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power_n church_n commit_v key_n 3,050 5 10.0985 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53575 Ratiocinium vernaculum, or, A reply to Ataxiae obstaculum being a pretended answer to certain queries dispersed in some parts of Gloucester-shire. Overbury, Thomas, Sir, d. 1684. 1678 (1678) Wing O612; ESTC R24104 94,328 197

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l._n 27._o r._n hers_z p._n 11●_n l._n 9r_n and_o superstition_n p._n 118._o l._n 6._o r._n say_v p._n 125._o l._n r._n church_n obedience_n p._n 127._o l._n 9_o r._n in_o no_o wise_a p._n 132._o l._n 31._o for_o king_n r._n kind_n p._n 133._o l._n 7._o r._n aid_n p_o 135._o l._n 10._o r._n nurse_n p._n 136._o l._n 18._o r._n and_o so_o p._n 138._o l_o 3_o r._n mahumatism_n l._n 15._o r._n of_o other_o l._n 16._o r._n i.e._n such_o p_o 140._o 25_o 26._o r._n gaudentem_fw-la p._n 142._o l._n 10._o r._n neat_o p._n 144._o l._n 17._o r._n their_o duty_n p._n 151._o l._n 6._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n murder_n p._n 153._o after_o l._n 26._o r._n with_o a_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n much_o less_o shall_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o determine_v what_o humane_a law_n thwart_v etc._n etc._n p._n 15●_n l._n 10_o 11._o r._n instruction_n l._n 14._o r._n the_o king_n p._n 156._o l._n 21._o r._n these_o p._n 161._o l._n 21._o r._n endear_v his_o l._n 26._o r._n pass_v a_o p._n 166._o l._n 9_o 10._o r._n superstition_n query_n i._n whether_o have_v christ_n institute_v a_o gospel_n church_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n cavil_n at_o expression_n tend_v only_o to_o a_o unprofitable_a strife_n of_o word_n ought_v no_o less_o to_o be_v avoid_v then_o foolish_a and_o unlearned_a question_n this_o answer_n therefore_o who_o so_o early_o as_o in_o his_o title_n page_n caution_v his_o reader_n against_o the_o one_o shall_v not_o himself_o have_v so_o soon_o obtrude_v on_o he_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d what_o prerogative_n precede_v age_n have_v above_o the_o present_a to_o coin_n phrase_n in_o divinity_n we_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v inform_v or_o if_o no_o expression_n may_v be_v therein_o use_v we_o meet_v not_o with_o in_o the_o new-testament_n we_o may_v no_o long_o use_v sacrament_n nor_o trinity_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v there_o find_v and_o yet_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v term_v a_o gospel-church_n as_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v term_v a_o national_a church_n a_o expression_n frequent_o use_v by_o this_o answerer_n though_o he_o meet_v not_o with_o it_o in_o the_o new-testament_n nor_o possible_o in_o antiquity_n at_o least_o to_o express_v a_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v give_v we_o the_o query_n mean_v in_o his_o own_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o church_n query_n ii_o what_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v person_n become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n as_o in_o all_o disputation_n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o term_n be_v agree_v upon_o so_o here_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n which_o in_o scripture_n have_v divers_a acceptation_n 27._o for_o by_o church_n there_o be_v sometime_o understand_v the_o elect_a only_o or_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n by_o some_o call_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n 3._o sometime_o again_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n 6._o common_o call_v the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a and_o sometime_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o individual_a ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o order_n by_o christ_n prescribe_v such_o be_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 12._o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n 27._o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o divers_a other_o mention_v in_o the_o new-testament_n 2._o and_o be_v the_o church_n here_o inquire_v after_o to_o which_o this_o answer_n in_o say_v the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v god_n family_n or_o household_n etc._n etc._n answer_v not_o the_o question_v not_o be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o one_a or_o second_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o have_v he_o say_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o as_o he_o express_v it_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v right_a pastor_n or_o officer_n invest_v with_o power_n to_o guide_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o dispense_v unto_o they_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o but_o a_o church_n in_o the_o three_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n have_v it_o may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n though_o not_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a a_o one_o as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v but_o whereas_o he_o say_v he_o hope_n there_o may_v be_v as_o well_o such_o a_o national_a church_n in_o england_n as_o there_o be_v for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n in_o palestine_n among_o the_o jew_n if_o by_o such_o a_o national_a church_n he_o mean_v only_o a_o church_n have_v national_a church-officer_n over_o it_o as_o have_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o man_n sure_a doubt_n it_o but_o if_o by_o such_o a_o national_a church_n he_o mean_v a_o national_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n we_o see_v not_o whereon_o he_o ground_n his_o hope_n since_o it_o have_v not_o please_v god_n to_o institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o such_o national_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v to_o any_o such_o original_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 25_o of_o edward_n the_o 3d._n benefice_n where_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v found_v in_o prelacy_n by_o the_o king_n and_o noble_n of_o england_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n to_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o have_v the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v will_v have_v his_o church_n catholic_n as_o well_o as_o holy_a yet_o not_o always_o so_o illustrious_a or_o visible_a as_o to_o be_v see_v and_o own_v by_o the_o world_n and_o though_o whole_a nation_n be_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o constitute_v the_o christian_a church_n or_o catholic_n church_n visible_a yet_o that_o do_v not_o constitute_v they_o national_a church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o when_o christ_n threaten_v the_o jew_n to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o they_o and_o give_v it_o unto_o a_o nation_n that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o he_o mean_v no_o doubt_n as_o he_o say_v more_o by_o a_o nation_n than_o one_o particular_a church_n for_o he_o mean_v a_o nation_n or_o people_n that_o may_v have_v many_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o it_o but_o do_v not_o thereby_o constitute_v or_o intend_v a_o national_a church_n in_o his_o notion_n neither_o yet_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o a_o nation_n and_o consequent_o not_o within_o small_a bound_n than_o the_o jewish_a be_v when_o empale_v within_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o how_o will_v this_o answerer_n prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v as_o he_o say_v far_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o redeemer_n to_o crumble_v his_o church_n as_o he_o word_v it_o into_o such_o minute_n and_o little_a principle_n of_o be_v as_o congregational_a church_n when_o the_o scripture_n give_v so_o great_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o institute_v church_n under_o the_o gospel_n than_o what_o be_v congregational_a and_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n institute_v those_o he_o command_v certain_o the_o demolish_n a_o establish_v national_a church_n even_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o only_a national_a church_n in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n institution_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o query_n do_v evident_o enough_o intend_v a_o particular_a church_n as_o before_o express_v which_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o five_o or_o six_o person_n may_v constitute_v notwithstanding_o his_o peremptory_a denial_n thereof_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n 19_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v of_o any_o great_a number_n by_o what_o mean_v person_n become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o particular_a
and_o phraisee_n heretofore_o make_v against_o tolerate_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o 48._o if_o say_v they_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o the_o roman_n shall_v come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o our_o place_n and_o nation_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v it_o may_v not_o befall_v we_o as_o it_o do_v they_o that_o while_o they_o let_v he_o not_o a_o lone_a the_o roman_n do_v come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o their_o place_n and_o nation_n but_o what_o mean_v he_o in_o say_v a_o naional_a church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o never_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o new-testament_n nor_o in_o antiquity_n nor_o yet_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o any_o judicious_a or_o intelligent_a author_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o he_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n a_o national_a church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v disperse_v over_o all_o nation_n if_o by_o it_o he_o mean_v only_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v very_o impertinent_a for_o a_o diocesan_n church_n or_o a_o parochial_a church_n be_v as_o much_o the_o ground_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o diocese_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n as_o a_o national_a church_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o nation_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a say_v this_o answerer_n to_o obtain_v this_o communion_n unless_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n own_o this_o principle_n viz._n that_o the_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o curch_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o church_n and_o what_o unity_n be_v here_o intend_a if_o a_o national_a church_n wherein_o consist_v its_o unity_n it_o can_v consist_v in_o a_o joint_a assembly_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o meet_v at_o set_a time_n in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v then_o require_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v its_o visible_a unity_n consist_v in_o a_o subordination_n of_o officer_n in_o this_o church_n centre_v in_o one_o it_o will_v be_v say_v likewise_o and_o with_o as_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o such_o a_o unity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n the_o preserve_n and_o promote_a of_o peace_n and_o unity_n the_o same_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o same_o end_n and_o so_o much_o more_o desirable_a as_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o the_o peace_n and_o piety_n thereof_o be_v more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o the_o unity_n peace_n and_o piety_n of_o a_o part_n and_o where_o then_o shall_v we_o end_v but_o in_o a_o pope_n this_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o understanding_n that_o none_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o one_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n reject_v the_o other_o and_o if_o this_o profession_n as_o this_o answerer_n say_v oblige_v all_o person_n to_o acquiess_n in_o those_o determination_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v visible_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v it_o do_v so_o no_o less_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a then_o of_o a_o national_a church_n and_o why_o then_o do_v he_o not_o acquiess_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n against_o the_o deity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n in_o take_v the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o decree_v image-worship_n of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n in_o determine_v transubstantiation_n with_o other_o exercise_v the_o like_a authority_n a_o acquiescensie_n therein_o be_v that_o whereby_o in_o his_o judgement_n the_o church_n be_v visible_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v for_o he_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v great_a submission_n or_o obedience_n to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o its_o representative_a or_o national_a council_n then_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a in_o its_o representative_a a_o general_a council_n nor_o possible_o will_v he_o abide_v by_o his_o own_o principle_n of_o acquiess_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o national_a church_n if_o he_o call_v to_o mind_n or_o but_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o a_o national_a church_n and_o even_o this_o national_a church_n have_v determine_v within_o the_o memory_n of_o some_o not_o long_o since_o live_v i_o mean_v in_o queen_n mary_n reign_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o thorough_a pa●ed_a conformist_n all_o of_o his_o coat_n will_v not_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a be_v so_o but_o thus_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o to_o acquiess_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o society_n or_o of_o the_o governor_n thereof_o i●_n a_o ground_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o that_o society_n but_o not_o always_o of_o truth_n and_o piety_n without_o which_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o advantage_n in_o unity_n for_o nihil_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o ●unitate_fw-la nisi_fw-la unitas_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o bono_fw-mi unity_n in_o error_n be_v but_o conspiracy_n against_o truth_n or_o as_o hierome_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n nomine_fw-la unitatis_fw-la &_o fidei_fw-la infidelitas_fw-la scripta_fw-la est_fw-la but_o i_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o he_o the_o society_n be_v yet_o un-named_n which_o do_v not_o always_o justify_v its_o own_o act_n and_o oblige_v those_o under_o its_o authority_n to_o confirm_v to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o our_o question_n which_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o governor_n or_o ruler_n of_o a_o society_n or_o the_o obedience_n due_a unto_o they_o from_o the_o member_n or_o subject_n of_o that_o society_n but_o whether_o christian_n have_v not_o a_o right_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o communion_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o such_o congregation_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o judge_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o wherein_o they_o may_v be_v best_a edify_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o their_o salvation_n in_o and_o by_o he_o which_o this_o answerer_n do_v not_o deny_v neither_o can_v it_o reasonable_o be_v deny_v for_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v say_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v his_o nativity_n or_o confine_v his_o abode_n because_o there_o bear_v or_o abide_v nor_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v any_o man_n duty_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v if_o after_o serious_a and_o sober_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n any_o thing_n therein_o enjoin_v or_o require_v to_o be_v profess_v or_o do_v be_v judge_v unlawful_a or_o unwarrantable_a by_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n but_o that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v actual_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n or_o christian_a society_n aught_o while_o he_o so_o continue_v to_o conform_v to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n none_o sure_o will_v deny_v nor_o can_v any_o hinder_v or_o forbid_v church_n of_o whatever_o denomination_n to_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o that_o by_o such_o constitution_n and_o right_n as_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n shall_v judge_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v order_n and_o unity_n and_o advance_v the_o edification_n of_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n and_o government_n this_o as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n without_o government_n and_o no_o government_n if_o every_o one_o be_v allow_v the_o privilege_n to_o question_v and_o disobey_v its_o law_n and_o constitution_n nothing_o be_v more_o rational_a then_o that_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n shall_v be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o decide_v and_o determine_v all_o difference_n and_o controversy_n arise_v in_o that_o government_n and_o whoever_o will_v not_o acquiess_v therein_o aught_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o society_n but_o the_o paralogism_n be_v very_o gross_a and_o foul_a to_o argue_v that_o because_o they_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o society_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v that_o society_n therefore_o they_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o
