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 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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
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infinite_a prejudice_n if_o not_o the_o desolation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o well_o become_v they_o who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n who_o serve_v no_o high_a state_n than_o this_o of_o england_n or_o spain_n or_o france_n nor_o this_o neither_o any_o further_a than_o they_o serve_v themselves_o by_o it_o who_o think_v of_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o this_o world_n who_o think_v of_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v estate_n but_o humane_a power_n and_o machiuèllian_a policy_n and_o believe_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o this_o regi_fw-la aut_fw-la civitati_fw-la imperium_fw-la habenti_fw-la nihil_fw-la injustum_fw-la quod_fw-la utile_fw-la such_o man_n as_o these_o it_o may_v well_o become_v to_o maintain_v by_o worldly_a power_n and_o violence_n their_o state-instrument_n religion_n for_o if_o all_o be_v vain_a and_o false_a as_o in_o their_o judgement_n 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vain_a and_o needless_a fear_n lest_o they_o may_v possible_o disturb_v their_o temporal_a quietness_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o any_o state_n from_o any_o man_n opinion_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o which_o disobedience_n to_o authority_n or_o impiety_n be_v teach_v or_o licence_v which_o sort_n i_o confess_v may_v just_o be_v punish_v as_o well_o as_o other_o fault_n or_o unless_o this_o sanguinary_a doctrine_n be_v join_v with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o by_o humane_a violence_n to_o enforce_v other_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v force_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o those_o doubtless_o who_o license_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o his_o learned_a and_o judicious_a treatise_n in_o which_o they_o unanimous_o declare_v to_o find_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n
understand_v that_o agreement_n in_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o join_v they_o in_o one_o communion_n i_o mean_v say_v he_o in_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n wherein_o all_o consent_n a_o joint_a worship_n of_o god_n after_o such_o a_o way_n as_o all_o esteem_n lawful_a and_o a_o mutual_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o work_n of_o charity_n which_o christian_n owe_v one_o to_o another_o but_o whilst_o every_o one_o have_v a_o confession_n a_o form_n of_o worship_n a_o church_n and_o its_o authority_n which_o must_v be_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o we_o may_v look_v and_o with_o for_o peace_n moderation_n and_o unity_n but_o be_v never_o like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n those_o who_o experience_n will_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v christian_n to_o unity_n of_o communion_n by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n and_o of_o the_o great_a misery_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n such_o method_n have_v in_o all_o age_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n with_o the_o little_a or_o no_o advantage_n that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v thereby_o accrue_v to_o religion_n will_n never_o be_v convince_v thereof_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v many_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o contend_v earnest_o for_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o must_v withal_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a and_o blind_a zeal_n in_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o truth_n of_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o advocat_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o some_o carnal_a interest_n or_o secular_a advantage_n they_o receive_v by_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o not_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o state_n of_o christendom_n or_o most_o christian_a state_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v think_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n can_v be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o not_o enemy_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v tell_v where_o the_o truth_n be_v once_o own_a and_o profess_a every_o error_n and_o heresy_n that_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v suppress_v and_o extirpate_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n will_v these_o man_n than_o tell_v we_o what_o sect_n or_o society_n not_o of_o christian_n only_o but_o of_o jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_n believe_v not_o themselves_o alone_o possess_v of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o method_n of_o preserve_v and_o propagate_a religion_n prevail_v as_o it_o do_v too_o much_o through_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n can_v not_o otherwise_o long_o stand_v against_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n what_o i_o say_v do_v or_o can_v follow_v upon_o it_o but_o perhaps_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o oppression_n of_o it_o in_o a_o hundred_o do_v not_o they_o who_o deny_v unto_o such_o as_o dissent_n from_o the_o religion_n establish_v here_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n deny_v it_o also_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o popish_a country_n of_o europe_n to_o talk_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n here_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o as_o we_o be_v but_o now_o tell_v if_o force_v in_o religion_n may_v be_v just_o use_v in_o any_o place_n by_o those_o that_o have_v power_n and_o think_v they_o have_v truth_n it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v in_o every_o place_n by_o those_o who_o have_v 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that_o have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o and_o let_v those_o that_o in_o their_o word_n disclaim_v it_o disclaim_v it_o likewise_o in_o their_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nor_o