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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n argument_n faith_n scripture_n 2,476 5 5.8173 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52357 The true liberty & dominion of conscience vindicated, from the usurpations & abuses of opinion, and persuasion Nalson, John, 1638?-1686. 1677 (1677) Wing N117; ESTC R19982 50,790 152

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apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o by_o martyrdom_n do_v with_o their_o dear_a blood_n set_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n such_o who_o live_v in_o those_o age_n before_o rome_n and_o her_o bishop_n ever_o think_v of_o usurp_a the_o title_n of_o universal_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v guilty_a of_o any_o combination_n with_o they_o in_o erect_v or_o impose_v this_o way_n of_o government_n upon_o the_o christian_n world_n second_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o judgement_n that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n viz._n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n charity_n with_o the_o first_o best_a and_o past_a age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o all_o live_v and_o die_v under_o obedience_n to_o this_o way_n of_o government_n of_o all_o which_o glorious_a martyr_n saint_n and_o confessor_n it_o be_v the_o most_o 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though_o after_o all_o
part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v those_o excellent_a end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o creation_n shall_v as_o the_o reward_n from_o his_o bounty_n upon_o their_o obedience_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o happiness_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o see_v best_o for_o they_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o that_o those_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n who_o in_o opposition_n or_o contempt_n of_o so_o great_a goodness_n excellency_n and_o power_n endeavour_v to_o cross_v hinder_v and_o obstruct_v these_o great_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n shall_v therefore_o be_v miserable_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o happiness_n as_o also_o by_o such_o other_o penalty_n as_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o crime_n deserve_v and_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o chap._n v._n of_o conscience_n its_o description_n what_o be_v its_o proper_a employment_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n have_v show_v what_o principle_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o conscience_n viz._n a_o sense_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o the_o next_o inquiry_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v how_o these_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v agreeable_a and_o acceptable_a to_o those_o to_o who_o we_o be_v to_o pay_v they_o and_o herein_o common_a reason_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v so_o far_o as_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o we_o among_o christian_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v always_o be_v take_v for_o this_o rule_n of_o direction_n as_o be_v the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god._n and_o whosoever_o do_v serious_o and_o attentive_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v they_o to_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v it_o such_o as_o have_v before_o be_v describe_v and_o universal_o believe_v for_o all_o their_o command_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n be_v direct_o level_v at_o these_o great_a and_o glorious_a design_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a spirit_n by_o promote_a his_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o that_o now_o have_v find_v we_o owe_v a_o duty_n and_o have_v likewise_o find_v a_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o find_v what_o conscience_n be_v for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o that_o principle_n which_o judge_n whether_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o duty_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o these_o direction_n i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o nicety_n of_o the_o school_n as_o too_o full_a of_o curiosity_n and_o not_o at_o all_o conduce_v to_o my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o intricacy_n and_o perplexedness_n and_o to_o give_v such_o a_o easy_a proper_a and_o natural_a description_n and_o notion_n of_o conscience_n that_o every_o man_n may_v find_v it_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n conscience_n therefore_o be_v that_o power_n which_o every_o man_n have_v within_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o judge_v all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a rule_n by_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v direct_v thus_o from_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o from_o the_o command_n in_o scripture_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o he_o only_o my_o conscience_n or_o power_n that_o i_o have_v of_o judge_v myself_o immediate_o inform_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o neglect_v his_o worship_n or_o to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n if_o therefore_o i_o do_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n omit_v it_o or_o misplace_v my_o worship_n my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o because_o i_o have_v not_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n thus_o from_o the_o belief_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o contribute_v all_o i_o can_v to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o great_a and_o good_a design_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v in_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n my_o