law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n they_o be_v banish_v that_o society_n only_o who_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o submit_v not_o unto_o and_o so_o this_o answerer_n say_v well_o non_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la habere_fw-la civem_fw-la qui_fw-la parere_fw-la nescit_fw-la neither_o church_n nor_o commonwealth_n have_v need_n of_o those_o person_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o obey_v but_o till_o there_o be_v a_o due_a distinction_n make_v between_o the_o church_n and_o state_n between_o civil_a and_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o liberty_n in_o religion_n allow_v unto_o all_o man_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n allow_v and_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o see_v religion_n flourish_v nor_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o christendom_n query_n vi._n whether_o be_v there_o any_o visible_a live_a judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n any_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n guide_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o light_n and_o knowledge_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n a_o clear_a and_o positive_a answer_n to_o this_o query_n will_v go_v far_o towards_o the_o end_n our_o great_a difference_n and_o dispute_n in_o religion_n for_o either_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o be_v here_o inquire_v after_o if_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v let_v he_o be_v produce_v and_o his_o determination_n in_o all_o controversial_a point_n be_v make_v know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v submit_v to_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n why_o be_v any_o molest_v and_o trouble_v for_o go_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v what_o be_v say_v of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o every_o society_n may_v agree_v upon_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o all_o difference_n arise_v in_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v that_o may_v probable_o violatate_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o the_o present_a question_n which_o be_v only_o concern_v such_o a_o judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o his_o own_o judgement_n we_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n and_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n assume_v no_o other_o power_n or_o privilege_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n or_o exception_n against_o she_o for_o that_o but_o whereas_o he_o say_v she_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n own_o any_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n if_o he_o mean_v infallible_a judge_n like_o the_o papist_n none_o say_v she_o do_v or_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o she_o own_v no_o such_o judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o to_o oblige_v any_o to_o acquiess_n in_o her_o determination_n against_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o his_o say_n she_o require_v none_o of_o her_o member_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o determination_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n why_o do_v he_o molest_v and_o trouble_v any_o for_o not_o yield_v such_o obedience_n and_o if_o all_o she_o demand_v as_o he_o say_v be_v but_o that_o obedience_n be_v give_v to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v undoubted_o divine_a a_o acquiescence_n yield_v to_o some_o disputable_a point_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o against_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o a_o conformity_n to_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o all_o judge_n to_o be_v indifferent_a no_o rational_a man_n can_v sure_o except_v against_o any_o of_o this_o nor_o deny_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o much_o umpire_n and_o judge_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n in_o any_o of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o plead_v that_o they_o make_v conscience_n their_o guide_n unless_o they_o take_v scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v lawful_a authority_n in_o thing_n innocent_a and_o indifferent_a where_o they_o judge_v the_o thing_n command_v to_o be_v so_o but_o what_o some_o may_v count_v indifferent_a other_o may_v judge_v sinful_a the_o scripture_n command_v obedience_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o none_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o comply_v in_o any_o thing_n against_o conscience_n since_o none_o against_o conscience_n can_v be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o immorality_n have_v be_v act_v under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o where_o any_o plead_v conscience_n against_o all_o sense_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o a_o reprobate_a state_n of_o mind_n but_o some_o man_n abandon_v or_o abuse_v conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v other_o despise_v and_o deride_v of_o it_o whether_o dissenter_n endeavour_v after_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n do_v their_o duty_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o query_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v too_o blame_v and_o will_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v for_o another_o day_n and_o can_v with_o that_o satisfaction_n bear_v their_o present_a suffering_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v as_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n whether_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v it_o or_o excuse_v they_o of_o schism_n will_v be_v more_o seasonable_o argue_v when_o this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n shall_v tell_v we_o of_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o in_o the_o query_n be_v inquire_v after_o to_o determine_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o who_o in_o the_o wrong_n who_o keep_v to_o and_o who_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n query_n vii_o whether_o to_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o any_o as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n which_o no_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o have_v authority_n to_o pronounce_v a_o judicial_a difinitive_a sentence_n in_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o any_o man_n duty_n to_o yield_v his_o assent_n or_o obedience_n thereunto_o be_v not_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o whether_o to_o do_v so_o be_v not_o against_o all_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o justice_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n have_v not_o this_o officious_a person_n take_v on_o he_o the_o answer_a question_n before_o he_o understand_v they_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o all_o he_o have_v here_o say_v have_v only_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o gentleman_n be_v mean_o read_v as_o he_o say_v but_o the_o clergyman_n not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v that_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o error_n and_o absurdity_n we_o here_o meet_v with_o the_o query_n not_o be_v so_o impertinent_a as_o his_o ignorance_n apprehend_v it_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_o unjust_a then_o that_o any_o shall_v suffer_v as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o in_o none_o be_v authorise_v to_o pass_v a_o judicial_a definitive_a sentence_n whether_o they_o have_v therein_o transgress_v or_o not_o in_o which_o case_n to_o punish_v be_v to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o that_o we_o say_v be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o have_v we_o not_o then_o to_o do_v with_o a_o ingenious_a and_o pleasant_a person_n who_o have_v spend_v above_o twenty_o page_n to_o no_o purpose_n be_v whole_o from_o the_o question_n have_v at_o last_o the_o face_n or_o folly_n rather_o to_o tell_v we_o he_o hope_v now_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o every_o child_n that_o can_v but_o read_v english_a will_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o not_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o
matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n mention_v in_o the_o querie_n and_o though_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o so_o pertinent_a and_o judicious_a a_o answer_n yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v conceit_v himself_o to_o have_v say_v something_o material_a though_o not_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o will_v examine_v all_o he_o here_o say_v as_o we_o have_v do_v his_o precede_a answer_n though_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o question_n before_o he_o as_o every_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a reader_n see_v none_o sure_a ever_o deny_v judicious_a heathen_n to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o christian_n yet_o do_v none_o of_o they_o ever_o do_v it_o before_o they_o judge_v christianity_n itself_o criminal_a and_o so_o do_v not_o execute_v before_o judgement_n though_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a and_o a_o unrighteous_a judgement_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v heretofore_o the_o devil_n policy_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a accomplishment_n in_o persecute_v christ_n disciple_n to_o beget_v in_o undiscerning_a mind_n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o they_o he_o seem_v now_o to_o have_v lose_v much_o of_o his_o ancient_a subtlety_n rare_o employ_v in_o that_o base_a work_n but_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o flagitious_a liver_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o puzzle_v this_o answerer_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o affirm_v viz._n that_o they_o who_o be_v serious_a and_o reserve_v and_o stict_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v the_o great_a opposer_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n the_o contrary_a be_v evident_a and_o the_o very_a assertion_n a_o contradiction_n of_o itself_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n have_v of_o late_a indeed_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o many_o man_n thought_n and_o discourse_n but_o none_o sure_a do_v affirm_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o service_n he_o requry_n of_o they_o but_o that_o secular_a force_n be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a thereunto_o many_o indeed_o do_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n therefore_o plead_v for_o by_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v that_o man_n may_v serve_v or_o not_o serve_v god_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n they_o judge_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v while_o under_o pretence_n thereof_o they_o become_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o ral_a evil_n or_o impiety_n and_o that_o none_o be_v force_v to_o conform_v to_o such_o way_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o may_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o as_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n be_v not_o exempt_a from_o the_o worst_a of_o abuse_n so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o as_o some_o plead_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v render_v unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n other_o again_o may_v plead_v for_o liberty_n also_o to_o be_v excuse_v the_o preformance_n of_o those_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o they_o to_o distinguish_v therefore_o between_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n great_a care_n and_o concern_v but_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o say_v because_o '_o its_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o let_v man_n alone_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n i.e._n in_o the_o preformance_n of_o those_o religious_a duty_n god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o none_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v true_o such_o therefore_o god_n may_v be_v either_o serve_v or_o blaspheme_v own_a or_o disow_v by_o they_o be_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o none_o i_o think_v but_o himself_o will_v have_v make_v for_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_a ever_o doubt_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o see_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v that_o god_n be_v own_a and_o due_o serve_v by_o all_o under_o he_o and_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o impiety_n restrain_v and_o punish_v nor_o can_v any_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n excuse_n much_o less_o justify_v as_o he_o say_v blasphemy_n or_o exempt_v any_o guilty_a thereof_o or_o of_o the_o like_a moral_a evil_n from_o the_o magistrate_n revenge_v power_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o he_o to_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o now_o our_o answerer_n crave_v his_o reader_n be_v patience_n by_o speak_v as_o he_o say_v something_o large_o to_o this_o query_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v crave_v his_o pardon_n rather_o for_o mistake_v the_o question_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o so_o impertinent_a and_o tedious_a a_o combat_n with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o so_o bewitch_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o conquest_n that_o sensible_a of_o his_o advantage_n on_o his_o man_n of_o straw_n he_o never_o think_v he_o have_v sufficient_o beat_v he_o to_o begin_v therefore_o he_o crave_v leave_v to_o tell_v the_o gentleman_n the_o clergyman_n be_v none_o of_o the_o wise_a to_o think_v that_o doomsday_n judgement_n be_v the_o judgement_n here_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o do_v he_o right_o on_o all_o occasion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o right_n in_o say_v it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n of_o god_n judgement_n at_o doomsday_n to_o inflict_v corporal_n or_o pecuniary_a penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o offend_v against_o the_o know_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o have_v ask_v to_o have_v it_o show_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o more_o in_o religion_n then_o in_o civil_a concern_v a_o magistrate_n say_v he_o for_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n for_o grant_v a_o warrant_n to_o levy_v 12d_o upon_o a_o atheist_n or_o papist_n for_o not_o repair_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o why_o then_o will_v this_o gentleman_n this_o ignorant_a gentleman_n say_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o a_o mild_a or_o perhaps_o a_o severe_a law_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o very_a law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v ask_v and_o have_v be_v a_o folly_n never_o to_o have_v be_v answer_v have_v he_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o with_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n good_a leave_n the_o gentleman_n will_v take_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o shall_v a_o magistrate_n pronounce_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n and_o execute_v a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n before_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o judge_v a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o levy_v 12d_o upon_o any_o for_o not_o come_v to_o church_n before_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o not_o come_v and_o his_o not_o come_v judge_v a_o crime_n that_o all_o nation_n whether_o jewish_n heathen_a or_o christian_n have_v as_o he_o say_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o protect_v the_o honour_n of_o those_o deity_n they_o have_v make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o punish_v those_o offender_n that_o have_v either_o neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o those_o god_n which_o they_o have_v pretend_v to_o serve_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v time_n lose_v to_o prove_v it_o our_o answerer_n therefore_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o not_o have_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o prove_v what_o none_o sure_o ever_o deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o grotius_n his_o observation_n out_o of_o sneca_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o violate_v religion_n have_v various_a kind_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o inflict_v some_o no_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o consonant_a thereunto_o and_o who_o i_o pray_v be_v great_a violator_n of_o religion_n than_o they_o who_o subvert_v or_o alter_v its_o divine_a or_o original_a institution_n when_o numa_n pompilius_n as_o he_o observe_v institute_v a_o pontifex_n maximus_n or_o chief_a priest_n and_o commit_v to_o he_o
all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o not_o by_o convince_a they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v for_o it_o reach_v no_o far_a than_o to_o those_o who_o be_v present_a and_o who_o deny_v the_o like_a power_n unto_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o need_v there_o any_o great_a search_n in_o the_o annal_n of_o time_n and_o history_n of_o age_n to_o know_v that_o prince_n and_o people_n never_o more_o prosper_v then_o when_o religion_n be_v countenance_v idolatry_n punish_v and_o the_o great_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o schism_n the_o require_v other_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o god_n require_v be_v unknown_a or_o remove_v nor_o be_v there_o aught_o in_o the_o instance_n before_o mention_v that_o need_v any_o such_o construction_n or_o evasion_n as_o this_o answerer_n speak_v of_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o liberty_n in_o religion_n plead_v for_o for_o who_o do_v ever_o deny_v unto_o magistrate_n power_n to_o command_v and_o require_v their_o people_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n have_v express_v and_o declare_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v or_o to_o remove_v such_o outward_a appearance_n and_o monument_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v evident_o and_o apparent_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a which_o in_o both_o instance_n be_v but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a king_n of_o judah_n but_o that_o which_o be_v except_v against_o be_v the_o prohibit_v any_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o none_o can_v say_v to_o be_v against_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n or_o displease_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o compel_a any_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o and_o though_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v far_o differ_v from_o what_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o sure_o prince_n be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n where_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o command_v aught_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o god_n will_v or_o command_v and_o so_o they_o may_v do_v still_o by_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o useful_a thereunto_o but_o what_o be_v it_o this_o answerer_n have_v find_v in_o the_o 49_o chap_n of_o isaiah_n to_o prove_v the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o religion_n god_n affectionate_a answer_n to_o his_o people_n complaint_n promise_v never_o to_o forget_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o neither_o his_o promise_n of_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n and_o add_v to_o their_o number_n nor_o yet_o that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o queen_n nurse_v mother_n to_o his_o church_n for_o nurse_n do_v not_o use_v to_o force_v and_o coerce_v their_o child_n but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v they_o but_o this_o place_n do_v indeed_o imply_v or_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v sovereign_a prince_n who_o shall_v nourish_v and_o cherish_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o take_v care_n that_o no_o hurt_n or_o violence_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o or_o to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o metaphor_n will_v bear_v since_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v force_v or_o uphold_v by_o secular_a power_n it_o be_v antichristianism_n that_o be_v so_o support_v and_o maintain_v 13._o by_o those_o who_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o they_o carry_v the_o metaphor_n too_o far_o who_o will_v have_v prince_n like_o nurse_n to_o feed_v their_o child_n christ_n have_v appoint_v other_o overseer_n of_o his_o flock_n for_o that_o work_n who_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v indeed_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o but_o not_o to_o dictate_v nor_o prescribe_v to_o they_o therein_o there_o may_v not_o be_v want_v expositor_n who_o as_o he_o say_v may_v conceive_v this_o prophecy_n to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v when_o emperor_n and_o king_n become_v christian_n and_o enact_v law_n to_o secure_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o it_o be_v but_o too_o well_o know_v that_o christian_a religion_n have_v suffer_v more_o than_o ever_o it_o gain_v by_o pretend_a christian_a magistrate_n for_o if_o constantine_n protect_v the_o truth_n his_o successor_n constantius_n with_o divers_a other_o after_o he_o persecute_v it_o yea_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n together_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v its_o great_a opposer_n and_o oppressor_n and_o though_o for_o several_a year_n past_a god_n have_v bless_v this_o nation_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o king_n and_o queen_n who_o have_v protect_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o opprssieon_n of_o that_o great_a enemy_n to_o both_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o christendom_n there_o be_v little_a cause_n to_o say_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v when_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v christian_n as_o there_o have_v be_v law_n enact_v by_o king_n and_o state_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o there_o