yet_o a_o liberty_n for_o any_o to_o preach_v or_o teach_v doctrine_n destructive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o civil_a society_n but_o a_o liberty_n of_o worship_n only_o under_o the_o magistrate_n inspection_n and_o that_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v the_o natural_a and_o common_a right_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o person_n have_v be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o many_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n even_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a dr._n jeremy_n taylor_n late_a bishop_n of_o downe_n and_o conough_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v it_o will_v be_v but_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o say_v more_o and_o it_o argue_v great_a ignorance_n or_o impudence_n in_o those_o who_o persist_v declaim_v against_o liberty_n of_o religion_n without_o offer_v at_o the_o least_o answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o it_o by_o this_o and_o other_o learned_a and_o judicious_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o orthodox_n father_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o that_o other_o objection_n against_o liberty_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v cause_v disturbance_n in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o reason_n but_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n no_o instance_n be_v to_o be_v give_v that_o ever_o liberty_n of_o religion_n give_v disturbance_n to_o any_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o contrary_a the_o deny_v christian_n their_o just_a liberty_n therein_o have_v be_v the_o unhappy_a occasion_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n misery_n and_o desolation_n that_o have_v befall_v most_o of_o the_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o christendom_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o liberty_n plead_v for_o be_v no_o more_o in_o substance_n than_o what_o by_o his_o majesty_n late_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n be_v allow_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o he_o a_o much_o better_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v for_o the_o nation_n peace_n and_o interest_n than_o they_o who_o object_n this_o nor_o be_v the_o parliament_n exception_n to_o the_o indulgence_n grant_v but_o the_o manner_n of_o grant_v it_o which_o they_o judge_v may_v be_v of_o ill_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v hope_v they_o will_v in_o due_a time_n take_v it_o into_o consideration_n and_o make_v such_o provision_n for_o the_o prevent_n and_o punish_v seditious_a conventicle_n as_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n may_v not_o take_v occasion_n from_o to_o molest_v and_o disturb_v the_o assembly_n of_o peaceable_a and_o pious_a people_n for_o the_o performance_n only_o of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o 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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 paâ—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 iâ—_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 â—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
to_o be_v burn_v alive_a at_o geneva_n query_n viii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o incongruous_a and_o heterogeniall_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o whether_o any_o judge_n or_o justice_n can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o man_n thought_n or_o conscience_n nor_o when_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v manifest_v by_o external_a action_n whether_o liable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o inspection_n none_o i_o think_v ever_o question_v either_o of_o they_o but_o whether_o man_n err_v spiritual_o ought_v corporal_o to_o be_v punish_v paul_n be_v reckon_a heresy_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o tell_v the_o gorinthians_n they_o be_v carnal_a from_o the_o schism_n and_o disorder_n that_o be_v among_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n certain_o any_o sensual_a sin_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n what_o think_v he_o then_o of_o hatred_n wrath_n covetousness_n emulation_n envy_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v sensual_a sin_n or_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o why_o be_v they_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o who_o gather_v church_n etc._n etc._n more_o than_o spiritual_o erroneous_a how_o come_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a errand_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n now_o to_o become_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n be_v it_o that_o man_n or_o child_n rather_o be_v now_o bear_v christian_n or_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o though_o improper_o express_v or_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o parish_n they_o do_v thereby_o become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o one_o certain_o who_o understand_v what_o either_o a_o christian_n or_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v can_v think_v so_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v despise_v government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n do_v he_o not_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n without_o government_n how_o then_o come_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n to_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n to_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o i_o hope_v neither_o this_o answerer_n nor_o any_o who_o own_o themselves_o christian_n doubt_v it_o to_o be_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n sure_a to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v the_o inticer_n to_o idolatry_n mention_v in_o deutromony_n may_v as_o well_o have_v plead_v it_o be_v only_o a_o error_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n for_o that_o none_o certain_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o they_o to_o draw_v any_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o worship_v idol_n it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o it_o may_v therefore_o for_o any_o thing_n this_o answerer_n