o particular_a persuasion_n do_v which_o can_v only_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o only_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o no_o long_o nor_o any_o other_o who_o be_v not_o so_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v free_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o for_o fear_n of_o wound_v their_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v as_o many_o several_a government_n and_o distinct_a church_n as_o there_o be_v man_n of_o several_a mind_n and_o persuasion_n about_o which_o be_v the_o best_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n will_v esteem_v best_a of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n every_o crow_n will_v think_v his_o own_o bird_n fair_o which_o in_o plain_a english_a at_o last_o must_v amount_v to_o anarchy_n instead_o of_o unity_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v in_o all_o his_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n leave_v it_o in_o suspense_n and_o at_o least_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o most_o particularity_n of_o government_n there_o be_v no_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n for_o any_o sort_n of_o government_n which_o any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v establish_v than_o there_o be_v for_o that_o against_o which_o they_o contend_v and_o all_o party_n will_v plead_v the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o their_o way_n of_o government_n than_o for_o any_o other_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v who_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n and_o bid_v fair_a for_o such_o a_o determination_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n how_o any_o indifferent_a matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n such_o as_o the_o question_n in_o dispute_n must_v be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v state_v it_o become_v necessary_a and_o obligatory_a to_o all_o man_n conscience_n first_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o way_n of_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a because_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o know_a rule_n or_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o command_n direction_n doctrine_n and_o practise_v be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v if_o not_o from_o plain_a word_n as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o from_o most_o evident_a sense_n and_o consequence_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o obligatory_a to_o conscience_n as_o scripture_n itself_o second_o this_o way_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v appear_v to_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o become_v oblige_v and_o that_o in_o both_o its_o branch_n viz._n first_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n approbation_n example_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o who_o shall_v without_o partiality_n peruse_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o where_o there_o be_v many_o not_o imperfect_a trace_n and_o footstep_n of_o this_o way_n of_o government_n so_o far_o establish_v as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heathen_a government_n who_o then_o have_v all_o the_o civil_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n will_v permit_v but_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o it_o in_o the_o universal_a consent_n practice_n approbation_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o though_o not_o divine_o inspire_v yet_o be_v man_n of_o such_o eminent_a integrity_n and_o piety_n as_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o write_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a truth_n which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v immediate_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o
themselves_o who_o will_v think_v it_o the_o great_a injustice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v churchman_n to_o lose_v a_o good_a temporal_a estate_n from_o their_o ancestor_n or_o a_o barony_n either_o by_o descent_n or_o royal_a bounty_n beside_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o way_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o jeroboam_n priest_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o for_o birth_n but_o learning_n part_n and_o ability_n and_o what_o a_o discouragement_n it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n who_o by_o their_o generous_a birth_n advantageous_a education_n noble_a alliance_n and_o many_o other_o excellent_a circumstance_n and_o qualification_n be_v fit_v by_o the_o great_a influence_n they_o may_v have_v both_o upon_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n to_o do_v both_o the_o church_n and_o sit_v the_o most_o considerable_a honour_n and_o service_n i_o be_o afraid_a few_o of_o they_o will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o more_o serious_a and_o painful_a study_n of_o divinity_n if_o by_o their_o devote_v themselves_o to_o a_o immediate_a attendance_n upon_o god_n altar_n they_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o temporal_a honour_n and_o estate_n from_o themselves_o nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a a_o little_a from_o the_o superlative_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v so_o plentiful_o frequent_o and_o free_o bestow_v these_o honour_n and_o estate_n as_o blessing_n upon_o all_o other_o condition_n of_o man_n shall_v prohibit_v and_o deny_v they_o to_o those_o who_o have_v voluntary_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o confer_v the_o excellent_a title_n of_o his_o ambassador_n 5.20_o 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o do_v allow_v they_o honourable_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o character_n especial_o since_o they_o have_v his_o royal_a word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o 2.30_o 1_o sam._n 2.30_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v prince_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o by_o god_n think_v inconsistent_a under_o the_o law_n in_o that_o government_n which_o he_o himself_o constitute_v and_o establish_v and_o therefore_o one_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signisy_n both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o pretence_n any_o man_n shall_v divorce_v those_o two_o which_o he_o have_v once_o make_v one_o neither_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o lordship_n do_v bishop_n lord_n it_o over_o christ_n flock_n as_o by_o the_o scoff_a wantonness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o shall_v be_v more_o serious_a than_o to_o be_v witty_a at_o the_o expense_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v since_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o temporal_a barony_n give_v they_o not_o the_o least_o influence_n upon_o church_n affair_n more_o than_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o other_o noble_a peerage_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o baron_n be_v as_o whole_o distinct_a as_o that_o of_o a_o lord_n of_o a_o manor_n or_o any_o other_o lord_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o diocese_n 3.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o in_o a_o word_n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o without_o a_o estate_n if_o he_o must_v have_v a_o estate_n he_o must_v be_v lord_n of_o it_o for_o so_o be_v every_o man_n of_o what_o he_o do_v possess_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a by_o royal_a authority_n the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o add_v to_o that_o common_a right_n a_o more_o particular_a and_o distinguish_a title_n of_o honour_n that_o may_v offend_v some_o man_n ambition_n or_o envy_n but_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o be_v either_o diadvantageous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n can_v real_o pretend_v to_o those_o advantage_n which_o may_v make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n except_o the_o episcopal_a by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v resist_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o conscience_n since_o it_o have_v all_o the_o qualisication_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o all_o the_o other_o pretender_n want_v viz._n it_o come_v near_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n it_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n it_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n by_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o procure_v peace_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o hereafter_o by_o teach_v command_a and_o practise_v true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o dissent_v from_o this_o government_n can_v never_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o conscience_n but_o of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o indispensible_a as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v most_o evident_o appear_v i_o wish_v that_o all_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o reflect_v with_o themselves_o whilst_o they_o do_v so_o violent_o cry_v up_o conscience_n and_o pretend_v it_o for_o their_o separation_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o mistake_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n for_o it_o of_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o impartial_a application_n of_o what_o have_v before_o be_v say_v of_o this_o particular_a after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v difficult_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v the_o plea_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n in_o episcopacy_n for_o which_o so_o much_o reason_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o upon_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n brief_o to_o touch_v hereafter_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o how_o from_o be_v indifferent_a they_o may_v become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v that_o though_o private_a and_o false_a opinion_n or_o prejudice_v and_o mistake_v persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v malicious_a design_n and_o interest_n combine_v with_o discontent_a envy_n may_v be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a against_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o excellent_a and_o ancient_a way_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o clear_o for_o it_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v occasion_v no_o small_a stir_n tumult_n and_o division_n among_o we_o and_o here_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n do_v thus_o far_o agree_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n that_o be_v some_o time_n some_o place_n some_o word_n gesture_n posture_n and_o habit_n for_o the_o performance_n both_o of_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n which_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v unto_o almighty_a god_n herein_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o these_o thing_n or_o however_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o controversy_n among_o we_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o therefore_o proper_o the_o subject_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n and_o be_v there_o no_o determination_n on_o either_o side_n provide_v the_o duty_n of_o worship_n be_v perform_v it_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n simple_o unlawful_a because_o no_o where_n in_o scripture_n prohibit_v either_o in_o direct_a word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n so_o that_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v just_o offend_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o since_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n let_v any_o dissenter_n therefore_o show_v either_o a_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o plain_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n or_o