have_v be_v infinite_o more_o enact_v against_o it_o error_n too_o soon_o and_o general_o prevail_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o for_o a_o protestant_n to_o question_n be_v to_o deny_v his_o faith_n he_o can_v be_v think_v a_o friend_n to_o truth_n who_o shall_v oppose_v any_o mean_n conducive_a unto_o its_o promotion_n but_o whoever_o shall_v consider_v how_o few_o of_o the_o mighty_a and_o noble_a of_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v commit_v be_v call_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o must_v acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o where_o one_o law_n bathe_v be_v enact_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n hundred_o have_v be_v enact_v to_o its_o prejudice_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n to_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o its_o stand_n upon_o its_o own_o bottom_n and_o prevail_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n for_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o plant_v and_o propagate_v throughout_o the_o world_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n so_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o method_n they_o be_v best_a secure_v and_o preserve_v nor_o be_v secular_a force_n and_o power_n a_o mean_n by_o god_n appoint_v or_o in_o its_o nature_n conducive_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n since_o it_o be_v conviction_n and_o not_o force_n must_v induce_v assent_n and_o though_o some_o heretic_n may_v have_v seem_v to_o retract_v their_o opinion_n upon_o the_o severity_n of_o penal_a law_n against_o they_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o they_o thereby_o become_v real_a convert_n for_o though_o force_n may_v make_v a_o hypocrite_n it_o can_v never_o make_v a_o true_a believer_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o donatist_n and_o independent_n so_o near_o relate_v as_o this_o answerer_n tell_v we_o have_v but_o his_o say_v so_o without_o other_o proof_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o augustine_n change_n his_o mind_n prove_v second_o thought_n to_o be_v always_o best_a it_o will_v not_o we_o hope_v be_v think_v any_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a how_o that_o pious_a father_n be_v molest_v by_o that_o petulant_a faction_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o he_o shall_v approve_v of_o what_o ever_o deliver_v he_o from_o they_o but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o pleasant_a for_o magistrate_n to_o change_v their_o law_n as_o oft_o as_o doctor_n change_v their_o mind_n and_o that_o every_o new_a opinion_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o new_a statute_n and_o yet_o i_o full_o approve_v of_o what_o this_o learned_a and_o pious_a father_n that_o king_n as_o be_v command_v they_o from_o heaven_n serve_v god_n in_o that_o office_n when_o in_o their_o kingdom_n they_o command_v what_o be_v good_a and_o prohibit_v what_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o humane_a society_n but_o also_o unto_o divine_a religion_n so_o they_o command_v but_o what_o be_v know_v and_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a and_o in_o man_n power_n to_o do_v and_o prohibit_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n apparent_o evil_a and_o if_o there_o be_v more_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o this_o
matter_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o such_o gospel_n duty_n the_o goodness_n whereof_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o institution_n and_o therein_o the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v punctual_o observe_v nay_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v these_o duty_n determine_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o their_o due_a manner_n the_o action_n be_v good_a if_o not_o the_o action_n itself_o be_v sinful_a this_o answerer_n therefore_o run_v himself_o into_o this_o error_n by_o not_o distinguish_v between_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o those_o thing_n who_o goodness_n depend_v whole_o upon_o institution_n and_o consequent_o on_o their_o due_a performance_n authority_n therefore_o may_v oblige_v man_n to_o be_v loyal_a and_o peaceable_a honest_a and_o just_a which_o be_v moral_a virtue_n and_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o be_v rebellious_a and_o seditious_a injurious_a and_o theives_n which_o be_v moral_a evil_n yet_o can_v force_v any_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o a_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o abstinence_n from_o the_o other_o because_o god_n accept_v only_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o a_o hearty_a obedience_n which_o can_v be_v so_o force_v it_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n that_o magistrate_n may_v command_v their_o people_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v but_o no_o otherwise_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v to_o yet_o may_v he_o prohibit_v the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v either_o dishonour_n or_o destroy_v government_n every_o king_n be_v as_o he_o say_v both_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o people_n and_o oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n he_o mention_n as_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v nor_o be_v as_o he_o say_v our_o governor_n so_o much_o to_o consider_v our_o willingness_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o our_o benefit_n and_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o their_o duty_n to_o force_v any_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v or_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o since_o as_o have_v be_v say_v what_o be_v not_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o the_o magistrate_n by_o force_v to_o become_v guilty_a of_o nor_o be_v it_o for_o their_o people_n benefit_n to_o be_v force_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n beyond_o their_o conviction_n all_o such_o performance_n be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a and_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o say_v it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v find_v as_o great_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o force_v some_o to_o go_v to_o church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o force_v some_o boy_n to_o go_v to_o school_n speak_v he_o very_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o instructor_n and_o teacher_n of_o other_o who_o be_v himself_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o religion_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v the_o magistrate_n will_v find_v the_o benefit_n by_o exercise_v his_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o alone_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v in_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o authority_n the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o wherever_o his_o authority_n interpose_v itself_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v immediate_o concern_v as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o action_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v by_o religious_a and_o pious_a person_n be_v judge_v to_o interfere_v therewith_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v contemn_v and_o disobey_v as_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n record_v in_o the_o three_o and_o six_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n and_o as_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n 4._o when_o they_o forbid_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o speak_v or_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v it_o likely_a to_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o such_o method_n be_v use_v for_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n unto_o any_o such_o end_n as_o well_o as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n thereunto_o improper_a his_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o come_v within_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n and_o reduce_v to_o sober_a apprehension_n of_o it_o then_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o schism_n and_o voluntary_a neglect_n of_o all_o piety_n be_v very_o wide_a from_o this_o question_n which_o neither_o countenance_n schism_n nor_o discountenance_n piety_n but_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v or_o they_o judge_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o nor_o be_v all_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n and_o a_o voluntary_a neglect_n of_o piety_n who_o frequent_v not_o the_o public_a worship_n wherever_o they_o live_v much_o less_o to_o be_v out_o of_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n and_o void_a of_o all_o sober_a apprehension_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o compulsion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o persuade_v or_o reduce_v any_o unto_o that_o its_o efficacy_n lie_v the_o other_o way_n it_o breed_v rather_o a_o aversion_n and_o abhorrency_n towards_o it_o and_o towards_o those_o that_o use_v it_o but_o say_v our_o answerer_n suppose_v the_o worst_a viz._n that_o compel_v man_n to_o church_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o inward_a change_n in_o their_o mind_n yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a to_o so_o bless_a a_o end_n but_o who_o i_o will_v know_v tell_v he_o so_o it_o be_v no_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a of_o christ_n appointment_n nor_o do_v he_o himself_o ever_o use_v it_o salvation_n indeed_o he_o offer_v which_o who_o so_o refuse_v at_o his_o peril_n those_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v they_o hear_v be_v the_o usual_a conclusion_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o send_v likewise_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o not_o to_o force_v or_o compel_v any_o to_o hear_v they_o 15._o but_o suppose_v say_v the_o pious_a and_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n some_o shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_a they_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o gospel_n shall_v they_o then_o exercise_v no_o temporal_a power_n none_o at_o all_o say_v he_o they_o be_v command_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n from_o their_o foot_n as_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o command_v to_o compel_v they_o by_o any_o external_a force_n or_o violence_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o this_o answerer_n shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o re-establishment_n of_o popery_n in_o this_o nation_n whether_o the_o compel_a he_o to_o church_n will_v be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a to_o his_o conversion_n if_o it_o will_v can_v he_o doubt_v but_o they_o who_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o bless_a work_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o it_o then_o as_o he_o be_v now_o perhaps_o he_o may_v say_v the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a while_o all_o other_o on_o either_o hand_n of_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n which_o be_v not_o impossible_a though_o very_o improbable_a yet_o whilst_o other_o think_v themselves_o as_o much_o in_o the_o right_a as_o he_o the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o expect_v the_o same_o measure_n he_o mete_n will_v be_v measure_v to_o he_o again_o that_o hypocrasie_n the_o sin_n against_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n denounce_v so_o many_o woe_n shall_v be_v prefer_v as_o by_o he_o it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n be_v what_o i_o have_v not_o before_o meet_v with_o such_o preacher_n therefore_o may_v well_o plead_v for_o compel_v to_o their_o church_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o likely_a to_o have_v many_o hearer_n nor_o do_v i_o understand_v the_o logic_n of_o all_o man_n be_v advantage_v by_o forceable_a method_n because_o some_o may_v be_v external_o reform_v while_o other_o again_o be_v thereby_o apparent_o injure_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o act_v their_o abominable_a lust_n which_o we_o no_o less_o wish_n than_o he_o nor_o do_v this_o query_n infer_v the_o contrary_a though_o he_o will_v have_v it_o think_v to_o countenance_v impiety_n and_o a_o scornful_a contempt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o justitution_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o aim_v only_o at_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n in_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o christ_n institution_n by_o which_o the_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o god_n
honour_n will_v be_v best_a secure_v ahab_n humiliation_n which_o he_o instance_n in_o be_v a_o voluntary_a action_n he_o do_v it_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o be_v thereunto_o move_v by_o what_o the_o prophet_n say_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v not_o therefore_o against_o the_o drift_n of_o this_o query_n and_o who_o doubt_v that_o if_o a_o stop_n be_v put_v to_o gross_a schism_n i_o mean_v what_o be_v true_o such_o and_o not_o undue_o so_o call_v and_o bare_a face_a atheism_n with_o other_o villainy_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o but_o it_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n as_o likewise_o the_o restrain_v of_o seducer_n from_o propagate_a their_o contagious_a error_n will_v this_o answerer_n but_o vouchsafe_v a_o clear_a and_o positive_a answer_n to_o the_o 6_o query_n and_o tell_v we_o who_o be_v judge_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o disputable_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o always_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o strong_a to_o determine_v and_o to_o talk_v of_o lawless_n and_o licentious_a practice_n be_v universal_o plead_v for_o when_o the_o plea_n be_v only_o for_o a_o liberty_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o faith_n without_o doubt_v be_v a_o strain_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a bound_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n but_o say_v our_o answerer_n if_o man_n be_v so_o perverse_a and_o incorrigible_a as_o not_o to_o be_v reform_v themselves_o yet_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o like_a sin_n in_o other_o they_o may_v so_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v sin_n but_o what_o any_o shall_v judge_v to_o be_v they_o and_o other_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o punish_v of_o some_o for_o those_o thing_n will_v not_o deter_v other_o who_o fear_n god_n more_o than_o man_n from_o do_v the_o like_a whatever_o they_o suffer_v for_o it_o but_o so_o something_o be_v say_v and_o authority_n cite_v it_o matter_n not_o how_o applicable_a to_o the_o present_a question_n query_n xi_o whether_o christ_n rule_n of_o his_o disciple_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n and_o whither_o to_o use_v the_o temporal_a sword_n in_o religious_a matter_n be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o arm_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n though_o what_o be_v mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v as_o he_o say_v mighty_a through_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o original_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a 10._o whereby_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o carnal_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v in_o all_o worldly_a affair_n and_o concern_v and_o the_o spiritual_a power_n wherewith_o christ_n rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o this_o answerer_n seem_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o have_v possible_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o talk_v to_o such_o of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n be_v like_o talk_v to_o blind_a man_n of_o colour_n but_o the_o magistrate_n say_v he_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o that_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o welfare_n of_o man_n soul_n as_o well_o as_o their_o worldly_a and_o outward_a estate_n but_o how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o be_v not_o at_o present_a dispose_v to_o tell_v we_o but_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n never_o make_v use_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n to_o recommend_v or_o obtrude_v as_o he_o phrase_n it_o his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o world_n be_v because_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n in_o open_a enmity_n and_o hostility_n against_o he_o but_o do_v he_o think_v christ_n can_v not_o as_o easy_o have_v convert_v magistrate_n as_o other_o have_v he_o so_o please_v 18._o or_o do_v he_o not_o know_v that_o to_o he_o be_v give_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o that_o have_v he_o think_v it_o necessary_a or_o expedient_a for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o can_v as_o well_o have_v command_v the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o any_o other_o but_o he_o decline_v it_o as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o suppose_v to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o gospel_n or_o true_a religion_n be_v whole_o found_v upon_o spiritual_a power_n be_v complete_a therein_o and_o need_v not_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o secular_a force_n but_o the_o argument_n against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o christ_n not_o use_v it_o as_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v so_o force_v it_o be_v seat_v in_o those_o faculty_n to_o which_o outward_a violence_n can_v have_v no_o access_n so_o that_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n aim_v at_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n not_o serve_v himself_o of_o it_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o gift_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n 4._o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o necessary_a not_o to_o say_v more_o and_o whereas_o this_o answerer_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v arm_v with_o such_o miraculous_a power_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o do_v not_o need_v any_o assistance_n from_o empire_n or_o state_n do_v he_o think_v his_o arm_n shorten_v or_o that_o he_o now_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o secular_a assistance_n than_o heretofore_o we_o argue_v not_o against_o the_o church_n make_v use_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n to_o protect_v herself_o against_o force_n and_o violence_n or_o the_o injury_n or_o oppression_n of_o any_o but_o against_o magistrate_n impose_v on_o she_o or_o on_o any_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v with_o this_o answerer_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o erect_v his_o church_n never_o intend_v to_o diminish_v the_o power_n of_o magistracy_n neither_o have_v he_o it_o be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o ever_o be_v magistrate_n have_v the_o same_o power_n now_o that_o ordinary_o they_o ever_o have_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a but_o high_o advantageous_a to_o civil_a state_n and_o society_n in_o that_o it_o reach_v conscientious_a obedience_n to_o authority_n wheresoever_o and_o in_o whosoever_o lodge_v and_o faithful_a deal_n between_o man_n and_o man_n though_o the_o church_n be_v as_o he_o say_v 10._o a_o military_a she_o be_v still_o a_o spiritual_a society_n the_o weapon_n of_o ●h●se_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a bold_v and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o answerer_n can_v tell_v we_o of_o any_o other_o weapon_n belong_v to_o she_o we_o shall_v own_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o discovery_n query_n xii_o whether_o to_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o last_o answer_n to_o be_v show_v in_o this_o what_o be_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o church_n warfare_n but_o instead_o thereof_o be_v there_o tell_v the_o end_n only_o of_o christ_n give_v power_n to_o his_o church_n which_o none_o sure_a ever_o doubt_v to_o be_v for_o the_o edification_n not_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n yet_o we_o still_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n the_o weapon_n of_o the_o church_n warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a that_o christ_n give_v gift_n and_o neither_o sword_n nor_o gun_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n and_o that_o the_o spiritual_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n and_o