have_v here_o say_v be_v both_o incongruous_a and_o heterogenial_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o query_n ix_o whether_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o arm_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_fw-mi inform_v we_o how_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n towards_o some_o be_v as_o he_o say_v antichristian_a and_o not_o towards_o other_o the_o difference_n not_o be_v evident_a at_o least_o to_o all_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v so_o much_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o though_o our_o answerer_n express_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o spaniard_n deal_n with_o the_o indian_n gracious_o acknowledge_v that_o propriety_n be_v not_o forfeit_v by_o unbelief_n yet_o but_o now_o speak_v of_o dissenter_n here_o he_o say_v q._n if_o they_o disapprove_v of_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o superior_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o government_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o pure_a church_n which_o be_v but_o in_o other_o word_n to_o say_v be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o country_n or_o abandon_v your_o property_n with_o the_o land_n of_o your_o nativity_n but_o shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o establishment_n of_o a_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n he_o approve_v not_o of_o if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o approve_v of_o whatever_o shall_v be_v the_o national_a religion_n will_v he_o not_o think_v himself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o to_o be_v require_v to_o conform_v or_o to_o abandon_v his_o native_a country_n he_o may_v do_v well_o therefore_o to_o meditate_v a_o little_a on_o that_o no_o less_o divine_a then_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o the_o cannon_n he_o mention_n be_v indeed_o very_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n so_o likewise_o be_v what_o he_o cites_n from_o tertullian_n and_o lactantius_n but_o then_o without_o the_o least_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n and_o perhaps_o only_o because_o grotius_n say_v 20._o it_o be_v not_o just_a or_o lawful_a to_o make_v war_n upon_o any_o because_o they_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o prince_n raise_v war_n against_o pagan_a nation_n to_o compel_v and_o force_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v very_o well_o and_o judicious_o observe_v of_o he_o that_o these_o thing_n nothing_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o universal_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o compel_v or_o force_v any_o to_o profess_v what_o all_o already_o do_v profess_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o such_o a_o kingdom_n magistrate_n he_o say_v may_v use_v compulsive_a method_n to_o secure_v their_o people_n from_o a_o total_a and_o manifest_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o will_v free_o allow_v he_o if_o compulsive_a method_n can_v secure_v a_o people_n from_o apostasy_n and_o that_o through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o truth_n magistrate_n do_v not_o too_o often_o instead_o thereof_o compel_v to_o error_n but_o none_o sure_o will_v say_v but_o that_o magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o repress_v such_o seducer_n as_o threaten_v the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o own_o government_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n too_o be_v it_o once_o determine_v which_o among_o the_o many_o that_o will_v be_v so_o account_v be_v the_o true_a what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o religious_a prince_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v to_o query_n x._o whether_o any_o one_o can_v be_v compel_v by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n to_o perform_v any_o one_o religious_a duty_n acceptable_o since_o god_n accept_v not_o of_o any_o but_o what_o be_v volâ—ntary_a and_o of_o faith_n which_o can_v be_v force_v and_o of_o what_o use_v then_o be_v secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o make_v man_n sin_n or_o suffer_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o query_n which_o this_o answerer_n say_v with_o other_o be_v forge_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n be_v with_o the_o rest_n ground_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n with_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v little_o acquaint_v or_o with_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o say_v that_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n of_o reason_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o magistrate_n use_v compulsive_a method_n towards_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n aâ—_n those_o of_o the_o first_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o force_v man_n to_o moral_a action_n and_o divine_a duty_n since_o in_o thing_n moral_a the_o action_n however_o circumstantiate_v be_v in_o itself_o positive_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a institution_n the_o manner_n only_o of_o the_o performance_n make_v the_o action_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v 3._o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o kill_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o command_n be_v not_o observe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o