conscience_n present_o inform_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a i_o can_v in_o all_o sense_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o therefore_o i_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v do_v any_o wilful_a injury_n to_o myself_o or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n whereby_o their_o present_a happiness_n may_v be_v impair_v or_o their_o future_a lessen_v or_o prevent_v because_o in_o so_o do_v i_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o only_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o conscience_n who_o office_n be_v to_o accuse_v i_o if_o i_o do_v wrong_a to_o encourage_v and_o acquit_v i_o if_o i_o do_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o conscience_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o true_a and_o exact_a rule_n for_o all_o our_o action_n which_o we_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v as_o be_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficiency_n for_o a_o rule_n beyond_o all_o exception_n and_o they_o who_o expect_v a_o better_a rule_n certain_o expect_v another_o end_n better_a i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a and_o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n in_o all_o particular_n the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o forementioned_a end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o this_o rule_n scientia_fw-la before_o conscientia_fw-la which_o preposition_n denote_v only_o the_o private_a application_n of_o this_o knowledge_n to_o particular_a person_n and_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o i_o must_v first_o know_v this_o or_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o after_o this_o or_o that_o manner_n before_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n or_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o in_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v do_v or_o not_o do_v any_o thing_n or_o not_o do_v it_o as_o i_o ought_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o my_o rule_n last_o there_o must_v be_v a_o impartial_a and_o true_a judgement_n of_o my_o action_n by_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a employment_n of_o conscience_n who_o work_n be_v to_o measure_v my_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o act_v and_o according_a to_o that_o judgement_n either_o to_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v i_o for_o they_o so_o that_o conscience_n thus_o proper_o take_v can_v only_o be_v exercise_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o such_o be_v all_o and_o only_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o that_o remarkable_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n 24.16_o act_n 24.16_o concern_v his_o own_o practice_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o man_n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a employ_v of_o conscience_n be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v whether_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o my_o neighbour_n according_a to_o what_o i_o know_v be_v he_o will_v reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n now_o in_o regard_n that_o upon_o this_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n there_o lie_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weight_n and_o it_o be_v the_o common_a mistake_n among_o weak_a mind_n to_o take_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o such_o without_o a_o due_a examination_n for_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v this_o point_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o conscience_n be_v only_o direct_o concern_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v or_o not_o do_v first_o therefore_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o
breach_n of_o communion_n and_o i_o know_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o have_v whole_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n of_o divinity_n without_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n in_o regard_n they_o defend_v they_o only_o as_o their_o private_a persuasion_n and_o be_v both_o too_o modest_a prudent_a and_o charitable_o honest_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n by_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v their_o particular_a judgement_n in_o thing_n not_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o other_o men._n the_o main_a and_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o discover_v by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o several_a party_n be_v either_o about_o the_o government_n itself_o or_o about_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n in_o the_o church_n i_o suppose_v all_o party_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v because_o a_o great_a apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n 39_o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o 39_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o under_o government_n or_o which_o countenance_n confusion_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n absolute_o command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o with_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v complain_v of_o be_v that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o the_o episcopal_a hierarchy_n be_v no_o where_n in_o plain_a and_o positive_a word_n and_o command_n thus_o set_v down_o order_v and_o establish_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v tyrannical_o and_o imperious_o upon_o man_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n especial_o when_o another_o and_o better_a way_n of_o government_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v for_o though_o government_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o where_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v any_o positive_a command_n or_o direction_n as_o he_o do_v concern_v the_o