wherein_o do_v this_o permit_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o this_o answerer_n very_o impertinent_o object_v and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o rational_a man_n whether_o they_o who_o insist_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n or_o they_o who_o allow_v unto_o every_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o christian_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o lead_v into_o the_o path_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o do_v gratify_v the_o old_a serpent_n in_o his_o malicious_a wile_n and_o method_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o his_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v their_o hellish_a design_n in_o destroy_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n government_n at_o one_o blow_n i_o say_v again_o let_v every_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o destroy_v judge_n god_n name_n be_v not_o indeed_o blaspheme_v as_o he_o say_v when_o his_o institution_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o uphold_v his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o institute_v the_o civil_a sword_n to_o force_v any_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o less_o to_o uphold_v whatever_o be_v teach_v or_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o if_o his_o name_n be_v blaspheme_v when_o man_n mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o who_o use_v such_o mean_n and_o method_n for_o its_o propagation_n as_o they_o pretend_v as_o beget_v a_o aversion_n in_o many_o towards_o it_o and_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v the_o profession_n thereof_o arbitrary_a they_o who_o say_v the_o spiritual_a power_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o govern_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o every_o be●ted_a brain_n and_o sulphurous_a malcontent_n be_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o open_o to_o deny_v and_o blaspheme_v he_o when_o all_o we_o pray_v and_o plead_v for_o be_v but_o 3_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n without_o ever_o deny_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a evil_n and_o impiety_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a know_v from_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n how_o far_o any_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v here_o to_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v too_o hard_a thought_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o forsake_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o sacrament_n it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v one_o thing_n to_o convert_v pagan_n and_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v both_o effect_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o compel_v unto_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o but_o when_o man_n give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_o as_o he_o say_v the_o duty_n of_o churchman_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o proper_a mean_v to_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o but_o who_o be_v the_o incorrigible_a offender_n he_o speak_v of_o or_o what_o occasion_n do_v this_o query_n administer_v to_o ask_v why_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o be_v request_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o be_v request_v to_o punish_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v no_o more_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n then_o he_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n alone_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n aught_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o lawful_a mean_n to_o reduce_v man_n to_o christianity_n and_o prevent_v their_o apostasy_n from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n now_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o its_o act_n and_o censure_n shall_v be_v second_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o disciple_n teach_v what_o he_o command_v they_o 28._o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o in_o the_o act_n and_o censure_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n have_v withdraw_v any_o of_o that_o ordinary_a power_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n but_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o his_o promise_n in_o not_o teach_v what_o he_o command_v but_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o device_n in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o institution_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o orderly_a and_o regular_o pronounce_v now_o as_o heretofore_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o as_o then_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n what_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o their_o body_n we_o be_v rather_o tell_v then_o convince_v of_o for_o the_o intestuous_a corinthian's_n being_n deliver_v unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v his_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n with_o the_o blindness_n of_o ellmas_n the_o sorcerer_n the_o effect_n of_o any_o church_n act_n or_o censure_n but_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n christ_n confer_v on_o his_o apostle_n to_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o church_n power_n be_v defective_a without_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n be_v high_o derogatory_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v much_o of_o christ_n glory_n to_o rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v that_o power_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a it_o be_v that_o power_n in_o all_o gospel_n institution_n that_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n carry_v the_o sting_n of_o the_o punishment_n when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o power_n do_v all_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bringin_n the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o whole_o to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v to_o a●m_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n what_o he_o say_v of_o dissenter_n be_v punish_v for_o endanger_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n by_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v speak_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o law_n and_o what_o church_n he_o here_o mean_v nor_o can_v we_o till_o then_o say_v how_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o society_n be_v twist_v and_o unite_v but_o do_v very_o well_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a artifices_fw-la in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o to_o twist_v the_o civil_a and_o some_o pretend_a religious_a interest_n as_o to_o preswade_v the_o world_n the_o oak_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o ivy_n but_o as_o well_o reason_n as_o experience_n
against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a command_v by_o superior_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v agreeable_a with_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 7._o none_o may_v judge_v for_o another_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v true_o tell_v we_o proceed_v according_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n must_v therein_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n query_n xvii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o in_o other_o thing_n wait_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o differ_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n our_o answerer_n acknowledge_v what_o none_o can_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o frame_v and_o order_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o he_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v force_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o for_o where_o any_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n to_o do_v it_o to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v sin_n though_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v not_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o superior_n opinion_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o this_o answerer_n as_o wilful_a in_o retain_v error_n or_o opiniotive_n in_o despise_v those_o who_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o superior_n may_v err_v and_o god_n approve_v not_o of_o blind_a obedience_n because_o he_o will_v not_o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n tell_v we_o hold_v they_o excuse_v 6._o who_o with_o a_o blind_a zeal_n follow_v their_o leader_n but_o who_o be_v they_o this_o answerer_n term_v weak_a christian_n and_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n if_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o action_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n dare_v not_o conform_v to_o what_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v weak_a they_o will_v one_o day_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o wise_a christian_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o 13_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o protection_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v those_o babe_n to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o thing_n he_o have_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a what_o he_o say_v of_o child_n be_v cccker_v and_o uphold_v in_o their_o humour_n be_v extreme_o impertinent_a here_o and_o nothing_o to_o this_o query_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o man_n will_v live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceive_v it_o their_o duty_n total_o to_o forsake_v their_o parochial_a church_n and_o think_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a indifferent_a matter_n whether_o they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n or_o infidel_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o total_o to_o forsake_v their_o parochial_a church_n i_o know_v it_o there_o be_v those_o who_o though_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o every_o parochial_a church_n nor_o yet_o with_o any_o parochial_a church_n in_o every_o thing_n be_v yet_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o christian_a office_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n separate_v from_o those_o circumstance_n or_o adjunct_n of_o worship_n of_o humane_a institution_n of_o who_o lawfulness_n they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v who_o do_v not_o therefore_o total_o forsake_v they_o much_o less_o think_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a indifferent_a matter_n whether_o they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n or_o infidel_n though_o they_o believe_v not_o all_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o consist_v in_o communicate_v with_o parochial_a church_n as_o for_o his_o scorner_n and_o infidel_n chair_n it_o may_v very_o well_o have_v be_v spare_v here_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o of_o these_o query_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n unto_o such_o or_o that_o any_o shall_v go_v unpunished_a for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n a_o inferior_n differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o his_o superior_a aught_o to_o excite_v his_o utmost_a ●are_n and_o diligence_n to_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o will_v not_o warrant_v his_o yield_a blind_a obedience_n to_o any_o of_o he_o dictate_v 23._o be_v you_o 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n be_v a_o divine_a precept_n which_o must_v take_v place_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o no_o where_o yet_o ought_v not_o any_o to_o condemn_v a_o whole_a church_n or_o withdraw_v from_o its_o communion_n but_o where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a corruption_n and_o defect_n in_o it_o and_o those_o too_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o may_v justify_v both_o his_o charge_n and_o separation_n but_o of_o they_o the_o party_n separate_a must_v still_o judge_n it_o be_v the_o high_a usurpation_n say_v the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n to_o rob_v man_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n 118_o that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o against_o the_o papist_n be_v that_o all_o man_n have_v eye_n in_o their_o head_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pope_n that_o every_o one_o have_v a_o judicium_fw-la privatae_fw-la discretionis_fw-la which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o free_o allow_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n in_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n their_o power_n be_v only_a directive_n and_o declarative_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n can_v bind_v no_o more_o than_o reason_n and_o evidence_n bring_v from_o scripture_n by_o they_o do_v though_o in_o all_o age_n christian_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n wherein_o they_o agree_v which_o be_v but_o what_o this_o query_n call_v for_o yet_o they_o never_o communicate_v with_o one_o another_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o those_o thing_n they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o superstitious_a nor_o force_v each_o other_o thereunto_o but_o the_o orthodox_n the_o arian_n and_o the_o novatian_o may_v lawful_o enough_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n where_o their_o error_n be_v not_o mix_v with_o their_o prayer_n and_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v evident_a though_o the_o worshipper_n many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a corruption_n and_o impiety_n yet_o their_o worship_n itself_o be_v free_a from_o they_o they_o can_v not_o else_o have_v communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n and_o not_o have_v communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o impiety_n which_o be_v blasphemous_a to_o imagine_v and_o though_o our_o bless_a saviour_n encourage_v all_o due_a reverence_n and_o ohedience_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n in_o command_v the_o multitude_n to_o do_v whatever_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n 23._o who_o sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n bid_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o according_a to_o moses_n law_n not_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o add_v ●o_o or_o diminish_v f●om_n what_o god_n have_v appoint_v or_o be_v implicity_n to_o be_v obey_v he_o have_v elsewhere_o charge_v his_o disciple_n to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n 16._o i._n e._n doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n so_o that_o though_o all_o due_a rererence_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o public_a law_n and_o governor_n yet_o be_v not_o blind_a obedience_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o either_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o gospel_n precept_n which_o command_v we_o to_o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v as_o 6._o and_o as_o have_v be_v say_v 23_o that_o we_o be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n for_o that_o every_o ome_z must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n 12_o when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v sufficient_a discovery_n of_o
charge_v not_o this_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o have_v we_o say_v that_o they_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o her_o liturgy_n be_v false-worshipper_n these_o be_v but_o the_o uncharitable_a inference_n and_o surmise_n of_o a_o strange_o ignorant_a or_o immeasurable_o malicious_a person_n who_o want_v strength_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n he_o like_v not_o thus_o load_v they_o with_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v nothing_o still_o to_o this_o query_n that_o there_o be_v no_o congregat_v independent_a congregation_n in_o england_n but_o the_o respective_a pastor_n of_o it_o assume_v to_o himself_o more_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v the_o swear_a member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o great_a prelate_n in_o our_o church_n do_v in_o his_o province_n or_o diocese_n unless_o to_o manifest_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o write_v one_o true_a period_n there_o be_v among_o they_o no_o such_o swear_a member_n as_o he_o mention_n and_o whether_o of_o they_o exercise_n most_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v their_o respective_a member_n in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n let_v those_o concern_v determine_v but_o this_o he_o say_v he_o will_v not_o prove_v from_o their_o practice_n the_o thing_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o independency_n which_o aim_v at_o little_a else_o but_o turanny_n and_o pre_n eminence_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o independent_a pastor_n exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a i_o hope_v he_o do_v not_o mean_a here_o that_o in_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n impossible_a they_o exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n they_o do_v not_o yet_o exclude_v any_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o make_v that_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o if_o the_o condition_n be_v impossible_a the_o communion_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o well_o know_v and_o so_o in_o good_a time_n will_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o reporter_n likewise_o be_v but_o as_o a_o far_a instance_n of_o their_o tyranny_n and_o pre-eminence_n he_o tell_v we_o they_o pry_v into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o man_n soul_n life_n and_o action_n by_o severe_a scrutiny_n and_o examination_n if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o oath_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v hear_v much_o talk_n of_o but_o they_o will_v not_o he_o say_v admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o gather_a church_n till_o they_o have_v satisfy_v the_o curiosity_n of_o their_o guide_n that_o be_v they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o unbeliever_n nor_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n a_o great_a crime_n and_o worthy_a this_o answerer_n rebuke_n but_o be_v it_o more_o than_o probable_a as_o he_o politic_o observe_v that_o this_o and_o not_o meanness_n of_o trade_n impoverish_v city_n and_o country_n or_o suppose_v they_o who_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thing_n 27._o shall_v according_a to_o duty_n administer_v unto_o they_o in_o carnal_a thing_n how_o shall_v this_o occasion_n the_o nation_n poverty_n what_o do_v they_o receive_v which_o they_o give_v not_o again_o or_o which_o of_o they_o have_v such_o plenty_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o hoard_v up_o any_o thing_n no_o no_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o more_o pious_a politician_n that_o a_o fruitful_a land_n be_v turn_v into_o barrenness_n 34._o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o holy_a prophet_n tell_v we_o 4._o the_o land_n mourn_v and_o the_o herb_n of_o every_o field_n wither_v not_o for_o people_n meeting_n together_o to_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o land_n of_o their_o nativity_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n still_o of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o person_n differ_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o passion_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o query_n charge_v in_o the_o rear_n with_o blind_a leader_n and_o follower_n he_o wish_v the_o gentleman_n will_v not_o make_v such_o sly_a and_o unworthy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o conformable_a laity_n and_o clergy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o gentleman_n wish_v likewise_o this_o answerer_n will_v also_o forbear_v apply_v to_o particular_n what_o be_v indefinite_o speak_v and_o be_v not_o by_o he_o intend_v to_o one_o party_n 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the_o query_n and_o wherein_o ●y_a the_o great_a mistake_n in_o ask_v it_o but_o he_o may_v be_v pardon_v this_o for_o so_o ingenious_o profess_v himself_o ignorant_a of_o any_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v ever_o raise_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o add_v and_o require_v new_a or_o unheard_a of_o condition_n of_o church_n fellowship_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o western_a and_o eastern_a church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o persecution_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o constantine_n constantius_n and_o some_o follow_a emperor_n upon_o the_o imposition_n of_o differ_v if_o not_o contradictory_n creed_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n as_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o cause_v the_o breach_n of_o communion_n and_o church-fellowship_n between_o the_o arian_n and_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o the_o orthodox_n force_v the_o arian_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o new_o invent_a homoousian_n as_o do_v afterward_o the_o arian_n where_o they_o prevail_v require_v the_o orthodox_n to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o homoiousian_n whereas_o as_o a_o learned_a prelate_n have_v well_o observe_v have_v both_o party_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n expression_n without_o their_o own_o addition_n they_o may_v have_v live_v peacable_o and_o quiet_o together_o and_o the_o arian_n heresy_n probable_o have_v soon_o expire_v error_n divest_v of_o secular_a force_n and_o support_v not_o be_v long_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o ●ower_n of_o truth_n he_o be_v it_o seem_v likewise_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a division_n which_o after_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereas_o as_o the_o say_v learned_a person_n likewise_o observe_v have_v they_o acquiesce_v also_o in_o what_o the_o