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 â—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 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under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o the_o priest_n mouth_n who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n since_o we_o never_o deny_v either_o but_o say_v that_o blind_a obedience_n be_v never_o to_o be_v yield_v unto_o any_o much_o less_o that_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v in_o any_o religious_a duty_n against_o their_o own_o light_n the_o priest_n lip_n indeed_o shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n but_o as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v they_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n so_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o always_o to_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v unto_o they_o 16._o their_o direction_n and_o instruction_n therefore_o with_o this_o answerer_n 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guide_v by_o such_o as_o be_v fallible_a but_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o such_o against_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o follow_v one_o who_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v guide_v he_o the_o next_o way_n from_o york_n to_o london_n though_o he_o lead_v he_o still_o northward_o when_o he_o know_v the_o way_n thither_o to_o lie_v southward_o but_o can_v i_o believe_v my_o guide_n infallible_a i_o may_v renounce_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o disbelieve_v my_o very_a sense_n to_o follow_v he_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o lead_v i_o but_o till_o then_o shall_v think_v it_o absurd_a in_o any_o to_o force_v i_o so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v but_o the_o genuine_a import_n of_o this_o query_n but_o our_o answerer_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n may_v act_v infallible_o in_o his_o station_n though_o he_o be_v not_o himself_o infallible_a for_o he_o he_o say_v do_v so_o who_o act_n and_o proceed_v by_o infallible_a unerring_a rule_n yet_o with_o his_o good_a leave_n he_o may_v herein_o 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day_n of_o account_n be_v excuse_v in_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o instead_o thereof_o be_v tell_v with_o many_o unhandsome_a and_o undue_a reflection_n that_o by_o false_a worshipper_n be_v mean_v either_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o some_o other_o assembly_n of_o christian_n if_o the_o former_a the_o gentleman_n that_o propâ—ses_v it_o be_v extreme_o uncharitable_a if_o the_o latter_a the_o query_n be_v impertinent_a but_o why_o uncharitable_a or_o impertinent_a be_v it_o so_o improbable_a or_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a worshipper_n in_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n of_o christian_n who_o serve_v god_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o gentleman_n may_v neither_o be_v uncharitable_a nor_o the_o query_n impertinent_a this_o answerer_n therefore_o must_v either_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o all_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o her_o liturgy_n as_o to_o esteem_v it_o impertinent_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o worship_n or_o to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o future_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v therein_o mislead_v or_o he_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a person_n he_o speak_v of_o against_o all_o ingenuity_n and_o reason_n to_o apply_v what_o be_v indefinite_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o it_o be_v more_o applicable_a unto_o other_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o tell_v he_o in_o his_o own_o language_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o untruth_n as_o ever_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n to_o say_v that_o this_o or_o any_o of_o these_o query_n obtrude_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o slanderous_a upon_o any_o or_o that_o they_o be_v chief_o design_v for_o the_o unwary_a countryman_n who_o be_v not_o the_o person_n that_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n or_o persecute_v any_o on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o though_o it_o be_v still_o nothing_o to_o the_o present_a question_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o false-worship_n be_v viz._n mens_fw-la draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n and_o put_v he_o far_o away_o from_o their_o heart_n and_o how_o do_v this_o query_n charge_v this_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v neither_o say_v nor_o intend_v in_o it_o to_o teach_v any_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o of_o her_o communion_n who_o teach_v 246._o preach_v and_o print_v that_o man_n practice_n even_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n whether_o conformable_a or_o not_o to_o their_o apprehension_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o law_n and_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o authority_n draw_v contrary_a way_n we_o be_v to_o follow_v truth_n with_o our_o soulâ—_n and_o authority_n with_o our_o body_n so_o that_o with_o these_o man_n divisum_fw-la imperium_fw-la cum_fw-la jove_n caesar_n habit_n but_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o or_o of_o this_o answerer_n whether_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o false-worship_n in_o any_o to_o worship_n god_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v persuade_v he_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v or_o whether_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a though_o they_o pretend_v authority_n to_o conduct_n and_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n will_n at_o the_o last_o day_n excuse_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o mislead_v by_o they_o and_o yet_o we_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 more_o than_o another_o but_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o some_o very_a sore_a place_n in_o the_o ass_n that_o kick_v and_o winche_n upon_o every_o approach_n before_o he_o be_v touch_v query_n xx._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n to_o tie_v man_n by_o temporal_a penalty_n to_o fallible_a guide_n who_o to_o follow_v may_v be_v their_o eternal_a to_o forsake_v their_o temporal_a ruin_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n he_o have_v nothing_o it_o seem_v to_o say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o very_o advise_o send_v his_o reader_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o for_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o know_v not_o what_o query_n xxi_o whether_o 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 have_v not_o be_v by_o add_v and_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 reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o enquiry_n here_o be_v only_o into_o the_o original_n of_o the_o distraction_n persecution_n and_o