jewish_a church_n there_o this_o or_o that_o government_n be_v equal_o indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o prefer_v before_o the_o rest_n how_o weak_a a_o plea_n and_o refuge_n this_o be_v to_o call_v for_o and_o expect_v plain_a and_o express_v word_n command_n or_o direction_n from_o scripture_n for_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v or_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v who_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o we_o owe_v even_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o plain_a positive_a and_o express_v word_n as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n which_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a canon_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o expect_v express_a word_n and_o command_n of_o scripture_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o inferior_a concern_v than_o faith_n and_o how_o dangerous_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v a_o clear_a and_o positive_a place_n of_o scripture_n let_v all_o christian_n judge_n and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v as_o hearty_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o man_n vigorous_o press_v it_o will_v not_o root_v out_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o we_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o point_n and_o give_v they_o a_o fair_a trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n their_o own_o judge_n upon_o their_o own_o assertion_n if_o therefore_o government_n be_v undetermined_a by_o scripture_n be_v indifferent_a whether_o this_o or_o that_o and_o the_o best_a to_o be_v prefer_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v determine_v and_o by_o what_o authority_n which_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a for_o till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o determination_n as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o private_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o can_v lay_v no_o more_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o than_o any_o other_o particular_a persuasion_n do_v which_o can_v only_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o only_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o no_o long_o nor_o any_o other_o who_o be_v not_o so_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v free_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o for_o fear_n of_o wound_v their_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v as_o many_o several_a government_n and_o distinct_a church_n as_o there_o be_v man_n of_o several_a mind_n and_o persuasion_n about_o which_o be_v the_o best_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n will_v esteem_v best_a of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n every_o crow_n will_v think_v his_o own_o bird_n fair_o which_o in_o plain_a english_a at_o last_o must_v amount_v to_o anarchy_n instead_o of_o unity_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v in_o all_o his_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n leave_v it_o in_o suspense_n and_o at_o least_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o most_o particularity_n of_o government_n there_o be_v no_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n for_o any_o sort_n of_o government_n which_o any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v establish_v than_o there_o be_v for_o that_o against_o which_o they_o contend_v and_o all_o party_n will_v plead_v the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o their_o way_n of_o government_n than_o for_o any_o other_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v who_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n and_o bid_v fair_a for_o such_o a_o determination_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n how_o any_o indifferent_a matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n such_o as_o the_o question_n in_o dispute_n must_v be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v state_v it_o become_v necessary_a and_o obligatory_a to_o all_o man_n conscience_n first_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o way_n of_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a because_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o know_a rule_n or_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o command_n direction_n doctrine_n and_o practise_v be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v if_o not_o from_o plain_a word_n as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o from_o most_o evident_a sense_n and_o consequence_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o obligatory_a to_o conscience_n as_o scripture_n itself_o second_o this_o way_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v appear_v to_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o become_v oblige_v and_o that_o in_o both_o its_o branch_n viz._n first_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n approbation_n example_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o who_o shall_v without_o partiality_n peruse_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o where_o there_o be_v many_o not_o imperfect_a trace_n and_o footstep_n of_o this_o way_n of_o government_n so_o far_o establish_v as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heathen_a government_n who_o then_o have_v all_o the_o civil_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n will_v permit_v but_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o it_o in_o the_o universal_a consent_n practice_n approbation_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o though_o not_o divine_o inspire_v yet_o be_v man_n of_o such_o eminent_a integrity_n and_o piety_n as_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o write_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a truth_n which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v immediate_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o