scripture_n plain_o declare_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o the_o father_n and_o also_o by_o the_o son_n but_o whether_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n or_o by_o the_o son_n the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o too_o as_o to_o that_o question_n and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v avoid_v the_o unhappy_a breach_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a this_o answerer_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sad_a persecution_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n impose_v as_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o require_v for_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o those_o between_o austin_n and_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n with_o other_o we_o read_v of_o in_o ancient_a story_n what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o unhappy_a breach_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v thereby_o occasion_v even_o in_o this_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o i_o be_o here_o willing_a to_o express_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n nor_o have_v i_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o ever_o so_o apply_v it_o and_o yet_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v be_v applicable_a enough_o for_o his_o presume_v do_v not_o prove_v that_o every_o national_a church_n have_v a_o more_o indispencible_a power_n over_o its_o own_o member_n if_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o take_v every_o one_o for_o such_o who_o be_v bear_v or_o inhabit_v within_o that_o nat●on_n than_o either_o the_o western_a church_n have_v over_o the_o eastern_a or_o the_o eastern_a over_o the_o western_a and_o second_o there_o be_v no_o such_o wide_a difference_n as_o he_o allege_v between_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o that_o be_v between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n for_o if_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o one_o be_v about_o a_o trivial_a inconsiderable_a business_n the_o other_o be_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n only_o can_v certain_o be_v think_v very_o considerable_a but_o say_v he_o every_o church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o guide_n and_o govern_v its_o own_o member_n in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n pertain_v to_o its_o communion_n which_o if_o true_a 33._o yet_o be_v not_o every_o member_n bind_v to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v indifferent_a which_o their_o ecclesiastical_a guide_n or_o governor_n shall_v call_v so_o and_o if_o they_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o their_o member_n shall_v approve_v of_o or_o judge_v lawful_a it_o will_v undoubted_o cause_n difference_n and_o division_n among_o they_o what_o rite_n the_o church_n of_o england_n tender_v as_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n to_o those_o within_o her_o pale_a we_o meddle_v not_o with_o our_o query_n be_v only_o whether_o the_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v have_v not_o be_v the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o but_o for_o ask_v we_o be_v judge_v criminal_a though_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n still_v fleet_n stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v irenicon_n that_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o have_v this_o answerer_n the_o confidence_n or_o impudence_n rather_o to_o suppose_v this_o reverend_a dr._n herein_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o all_o the_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o now_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n or_o that_o he_o causeless_o and_o false_o accuse_v a_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o abound_v in_o it_o or_o will_v he_o not_o himself_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o false_a accuser_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v in_o this_o assertion_n or_o query_n than_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n or_o the_o church_n at_o geneva_n or_o any_o other_o church_n whatever_o unless_o this_o answerer_n will_v say_v she_o require_v other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v which_o neither_o the_o doctor_n nor_o the_o gentleman_n have_v yet_o say_v but_o to_o conclude_v he_o tell_v we_o st._n james_n acquaint_v we_o with_o another_o cause_n of_o war_n and_o persecution_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v from_o man_n lust_n which_o war_n in_o their_o member_n but_o may_v not_o the_o imposition_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n proceed_v from_o those_o lust_n they_o first_o rebel_n against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o whether_o argue_v the_o great_a pride_n the_o impose_v upon_o man_n judgement_n or_o the_o leave_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o as_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a bishop_n davenant_n have_v tell_v we_o hold_v those_o excuse_v who_o with_o a_o blind_a zeal_n follow_v their_o leader_n the_o remove_n old_a landmark_n with_o innocent_a and_o useful_a constitution_n be_v but_o the_o old_a objection_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o reformer_n and_o of_o they_o borrow_v by_o this_o answerer_n to_o help_v to_o fill_v up_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o though_o he_o can_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o forbear_v mention_v one_o passage_n more_o it_o 〈◊〉_d seem_v to_o be_v but_o to_o usher_v in_o his_o follow_a rhyme_n as_o a_o grave_n and_o gracious_a author_n have_v it_o one_o verse_n for_o sense_n and_o one_o for_o rhyme_n be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o time_n yet_o be_v we_o more_o behold_v to_o he_o for_o this_o than_o for_o most_o of_o his_o precede_a answer_n which_o have_v neither_o rhyme_n nor_o reason_n in_o they_o query_n xxii_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o yoke_n and_o burden_v of_o jewish_a ceremony_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o holy_a writ_n than_o that_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v 1._o but_o in_o the_o way_n 4._o and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n 7._o and_o that_o no_o service_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o 10_o but_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n it_o may_v not_o therefore_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o unseasonable_a to_o ask_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v power_n or_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o to_o this_o our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o he_o from_o mr._n hooker_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n which_o we_o deny_v not_o according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o method_n of_o answer_v query_n otherwise_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o it_o for_o though_o many_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v have_v be_v change_v and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a they_o have_v be_v still_o change_v by_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o if_o seven_o church_n as_o he_o say_v have_v declare_v that_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n be_v lawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n as_o he_o affirm_v to_o some_o person_n to_o institute_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o present_a question_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ingenious_a gentleman_n he_o commend_v to_o his_o reader_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v as_o more_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n the_o word_n of_o the_o but_o now_o mention_v reverend_a and_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n who_o iren._n speak_v of_o the_o meekness_n sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n
it_o the_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n in_o a_o national_a church_n only_o that_o be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n certain_o if_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o a_o national_a church_n cause_n division_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o affection_n variety_n of_o rite_n in_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n church_n will_v cause_v the_o same_o also_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n throughout_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n experience_n tell_v we_o what_o sad_a division_n feud_n and_o animosity_n have_v and_o do_v daily_o arise_v among_o christian_n from_o the_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n worship_n enjoin_v by_o particular_a church_n of_o several_a denomination_n even_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o external_a as_o well_o as_o internal_a unity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n and_o which_o christ_n so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o if_o the_o internal_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o external_n unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n be_v desirable_a as_o most_o certain_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v attain_v then_o by_o all_o christian_a church_n universal_o adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o enjoin_v no_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o require_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n then_o that_o enjoin_v and_o require_v nor_o have_v our_o answerer_n more_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n independent_a one_o 〈◊〉_d of_o another_o though_o live_v under_o the_o same_o civil_a government_n do_v weaken_v and_o will_v at_o last_o destroy_v christianity_n than_o other_o that_o national_a and_o provincial_a church_n reject_v at_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o endanger_v the_o very_a be_v of_o christian_a religion_n nor_o yet_o that_o from_o such_o small_a beginning_n and_o independent_a communion_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o possibility_n to_o have_v spread_v and_o propagate_v christianity_n in_o the_o world_n than_o a_o army_n divide_v and_o scatter_v into_o party_n can_v be_v able_a encounter_n with_o another_o that_o be_v unite_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o chief_a commander_n since_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o mighty_a and_o experience_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o from_o such_o 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answerer_n may_v therefore_o know_v if_o he_o please_v that_o though_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o army_n it_o be_v not_o in_o be_v like_o officered_a as_o have_v a_o lieutenant_n or_o vicar-general_n major-general_n colonel_n etc._n etc._n or_o such_o like_a subordination_n of_o officer_n depend_v upon_o or_o centre_v in_o one_o and_o yet_o th●_n be_v not_o without_o her_o officer_n who_o though_o at_o the_o head_n but_o of_o single_a company_n observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o their_o chief_a commander_n be_v and_o have_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_n the_o unite_a power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n make_v war_n against_o the_o lamb_n and_o his_o follower_n but_o our_o answerer_n have_v explain_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o one_o of_o the_o main_a vital_n of_o christianity_n viz._n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n advise_v his_o reader_n far_o to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n abide_v upon_o earth_n there_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v any_o law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o unity_n for_o the_o reason_n he_o mention_n and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_n in_o religion_n as_o they_o in_o their_o own_o prudence_n shall_v judge_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o shall_v convert_v and_o which_o tend_v to_o promote_v true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o for_o this_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v likewise_o to_o consider_v we_o have_v but_o his_o bare_a word_n he_o not_o offer_v the_o least_o proof_n of_o any_o such_o power_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o commission_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v but_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n and_o appoint_v such_o ritual_n in_o religion_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v fond_o and_o groundless_o assert_v and_o no_o less_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o himself_o but_o now_o say_v than_o repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o those_o rite_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o one_o sort_n of_o people_n will_v not_o be_v so_o unto_o other_o and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o appoint_v as_o he_o say_v such_o ritual_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o their_o prudence_n they_o shall_v judge_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o nation_n they_o shall_v convert_v what_o become_v of_o his_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n the_o visible_a unity_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o he_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o aught_o to_o be_v uniform_a and_o undevide_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n abode_n upon_o earth_n there_o shall_v be_v as_o he_o say_v any_o law_n make_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o any_o but_o jesus_n christ_n or_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o enact_v any_o such_o law_n neither_o have_v our_o lord_n christ_n institute_v any_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o will_v very_o well_o suit_n with_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n he_o will_v never_o else_o have_v command_v his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o yet_o so_o fond_a be_v our_o answerer_n of_o his_o fancy_n as_o to_o repeat_v they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o christ_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o intend_v though_o he_o give_v we_o no_o evidence_n of_o such_o his_o intention_n to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n with_o so_o much_o soundness_n and_o integrity_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a by_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o enact_v such_o law_n and_o order_n as_o shall_v preserve_v the_o external_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o render_v religion_n so_o amiable_a as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v quite_o naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o external_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n in_o which_o he_o express_v but_o his_o own_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thought_n of_o religion_n christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o most_o amiable_a when_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o beauty_n of_o who_o worship_n consist_v not_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o which_o even_o where_o they_o most_o exceed_v it_o come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o ordinance_n under_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o the_o