division_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n i._n e._n among_o christian_n or_o such_o as_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n not_o of_o the_o persecution_n raise_v against_o they_o by_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n the_o ten_o persecution_n therefore_o against_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o inroad_n of_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n into_o italy_n come_v not_o within_o this_o enquiry_n but_o say_v this_o answerer_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v very_o great_a mistake_n in_o it_o for_o that_o severe_a proceed_n of_o christian_a emperor_n against_o heretic_n and_o of_o heretic_n against_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v not_o for_o innovation_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n as_o condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o query_n and_o wherein_o â—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 â—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 natâ—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
tell_v we_o his_o design_n be_v to_o ease_v man_n of_o their_o former_a burden_n and_o not_o to_o lay_v on_o more_o that_o the_o duty_n he_o require_v be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o withal_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o insupportable_a yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n certain_o do_v never_o intend_v to_o gall_v the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o another_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o give_v power_n or_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 it_o will_v be_v strange_a say_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v more_o than_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o make_v other_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n than_o our_o saviour_n do_v of_o discipleship_n then_o ask_v what_o ground_n there_o can_v be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n whether_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v and_o then_o tell_v we_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o power_n or_o commission_n therefore_o any_o have_v since_o receive_v to_o institute_n such_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n may_v do_v well_o to_o inform_v we_o but_o instead_o thereof_o he_o tell_v we_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o new-testament_n than_o that_o christ_n do_v intrust_v those_o who_o he_o appoint_v in_o his_o absence_n to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o government_n of_o it_o he_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o empower_v or_o authorize_v they_o to_o institute_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a but_o say_v our_o politic_a answerer_n this_o government_n can_v not_o subsist_v without_o the_o enact_v of_o law_n for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o church_n preservation_n for_o that_o christ_n intend_v etc._n etc._n how_o do_v that_o appear_v we_o find_v nothing_o in_o his_o gospel_n of_o any_o such_o intention_n nor_o have_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o intend_v any_o shall_v enact_v other_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n than_o what_o himself_o enact_v since_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o its_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o administration_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o be_v moses_n in_o all_o his_o house_n in_o that_o he_o leave_v not_o as_o do_v moses_n a_o complete_a volume_n of_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o government_n we_o wish_v therefore_o this_o answerer_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v over_o their_o authority_n of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o their_o successor_n in_o that_o it_o will_v tend_v great_o to_o their_o conviction_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o very_o much_o deceive_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a lord_n over_o and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v delegate_n a_o legislative_a power_n to_o their_o successor_n be_v themselves_o minister_n only_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o not_o be_v a_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n but_o a_o power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v and_o those_o as_o he_o say_v not_o to_o that_o present_a age_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_v age_n in_o which_o his_o church_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v every_a way_n sufficient_a to_o continue_v and_o preserve_v upon_o earth_n a_o visible_a church_n until_o his_o second_o come_n but_o so_o far_o this_o answerer_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o society_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o he_o shall_v withal_o have_v consider_v that_o there_o neither_o can_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o law_n for_o its_o unity_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a lawgiver_n the_o obligation_n of_o no_o law_n extend_v far_o than_o the_o judaization_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n so_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o but_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o enact_v law_n for_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 since_o the_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n of_o none_o other_o can_v reach_v or_o oblige_v all_o christian_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n none_o sure_a ever_o doubt_v but_o the_o word_n quote_v by_o this_o answerer_n from_o st._n john_n gospel_n relate_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o external_a visible_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o internal_a mystical_a union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o which_o he_o will_v principal_o have_v the_o reader_n observe_v in_o they_o be_v the_o care_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n take_v for_o that_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n no_o doubt_v he_o do_v both_o for_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a unity_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o his_o frequent_a