necessity_n follow_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o disobedience_n to_o lawful_a government_n let_v we_o but_o turn_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a backward_o and_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v and_o these_o dissenter_n however_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v forget_v it_o may_v remember_v they_o have_v see_v the_o day_n when_o the_o presbyterian_a be_v in_o favour_n and_o full_a of_o hope_n have_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o dismount_v episcopacy_n to_o advance_v into_o the_o chariot_n of_o government_n but_o the_o crafty_a independent_a come_n sly_o behind_o he_o whip_v up_o his_o heel_n and_o lay_v he_o in_o the_o dirt_n and_o be_v just_a go_v himself_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o vacant_a seat_n when_o the_o surly_a anabaptist_n quaker_n leveller_n and_o several_a other_o rush_v in_o all_o at_o once_o upon_o he_o tell_v he_o with_o the_o hand_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o the_o hilt_n that_o they_o have_v as_o just_a a_o right_a as_o he_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o without_o a_o fair_a trial_n of_o skill_n who_o have_v the_o long_a sword_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o give_v the_o late_a usurper_n more_o trouble_n than_o the_o importunity_n of_o these_o several_a interest_n which_o he_o keep_v from_o fall_v foul_a one_o upon_o another_o by_o tollerate_v all_o for_o the_o present_a and_o cajol_v the_o head_n of_o the_o party_n with_o protestation_n and_o assurance_n that_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o be_v of_o their_o persuasion_n and_o in_o time_n will_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o though_o for_o the_o present_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o his_o interest_n nor_o they_o so_o to_o do_v till_o they_o be_v more_o full_o assure_v against_o the_o common_a enemy_n though_o at_o last_o they_o all_o find_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a proteus_n or_o polypus_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o can_v change_v himself_o into_o the_o shape_n and_o colour_n of_o that_o party_n which_o be_v near_a to_o he_o last_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o this_o principle_n must_v give_v increase_n growth_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n since_o all_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o plead_v for_o toleration_n and_o if_o this_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v grant_v they_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v infinite_a and_o unavoidable_a division_n separation_n upon_o separation_n confusion_n and_o at_o last_o atheism_n since_o among_o so_o many_o pretender_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n all_o will_n at_o last_o come_v to_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v false_a these_o be_v certain_o the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o inevitable_a consequence_n of_o unsettle_v the_o present_a government_n in_o the_o church_n either_o by_o change_v it_o for_o a_o new_a one_o or_o permit_v toleration_n or_o what_o man_n call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v that_o these_o dissenter_n do_v not_o foresee_v or_o understand_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o precipice_n to_o which_o they_o make_v such_o haste_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o malicious_a of_o mankind_n since_o they_o will_v sacrisice_n all_o law_n government_n liberty_n property_n and_o religion_n to_o their_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n chap._n xiii_o a_o vindication_n of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n in_o this_o discourse_n viz._n that_o god_n almighty_a make_v mankind_n for_o a_o excellent_a end_n that_o be_v his_o glory_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o by_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n their_o own_o happiness_n both_o here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n of_o immortality_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o if_o other_o will_v likewise_o do_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o those_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o doubt_n which_o perplex_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v their_o life_n so_o uneasy_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o by_o make_v many_o thing_n matter_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o such_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o it_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o calm_v of_o those_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o be_v gather_v from_o so_o many_o several_a quarter_n and_o seem_v to_o threaten_v both_o church_n and_o state_n if_o not_o with_o shipwreck_n yet_o with_o most_o violent_a agitation_n and_o commotion_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n in_o this_o discourse_n and_o upon_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o weighty_a build_n of_o conscience_n do_v depend_v as_o upon_o a_o main_a pillar_n which_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o great_a creator_n out_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v the_o world_n and_o particular_o mankind_n for_o a_o most_o excellent_a end_n viz._n his_o own_o glory_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o in_o this_o life_n as_o a_o preparative_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n however_o some_o narrow-spirited_n man_n who_o will_v engross_v all_o the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n to_o themselves_o may_v think_v otherwise_o by_o take_v such_o low_a measure_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o beneficence_n as_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o