apostle_n prefer_v the_o gospel_n worship_n far_o above_o that_o for_o glory_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n which_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o respect_n unto_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n to_o invest_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o it_o speak_v he_o either_o want_v towards_o it_o in_o not_o appoint_v thing_n necessary_a or_o not_o so_o wise_a as_o other_o to_o find_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o conduce_v to_o its_o edification_n and_o beauty_n and_o in_o commission_v his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v only_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o command_v they_o reject_v the_o honour_n give_v unto_o he_o by_o those_o who_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n he_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o no_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n but_o what_o be_v divine_a of_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v enjoin_v or_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o any_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n if_o by_o positive_a law_n make_v for_o the_o external_a regiment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n cite_v by_o he_o mean_v law_n only_o for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n though_o about_o it_o we_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o say_v against_o it_o than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a question_n nor_o do_v we_o argue_v from_o christ_n abrogate_a those_o ceremony_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v that_o no_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o only_o ask_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o to_o institute_n in_o their_o room_n such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v not_o not_o because_o he_o abrogate_a those_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o but_o because_o no_o worship_n be_v acccptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 6._o and_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o manner_n beyond_o the_o orderly_a observance_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o necessary_o attend_v such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v but_o by_o express_a command_n or_o commission_n from_o god_n let_v this_o answerer_n therefore_o show_v their_o authority_n to_o institute_n new_a ceremony_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o he_o may_v be_v better_o think_v of_o then_o otherwise_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v be_v by_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n and_o desire_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o he_o say_v to_o give_v unto_o civil_a power_n commission_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o they_o please_v for_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o civil_a right_n of_o their_o people_n and_o none_o unto_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n not_o to_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o man_n which_o unavoidable_o as_o woeful_a experience_n manifest_v must_v fill_v she_o with_o schism_n and_o division_n but_o to_o have_v himself_o give_v she_o a_o stand_a rule_n or_o law_n whereby_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v universal_o go●verned_v and_o which_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a will_v her_o guide_n and_o governor_n faithful_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o deluge_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o secure_a christian_n in_o the_o path_n of_o piety_n and_o order_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o other_o law_n or_o lawgiver_n ever_o to_o effect_v nor_o be_v it_o from_o the_o dulness_n and_o indocibleness_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o answerer_n will_v have_v it_o that_o god_n give_v they_o rule_n for_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o civil_a concern_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o 2_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o 2._o in_o who_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v 5._o therefore_o establish_v he_o a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n and_o that_o he_o give_v they_o rule_n in_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v only_o of_o his_o own_o appointment_n q._n but_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n say_v this_o answerer_n have_v abolish_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n etc._n etc._n though_o but_o now_o to_o serve_v another_o turn_n he_o tell_v we_o man_n mind_n be_v dark_a and_o they_o be_v therefore_o blind_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o they_o know_v not_o who_o such_o be_v his_o dexterity_n in_o blow_v hot_a and_o cold_a with_o the_o same_o breath_n and_o man_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v man_n and_o sometime_o bruit_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o they_o yet_o be_v life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n image_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n repair_v ●nd_o restore_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o of_o what_o man_n not_o of_o the_o carnal_a or_o unregenerate_a but_o of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o 13._o they_o be_v the_o saint_n only_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n still_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o they_o be_v the_o regenerate_v only_o who_o be_v endeud_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n but_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o find_v that_o even_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o make_v law_n for_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o such_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o by_o some_o have_v be_v make_v have_v much_o conduce_v to_o common_a benefit_n or_o conspire_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o mutual_a good_a of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v introduce_v a_o theatrical_a pompous_a carnal_a worship_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n instead_o of_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o god_n require_v and_o without_o which_o no_o other_o worship_n will_v ever_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o that_o will_v look_v back_o as_o our_o answerer_n advise_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v adorn_v with_o that_o comely_a simplicity_n modest_a magnificence_n and_o awful_a reverence_n etc._n etc._n he_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o find_v any_o other_o law_n for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o our_o answerer_n come_v now_o to_o his_o argument_n à_fw-la fortiori_fw-la and_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o primitive_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enjoin_v christian_n the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o successor_n to_o institute_n other_o and_o so_o many_o in_o their_o stead_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n but_o the_o abolish_v ceremony_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o ●he_n express_v warrant_n and_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o abstain_v from_o blood_n from_o thing_n ●rangled_v and_o from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n but_o 〈◊〉_d he_o not_o herein_o mistake_v for_o these_o be_v not_o command_v as_o ceremony_n but_o prohibit_v as_o scandal_n to_o the_o new_a convert_v jew_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o warrant_n or_o command_n either_o express_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n or_o that_o they_o ever_o enjoin_v or_o command_v circumcision_n but_o we_o find_v they_o declare_v they_o command_v it_o not_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n 24_o if_o they_o
be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o 2._o so_o far_o be_v the_o apostle_n from_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o abrogate_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o contradiction_n interminis_fw-la for_o if_o they_o have_v apostolical_a warrant_n and_o command_v they_o be_v not_o abrogate_a but_o we_o must_v bear_v with_o small_a slip_n if_o we_o will_v not_o create_v to_o ourselves_o endless_a trouble_n but_o it_o be_v at_o length_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o our_o answerer_n hope_v to_o salve_v all_o in_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n but_o for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v it_o seem_v institute_n such_o and_o so_o many_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o if_o so_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o other_o church_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o she_o also_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o how_o come_v he_o to_o censure_v she_o as_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a and_o superstitious_a while_o she_o exercise_v but_o the_o authority_n he_o allow_v she_o institute_v no_o other_o ceremony_n than_o she_o judge_v conducive_a to_o so_o high_a and_o generous_a a_o end_n as_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o which_o render_v religion_n amiable_a by_o its_o external_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n but_o what_o may_v this_o answerer_n mean_v by_o the_o essentials_n of_o worship_n 4_o a_o dear_a friend_n of_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o essence_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o grateful_a sense_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n towards_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o as_o for_o all_o that_o concern_v external_a worship_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o judgement_n also_o he_o may_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o make_v humane_a invention_n the_o essential_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o yet_o retain_v a_o liberty_n of_o introduce_v all_o the_o vain_a and_o foolish_a ridiculous_a superstitious_a ceremony_n now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o judge_v they_o to_o render_v religion_n amiable_a and_o beautiful_a but_o certain_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o outward_a institution_n in_o religion_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o do_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o old_a and_o so_o do_v the_o present_a sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v and_o be_v part_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o i_o suppose_v of_o religion_n too_o and_o whatever_o be_v make_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o without_o it_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v be_v thereby_o make_v a_o essential_a of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o without_o it_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o thing_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o be_v plead_v be_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o same_o privilege_n which_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n assume_v to_o themselves_o viz._n to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o it_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o justice_n be_v deny_v then_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n prevail_v in_o those_o instance_n and_o rite_n where_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n to_o warrant_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o instance_v in_o the_o worship_n perform_v as_o he_o say_v by_o independent_o ask_v what_o scripture_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o covenant_n which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n swear_v to_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n though_o he_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o covenant_n swear_v to_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o their_o church_n wherein_o as_o well_o their_o order_n as_o common_a faith_n be_v declare_v neither_o of_o which_o do_v they_o or_o do_v they_o ever_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o impose_v upon_o any_o and_o yet_o be_v able_a 15_o i_o presume_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v he_o for_o far_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o particular_n he_o mention_n if_o he_o desire_v it_o and_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v only_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v article_n of_o faith_n yea_o or_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o will_v he_o now_o say_v in_o verbo_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la or_o upon_o his_o reputation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v of_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o then_o appoint_v circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o why_o do_v he_o thus_o impose_v upon_o his_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a reader_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v command_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n than_o dissenter_n have_v some_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o obey_v yea_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o dark_a mind_n which_o take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o liberty_n of_o separate_a but_o even_o of_o examine_v the_o command_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v thus_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n he_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v as_o many_o or_o more_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o very_a age_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o institute_v by_o they_o than_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o instance_n in_o half_a a_o score_n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o after_o all_o his_o boldness_n he_o speak_v but_o faint_o in_o say_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o conjecture_n about_o this_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o present_a power_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o appoint_v symbolical_a or_o significative_a ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n for_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v much_o like_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o egyptian_a bondage_n rather_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v curious_a about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n thereof_o and_o will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o pretend_a christian_n in_o these_o day_n more_o concern_v about_o the_o apparel_n and_o ornament_n as_o they_o term_v they_o of_o religion_n then_o to_o maintain_v the_o life_n and_o be_v thereof_o and_o how_o unhandsome_o do_v he_o reflect_v here_o on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o say_v when_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v christian_a than_o they_o begin_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o their_o body_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o till_o then_o they_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o body_n 10_o and_o in_o their_o spirit_n or_o what_o think_v he_o of_o those_o who_o before_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n 6._o and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v do_v not_o they_o as_o much_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o estate_n as_o those_o who_o adorn_v temple_n but_o such_o gross_a and_o carnal_a thought_n have_v some_o of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n 48._o as_o to_o think_v he_o still_o delight_v and_o please_v with_o man_n erect_v dedicate_a and_o adorn_v of_o temple_n in_o which_o they_o general_o place_n more_o of_o their_o religion_n than_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o
christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o query_n xxiii_o whether_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v or_o they_o who_o give_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n the_o schismatic_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o have_v here_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answerer_n in_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o not_o they_o who_o separate_v but_o they_o who_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o schismatic_n but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o st._n paul_n have_v as_o clear_o and_o full_o determine_v this_o query_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o his_o day_n though_o you_o will_v find_v he_o here_o as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o to_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o 2d_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o place_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n to_o count_v their_o master_n though_o infidel_n worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o not_o to_o depise_v their_o believe_a master_n because_o they_o be_v brethren_n but_o rather_o do_v they_o service_n because_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o belove_a and_o these_o thing_n he_o direct_v timothy_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o then_o subjoin_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v proud_a etc._n etc._n where_o observe_v how_o instead_o of_o master_n he_o foist_n in_o superior_a a_o word_n of_o a_o more_o extensive_a signification_n for_o though_o every_o master_n be_v a_o superior_a every_o superior_a be_v not_o a_o master_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o obedience_n may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o superior_n of_o any_o kind_n christianity_n lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n immaginable_a upon_o its_o professor_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o superior_n but_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a so_o neither_o aught_o the_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n to_o be_v blind_a or_o brutish_a both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o supreme_a power_n for_o where_o superior_n have_v no_o right_a to_o command_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o inferior_n to_o obey_v so_o that_o whether_o conformist_n in_o command_v or_o nonconformist_n in_o not_o obey_v be_v the_o schismatic_n depend_v on_o the_o former_n have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o the_o latter_a judge_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a to_o observe_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o present_a question_n we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o have_v be_v no_o schism_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o she_o do_v so_o and_o so_o then_o that_o command_n in_o the_o revelation_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v applicable_a to_o our_o dissenter_n b●t_v this_o be_v still_o but_o pretend_v be_v against_o his_o principle_n of_o blind_a obedience_n and_o man_n resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n without_o leave_v they_o so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v command_v for_o where_o that_o be_v there_o must_v likewise_o be_v allow_v a_o dissent_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o judge_v evil_a or_o unlawful_a and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v as_o much_o to_o dread_v the_o impose_v upon_o his_o judgement_n a_o assent_n to_o know_a error_n and_o upon_o his_o practice_n the_o act_n of_o know_a sin_n as_o the_o suffer_v the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n itself_o he_o do_v we_o doubt_v but_o equivocate_a alallow_v none_o to_o be_v know_v error_n or_o know_v sin_n but_o such_o as_o superior_n shall_v judge_v so_o for_o if_o he_o allow_v inferior_n to_o judge_v thereof_o and_o act_v according_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o but_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o what_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o first_o he_o say_v they_o question_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o that_o of_o king_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o own_o crown_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a christianity_n if_o such_o there_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a or_o rational_a man_n will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v they_o in_o it_o that_o they_o make_v the_o people_n judge_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v have_v reason_n for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v command_v or_o distinguish_v between_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n but_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_o will_v allow_v any_o to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v and_o aught_o to_o superintend_v over_o they_o that_o they_o forsake_v their_o old_a guide_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v but_o the_o old_a popish_a objection_n new_a vampt_a nor_o be_v such_o forsake_v criminal_a but_o where_o causeless_o and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o renounce_v in_o their_o assembly_n as_o he_o say_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o crime_n of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n without_o expound_v they_o but_o sure_o they_o make_v it_o not_o indifferent_a to_o be_v of_o any_o communion_n who_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v they_o gather_v church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o all_o authority_n let_v he_o not_o be_v thereat_o trouble_v since_o every_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v 15._o shall_v be_v root_v up_o which_o be_v due_a or_o undue_a ordination_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v till_o we_o have_v a_o affirmative_a answer_n to_o the_o six_o query_n but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o none_o who_o be_v not_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v empower_v to_o read_v sermon_n in_o the_o pulpit_n profane_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o as_o he_o say_v evacuate_v one_o main_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n faith_n in_o one_o catholic_n church_n beside_o himself_o and_o the_o papist_n all_o other_o believe_v their_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v only_o in_o god_n not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o it_o seem_v have_v resign_v up_o his_o faith_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o he_o shall_v talk_v of_o a_o yearly_o monthly_o and_o daily_a faith_n which_o his_o principle_n lead_v he_o to_o if_o he_o chance_v so_o oft_o to_o change_v his_o father_n or_o they_o their_o faith_n who_o they_o be_v that_o go_v out_o of_o their_o calling_n and_o station_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n will_v hardly_o be_v determine_v here_o yet_o i_o shall_v tell_v he_o what_o a_o reverend_a and_o learned_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n once_o answer_v to_o the_o like_a objection_n 535._o so_o long_o say_v he_o as_o they_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preach_v which_o they_o have_v bide_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o competent_a jurisdiction_n judicial_a cognition_n and_o legal_a decision_n to_o themselves_o for_o that_o as_o he_o true_o tell_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n first_o found_v and_o still_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n not_o by_o the_o summons_n of_o consistory_n and_o he_o that_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v may_v not_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o tarry_v till_o my_o lord_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o mitred_a father_n can_v intend_v to_o meet_v and_o list_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o ruin_n as_o they_o think_v of_o their_o dignity_n and_o liberty_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o answerer_n how_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o line_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v not_o they_o rather_o break_v both_o who_o make_v their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n will_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o find_v their_o ordination_n on_o uncertain_a tradition_n i_o know_v of_o no_o dissenter_n that_o obtrude_v oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o he_o say_v on_o their_o proselyte_n though_o it_o be_v no_o crime_n for_o christian_n to_o covenant_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v every_o man_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o be_v the_o