call_n on_o his_o disciple_n to_o unity_n and_o to_o love_v one_o another_o make_v it_o a_o caracteristical_a note_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o but_o also_o in_o command_v they_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o which_o will_v all_o who_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n likewise_o observe_v and_o do_v without_o set_v up_o their_o post_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o his_o post_n unity_n will_v not_o be_v want_v among_o christian_n nor_o yet_o throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o due_a uniformity_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n which_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o particular_a church_n destroy_v and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o enough_o say_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v propagate_v and_o uphold_v by_o faith_n and_o charity_n only_o as_o they_o be_v lodge_v in_o man_n heart_n unless_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o grace_n be_v exert_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o obvious_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o outward_a worship_n be_v require_v that_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v exercise_v and_o express_v for_o to_o talk_v of_o inward_a worship_n without_o any_o outward_a expression_n thereof_o be_v but_o a_o cloak_n for_o atheism_n but_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n unity_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o christ_n take_v care_n of_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n the_o very_a be_v of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v on_o it_o and_o that_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o christian_a amity_n and_o affection_n be_v 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 which_o ought_v to_o be_v vniform_a and_o undevide_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o variety_n of_o rite_n in_o one_o national_a church_n will_v cause_v division_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o affection_n be_v such_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o visible_a unity_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o external_n administration_n of_o god_n sacred_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v the_o world_n be_v never_o before_o blessed_v with_o for_o be_v it_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o national_a church_n only_o that_o christ_n take_v such_o care_n of_o and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a essential_a of_o christianity_n or_o be_v
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 small_a beginning_n and_o independent_a communion_n christianity_n have_v be_v spread_v and_o propagate_v over_o the_o world_n but_o if_o as_o he_o intimate_v a_o army_n divide_v and_o scatter_v into_o party_n be_v not_o able_a to_o encounter_v 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 27_o how_o will_v those_o national_a and_o provincial_a reform_a church_n which_o be_v but_o divide_v and_o scatter_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a army_n and_o independent_a one_o 〈◊〉_d of_o another_o be_v able_a to_o encounter_n the_o papacy_n which_o be_v unite_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o their_o chief_a commander_n so_o strange_o do_v prejudice_n and_o partiality_n blind_a man_n as_o that_o they_o see_v not_o how_o they_o argue_v against_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v of_o that_o army_n who_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o embrace_v and_o follow_v while_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o skirmish_v with_o it_o this_o 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 thâ—_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
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 conscience_n that_o what_o be_v decree_v be_v god_n will_n and_o be_v it_o for_o this_o he_o elsewhere_o so_o bold_o aver_v there_o be_v no_o congregat_v independent_a communion_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 or_o be_v this_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o independent_a tyranny_n but_o some_o be_v say_v to_o have_v need_n of_o good_a memory_n and_o our_o answerer_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v reason_n for_o what_o he_o here_o say_v tell_v we_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n for_o if_o all_o be_v satisfy_v they_o be_v not_o man_n there_o be_v among_o all_o man_n difference_n in_o judgement_n how_o unreasonable_a then_o be_v it_o to_o require_v of_o any_o such_o a_o assent_n or_o consent_n as_o must_v render_v they_o either_o beast_n or_o not_o man_n but_o so_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o enact_v of_o all_o law_n the_o lesser_a part_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a which_o be_v true_a in_o all_o civil_a thing_n and_o concern_v which_o be_v in_o a_o man_n choice_n and_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o benefit_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o what_o be_v decree_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o none_o may_v follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o the_o least_o know_a duty_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o eâ—gland_n or_o dissenter_n be_v the_o schismatic_n i_o shall_v nowise_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o leave_v it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o rational_a reader_n to_o judge_v and_o only_o take_v leave_v to_o say_v that_o what_o his_o eminent_a prelate_n say_v prove_v not_o dissenter_n to_o be_v schismatic_n if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o as_o he_o say_v account_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n or_o clergy_n of_o england_n heretic_n and_o schismatic_n for_o mainta_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o offer_v the_o most_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n be_v and_o majesty_n they_o ought_v not_o certain_o to_o be_v tolerate_v much_o less_o countenance_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n query_n xxiv_o whether_o they_o who_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n never_o cease_v call_v