stature_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n though_o far_o short_a of_o infinite_a which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a measure_n of_o the_o deity_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o most_o evident_o plain_a and_o apparent_a to_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o wilful_o close_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o truth_n reason_n and_o scripture_n first_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o this_o infinite_a be_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o 57.10_o psal_n 57.10_o that_o his_o mercy_n reach_v unto_o the_o cloud_n and_o his_o goodness_n far_o above_o these_o visible_a heaven_n and_o that_o it_o be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v by_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o ourselves_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v 9_o isa_n 55.7_o 8_o 9_o that_o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n nor_o his_o way_n like_o our_o way_n low_a narrow_a and_o short_a but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n and_o thought_n high_a above_o our_o way_n a_o comparison_n large_a and_o wide_a enough_o to_o show_v we_o the_o vast_a disproportion_n betwixt_o finite_a and_o infinite_a goodness_n now_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n bounty_n wisdom_n power_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o essence_n which_o be_v infinite_a than_o a_o design_n that_o all_o his_o creature_n shall_v be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n which_o he_o who_o make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a create_v they_o with_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o suppose_v he_o make_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o capacity_n of_o enjoy_v any_o degree_n of_o happiness_n as_o its_o ultimate_a end_n and_o chief_a good_a and_o yet_o with_o a_o intention_n and_o design_n not_o only_o of_o not_o attain_v it_o but_o of_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a be_v so_o far_o from_o magnify_v his_o goodness_n or_o justice_n that_o it_o will_v argue_v he_o of_o such_o a_o cruel_a nature_n as_o be_v the_o high_a derogation_n and_o most_o proper_a blasphemy_n to_o believe_v it_o of_o he_o and_o that_o his_o justice_n will_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o punishment_n and_o misery_n of_o some_o of_o his_o creature_n even_o of_o the_o noble_a rank_n he_o assure_v we_o with_o the_o high_a protestation_n imaginable_a be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o be_v perfect_o occasion_v by_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o wilful_a folly_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n 33.11_o ezek._n 33.11_o that_o be_v as_o sure_o as_o i_o be_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o his_o death_n a_o small_a punishment_n undoubted_o not_o in_o his_o eternal_a damnation_n the_o great_a of_o all_o misery_n but_o second_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o scripture_n all_o aim_n direct_o at_o this_o white_a viz._n the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o a_o eternal_a
god_n glory_n and_o the_o truth_n act_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n but_o if_o at_o the_o last_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v manage_v by_o conscience_n but_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o the_o great_a severity_n and_o insufferable_a torment_n and_o agony_n of_o conscience_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v which_o shall_v put_v all_o man_n upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o themselves_o especial_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o manage_v by_o conscience_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o good_a conscience_n or_o only_o these_o deceiver_n and_o usurper_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n second_o it_o follow_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n lay_v no_o further_a obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n than_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v a_o power_n to_o put_v a_o final_a determination_n upon_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o declare_v which_o of_o all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o judge_v most_o conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o those_o under_o their_o jurisdiction_n by_o promote_a and_o preserve_a peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n therefore_o that_o all_o person_n who_o live_v under_o their_o authority_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o determination_n and_o from_o thenceforward_a to_o esteem_v that_o which_o before_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a to_o become_v necessary_a because_o hereby_o many_o know_a duty_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o happiness_n on_o earth_n be_v perform_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o conscience_n last_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o promote_v and_o endeavour_v the_o well-being_n of_o the_o lawful_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o can_v they_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o true_a religion_n or_o conscience_n whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v or_o imagine_v who_o for_o their_o private_a opinion_n make_v party_n break_v law_n despise_v government_n give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o their_o native_a country_n at_o home_n and_o by_o promote_a faction_n dissension_n and_o division_n give_v encouragement_n to_o our_o enemy_n abroad_o and_o by_o too_o just_a fear_n from_o what_o have_v be_v of_o what_o may_v be_v again_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o artifices_fw-la to_o make_v man_n mind_n uneasy_a and_o their_o life_n unhappy_a and_o shall_v their_o design_n succeed_v a_o second_o time_n to_o involve_v so_o many_o million_o