rule_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o must_v direct_v he_o with_o who_o to_o join_v and_o not_o to_o join_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n nor_o may_v he_o therein_o do_v aught_o against_o his_o light_n but_o what_o mean_v he_o in_o say_v here_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o no_o law_n nor_o admit_v of_o any_o discipline_n but_o what_o be_v erect_v and_o execute_v by_o themselves_o a_o thing_n never_o know_v for_o criminal_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o punishment_n for_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o all_o civil_a thing_n and_o concern_v and_o what_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v they_o not_o to_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o talk_v here_o of_o criminal_n make_v choice_a of_o their_o own_o punishment_n be_v very_o extravagant_a and_o last_o they_o will_v he_o say_v have_v no_o public_a act_n pass_v among_o they_o without_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o all_o query_n as_o satisfy_v in_o 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unreason●_n 〈…〉_z not_o faith_n neither_o do_v we_o 〈…〉_z or_o extinction_n of_o the_o function_n of_o bishop_n if_o they_o use_v all_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o lawful_a and_o charitable_a end_n nor_o that_o any_o end_n can_v be_v more_o generous_a and_o christian_n than_o to_o secure_a people_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o man_n and_o to_o themselves_o but_o we_o do_v say_v that_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o due_a mean_n to_o effect_v all_o these_o and_o whatever_o sense_n some_o may_v have_v of_o moral_a honesty_n and_o justice_n or_o of_o piety_n and_o religion_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o certain_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o express_v or_o declare_v their_o scorn_n or_o contempt_n of_o either_o i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o this_o answerer_n that_o it_o be_v since_o man_n have_v assume_v so_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o not_o well_o 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unto_o the_o world_n end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o render_v their_o ministry_n effectual_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o call_n of_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 4._o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o this_o answerer_n who_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n be_v conscious_a that_o thing_n be_v now_o so_o among_o they_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o management_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministeririal_a office_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o have_v recourse_n unto_o other_o mean_n to_o render_v his_o labour_n so_o considerable_a as_o to_o make_v he_o see_v some_o fruit_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n though_o possible_o it_o may_v prove_v but_o bitter_a fruit_n in_o the_o end_n the_o gentleman_n i_o can_v assure_v he_o never_o think_v as_o he_o intimate_v that_o the_o people_n forsake_v of_o any_o assembly_n be_v a_o certain_a prognostic_n that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v quite_o extinguish_v in_o all_o that_o be_v so_o forsake_v as_o know_v there_o be_v and_o may_v be_v defect_n and_o fault_n on_o all_o side_n but_o this_o the_o gentleman_n think_v that_o wherever_o any_o people_n manifest_v a_o desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o way_n of_o god_n as_o god_n be_v thank_v very_o many_o within_o these_o nation_n at_o this_o d●y_v do_v and_o after_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o any_o do_v yet_o
leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o it_o be_v no_o very_a good_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n and_o ability_n but_o it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a and_o too_o bold_a comparison_n he_o here_o make_v between_o the_o success_n of_o christ_n ministry_n while_o he_o exercise_v it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n for_o though_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n he_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n yet_o cou●d_v he_o have_v convert_v million_o of_o sinner_n as_o well_o as_o have_v command_v legion_n of_o angel_n if_o it_o have_v so_o please_v he_o the_o case_n of_o elijah_n and_o of_o athanasius_n he_o instance_n in_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o people_n leave_v or_o forsake_v their_o pastor_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o have_v lose_v all_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o pastor_n leave_v or_o forsake_v the_o spiritual_a mean_n by_o christ_n appoint_v for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o apply_v to_o and_o use_v of_o other_o mean_n than_o he_o appoint_v and_o command_v they_o to_o the_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o discipline_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a pique_n our_o answerer_n have_v against_o liberty_n in_o religion_n in_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o prophet_n apprehension_n that_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n have_v forsake_v his_o covenant_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a indulgence_n grant_v by_o ahab_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n when_o 33._o though_o there_o may_v be_v reas●n_o enough_o to_o believe_v he_o indulge_v all_o kind_n of_o impiety_n in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v he_o do_v more_o to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n to_o anger_n than_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v before_o he_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o evidence_n of_o his_o indulge_v all_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o though_o there_o be_v 7000_o who_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o ball_n the_o prophet_n know_v not_o of_o one_o true_a worshipper_n beside_o himself_o which_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o their_o be_v indulge_v among_o the_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n he_o talk_v of_o but_o to_o conclude_v whoever_o as_o he_o say_v shall_v serious_o consider_v the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o prone_a it_o be_v to_o embrace_v vice_n than_o virtue_n error_n than_o truth_n and_o the_o novel_a rather_o than_o the_o good_a old_a way_n of_o religion_n 33_o will_v not_o be_v much_o startle_v or_o wonder_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n 12_o shall_v forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n which_o have_v persecution_n and_o outward_a suffering_n usual_o accompany_v they_o to_o embrace_v those_o religion_n which_o not_o only_o indulge_v they_o in_o their_o lust_n but_o have_v the_o great_a worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n attend_v they_o query_n xxv_o whether_o be_v not_o they_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o distrustful_a of_o god_n providence_n to_o be_v always_o with_o his_o church_n who_o think_v christianity_n which_o both_o begin_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n under_o heathen_a and_o persecute_v emperor_n can_v stand_v or_o continue_v support_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a presence_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o world_n end_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n we_o do_v not_o say_v nor_o do_v we_o ever_o think_v the_o first_o reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o nation_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o distrustful_a of_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o his_o church_n because_o the_o whole_a reformation_n be_v not_o without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o bless_v god_n rather_o for_o their_o cooperate_n in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n and_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v stranger_n to_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v they_o believe_v the_o reformation_n can_v not_o have_v be_v effect_v without_o they_o and_o to_o ask_v what_o archbishop_n cranmer_n hooper_n ridly_n etc._n etc._n can_v have_v do_v to_o restore_v religion_n to_o its_o purity_n and_o truth_n have_v they_o not_o be_v second_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n will_v have_v better_o become_v a_o turkish_a mufti_n than_o a_o gospel_n minister_n do_v he_o think_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o preacher_n not_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n how_o then_o do_v not_o only_a peter_n and_o paul_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o several_a age_n after_o they_o propagate_v christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o without_o the_o assistance_n but_o even_o against_o the_o great_a opposition_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o the_o than_o english_a clergy_n and_o derogatory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v attempt_v to_o have_v pull_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o its_o orb_n as_o ever_o to_o have_v reform_a religion_n by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v he_o think_v thing_n be_v then_o among_o they_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o think_v to_o be_v among_o 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the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o will_v i_o trust_v be_v so_o secure_v and_o uphold_v to_o the_o world_n end_n yet_o that_o god_n will_v withal_o vouchsafe_v she_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n may_v ever_o be_v her_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v she_o from_o the_o rage_n and_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n since_o all_o man_n have_v not_o faith_n be_v my_o hearty_a desire_n but_o our_o clergy_n man_n sensible_a it_o seem_v how_o thing_n be_v now_o among_o they_o be_v distrustful_a of_o god_n continue_v his_o church_n with_o we_o and_o therefore_o will_v have_v the_o gentleman_n consider_v in_o what_o scripture_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o either_o christianity_n in_o general_n or_o protestantism_n in_o particular_a shall_v for_o ever_o continue_v the_o establish_v religion_n of_o this_o kingdom_n we_o know_v indeed_o of_o no_o particular_a promise_n concern_v the_o establish_v religion_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o this_o we_o know_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o that_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n while_o they_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o command_v they_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o world_n end_n so_o that_o if_o christianity_n continue_v not_o with_o we_o it_o be_v by_o o●r_n own_o default_n in_o forsake_v christ_n and_o disobey_v his_o command_n he_o be_v please_v to_o acknowledge_v here_o what_o can_v not_o well_o be_v deny_v that_o christianity_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n under_o heathen_a and_o persecute_v emperor_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o protection_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o look_n upon_o it_o as_o miraculous_a
and_o not_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o and_o will_v not_o because_o some_o have_v be_v feed_v from_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a sustenance_n that_o other_o therefore_o shall_v refuse_v their_o daily_a bread_n no_o certain_o no_o wise_a or_o sober_a man_n will_v ever_o do_v that_o but_o rather_o thankful_o accept_v of_o the_o magistrate_n favour_n and_o assistance_n if_o he_o will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v the_o church_n daily_a bread_n though_o i_o shall_v have_v think_v the_o divine_a presence_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v rather_o have_v be_v so_o esteem_v and_o to_o substitute_n in_o the_o place_n thereof_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a and_o compulsive_a power_n savour_v more_o of_o mahumetism_n than_o of_o christianity_n so_o little_a reverence_n have_v he_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o with_o a_o seem_a contempt_n of_o he_o that_o true_a religion_n flourish_v before_o ever_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n though_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a protection_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o israelite_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n the_o true_a religion_n he_o say_v no_o long_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v among_o they_o than_o it_o be_v encourage_v and_o protect_v against_o all_o false_a and_o foreign_a religion_n by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n god_n have_v then_o as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v withdraw_v his_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a assistance_n from_o it_o commit_v the_o sole_a care_n and_o concern_v thereof_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n what_o then_o become_v of_o religion_n when_o those_o magistrate_n neglect_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o it_o and_o towards_o god_n be_v there_o then_o no_o true_a religion_n in_o israel_n or_o do_v he_o think_v it_o do_v not_o then_o thrive_v or_o prosper_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o religion_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o godliness_n be_v great_a gain_n but_o gain_n with_o some_o be_v the_o only_a godliness_n and_o they_o think_v religion_n never_o thrive_v or_o prosper_v but_o in_o the_o outward_a prosperity_n of_o its_o professor_n though_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a and_o so_o david_n tell_v we_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v say_v he_o i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o keep_v thy_o word_n and_o again_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v 71._o that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o example_n and_o countenance_n of_o superior_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o behaviour_n and_o conversation_n of_o inferior_n according_a to_o the_o old_a say_n regis_fw-la ad_fw-la exemplum_fw-la totus_fw-la componitur_fw-la orbis_fw-la yet_o religion_n do_v not_o stand_v and_o fall_v with_o they_o for_o even_o in_o ahab●_n reign_n there_o be_v 7000_o who_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n who_o yet_o be_v neither_o schismatic_n nor_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o disobedient_a to_o superior_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o then_o establish_v national_a religion_n but_o to_o conclude_v our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n although_o christianity_n be_v plant_v by_o miracle_n i.e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o its_o protection_n only_o without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n yet_o its_o preservation_n can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o law_n forget_v what_o he_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v secure_v and_o uphold_v by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n and_o method_n by_o which_o they_o be_v acquire_v but_o mahum●●atism_n prevail_v have_v it_o seem_v alter_v his_o mind_n and_o now_o he_o judge_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n unable_a to_o preserve_v christianity_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n and_o that_o christ_n promise_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n together_o with_o the_o gift_n he_o give_v unto_o man_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o christianity_n yea_o he_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o have_v sleep_v for_o these_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n judge_v it_o seem_v other_o as_o thing_n be_v now_o among_o we_o such_o as_o himself_o and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n continue_v not_o his_o gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o end_n beforementioned_a nor_o yet_o his_o presence_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n above_o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n so_o leave_v she_o for_o a_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n without_o either_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a mean_n for_o her_o preservation_n it_o be_v 300_o year_n after_o christ_n before_o she_o have_v the_o aid_n or_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n such_o a_o excellent_a advocate_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n have_v this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n approve_v himself_o query_n xxvi_o whether_o to_o persecute_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o indication_n of_o a_o cainish_a ishmalitish_n and_o wolvish_a nature_n and_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n be_v sure_a the_o first_o that_o ever_o quarrel_v at_o the_o severity_n of_o any_o expression_n against_o such_o as_o persecute_v on_o the_o accowt_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v certain_o no_o vile_a miscreant_n on_o the_o earth_n than_o they_o who_o molest_v or_o trouble_v any_o for_o render_v only_o unto_o god_n the_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o though_o he_o know_v of_o none_o of_o the_o socinian_n writer_n that_o press_v as_o he_o say_v this_o argument_n with_o that_o bitterness_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o query_n yet_o he_o may_v soon_o find_v some_o among_o the_o orthodox_n who_o have_v press_v it_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o