on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o assist_v they_o with_o his_o secular_a force_n do_v not_o therein_o give_v a_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o all_o true_a ministerial_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v dead_a in_o they_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n thâ—_n question_v here_o be_v not_o whether_o these_o or_o those_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o all_o true_a ministerial_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v dead_a in_o they_o but_o whether_o such_o practice_n in_o any_o be_v not_o a_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o and_o have_v all_o orthodox_n bishop_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n rely_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n by_o 〈◊〉_d appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o suppress_n and_o â—ooting_v out_o of_o heresy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d without_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o 〈…〉_z for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o christianâ—_n 〈…〉_z have_v not_o suffer_v as_o it_o afterwards_o 〈…〉_z heretic_n use_v the_o same_o mean_n for_o 〈…〉_z faith_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v not_o but_o 〈…〉_z and_o aught_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o 〈…〉_z do_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o protection_n 〈…〉_z by_o support_v and_o 〈…〉_z in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 〈…〉_z of_o wâ—â—ked_v and_o unreasonâ—_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 understand_v what_o he_o thereby_o mean_n but_o agree_v with_o he_o there_o be_v less_o regard_n have_v to_o those_o external_a rule_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o some_o person_n who_o make_v high_a pretence_n to_o christianity_n than_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o pagan_a nation_n but_o who_o those_o person_n be_v their_o profession_n and_o practice_n will_v best_o declare_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v presumption_n and_o not_o faith_n for_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n as_o thing_n be_v now_o among_o we_o to_o expect_v god_n miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o management_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n when_o there_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n what_o may_v this_o answerer_n mean_v here_o by_o god_n miraculous_a concurrence_n with_o they_o his_o continual_a presence_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v promise_v unto_o they_o who_o observe_v his_o command_n 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 dâ—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
their_o duty_n to_o follow_v any_o far_o than_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o walk_v together_o so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o require_v more_o of_o any_o be_v indeed_o as_o the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v in_o his_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n to_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o infallible_o to_o involve_v those_o that_o so_o do_v in_o that_o dreadful_a woe_n pronounce_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o text_n cite_v but_o have_v this_o answerer_n the_o vanity_n to_o think_v his_o illogical_a and_o undue_a inference_n false_a suggestion_n impertinent_a and_o ridiculous_a reason_n and_o nonsensical_a answer_n shall_v convince_v any_o of_o guilt_n yet_o if_o he_o know_v of_o any_o who_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o work_n or_o otherwise_o want_v in_o their_o duty_n let_v he_o not_o spare_v to_o charge_n and_o charge_v they_o home_o and_o if_o they_o can_v acquit_v themselves_o let_v not_o reproach_n and_o shame_n only_o befall_v they_o but_o whatever_o severity_n law_n and_o justice_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o so_o learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o person_n have_v write_v in_o the_o church_n vindication_n any_o shall_v yet_o reply_v the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o constitution_n do_v little_a or_o no_o good_a and_o therefore_o be_v better_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v to_o be_v repeal_v against_o which_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v already_o say_v he_o add_v the_o say_n of_o a_o roman_a when_o rome_n as_o he_o say_v resemble_v england_n by_o the_o ill_a government_n of_o galba_n that_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o live_v where_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a then_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v such_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o government_n as_o those_o query_n with_o all_o their_o sedition_n shall_v i_o hope_v never_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o but_o what_o may_v be_v the_o instance_n of_o ill_a government_n which_o be_v here_o so_o severe_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v upon_o inquiry_n be_v find_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o majesty_n late_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n in_o religion_n the_o which_o though_o it_o secure_v to_o the_o church_n all_o its_o right_n privilege_n and_o emolument_n be_v yet_o so_o intolerable_a to_o some_o churchman_n in_o restrain_v they_o only_o from_o fall_v upon_o and_o ruine_v their_o poor_a peaceable_a and_o pious_a neighbour_n that_o none_o have_v more_o and_o few_o i_o think_v so_o much_o reflect_v on_o authority_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v thereon_o do_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n what_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n they_o will_v quick_o be_v shall_v authority_n deal_v with_o they_o as_o it_o have_v do_v with_o some_o other_o for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v loyal_a to_o kind_a and_o bountiful_a master_n wolf_n and_o tiger_n be_v so_o to_o those_o who_o feed_v and_o favour_v they_o but_o they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v account_v loyal_a subject_n who_o be_v so_o for_o conscience-sake_n to_o severe_a and_o froward_a governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n and_o