in_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n confusion_n ruin_n and_o desolation_n these_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o disobedience_n to_o law_n and_o lawful_a authority_n and_o let_v all_o dissenter_n look_v well_o to_o it_o for_o they_o will_v find_v here_o be_v no_o conscience_n no_o religion_n to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o way_n and_o end_n to_o which_o their_o separation_n and_o division_n do_v most_o infallible_o lead_v they_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n and_o irresistible_a reason_n that_o all_o christian_a people_n and_o especial_o those_o dissenter_n of_o these_o nation_n will_v serious_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o these_o discord_n and_o difference_n about_o religious_a affair_n will_v in_o the_o end_n lead_v they_o and_o in_o time_n turn_v back_o again_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o dismal_a brink_n of_o those_o precipice_n misery_n here_o and_o damnation_n hereafter_o which_o when_o by_o a_o too_o late_a repentance_n they_o will_v avoid_v they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a i_o wish_v they_o will_v no_o long_o abuse_v that_o glorious_a name_n of_o conscience_n to_o countenance_v those_o irreligious_a practice_n of_o disobedience_n uncharitableness_n dissension_n and_o separation_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v most_o desirable_a and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o act_v point_n blank_a contrary_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o direct_o against_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o community_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o just_o fear_v that_o by_o these_o dangerous_a and_o unlawful_a practice_n they_o shall_v so_o far_o exasperate_v authority_n as_o to_o exercise_v its_o utmostrigor_n and_o severity_n upon_o they_o as_o be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n to_o reclaim_v they_o by_o gentle_a mean_n and_o just_o jealous_a of_o their_o malicious_a secret_a and_o ill_a design_n in_o reality_n against_o the_o state_n though_o the_o pretence_n be_v only_o against_o the_o present_a church_n and_o its_o government_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v peace_n within_o their_o private_a wall_n and_o plenteousness_n within_o their_o stately_a palace_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v quiet_a of_o mind_n at_o home_n tranquillity_n peace_n and_o unity_n one_o among_o another_o that_o justice_n shall_v run_v down_o as_o a_o river_n and_o righteousness_n we_o a_o mighty_a stream_n that_o truth_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o righteousness_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o mercy_n and_o truth_n shall_v meet_v together_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n shall_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o that_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v safe_a from_o intestine_a and_o domestic_a trouble_n secure_a from_o foreign_a force_n and_o invasion_n to_o be_v love_v respect_a and_o honour_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o ally_n dread_v by_o their_o great_a enemy_n to_o be_v great_a in_o riches_n great_a in_o fame_n and_o great_a in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n if_o they_o desire_v these_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o obtain_v they_o but_o by_o unite_n ourselves_o with_o this_o common_a bond_n and_o indissoluble_a chain_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o all_o man_n which_o will_v teach_v every_o man_n his_o duty_n keep_v every_o man_n quiet_o peaceable_o and_o content_o in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o secure_a unto_o we_o all_o those_o dear_a delight_n of_o humane_a nature_n peace_n property_n and_o religion_n if_o they_o desire_v these_o thus_o must_v they_o endeavour_v after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o endeavour_v after_o they_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v they_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v these_o blessing_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o all_o other_o they_o neither_o deserve_v they_o nor_o any_o love_n pity_n favour_n countenance_n or_o kindness_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o man_n but_o fierce_a and_o savage_a beast_n wolf_n tiger_n and_o bear_n give_v to_o prey_n rapine_n and_o ravage_n and_o they_o may_v easy_o guess_v what_o will_v follow_v if_o once_o they_o come_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o esteem_v such_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o love_n or_o kindness_n for_o their_o soul_n or_o ever_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_v without_o obedience_n to_o god_n obedience_n to_o government_n and_o obedience_n to_o conscience_n after_o all_o this_o i_o will_v hope_v that_o those_o happy_a day_n will_v shine_v upon_o we_o 3._o psal_n 122_o 3._o in_o which_o we_o may_v say_v our_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v or_o at_o unity_n with_o it_o self_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v that_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a song_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n 48.1_o psal_n 48.1_o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o his_o holiness_n beautiful_a for_o situation_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v mount_n zion_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n god_n be_v well_o know_v in_o her_o palace_n as_o a_o sure_a refuge_n to_o hasten_v which_o bless_v and_o happy_a age_n let_v every_o good_a christian_a lie_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n and_o his_o pray_a heart_n by_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v and_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o keep_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o all_o men._n finis_fw-la