from_o who_o indeed_o the_o query_n be_v but_o borrow_v the_o reverend_n learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n henry_n more_o of_o cambridge_n 48._o have_v declare_v liberty_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o common_a and_o natural_a right_n of_o al●_n nation_n and_o person_n tell_v we_o how_o grotious_a give_v several_a instance_n thereof_o in_o his_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belli_fw-la &_o pacis_fw-la where_o he_o cite_v one_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n praecipit_fw-la sancta_fw-la synodus_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o holy_a synod_n decree_v that_o none_o hereafter_o shall_v by_o force_n he_o compel_v to_o the_o faith_n for_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v be_v harden_v also_o tertullian_n lex_fw-la nova_fw-la non_fw-la se_fw-la vindicat_fw-la ultore_fw-la gladio_fw-la the_o gospel_n support_v not_o itself_o by_o the_o punish_a sword_n he_o cites_n also_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n athanasius_n and_o chrysostom_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n who_o express_o exclude_v force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o bring_v over_o to_o christianity_n and_o certain_o they_o who_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o it_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v treat_v with_o less_o of_o reason_n and_o moderation_n that_o also_o say_v our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a doctor_n be_v remarkable_a which_o bishop_n jewel_n note_v out_o of_o chrysostom_n in_o the_o 19_o homily_n on_o st._n matthew_n nunquid_fw-la ovis_fw-la lupum_fw-la persequitur_fw-la aliquando_fw-la etc._n etc._n do_v the_o sheep_n ever_o persecute_v the_o wolf_n no_o but_o the_o wolf_n the_o sheep_n so_o cain_n persecute_v abel_n not_o abel_n cain_n so_o ishmael_n persecute_v isaac_n not_o isaac_n ishmael_n so_o the_o jew_n persecute_v christ_n not_o christ_n the_o jew_n heretic_n persecute_v christian_n not_o christian_n heretic_n by_o their_o fruit_n therefore_o you_o shall_v know_v they_o whereby_o he_o plain_o imply_v that_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v a_o very_a unchristian_a or_o antichrstian_a symptom_n and_o smart_o again_o in_o the_o same_o homily_n quem_fw-la vides_fw-la in_o sangnine_a persecutionis_fw-la gaude●●tem_fw-la lupus_fw-la est_fw-la he_o that_o be_v a_o persecutor_n be_v no_o sheep_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o wolf_n and_o last_o for_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a business_n say_v he_o to_o prosecute_v this_o common_a place_n that_o be_v a_o shrewd_a intimation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n so_o great_a a_o antipathy_n be_v there_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o true_o regenerate_v christian_n which_o shall_v make_v any_o man_n afraid_a to_o feel_v any_o persecute_v motion_n arise_v in_o his_o breast_n as_o be_v indication_n of_o a_o cainish_a ishmaelitish_n
and_o wolvish_a nature_n and_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n these_o be_v the_o bitter_a expression_n which_o our_o sweet-natured_a and_o tender-hearted_a answerer_n have_v not_o meet_v with_o among_o his_o socinian_n acquaintance_n and_o which_o his_o meek_a and_o gentle_a spirit_n can_v bear_v against_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a dr._n more_o far_a tell_v we_o 166._o that_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n who_o be_v style_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o signal_n and_o capital_a antichristianism_n that_o any_o policy_n can_v be_v corrupt_v with_o and_o the_o most_o gross_o and_o visible_o opposite_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n which_o bear_v all_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o be_v over_o severe_a to_o the_o wicked_a much_o less_o cruel_a to_o the_o good_a 72._o and_o also_o to_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n government_n who_o be_v say_v 40._o to_o redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o needy_a from_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o that_o their_o blood_n be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n but_o such_o as_o thwack_v and_o beat_v they_o and_o violent_o drive_v they_o instead_o of_o go_v before_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o christian_a example_n these_o be_v not_o shepherd_n but_o butcher_n and_o will_v easy_o drive_v they_o to_o the_o shambles_n and_o see_v their_o throat_n cut_v without_o remorse_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n as_o he_o true_o say_v of_o the_o true_a christian_a pastor_n to_o be_v thus_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o sheep_n what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o those_o who_o not_o only_o thwack_v and_o beat_v and_o violent_o drive_v they_o but_o be_v so_o tender_o affect_v towards_o their_o persecutor_n they_o can_v bear_v their_o be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o and_o how_o impertinent_a be_v we_o here_o tell_v while_o inquire_v only_o after_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v upon_o the_o accowt_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o enact_v law_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o violate_v and_o deflower_v religion_n as_o if_o to_o persecute_v for_o religion_n and_o punish_v the_o violator_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o dissuade_v not_o as_o he_o insinuate_v inflict_v punishment_n upon_o sensual_a and_o unrighteous_a person_n such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o either_o table_n and_o be_v far_o from_o think_v christian_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n inconsistent_a with_o clemency_n and_o lenity_n of_o spirit_n yet_o be_v it_o neither_o just_a nor_o righteous_a to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v style_v the_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n and_o as_o he_o say_v that_o title_n import_v that_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n feed_v but_o grievous_a wolf_n watch_v and_o their_o mouth_n stop_v too_o when_o they_o devour_v the_o flock_n and_o teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n '_o be_v sake_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n who_o endeavour_v what_o he_o can_v that_o christ_n flock_n shall_v be_v devour_v teach_v notorious_a untruth_n and_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucer_n sake_n nor_o will_v it_o i_o doubt_v advantage_n he_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o meek_a saviour_n to_o return_v sinner_n so_o he_o be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n to_o apostate_n and_o evil_a doer_n while_o he_o continue_v a_o persecutor_n since_o against_o such_o as_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o his_o arrow_n be_v ordain_v and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o begin_v to_o execute_v vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n by_o raise_v up_o man_n of_o undaunted_a spirit_n who_o make_v righteousness_n the_o girdle_n of_o their_o loin_n and_o judgement_n their_o robe_n and_o diadem_n to_o succour_v his_o church_n support_v his_o worship_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n yet_o such_o will_v never_o persecute_v for_o religion_n nor_o think_v those_o to_o give_v ill_a example_n unto_o other_o or_o to_o become_v schismatical_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o station_n who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o judge_v any_o evil_a doer_n for_o render_v unto_o he_o the_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n see_v by_o this_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o enemy_n to_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n whatever_o occasion_n some_o cainish_a or_o ishmalitish_n spirit_n may_v thence_o take_v so_o to_o do_v but_o for_o such_o as_o have_v err_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n or_o neglect_v the_o christian_a duty_n he_o require_v of_o they_o let_v the_o magistrate_n in_o god_n name_n and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n reduce_v or_o otherwise_o punish_v they_o no_o good_a christian_n will_v certain_o ever_o be_v displease_v thereat_o but_o say_v our_o answerer_n it_o be_v no_o indication_n of_o any_o such_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o nor_o do_v the_o query_n say_v it_o be_v but_o to_o persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o cain_n persecute_v abel_n ishmael_n isaac_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o their_o follower_n at_o this_o day_n persecute_v such_o as_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o the_o query_n mention_n and_o now_o if_o magistrate_n will_v not_o do_v as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o he_o declare_v they_o wicked_o unjust_a and_o all_o those_o terrible_a epithet_n mention_v in_o the_o query_n to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o then_o be_v it_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o break_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o pluck_v the_o spoil_n out_o of_o their_o tooth_n so_o will_v every_o honest_a and_o good_a man_n to_o repay_v man_n according_a to_o their_o deed_n fury_n to_o his_o adversary_n and_o recompense_v to_o his_o enemy_n and_o who_o desire_v not_o the_o same_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o his_o honour_n from_o who_o it_o descend_v nothing_o sure_o be_v more_o just_a not_o to_o permit_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o a_o thousand_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n this_o above_o all_o be_v indeed_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v they_o will_v careful_o observe_v it_o and_o not_o suffer_v much_o less_o assist_v any_o to_o impose_v their_o thought_n or_o fancy_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o other_o but_o permit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o all_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o decree_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o be_v that_o which_o have_v tear_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o piece_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o which_o give_v opportunity_n unto_o wolf_n to_o prey_n upon_o christ_n flock_n and_o to_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o sport_n themselves_o in_o her_o ruin_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o their_o addition_n and_o bring_v scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o whole_a ministry_n thereof_o let_v all_o man_n say_v the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n chillingworth_n main_fw-fr believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_a and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o require_v no_o more_o of_o other_o and_o they_o shall_v find_v this_o not_o only_o a_o better_a but_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o restore_v unity_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n sincere_o and_o endeavour_n to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o if_o no_o more_o than_o this_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n communion_n than_o all_o man_n so_o qualify_v though_o they_o be_v different_a in_o opinion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n one_o in_o communion_n and_o if_o as_o he_o
this_o answerer_n that_o the_o not_o punish_v of_o these_o be_v prejudicial_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n the_o one_o be_v thereby_o overrun_v with_o faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o the_o other_o as_o woeful_a experience_n tell_v we_o with_o schism_n heresy_n and_o contention_n but_o our_o answerer_n grow_v pleasant_a and_o play_v with_o his_o reader_n in_o tell_v he_o dissenter_n be_v persecute_v to_o what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v persecute_v from_o viz._n their_o church_n or_o public_a place_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o dissenter_n be_v not_o certain_o persecute_v to_o their_o church_n though_o some_o may_v account_v it_o a_o persecution_n to_o be_v compel_v unto_o he_o there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o degree_n of_o persecution_n but_o whoever_o suffer_v in_o any_o kind_n for_o his_o faithful_a adhere_n unto_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n of_o his_o heavenly_a sovereign_n the_o ●_z thereof_o will_v not_o be_v excuse_v because_o other_o have_v be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a than_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o even_o these_o be_v not_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a may_v be_v ascribe_v rather_o to_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o moderation_n of_o those_o in_o authority_n restrain_v they_o than_o to_o their_o good_a will_n or_o desire_n the_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o a_o father_n correct_v his_o child_n and_o the_o child_n cry_v out_o m●ther_o be_v very_o impertinent_a here_o parent_n may_v correct_v their_o child_n and_o prince_n their_o subject_n but_o as_o the_o cause_n make_v the_o martyr_n so_o it_o be_v that_o must_v denominate_v it_o either_o persecution_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yet_o thus_o much_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o persecute_v he_o in_o his_o member_n will_v not_o speed_v better_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n than_o they_o who_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v then_o reject_v but_o for_o not_o visit_v and_o relieve_v his_o poor_a member_n 25._o when_o in_o want_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o any_o other_o adversity_n query_n xxviii_o whether_o since_o offence_n will_v come_v it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o concern_n to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v matt._n 18._o 7._o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n quote_v the_o text_n may_v have_v satisfy_v this_o answerer_n that_o by_o offence_n here_o no_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v when_o he_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a woe_n against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o persecution_n which_o discourage_n christian_n from_o own_v of_o his_o name_n attend_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n adhere_v unto_o his_o truth_n or_o ought_v else_o that_o administer_v occasion_n to_o another_o to_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o obstruct_v he_o in_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n it_o certain_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o careful_a he_o involve_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v against_o those_o by_o who_o they_o come_v the_o query_n indeed_o caution_n all_o to_o beware_v split_v on_o so_o dangerous_a a_o rock_n but_o charge_v none_o with_o run_v or_o drive_v other_o upon_o it_o evil_n therefore_o be_v to_o he_o that_o evil_n think_v mr._n baxter_n as_o quote_v by_o he_o say_v very_o well_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o more_o fear_n offend_v his_o particular_a flock_n than_o offend_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o excuse_v his_o offend_n of_o either_o and_o notwithstanding_o this_o answerer_n hope_n he_o will_v not_o find_v a_o national_a church_n of_o humane_a institution_n to_o have_v that_o authority_n over_o its_o member_n even_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v who_o be_v so_o as_o a_o private_a minister_n have_v over_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n whether_o dissenter_n take_v no_o offence_n as_o he_o say_v but_o what_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pervert_v judgement_n etc._n etc._n let_v they_o see_v too_o who_o be_v therein_o concern_v and_o must_v one_o day_n answer_v for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o one_o man_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n and_o yet_o the_o guilt_n of_o he_o who_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v change_v upon_o he_o who_o action_n occasion_v it_o which_o yet_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o many_o may_v likewise_o occasion_v other_o to_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v accountable_a and_o yet_o none_o sure_a doubt_n but_o that_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n authority_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o will_v please_v the_o humour_n as_o advance_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o under_o its_o charge_n and_o protection_n nor_o can_v we_o have_v so_o hard_a thought_n of_o any_o in_o authority_n as_o to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v make_v law_n thwart_v or_o contradict_v those_o that_o be_v divine_a nor_o yet_o who_o take_v or_o give_v offence_n 12._o for_o as_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n so_o let_v every_o one_o look_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o all_o man_n disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v be_v pull_v off_o and_o their_o most_o retire_a thought_n and_o action_n lay_v open_a and_o manifest_a to_o man_n and_o angel_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o man_n have_v a_o serious_a and_o due_a sense_n thereof_o and_o so_o live_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o think_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o profess_v but_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libellous_a answerer_n accuse_v of_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o offence_n and_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o by_o law_n declare_v these_o query_n be_v no_o way_n guilty_a thereof_o for_o as_o they_o respect_v so_o they_o be_v direct_v only_o to_o such_o as_o himself_o who_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n require_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o worse_o than_o blind_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n and_o malice_n to_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n according_a to_o law_n who_o scruple_n not_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o and_o who_o be_v they_o this_o libeler_n will_v have_v to_o question_n not_o only_o the_o king_n coercive_a authority_n but_o the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o accuse_v her_o government_n of_o more_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n than_o ever_o yet_o be_v object_v against_o she_o by_o the_o most_o violent_a of_o her_o romish_a adversary_n not_o those_o sure_a who_o be_v against_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a import_n of_o these_o query_n for_o then_o the_o charge_n will_v reach_v all_o those_o reverend_n and_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o mention_v with_o most_o other_o of_o name_n and_o fame_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o have_v decry_v the_o same_o as_o unscriptural_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o will_v indeed_o argue_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o deprave_a temper_n of_o spirit_n he_o speak_v of_o yet_o i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o man_n eminent_a in_o their_o country_n and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v do_v more_o good_a by_o their_o example_n than_o in_o this_o age_n the_o church_n can_v do_v with_o its_o censure_n or_o churchman_n with_o their_o instruction_n but_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v none_o shall_v ever_o have_v a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n who_o give_v not_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n as_o unto_o caesar_n thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n fear_v to_o who_o fear_v and_o honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o let_v he_o not_o deceive_v himself_o in_o think_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o separate_v from_o some_o churchman_n of_o vicious_a and_o deprave_a spirit_n or_o to_o have_v enmity_n against_o that_o because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o these_o it_o not_o be_v