courteous_a and_o not_o as_o their_o benefactor_n but_o as_o god_n minister_n which_o be_v a_o loyalty_n few_o of_o these_o loyalist_n can_v boast_v of_o but_o he_o again_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o army_n which_o it_o do_v for_o terror_n but_o not_o for_o be_v alike_o officer_v and_o for_o a_o army_n say_v he_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o its_o own_o liberty_n and_o every_o common_a soldier_n to_o observe_v no_o order_n nor_o live_v under_o any_o discipline_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o expose_v it_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o first_o invader_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o who_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o will_v have_v no_o common_a soldier_n observe_v any_o order_n nor_o live_v under_o any_o discipline_n not_o they_o certain_o who_o will_v have_v both_o the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o this_o army_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o chief_a commander_n the_o officer_n in_o command_v as_o well_o as_o soldier_n in_o obey_v which_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o order_n and_o discipline_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o this_o answerer_n tell_v we_o the_o little_a good_a that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o their_o due_a execution_n which_o be_v still_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o government_n as_o be_v his_o elsewhere_o say_v the_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o one_o law_n will_v do_v more_o good_a than_o a_o million_o of_o proclamation_n etc._n etc._n or_o from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o those_o person_n who_o expect_v protection_n from_o law_n without_o pay_v any_o reverence_n or_o obedience_n to_o they_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v never_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o civil_a and_o secular_a affair_n and_o concern_v force_n and_o compulsion_n be_v and_o must_v be_v use_v or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n or_o government_n among_o man_n but_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n abstract_v from_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v otherwise_o man_n be_v therein_o to_o be_v gain_v and_o govern_v by_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n only_o religion_n can_v be_v impose_v nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absurd_a than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n virga_fw-la regum_fw-la as_o rupertus_n true_o tell_v we_o est_fw-la virga_fw-la dominationis_fw-la virga_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la christi_fw-la virga_fw-la est_fw-la dilectionis_fw-la or_o as_o hieron_n have_v it_o rex_fw-la praeest_fw-la nolentibus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la volentibus_fw-la 10._o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o bring_v every_o thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o that_o victory_n be_v atcheive_v be_v not_o carnal_a which_o be_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o little_a good_a that_o be_v therein_o do_v by_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n this_o answerer_n may_v therefore_o very_a well_o ask_v what_o effect_v ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v have_v upon_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o the_o world_n second_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v or_o convert_v one_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n hypocrity_n or_o dissemble_a professor_n they_o may_v indeed_o make_v but_o can_v never_o make_v one_o true_a or_o sincere_a christian_a penal_a law_n therefore_o concern_v religion_n have_v ever_o respect_v more_o the_o civil_a peace_n and_o interest_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o right_n of_o prince_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o invade_v or_o injure_v then_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v not_o by_o those_o mean_n or_o method_n to_o be_v preserve_v or_o propagate_v so_o a_o late_a great_a minister_n of_o state_n speak_v of_o penal_a law_n against_o papist_n tell_v they_o 11._o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o opinion_n of_o purgatory_n or_o transubstantiation_n though_o error_n but_o against_o their_o own_v the_o personal_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n within_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n as_o dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n that_o those_o law_n be_v provide_v disclaim_v therefore_o of_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o at_o great_a ease_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n order_n to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o none_o ever_o suffer_v in_o england_n for_o religion_n but_o for_o treason_n or_o treasonable_a practice_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v we_o believe_v some_o late_a law_n concern_v religion_n be_v ever_o intend_v to_o molest_v or_o punish_v any_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o true_o religious_a duty_n but_o of_o such_o only_a as_o under_o pretence_n thereof_o meet_v to_o contrive_v insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n and_o thereby_o become_v dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n and_o such_o certain_o of_o all_o man_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o severe_o deal_v with_o as_o well_o for_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o abuse_v of_o religion_n as_o for_o such_o their_o disloyal_a practice_n for_o none_o sure_a can_v imagine_v his_o majesty_n will_v ever_o have_v indulge_v dissenter_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v it_o be_v against_o that_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v and_o not_o rather_o against_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v from_o some_o meeting_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o public_a the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v the_o ground_n both_o of_o those_o law_n and_o likewise_o of_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n of_o indulgence_n upon_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o